<<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Count's Villa">><<set
$rhodarthcodex to true>><<transfer '$gearInv' '$holding'
'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify 3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>-
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Rhodarth
Nairan<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>>Disarmed, bound
and blind-folded, Rhodarth’s mercenaries bundle you into a rickety cart
filled with straw and drive you through Rona’s streets. You force
yourself to sit still and breathe—slow, deep calming breaths the way
$master taught you. It doesn’t do much good. You’re tetchy and about to
lose your patience. Maybe it’s the way the ropes chafe your wrists,
maybe it’s being forced to sit in soggy straw, maybe it’s the fact your
captors decided to fucking <i>blind-fold</i> you when you
know <i>exactly</i> where you’re going, maybe it’s this
fucking soggy <i>hellpit</i> of a city—
“You okay?” Aeran asks, his voice coming from somewhere across the cart.
“Yeah.” You stretch your hands forwards, rolling your wrists, testing
the knots on the ropes. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you can slip out of
them…
“You don’t sound okay. I can hear you breathing.”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“I can hear everyone breathing,
all the damn time,” you snap.<<else>>“Then take it up with
$master. What is it they say about old habits?”<</if>>
“Shut up,” a mercenary snaps.
Not Rhodarth. You haven’t heard Rhodarth since they blind-folded you.
The cart trundles on.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“So
what’s the deal with Rhodarth?” you ask after a while, absently pushing
straw around with your foot.
You hear rustling on the far side of the cart. “What about him?”
“You’ve never mentioned him before.”
“Yeah, well, do you tell me about every person you’ve worked with in
your long and illustrious career?”
You snort.
“We did a couple big contracts together in Corsida,” he says. “Ones that
needed a squad to deal with the problem—that kind of big.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Word of advice, since I have a bad feeling about the next few hours: if
you ever see him coming at you with a spear, get out of the way.”
“SHUT UP!” a mercenary yells.
You hear a sharp <i>thud</i> of a fist colliding with flesh.
Aeran intakes a sharp breath, wheezing through the pain. “Yes, ser,” he
says.
You fall silent, grinding your teeth together. You pull at your bonds,
but they hold. All you’re doing is scraping skin away with rope.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
cart bumps its way through town. You try to listen to the street,
wondering if you can tell where you are by sound alone. The rush of a
waterway, the creak of windows, the chirping of insects, the warble of a
bird… It’s all an incomprehensible mix of sound. You can hazard a
guess, but even your best attempt will be at least a block or two off.
“Any ideas?” Aeran mutters after some time.
“Hell if I know.” You didn’t plan to get caught by the Count; you didn’t
think he’d come after you until tomorrow.
“I have one or two,” he continues. “When we get there, stay quiet and
follow my lead, yeah?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You trust him and his intuition.|Chapter
1-5-3PROMISE MADE][$aeranpromise to "yes", $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Aeran’s ideas can be a little…
unusual. You don’t trust him.|Chapter 1-5-3PROMISE FALSE][$aeranpromise
to "no", $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Yeah,”
you say. “I trust you.”
You can almost hear his smile.
The cart crests a hill and turns abruptly down, picking up speed as it
rolls along the road, then slowly starts a steady climb. You hear waves
crash against the coast. The brine is sharp, the sea air free from the
stench of decay that hangs over the rest of the town. You must be on the
South Isle, home of Rona’s wealthiest, decadent and corrupt residents.
The cart creaks and shakes and lumbers to a stop. An ear-splitting creak
resounds around you and a gate opens. The cart passes through, rolling
forward for a few minutes before it finally comes to a stop.
Someone pushes your shoulder.
“Get out,” a gruff voice demands. A hand grabs your arm and drags you to
the edge of the cart. “Get out!”
“Fuck off,” you snap. You throw your legs over the edge and jump out of
the cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Maybe.
I don’t know—since when do your ideas ever go well?”
He snorts. You can almost hear his scowl.
The cart crests a hill and turns abruptly down, picking up speed as it
rolls along the road, then slowly starts a steady climb. You hear waves
crash against the coast. The brine is sharp, the sea air free from the
stench of decay that hangs over the rest of the town. You must be on the
South Isle, home of Rona’s wealthiest, decadent and corrupt residents.
The cart creaks and shakes and lumbers to a stop. An ear-splitting creak
resounds around you and a gate opens. The cart passes through, rolling
forward for a few minutes before it finally comes to a stop.
Someone pushes your shoulder.
“Get out,” a gruff voice demands. A hand grabs your arm and drags you to
the edge of the cart. “Get out!”
“Fuck off,” you snap. You throw your legs over the edge and jump out of
the cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Your feet hit firm, even
pavement. You stumble, disoriented from your trip in the cart and your
inability to see. Someone grabs you and unties your blind-fold, pulling
the strip of cloth free. You blink, eyes adjusting to your surroundings.
You’re standing in the courtyard of a wide, walled complex perched on an
artificial cliff along the coast. The dark grey clouds that covered
Rona’s skies for most of the day have dissipated and you catch a glimpse
of golden-red light out towards the sea—an open horizon over dark,
white-crested water, shining with the setting sun.
The courtyard is elegantly landscaped. Tiered gardens slope towards the
gate, divided down the centre by a wide path of white stone. An
elegantly curved bridge spans a broad pool that cuts through the middle
of the courtyard. The water, its source mysterious, flows out to the
west, gushing through a gap in the wall and cascading over the cliff to
the sea below.
The mansion at the top of the complex is a grand building. Large, arcing
windows and doors open onto balconies that run the perimeter of the
upper levels, framed by soft curtains that flutter in the wind. The
stone façade is embedded with glowing lights, casting a soft golden glow
over the garden. Where there should be a door is a circular threshold
leading further into the mansion. It’s a subtle statement of power—why
have locked doors and windows when your control of the city is near
absolute?
As expected, you’ve arrived at the Count’s villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>As
Rhodarth and his mercenaries spread out across the courtyard, Aeran
walks around the cart and stands next to you. His blind-fold has been
removed and he pulls at his bonds, to no avail. His wrists, like yours,
are rubbed raw from the ropes.
“Hey, Rho,” he calls. “Any chance of—” He raises his bound hands.
Rhodarth glares at him through narrowed eyes. <i>“No.”</i>
“It was worth a shot,” Aeran mutters under his breath.
You shake your head. Quietly, you pull at your bonds, inching them
loose. If you can just get enough slack…
The mercenaries shove you unceremoniously towards the villa. As they tug
and pull at you, you spot your weapons lying in the cart. A woman
withdraws Aeran’s bow and holds it aloft, frowning at the gleaming white
Alassar steel. Aeran seethes quietly as he is manhandled down the path.
You pull free from your captors, shooting them a dark look and step
onto the bridge.
The water below is oddly still, the dark surface broken by a single
stream of bubbles rising from the depths. Rushes, water lilies and other
ornamental aquatic plants cluster along the edges of the pool.
“That is far enough.”
A melusine appears in the circular threshold. Tall and lean, he is
dressed in loose-fitting trousers and a sheer purple robe left open at
the chest to show the intricate tattoos inscribed on his bright crimson
skin. His sharp and angular face radiates a dangerous agelessness.
Waist-length dark red hair is loosely gathered from his forehead,
revealing pointed ears studded with gold earrings that match the
glittering scales that wind from his wrists to his shoulders. He carries
himself with an unearthly poise and flowing elegance, moving as though
the air were water.
Cere Nalos.
The Crimson Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-5 CRIMSON COUNT
MEET][$PassageNo = 1]]
</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“I
was willing to forgo my disappointment when I heard you failed your
mission,” he says languidly. “You were, after all, a gamble. I pinned
the chance of your success on your innate talents, but I suppose even
Wayfarers make poor investigators. Should I be surprised? Your Order has
known nothing but failure in recent decades; clearly you have not
escaped the contamination of your masters’ poor instruction.” He smiles
and steps slowly down the path towards you. “Well. Desperation makes
fools of us all.”
You clench your teeth, a muscle twitching in your jaw. “I—”
“Perhaps I grow careless in my old age,” he interrupts sharply, raising a
hand to silence you. The lights in the villa shine through the
translucent webbing between his fingers. “Or perhaps the newest vermin
attracted to this forsaken town are the daft kind. When I purchase a
service, I intend to be the sole beneficiary of that service.”
He steps onto the bridge, observing you with unblinking red eyes.
“Imagine my surprise when I am informed the two Wayfarers in my employ
have sought to sell their services elsewhere.” His hand snaps out and he
seizes your chin, fingernails digging sharply into your skin. You
grunt, trying to pull away, but his grasp is like stone. “And to the
Anaxas brat, no less.”
He pulls you close, his lips parting to show fangs. “Two Wayfarers,” he
hisses in your ear, “selling themselves to the Empire because they
couldn’t find a single, small unremarkable chalice. The cretins who came
crawling to my residence, begging for my aid… And they have the gall to
double-cross me.”
His grip tightens. You don’t struggle; he could cut your throat here and
now if he so chose. “I do not suffer such insolence gracefully,” he
continues, his voice low and seething. “Whatever riches she offered you
will pale in comparison to the price of my wrath.”
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran watching the Count
carefully through narrowed eyes. He holds his hands low and close to his
body; the ropes are much looser now, but not loose enough.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Follow
Aeran’s lead, as he asked.|Chapter 1-5-6 FOLLOW AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince the Count killing you will
serve no purpose.|Chapter 1-5 CONVINCE COUNT
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince the Count killing
you will serve no purpose.|Chapter 1-5 CONVINCE COUNT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[3. [AGILITY] Break free from your bonds.|Chapter 1-5 BREAK
BONDS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Break free from your
bonds.|Chapter 1-5 BREAK BONDS
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow Aeran’s lead, as he asked.|Chapter
1-5-6 FOLLOW AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. Convince the Count killing you will serve no
purpose.|Chapter 1-5 CONVINCE COUNT PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
Convince the Count killing you will serve no purpose.|Chapter 1-5
CONVINCE COUNT FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[3. Break free from your bonds.|Chapter 1-5 BREAK BONDS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Break free from your bonds.|Chapter 1-5
BREAK BONDS
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranfollow to true>>Aeran places two fingers on his wrist,
taps, and gives you a short, subtle nod. You don’t need words to know
what he means.
<i>The Count’s attention is on you. Keep it there while Aeran
frees himself and enacts whatever hell of a plan he has in mind.
</i>
“I’m sure you’ll be delighted by nothing less than our heads on a pike,”
you say.
The Count chuckles. “How wretchedly conventional of you,” he says. His
fingernails scrape your skin, drawing blood. “And here I thought you had
an inkling of imagination.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-7 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranfollow to false>><<if $aeranpromise is
"yes">><<set $aeranpromise to "broken">><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>“I
hear casual murder is an excellent way to inspire faith,” you say,
cutting in before Aeran can do something stupid. “So go ahead. Kill us.
And the next person who crosses you, and the next and the next. And when
your hired mercenaries start wondering when they’ll be next, it might
just cost you your head.”
The Count falls silent. He holds you in his grasp, observing you with
unblinking red eyes. You hold firm under his eerie gaze, refusing to be
intimidated.
Finally, he lets you go. His fingernails leave stinging, bloody marks on
your skin.
“Well reasoned, Wayfarer,” he says, smiling. “It is true such behaviour
breeds dissent.” He steps back, folding his hands in front of him. “You
amuse me. Well done—not many can.”
Aeran steps up beside you. “What are you playing at?” he hisses under
his breath.
You shake your head slightly.
“And since good entertainment is so hard to come by these days, I have a
proposal,” the Count continues. He stretches out a hand. A shadow in
the vague form of a sword fuzzes in the air; moments later, a blade
warps into existence, dripping mist. It is a long, unearthly thing with a
jagged edge, as if carved from the bones of a monstrous underwater
beast.
The Count wraps his long, thin fingers around the hilt and lowers the
blade. “A duel,” he says. “Prove your worth and save your life,
Wayfarer. If you should win, you and your—” his eyes flicker over Aeran—
“companion walk away, free to give your lives to the Empire.”
Aeran snorts. “Yeah, sure,” he mutters.
“And if I fail?” you grunt.
“Then you will be at the Gorgo’s mercy,” the Count replies. “The same as
you will be should you refuse.”
<i>What the hell is a Gorgo?</i> you wonder, grinding your
teeth.
You glance at Aeran. From the dark look he’s giving you he must be
fuming that you took matters into your own hands and didn’t leave room
for him to enact his plan. There’s no time to confer, but really—at this
point, what choice do you have? No matter what you do, the Count wants
to kill you. You just have to find a way to survive.
“Fine,” you say. “I’ll play your game, Count.”
The Count’s lips split in an uncomfortably wide grin. “Oh, this is far
from a game, Wayfarer,” he says with relish. “Far from a game.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5
DUEL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranfollow to false>><<if $aeranpromise is
"yes">><<set $aeranpromise to "broken">><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>“You’ll
only be harming yourself if you kill us,” you say, cutting in before
Aeran can do something stupid. From the dark look on his face, you can
tell he must be fuming you’ve taken matters into your own hands. “Your
followers aren’t stupid. They see you for the tyrant you are.”
The Count falls silent. He holds you in his grasp, observing you with
unblinking red eyes. You hold firm under his eerie gaze, refusing to be
intimidated.
His lips split into an impossibly wide grin. “How I love when they beg
for their lives,” he says quietly. “The fear in the eyes, the rush of
blood in their hearts, the sheer <i>panic…”</i> He lets go
and shoves you back, his fingernails leaving stinging, bloody marks on
your skin. “You are not immune to the terror.”
Aeran wrenches his hands free and dives towards the Count with a yell, a
rope wrapped around one hand—
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranfollow to false>><<if $aeranpromise is
"yes">><<set $aeranpromise to "broken">><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
15s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
20s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
15s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>>You spit in the
Count’s face and wrench yourself free, his fingernails leaving stinging,
bloody marks on your face. Spinning around, you charge for the cart,
yanking at your bonds as you run. A mercenary slashes at you, but you
swerve out of the way, skidding to a stop and nearly smashing into the
cart.
A hand seizes your shoulder, yanking you back. You resist, thrusting
your bound hands forward into the cart and wrenching your sword from its
scabbard. You aim a sharp kick backwards, the heel of your boot
connecting with your assailant’s ankle. They falter, letting go, and you
pitch forwards, slicing your bonds on the edge of your sword. The ropes
fall free and you grab your blade.
You whirl around and slash the mercenary’s head off.
With a guttural yell, Rhodarth descends on you. He draws a simple metal
rod from his waist and presses an indent along its side. The rod expands
into a silvery spear.
“I won’t lie, Wayfarer,” he shouts. “I’ve been looking forward to this!”
Aeran sprints across the bridge, a dark scowl on his face. You know he’s
fuming about you taking matters into your own hands, but you can’t
worry about that now.
Your eyes sweep the courtyard.
You’re surrounded by Rhodarth’s mercenary company. The Count has
retreated to the mansion’s entrance, a satisfied smirk on his face as he
waits for chaos to break loose.
“Rho!” Aeran shouts, hurtling towards the cart. “Can we not talk about
this?”
Rhodarth lowers his spear, pointing it directly at you. “There’s nothing
to talk about,” he hisses.
He attacks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COURTYARD
MELEE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranfollow to false>><<if $aeranpromise is
"yes">><<set $aeranpromise to "broken">><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>You
spit in the Count’s face and wrench yourself free, his fingernails
leaving stinging, bloody marks on your face. Spinning around, you charge
for the cart—
The Count seizes you from behind and throws you to the ground. You hit
the bridge, pain flaring across your side. You cough, winded, and look
up.
“Pathetic,” the Count snarls. “Oh, to be a failure such as you.” He
turns and walks to the end of the bridge, stepping off the edge.
Aeran grunts and rushes forwards, ripping one hand free from its bonds—
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-8
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Retort.|Chapter 1-5-8 RETORT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Pull away from his grasp.|Chapter
1-5-8 PULL
AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Retort.|Chapter
1-5-8 RETORT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Pull away from his grasp.|Chapter
1-5-8 PULL AWAY]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-8
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Sorry
to disappoint,” you grunt. In your peripheral vision, you see Aeran
raise his hands and tug at the loosened bonds with his teeth. “I tend
not to dream about creative deaths for my enemies.”
“Enemy?” the Count raises an eyebrow. “Child, you are not my enemy. You
are a hindrance.”
“You might as well let us go, if we’re so irrelevant,” you say. Aeran
slips one hand free and quickly works at the other. “We won’t return to
Rona, that I can promise you. Your reputation will remain intact.”
The Count’s expression turns to ice.
Panic flares in your gut. You’re hyper-aware of his grip on your chin,
the razor-sharp points of his nails, the closeness of his fangs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-9 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
jerk your head back, pulling yourself free from the Count’s grasp. The
Count hisses, drawing away, his eyes flickering to Aeran.
Aeran, who is tugging at his loosened bonds with his teeth.
He yanks one hand free, but he’s not fast enough. The Count swiftly
grabs him by the neck and throws him, effortlessly, onto the bridge.
Aeran rolls across the stone, grunting in pain.
“What a shame,” the Count says. He looms over Aeran for a moment, then
turns and ambles to the edge of the bridge. “Oh, to be a failure such as
you.”
Aeran spits.
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
Aeran lurches to his feet.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
freeze. Your heart thunders in your chest, blood rushing in your ears.
You stare at the Count, mesmerized and terrified by his unearthly
expression. He smiles, eyes gleaming, and lets go. His fingernails leave
stinging, bloody marks on your face.
“Pathetic,” he says, turning and ambling to the edge of the bridge. “Oh,
to be a failure such as you.”
Aeran grunts and rushes forwards, ripping one hand free from its bonds—
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-10
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Pull away.|Chapter 1-5-10
PANIC]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t. Move. Stay. Still.|Chapter
1-5-10 DON'T
MOVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Pull
away.|Chapter 1-5-10 PANIC]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t. Move. Stay. Still.|Chapter
1-5-10 DON'T MOVE]]
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-10
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A spray of white froth encircles
your body. You open your eyes, peering through a distorted underwater
world. Water pulls at your clothes, threatening to drag you deeper into
the abyss, but you resist. <<if $ancestry is
"melusine">>Swimming has always been easy for you and you can hold
your breath much longer than
non-Melusine.<<else>><</if>>
Aeran floats next to you, a cascade of bubbles clinging to his arms and
legs. He swims towards you, cutting swiftly through the water and tugs
at your hands. You give in to him and he pulls at your bonds, gritting
his teeth, water impeding his movements.
The ropes tear free. They hover in the water for a moment, then sink,
slowly, into the dark below.
<i>How deep is this pool?</i>
Aeran touches your arm and points… where? You’ve lost all sense of
direction since falling into the pool. He swims away, cutting away and
up. Maybe he intends to put as much distance between him and the Count
before he surfaces up for air.
You follow, trailing behind. There’s something… glowing… in the depths
below. Something yellow. It follows you, tracking you as you swim. A
strange, uncomfortable panic grows in your chest. <<if $ancestry
neq "melusine">>Your lungs are straining. You need
air.<<else>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You surface, carefully and quietly breaking the water’s
surface. You’re directly below the bridge, under the open trapdoor. You
can see the hem of the Count’s purple robe.
Aeran treads water a foot away below the foot of the bridge. He seizes
your arm and pulls you towards him, out of sight. He presses an urgent
finger to his lips, motioning for you to stay silent.
“…this flair for the dramatic makes you a fool, Nalos,” Rhodarth says.
“If you wanted them dead, I should have beheaded them right there.”
“When you have lived as many centuries as I, little cousin,” the Count
replies, “indulgence is but one antidote to madness.”
You tread water, mind racing. The villa is perched on an artificial
cliff and there is a gap in its wall. Water surges through it, cascading
over the edge and out to sea. The fall can’t be that far… you could
survive and swim for shore.
“You underestimate them,” Rhodarth presses. <<if $ancestry is
"melusine">>“I highly doubt $lastname will drown. And Kellis is
stronger than you give him
credit.”<<else>><</if>>
Aeran points quietly at the gap in the wall. You nod. It’s your best
chance. You take a breath, ready to submerge again.
“If you want proof of their deaths, by all means dive into the depths
yourself,” the Count says coldly. “The view will be far from pleasant.
And I cannot guarantee the Gorgo will think of you as a friend.”
You pause. <i>What the hell is a Gorgo?</i>
Rhodarth exhales sharply. “Leave it be, Nalos,” he says darkly. “I swear
if you release it with my company present—”
“You will do what? Remember your oath, Nairan. You may command your
company, but I command you. Their lives are dependent on yours.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Aeran sinks below the surface. You follow, swimming behind him.
You glance down and spot the glowing yellow light. It tracks you,
keeping pace as it skims through the darkness below.
You grab Aeran’s ankle and pull him to a stop, the momentum shooting you
forwards. You float alongside him and point down.
He turns, scowling and pointing at the surface. You point down again at
the glowing light—
And a flat serpentine head emerges in the dark. A trail of white scales
glow in a diadem-shaped pattern on its forehead above its bulging yellow
eyes. Its jaw unhooks, its mouth glittering with long, sharp teeth. Its
mouth opens wide—
And wider—
And wider—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Fuck. Shit. SWIM AWAY NOW.|Chapter 1-5 SWIM
AWAY][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"melusine">>[[2. [MELUSINE] Swim down and tackle the
serpent.|MELUSINE BASILISK FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>2. [MELUSINE] Ancestry requirement has
not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
pull away, yanking yourself free from the Count’s grip. In your
haste—your sense of balance skewed by your panic and your bound
hands—you stumble and fall to your knees. Aeran jerks his bonds free and
drops to your side, trying to drag you up as he rounds on the Count.
<i>“Leave us,”</i> he snarls.
The Count walks backwards, stepping off the bridge. He smiles, red eyes
dancing with delight. “Of course,” he says. “Whatever you desire.”
He raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
desperately force down your panic and stay still.
“You assume I put value in what this wretched town thinks of me,” the
Count whispers, red eyes gleaming. “What you fail to understand,
outsider, is that I do not care. I was here when the town was a broken
ship on the coast and three shacks sinking into the mud. I was here when
the Empire came and corrupted the shore. I was here when it fled. And
when the sea washes the slime and stink of a rotting civilization away, I
will be here.”
He lets go, his fingernails leaving stinging, bloody marks on your face.
“You will die, Wayfarer. Not to restore my sullied reputation, oh
no—nothing in your power could ever touch it—but simply for the
satisfaction of seeing your failure punished.”
You run the palm of your hand along your face, wiping away the blood.
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>“It grieves me that a child of
my kind befalls such a fate at my hand,” the Count continues. He
smiles, upper lip curling back, fangs shining. “But the error is yours
to endure.”<<else>> “Such terror,” the Count continues. He
smiles, upper lip curling back, fangs shining. “But know this error is
yours to endure.”<</if>>
Unnoticed by the Count, Aeran slips free from his bonds and grasps the
loose coil of rope in his hands.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-11 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
freeze. Your heart thunders in your chest, blood rushing in your ears.
You stare at the Count, mesmerized and terrified by his unearthly
expression. He smiles, red eyes gleaming, and lets go. His fingernails
leave stinging, bloody marks on your face.
“Pathetic,” he says, walking backwards and stepping off the bridge. “Oh,
to be a failure such as you.”
Aeran grunts and rushes forwards, a rope wrapped around one hand—
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-12
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Distract the Count.|Chapter 1-5-12
DISTRACT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack the Count.|Chapter 1-5-12
ATTACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Distract the
Count.|Chapter 1-5-12 DISTRACT]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack the Count.|Chapter 1-5-12
ATTACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-12
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“What
an honour,” you say. “I’m absolutely thrilled.”
The Count throws his head back and laughs. “You amuse me, Wayfarer.
Defiant to the end. A shame you must die. You could do well in this
house and amuse me further.”
You laugh cautiously. “We could… talk… about it?” you offer. Not that
you plan on finding out what exactly constitutes amusing him further.
The Count’s laughter fades. “No, Wayfarer,” he says. “We shall not.”
Aeran slips behind him, throws the rope around his neck and drags him
back.
The Count’s eyes bulge. He hisses, his hands curling into claws as he
lashes out. He scrapes Aeran’s arm, drawing blood, but Aeran holds on,
digging the rope further into his throat.
“Go!” he yells.
You swing around, hands still bound, and come face-to-face with Rhodarth
and his mercenaries. The mercenaries draw their weapons, falling into
offensive stances as they look to their captain for instructions.
Rhodarth ignores them, eyes on Aeran and the Count struggling on the
bridge.
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Fight. Your
weapons are in the cart. Go for them.|Chapter 1-5 FIGHT V1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Escape. Dive into the water and swim
out to sea.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand
down or Aeran will kill the Count.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION PASS
V1]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to
stand down or Aeran will kill the Count.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION FAIL
V1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Fight. Your
weapons are in the cart. Go for them.|Chapter 1-5 FIGHT V1]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Escape. Dive into the water and swim
out to sea.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand down or Aeran
will kill the Count.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION PASS
V1]]<<else>>[[3. Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand down or
Aeran will kill the Count.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION FAIL
V1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Without
pausing to think it over, you yell and barrel into the Count. You punch
your bound fists deep into his gut, knocking him off the bridge. He
lets out a surprised, inelegant shriek and plunges into the flowing
water below, disappearing beneath its surface.
“Oh, <i>hells,”</i> Aeran grunts, rushing to your side. He
strips the ropes binding your hands and peers over the edge. “Where did
he go?”
“I don’t know,” you say, whirling around to face Rhodarth and his
mercenaries. They bear down on you, weapons drawn. “We’ve got other
problems.”
“Fucking hell, $firstname,” Aeran snaps under his breath. “You couldn’t
have waited a little longer?”
“No,” you reply.
“I <i>had</i> him!”
You shrug and scan the courtyard, muscles tense, mind whirling.
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Fight. Your
weapons are in the cart. Go for them.|Chapter 1-5 FIGHT V2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Escape. Dive into the water and swim
out to sea.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand
down.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION PASS V2]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5
PERSUASION FAIL
V2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Fight. Your
weapons are in the cart. Go for them.|Chapter 1-5 FIGHT V2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Escape. Dive into the water and swim
out to sea.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. Bargain. Convince Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter
1-5 PERSUASION PASS V2]]<<else>>[[3. Bargain. Convince
Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5 PERSUASION FAIL
V2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
freeze beneath the Count’s gaze, bound and defenseless, unable to move,
unable to breathe. Aeran dashes forward, knocking into you as he rushes
by, reaching for the Count, rope looped like a lasso. The Count snarls
and leaps backwards off the bridge, landing on the white stone path
above.
Aeran skids to a stop.
The Count raises a hand, a ball of light glowing between his fingers.
And then a trap door opens beneath you, plunging you into the dark water
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>>You charge forwards,
sprinting for the cart. A mercenary slashes at you and you veer out of
the way, skidding to a stop and nearly smashing into the cart. A hand
seizes your shoulder, yanking you back. You resist, hands scrabbling at
your scabbard. You pull your sword free and spin around, ramming the
blade into your assailant. The mercenary collapses in a heap, spitting
blood.
You look wildly around the courtyard. Aeran and the Count struggle on
the bridge. Rhodarth’s mercenaries circle like birds of prey, moments
away from swarming. Rhodarth stands but a few feet away, a dark look
shadowing his face. He draws a simple metal rod from his waist and
presses an indent along its side. The rod expands into a silvery spear.
“I won’t lie, Wayfarer,” he shouts, slowly walking towards you. “I’ve
been looking forward to this.”
You sink into a defensive stance, back to the pool.
“Aeran!” you call.
He swears and sprints across the bridge. “Rho—don’t—we can talk this
through—”
“You do nothing but talk,” Rhodarth hisses.
He attacks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COURTYARD
MELEE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Fuck,” you mutter.
No chance of getting to the cart—Rhodarth would stop you. No chance of
fighting Rhodarth—his company is too large. But following the waterway
out of the complex and over the artificial cliff? There’s a chance you
would survive the drop into the sea.
You’ll take the chance. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>You’ve
always done well in water, after all.<<else>>At this point,
it’s all you’ve got.<</if>>
You throw yourself over the bridge and plunge into the water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
spray of white froth encircles your body. A moment later, something cuts
through the water next to you and Aeran appears in a cascade of
bubbles. Together, you cut through the water, swimming below the surface
as you head towards a bright light at the end of the waterway—the gap
where the pond plummets into the sea.
Your clothes are heavy, dragging your arms and legs down. Water pulls at
your clothes, threatening to pull you deeper into the abyss, but you
resist. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>Swimming has always
been easy for you and you can hold your breath much longer than a
non-Melusine. The water is dark, the bottom of the pool beyond your
sight.<<else>>The water is dark, the bottom of the pool
beyond your sight.<</if>>
<i>How deep is this pool?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You spot something yellow glowing deep below you. It tracks
you, keeping pace as it skims through the darkness below.
You grab Aeran’s ankle and pull him to a stop, the momentum shooting you
forwards. You float alongside him and point down.
He turns, scowling and pointing at the surface. You point down again at
the glowing light—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>And a flat serpentine head emerges in the dark. A trail of
white scales glow in a diadem-shaped pattern on its forehead above its
bulging yellow eyes. Its jaw unhooks, its mouth glittering with long,
sharp teeth. Its mouth opens wide—
And wider—
And wider—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Fuck. Shit. SWIM AWAY NOW.|Chapter 1-5
ESCAPE 2][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"melusine">>[[2. [MELUSINE] Swim down and tackle the
serpent.|MELUSINE BASILISK FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>2. [MELUSINE] Ancestry requirement has
not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<persuasionPass>>“Stand
down, Rhodarth,” you call. Behind you, the Count wheezes, gasping for
breath as Aeran tightens the noose. “Let us out of here and this doesn’t
have to turn messy.”
Rhodarth looks past you, fingers thrumming against a thin metal rod
attached to his belt as he watches Aeran and the Count. His expression
is stone cold. “You’re outnumbered, Wayfarer. Fight all you want, we’ve
bested you once. I’m not opposed to killing you this time.”
“For what?” you retort, stepping to the edge of the bridge. You can see
your weapons glittering in the nearby cart. “For the benefit of a
despotic overlord?”
He shrugs. “I’m in the Count’s debt.”
“Debts can be repaid. Only a tyrant demands you bleed yourself dry.”
Rhodarth’s eyes snap to you. “Watch yourself,” he bites out. “Before I
remove that tongue of yours.”
“That you haven’t done so yet proves you’re reluctant to,” you say.
Rhodarth’s eyes flicker to Aeran. “True,” he admits. He draws back and
holds up a hand, indicating to his company to sheathe their weapons.
“Let them go!” he calls.
His mercenaries exchange confused, wary looks. They withdraw, leaving a
wide berth around the cart. You glance over your shoulder. Aeran drags
the limp, withered Count with him towards the cart. The Count’s eyes are
shut and his breath is shallow; the rope has left a deep mark around
his neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 PERUSASION PASS
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Stand
down, Rhodarth,” you call. Behind you the Count wheezes, gasping for
breath as Aeran tightens the noose. “Let us out of here and this doesn’t
have to turn messy.”
Rhodarth looks past you, finger thrumming against a thin metal rod
attached to his belt as he watches Aeran and the Count. His expression
is stone cold. “You’re outnumbered, Wayfarer. Fight all you want, we’ve
bested you once. I’m not opposed to killing you this time.”
“For what?” you retort. “Would you really give your life for the Count?
You don’t seem that kind of man.”
Rhodarth’s nostrils flare. “I keep my word, Wayfarer. I do not betray
those who have paid for my services.”
“And if the one you serve is a malicious bastard?” you say. “Sounds like
you have an easy way to avoid moral repercussions.”
“You serve that very same bastard,” he snaps, drawing the rod. He
presses an indent along its side, and it expands into a silvery spear.
“Kill him if you dare,” he continues, blocking your path, “but you were
as good as dead the moment you passed the gate. I will kill you before I
let you escape—”
Behind you, the Count coughs and wheezes. You catch a glowing light in
your peripheral vision and spin around. The Count grins, a ball of light
glowing between his finger—
And then a trap opens below your feet and you plunge into dark water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRAPPED IN
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“Stand
down, Rhodarth,” you call. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran
scan the courtyard wildly, searching for the Count. “Let us out of here
and this doesn’t have to turn messy.”
Rhodarth surveys you, fingers thrumming against a thin metal rod
attached to his belt. His expression is stone cold. “You’re outnumbered,
Wayfarer. Fight all you want, we’ve bested you once. I’m not opposed to
killing you this time.”
“For what?” you retort, stepping to the edge of the bridge. You can see
your weapons glittering in the nearby cart. “For the benefit of a
despotic overlord?”
He shrugs. “I’m in the Count’s debt.”
“Debts can be repaid. Only a tyrant demands you bleed yourself dry.”
Rhodarth’s eyes snap to you. “Watch yourself,” he bites out. “Before I
remove that tongue of yours.”
“That you haven’t done so yet proves you’re reluctant to,” you say.
Rhodarth’s eyes flicker to Aeran. “True,” he admits quietly. He draws
back and holds up a hand, indicating to his company to sheathe their
weapons. “Let them go!” he calls.
His mercenaries exchange confused, wary looks. They withdraw, leaving a
wide berth around the cart.
“Aeran,” you call.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 PUERSION PASS V2
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Stand
down, Rhodarth,” you call. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran
scan the courtyard wildly, searching for the Count. “Let us out of here
and this doesn’t have to turn messy.”
Rhodarth surveys you, fingers thrumming against a thin metal rod
attached to his belt. His expression is stone cold. “You’re outnumbered,
Wayfarer. Fight all you want, we’ve bested you once. I keep my word,
Wayfarer. I do not betray those who have paid for my services.”
“$firstname—” Aeran calls.
You barely hear him. “And if the one you serve is a malicious bastard?”
you spit. “Sounds like you have an easy way to avoid moral
repercussions.”
“You serve that very same bastard,” Rhodarth snaps, drawing the rod. He
presses an indent along its side and it expands into a silvery spear.
“Kill him if you dare,” he continues, blocking your path, “but you were
as good as dead the moment you passed the gate. I will kill you before I
let you escape—”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts. He sprints across the bridge and slams into
you, knocking you forward.
The earth below rumbles. You spin around and a column of water sprays up
out of the pool, raining droplets down on the courtyard. A thick, black
serpent, iridescent scales shimmering in the sunset, emerges from by
the bridge, its massive, flat head slowly uncoiling from its body.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth shouts, backing away across the courtyard. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head swings around abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes
scanning the courtyard. A trail of white scales glows in a diadem-shaped
pattern on its forehead. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he
stares deep into the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is
rooted to the spot. A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his
nose to his mouth, then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His
skin crackles and fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving
completely, mouth left open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 PERSUASION FAIL V2
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>>You charge forwards,
sprinting for the cart. A mercenary slashes at you and you veer out of
the way, skidding to a stop and nearly smashing into the cart. A hand
seizes your shoulder, yanking you back. You resist, hands scrabbling at
your scabbard. You pull your sword free and spin around, ramming the
blade into your assailant. The mercenary collapses in a heap, spitting
blood.
You look wildly around the courtyard. Aeran and the Count struggle on
the bridge. Rhodarth’s mercenaries circle like birds of prey, moments
away from swarming. Rhodarth stands but a few feet away, a dark look
shadowing his face. He draws a simple metal rod from his waist and
presses an indent along its side. The rod expands into a silvery spear.
“I won’t lie, Wayfarer,” he shouts, slowly walking towards you. “I’ve
been looking forward to this.”
You sink into a defensive stance, back to the pool.
“Aeran!” you call.
He swears and sprints across the bridge. “Rho—don’t—we can talk this
through—”
“You do nothing but talk,” Rhodarth hisses.
He attacks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COURTYARD
MELEE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$CountA_Branch3 to true>><<set $courtyardmelee to
true>>You parry, deflecting the spear, and turn sharply to the
side. Rhodarth shoots by you and draws to a stop. He pivots, a hoarse
laugh rumbling in the back of his throat. His eyes gleam and he hurls
himself at you again.
Your blade strikes the spear’s shaft and bounces off harmlessly, the
force diverting Rhodarth’s blow. You grunt, the impact shuddering
through your hands, and spin around, retreating back a few steps to open
the distance between you. Your eyes sweep the courtyard, your heart
pounding in your chest.
Rhodarth alone is a problem. <<if $height neq "tall" or $height
neq "very tall">>The mercenary captain’s height and weapon work in
his favour, extending his reach far beyond yours.
<<else>>The mercenary captain’s height and weapon work in
his favour, extending his reach.<</if>> You won’t be able to
close the distance without risking a hit. But Rhodarth is not alone.
His mercenaries have you surrounded; should they flank you together, you
will be overrun.
It is your skill pitted against their numbers.
Something blurs in the corner of your eye. Aeran smashes into the
nearest mercenary, sending them stumbling back. They grab his arm,
grappling him, but he spins and rams his elbow into their face. They
grunt and let go, blood streaming from their nose. Aeran skids across
the path and slams into the cart. He launches himself over the side of
the cart and seizes his bow and quiver.
A shining spear plunges towards you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-30 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
punch through to the surface, coughing inhaled water—and a column of
water explodes in front of the gap in the wall, raining down over the
courtyard. The giant black serpent surfaces, bulbous yellow eyes staring
you down as its flat head skims over the pool, teeth long as swords
glinting in its mouth.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth shouts. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head swings around, turning on the mercenaries. <<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>You dive for Aeran, pulling him through
the water and out onto a lower tier of the
garden.<<else>>Aeran grabs your arm and you pull each other
through the water, climbing out onto a lower tier of the
garden.<</if>>
The serpent’s head swings around abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes
scanning the courtyard. A trail of white scales glows in a diadem-shaped
pattern on its forehead. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he
stares deep into the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is
rooted to the spot. A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his
nose to his mouth, then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His
skin crackles and fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving
completely, mouth left open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
“Shit,” Aeran mutters. <i>“Shit!”</i>
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear strips from their clothes, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see your weapons glinting in the
cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Basilisk<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$basiliskcodex to true>>You turn, somersaulting in the water, and
shoot down, propelling yourself forwards with strong whip kicks. Your
visibility is poor, and you can only see a few feet in front of you as
you descend. You head for the bottom, swimming past coils and coils of
black scales. The serpent pauses, its head swinging back and forth,
undecided about which prey to pursue.
Malsara wasn’t lying. The Count <i>did</i> want to feed you
to his basilisk.
You reach the murky bottom of the pool and nearly inhale a mouthful of
water. Among the rocks and weeds is a litter of bones, a sunken
graveyard that holds the remains of countless victims. You float inches
from the muck, searching for something, anything you can use as a
weapon.
<i>Fucking magnificent idea, $firstname—</i>
There!
Wedged between two rocks is a short harpoon. You land on the pool floor,
one foot stuck in the muck, the other resting on a nearby rock.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Pull the
harpoon free.|Chapter 1-5-20 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Pull the harpoon free.|Chapter 1-5-20 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and swim for the
surface.|Chapter 1-5-20 GIVE UP]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Pull the harpoon free.|Chapter 1-5-20 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Pull the harpoon free.|Chapter 1-5-20
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and swim for the
surface.|Chapter 1-5-20 GIVE
UP]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>>You take your chance
while the serpent is distracted and run for the cart, grabbing your gear
and drawing your sword. Aeran seizes his bow and quiver and, together,
you retreat through the garden, watching the serpent cautiously as it
noses the slain mercenary’s corpse.
“I guess Malsara wasn’t lying when she said he wanted to feed us to his
basilisk,” Aeran grunts, nocking an arrow. The arrowhead glimmers,
Alassar steel glinting in the light of the setting sun. “Where the hell
did he go?”
“The Count?”
<i>“Yes!”</i>
You point at the serpent. “I think we’ve got more pressing matters,
don’t you?!”
“Fuck,” Aeran says. He glances over his shoulder at Rhodarth, who
rapidly knots a cloth at the back of his head. “Rho! You gonna help us
take down this bad boy or what?”
“This is your area of expertise, Kellis, not mine!” Rhodarth calls. He
draws a simple metal rod from his waist and presses an indent along its
side. The rod expands into a silvery spear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$CountA_Branch2 to true>><<set $basiliskcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Basilisk<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>>In one seamless
motion, Aeran raises his bow, aims for its eyes and fires. The arrow
flies true, Alassar arrowhead glinting in the villa’s golden lights—
The basilisk turns its head. The arrow strikes its neck, digging deep
into its scales. It releases a howling hiss and turns inward on itself,
nosing the arrow shaft with its flat head. Its jaw widens, long teeth
glittering, and it clamps down on the arrow, pulling it loose. It turns
its bulbous eyes on Aeran.
He backs away, reaching for another arrow. The serpent raises its head,
swaying back and forth, confused that its petrifying gaze failed to
work. It bites down, breaking the arrow shaft in half, and spits out
shattered bits of wood.
The serpent lurches forward. A blind-folded mercenary, reliant on her
hearing, tries to retreat further away and stumbles into its path. The
serpent hisses, rearing its head and she spins out of the way at the
last minute, jabbing desperately in the basilisk’s direction with her
sword. Her blade connects with its back and bounces off its scales. She
curses and backpedals, but she’s too slow—the serpent’s tail lashes
around and slams into her, sending her flying like a ragdoll. She lands
several feet away, crumples on the ground and does not get up.
Unperturbed, the serpent continues its advance on Aeran.
“$firstname—” Aeran calls, running across the bridge. He skids to a stop
and leaps into the garden, trampling ornamental flowers underfoot. He
nocks an arrow. “Ideas?”
“Take its eyes out, Aeran!” Rhodarth shouts, lowering his spear, using
it to sense the space around him. “We’re useless out here!”
The serpent slithers across the bridge.
“Trying to!” Aeran grunts.
The serpent unhooks its jaw, its mouth gaping wide, and launches itself
at him. Aeran fires the arrow. It clips the side of the serpent’s head,
knocking a handful of scales free, but does nothing to stop the
creature’s approach. He curses and dives out of the way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK FIGHT TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>>You reach the cart
and grab your gear, quickly attaching your sword to your belt. You
seize Aeran’s bow and quiver. Dragging the Count along, you and Aeran
march towards the gate under the watchful eye of Rhodarth’s mercenaries.
<i>“Gor…”</i> the Count whispers.
<i>“Gor…go.”</i>
“$firstname,” Aeran says.
“Gor…go,” the Count repeats. A single red eye snaps open, wisps of red
light escaping from the corners. He stares directly at you, fangs bared.
<i>“GORGO!”</i>
The earth below rumbles. You spin around and a column of water sprays up
out of the pool, raining droplets down on the courtyard. A thick, black
serpent, iridescent scales shimmering in the sunset, emerges from the
pool, its massive, flat head slowly uncoiling from its body.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth shouts, barrelling into the closest mercenaries
and tackling them to the ground. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head swings around abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes
scanning the courtyard. A trail of white scales glows in a diadem-shaped
pattern on its forehead. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he
stares deep into the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is
rooted to the spot. A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his
nose to his mouth, then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His
skin crackles and fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving
completely, mouth left open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
“Shit,” Aeran says, dropping the Count and reaching for his bow and
quiver. <i>“Shit!”</i>
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear strips from their clothes, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze. The
Count crawls away, gargling a faint laugh before collapsing face-down in
the garden.
You draw your sword and turn to face the serpent. “You have
<i>got</i> to be kidding me,” you say.
Aeran grunts and nocks an arrow. The arrowhead glimmers, Alassar steel
glinting in the light of the setting sun. “I guess Malsara wasn’t lying
when she said he wanted to feed us to his basilisk,” he says. He glances
over his shoulder at Rhodarth, who is rapidly knotting a cloth at the
back of his head. “Rho! You gonna help us take down this bad boy or
what?”
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
“This is your area of expertise, Kellis, not mine!” Rhodarth calls. He
draws a simple metal rod from his waist and presses an indent along its
side. The rod expands into a silvery spear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>>You reach the cart
and grab your gear, quickly attaching your sword to your belt. He
glances at the water one last time, then follows, taking his bow and
quiver. Under the watchful eye of Rhodarth’s mercenaries, you walk
towards the gate.
Unease fills the air.
“Something’s not right,” Aeran mutters. “The Count—”
The earth below rumbles. You spin around and a column of water sprays up
out of the pool, raining droplets down on the courtyard. A thick, black
serpent, iridescent scales shimmering in the sunset, emerges from by
the bridge, its massive, flat head slowly uncoiling from its body.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth shouts, barrelling into the closest mercenaries
and tackling them to the ground. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head swings around abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes
scanning the courtyard. A trail of white scales glows in a diadem-shaped
pattern on its forehead. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he
stares deep into the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is
rooted to the spot. A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his
nose to his mouth, then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His
skin crackles and fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving
completely, mouth left open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
“Shit,” Aeran says, backing up. <i>“Shit!”</i>
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear at their clothes, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
You draw your sword and turn to face the serpent. “You have
<i>got</i> to be kidding me,” you say.
Aeran grunts and nocks an arrow on the string. The arrowhead glimmers,
Alassar steel glinting in the light of the setting sun. “I guess Malsara
wasn’t lying when she said he wanted to feed us to his basilisk,” he
says. He glances over his shoulder at Rhodarth, who is rapidly knotting a
cloth at the back of his head. “Rho! You gonna help us take down this
bad boy or what?”
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
“This is your area of expertise, Kellis, not mine!” Rhodarth calls. He
draws a simple metal rod from his waist and presses an indent along its
side. It expands into a silvery spear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>>“Shit,” Aeran swears.
He dives for the cart and seizes his bow and quiver.
<i>“Shit!”</i>
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear strips from their clothes, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
Aeran tosses you your sword. You catch it, buckling to scabbard to your
belt and turn to face the serpent. “You have <i>got</i> to
be kidding me,” you say.
He grunts and nocks an arrow. The arrowhead glimmers, Alassar steel
glinting in the light of the setting sun. “I guess Malsara wasn’t lying
when she said he wanted to feed us to his basilisk,” he says.
Aeran glances over his shoulder at Rhodarth, who is rapidly knotting a
cloth at the back of his head. “Rho! You gonna help us take down this
bad boy or what?”
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
“Yes,” Rhodarth says flatly. “There is no choice here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$CountA_Branch4 to true>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+
Dagger<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>Duel
Commenced<</notify>><</timed>>A foreboding air
descends over the villa. Rhodarth clears the courtyard, drawing his
company back to the gate where they form a semi-circle to watch the
upcoming duel. Some leer at you with anticipation, barely able to
contain their excitement to watch your impending slaughter. Others
simply nod; even someone like you deserves respect when bound to the
rules of single combat.
Aeran barely resists when the mercenaries tow him back. He knows there
is nothing he can do now, no way for him to intercede. He scowls, fuming
as the mercenaries tighten his loosened ropes and secure him. You half
expect him to make some sharp jab at his captors, but he remains
surprisingly silent. Even he seems too apprehensive to make light of the
unfolding events.
Your gut twists. You swallow hard, suddenly conscious of how dry your
mouth is. Rhodarth leads you to the cart where he retrieves your sword.
He unsheathes it and stares at the glistening white blade.
“I’m going to need that,” you say.
Rhodarth turns and wordlessly cuts your bonds. He steps back, proffering
the sword with an outstretched hand. You take it, wrapping your fingers
around the hilt. The familiarity of the sword’s grip and weight lessen
the knot in your stomach.
Catching your eye, Rhodarth nods and presses a hand to his chest. He
bows, silently offering you whatever scant measure of respect he has
left.
You turn, back straight, and cross the courtyard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5
60]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
tear through the water and punch through to the surface. Coughing
inhaled water, you throw yourself out onto the shore, stumbling through
rushes and water lilies. A column of water explodes behind you,
drenching the courtyard as the serpent surfaces. Its bulbous yellow eyes
lock onto you and it lurches forward, chasing you across the garden,
its maw wide and gaping.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth’s voice shouts. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head turns abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes scanning the
courtyard. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he stares deep into
the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is rooted to the spot.
A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his nose to his mouth,
then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His skin crackles and
fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving completely, mouth left
open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
Aeran stumbles into you, pushing wet hair back from his forehead.
“Shit,” he mutters.
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear strips from their clothing, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
Someone screams. You turn, panic rising, and out of the corner of your
eye, you spot your weapons glinting in the cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
seize the harpoon and pull. It pops free, a blossom of muck and weeds
dispersing with it. It hangs momentarily and then pitches forward and
begins to sink, spear-first, to the bottom. You grab the shaft and kick
off from the rock, propelling yourself towards the serpent.
Its tail coils along the bottom, its body unravelling towards the
surface. You land on the pool floor and brace yourself against a large
rock. Your boot hits something and you feel a sickening crunch as you
crush bones against the rock.
Gritting your teeth, you level the harpoon and thrust it into the
serpent’s tail.
The serpent cries out, the sound distorted by the water. Dark blood
leaks from the wound and hangs in the water, obscuring your vision. Its
acrid taste is in your mouth, on your tongue. You fight the urge to
retch, pull the harpoon free and thrust it into another coil, tearing
through scales and flesh.
The serpent’s flat head winds around, its bulbous eyes finding you on
the rock. It snaps, shooting forwards, mouth wide—
You push off, swimming sideways, darting around the serpent. It crashes
into the rock, its head clipping the stone. It turns, a little stunned
as it meanders to and fro, searching for you.
You wrap your fingers around the harpoon shaft. While you are adept in
the water, you aren’t full-blooded Melusine. You can’t stay down here
forever. You have to kill it quickly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Go for its eyes.
Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[AGILITY] Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-21
PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak
spot.|Chapter 1-5-21 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-21 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-21
PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
seize the harpoon and pull.
It doesn’t budge.
You pull as hard as you can, but the only thing you manage to move is a
blossom of muck and weeds. You look over your shoulder at the yellow
glow of the serpent’s eyes. You feel the push of water as it slithers
towards you—
<i>Shit.</i>
You push off the bottom, kicking furiously.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. Pull the harpoon
free.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and swim for the
surface.|Chapter 1-5-20 GIVE
UP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
tear through the water and punch through to the surface. Coughing
inhaled water, you throw yourself out onto the shore, stumbling through
rushes and water lilies. A column of water explodes behind you,
drenching the courtyard as the serpent surfaces. Its bulbous yellow eyes
lock onto you and it lurches forward, chasing you across the garden,
its maw wide and gaping.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth’s voice shouts. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head turns abruptly, its bulging yellow eyes scanning the
courtyard. A lone mercenary by the cart screams as he stares deep into
the serpent’s eyes. He tries to run, but his body is rooted to the spot.
A grey, stone-like rash spreads from his eyes to his nose to his mouth,
then rapidly throughout the rest of his body. His skin crackles and
fizzles, changing form, until he stops moving completely, mouth left
open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives forward and swallows its victim whole.
Aeran stumbles into you, pushing wet hair back from his forehead.
“Shit,” he mutters.
Rhodarth’s company stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut. Some
tear strips from their clothing, others pull blind-folds from their
pockets—anything to protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
Someone screams. You turn, panic rising, and out of the corner of your
eye, you spot your weapons glinting in the cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ESCAPE
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
careen towards the serpent’s head and lash out with the harpoon. The
spear-tip punctures the creature’s right eye. Its jaw opens and a
keening, distorted wail rushes over you. Pressure builds in your inner
ears, threatening to pop. You lash out again and stab the harpoon into
the serpent’s left eye.
A cloud of dark blood blinds you. You feel the creature thrash around in
pain and you swim sideways, peering through the blood and darkness. You
catch a flash of teeth and writhing black coils.
If you strike it again…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Drive your
harpoon through the eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Drive your harpoon through the
eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-22
PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak
spot.|Chapter 1-5-22 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Drive your harpoon through the eye.|Chapter 1-5-22
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Drive your harpoon through the
eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-22 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for a weak spot.|Chapter 1-5-22
PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You
careen towards the serpent’s head and lash out with the harpoon. The
spear-tip juts past the flat head, flailing uselessly in the water.
<i>Shit.</i>
The serpent gazes up at you, its bulbous eyes leering, its jaw opening
wide—
You retract the spear and swim away, propelling yourself through the
water towards the surface—
The serpent’s jaw suddenly closes, and it darts forward, punching your
side with its nose. It smacks into you, its teeth grazing you as the
force of its attack pushes you up to the surface.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. Go for its eyes. Blind
it.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and swim for the
surface.|Chapter 1-5-20 GIVE
UP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
grip the harpoon and hover in the water. You blink, peering through the
water at the serpent’s coils as you wrack your memory for information
about basilisks. You vaguely recall a short chapter in $master’s
bestiary on the rare creatures. Native to Calantha and Naro, their
lethality makes them difficult to tame. Not only are their bites
poisonous, but their gaze is magical, capable of turning anyone who
looks directly at their eyes to stone.
While you are immune to its petrifying gaze, the serpent could easily
swallow you whole or bite you in half—
There.
You see it. A small gash running along the serpent’s underbelly, an old
wound that left a gap in its scales. Get your harpoon in there and
you’ll puncture its vitals.
You careen forwards. The serpent charges at you and you propel yourself
sideways, dodging down. The serpent’s head flies over you and you thrust
the harpoon into the gap in its scales.
A cloud of dark blood blinds you. The creature thrashes around in pain,
ripping the harpoon from your hands. It hits you with its body, knocking
you sideways, and flounders, sinking to the bottom of the pool. You
swim down, pain flaring along your side, and yank the harpoon free and
settle on a nearby rock.
The serpent lies on the bottom of the pool among the bones of its
victims, motionless, its jaw hanging open.
Dead.
You clutch the harpoon, and your rapid heartbeat refuses to slow. The
Count’s monster may be dead, but you will have a reckoning when you
reach the surface. If you bring proof of the creature’s death, maybe you
can negotiate your way out of this mess. And besides, basilisks are
rare. A basilisk tooth is worth a great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-22 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
grip the harpoon and hover in the water. You blink, peering through the
water at the serpent’s coils as you wrack your memory for information
about basilisks. You vaguely recall a short chapter in $master’s
bestiary on the rare creatures. Native to Calantha and Naro, their
lethality makes them difficult to tame. Not only are their bites
poisonous, but their gaze is magical, capable of turning anyone who
looks directly at their eyes to stone.
While you are immune to its petrifying gaze, the serpent could easily
swallow you whole or bite you in half…
You grit your teeth. You can’t see any weaknesses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Go for its eyes.
Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[AGILITY] Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak
spot.</s></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Go for its eyes. Blind it.|Chapter 1-5-21
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for a weak
spot.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
strike, thrusting the harpoon forwards with all your might. The
spear-point rips through the serpent’s wounded eye with a crunch. A
cloud of blood spews out and the serpent stops thrashing. You let go of
the harpoon and watch the creature sink to the bottom of the pool. It
lies motionless among the bones of its victims, jaws agape.
Dead.
Your rapid heartbeat refuses to slow. The Count’s monster may be dead,
but you will have a reckoning when you reach the surface. If you bring
proof of the creature’s death, maybe you can negotiate your way out of
this mess. And besides, basilisks are rare. A basilisk tooth is worth a
great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-22 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You strike,
thrusting the harpoon forwards with all your might. The spear-tip hits
the creature’s torn eye but does not rip through. The serpent thrashes
back and forth, slamming its nose into you and knocking you back. A
tooth grazes you, slicing your side.
Pain flares through your body and you float in a hazy swirl of muck and
blood. Your vision clouds. You hold onto the harpoon, the shaft coarse
and rough under your fingers, somehow grounding you to reality.
You lash out, thrusting the harpoon forwards—
It connects with a crunch. The serpent’s body shudders and a cloud of
blood spews out from its wound. You let go of the harpoon and watch the
creature sink to the bottom of the pool. It lies motionless among the
bones of its victims, jaws agape.
Dead.
Your rapid heartbeat refuses to slow. The Count’s monster may be dead,
but you will have a reckoning when you reach the surface. If you bring
proof of the creature’s death, maybe you can negotiate your way out of
this mess. And besides, basilisks are rare. A basilisk tooth is worth a
great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-22 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
hover in the water, watching the serpent thrash back and forth. Its
wounded, hurting—and that makes it even more dangerous. Despite its
blindness, it could easily swallow you whole or bite you in half—
There.
You see it. A small gash running along the serpent’s underbelly, an old
wound that left a gap in its scales. Get your harpoon in there and
you’ll puncture its vitals.
You careen forwards. The serpent charges at you and you propel yourself
sideways, dodging down. The serpent’s head flies over you and you thrust
the harpoon into the gap in its scales.
A cloud of dark blood blinds you. The creature flails in pain, ripping
the harpoon from your hands. It hits you with its body, knocking you
sideways, and flounders, sinking to the bottom of the pool. You swim
down, pain flaring along your side, and yank the harpoon free and settle
on a nearby rock.
The serpent lies on the bottom of the pool among the bones of its
victims, motionless, its jaw hanging open.
Dead.
Your rapid heartbeat refuses to slow. The Count’s monster may be dead,
but you will have a reckoning when you reach the surface. If you bring
proof of the creature’s death, maybe you can negotiate your way out of
this mess. And besides, basilisks are rare. A basilisk tooth is worth a
great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-22 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
hover in the water, watching the serpent thrash back and forth. Its
wounded, hurting—and that makes it even more dangerous. Despite its
blindness, it could easily swallow you whole or bite you in half—
You can’t see any weak points. Damn it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Drive your
harpoon through the eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Drive your harpoon through the
eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for a weak
spot.</s><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Drive your harpoon through the eye.|Chapter 1-5-22
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Drive your harpoon through the
eye.|Chapter 1-5-22 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for a weak
spot.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$junkInv' 'Basilisk tooth'>><<notify 3000>>+
Basilisk Tooth<</notify>><<if hasVisited("Chapter
1-5-21 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-22 PERCEPTION
PASS")>>You push yourself forwards and ram the harpoon into the
creature’s jaws. After several minutes of terse work, you loosen a
tooth, knocking it from its mouth. You grasp the tooth, kick off from
the bottom, and swim for the surface.<<else>>You swim down
and carefully pull the harpoon free from the creature’s eye. You ram it
into its jaws and after several minutes of terse work, you loosen a
tooth, knocking it from its mouth. You grasp the tooth, kick off from
the bottom, and swim for the surface.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-23 KILLED BASILISK
UNDERWATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$monsterkills += 1>><<set $aeraninjured to
true>><<set $basiliskslain to true>>You break through
the surface of the water and swim for shore, pulling yourself out
through the rushes. You stand shakily in the garden, covered in muck and
blood, weeds clinging to your clothes. You clutch the harpoon in one
hand and the basilisk’s tooth in the other and survey the courtyard.
Your heart nearly stops.
Aeran lies in the centre of the courtyard, bruised and bleeding. He
stirs faintly, fingers scrabbling at the ground, searching for anything
to protect himself. A mercenary bears down on him, ready to strike.
Rhodarth leans on a spear, face turned from the scene, a dead, cold look
in his eyes.
“Hey!” you shout, lurching through the garden. Your mind is a haze—you
have no plan, no strength, no anything. “HEY!”
Rhodarth spots you, eyes widening in surprise. He turns, pushing through
his mercenaries, pulling them back. “Stop,” he commands. “Stop.”
Aeran groans, pushing himself up as he wipes blood away with the back of
his hand. His face is a mess, dark purple bruises flaring across broken
skin. “Told you… <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
weren’t<<else>>$heshe wasn’t<</if>> dead,” he
says shakily.
Rhodarth stares at you. “You survived the Gorgo.”
You hold the basilisk tooth aloft. “That’s one snake dead,” you reply.
“Looks like I’ve got others to deal with.” It’s an empty threat and you
struggle to keep the weariness out of your voice. You can’t fight them
all. The best you can do is cling to whatever bluster you have left and
hope they let you go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-24]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead_How to 8>><<set $rhodarthGone to
true>><<set $CountA_Branch1 to true>>To your surprise,
Rhodarth presses a hand to his chest and bows. “I will not fight you,
<i>amarin,”</i> he says.
An uneasy murmur rushes through his company. His mercenaries step back,
sheathing their weapons without comment, and let you pass as you rush to
Aeran’s side.
“Wish… wish I could have seen that fight,” he wheezes, his words
slurred.
“Don’t talk,” you say, shoving the basilisk tooth in your pocket. You
help him up, supporting him on your shoulder.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
You turn, shuffling around slowly as Aeran lolls on your shoulder. The
Count stands on the bridge, hands folded calmly in front of him, an
unreadable expression on his face.
“Yeah,” you say. Your muscles tense. Something about staring the Count
in the eye lifts the haze in your mind. “It’s dead. What else do I have
to do to get you to leave us alone?”
The Count observes you impassively. “Nothing.”
“No… what?”
“Nothing,” he continues. “You have defied your sentence. Many have
fallen to the Gorgo, but you did not. It would be a disgrace to kill a
warrior of such skill.”
You nearly choke. “So you’re just going to let us walk out of here?”
The Count’s eyes narrow. “Consider it a show of mercy,” he says, “or a
call to truce. By slaying my beast you have damaged me more than you can
know.”
“Fine,” you say, tightening your grip on Aeran. “A truce it is, Count.
But if I turn around and you stab me in the back, I’m going to be very
annoyed.”
“I will remember that,” he replies. “Leave this place, Wayfarer. Care
for your companion. Flee to Velantis with the Anaxas child. And should
you ever return to Rona, rest assured there <i>will</i> be a
reckoning.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 LUTHAIS MELUSINE
BASILISK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>Gear Returned<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>>Collecting your
weapons, you and Aeran hobble out the gate and leave the villa behind.
You say nothing to each other as you limp through the streets, winding
your way towards the Docks. Night falls in earnest now as the sun falls
below the horizon. The rainclouds have moved on, leaving the sky lit by a
splash of stars.
Rona is far from silent. While night usually signals a flow of harried
workers to the Cove for its evening distractions, the streets are busier
than usual. A simmering tension grows as townsfolk emerge from their
homes and businesses, their muttered voices carrying a clash of
excitement and worry. Some shoot you furtive looks, but most ignore
you—you aren’t the first exhausted and wounded people to lurk in the
streets.
You reach the town square. The morning shops have closed, the vendors
and merchants having removed their goods and collapsed their stalls
hours ago. More people gather in clusters, in the corners, at the front
of alleys, the air humming with whispers and murmurs. You draw more
looks and more stares as you stumble across the square, Aeran sagging
against your shoulder.
You lock eyes with an Aeda woman with a shaved head and an emerald green
kerchief tied around one arm. You stare her down, summoning all your
remaining strength to send your voiceless threat. She turns on one heel
and pushes off the pavement, soaring into the air, her dark wings
carrying her away into the night.
You watch her go, an uncomfortable twist in your gut.
Aeran sags against your shoulder and you stumble across the square. His
breathing is shallow; though he grimaces against the pain and doesn’t
complain, his wounds are taking their toll. <<if $health is
"injured">>You spare little thought to your own injuries. Your
side is numb, the kind of numb that freezes your mind when the pain is
too great.<<else>><</if>>
“Can we stop?” he says quietly. “Please?”
You nod and hobble to the statue in the centre of the square. Someone
has lit a lantern in the statue’s hand; it holds the light aloft,
chasing away the night’s shadows. You sink down and collapse with your
backs to the enclosure. You watch as one cluster of cloaked and hooded
townsfolk moves on, rushing down an alley, only to be replaced by
another.
“I… just need… a moment,” Aeran murmurs.
<<if $health is "injured">>Your head lolls back and you gaze
at the stars above. A raspy laugh comes unbidden to your lips. “I… do,
too.” <<else>>You roll your head back and take in the stars
above. “I do, too,” you say.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-6 FOLLOW
AERAN")>>
<<if $health is "injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEDICAL
SKIP TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 SKIP
MEDICAL]]<</if>><<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5
TRUST
TALK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-33
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,4) + $strength >= 5>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and retreat
to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dart out of the way and retreat to the
cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Dart out of the way and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter
1-5-31 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Dart out of the way and retreat to the cart.|Chapter
1-5-32 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dart out of the way and
retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and retreat to
the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dart out of the way and retreat to the
cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Dart out of the way and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-31 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry and retreat to the cart.|Chapter
1-5-31 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Dart out of the way and retreat to the cart.|Chapter
1-5-32 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dart out of the way and
retreat to the cart.|Chapter 1-5-32 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-33
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>>You
spin and raise your blade, deflecting Rhodarth’s blow. He draws to a
stop and pulls back his spear. He rests the butt of the spear on the
ground and observes you with cold eyes.
“You show your skill, Wayfarer,” he says.
“Wouldn’t want this to be too easy, now would we?” you retort, backing
into the cart. You can sense Aeran behind you; he stands in the cart,
arrow on the string, and takes in the circle of mercenaries surrounding
you.
“It is true I enjoy the sense of accomplishment,” Rhodarth replies. His
eyes flicker to Aeran and his smile fades. “Even when the circumstances
are grim.”
“You’re the one fighting us, Rho,” Aeran calls, desperation tinging his
voice. “Stand down.”
Rhodarth shakes his head. “I cannot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-34]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You spin
and raise your blade. You hit Rhodarth’s spear, but his strike is more
forceful than you expected. You do not have the strength to stop it. He
lunges, thrusting forward and the spear-tip grazes your arm, tearing
through muscle and flesh. You grunt, blood oozing from the gash, and
retreat to the cart.
Rhodarth draws to a stop and pulls back his spear. He rests the butt of
the spear on the ground and observes you with cold eyes. “Perhaps you’re
not as skilled as I thought,” he says.
“Maybe that’s what I want you to think,” you grunt, backing into the
cart. You sense Aeran behind you; he stands in the cart, arrow on the
string, and takes in the circle of mercenaries surrounding you.
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “An amusing threat,” he says. “Empty though it
is.” His eyes flicker to Aeran. “You’re friend is injured. Stand down.”
“You’re the one fighting us, Rho,” Aeran replies. Desperation tinges his
voice. “You should stand down.”
Rhodarth shakes his head. “I cannot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-34]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
throw yourself to the side and Rhodarth’s strike passes by you. He
stumbles, thrown off by his own momentum, and wheels around. You back
away, retreating to the cart.
Rhodarth turns, a hoarse laugh bubbling up unexpectedly. He draws his
spear back and resting the butt on the ground. “I never took you for a
coward, Wayfarer,” he says coolly. “Too frightened to face me directly?”
“If you want to goad me into doing something stupid, try harder,” you
retort, backing into the cart. You can sense Aeran moving behind you; he
stands in the cart, arrow on the string, and takes in the circle of
mercenaries surrounding you.
“You’re not injured yet,” Rhodarth says, his eyes flickering to Aeran.
He smiles grimly. “Stand down while you still can.”
“You’re the one fighting us, Rho,” Aeran replies. Desperation tinges his
voice. “You should stand down.”
Rhodarth’s smile fades. “I cannot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-34]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You throw
yourself to the side, but you’re not fast enough. Rhodarth’s spear
strikes you in the shoulder, shearing through muscle and flesh. You
grunt, blood oozing from the gash, and retreat to the cart.
Rhodarth draws to a stop and pulls back his spear. He rests the butt of
the spear on the ground and observes you with cold eyes. “Perhaps you’re
not as skilled as I thought,” he says.
“Perhaps that’s what I want you to think,” you grunt through gritted
teeth, backing into the cart. You sense Aeran moving behind you; he
stands in the cart, arrow on the string, and takes in the circle of
mercenaries surrounding you.
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “An amusing threat,” he says. “Empty though it
is.” His eyes flicker to Aeran. “You’re friend is injured,” he calls.
“Stand down.”
“You’re the one fighting us, Rho,” Aeran replies. Desperation tinges his
voice. “You should stand down.”
Rhodarth’s smile fades. “I cannot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-34]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You
freeze. Rhodarth’s spear strikes you in the shoulder, shearing through
muscle and flesh. You grunt, blood oozing from the gash, and retreat to
the cart.
Rhodarth draws to a stop and pulls back his spear. He rests the butt of
the spear on the ground and observes you with cold eyes. “Perhaps you’re
not as skilled as I thought,” he says.
“Perhaps that’s what I want you to think,” you grunt, backing into the
cart. You sense Aeran behind you; he stands in the cart, arrow on the
string, and takes in the circle of mercenaries surrounding you.
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “An amusing threat,” he says. “Empty though it
is.” His eyes flicker to Aeran. “You’re friend is injured. Stand down.”
“You’re the one fighting us, Rho,” Aeran replies. Desperation tinges his
voice. “You should stand down.”
Rhodarth shakes his head. “I cannot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-34]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$thundersphereeqp is true>>A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all eyes on Aeran and Rhodarth. You glance at the cart. The
rest of your gear is there, including the thunderspheres you bought from
Myn. Activating one in close quarters like this would be a dangerous
move, one that could hurt both you and Aeran, but your chances of
survival are slim as it is. Dangerous moves are all you have
left.<<else>>A terse silence falls over the courtyard, all
eyes on Aeran and Rhodarth. You hold still, your mind flashing through
options. Your chances of survival are slim; dangerous moves are all you
have left.<</if>>
“Cannot and will not are two different things,” Aeran grunts. He raises
his bow, fingers moments from drawing. “Want to tell me what’s going on?
Because I’m having a hard time figuring out how a Corsida Brightblade
ends up in the Count’s pocket—”
Rhodarth snarls and lunges, his spear arcing through the air. Aeran
fires.
His arrow strikes Rhodarth in the shoulder.
Rhodarth stumbles, his momentum lost, and drops his spear. He grips the
arrow shaft and yanks it out, throwing it to the ground. A moment later,
a faint light appears, clinging to the wound, pulsing slightly.
Rhodarth stoops and picks up his spear.
“Willing to shoot me at point-blank range, but not willing to use your
cursed steel on me,” he says grimly. “I don’t understand you, Aeran.”
He raises a hand. His mercenaries surge forward, blades drawn.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-35 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-36 ATTACK
RHO">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-36 ATTACK
RHO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[2. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere and
retreat.|Chapter 1-5-36 THUNDERSPHERE]]<<else>><s>2.
[THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Attack
Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-36 ATTACK RHO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[2. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere and
retreat.|Chapter 1-5-36 THUNDERSPHERE]]<<else>><s>2.
[THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-36
ATTACK
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Rhodarth
lowers his spear and charges. A handful of his mercenaries follow,
blades raised, all more than ready to cut you down where you stand.
You launch yourself forward, boots pounding on the pavement, and race to
meet Rhodarth head on. You hear the familiar twang of Aeran’s bow
behind you. A mercenary beside Rhodarth falls in a spurt of blood, an
arrow in the eye.
Rhodarth does not flinch. He swerves around you, pivoting, and thrusts
his spear at your throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-37 TIMED CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$thunderspheres -= 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Thundersphere<</notify>>Rhodarth lowers his spear and
charges. A handful of his mercenaries follow, blades raised, all more
than ready to cut you down where you stand.
You pitch forward, reaching across into the cart, and seize your
remaining gear. Thanking whatever foresight you had when standing in
Myn’s shop, you grab a thundersphere from your pouch. You spin, yanking
the latch on the base. A sharp, staccato noise pops within the sphere.
Without stopping to think about the consequences, you hurl the sphere
into the crowd. The sphere sails up through the air in a graceful arc,
spinning, spinning, spinning—
Rhodarth stops short, watching the falling sphere.
You grab Aeran’s hand and yank him out of the cart.
“GO!” you shout and sprint across the garden toward the bridge.
Rhodarth turns, a horrified yell strangled in his throat—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-37 THUNDERSPHERE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
FAIL">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect the
blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect the blow.|Chapter
1-5-38 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Deflect the blow.|Chapter 1-5-38 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dodge.|Chapter 1-5-38 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-38
STRENGTH
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>>Your
blade meets the spear. Your wrists and hands shudder at the impact.
Rhodarth stumbles to the side, thrown off course by the strength of your
parry. He swings around and spits, eyes blazing.
Behind you, Aeran fells another mercenary. He stands precariously on the
cart, elevated above the rest, his bow singing in his hands. A woman
slashes at him and he leaps back, rolling off the cart, and zigzags
across the courtyard.
“Have you considered a different strategy?” you shout.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran spin around and shoot his
pursuer in the throat.
Rhodarth grimaces. He grasps the spear in an iron grip and circles you.
“Do we fight or do we speak, Wayfarer?” he calls. “I cannot be baited,
it is a waste of time to try.”
“I’m good at wasting time,” you retort, letting out whatever words come
to your mouth first. Round and round you go, the distance between you
growing ever closer.
“Coward,” Rhodarth spits.
Your gut twists. You dig your fingers into your sword hilt, the beds of
your fingernails paling. You scan the courtyard, noting the mercenary
drawing in on your left. Aeran is nowhere in sight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-39
ATTACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|Chapter 1-5-39
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<if $health
is "injured">>Your blade meets the spear and glances off the
sliver shaft. Your wrists shudder at the impact and you stumble
forwards, dropping your blade. Rhodarth curves the spear around and
slams the tip into your shoulder. His blow throws you back and you crash
into an ornamental flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 GO TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Your
blade meets the spear and glances off the sliver shaft. Your wrists and
hands shudder at the impact and you stumble forwards, dropping your
blade. Rhodarth curves the spear around and slams the tip into your
shoulder. His blow throws you back and you crash into an ornamental
flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 AERAN ATTACKS
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<agilityPass>>You
spin and skid forwards. You slide under Rhodarth’s blow, the spear
sailing over your head. Rhodarth grunts and whirls around, eyes blazing.
Behind you, Aeran fells another mercenary. He stands precariously on the
cart, elevated above the rest, his bow singing in his hands. A woman
slashes at him and he leaps back, rolling off the cart, and zigzags
across the courtyard.
“Have you considered a different strategy?” you shout.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran turn and shoot his pursuer
in the throat.
Rhodarth grimaces. He grasps the spear in an iron grip and circles you.
“Do we fight or do we speak, Wayfarer?” he calls. “I cannot be baited,
it is a waste of time to try.”
“I’m good at wasting time,” you retort, letting out whatever words come
to your mouth first. Round and round you go, the distance between you
growing ever closer.
“Coward,” Rhodarth spits.
Your gut twists. You dig your fingers into your sword hilt, the beds of
your fingernails paling. You scan the courtyard, noting the mercenary
drawing in on your left. Aeran is nowhere in sight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-39
ATTACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|Chapter 1-5-39
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<if $health
is "injured">>You spin and skid forwards, attempting to slide
under Rhodarth’s blow. The spear catches you in the gut, knocking you
backwards. You stumble, unbalanced by his blow. Rhodarth pivots and
slams the tip of his spear into your shoulder. The force of his blow
throws you back and you crash into an ornamental flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 GO TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You spin
and skid forwards, attempting to slide under Rhodarth’s blow. The spear
catches you in the gut, knocking you backwards. You stumble, unbalanced
by his blow. Rhodarth pivots and slams the tip of his spear into your
shoulder. The force of his blow throws you back and you crash into an
ornamental flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 AERAN ATTACKS
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
grit your teeth. “You’re really going to have to find a better insult
than that,” you snarl.
You sprint forwards, swerving out of the way of his spear, and close the
distance between you. You slash at his exposed back, but Rhodarth pulls
forward, spinning away. He swings his spear around. You duck. The spear
sails over you, and you turn—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 IF
INJURED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 IF NOT
INJURED]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
grit your teeth. “You’re really going to have to find a better insult
than that,” you snarl.
Rhodarth recoils, moving as if he expected you to attack, but you stand
your ground. He turns, glancing behind you—
You hear the pounding of moving feet and veer to the side. A man flies
out of nowhere, a torn red kerchief fluttering on his arm, and strikes.
You turn in time to deflect his blow, throwing him off, and ram your
blade into his neck.
You take his head off with one blow.
You chance a look away, eyes scanning the courtyard. It is chaos. A
number of mercenaries have fallen, their bodies peppered with arrows.
You spot Aeran, cornered by the gate, backing away from three
assailants.
You pause, glancing over your shoulder at Rhodarth. The mercenary
captain observes you grimly, sinking into an offensive stance, ready to
attack.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Help
Aeran.|Chapter 1-5-41 HELP AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-41
ATTACK RHODARTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Order Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter
1-5-41 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Order
Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5-41 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Help Aeran.|Chapter 1-5-41 HELP
AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-41
ATTACK RHODARTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. Order Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5-41
PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Order Rhodarth to stand
down.|Chapter 1-5-41 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A blade rams into your side from
behind. You cry out, pain spiking through your body, and collapse.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, but you’re too weak. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved
look in his eyes.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You can’t focus. Aeran says something, but his words are lost
to you. You lie in the garden, your vision darkening, strangely aware of
the flowers tickling the back of your neck. Your shoulder is going numb
with pain.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Aeran…</i>
Voices hum in your ears. You can’t make out the words. You stare but at
the sky. The first star appears, twinkling so far above.
You exhale.
Your vision goes black.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>A blade rams into
your side from behind. You cry out, pain spiking through your body, and
turn. The man who struck you skips back, retreating, but you spin and
slash out, ramming your blade into his neck.
You take his head off with one blow.
Your arm drops to your side and you cast a quick look down. Blood wells
through your tunic, soaking the fabric. You shake yourself, hot bile
forming in the back of your throat, and push the pain away.
You chance a look away, eyes scanning the courtyard. It is chaos. A
number of mercenaries have fallen, their bodies peppered with arrows.
You spot Aeran, cornered by the gate, backing away from three
assailants.
You pause, glancing over your shoulder at Rhodarth. The mercenary
captain observes you grimly, sinking into an offensive stance, ready to
attack.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Help
Aeran.|Chapter 1-5-41 HELP AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-41
ATTACK RHODARTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Order Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter
1-5-41 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Order
Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5-41 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Help Aeran.|Chapter 1-5-41 HELP
AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Attack Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-41
ATTACK RHODARTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. Order Rhodarth to stand down.|Chapter 1-5-41
PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Order Rhodarth to stand
down.|Chapter 1-5-41 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<timed 5s>><<goto "BLACKOUT 1">><</timed>><<if
$master is "Cenric">><div
class="blackout-opacity"><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A bearded face appears above $himher, a familiar scowl creasing its
brow. “Is that it?” Cenric grunts. “Do you give up that easily?”
“I'm trying!” The $child knocks the butt of the staff out of $hisher
face. “I am!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Cenric’s
expression softens. “I know, kid,” he says. He pulls the staff away and
squats down, offering a hand to pull $himher up. “Maybe we need a break,
return to this some other day. Devrian Thornbird’s bestiary is feeling a
little neglected—”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No!”
Cenric chuckles, rising. “All right. Let’s try again.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child grumbles and
picks up $hisher own staff. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe twirl<<else>>$HeShe
twirls<</if>> it back and forth in an excited, but
ineffective pattern. “You said that on purpose.”
Cenric raises an eyebrow. “Said what, little one?”
The $child whirls the staff in large, wild circles. “Don’t call me
little—!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→>'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Suddenly, the staff
hurtles out of $hisher hands. It bounces on the cobblestones and rolls
across the courtyard to rest at Cenric’s feet. The $child falls silent,
flushing in embarrassment, and thrusts $hisher hands behind $hisher
back, hanging $hisher head.
Cenric stoops and picks up the staff. “Point taken,” he says. “I promise
I won’t call you little.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child exhales a sharp
breath, glancing up at him from $hisher bowed head. “I won’t be little
forever,” <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
grumble<<else>>$heshe grumbles<</if>>. “Just
wait… a few years. I’ll be taller than you, I’m sure of it.”
<<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>He smiles. “We’ll see,” he
says. “But while we’re waiting to find out, your forms could use some
work.”<<else>>He smiles. “Of that I have no doubt,” he says.
“But while we’re waiting for your inevitable growth spurt, your forms
could use some work.”<</if>> He proffers the staff, holding
it out for the $child to take.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child wavers, chewing
$hisher lower lip. “I can’t.”
“Oh?”
The $child looks away, shifting $hisher weight from side to side. “I’m
bad at it.”
Cenric lowers the staff. “How long have you been practicing?” he asks.
“A week.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“A week,” he repeats.
“Seven days. And how long do you think I’ve been practicing?”
The $child shrugs. “I don’t know. A long time.”
“Try.”
The $child raises $hisher head, squinting at Cenric’s worn and weathered
face. “A long, long time,” <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Two hundred years,”
Cenric says. “Give or take.” He raps the butt of the staff on the
cobblestones. “I’ve spent more years than a human, elf or aeda’s
lifetime training and I still learn something new every time I pick up
my weapon. You’re ready to give up because you’re not perfect after just
seven days? You think you can learn everything there is to know in
seven days?”
“I…” The $child shakes $hisher head.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Not even Sero can achieve
that, though I’m sure the Grandmaster has tried,” Cenric adds. He
proffers the staff again. “It may take you months. It may take you
years. But you won’t learn if you don’t try.”
The $child reaches out and gingerly takes the staff. “But what if I
can’t?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“You’re not asking the
right question,” he replies. “Ask yourself this—what if you can?” He
steps forward, placing a hand on the $child’s shoulder. “To protect
others, I first must protect myself.”
It sounds like a recitation, but there is such sincerity to the way he
says it that there is no doubt he believes it.
“The world outside the Spire is dangerous. You’ve seen that for
yourself, $firstname. If you are to pursue the life of a Wayfarer and
all that comes with it, you must first learn to defend yourself.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>He taps two fingers
against $hisher chest, above $hisher heart. “Your life comes first—or
you won’t be of any help to those you want to help.”
The $child nods, $hisher hands tightening on the staff. A grim
determination flashes in their eyes. “Okay,” <<if $pronounsPlural
is true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>.
Cenric steps back and falls into an offensive stance. “Good,” he says.
“Shall we try again?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT
1">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote></div><<elseif
$master is "Varyn">><div
class="blackout-opacity"><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A pale face framed with a burst of red-gold hair appears above $himher,
bright eyes shining. “You’ve lost your focus.” Varyn says. “Find it. Try
again.”
“I am!” The $child knocks the butt of the staff out of $hisher face. “I
am trying!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Varyn
sighs. She withdraws the staff and sets it down gently on the
cobblestones. She gracefully sinks into a sitting position beside
$himher, hands resting on her knees, heels tucked behind her. “I believe
you,” she says. “But I also know you have been distraught of late. Do
you wish to speak of it?”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No.”
Varyn observes $himher, an unreadable expression on her face. Then she
quietly picks up the $child’s fallen staff and extends it out, offering
it to $himher. “Very well,” she says. “Then we shall try again.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child takes the
staff, holding it uncertainly in $hisher hands, chewing $hisher lower
lip. “I… can’t.”
Varyn raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”
“Can we do something else?” the $child asks. “Master Varyn, please—”
“I’ll consider it,” Varyn replies. “But only if you can give me a good
reason why you should skip yet another day of training.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child wavers,
shifting $hisher weight to and fro. “I… I don’t want to,” <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>, head lowered. $HeShe can’t meet Varyn’s eyes.
“I’m bad at it.”
Varyn smiles. “An honest answer,” she says. She steps back, taps the
butt of her staff into the ground, and falls into a stance. “I
appreciate that, $firstname. But not enough to excuse you. Let us review
your forms—slowly, this time. Follow.”
She waits, the staff balanced expertly in her hands.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Grumbling, the $child
copies her stance. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
waver<<else>>$HeShe wavers<</if>>, holding the
staff awkwardly in $hisher hands.
“Breathe,” Varyn says. “Close your eyes.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child does as
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
are<<else>>$heshe’s<</if>> asked. A few moments
of silence pass; the only sound the quiet, slow breaths of Varyn and her
apprentice. The $child cracks open an eye and squints at $hisher
master. Varyn’s eyes are closed.
“Now move,” she commands. “Slowly. I am not watching, I am not judging.
Follow the memory of what I have taught.”
The $child quickly closes $hisher eyes and falls back into $hisher
stance.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Concentrate on the flow
of one movement to the next.”
They follow the sequence, eyes closed. The $child teeters, off-balance,
but follows through, eyes squeezed shut. The movements are easier this
time.
“Your failures are not unimportant, $firstname,” Varyn says. “You have
failed now and you will fail again. There is no shame in it.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“But I should be better
than this,” the $child says, $hisher staff nearly slipping from $hisher
grip.
“It has been a week since we began your training,” Varyn replies. “You
cannot learn everything there is to know in only seven days.”
“Aeran can.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“He has his weaknesses,
too,” she says firmly. “Do not compare yourselves; the only person whose
progress you should concern yourself with is your own. Your training is
not a competition between you and Aeran—it is a competition with
yourself. Every day, you learn more. Every day, you become more
practiced. There are no prodigies here. There are only those who hone
their skills—and those who resign.”
The sequence comes to an end. The $child opens $hisher eyes to find
Varyn looking at $himher.
“Do you resign?” she asks.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child shakes $hisher
head.
“Then we shall practice it again,” Varyn says. “This is the beginning of
all you will learn. Your focus must be on you and you alone. You cannot
protect others if you cannot first protect yourself.”
The $child nods.
Varyn smiles. “Then follow. Eyes open this time.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT
1">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote></div><<else>><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A dark face framed with greying locked hair appears above $himher, brown
eyes observing $himher shrewdly. “You’re playacting,” Sero says, “and
you’re not doing a very convincing job. Put some effort into it.”
“I am!” <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
knock<<else>>$HeShe knocks<</if>> the butt of
the staff out of $hisher face. “I am trying!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero
withdraws, brown eyes sparkling, an amused smile on their face. “Good,”
they say, tapping the butt of the staff on the ground. “Now get up and
pretend you’re putting in that much effort. Maybe you’ll discover
something useful.”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No.”
Sero pauses, eyebrow raised. “No?” they ask.
The $child shakes $hisher head. “No.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero sighs. “Shame,” they
say, twirling their staff. They move it back and forth in a complex
sequence. The $child watches, interest and envy in $hisher eyes. “Here I
thought I had taken the most promising apprentice in twenty years under
my wing, but a week later and already <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe want<<else>>$heshe
wants<</if>> to leave! How embarrassing. Cenric’s going to
revel in this. Oh, joy.”
The $child folds $hisher arms. “I didn’t say I want to leave!”
“Didn’t you?” Sero draws to a stop, staff levelled at the $child. They
gently tap the $child’s sternum with the butt of the staff. “You said
you don’t want to learn.”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“I didn’t!”
“Isn’t that what you meant by ‘no?’”
“No! I—” The $child pauses, lost for words. “I don’t want to leave, I
want to learn! I want to do this, I can do this!”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero scoops up $hisher
fallen staff and tosses it to $himher. The $child catches it; <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe waver<<else>>$heshe
wavers<</if>>, unsteady, then <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>find<<else>>finds<</if>> $hisher
balance. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
glance<<else>>$HeShe glances<</if>> at $hisher
master, meeting their eyes.
“Good,” they say, dropping into an offensive stance. “Then show me.”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>hurls
$himself<<else>>hurls $himself<</if>> at Sero,
striking with sloppy, unpracticed attacks. With each strike, Sero steps
back, moving effortlessly out of the way at the last second. The $child
grunts, frustrated with $hisher lack of skill and practice, and doubles
$hisher efforts. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
pursue<<else>>$HeShe pursues<</if>> them around
and around the courtyard, desperately trying to land a hit.
Each time <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
strike<<else>>$heshe strikes<</if>>, Sero smiles
and steps out of the way.
And each time Sero steps out of the way, <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe double<<else>>$heshe
doubles<</if>> $hisher efforts.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Finally, panting, sweating
and exhausted, the $child leaps forward, brashly swinging $hisher
staff—
Sero steps out of the way and, for the first time, thrusts forward with
their staff, tapping the $child on the arm.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“You're out,” Sero says.
The $child skids to a halt and lowers $hisher staff.
“…but it was better than not trying at all,” they add.
“…better?” the $child grunts, irritated at $hisher failure. “I wasn’t
any better than the first time—”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“I think
you’ve finally learned something,” Sero continues. “Perhaps you aren’t a
complete loss after all.”
“Complete—what?” The $child throws down $hisher staff, raises $hisher
head—and pauses.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero is laughing. A
full-bodied, hands-on-knees, can’t quite breathe kind of laugh.
“Ugh,” the $child says, watching $hisher master laugh themself to
oblivion.
“Ugh, indeed,” Sero says, straightening. “You understand what happened
there, yes?”
“Yeah.” The $child makes a face. “You tricked me into… this!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Into
training? Yes.” Sero rests a hand on the $child’s shoulder. “You are at
the beginning of your journey, $firstname. Don’t throw away your
potential because you believe it’s too difficult. Before you can tackle
what waits for you in the world beyond, you must first learn to defend
yourself. And that lesson, apprentice, begins here.”
The $child nods, gripping $hisher staff.
“Now,” Sero continues, stepping back. They raise their staff. “Shall we
try this again?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT
1">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><</if>><<timed 1s>><<notify 3000>>Wayfarer Tenet Unlocked<</notify>><</timed>>
<<timed 7s>><<notify 3000>>Status: Recovering<</notify>><</timed>>
<<timed 12s>><<goto "Chapter 1-7-0 WAKE UP ON SHIP">><</timed>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Dareia">><<if $aeranrom
>=10>><<set $aeranrom
+=60>><</if>><<set $Chapter1_Unconscious to
true>><<set $tenet1 to true>><<set $blackout +=
1>><<set $health to "recovering">>You wake to the
sound of creaking wood and the smell of brine.
As your eyes slowly open and blink back blurriness, you feel the rolling
lurch that can only be associated with a ship at sea. You groan and
push yourself upright, nearly cracking your neck as you look around your
surroundings, confusion and panic pounding in your heart—
<<if $aeranapp >= 60>>“$nickname—”
Pressure on your hand. You struggle to tear it free, but whoever holds
it has a strong grip—
“Hey—hey, it’s okay, it’s okay—”
“…Aeran?”
Your voice creaks, your throat raw and dry. You blink again and your
vision clears. You’re lying on a small cot that takes up one entire side
of the cramped room. The floors and walls are panelled with dark wood.
Daylight streams in from a circular window placed in the wall several
feet from the cot’s headboard. A wide, heavy wood chest is pushed
against the opposite wall, though there isn’t much space—if you leaned
out of bed, you could reach out and touch it. A hastily hung hammock
swings haphazardly above the chest and, stashed in the only available
corner, are two oil lamps, a sign someone has considered the limitations
of your cabin’s occupants. Squished next to the edge of your bed is a
door that leads, presumably, to the rest of the ship.
Aeran sits on the edge of your bed, his hand squeezing yours, a worried
look cast over his face. His clothes are different—a utilitarian dark
shirt and trousers—and while they are clean, they bear the creases and
wrinkles of several days of use. He’s left the shirt unbuttoned; you can
see the new bandages wrapping his chest. His face bears the marks of
healing cuts and bruises, and fresh stubble graces his cheeks and chin.
His unkempt hair sticks up at the back.
<i>How long was I out?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…hey, Aeran.”|Chapter 1-7 1 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…what the hell is going
on?”|Chapter 1-7-1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You can let go of my hand
now.”|CHAPTER
1-7-1C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“$firstname—”
You thrash in confusion. Your own name sounds like a nonsensical string
of syllables in your ears. A hand briefly touches your shoulder.
“Hey—hey, you’re fine, you’re safe—$firstname—”
“…Aeran?”
Your voice creaks, your throat raw and dry. You blink again and your
vision clears. You’re lying on a small cot that takes up one entire side
of the cramped room. The floors and walls are panelled with dark wood.
Daylight streams in from a circular window placed in the wall several
feet from the cot’s headboard. A wide, heavy wood chest is pushed
against the opposite wall, though there isn’t much space—if you leaned
out of bed, you could reach out and touch it. A hastily hung hammock
swings haphazardly above the chest. At its foot is a door that leads,
presumably, to the rest of the ship.
Aeran sits on the edge of your bed, a worried look cast over his face.
His clothes are different—a utilitarian dark shirt and trousers—and
while they are clean, they bear the creases and wrinkles of several days
of use. He’s left the shirt unbuttoned; you can see the new bandages
wrapping his chest. His face bears the marks of healing cuts and
bruises, and fresh stubble graces his cheeks and chin. His unkempt hair
sticks up at the back.
<i>How long was I you out?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…hey, Aeran.”|Chapter 1-7 1 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…what the hell is going
on?”|Chapter 1-7-1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “What are you doing here?”|CHAPTER
1-7-1D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$aeranapp <= 19>>You blink, your vision clearing. Pushing down
your panic, you try to get your bearings. You’re alone in a cramped
room, lying on a small cot that takes up one entire side. The floors and
walls are panelled with dark wood. Daylight streams in from a circular
window placed in the wall several feet from the cot’s headboard. A wide,
heavy wood chest is pushed against the opposite wall, though there
isn’t much space—if you leaned out of bed, you could reach out and touch
it. A hastily hung hammock swings haphazardly above the chest. At its
foot is a door that leads, presumably, to the rest of the ship.
You groan, shifting your weight, and try to push yourself out of bed.
Your muscles complain, your body refuses to move, aching right down to
the bone. You inhale sharply and slowly inch yourself to the edge of the
bed—
The door opens.
“$firstname!”
Aeran stops in the threshold. He stares at you, unable to mask his
surprise. His clothes are different—a dark, utilitarian set of shirt and
trousers that bear the creases and wrinkles of several days of use.
He’s left the shirt unbuttoned; you can see new bandages wrapping his
chest. His face bears the marks of healing cuts and bruises, and fresh
stubble graces his cheeks and chin. His unkempt hair sticks up at the
back.
<i>How long was I out?</i>
Aeran clears his throat and shuts the door. “Don’t get up,” he says.
“You were seriously injured.”
You swallow a dry lump in your throat. “I guessed as much.”
He folds his arms, eyes sweeping over you. “May I?” he asks, nodding to
the edge of your bed.
There aren’t many options for seating. You shrug and nod.
Aeran sits down, the bed creaking under his weight. He glances at you,
an unspoken question lingering on his lips, but he says nothing. An
unspoken silence settles between you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-2
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Cursing, you turn and sprint
towards the gate. Aeran draws a dagger and raises it defensively,
waiting for his assailants to strike. They fall still, a terse moment
stretching out between them—even though they have him cornered, the
mercenaries are cautious.
Aeran’s eyes flicker behind them, watching you hurtle towards them.
He raises his chin. “You sure you want to do this?” he says. “I think
you’ve got bigger problems.”
A woman glances over her shoulder and lets out a surprised cry as you
slam into her, your blade piercing her side. She falls. You spin,
parrying the blow of another mercenary. His blade bounces off yours and,
taking advantage of his momentary surprise, you dart forwards and ram
him through.
Someone grabs your shoulder from behind, grappling you. You twist
around, but your assailant clamps your sword arm down. You grit your
teeth and kick behind you. They grunt in your ear. You elbow them in the
side and push yourself forwards, sliding out of their grasp. You turn
to see them stumble back. Aeran appears behind them and roughly slices
his dagger across their throat. The mercenary’s eyes go wide, raising
shaking hands to the ragged wound, and they drop to the ground.
You nod your thanks; Aeran nods in return. Together, you turn and stalk
across the courtyard to face Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The mercenary captain stands quietly in the centre of the path,
feet away from the bridge. He leans against his spear and watches your
approach. The remaining members of his company cluster near him,
preparing to fight, but he shakes his head. They back away, sheathing
their weapons.
“It’s over, Rhodarth,” you call.
“Do not state the obvious to me, <i>amarin,”</i> he
interrupts, “I know when I am beaten.” He glances at Aeran, an
unreadable expression on his face. Suddenly, he drops his spear and
sinks to his knees, head lowered. “In acceptance of this defeat,” he
says, “I am at your mercy and you have a choice to make. Kill me with
your Alassar steel and call this matter closed; those that remain will
not seek vengeance. Or let me live and know you’ve given the Count one
more tool to terrorize this city.”
Aeran snorts. “What?”
Rhodarth raises his chin, his eyes boring into yours. He ignores Aeran’s
remark. “Do it, Wayfarer,” he says. “My life is in your hands—”
“What blazing sense of honour is this?” Aeran interrupts. “Rho, you
can’t be serious—”
“$lastname,” Rhodarth says. “Make your choice.”
Your fingers grasp the hilt of your sword, your mind whirling.
Aeran turns to you. “$firstname,” he says, “whatever you’re thinking—”
“I’m not thinking anything,” you hiss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Rhodarth is a tool of the Count, nothing
more. Your problems are with the Count, not him.|Chapter 1-5-40 THOUGHT
1][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Rhodarth may be a tool of the Count,
but he still attacked you. He has tried to kill you several times this
evening.|Chapter 1-5-40 THOUGHT 2][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Rhodarth attacked you. You have no
obligations to those who try to kill you.|Chapter 1-5-40 THOUGHT
3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $aeraninjured to
true>>Cursing, you spin around and charge at Rhodarth. He flips
his spear, raising it with both hands and blocking your strike with the
shaft. He grunts and throws you back. You pivot, slashing at his side,
your blade slicing his upper thigh. He backs away, pressing a hand to
the wound. There’s a strange look on his face when he pulls his hand
away, his palm covered in blood. A strangled laugh escapes his throat.
He ducks as you slash at his throat.
With exhaustion pulling at your body, your strikes are growing sloppy.
But you press forward relentlessly, pushing yourself. You can’t fight
for much longer.
You have to finish this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You let out a strangled yell.
Rhodarth swings his spear around. You duck, sliding under it, and close
the distance between you. A faint look of panic crosses Rhodarth’s face
as he draws the spear back, realizing he may be too late—
Switching tactics at the last moment, you barrel into him, ramming the
hilt of your blade into his stomach and shoving him to the ground. His
fingers reach for his weapon, but you slam a foot on his wrist and shove
your blade beneath his chin.
<i>“Yield,”</i> you hiss.
Rhodarth stares up at you. “I yield.”
“Tell your company to stand down,” you spit.
“Stand down!” he calls. “Stand down!”
You’re met with nothing but silence.
Keeping Rhodarth at sword point, you turn, eyes searching the courtyard.
Aeran kneels on the ground, captured, a dagger thrust to his throat. The
woman who holds it eyes you with an uncontained fury.
A standstill.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Let our captain go,” she calls. “Or I will slit his throat.”
“Let him go,” you return. “Or I will kill your captain.”
The woman grunts, her dagger pressing into Aeran’s throat, drawing
blood. He grimaces.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You hear a strange laugh behind you. You turn, surprised, and
look down at Rhodarth.
“Enough!” he calls. “Leave Kellis be.”
The mercenaries surrounding Aeran slowly withdraw. They shoot confused
looks at their captain and retreat across the path, leaving a wide berth
between them and Aeran. Visibly exhausted, Aeran gets to his feet
wiping blood from the thin cut in his neck. He crosses the garden and
stands beside you.
You look at Rhodarth. “A truce?” you say. Your grip refuses to relax,
your fingers tightening around your sword hilt.
Rhodarth smiles. He raises a hand and gestures at your blade. “If you
would…?”
Slowly, you withdraw.
Rhodarth rises to his feet, watching you carefully. “You fight well,
<i>amarin,”</i> he says quietly. “And I hear your words.
This quarrel… This is not between us. It is between you and the Count.”
He presses a hand to his chest and bows. “I will no longer fight you.”
You blink, shock setting in. Your heart refuses to slow down. Did he…
How...
“Leave,” Rhodarth calls, turning to his remaining mercenaries. “This is
my choice and I alone will accept the consequences.”
A wave of mutters and murmurs rises from his company. Some eye you with
disgust, but one by one, they retreat to the gate. Rhodarth watches them
go, quietly urging them onwards as they vanish into the night. Once
gone, he closes his eyes, exhaustion crossing his face.
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You turn towards the voice. A familiar figure surveys the courtyard with
an ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHOCO
ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>>“Stop!” you shout. “Enough!”
Rhodarth straightens, withdrawing his spear. He observes you coolly,
yellow eyes gleaming, then raises his chin. “Stand down!” he bellows.
“Leave Kellis be!”
The mercenaries surrounding Aeran slowly withdraw. They shoot confused
looks at their captain and step across the path, leaving a wide berth
between them and Aeran. Visibly exhausted, Aeran crosses the garden and
stands beside you.
You want to relax your grip, but your fingers refuse to leave your sword
hilt. Your heart pounds in your chest as you turn to Rhodarth.
“Speak, Wayfarer,” he says.
“Rho,” Aeran begins.
“Not you,” Rhodarth snaps. His eyes find yours. “I want to hear from
$lastname alone.”
“Enough fighting,” you say. “I don’t want to kill you, I don’t want to
kill your people. Let us walk out of here and you will never have to
deal with us again.”
An unreadable expression crosses Rhodarth’s face. He leans on his spear,
observing you wordlessly as a terse silence settles over the courtyard.
He glances at Aeran, then back to you.
“You don’t know what you ask,” he says finally. “I serve the Count.”
“At what cost?” you reply. “The life of every warrior who serves under
your command? What kind of leader are you, to throw their lives away so
recklessly?”
A smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “You believe you can win,” he
says.
“Don’t test us,” you warn.
Rhodarth turns, eyes sweeping the courtyard. For the first time, you can
spot his exhaustion. Perhaps he’s not as unbreakable as he seems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You fight well, <i>amarin,”</i> he says quietly.
“And I hear your words. This quarrel… This is not between us. It is
between you and the Count.” He raises a hand and presses an indent on
the spear’s shaft; it whirs and collapses back into a rod.
Rhodarth hooks the collapsed spear onto his belt and presses a hand to
his chest. He bows. “I will no longer fight you.”
You blink, shock setting in. Your heart refuses to slow down. Did he…
How...
“Leave,” Rhodarth calls, turning to his remaining mercenaries. “This is
my choice and I alone will accept the consequences.”
A wave of mutters and murmurs rises from his company. Some eye you with
disgust, but one by one, they retreat to the gate. Rhodarth watches them
go, quietly urging them onwards as they vanish into the night. Once
gone, he closes his eyes, exhaustion crossing his face.
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You turn towards the voice. A familiar figure surveys the courtyard, an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHOCO
ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<persuasionFail>>“Stop!”
you shout. “Enough!”
Rhodarth straightens, withdrawing his spear. He observes you coolly,
yellow eyes gleaming, then raises his chin. “Stand down!” he bellows.
“Leave Kellis be!”
The mercenaries surrounding Aeran slowly withdraw. They shoot confused
looks at their captain and step across the path, leaving a wide berth
between them and Aeran. Visibly exhausted, Aeran crosses the garden and
stands beside you.
You want to relax your grip, but your fingers refuse to leave your sword
hilt. Your heart pounds in your chest as you turn to Rhodarth.
“Speak, Wayfarer,” he says.
“Rho,” Aeran begins.
“Not you,” Rhodarth snaps. His eyes find yours. “I want to hear from
$lastname alone.”
“Enough fighting,” you say. “Let us walk out of here and you’ll never
have to deal with us again.”
An unreadable expression crosses Rhodarth’s face. He leans on his spear,
observing you wordlessly as a terse silence settles over the courtyard.
He glances at Aeran, then back to you.
“You don’t know what you ask,” he says finally. “I serve the Count.”
“So?” you reply.
Rhodarth scowls, his eyes narrowing. “So,” he snarls, “there will be no
truce.”
He attacks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 PF
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
yet the way he speaks, the choice he’s thrust on you… Does he want to
die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die by your hand. But the way he speaks,
the choice he’s thrust on you… there’s something off about it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die by your hand. But the way he speaks,
the choice he’s thrust on you… there’s something off about it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw your sword.
“$firstname,” Aeran pleads. “He surrendered. Don’t do this.”
<<if $health is "injured">>Pain spikes across your body,
your wounds growing numb.<<else>>You’re sore and exhausted,
fatigue pulling at your muscles.<</if>>
You’re tired of it all.
You turn to Rhodarth. He kneels on the path, bearing a strange
vulnerability in his posture. He watches you expectantly with gleaming,
yellow eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-40 EXECUTE
RHO">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Execute
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-40 SPARE
RHO">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Let him
go.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Rhodarth
Executed<</notify>><<set $rhodarthDead to
true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to 6>><<set
$executions += 1>>There is nothing more to say. Without ceremony,
you step forwards and ram your blade into his chest. Rhodarth chokes a
garbled gasp, blood dripping from his mouth. A luminescence shines
bright around him, growing in intensity as whatever magic he has
desperately tries to heal his mangled chest—
It winks out.
Rhodarth’s head hangs down, his chin resting against his chest. His eyes
remain open, sightless and hollow.
You step back and pull the sword free.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 POST
EXE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)>>You sheathe your
sword. “No,” you say. “I won’t kill in cold blood.”
Aeran exhales softly, a grateful look crossing his face.
Rhodarth’s eyes widen. “No,” he says, desperation creeping into his
voice. “This is the perfect opportunity—”
“We’re not going to kill you,” you say, a note of finality in your
voice.
“You don’t understand—”
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHO ALIVE
CO DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 40, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“$firstname,” Aeran whispers. He’s
shaking, his hands balled into fists.
“I had to,” you say. “You were far too close to him, your emotions were
blinding you from the situation—”
A sudden murmur of surprise ripples through the remaining mercenaries.
You turn, watching in astonishment as they begin to shake. They drop
their weapons, hands pressed to their chests. They look around wildly at
each other, eyes wide with astonishment. A woman glances at the
mansion, then rips the red kerchief free from her arm. She throws it to
the ground, crushing it with her foot, and spits on it.
“Fuck you, Cere Nalos!” she screams, then spins and sprints for the
gate. She yanks the heavy doors open and vanishes.
One-by-one, the rest of the mercenaries follow suit. You watch, eyebrows
raised, as they flee, whooping and hollering, and disappear into the
night.
“Aeran,” you murmur, “what—”
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 COUNT DEAL RHO
DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 7>>The
Count stands in the threshold of his mansion. <<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-12 DISTRACT")>>He holds a hand to his
neck, fingers massaging the deep mark left by Aeran’s noose, an
unreadable expression on his face.<<else>>He holds his hands
folded calmly in front of him, an unreadable expression on his
face.<</if>>
“Your mercenaries are dead, Count,” you call. “What else do I have to do
to get you to leave us alone?”
The Count observes you coolly. “Nothing.”
“No… what?” <<if $health is "injured">>Your body feels…
numb. You ignore it.<<else>><</if>>
“Nothing,” he continues. “You have defied your sentence. <<if
$basiliskslain is true>>Many have fallen to the Gorgo, but you did
not. It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<<else>>It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<</if>>”
You nearly choke. “So you’re just going to let us walk out of here?”
The Count’s eyes narrow. “Consider it a show of mercy,” he says coolly,
“or a call to truce. You have cost me an entire company of dedicated
mercenaries. No matter. They can be replaced. Funny how many are willing
to enrich themselves for the small cost of a blood oath…” He shakes his
head. “Though Rhodarth showed both unusual eagerness and foresight when
he took his oath. A clause in his pact—should he die, his company would
be free. I will not make that error again.”
Aeran grunts. “A blood oath,” he spits. “So he was bound—to you.
Compelled to do your bidding—”
The Count tilts his head, red eyes observing Aeran. “Indeed,” he says,
upper lip curling. “You are slow on the uptake. It is clear who is in
charge of this bizarre pairing.” His eyes flicker to you. “Leave this
place, Wayfarer. Care for your companion. Flee to Velantis with the
Anaxas child. And should you ever return to Rona, rest assured there
will be a reckoning—”
Aeran shoots the Count in the shoulder.
The Count falls to his knees, mouth open in shock, fingers scrabbling at
the bolt piercing his flesh. He grunts, raising his head, and throws
out a hand. A shadow in the vague form of a sword fuzzes in the air;
moments later, a blade warps into existence, dripping mist. It is a
long, unearthly thing with a jagged edge, as if carved from the bones of
a monstrous underwater beast.
Aeran strides towards him, a merciless look burning in his eyes. He
nocks another arrow and fires. It strikes the Count in the chest.
The Count lurches to his feet, the point of his sword dragging along the
ground. He sneers, baring his fangs—
<i>Twang.</i>
A third arrow sprouts in the Count’s eye. His head snaps back and he
collapses to the ground, blood oozing from his wounds.
Aeran lowers his bow, a furious look on his face. He walks forward and
spits at the Count’s body. He swiftly retrieves his arrows, Alassar
steel shimmering in his hand as he wipes the arrowheads clean and shoves
them back in his quiver.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell did you do?!”|Chapter 1-5-41 A
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He let us go, Aeran.”|Chapter
1-5-41 A 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and say nothing. The Count had
it coming.|Chapter 1-5-41 A
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count stands in the threshold of his mansion. <<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-12 DISTRACT")>>He holds a hand to his
neck, fingers massaging the deep mark left by Aeran’s noose, an
unreadable expression on his face.<<else>>He holds his
folded hands calmly in front of him, an unreadable expression on his
face.<</if>>
“Your mercenaries are dead, Count,” you call. “What else do I have to do
to get you to leave us alone?”
The Count observes you coolly. “Nothing.”
“No… what?” <<if $health is "injured">>Your body feels…
numb. You ignore it.<<else>><</if>>
“Nothing,” he continues. “You have defied your sentence. <<if
$basiliskslain is true>>Many have fallen to the Gorgo, but you did
not. It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<<else>>It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<</if>>”
You nearly choke. “So you’re just going to let us walk out of here?”
The Count’s eyes narrow. “Consider it a show of mercy,” he says coolly,
“or a call to truce. You have cost me an entire company of dedicated
mercenaries. No matter. They can be replaced, can they not, Rhodarth?”
His eyes flicker over the defeated mercenary captain.
Rhodarth falls silent and looks away.
“Leave this place, Wayfarer,” the Count continues. “Flee to Velantis
with the Anaxas child. And should you ever return to Rona, rest assured
there will be a reckoning—”
Gripping his spear, Rhodarth pushes past you, stalking down the path
towards the Count. There is a cold fury in his eyes.
“This is the end of our arrangement, Nalos,” he says.
“A bold statement,” the Count replies flatly, “when you are the one
negotiating with our adversaries. Our arrangement ends on my word alone,
not yours.”
“I sacrificed good people on your behalf,” Rhodarth spits.
“If you seek to pass out blame, look to your new friends,” the Count
sneers. “I believe it was they who killed them.”
Rhodarth rams the butt of his spear into the ground. “No more,” he
grunts. He lets out a low hiss and hurtles up the path. Raising his
spear, he lunges forward, leaping up the steps to the mansion. He
thrusts the spear at the Count—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-50 RHO ATTACKS
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<if $health is
"injured">>Rhodarth’s spear slams into your shoulder. His blow
throws you back and you crash into an ornamental flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 GO TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries +=
1>>Rhodarth’s spear slams into your shoulder. His blow throws you
back and you crash into an ornamental flower bed.
A strangled yell rings through the courtyard.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
Pain spikes through your body. You arch your back, trying to push
yourself up, feet scuffling at the dirt, but you’re trapped by the
spear. Rhodarth looms over you, a reserved look in his eye.
He looks… disappointed? Disheartened?
You don’t know. You can barely focus. Your mind is numb, your vision
clouding. No amount of sarcastic quips or quick movements will get you
out of this. A part of you notes, amusingly, that you’re pinned to the
ground like a harpooned fish.
“Rhodarth!” an angry voice shouts.
Rhodarth turns, one hand remaining on the spear. “Stay back, Kellis,” he
says. “Or I will kill your friend.”
“Leave $himher be,” Aeran calls. You hear the creak of his bow, the
gentle hum of the string being drawn. A terse silence falls over the
courtyard, all focus on Aeran and Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 AERAN ATTACKS
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
Count stands in the threshold of his mansion. <<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-12 DISTRACT")>>He holds a hand to his
neck, fingers massaging the deep mark left by Aeran’s noose, an
unreadable expression on his face.<<else>>He holds his
folded hands calmly in front of him, an unreadable expression on his
face.<</if>>
“This fight is over,” you call. “What else do I have to do to get you to
leave us alone?”
The Count observes you coolly. “Nothing.”
“No… what?” <<if $health is "injured">>Your body feels…
numb. You ignore it.<<else>><</if>>
“Nothing,” he continues. “You have defied your sentence. <<if
$basiliskslain is true>>Many have fallen to the Gorgo, but you did
not. It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<<else>>It would be a shame to kill a warrior of such
skill.<</if>>”
You nearly choke. “So you’re just going to let us walk out of here?”
The Count’s eyes narrow. “Consider it a show of mercy,” he says coolly,
“or a call to truce. You have cost me a handful of dedicated
mercenaries. No matter. They can be replaced, can they not, Rhodarth?”
His eyes flicker over the defeated mercenary captain.
Rhodarth falls silent and looks away.
“Leave this place, Wayfarer,” the Count continues. “Flee to Velantis
with the Anaxas child. And should you ever return to Rona, rest assured
there will be a reckoning—”
Gripping his spear, Rhodarth pushes past you, stalking down the path
towards the Count. There is a cold fury in his eyes.
“This is the end of our arrangement, Nalos,” he says.
“A bold statement,” the Count replies flatly, “when you are the one
negotiating with our adversaries. Our arrangement ends on my word alone,
not yours.”
“I sacrificed good people on your behalf,” Rhodarth spits.
“If you seek to pass out blame, look to your new friends,” the Count
sneers. “I believe it was they who killed them.”
Rhodarth rams the butt of his spear into the ground. “No more,” he
grunts. He lets out a low hiss and hurtles up the path. Raising his
spear, he lunges forward, leaping up the steps to the mansion. He
thrusts the spear at the Count—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-50 RHO ATTACKS
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The flowers block your vision.
You arch your neck, peering over the tops of their petals. Aeran stands
grimly on the path, bow drawn, an arrow pointed at Rhodarth’s chest.
“Let $himher go!” Aeran shouts.
“I can’t,” Rhodarth murmurs.
Aeran lets out an unearthly cry and fires. A mercenary barrels into
Rhodarth, pushing him out of the way. The arrow strikes the mercenary in
the chest and he collapses on the ground. Eyes wide with shock,
Rhodarth spins around, snarling, and pulls his spear free.
You cry out as the spear tip leaves your shoulder. Blooze oozes from the
wound. You blink, unable to rise, your body paralyzed with pain.
Aeran sprints down the path and seizes your fallen sword. He skids
across the path, striking at Rhodarth. The mercenary captain throws
himself back, but Aeran’s blow grazes his side, drawing blood. Rhodarth
pivots, spinning away. He presses a hand to his side and raises it, a
strange look on his face as he takes in his bloody palm. A strangled
laugh escapes his throat.
Aeran strikes. Rhodarth scrambles back, narrowly dodging out of the way.
Though Aeran’s blows are sloppy, there is an unbridled fury to his
movements that make them difficult to predict.
“So this is what it’s come to, Aeran,” Rhodarth calls. He swings his
spear around, tip pointed down. “Do you intend to kill me this time?”
“Save it,” Aeran spits.
He attacks. Rhodarth moves to parry, but Aeran slides under the spear
and closes the distance between them. A faint look of panic crosses
Rhodarth’s face as he draws the spear back, realizing he may be too
late. With the distance closed, his long reach puts him at a
disadvantage—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran slams into him, ramming the hilt of the blade into his
stomach and shoves him to the ground. Rhodarth cries out, dropping his
spear as he crashes into the dirt and lands sharply on his back. His
fingers reach for his weapon, but Aeran slams a foot on his wrist and
shoves the blade beneath his chin.
The remnants of his company lurch forward, weapons pointed at Aeran. In
their rush, they seem to have forgotten you.
“I… I yield,” Rhodarth calls. “Stand down, I yield!”
The mercenaries lower their weapons, watching Aeran with venom in their
eyes.
“So,” Rhodarth chuckles. “Whatever shall you do, Aeran Kellis? Kill me
with the cursed blade and call this matter closed, my company shall not
seek vengeance. Or let me live and know you’ve given the Count one more
tool to terrorize this city.”
Aeran remains still, the point of your blade hovering at Rhodarth’s
throat. He says nothing.
You slowly push yourself up, pain flaring through your body. Aeran
glances at you, eyes flickering to your wound. He presses his lips
together and turns to Rhodarth, breathing heavily.
<i>“…fuck,”</i> he mutters after a moment. He straightens,
keeping Rhodarth at sword point, and looks at you. “I can’t… I can’t
make this decision,” he grunts. “$firstname, what do we do?”
You stand shakily and hobble out of the flower bed. Rhodarth’s eyes
haven’t left Aeran’s face. There’s a strangely peaceful expression on
his face, as if he’s accepted the inevitable. As if he’s waiting for it.
“$firstname?” Aeran presses.
Your mind whirls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Rhodarth is a tool of the Count, nothing
more. Your problems are with the Count, not him.|Chapter 1-5-41 THOUGHT
1][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Rhodarth may be a tool of the Count,
but he still attacked you. He has tried to kill you several times this
evening.|Chapter 1-5-41 THOUGHT 2][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Rhodarth attacked you. You have no
obligations to those who try to kill you.|Chapter 1-5-41 THOUGHT
3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You can’t focus. Aeran says
something, but his words are lost to you. You lie in the garden, your
vision darkening, strangely aware of the flowers tickling the back of
your neck. Pain blossoms in your shoulder, though it is growing numb.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Voices hum in your ears. You can’t make out the words. You
stare but at the sky. The first star appears, twinkling so far above.
You exhale.
Your vision goes black.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>And
yet the way he speaks, the choice he’s thrust on Aeran and—by
extension—you… Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly
serve?
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die. But the way he speaks, the choice
he’s thrust on Aeran and—by extension—you, there’s something off about
it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die. But the way he speaks, the choice
he’s thrust on Aeran and—by extension—you… there’s something off about
it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 EXECUTE OR
SPARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname?”
Aeran repeats.
Rhodarth chuckles, his upper lip curling.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-41 EXECUTE
RHO">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Execute
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-41 SPARE
RHO">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Let him
go.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5, 90)>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Rhodarth
Executed<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
5>><<set $executions += 1>>“Do it,” you say quietly.
Aeran nods. He falls silent, quietly observing Rhodarth, his hands no
longer trembling. Then he rams the sword through Rhodarth’s chest.
Rhodarth chokes a garbled gasp, blood dripping from his mouth. A
luminescence shines bright around him, growing in intensity as whatever
magic he has desperately tries to heal his mangled chest—
It winks out.
Rhodarth’s head hangs down, his chin resting against his chest. His eyes
remain open, unseeing and hollow.
Aeran steps back and pulls the sword free.
He turns, his hand dropping to his side. “Your leader is dead,” he
calls, addressing the remaining mercenaries. “You should…”
He falters. The mercenaries are shaking. They drop their weapons, hands
pressed to their chests.
“You should,” Aeran begins again.
The mercenaries look around wildly at each other, eyes wide with
astonishment. A woman glances at the mansion, then rips the red kerchief
free from her arm. She throws it to the ground, crushing it with her
foot, and spits on it.
“Fuck you, Cere Nalos!” she screams, then spins and sprints for the
gate. She yanks the heavy doors open and vanishes.
A murmur of surprise ripples through the company and, one-by-one, the
rest of the mercenaries follow suit. You watch, eyebrows raised, as they
flee, whooping and hollering, and disappear into the night.
“Aeran,” you murmur, “what—”
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 COUNT DEAL RHO
DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5, 90)>><<notify
3000>><i class="far fa-flag"></i> Rhodarth
Spared<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$spares += 1>>“Let him go,” you say quietly.
Aeran exhales softly, a grateful look crossing his face. He glances at
you and nods, then withdraws the sword.
Rhodarth’s eyes widen. “No,” he says, desperation creeping into his
voice. “This is the perfect opportunity—”
You step beside Aeran and take your sword. You sheathe it. “We’re not
going to kill you,” you say, a note of finality in your voice.
“You don’t understand—”
“An unforeseen display, Wayfarers,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHOCO
ALIVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The sphere hits the pavement
directly in the centre of the company and explodes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You slam your hands over your ears, your eardrums ringing.
Smoke and sparks balloon outwards, washing over you with the acrid smell
of burning flesh. Heat sears your back as you and Aeran sail through
the air, knocked forwards by the blast, and plunge into the pool.
You surface, coughing, eyes stinging, and peer through the smoke. You
are met with a deadened silence, penetrated only by the whimpering moans
of the survivors.
Aeran looks at you, eyes wide with horror. He swims for shore,
scrambling out of the water in a panicked rush. You follow, trying to
call his name, but nothing comes out, your voice a dry, hoarse wreck.
You step into the smoke and freeze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
grisly scene meets your eyes.
The cart has been obliterated, torn to shreds by the blast. Rhodarth’s
company is decimated. Corpses litter the courtyard, blood smearing the
pavement below them. Blasted-off limbs lie among ornamental flowers.
Some of the mercenaries are still alive, curled into tight balls and
rocking back and forth, whimpering in pain, their bodies speckled with
the remnants of the thundersphere’s shell. Others lie on the ground,
barely moving, chunks of wood embedded in their arms and legs. One man
struggles to pull himself to the gate, trailing bloody stumps.
A woman lies propped against the body of her fallen comrade. Her arm
hangs loose at her side, blasted off at the elbow. She stares at you, a
hollow fury in her eyes. “Fi... fiends,” she rasps, her voiced slurred.
<i>“Fiends!”</i>
You look away, a knot twisting in your gut.
“Didn’t Myn tell you to be careful with those?” Aeran says coldly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I did what I had to.”|Chapter 1-5-38
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yes, but… I didn’t think it would
be like this.”|Chapter 1-5-38 B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|Chapter 1-5-38
C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5, 90)>>“This isn’t what
you had to, $firstname,” he replies. “Not like this. Not ever like
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, they were going to kill us.”|Chapter
1-5-39 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe so, but I still stopped
them.”|Chapter 1-5-39 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|Chapter 1-5-39
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“Don’t blame your
rashness on ignorance, $firstname,” Aeran snaps. “You didn’t think
through what would happen.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, they were going to kill us.”|Chapter
1-5-39 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe not, but I stopped
them.”|Chapter 1-5-39 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I did what I had to.”|Chapter
1-5-39 B 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>Aeran sighs and
pushes past you, stalking by. You draw back, remaining still while he
searches the courtyard. The smoke hangs heavy in the air, the tang of
blood and burning flesh sharp on your tongue. Your ears hurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-45]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grunts and looks away.
“Would it be any different if we fought them with swords and arrows?”
you add. “Dead is dead, regardless of the means.”
“I don’t like it,” he says, pushing past you to search the courtyard.
“Fine.”
You draw back, remaining still. The smoke hangs heavy in the air, the
tang of blood and burning flesh sharp on your tongue. Your ears hurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-45]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grunts and looks away.
“Would it be any different if we fought them with swords and arrows?”
you add. “Dead is dead, regardless of the means.”
“I don’t like it,” he says, pushing past you to search the courtyard.
“Fine.”
You draw back, remaining still. The smoke hangs heavy in the air, the
tang of blood and burning flesh sharp on your tongue. Your ears hurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-45]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs and pushes past you, stalking by. You draw back, remaining still
while he searches the courtyard. The smoke hangs heavy in the air, the
tang of blood and burning flesh sharp on your tongue. Your ears hurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-45]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>>“Not like this,
$firstname,” Aeran says coldly. “Not ever like this.”
“Would it be any different if we fought them with swords and arrows?”
you reply. “Dead is dead, regardless of the means.”
“I don’t like it,” he says, pushing past you to search the courtyard.
You draw back, remaining still. The smoke hangs heavy in the air, the
tang of blood and burning flesh sharp on your tongue. Your ears hurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-45]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set
$companyThundersphere to true>>“$firstname,” Aeran calls. “Here!”
You follow his voice, pushing through the smoke. Aeran crouches a little
up the path, some feet away from the bridge. Rhodarth lies in a patch
of crushed ornamental flowers, his spear at his side. Three corpses lie
clustered behind him; it seems he tried to protect them from the blast.
His face is ashen and coated with blood, one eye swelled shut. Beneath
his shredded and charred clothes, you can see fragments of the sphere’s
shell embedded in his skin. He coughs weakly, his open yellow eye
narrowing as you come into view.
“An unexpected move, Wayfarer,” he wheezes. “Well done.” His words turn
into a rasping cough.
“We could have talked, Rho,” Aeran says, his brows knitted together.
“Why did you have to be so damn <i>pigheaded?”</i>
Rhodarth tilts his head toward him. “We’re far past the point where
you’re privy to my reasonings, Kellis,” he rasps, closing his eyes. “Or
do you demand a full explanation delivered by dramatic monologue from
every person you kill?”
“Shut up,” Aeran snaps. “You’re hardly dead.”
You’re about to ask what he means when you notice that Rhodarth is
<i>glowing</i>. A faint luminescence spreads from the centre
of his chest, rushing over his body. Slowly, his body heals. Fresh skin
pushes thundersphere shrapnel from his body and knits the torn flesh
back together. Wounds close, the swelling in his eye reduces, dark
bruises lighten, slowly fading from sight. Though he is still coated
with blood and ash, his body is recovering.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“This isn’t the first time I’ve been blown up,” Rhodarth
grunts, eyes still closed. “But if you wanted to cause me pain, consider
it a success—I felt it all.” He opens his eyes and glances from you to
Aeran. “Maybe you should have shot me with one of your cursed arrows,
Kellis. It would have been easier that way.”
“You’re defeated,” Aeran says. “You don’t have to fight anymore—”
“Do I not?” He grimaces. “I am at your mercy and you have a choice to
make. My company is dead, I am all that is left. Kill me with your
Alassar steel and call this matter closed, or let me live and know
you’ve given the Count one more tool to terrorize this city.”
Aeran pales. He scrambles to his feet, staring at you. There’s a
pleading look in his eye.
“$firstname,” he says. “Whatever you’re thinking—”
“I’m not thinking anything,” you reply. You rest a hand on your sword
hilt.
“Do it, Wayfarer,” Rhodarth calls. His eyes burn into yours. “Do it
before I heal completely.”
“$firstname,” Aeran says. “Leave him be.”
You grind your teeth, fingers grasping the hilt of your sword, your mind
whirling.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Rhodarth is a tool of the Count, nothing
more. Your problems are with the Count, not him.|Chapter 1-5-45 THOUGHT
1][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Rhodarth may be a tool of the Count,
but he still attacked you. He has tried to kill you several times this
evening.|Chapter 1-5-45 THOUGHT 2][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Rhodarth attacked you. You have no
obligations to those who try to kill you.|Chapter 1-5-45 THOUGHT
3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>And
yet the way he speaks, the choice he’s thrust on you… Does he want to
die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-45
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die by your hand. But the way he speaks,
the choice he’s thrust on you… there’s something off about it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-45
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>And
for that, maybe he deserves to die by your hand. But the way he speaks,
the choice he’s thrust on you… there’s something off about it.
Does he want to die? What purpose could that possibly serve?
Maybe giving him the thing he wants is the last thing you should do.
There must be more to this story, but there is no time to unravel it.
You must make a choice: kill him, defending yourself from the Count and
giving him the release he seems to crave, or let him live and let the
pieces fall where they may. Rona will soon be nothing but a memory; how
much do you care about what befalls it after you’re gone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-45
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw your sword.
“$firstname,” Aeran pleads. “Don’t do this.”
Your mouth is dry, your throat rough and ragged. Your ears hurt.
<<if $health is "injured">>Pain spikes across your body,
your wounds growing numb.<<else>>You’re sore and exhausted,
fatigue pulling at your muscles.<</if>>
You’re tired of it all.
You turn to Rhodarth. He lies on the ground, breathing heavily, head
tilted back, watching you expectantly with gleaming, yellow eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-45 EXECUTE
RHO">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Execute
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-45 SPARE
RHO">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Let him
go.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 40, 5, 90)>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Rhodarth
Executed<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
6>><<set $executions += 1>>You shoulder Aeran out of
the way and ram your sword through Rhodarth’s chest.
He chokes a garbled gasp, blood dripping from his mouth. The
luminescence shines bright around him, growing in intensity as his magic
desperately tries to heal his mangled chest—and then it winks out.
Rhodarth’s head hangs down, his chin resting against his chest. His eyes
remain open, sightless and hollow.
You step back and pull your sword free.
“$firstname,” Aeran whispers. He’s shaking, his hands balled into fists.
“I had to,” you say. “You were far too close to him, your emotions were
blinding you from the situation—”
“An unforeseen display,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-41 COUNT DEAL RHO
DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5, 90)>><<notify
3000>><i class="far fa-flag"></i> Rhodarth
Spared<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$spares += 1>>You sheathe your sword. “No,” you say. “I won’t be
pushed into becoming the instrument of your death.”
Rhodarth’s eyes widen. “No,” he rasps, glowing brighter. “No, I beg
you—”
“I’m not going to kill you,” you interrupt.
“You don’t understand—”
“An unforeseen display,” a cold voice rings out. “You should
congratulate yourselves. Never did I expect this to be the way events
unfolded tonight.”
You close your eyes, swallowing hard, and turn towards the voice. When
you open them, you see a familiar figure surveying the courtyard with an
ugly sneer on his face.
The Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHO ALIVE
CO DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
strike fails. He stumbles, dropping the spear. It clatters
unceremoniously to the ground. Rhodarth gasps for breath and sinks to
his knees at the Count’s feet, clutching at his chest. The Count kneels
beside him and presses a hand to his cheek, fingernails digging into his
skin.
“You think you can breach a blood oath so easily?” he murmurs. “Then
suffer the pain of your own violation.”
Rhodarth grunts.
The Count chuckles coldly. “I admit, I am hurt by such shameless
defiance. Whatever shall I do with you?”
Aeran grimaces, teeth clenched, a muscle twitching in his jaw. You
remain rooted to the spot, unable to look away. <<if $health is
"injured">>Pain spikes through your side, constricting your chest.
You feel nauseous.<<else>><</if>>
“Go, Wayfarer,” he calls. He does not look at you. “Go before you try my
patience. This matter does not concern you.”
You glance at Rhodarth’s trembling, shaking form.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Help Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-51 HELP
RHO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-51 DON'T
HELP][$rhodarthDead to true, $rhodarthDead_How to
7]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,”
you say.
You sprint up the path, blade in hand. The Count looks up, startled by
your defiance and swift movement. As you swerve around Rhodarth and
raise your sword, the Count releases him, shoving himself backwards—
You strike. Your blade slices through nothing. You stumble forwards,
unbalanced by your own momentum<<if $health is "injured">>
and pain<</if>>, and swing around, eyes searching for your
opponent.
The Count has retreated past the threshold and into the mansion. He
crouches on the floor, one knee down, the other raised, his crimson
hands brilliant and shining against the marble floor. He raises his
head, fangs bared, a silent laugh playing on his lips, and throws out a
hand to the side. A shadow in the vague form of a sword fuzzes in the
air; moments later, a blade warps into existence, dripping mist. It is a
long, unearthly thing with a jagged edge, as if carved from the bones
of a monstrous underwater beast.
The Count lunges, gliding through the air like an eel through water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and kick
him square in the chest.|Chapter 1-5-51 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and kick him square in
the chest.|Chapter 1-5-51 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge and get behind him.|Chapter 1-5-51
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge and get behind
him.|Chapter 1-5-51 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Parry and kick him square in the chest.|Chapter 1-5-51
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry and kick him square in the
chest.|Chapter 1-5-51 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Dodge and get behind him.|Chapter 1-5-51 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dodge and get behind him.|Chapter 1-5-51
AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>>“I think we’ve had enough meddling in
other people’s messes,” you say heavily. “We’re going.”
You turn and walk down the path and across the bridge.
“$firstname—” Aeran calls.
“Get out of here, Kellis!” Rhodarth’s strangled voice calls.
<i>“Go!”</i>
Aeran wavers, glancing from Rhodarth to you to the Count. Then he shakes
himself and sprints down the path, following you to the gates.
You hear a muffled, agonized cry behind you.
Shutting out Rhodarth’s screams, you pass through the gates and head
back into the town.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
parry his blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his
blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately
holding on as the Count attempts to pull your sword from your grasp.
Suddenly, you let go and kick him in the chest.
Your blade clatters to the ground as the Count flies backwards, landing
hard on the floor and skidding several feet down the hall. He grunts,
tangled in his purple robe, and pushes himself up. You grab your sword
and follow up, sprinting down the hall. You shove your blade beneath his
chin, the point resting against the hollow of his throat.
Red eyes gleam up at you. “Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-51 EXECUTE
COUNT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Execute
the Count.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-51 SPARE
COUNT">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Spare the
Count.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
parry his blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his
blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately
holding on as the Count pulls back. He yanks your blade from your grasp,
the weapon tumbling through the air.
You stumble forward, hands frantically reaching for it, but the Count
lands a swift kick to your stomach. You bow over in pain, the wind
knocked from your lungs, and look up to see the Count gracefully holding
out an expectant palm. Your blade falls into his hand.
He smirks, holding up the blade. The Alassar steel catches the light,
glinting brightly. “Such mysteries contained in these blades,” he says.
“Are their secrets lost to time, I wonder? Or does your Order merely not
comprehend the relics they had the fortune to inherit?”
<i>“Give it back,”</i> you grunt through gritted teeth.
“Oh no, I think not,” the Count replies.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-51 INJURED][$health to
"injured", $injuries += 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
throw yourself to the side. The Count flies by you, momentarily
unbalanced by his own momentum. You charge at his undefended back and
loop your arm around his neck, dragging him backwards down the hall. He
struggles against you, tangled in his purple robe.
You throw him to the floor. He grunts, taking the brunt of the force
with outstretched hands, and turns, crawling forwards. You shove your
blade beneath his chin, the point resting against the hollow of his
throat.
He pauses, frozen on the floor, red eyes gleaming up at you.
“Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-51 EXECUTE
COUNT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Execute
the Count.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-5-51 SPARE
COUNT">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Spare the
Count.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
throw yourself to the side, but you aren’t fast enough. The Count
strikes you in the side, his jagged blade shearing through your tunic
and slicing flesh. You are knocked to your knees. You drop your sword
reflexively, your hands pressing against the wound.
The Count sweeps your blade out of your reach and gracefully picks it
up. He holds up the blade. The Alassar steel catches the light, glinting
brightly. “Such mysteries contained in these blades,” he says. “Are
their secrets lost to time, I wonder? Or does your Order merely not
understand the relics they have the fortune to inherit?”
<i>“Give it back,”</i> you grunt through gritted teeth.
“Oh no, I think not,” the Count replies.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-51 INJURED][$health to
"injured", $injuries += 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Crimson Count
Executed<</notify>><<set $executions +=
1>><<set $countDead to true>><<set
$countDead_How to 6>>You ram the point of your blade through his
throat.
The Count’s eyes widen and a spurting gurgle escapes him as he raises
his hands to his mangled throat. The light fades from his eyes and he
collapses, bright blood pooling across the marble floor. You draw back,
staring at his lifeless form, and let out a long, weary sigh.
Exhaustion floods your mind and body. You are so very, very
<i>tired.</i>
You turn. Aeran kneels beside Rhodarth, one hand grasping his shoulder.
They stare at you with an incomprehensible unease—whether it’s shock or
awe or derision, you can’t tell. And at this point, frankly, you don’t
care.
You wipe your blade clean and sheathe it.
“Let’s go,” you say, walking by them.
Aeran and Rhodarth scramble to their feet and follow you down the path.
You hear an exchange of hurried murmurs between them,<<if
$ancestry is "aeda">> but you don’t care to focus on their
words.<<else>> but you can’t make out the
words.<</if>> You want nothing more than to get out of this
hellpit.
“$firstname,” Rhodarth begins. “I—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” you interrupt. “Your thanks, your grovelling,
whatever. This wasn’t about you.”
You step onto the bridge. Rhodarth grabs your arm, pulling you to stop.
You swing around and meet his eyes—yellow, pupils contracted to slits, a
haunted look carved into his angular features.
“Then what?” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Only death can break a blood oath. No one
should be tormented by such magic.”|Chapter 1-5-52 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “This city has suffered enough
because of people like him.”|Chapter 1-5-52 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “He deserved to die.”|Chapter 1-5-52
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 7>>You
lower your blade.
The Count’s eyes widen and flicker from you to your sword and back
again. He chuckles, his laughter growing, shaking his body as he sprawls
on the floor. “How unexpected,” he sneers. “So beneath that hardened
shell is a soft heart after all.”
“I can still kill you,” you snap.
“But you won’t.” The Count grins, baring fangs. “Here I am, at your
mercy, and you cannot bring yourself to do the deed. Guard that
weakness, Wayfarer—there are those who would exploit you for it.”
“We’ll be leaving,” you grunt. “Let Rhodarth go.”
“You are free to pass through the gates,” the Count replies. He gathers
his tangled robe, smoothing down the front and sides as he rises to his
feet. “I have no choice but to gracefully accept my defeat—”
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-52 AERAN KILLS
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>>Another swift kick to
your gut has you on the ground. The Count stands over you, swaying in
your hazy vision. “If I were to do that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he
says. “And I am not inclined to die tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his
fingers around the hilt. Then he plunges the blade down, piercing your
shoulder.
You cry out, your vision going dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You see,” the Count’s disembodied voice continues, “I have
planted far too many seeds in this desolate city, seeds that are yet to
sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of your mouth as
your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“And like any great gardener,” the Count continues, “I would
taste the fruits of my labours before my passing—”
A flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground
beside you, you feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it
rattles your teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>A
faint smile pulls at the corners of his lips, but you blink and it’s
gone. Did you imagine it?
“The details of my oaths are of no one’s concern but mine,” Rhodarth
says. “You insert yourself into matters that are not your own and
stumble into a resolution that was not yours to attain.”
“Are you criticizing me for saving your life?” you reply bluntly.
“You should not have killed the Count,” he says. His grip on your arm
tightens. “A half year in residence is not long enough for you to be
considered anything but an outsider, blind to the nature of this beast—”
“Rho.” Aeran’s hand brushes his shoulder. “Give it a rest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-53]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
another will only rise to take his place,” Rhodarth replies. “That is
the way. The Seven rule Rona, and seven there must be.”
You shrug. “We’ll be long gone by then—”
“Never to witness the consequences of your actions tonight,” he
interrupts. His grip on your arm tightens. “A half year in residence is
not long enough for you to be considered anything but an outsider, blind
to the nature of this beast—”
“Rho.” Aeran’s hand brushes his shoulder. “Give it a rest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-53]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)>>“Yes,” Rhodarth
says. “But it was not for you to be his executioner.” His grip on your
arm tightens. “A half year in residence is not long enough for you to be
considered anything but an outsider, blind to the nature of this
beast—”
“Rho.” Aeran’s hand brushes his shoulder. “Give it a rest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-53]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHOCO ALIVE")>>Rhodarth’s
jaw clenches, but his fingers loosen their grip. His hand drops to his
side and raises his chin, looking to the sky. The last vestiges of the
sun slip below the horizon, its brilliant rays fading to the dark indigo
of night. “Anselma Malley has eyes everywhere,” he says. “You will be
sought for the Count’s death. The Viridian Lady has no love for him, but
the death of one of the Seven by an outsider is an insult that will not
be taken lightly. Go. I’ll deal with the aftermath.”
“Rho.” Aeran slips in front of him. He presses a hand to Rhodarth’s
shoulder, an unfamiliar intensity in his eyes. “You don’t owe this city
anything—”
Rhodarth laughs darkly. “What would you know about the weight of
responsibility, Aeran?” he says. “You’ve never stayed around long enough
to bear it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth strides ahead, pushing past you and Aeran. You follow in his
wake, Aeran walking silently at your side, winding your way through the
garden to the gates.
“Take care on your journey, Wayfarer,” Rhodarth says when you reach the
gates. “Should we meet again, may it be under better stars.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Can’t say I’m a fan of getting kidnapped
and brought forcibly to places I didn’t agree to go to, but it wasn’t
all bad. Take care of yourself, Rhodarth.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just stay out of our way next time.
If there is a next time.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod and walk through the
gates.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-40 DEAL COUNT RHO ALIVE CO
DEAD")>>Rhodarth’s jaw clenches, but his fingers loosen their
grip. His hand drops to his side and he raises his chin, looking to the
sky. The last vestiges of the sun slip below the horizon, its brilliant
rays fading to the dark indigo of night. “Anselma Malley has eyes
everywhere,” he says. “You will be sought for the Count’s death. The
Viridian Lady has no love for him, but the death of one of the Seven by
an outsider is an insult that will not be taken lightly.”
“Rho.” Aeran slips in front of him. He presses a hand to Rhodarth’s
shoulder, an unfamiliar intensity in his eyes. “You don’t owe this city
anything—”
Rhodarth laughs darkly. He leans in close, his face inches from Aeran’s.
“What would you know about the weight of responsibility, Aeran?” he
says. “You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth strides ahead, pushing past you and Aeran. You follow in his
wake, Aeran walking silently at your side, winding your way through the
garden to the gates.
“Your actions tonight disturb me greatly, Wayfarer,” Rhodarth says when
you reach the gates. “Though we had no choice but to fight one another,
though you slew Cere Nalos, I cannot absolve what you have done. I hope
we do not meet again.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This can’t mean much, but… take care of
yourself, Rhodarth.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just stay out of our way next time.
If there is a next time.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod and walk through the
gates.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL BASILISK")>>Rhodarth’s jaw
clenches, but his fingers loosen their grip. His hand drops to his side
and raises his chin, looking to the sky. The last vestiges of the sun
slip below the horizon, its brilliant rays fading into the dark indigo
of night. “Anselma Malley has eyes everywhere,” he says. “You will be
sought for the Count’s death. The Viridian Lady has no love for him, but
the death of one of the Seven by an outsider is an insult that will not
be taken lightly. Go. I’ll deal with the aftermath.”
“Rho.” Aeran slips in front of him. He presses a hand to Rhodarth’s
shoulder, an unfamiliar intensity in his eyes. “Take your company and
go. You don’t owe this city anything—”
Rhodarth laughs darkly. He leans in close, his face inches from Aeran’s.
“What would you know about the weight of responsibility, Aeran?” he
says. “You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth strides ahead, pushing past you and Aeran. You follow in his
wake, winding your way through the garden to the gates. You pass the
sprawled basilisk corpse, its torn eyes staring sightlessly at the sky
above. Rhodarth’s company keeps their distance; for hardened
mercenaries, they are unexpectedly cautious around the beast’s body.
You stop beside the serpent’s head and purse your lips. Its teeth glint
in its widened mouth. Basilisks are rare and a tooth would be worth a
great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-53 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<else>><<transfer '$holding'
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</if>>Leaving the villa behind,
you and Aeran wind your way through the dark streets. You’re exhausted
from your fight and have no energy to spare, so you walk in silence as
you head for the Docks. Night falls in earnest now as the sun falls
below the horizon. The rainclouds have moved on, leaving the sky lit by a
splash of stars.
Rona is far from silent. While night usually signals a flow of harried
workers to the Cove for its evening distractions, the streets are busier
than usual. A simmering tension grows as townsfolk emerge from their
homes and businesses, their muttered voices carrying a clash of
excitement and worry. Some shoot you furtive looks, but most ignore
you—you aren’t the first exhausted and wounded people to lurk in the
streets.
You reach the town square. The morning shops have closed, the vendors
and merchants having removed their goods and collapsed their stalls
hours ago. More people gather in clusters, in the corners, at the front
of alleys, the air humming with whispers and murmurs. <<if $health
is "injured">>You draw more looks and more stares as you limp
across the square, Aeran at your side.<<else>>You draw a few
looks as you walk across the square, though they all quickly turn
away.<</if>>
You lock eyes with an Aeda with blue-green wings and an emerald green
kerchief tied around one arm. You stare them down, summoning all your
remaining strength to send your voiceless threat. They turn and push off
the pavement, soaring into the air, their lustrous wings carrying them
away into the night.
You watch them go, an uncomfortable twist in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $courtyardmelee is
true>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 square
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 VILLA
2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Blood
splatters your face as a silver arrow sprouts in the Count’s eye. His
head snaps back and he collapses onto the floor. Blood leaks from the
wound, staining the white marble beneath him.
You glance behind and see Aeran lower his bow, a furious look in his
face.
“You let him talk too much,” he says bluntly. He strides forward and
pulls the arrow free, Alassar steel shimmering in his hand as he wipes
it clean and shoves it back in his quiver.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell did you do?!”|Chapter 1-5-54
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He let us go, Aeran.”|Chapter
1-5-54 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and say nothing. Maybe you
should have killed the Count yourself.|Chapter 1-5-54
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>>“Don’t be naïve,
$firstname,” Aeran snaps. “He was getting to you.” He glances at the
Count’s body. His remaining eye stares blankly at the ceiling. “You
can’t show mercy to people like him.”
He turns and stalks away, limping out into the garden.
“That’s not for us to decide,” you shout, following him down the path.
Rhodarth trails behind, an unfathomable expression on his face.
“He tried to have us killed, $firstname!” Aeran yells. “Sorry I find
that a little difficult to forgive.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>“He
tried to have us killed,” Aeran replies. He glances at the Count’s
body. His remaining eye stares blankly at the ceiling. “You can’t show
mercy to people like him.”
“Maybe,” you say. “But there’s other ways to deal with this.”
“Maybe you can spare him,” he grunts. “But I can’t.”
He turns and walks away, heading out into the garden. You follow,
Rhodarth trailing behind, an unfathomable expression on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stands over the Count’s body, staring down at it with a cold fury. “Had
to be done,” he mutters. “You can’t show mercy to people like him.”
“No,” you say. “I guess not.”
He turns and hobbles away, heading out into the garden. You follow,
Rhodarth trailing behind, an unfathomable expression on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5-55]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Brightblades<</notify>><<set $brightbladecodex to
true>><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK")>>Aeran crosses onto the bridge. Rhodarth pushes past
you, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. He swings around, blue
eyes blazing.
“I don’t need you meddling in my affairs,” he grunts.
Aeran laughs hollowly. “Are you sure? Because I’m having a hard time
figuring out how a member of the Corsida Brightblades comes to swear a
blood oath to Cere Nalos.”
“Perhaps for the same reasons a Wayfarer ends up contracted to the Guild
of Mages,” Rhodarth spits out. “Spare me your judgement, Aeran. I had
my fill years ago.”
Aeran looks away, shame flushing his cheeks. “I…” His words fade. “I’m
sorry, Rho.”
“You should run.” There’s a strained tone to Rhodarth’s voice. He
loosens his grip on Aeran’s arm. He drops his hand to his side and
raises his chin, looking to the sky. The last vestiges of the sun slip
below the horizon, its brilliant rays fading into the dark indigo of
night. “Run to Velantis, where you will never witness the consequences
of your actions tonight,” he continues. “Anselma Malley has eyes
everywhere. You will be sought for the Count’s death. The Viridian Lady
has no love for him, but the death of one of the Seven by an outsider is
an insult that will not be taken lightly.”
Aeran nods. He presses a hand to Rhodarth’s shoulder. “Rho,” he says.
“Listen to me. Take your company and go. You don’t owe this city
anything—”
Rhodarth laughs darkly. He leans in close, his face inches from Aeran’s.
“What would you know about the weight of responsibility, Aeran?” he
says. “You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth strides ahead, pushing past Aeran. You follow in his wake,
<<if $aeraninjured is true>>Aeran limping silently at your
side,<<else>>Aeran at your side,<</if>> winding
your way through the garden to the gates. You pass the sprawled basilisk
corpse, its torn eyes staring sightlessly at the sky above. Rhodarth’s
company keeps their distance; for hardened mercenaries, they are
unexpectedly cautious around the beast’s body.
You stop beside the serpent’s head and purse your lips. Its teeth glint
in its widened mouth. Basilisks are rare and a tooth would be worth a
great fortune…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-53 BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
crosses onto the bridge. Rhodarth pushes past you, grabbing his arm and
pulling him to a stop. He swings around, blue eyes blazing.
“Don’t thank me, Rho,” Aeran says. “It was as much for $firstname as it
was for you.”
“I don’t need you meddling in my affairs,” Rhodarth grunts. He throws a
glance over his shoulder. “I don’t think $firstname appreciates it
either.”
Aeran laughs hollowly. “Are you sure? Because I’m having a hard time
figuring out how a member of the Corsida Brightblades comes to swear a
blood oath to Cere Nalos.”
“Perhaps for the same reasons a Wayfarer ends up contracted to the Guild
of Mages,” Rhodarth spits out. “Spare me your judgement, Aeran. I had
my fill years ago.”
Aeran looks away, shame flushing his cheeks. “I…” His words fade. “I’m
sorry, Rho.”
“You should run.” There’s a strained tone to Rhodarth’s voice. He
loosens his grip on Aeran’s arm. He drops his hand to his side and
raises his chin, looking to the sky. The last vestiges of the sun slip
below the horizon, its brilliant rays fading to the dark indigo of
night. “Run to Velantis, where you will never witness the consequences
of your actions tonight,” he continues. “Anselma Malley has eyes
everywhere. You will be sought for the Count’s death. The Viridian Lady
has no love for him, but the death of one of the Seven by an outsider is
an insult that will not be taken lightly.”
Aeran nods. He presses a hand to Rhodarth’s shoulder. “Rho,” he says.
“Listen to me. Take your company and go. You don’t owe this city
anything—”
Rhodarth laughs darkly. He leans in close, his face inches from Aeran’s.
“What would you know about the weight of responsibility, Aeran?” he
says. “You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth strides ahead, pushing past Aeran. You follow in his wake,
Aeran walking silently at your side, winding your way through the garden
to the gates.
“Take care on your journey, Wayfarer,” Rhodarth says when you reach the
gates. “Should we meet again, may it be under better stars.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Can’t say I’m a fan of getting kidnapped
and brought forcibly to places I didn’t agree to go to, but it wasn’t
all bad. Take care of yourself, Rhodarth.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just stay out of our way next time.
If there is a next time.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod and walk through the
gates.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>>“You can’t show
mercy to people like him,” Aeran snaps. He stalks down the path,
refusing to look at you.
“That’s not for us to decide,” you say, following him.
“Like you decided for Rhodarth?” he shouts.
You swallow hard and fall silent. There’s nothing more you can say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
can’t show mercy to people like him,” Aeran snaps. He stalks down the
path, refusing to look at you.
“Maybe,” you say, following him. “But there are other ways to deal with
this—”
“Like you dealt with Rhodarth?” he shouts.
You swallow hard and fall silent. There’s nothing more you can say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
can’t show mercy to people like him,” Aeran hisses.
You nod. “No,” you say. “You can’t.”
His eyes flicker to you. “Rhodarth wasn’t like him,” he says coldly.
He stalks down the path, heading for the gate. You follow, falling
silent. There’s nothing more you can say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The Count stands at the end of
the bridge and removes his purple robe. “I must thank you, Wayfarer,” he
says, letting it slink to the ground. The shimmering fabric pools at
his feet. His bare chest glints, the swirling patterns of scales
reflecting the glowing lights from the mansion above. “It is a rare
opportunity to fight one such as yourself.”
He holds his jagged blade aloft lightly, carelessly, as if this entire
matter is so beneath him, it will be over in a matter of minutes. “This
will be a true test of skill and skill alone.”
You grit your teeth. “Happy to oblige.”
“Do you know the rules of the <i>ahni nathos?”</i> he
continues.
“Can’t say I’ve heard that term before,” you reply.
The Count arches an eyebrow and observes you with unblinking eyes. “No, I
suppose not,” he muses. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>“You
have clearly never graced the waters of Azili. Your parent should be
ashamed.”
You flush.
“Though I am exiled, I am still bound to their many traditions. I do not
care to explain their intricacies—”<<else>>“The waters of
Azili are not for you, just as they are no longer for me. But they hold
many traditions to which I am bound. I do not care to explain their
intricacies—”<</if>>
“Let’s get on with it, then,” you interrupt. “If I disagree to any
conditions, you’ll throw me to the Gorgo, so a duel is a duel, as far as
I’m concerned.”
The Count’s eyes flash. “Very well,” he says, falling into a stance you
don’t recognize. “In short: one weapon only, no interference from
outside participants. The duel continues until one party forfeits or
dies.”
You press your lips together. Forfeit and get fed to something called
the Gorgo. Don’t forfeit and die by the Count’s blade. You can’t look at
Aeran but you know he’s seething at you doing this on your own.
The Count tilts his head and smiles. “Shall we begin?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You are suddenly struck by an unsettling realization and your
mouth goes dry. The Count is ancient. By Melusine standards, you are an
infant in comparison. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>Even
though you have inherited a similar longevity, the Count is older than
you can realistically comprehend.<<elseif $ancestry is
"dwarven">>Even though your dwarven heritage has gifted you with a
similar longevity, the Count is older than you can realistically
comprehend.<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>Even though your
elven heritage has gifted you with a longer lifespan than most, the
Count is older than you can realistically comprehend.<<elseif
$ancestry is "human">>Your human heritage grants you a century or
so of life. The longevity of the Melusine can be difficult to
comprehend.<<else>>Humans do not live long compared to
elves, dwarves and Melusine; Aeda have even shorter lifespans. The
longevity of the Melusine can be difficult to
comprehend.<</if>> All those centuries to learn, all those
years of compounded knowledge and practice…
You ground yourself, loosening your muscles and planting your feet
firmly against the pavement. Rhodarth, his company, Aeran—they all
become a blur in your peripheral vision as you block them out. You focus
on your breath, calming your mind.
One wrong choice, one reaction too slow and you’ll be facing the wrong
end of the Count’s blade.
You raise your chin and nod.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack first. The quicker you finish this,
the better.|Chapter 1-5 DUEL ATTACK][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go on the defensive. Suss out the
Count’s weaknesses before you attack.|Chapter 1-5 PERCEPTION][$PassageNo
=
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>In
other times, in other places, duels are slow, calculated things. The
opponents circle each other, watching carefully, testing each other
while they wait for the right time to strike. If it’s fought in public,
it’s as much a performance as it is a lethal clash of arms.
This is not one of those times.
You launch yourself forward and your mind goes blank. You feel the
tension in your muscles, taste the salt in the air as you charge across
the courtyard. Sometimes your best course of action is to rely on
instincts honed with years of experience. You’ve played cautious before
and it has nearly gotten you killed. The moment you overthink your
actions, you’re dead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 DUEL ATTACK TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>In
other times, in other places, duels are slow, calculated things. The
opponents circle each other, watching carefully, testing each other
while they wait for the right time to strike. If it’s fought in public,
it’s as much a performance as it is a lethal clash of arms.
This could be one of those times.
You draw back across the courtyard, nearly backing into the line of
Rhodarth’s watching company. You catch Aeran in your peripheral
vision—he’s held back by two mercenaries and there is a lethal look in
his eye. Rhodarth watches the fight, arms crossed, a dark expression
creasing his brows.
“Running already, Wayfarer?” the Count calls, gesturing grandly as he
strides toward you. “And here I thought your Order had more
self-respect!”
You keep moving, circling slowly around the courtyard, gauging the
Count’s movements. “If this is a run,” you shout, “then have you
considered moving to a menagerie? I hear there’s one in Vodena that
collects tortoises like you—”
The Count strikes at you. You parry his blows, blocking him and pushing
him back. You circle each other, panting for breath, moving around and
around the courtyard. You’re careful to keep an open distance between
you and to never show him your back.
“Enough of this, Wayfarer!” the Count shouts. “You cannot fight if you
run! Challenge me!”
You keep your mouth shut tight and raise your blade, falling into a
defensive stance. Irritated at your lack of response, the Count charges
at you, moving quickly with deadly accuracy.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 PERCEPTION TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH]
Strike him.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strike him.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH] Strike him.|Chapter 1-5-60
STRENGTH FAIL A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strike him.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Feint.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthInef>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>The Count holds
still, facing you down as you charge toward him. The corner of his mouth
twitches, pulling up in a smirk. He thrusts forward, his jagged blade
slicing through the air—
You collide with the Count and a stabbing pain rips through your body.
The Count snarls, eyes shining red, and steps away, wrenching his sword
free from your gut. You stand on unsteady feet, one hand pressed to your
side, sticky blood blossoming through your fingers.
The Count lowers his sword. His eyes sweep over you and he clicks his
tongue. “Disappointing,” he tuts.
You grunt and take a shaky step forwards. “I’m not… we’re not done
here—”
You pitch forwards and collapse on the ground.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Numbness floods your body and you collapse on your back,
eyes staring blankly at a dark sky far above you.
<i>“Please!”</i>
You blink. A shadow appears above you. Bright blue eyes, sandy hair. You
raise a hand to grab his arm. Your palm is covered in blood.
“Aeran, I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>The
Count holds still, facing you down as you charge toward him, aiming for
his side. The corner of his mouth twitches, smirking, and he thrusts
forward—
You throw yourself to the left at the last moment and his blade cuts
nothing but air. The Count falters unbalanced by the force of his failed
strike.
You spin and strike. Your blade pierces his shoulder.
He grunts at the impact and pulls away. He looks down, stunned, and
presses a hand to the wound. He watches in astonishment as he peels his
hand away, palm covered in dark blood. He laughs—a cold, eerie laugh
that sends a chill straight to your bones.
The Count turns on you, eyes burning.
“First blood,” you say. “Do you yield?”
“Perhaps I underestimated you,” he sneers. “Perhaps you are a worthy
opponent.”
“Do you yield?” you grunt.
He falls back, seemingly oblivious to his wound. “Challenge me,
Wayfarer!” he calls, raising his blade.
You grind your teeth. <i>Of course this wouldn’t be over
quickly.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 TIMED CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>The Count holds
still, facing you down as you charge toward him, aiming for his right
side. The corner of his mouth twitches, pulling up in a smirk and he
thrusts forward, his jagged blade slicing through the air—
You throw yourself to the left at the last moment, but you are not fast
enough. His blade pierces your side, the jagged edges tearing through
flesh. You collapse to the ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back, eyes
staring blankly at a dark sky far above you.
<i>“Please!”</i>
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You freeze,
paralyzed by indecision.
The Count strikes.
His blade pierces your side, the jagged edges tearing through flesh. You
collapse to the ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back,
staring blankly at a dark sky far above.
<i>“Please!”</i>
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 ABSTAIN
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH]
Follow up and strike him quickly.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH
FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him into attacking you, then deal a final
blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him into attacking you, then
deal a final blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow up and strike him quickly.|Chapter
1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Bait him into attacking you, then deal a final
blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Bait him
into attacking you, then deal a final blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH] Follow up and strike him
quickly.|Chapter 1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him into attacking you, then deal a final
blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Bait him into attacking you, then deal a final blow.|Chapter 1-5-60
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow up and strike him quickly.|Chapter
1-5-60 STRENGTH FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Bait him into attacking you, then deal a final
blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Bait him
into attacking you, then deal a final blow.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I… tried,” you wheeze. You
grasp Aeran’s arm, pulling him close.
“$firstname, you… I—”
“I’ll… be fine,” you gasp.<<if $aeranrom >= 1>> You reach
up and press a finger to his
lips.<<else>><</if>> “Don’t… panic?” The
question at the end of your sentence wracks you with painful laughter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The dark sky above blurs. You taste blood and bile in your
mouth. Of all the times you’ve nearly died, this repulsive town had to
be the one that brought your life to an end.
<<if $aeranrom >= 1 or $aeranapp >= 40>>
<i>“Aeran,”</i> you breathe.
You close your eyes.<<else>>You close your
eyes.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>
<</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You spit at the face.
<i>“No,”</i> you gasp. Your fingers claw at the ground,
searching for your fallen weapon. You clasp your hand around the hilt,
but it is kicked from your hand. You hear a scream in the distance, but
you can’t make out the words.
A blade coated with your own blood touches your chin. “Do you yield?”
“I…” Your voice is a hoarse whisper. “I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Do you yield?”
The dark sky above blurs. You taste blood and bile in your mouth. Of all
the times you’ve nearly died, this repulsive town had to be the one
that brought your life to an end. You smile, a choking laugh shaking
your upper torso.
<i>“No,”</i> you breathe.
You close your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>
<</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You spit at the face.
<i>“No,”</i> you gasp. Your fingers claw at the ground,
searching for your fallen weapon. You clasp your hand around the hilt,
but it is kicked from your hand. Someone calls out desperately, but you
can’t make out the words.
A blade coated with your own blood rests against your chin. “Do you
yield?”
“I…” Your voice is a hoarse whisper. “I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Do you yield?”
The dark sky above blurs. You taste blood and bile in your mouth. Of all
the times you’ve nearly died, this repulsive town had to be the one
that brought your life to an end. You smile, a choking laugh shaking
your upper torso.
<i>“No,”</i> you breathe.
Your eyes close and darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<strengthInef>>You
dart towards him, using your momentum to propel your strike. The
Count—seemingly unimpeded by his wounds—dodges to the side and parries
your blow. The jagged edge of his blade catches yours. You yelp in
surprise, unable to pull your sword away. The Count smirks, red eyes
shining, and he yanks his blade back, the force pulling your sword from
your grasp. It flies through the air and lands on the ground some feet
away, out of your reach.
Disarmed, you back away, eyeing your blade on the ground, hands raised
in defeat.
“Hm,” the Count says, observing you carefully. “Interesting.”
And then he rams his blade into your gut.
The force of his blow brings you to your knees. The jagged edges of his
blade tears at your flesh as he pulls it away and you collapse to the
ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back,
staring blankly at a dark sky far above.
“Please!”
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<set
$duels += 1>><<set $countdead to true>>You draw back
across the courtyard, nearly backing into the line of Rhodarth’s
watching company. You catch Aeran in your peripheral vision—he’s held
back by two mercenaries and there is a lethal look in his eye. Rhodarth
watches the fight, arms crossed, a dark expression creasing his brows.
“Running already, Wayfarer?” the Count calls, gesturing grandly as he
strides toward you. “And here I thought your Order had more
self-respect!”
You keep moving, circling slowly around the courtyard, gauging the
Count’s movements. “If this is a run,” you shout, “then have you
considered moving to a menagerie? I hear there’s one in Vodena that
collects tortoises like you—”
The Count growls and charges forwards, striking furiously at you. You
parry his blows, circling around and around the courtyard, pushing
yourself to move faster to keep up with his furious onslaught—
He strikes high.
You catch his blade.
He drops it low and rams it at your gut—
You spin out of the way. His strike slices by you and he stumbles
forwards, his back to you. You grab his shoulder and yank him back,
ramming your blade through his back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 COUNT
KILLED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
draw back across the courtyard, nearly backing into the line of
Rhodarth’s watching company. You catch Aeran in your peripheral
vision—he’s held back by two mercenaries and there is a lethal look in
his eye. Rhodarth watches the fight, arms crossed, a dark expression
creasing his brows.
“Running already, Wayfarer?” the Count calls, gesturing grandly as he
strides toward you. “And here I thought your Order had more
self-respect!”
You keep moving, circling slowly around the courtyard, gauging the
Count’s movements. “If this is a run,” you shout, “then have you
considered moving to a menagerie? I hear there’s one in Vodena that
collects tortoises like you—”
The Count growls and charges forwards, striking furiously at you. You
parry his blows, circling around and around the courtyard, pushing
yourself to move faster to keep up with his furious onslaught—
He strikes high.
You catch his blade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 AGILITY FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count gasps, a wheezing, hoarse breath escaping from his lungs. He
spits blood and collapses to the ground.
He does not get up.
You pull your sword free, wiping dark blood off the blade. You
cautiously prod the Count’s body, but he remains limp and lifeless. You
grimace and stride across the courtyard.
“I want my friend back,” you say, holding your blade aloft.
Rhodarth remains still, arms crossed, staring you down as you stride
towards him. He nods at one of his mercenaries and they set to work
cutting Aeran’s bonds.
“You did not give him an honourable end, <i>amarin</i>,”
Rhodarth says flatly.
You shrug. “It was not an honourable duel,” you reply coolly. “I’d be
dead if I refused and I’d be dead if I lost. Stabbing him in the back is
the least of my concerns.”
“Good to know your strange moral compass is intact, Rho,” Aeran says.
Free from his bonds, he rubs his raw wrists and marches over to the cart
to collect his weapons and your remaining gear.
Rhodarth snorts and looks away. “You do not get a say in the matter,
Kellis.”
“Good,” he retorts. “Didn’t want one anyway.”
You roll your eyes. Gods, you're exhausted.
Rhodarth steps away, gesturing towards the villa’s gates. “Go,
Wayfarer,” he says. “I hope we do not meet again.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 SUCCESSFUL
DUEL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
5>>Leaving the villa behind, you and Aeran wind your way through
the dark streets. You’re exhausted from your fight and have no energy to
spare, so you walk in silence as you head for the Docks. Night falls in
earnest now as the sun falls below the horizon. The rainclouds have
moved on, leaving the sky lit by a splash of stars.
Rona is far from silent. While night usually signals a flow of harried
workers to the Cove for its evening distractions, the streets are busier
than usual. A simmering tension grows as townsfolk emerge from their
homes and businesses, their muttered voices carrying a clash of
excitement and worry. Some shoot you furtive looks, but most ignore
you—you aren’t the first exhausted and wounded people to lurk in the
streets.
You reach the town square. The morning shops have closed, the vendors
and merchants having removed their goods and collapsed their stalls
hours ago. More people gather in clusters, in the corners, at the front
of alleys, the air humming with whispers and murmurs. You draw a few
looks as you walk across the square, though they all quickly turn away.
You lock eyes with an Aeda with blue-green wings and an emerald green
kerchief tied around one arm. You stare them down, summoning all your
remaining strength to send your voiceless threat. They turn and push off
the pavement, soaring into the air, their lustrous wings carrying them
away into the night.
You watch them go, an uncomfortable twist in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5
103]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>He drops it and
rams it into your gut.
The force of his blow brings you to your knees. The jagged edge of his
blade tears at your flesh as he pulls it away and you collapse to the
ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<div class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</div>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back, eyes
staring blankly at a dark sky far above.
<i>“Please!”</i>
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH]
Parry his attack.|Chapter 1-5-65 STRENGTH FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Find a weak point—anything—and exploit
it!|Chapter 1-5-65 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERCEPTION] Find a weak point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter 1-5-65
PERCEPTION
AGILITY]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Parry his attack.|Chapter 1-5-65 STRENGTH
FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Find a weak point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter
1-5-65 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Find a weak
point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter 1-5-65 PERCEPTION
AGILITY]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry his attack.|Chapter 1-5-65
STRENGTH FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Find a weak point—anything—and exploit
it!|Chapter 1-5-65 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERCEPTION] Find a weak point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter 1-5-65
PERCEPTION
AGILITY]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Parry his attack.|Chapter 1-5-65 STRENGTH
FAIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Find a weak point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter
1-5-65 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Find a weak
point—anything—and exploit it!|Chapter 1-5-65 PERCEPTION
AGILITY]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5-60
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>The Count strikes
high.
You catch his blade.
He drops it and rams it into your gut.
The force of his blow brings you to your knees. The jagged edge of his
blade tears at your flesh as he pulls it away. You collapse to the
ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back, eyes
staring blankly at a dark sky far above.
<i>“Please!”</i>
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$duels += 1>><<perceptionPass>><<set $countdead
to true>>You spin to the side and keep your eyes on him,
searching desperately for an opening, a weakness in his stance,
something small you can exploit—
<i>There.</i>
He favours his right side as he runs, leaving himself open on the left.
The Count closes the gap between you and strikes high. You duck,
spinning out of the way and around his left side. Confused, he turns his
head, searching wildly for you. You grab his shoulder and yank him
backwards, ramming your blade through his back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-65 PERCEPTION KILLED
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You spin to the
side and keep your eyes on him, searching desperately for an opening.
You find none.
The Count turns, closing the gap between you and strikes high. Desperate
to stop him from taking your head off, you raise your blade and block
it reflexively.
He drops his blade—
And rams it into your gut.
The force of his blow brings you to your knees. The jagged edge of his
blade tears at your flesh as he pulls it away. You collapse to the
ground, blood oozing through your tunic.
Aeran’s voice cries out in horror.
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
A wheezing breath escapes your lungs. The courtyard pavement is hard and
rough, scraping at your arms as you try to push yourself up. But you
can’t move. Shock floods your body and you collapse on your back, eyes
staring blankly at a dark sky far above.
“Please!”
You blink. A shadow appears above you. A scarlet face, glinting and
glimmering in the villa’s golden light. The face smiles, thin lips
curling back to expose pointed fangs. “Do you yield?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-60 FEINT FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count gasps, a wheezing, hoarse breath escaping from his lungs. He
spits blood and collapses to the ground.
He does not get up.
You pull your sword free, wiping dark blood off the blade. You
cautiously prod the Count’s body, but he remains limp and lifeless. You
grimace and stride across the courtyard.
“I want my friend back,” you say, holding your blade aloft.
Rhodarth remains still, arms crossed, staring you down as you stride
towards him. He nods at one of his mercenaries and they set to work
cutting Aeran’s bonds.
“You did not give him an honourable end, <i>amarin,”</i>
Rhodarth says flatly.
You shrug. “It was not an honourable duel,” you reply coolly. “I’d be
dead if I refused and I’d be dead if I lost. Stabbing him in the back is
the least of my concerns.”
“Good to know your strange moral compass is intact, Rho,” Aeran says.
Free from his bonds, he rubs his raw wrists and marches over to the cart
to collect his weapons and your remaining gear.
Rhodarth snorts and looks away. “You do not get a say in the matter,
Kellis.”
“Good,” he retorts. “Didn’t want one anyway.”
You roll your eyes. Gods, you're exhausted...
Rhodarth steps away, gesturing towards the villa’s gates. “Go,
Wayfarer,” he says. “I hope we do not meet again.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 SUCCESSFUL
DUEL]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
FAIL">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
basilisk from behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from
behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
THUNDERSPHERE]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do
not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Attack the basilisk from behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from Aeran.|Chapter
1-5 BASILISK AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
THUNDERSPHERE]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do
not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices">
<<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from behind.|Chapter 1-5
BASILISK STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
basilisk from behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Attack the basilisk from behind.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from Aeran.|Chapter
1-5 BASILISK AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
THUNDERSPHERE]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do
not have the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5
BASILISK AGILITY
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>>You
sprint across the bridge. Ahead of you, the serpent rises up, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting, ready to strike. Aeran crawls through
the garden, scrambling away.
Skidding across the path, you thrust your blade into the nearest coil
with all your might. The serpent’s head snaps back and it lets out a
formidable cry. It curls around, bulbous eyes searching for the source
of its pain.
You yank your sword free and retreat. The serpent spots you and it
hisses, its forked tongue flicking in and out of its mouth. It watches
you, its coils constricting.
You sink into a defensive stance, grounding yourself and throwing a
stare right back into its ugly yellow eyes.
“Come on,” you mutter. “Come on, you ugly bastard—”
It lunges.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK MAJOR CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You sprint across
the bridge. Ahead of you, the serpent rises up, swaying dangerously, its
teeth glinting, ready to strike. Aeran crawls through the garden,
trampling ornamental flowers, and curls his hands and arms protectively
over his head.
You skid across the path. “Hey! Hey, you ugly bastard! HEY!”
The basilisk ignores you and lets out a low hiss, flicking its forked
tongue. Gritting your teeth, you grab a nearby rock from the garden and
hurl it at the serpent. The rock sails through the air and drops in
front of the serpent’s nose, missing it by inches.
Slowly, its bulbous eyes turn in your direction. Its coils constrict.
“Come on,” you mutter. “I’m right here—”
It lunges.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You spin around and run, scrambling back over the bridge, the
serpent snapping at your heels. You hear a guttural cry behind you and
throw yourself to the side—
You aren’t fast enough.
The serpent’s teeth graze your side. Pain flares through your body and
you stumble, thrown off-balance by your own momentum. You pitch
forwards, landing face down in the garden, one hand pressed to your
side. Blood oozes over your palm.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
You roll over. The basilisk looms over you, its flicking tongue inches
from your face, its long, sharp teeth far too close for comfort. Panic
grips you. You squirm, trying to push yourself back, but you’re stuck in
the dirt—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Twang.</i>
An arrow punctures the basilisk’s eye. The bulbous yellow ball deflates
in a splatter of blood and the basilisk’s head rears back. It sways back
and forth, hissing and seething, its tail lashing out.
“Fall back!” Rhodarth orders. He lowers his spear, keeping the point
jutted out and up as he steps cautiously off the path. His company,
already scrambling with confusion and struggling with their inability to
see, spreads out, backing all the way to the gate.
Aeran pulls another arrow from his quiver and zig-zags across the
garden. You drag yourself through ornamental flowers and plants,
gritting your teeth against the pain in your side. The serpent strikes
at you. You roll to the side and it misses, ramming its nose into the
dirt. It recoils, shocked by the impact, and turns, dazed, to Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You struggle to your feet, pain spiking through your body.
Aeran backs through the garden, nocking another arrow. Rhodarth cocks
his head, trying to place the distance between himself and the irate
serpent.
Aeran draws his bow. The serpent lets out a long, low dangerous hiss and
strikes. He fires and dives to the side; his aim interrupted, his arrow
flies by the serpent, missing its mark by several feet.
Across the garden, Rhodarth curses and tears his blind-fold free.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran yells.
“Making up for your shitty mistakes!” Rhodarth shouts. He lunges at the
serpent from behind, his spear ramming into its coils. He pulls it free,
the tip dislodging a handful of scales, and retreats, ducking his head
and shutting his eyes as the serpent rounds on him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK TIMED CHOICE
3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<agilityPass>>You
sprint across the bridge. Ahead of you, the serpent rises up, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting, ready to strike. Aeran crawls through
the garden, scrambling away.
You skid across the path. “Hey!” you yell. “Hey, you ugly bastard! HEY!”
The basilisk ignores you and lets out a low hiss, flicking its forked
tongue. Gritting your teeth, you grab a nearby rock from the garden and
hurl it at the serpent. The rock sails through the air and bounces off
the serpent’s nose.
Slowly, its bulbous eyes turn in your direction. Its coils constrict.
“Come on,” you mutter. “Come on, I’m right here—”
It lunges.
You spin around and run, scrambling back over the bridge, the serpent
snapping at your heels. You hear a guttural cry behind you and throw
yourself to the side—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK MAJOR CHOICE 2
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$strengthfail +=1>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You sprint across the
bridge. Ahead of you, the serpent rises up, swaying dangerously, its
teeth glinting, ready to strike. Aeran crawls through the garden,
scrambling away.
Skidding across the path, you throw yourself at the basilisk and ram
your blade into the nearest coil with all your might—
Your blade glances off its scales.
The basilisk wheels around, hissing at the distraction. Its bulbous eyes
spot you and its forked tongue flicks in and out of its mouth. It
watches you, its coils constricting.
<i>“Fuck.”</i>
Its tail lashes out and slams into you.
You fly off the bridge.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK FAIL
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$thunderspheres -= 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Thundersphere<</notify>><<set $aeraninjured to
true>>Thanking whatever foresight you had when standing in Myn’s
shop, you seize a thundersphere from your pouch. You yank the latch on
the base. A sharp, staccato noise pops within the sphere and you hurl it
at the basilisk.
The serpent rises up, swaying dangerously, its teeth glinting. Aeran
slides forward on his stomach, trampling dirt and ornamental flowers,
and scrambles away.
The sphere tumbles down and hits the basilisk’s coiled body, bouncing
off its scales and landing a foot or so away. The basilisk draws up
short, coiling back on itself as it turns, lowering its flat head to
nose the innocent object on the ground. It pushes the sphere and hisses,
rolling it down the path.
And then the sphere explodes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK THUNDERSPHERE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
step to the side and the serpent’s head barrels past you. You curve
your strike around and jab, ramming your sword into its eye. The serpent
halts, curling back on itself, and lets out an unnatural, gargling cry.
Blood wells from its ruined eye.
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow slices through the air and punctures the serpent’s other eye.
The creature sways back and forth, hissing and howling. It curls in on
itself, its head thumping to the ground, and stops moving.
You look up and find Aeran standing on the upper-most tier of the
garden. He lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and
cautiously skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Rho,” Aeran calls. “It’s blind.”
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
You spot movement in your peripheral vision. Rhodarth approaches,
pulling his blind-fold free. He observes the coiled serpent through
narrowed eyes and lowers his spear.
“Is it dead?” he asks.
You glance at the serpent. Aeran’s arrow may have penetrated far enough
to kill it, but if not…
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80
STAB]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80
STAB]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-5 80 AGILITY
FAIL">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. [STRENGTH] You
do not have the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and
bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80 AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at it.|Chapter
1-5 BASILISK THROW THUNDER]]<<else>><s>3.
[THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>= 18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You do
not have the required item.<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter
1-5 80 AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at it.|Chapter
1-5 BASILISK THROW THUNDER]]<<else>><s>3.
[THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|Chapter
1-5 80 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1.
[STRENGTH] You do not have the required
item.<</if>></div>
<div class="choices"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[2.
[AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|Chapter 1-5 80
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You do
not have the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter 1-5 80 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|Chapter
1-5 80 AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at it.|Chapter
1-5 BASILISK THROW THUNDER]]<<else>><s>3.
[THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-5 80
AGILITY
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>>Breath knocked from
your lungs, pain flaring across your body, your sword knocked from your
hand, you sail through the air and plunge into the water below. The cold
shocks your mind out of a numbing haze and you surface, coughing
violently, struggling to keep your head above the water.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
You bob in the water and float under the bridge, the current pulling you
towards the wall. Your head tilts back, your lips barely an inch above
the surface, the lapping water seeping into your mouth. You cough,
spitting out water, and draw in short, ragged breaths. You reach out,
curving your hand, trying to pull yourself through the pool to shore.
Pain spikes through your chest.
You hear the familiar twang of Aeran’s bow. A dull thud resounds across
the courtyard and an unnatural, gargling cry rings out. As you drift to
shore, you spot Aeran sprint across the bridge, pursued by an enraged
basilisk. One eye is shorn, clipped by the tip of an arrow. Dark blood
drips from the wound, coalescing on its flat face. It darts, its nose
ramming into the pavement, and it recoils, shocked by the impact before
launching itself at Aeran.
Rhodarth cocks his head, trying to place the distance between himself,
Aeran and the irate serpent.
“Fall back!” he orders. He lowers his spear, keeping the point jutted
out and up as he steps cautiously off the path. His company, already
scrambling with confusion and struggling with their inability to see,
spreads out, backing all the way to the gate.
Aeran pulls another arrow from his quiver and zig-zags across the
garden. The serpent swings around, gnashing its teeth together and
strikes at him. He dodges, narrowly avoiding its jaws.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK FAIL
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You drift to shore, the water
depositing you in a clump of reeds. Despite the pain, despite your
breath coming in shallow gasps, your mind is clear. To hell with
it—<<if $aeranapp <= 19>>you aren’t dying
here<<else>>you and Aeran aren’t dying
here<</if>>.
Your fingers claw at the reeds and you drag yourself out of the pool.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran draws his bow. The serpent lets out a long, low dangerous
hiss and strikes. He fires and dives to the side; his aim interrupted,
his arrow flies by the serpent, missing its mark by several feet.
Across the garden, Rhodarth curses and tears his blind-fold free.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran yells.
“Making up for your shitty mistakes!” Rhodarth grunts. He lunges at the
serpent from behind, his spear ramming into its coils. He pulls it free,
the tip dislodging a handful of scales, and retreats, ducking his head
and shutting his eyes as the serpent rounds on him.
You emerge from the pool, watching as the serpent bears down on
Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK TIMED CHOICE
3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You slam your hands over your
ears, your eardrums ringing. Smoke and sparks fan across the courtyard,
washing over you with the acrid smell of burning flesh. You blink, eyes
stinging, and peer through the smoke. You hear an odd, wailing hiss that
fades in and out, the pitch wavering eerily.
“Is it… dead?” you ask. Your throat is raw.
Rhodarth lowers his spear and takes a cautious step forward. “I’ve never
heard anything like that before.”
The basilisk darts out of the smoke and across the bridge, trailing dark
blood in its wake. Its eyes are reduced to torn and bloodied sockets,
patches of its scales are torn free, the wounds speckled with remnants
of the thundersphere’s shell. It snaps at you, a wheezing, guttural hiss
resonating from its mouth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“It’s blind and wounded!” you shout, sidestepping its blow. The
serpent’s head strikes the pavement and it recoils, a wave surging
through its body. “Mind its tail!”
The serpent’s tail lashes back, slamming into the ground, sending up a
puff of soil. Mercenaries scatter, pulling at their blind-folds.
Rhodarth rips his free and hurls himself at the serpent. He thrusts his
spear into a gash on its side, lodging the tip beneath its scales,
tearing at its insides. The serpent’s head careens back and it howls, a
shudder surging through its body.
It drags itself back with such force it rips Rhodarth’s spear from his
hands. It mewls, hissing and spitting, dark blood oozing over its scales
as it whips around, jaws snapping at the air. The mercenaries withdraw
further, exchanging uncertain glances as they cluster near the gate. The
wounded serpent slinks slowly towards them.
You wrap your fingers firmly around the hilt of your sword. The
thundersphere did irreparable damage to the creature and Rhodarth’s
spear wounded it further still. One more strike and it will be dead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You sprint down the path, boots pounding against the pavement.
The serpent pauses, raising its head at the sound of your approach. You
dart to the side, narrowly avoiding a lash from its tail. You slide
across the path, ramming your sword through a tear in the creature’s
scales. Gripping the hilt with both hands, you wrench it across and
down, slicing the creature’s side open, blood and guts bubbling through
the gash.
The basilisk’s body shudders and its head topples forward, slamming into
the ground. It lies motionless, its jaws agape, blood pooling beneath
it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade.
“Well done,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You glance over your shoulder.
Rhodarth observes you with unblinking eyes, the faintest hint of a smile
on his face. He presses a hand to his chest and bows deeply. “An
astonishing feat, <i>amarin,”</i> he says. “You are, indeed,
a great warrior.”
You shrug. You look past him, catching sight of a familiar figure on the
ground on the opposite side of the bridge.
“Aeran,” you breathe.
You shove your sword into its sheath, push Rhodarth aside, and sprint
across the bridge, your boots leaving bloody footprints on the white
stone path. You rush into the garden, leap up a tier and sink to your
knees at Aeran’s side.
He coughs as you prop him up. He’s covered in ash and basilisk blood,
eyes dazed, one arm bleeding from a graze. He lets out a choking laugh
and grins as his gaze settles on you.
“Myn should have told you not to throw those things at your friends,” he
croaks.
You chuckle hoarsely, shoulders sagging. <<if $aeranapp >=
20>>“Sorry for the improvisation. I’m glad you’re all
right.”<<else>>“Sorry for the
improvisation.”<</if>>
Aeran shakes his head. “Serpent shielded me from the blast,” he replies,
pushing himself away from your grasp.
He slowly stands, his balance precarious. You get to your feet and offer
your shoulder. He leans into you, supporting his weight. He grips his
bow tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking against his leg.
Together, you hobble onto the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$monsterkills += 1>><<set $basiliskslain to true>>You
turn around slowly, <<if $aeraninjured is "true">>Aeran
limping at your side<<else>>Aeran at your
side<</if>>. The Count stands in the threshold of his
mansion. <<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-12 DISTRACT")>>He
holds a hand to his neck, fingers massaging the deep mark left by
Aeran’s noose, an unreadable expression on his
face.<<else>>He holds his folded hands calmly in front of
him, an unreadable expression on his face.<</if>>
“Yeah,” you retort, <<if $status is
"injured">>hobbling<<else>>walking<</if>>
towards him. “It’s dead. What else do I have to do to get you to leave
us alone?”
The Count observes you coolly. “Nothing.”
“No… what?” <<if $health is "injured">>Your body feels…
numb. You ignore it.<<else>><</if>>
“Nothing,” he continues. “You have defied your sentence. Many have
fallen to the Gorgo, but you did not. It would be a disgrace to kill a
warrior of such skill.”
You nearly choke. “So you’re just going to let us walk out of here?”
The Count’s eyes narrow. “Consider it a show of mercy,” he says, “or a
call to truce. By slaying my beast you have damaged me more than you can
know.”
“Fine,” you say. “A truce it is, Count. But if I turn around and you
stab me in the back, I’m going to be very annoyed.”
“I will remember that,” he replies. “Leave this place, Wayfarer. Care
for your companion. Flee to Velantis with the Anaxas child. And should
you ever return to Rona, rest assured there will be a reckoning—”
He stops. His eyes flicker, staring past you into the courtyard. A
shadow emerges in your peripheral vision.
“Rhodarth,” the Count says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL BASILISK
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>Gritting
your teeth and ignoring the growing numbness in your side, you sprint
at the basilisk. The serpent, ignorant of your movements, widens its jaw
and strikes at Rhodarth. He dives out the way, spins his spear and
lunges a counterattack. He misses his mark by inches, the spear tip
sailing over the serpent’s coils and striking air. Cursing, he withdraws
quickly, recovering and backing down the path towards the water.
You fling yourself through the air and ram your sword into the serpent’s
neck. Your blade slices its scales, penetrating through to flesh and
blood. The serpent cries out and wheels around, hissing furiously.
Losing all interest in Rhodarth, it turns on you and slithers forward.
You leap out of the way. It passes you, missing you only by a few feet.
You spin and ram your blade sideways into its remaining eye. The serpent
falters, curling back on itself, and lets out an unnatural, gargling
cry. Blood wells from its ruined eye.
Suddenly, its head thumps to the ground and it stops moving.
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
“Rho,” Aeran calls. “It’s blind.”
Rhodarth opens his eyes and observes the still serpent through narrowed
eyes. You approach it. Behind you, Aeran lowers his bow, his fingers
dropping to his quiver and cautiously skimming the fletching of an
arrow.
“Is it… dead?” Rhodarth asks.
You glance at the serpent. Your strike blinded it, but was it enough to
kill a beast like this?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80 STAB]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80
STAB]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$injuries += 1>>Gritting your teeth and ignoring the growing
numbness in your side, you sprint at the basilisk. The serpent, ignorant
of your movements, widens its jaw and strikes at Rhodarth. He dives out
the way, spins his spear and lunges a counterattack. He misses his mark
by inches, the spear tip sailing over the serpent’s coils and striking
air. Cursing, he withdraws quickly, recovering and backing down the path
towards the water.
You fling yourself through the air and ram your sword into the serpent’s
neck. Your blade bounces harmlessly off the scales. The serpent wheels
around, hissing furiously.
It launches itself at you, zig-zagging across the pavement.
<i>Shit,</i> you swear, sprinting through the garden and
down the path. <i>This again?</i>
“AERAN!” you yell. “SHOOT IT!”
You run, the serpent pursuing you. The gate looms ahead. Rhodarth’s
mercenaries scatter as you approach, tripping over each other in their
haste to stay out of the way. You know you’re running out of space,
you’re not sure if you can open the gate and flee. Even if you can,
you’d risk turning the basilisk loose on the entire town—
You’re almost at the gate when the basilisk swerves in front of you,
encircling you with its body, its flat head hissing furiously. You skid
to a stop, your breath coming in ragged gasps. You press a hand to your
side and look around wildly for a way out.
The serpent wraps its body around you, raising you off the ground. Its
coils tighten. You gasp, pushing your hands against its scales, but its
body doesn’t shift. Its remaining eye gleams, its forked tongue flicking
as it constricts, slowly squeezing you to death.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
stoop, grabbing the nearest rock and hurl it at the basilisk. Pain
ripples through your body.
The rock strikes the serpent in the side of the head and bounces off.
The basilisk shakes itself, dazed, its remaining eye glazed over.
“What happened?” Rhodarth shouts.
“It’s not moving!” Aeran yells back. “$firstname hit it with a rock, but
careful, Rho, it still has an eye—”
“Ah, fuck that,” Rhodarth grunts. He lets out a hoarse yell and charges
at the serpent blind. He thrusts his spear out and up, pushing all his
strength and momentum behind it.
His spear strikes the serpent’s remaining eye, puncturing it in a burst
of blood. The serpent yelps, thrashing back and forth. Rhodarth skids
back, withdrawing his spear. The creature hisses and howls, its forked
tongue flicking in and out. It curls in on itself, its head thumping to
the ground, and stops moving.
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
“I did something, didn’t I,” Rhodarth says, his eyes still squeezed
shut.
“Yeah,” Aeran replies. “You blinded it.”
Rhodarth opens his eyes and observes the still serpent through narrowed
eyes. <<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>You approach
it.<<else>><<transfer '$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar
sword'>>You collect your sword from the bridge and approach
it.<</if>> Behind you, Aeran lowers his bow, his fingers
dropping to his quiver and cautiously skimming the fletching of an
arrow.
“Is it… dead?” Rhodarth asks.
You glance at the serpent. Rhodarth’s strike blinded it, but was it
enough to kill a beast like this?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80 STAB]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81
AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|Chapter 1-5 80
STAB]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You stoop,
grabbing the nearest rock and hurl it at the basilisk. Pain ripples
through your body.
You miss.
The rock bouncing harmlessly off the pavement. The serpent draws up
short and pauses, confused by the sudden noise. It turns, searching for
the source, and its remaining eye finds you.
It launches itself at you, zig-zagging across the pavement.
<i>Shit,</i> you swear, sprinting through the garden and
down the path. <i>This again?</i>
“AERAN!” you yell. “SHOOT IT!”
You run, the serpent pursuing you. The gate looms ahead. Rhodarth’s
mercenaries scatter as you approach, tripping over each other in their
haste to stay out of the way. You know you’re running out of space,
you’re not sure if you can open the gate and flee. Even if you can,
you’d risk turning the basilisk loose on the entire town—
You’re almost at the gate when the basilisk swerves in front of you,
encircling you with its body, its flat head hissing furiously. You skid
to a stop, your breath coming in ragged gasps. You press a hand to your
side and look around wildly for a way out.
The serpent wraps its body around you, raising you off the ground. Its
coils tighten. You gasp, pushing your hands against its scales, but its
body doesn’t shift. Its remaining eye gleams, its forked tongue flicking
as it constricts, slowly squeezing you to death.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
wrap your fingers around the hilt of your sword, grounding yourself
with its comforting familiarity, and cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. It’s limp,
lifeless, as still as stone, but you can’t help shake the feeling that
all is not what it seems.
You stare at it, desperately searching, your body preparing to flee at a
moment’s notice should the serpent stir—
There!
It’s faint, very faint, but you’re certain you see the slightest
movement. The smallest flick of its tail, the faintest movement of its
coils. Wounded, but very much alive.
“Back!” you shout, retreating. “It’s still alive!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 81 BASILISK
ALIVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<set
$perceptionfail +=1>>You wrap your fingers around the hilt of
your sword, grounding yourself with its comforting familiarity, and
cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. It’s limp,
lifeless, as still as stone, but you can’t shake the feeling that all is
not what it seems.
You stare at it, desperately searching, your body preparing to flee at a
moment’s notice should the serpent stir…
“$firstname?” Aeran asks. “What do you think?”
You release a long breath. “Nothing,” you say, turning to him. “It’s
dead—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK HIDDEN
ATTACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You wrap your fingers around the
hilt of your sword, grounding yourself with its comforting familiarity,
and cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. Your ears
prick up.
You close your eyes and <i>listen.</i>
You push past the wheezing raggedness of Aeran’s breath, the anxious
trembling of Rhodarth’s company, and the small, quiet movements of the
mercenary captain. You ignore the rush of the sea air, the pounding of
the waves along the shore, the distant calls of the seagulls. You focus
on the creature in front of you, listening close, trying to suss out its
ruse—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Thump thump.
Thump thump.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>There!
Your eyes snap open. You hear the rush of blood, the thundering of its
monstrous heart, the faint hiss of its breath—wounded, but very much
alive.
“Back!” you shout, retreating. “It’s still alive!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 81 BASILISK
ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Oh,
fuck this,” you mutter and stride towards the basilisk.
“No!” Aeran says, reaching for you. “$firstname, wait—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK HIDDEN
ATTACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You blink, your mind a haze. You
can’t breathe. Your heart is pounding, your senses numb. You hear
shouting but you can’t make out the words—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You hear a dull thud, a harrowing scream—
And you’re released. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the serpent’s
coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring blankly at a
darkening sky. A figure looms over you, a familiar face panicked and
ashen. Their lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT 1][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$thunderspheres -= 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Thundersphere<</notify>>Thanking whatever foresight you had
when standing in Myn’s shop, you seize a thundersphere from your pouch.
You yank the latch on the base. A sharp, staccato noise pops within the
sphere.
Aeran turns, eyes widening as he spots the sphere in your hand. “Rho!”
he shouts. “Get out of the way!”
You hurl the sphere at the basilisk. Rhodarth turns, opens his eyes and
sprints towards the bridge. The serpent follows, jaw widening, teeth
flashing. The sphere tumbles through the air and hits the basilisk’s
coiled body, bouncing off its scales and landing a foot or so away. The
basilisk draws up short, coiling back on itself as it turns, lowering
its flat head to nose the innocent object on the ground. It pushes the
sphere and hisses, rolling it down the path.
And then the sphere explodes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK THROW THUNDER
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeraninjured to true>>You slam your hands over your ears, your
eardrums ringing. Smoke and sparks fan across the courtyard, washing
over you with the acrid smell of burning flesh. You blink, eyes
stinging, and peer through the smoke. You hear an odd, wailing hiss that
fades in and out, the pitch wavering eerily.
“Is it… dead?” you ask. Your throat is raw.
Aeran shakes his head. “I don’t know—”
The basilisk darts out of the smoke and across the bridge, trailing dark
blood in its wake. Its eyes are reduced to shredded, bloodied sockets,
patches of its scales torn free, the wounds speckled with remnants of
the thundersphere’s shell. It snaps at you, a wheezing, guttural hiss
resonating from its mouth.
“It’s blind and wounded!” you shout, sidestepping its blow. The
serpent’s head strikes the pavement and it recoils, a wave surging
through its body. “Mind its tail!”
The serpent’s tail lashes out and slams into Aeran, throwing him across
the courtyard like a ragdoll. He hits the ground, rolls, and lies still.
The serpent slithers across the pavement, its mouth open wide. You
curse and, ignoring the crippling pain in your side, sprint after it.
And then Rhodarth appears out of nowhere. He thrusts his spear into a
gash on its side, lodging the tip beneath its scales, tearing at its
insides. The serpent’s head careens back and it howls, a shudder surging
through its body.
It drags itself back with such force it rips Rhodarth’s spear from his
hands. It mewls, hissing and spitting, dark blood oozing over its scales
as it whips around, jaws snapping at the air.
You wrap your fingers firmly around the hilt of your sword. The
thundersphere did irreparable damage to the creature and Rhodarth’s
spear wounded it further still. One more strike and it will be dead.
You sprint down the path, boots pounding against the pavement. The
serpent pauses, raising its head at the sound of your approach. You dart
to the side, narrowly avoiding a lash from its tail. You slide across
the path, ramming your sword through a tear in the creature’s scales.
Gripping the hilt with both hands, you wrench it across and down,
slicing the creature’s side open, blood and guts bubbling through the
gash.
The basilisk’s body shudders and its head topples forward, slamming into
the ground. It lies motionless, its jaws agape, blood pooling beneath
it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade.
“Well done,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 BASILISK THROW THUNDER
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance over your shoulder.
Rhodarth observes you with unblinking eyes, the faintest hint of a smile
on his face. He presses a hand to his chest and bows deeply. “An
astonishing feat, <i>amarin,”</i> he says. “You are, indeed,
a great warrior—”
You ignore him, your eyes settling on an immobile figure on the ground.
“Aeran,” you breathe.
You shove your sword into its sheath, push Rhodarth aside, and sprint
across the courtyard to his immobile form. You sink to your knees at his
side. He coughs as you prop him up, a dazed look in his eyes.
“That was some quick thinking, $nickname,” he wheezes.
You chuckle hoarsely, your shoulders sagging. “I’m glad you’re all
right.”
He shrugs. “Not every day you get tossed around by an angry snake,” he
says, pushing himself away from your grasp. “Though you’re one to talk,
you’re looking a little rough yourself.”
Aeran slowly stands, his balance precarious. You get to your feet and
offer your shoulder. You lean into each other, supporting each other’s
weight. He grips his bow tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking
against his leg.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The serpent unfurls, the great,
imposing weight of its body crashing down on the pavement. Its head
surfaces, hissing, jaws agape. Aeran and Rhodarth turn and flee with
you. Together, you sprint towards the gate, the serpent in hot pursuit.
It zig-zags across the courtyard, drawn to you by the sound of your
ragged breath and boots pounding against the path.
Rhodarth’s mercenaries, some still blind-folded, others not, scatter as
you approach. You’re not sure what you’ll do when you reach the gate. If
you open it and flee, you risk turning the basilisk loose on the town—
The serpent lurches, teeth snapping at your heels, and you dart to the
side. Its tail swings around, slamming down in front of you, blocking
the gate. You spin, looking about wildly. You, Aeran and Rhodarth are in
the centre of a shrinking circle, the basilisk’s coils looped around
you.
The basilisk raises its head high above you. It opens its jaws and
hisses, raining down saliva and venom. It stares at you with its bloody
eye sockets, its coils pulsing and constricting, the circle growing
smaller every second.
“Ideas?” Rhodarth grunts, brandishing his spear.
Aeran nocks an arrow. “Hit it till it dies?”
Rhodarth snorts. “Helpful, Aeran.”
Aeran grins and draws his bow, aiming at the serpent’s head. “Whatever
you’re planning, I suggest you do it now!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The basilisk strikes. Aeran fires, his arrow plunging deep into
its neck. It roars, lurching back, and Rhodarth thrusts up with his
spear, the tip ramming through the base of the serpent’s jaw. He twists,
slamming it down, pinning the basilisk’s head to the ground. Its coils
constrict, its tail thrashing—
You leap past Rhodarth, sword raised high, and slice downward.
You behead the basilisk with one blow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The serpent’s headless body shudders and it collapses into the
ground and stops moving. Its head lies some feet away, jaws agape, blood
pooling beneath it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade. You stumble back,
pain coursing through your body, exhaustion pulling at your muscles. You
collapse to the ground, knees hitting the pavement.
Rhodarth yanks his spear free from the basilisk’s jaws and turns to you.
“Well done,” he says, an unexpected smile on his lips. He observes you
with unblinking eyes and presses a hand to his chest, bowing deeply.
“You fought well, <i>amarin.</i> You are, indeed, a great
warrior.”
Aeran raises an eyebrow. “I’m right here, Rho,” he says, reaching out a
hand and helping you to your feet. Though he speaks with his usual
sarcastic air, you can hear the pain in his voice. <<if
$aeraninjured is true>>He’s hurt, exhausted—well, both of you are a
little worse for wear.<<else>>He’s hurt, exhausted. He
won’t be able to hide it for long.<</if>>
You lean into each other, supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow
tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking against his leg.
Rhodarth clicks his tongue and ignores Aeran’s remark. He turns around,
searching for the surviving members of his company, and freezes.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes. “You have defeated my basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The basilisk unfurls. The great,
imposing weight of its body crashes down on the pavement as it
encircles you, its coils constricting. It lifts you off the ground,
trapping you in the long, heavy loop of its body, hissing furiously. You
struggle, your breath growing ragged as the pressure grows against your
chest, and you push your hands against its scales.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
Rhodarth curses and launches himself at the serpent. His spear strikes
deep into its scales, but the creature ignores the blow, its focus
absorbed by one thing—you.
Its forked tongue flicks in and out, lashing against your cheek as it
raises you to its mouth.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You blink, your mind a haze. You can’t breathe. Your heart is
pounding, your senses numb. You hear shouting, but you can’t make out
the words—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK HIDDEN ATTACK
2][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$health is "injured">>You hear the familiar song of a familiar
bow. A cacophony of shouts and yells ring in your ears, but you can’t
make much sense of it. You hear a dull thud, a harrowing scream—
And then, sudden release. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the
serpent’s coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring
blankly at a darkening sky. A figure looms over you, a familiar face
panicked and ashen. Their lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PRE BLACKOUT
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You hear the
familiar song of a familiar bow. A cacophony of shouts and yells ring in
your ears, but you can’t make much sense of it. You hear a dull thud, a
harrowing scream—
And then, sudden release. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the
serpent’s coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring
blankly at a darkening sky. A figure looms over you, a familiar face
panicked and ashen. Their lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
Slowly, the haze lifts. You gasp, sucking in a deep breath, your body
racked with pain. Aeran’s face swims in front of your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >= 10>><a
data-passage="Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK A">1. [ROMANCE] Reach out and
wrap your arms around him.</a><<else>><s>1.
[ROMANCE] Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Push yourself up on your
own.|Chapter 1-5 80 BASILISK
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
slowly push yourself up, your muscles protesting with every move. Aeran
stares at you, unable to control the shock on his face.
“Stars and hellfire, $firstname,” he says. “I…”
You shake your head, too weakened to speak. Your breath comes in
wheezes, pain flaring across your chest.
He falls silent. You sit still, your vision clearing, haze and shock
lifting from your mind. You notice a nasty gash in his arm. His face is
ashen, marked with scrapes and bruises. He’s as exhausted as you are.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rhodarth withdraw. He leans on
his spear, spattered with basilisk blood.
“That was dumb,” you say after a moment.
Aeran laughs weakly. “Yeah,” he says, nodding. “Yeah, it was.”
Slowly, you get to your feet. You and Aeran lean into each other,
supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow tightly with his free hand,
his quiver knocking against his leg. Together, you hobble onto the path
and limp towards the gate.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0,
100)>><<else>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)>><</if>>You fling your arms around his neck and
cling to him, your face pressed to his shoulder. You can hear his heart
hammering in his chest, but he wraps his arms around you and holds you
close.
“Stars and hellfire, $nickname,” he murmurs. “I…”
You shake your head, too weakened to speak. Your breath comes in
wheezes, pain flaring across your chest.
He falls silent and holds you. As your vision clears and the haze and
shock lifts, you notice a nasty gash in his arm. You pull away, your
eyes searching his. His face is ashen, marked with scrapes and bruises.
He’s as exhausted as you are.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rhodarth withdraw. He leans on
his spear, spattered with basilisk blood.
“That was dumb,” you say after a moment.
Aeran laughs weakly. “Yeah,” he says, nodding. He presses a hand to your
cheek. “Yeah, it was.”
Slowly, you help each other to your feet. You lean into each other,
supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow tightly with his free hand,
his quiver knocking against his leg. Together, you hobble onto the path
and limp towards the gate.
“So,” the Count’s voice echoes behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL
BASILISK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rhodarth
appears beside you, spear in hand, cold fury in his eyes. “This is the
end of our arrangement, Nalos,” he says.
“A bold statement,” the Count replies flatly, “when you are the one who
chose to act against our pact and aided our adversaries. Our arrangement
ends on my word alone, not yours.”
“You set your beast loose on my people,” Rhodarth spits. He grasps his
spear and rams the butt into the ground. “Our pact is null and void.”
“If that were true,” the Count retorts, “I would suffer the consequences
of the blood oath as we speak. And yet here I stand, unburdened.”
Rhodarth lets out a low hiss and hurtles up the path. He raises his
spear, lunging forwards as he leaps up the steps. He thrusts the spear
at the Count—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 COUNT DEAL BASILISK
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
strike fails. He stumbles, dropping the spear. It clatters
unceremoniously to the ground. Rhodarth gasps for breath and sinks to
his knees at the Count’s feet, clutching at his chest. The Count kneels
beside him and presses a hand to his cheek, fingernails digging into his
skin.
“That pain you feel,” he murmurs, “is the blood oath at work, proof you
are the one in violation of our pact.”
Rhodarth grunts.
The Count chuckles coldly. “I admit, I am hurt by such shameless
defiance. Whatever shall I do with you?”
Aeran stirs at your side, his teeth clenched, a muscle twitching in his
jaw. <<if $aeraninjured is true>>There is a cold fury in his
eyes, though he is too weak to act.<<else>>There is a cold
fury in his eyes.<</if>> You remain rooted to the spot,
unable to look away. <<if $health is "injured">>Pain spikes
through your side, constricting your chest. You feel
nauseous.<</if>>
“Go, Wayfarer,” he calls. He does not look at you. “Go before you try
my patience. This matter does not concern you.”
<<if $aeraninjured is true>>You pause, Aeran’s weight heavy
on your shoulder. You glance at Rhodarth’s trembling, shaking
form.<<else>>You pause, glancing at Rhodarth’s trembling,
shaking form.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Help Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-51 HELP
RHO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-5-51 DON'T
HELP BASILISK UNIQUE][$rhodarthDead to true, $rhodarthDead_How to
7]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$junkInv' 'Basilisk tooth'>><<notify 3000>>+
Basilisk Tooth<</notify>>“Wait,” you say, unsheathing your
sword.
Rhodarth and Aeran watch without comment as you prod the basilisk’s
mouth with your sword. After several minutes of terse work, you loosen a
tooth and pop it free, blood coalescing at the root. You stow it in
your pack.
“Take care on your journey, Wayfarer,” Rhodarth says as you walk to the
gates. “Should we meet again, may it be under better stars.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Can’t say I’m a fan of getting kidnapped
and brought forcibly to places I didn’t agree to go to, but it wasn’t
all bad. Take care of yourself, Rhodarth.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just stay out of our way next time.
If there is a next time.”|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod and walk through the
gates.|VILLA TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
think we’ve had enough meddling in other people’s messes,” you say
heavily. “We’re going.”
You turn and walk down the path and across the bridge, <<if
$aeraninjured is true>>Aeran hobbling at your
side<<else>>Aeran at your side<</if>>. You pass
the ashen faces of Rhodarth’s company and they silently part, clearing a
path to the gate. <<if $aeraninjured is true>>Aeran’s grip
on your shoulder slips as you walk by the basilisk’s corpse. You pause,
clasping a hand firmly around his waist.<<else>>Aeran
pauses, a torn and pained look on his face.<</if>>
You hear a muffled, agonized cry behind you.
“Just get out of here,” a mercenary mutters. <i>“Go!”</i>
You nod. Shutting out Rhodarth’s screams, you pass through the gates and
head back into the town.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VILLA
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall into silence. No matter how exhausted you are, sleep seems like a
distant reward. Aeran closes his good eye; the other is swollen shut.
Your gut twists uncomfortably as you look at the myriad of cuts and
bruises that span his face. This is far from the first time he’s been
hurt fighting while you’ve been distracted elsewhere, but the guilt at
letting this happen won’t leave you be. If you had done things
differently…
“Not your fault… $nickname,” Aeran says. He sighs softly, tilting his
head back. “It was a… a bad… situation.”
“Could have been avoided,” you reply. You press a hand gingerly to your
side. It feels wet and sticky. “Should… have been avoided…”
He chokes a laugh. “How? Personal… vendetta from a semi-immortal crime
lord. We… were never leaving Rona in one piece.”
You feel light-headed. “I… don’t know,” you mumble. It’s hard to keep
your eyes open. “Maybe… maybe we should have found… his fucking
chalice…”
Aeran grabs your hand. There’s something comfortable and familiar about
his grasp. “Don’t fall asleep, $nickname,” he says. “Stay… awake.
Please. This… is just a rest.”
You groan and blink sluggishly. How you’d like to sleep…
Shadows cross your vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $enmedkiteqp is
true>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ENMED KIT
TIME]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 REG MED KIT
TIME]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
glance at him. He meets your gaze with a grave look. He seems hesitant
to speak.
“What is it?” you ask softly.
“I asked… I asked you to follow my lead,” Aeran says. <<if
$aeranpromise is "broken">>“You promised me you would. And then
you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he says quietly. “Do you?”
<<else>>“I never said I would,” you reply.
“And I can’t help but feel that’s the problem,” he says. “You don’t
trust me, do you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 101 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 101 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-101B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 101 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 101 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-101B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)>>He relaxes, letting
out a soft sigh. “I know,” he says finally. “But it seems like you
don’t. You trust your own instincts over anything else. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
<<if $health is "injured">>You swallow hard, pain rippling
through your body.<<else>>You swallow hard. “I’m
sorry.”<</if>>
He closes his eyes. “Me, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEDICAL POST
TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 SKIP
MEDICAL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“No,” he says, a
bitter edge to his voice. “You don’t.”
“I do—”
“$firstname,” he interrupts, “I’m always the first person you trample
when things don’t go according to plan. You trust your own instincts
over anything else, and that’s your problem. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEDICAL POST
TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 SKIP
MEDICAL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
falls silent. “…right,” he sighs. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“Look,” you say, “when it comes down to it, when we’re thrown into a
situation where we don’t have a plan… I have to trust my instincts. You
do the same—”
“I don’t,” he interrupts. “Because I accept my failures. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEDICAL POST
TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 SKIP
MEDICAL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall into silence. No matter how exhausted you are, sleep seems like a
distant reward. Aeran turns away, closing his good eye; the other is
swollen shut. Your gut twists uncomfortably as you look at the myriad of
cuts and bruises that span his face.
You groan and blink sluggishly. You need to keep going, you need to
reach Zenaida…
Shadows cross your vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $enmedkiteqp is
true>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ENMED KIT
TIME]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 REG MED KIT
TIME]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall into silence. You are exhausted, but sleep seems like a distant
reward. Aeran closes his good eye; the other is swollen shut. Your gut
twists uncomfortably as you look at the myriad of cuts and bruises that
span his face. This is far from the first time he’s been hurt fighting
while you’ve been distracted elsewhere, but the guilt at letting this
happen won’t leave you be. If you had done things differently…
“Not your fault… $nickname,” Aeran says. He sighs softly, tilting his
head back. “It was a… bad scrape.”
“Could have been avoided,” you reply. “Should have been avoided—”
He chokes a laugh. “How? Personal… vendetta from a semi-immortal crime
lord. We… were never leaving Rona in one piece.”
“I don’t know, then maybe we should have found his fucking chalice,” you
snap. “We were already on his shit list and I gave him an excuse to
expedite his fucked up retribution.” You pull your knees into your chest
and cradle the back of your neck in your hands, pulling your head down.
“And now we’re out,” Aeran says. “Don’t… have to come back. No…
obligations… And hey…” He taps your hand. “You killed a basilisk.
Underwater. What… a badass.”
You glance at him. “Let me help you,” you say, reaching for your medical
kit.
He grabs your arm. “No,” he says. “I’m… fine.”
“Have you seen yourself recently?”
“I’ll be fine,” he interrupts. <<if $aeranapp >= 40>>“I
just… needed a moment. We need to get to Zenaida. Then you can baby me
all you want.” He smiles through a split lip. “I might even look forward
to it.”<<else>>“I just… needed a
moment.”<</if>>
You glance out across the square. In the time that has passed, more
clusters of people have come and gone. You watch their harried
movements, thankful that everyone has either ignored you or given you a
wide berth.
You raise your head, catching movement headed in your direction. A
handful of children tear free from the pockets of townsfolk and shuffle
across the square, spreading out like a flock of scruffy pigeons. The
child in the middle looks vaguely familiar…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 LUTHAIS
MELUSINE BASILISK")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1-5 MEET LUTHAIS
SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>It’s
your thief from this morning. He looks even paler and scrawnier than
before. A fresh cut flares across his eyebrow and there’s a new bruise
on his cheek.
You sigh wearily.
“Go home, kid,” you call. “You don’t want to mess with me right now.”
“I <i>hate</i> you,” he seethes. “You… my mom… <i>I
hate you.”</i>
You stare at him blankly.
<i>What the…?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Brush him off.|Chapter 1-5 LUTHAIS
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You sense a story here. Push him for
answers.|Chapter 1-5 LUTHAIS
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“That
thing… Emari sold you…” Aeran rasps. “Use it.”
“Uh-huh.” So… tired…
<i>“Use it!”</i>
The sharpness in his voice cuts through the fog in your mind. You
rummage through your pack, searching for your medical kit. You find your
regular kit and the special one you purchased from Emari.
Didn’t they warn you it was only for emergencies? That you weren’t to…
to what? Overuse it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Use the enhanced medical kit. Return to Full
Health.|Chapter 1-5 USED ENMED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your regular medical
kit.|Chapter 1-5 USED REG
KIT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
thought of how easy it would be to just fall asleep here and now lodges
in your mind. You shake yourself and dig through your pack for your
medical kit. You need to take care of yourself before you bleed out in
the square.
Gritting your teeth, you patch yourself up as best you can. You’re
vaguely aware of the passing crowd’s eyes on you, but no one approaches
you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. [ENHANCED MEDICAL KIT] Required item
is missing.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your medical kit.|Chapter 1-5
USED REG KIT 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Enhanced Medical Kit<</notify>><<set
$enmedkit -= 1>><<set $enmedkituse += 1>>You open the
kit. You’re not sure what half the items are or how to use them
correctly, but you’ll take your chances anyway.
Inside you find a vial containing a mouthful of clear liquid and a small
jar. You pull out the vial, swilling the liquid inside, and read the
red label attached to the top.
<blockquote><i>Drink First, then Apply Scarlet
Salve</i></blockquote>
You pull out a small jar and glance at Aeran. He slumps beside you, eyes
closed, his breath slow and steady.
Pain flares through your side. You flick the vial open and down the
solution. An acrid taste burns your tongue and you nearly spit it out,
but you force yourself to swallow it down. Your mind still in a haze,
you open the jar, peel back your tunic, and slather your side with
ointment. You wince as your fingers probe your wound and you carefully
set about wrapping it with bandages.
You have a feeling people are watching you, but you hardly notice the
stares.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 USED ENMED
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "healing">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Healing<</notify>>You ignore the enhanced kit and dig
through your regular one. You patch yourself as best you can, vaguely
aware of the passing crowd’s eyes on you. It’s not ideal, but it’s all
you can do. If anything, you’ve stopped yourself from bleeding out on
your way back to the Docks.
You turn to Aeran. “Do you—”
He shakes his head. “I’m… fine.”
“Have you seen yourself recently?” you snap. “You’re not fine—”
“I’ll be fine,” he interrupts. “I just needed a moment.”
You fall silent. He does seem more energized than before, but the cuts
and bruises are concerning.
“We need to get to Zenaida,” he continues. <<if $aeranapp >=
40>>“Then you can baby me all you want.” He smiles through a split
lip. “I might even look forward to it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "healing">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Healing<</notify>>When you finish, you turn to Aeran. “Do
you—”
He shakes his head. “I’m… fine.”
“Have you seen yourself recently?” you snap. “You’re not fine—”
“I’ll be fine,” he interrupts. “I just needed a moment.”
You fall silent. He does seem more energized than before, but the cuts
and bruises are concerning.
“We need to get to Zenaida,” he continues. <<if $aeranapp >=
40>>“Then you can baby me all you want.” He smiles through a split
lip. “I might even look forward to it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRANSFER TO
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "full">><<notify 3000>>Status: Full
Health...?<</notify>><i>Good… enough,</i> you
think as you finish. You vaguely wonder how long it is going to take to
set in—
The fog clears. The pain in your side is little more than a dull ache.
You feel… fine? You feel <i>more</i> than fine.
You turn to Aeran. “Do you—”
He shakes his head. “I’m… fine.”
“Have you seen yourself recently?” you snap. “You’re not fine—”
“I’ll be fine,” he interrupts. “I just needed a moment.”
You fall silent. He does seem more energized than before, but the cuts
and bruises are concerning.
“We need to get to Zenaida,” he continues. <<if $aeranapp >=
40>>“Then you can baby me all you want.” He smiles through a split
lip. “I might even look forward to it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 TRANSFER TO
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Can
we stop?” Aeran says quietly, exhausted. “Please?”
You nod and together you walk to the statue in the centre of the square.
Someone has lit a lantern in the statue’s hand; it holds the light
aloft, chasing away the night’s shadows. You sink down and collapse with
your backs to the enclosure.
“I just need a moment,” Aeran murmurs.
<<if $health is "injured">>You reach for your pack. “I
should look at you, it’s—”
“It’s fine,” he interrupts. <<if $aeranapp <= 19>>“I just
need to catch my breath, surely you can give me that much.”
You pause and clasp your hands around your knees, drawing them into your
chest. Was that an intentional jab or was it the pain and exhaustion
talking?<<else>>“I just need to catch my
breath.”<</if>>
You shrug and fall silent, watching the milling crowd. Why are there so
many people on the streets? Did something else happen or has word of
your actions at the villa spread so quickly
already?<<else>>You shrug and fall silent, watching the
milling crowd. Why are there so many people on the streets? Did
something else happen or has word of your actions at the villa spread so
quickly already?<</if>>
You clench your teeth. You don’t like being out in the open like this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead_How is
7>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 YOU LEFT RHO]]
<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How neq 7 and $aeranfollow is
false>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO TRUST CONVO]]
<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How neq 7 and $aeranfollow is true and
$health is "injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO INJURED]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$basiliskslain is true>>“We shouldn’t have left him,” Aeran
mutters after a moment.
You swallow hard. <i>He wants to talk about this now?</i>
“It wasn’t our business,” you say.
“He <i>helped</i> us fight that thing—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yes, he did. But I’m not risking crossing
the Count again.”|Chapter 1-5 LEFT RHO B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He also captured us and brought us
to the Count in the first place.”|Chapter 1-5 LEFT RHO
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“We
shouldn’t have left him,” Aeran mutters after a moment.
You stop in your tracks. “What’s this about?”
“You spare his life only to, what, hand him over to the Count?” he
snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not crossing the Count again.”|Chapter
1-5 LEFT RHO B]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He captured us and brought us to
the Count in the first place. Whatever their business is, I’ve had
enough involvement.”|Chapter 1-5 LEFT RHO
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
silence between you weighs heavily on your shoulders. Aeran shifts
restlessly beside you; you can feel him fighting with indecision. From
the way he’s avoiding looking at you, you have a feeling he wants to
yell at you about something—
“You’re an idiot,” he blurts.
Ah. There it is.
You roll your eyes. “Yeah,” you retort. “That’s me. Smartest graduate of
the Spire—”
“Let me finish, would you?” he snaps. “You had no idea what you were
doing, did you.”
It’s not a question; it’s an accusation. You fold your arms and look
away. A couple in brightly-coloured, patched cloaks poke their heads out
of an alley, check to see if the coast is clear, then run across the
square to convene with a growing cluster of people.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 PROMISE
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$enmedkiteqp is true>>“That thing Emari sold you,” Aeran says.
“Maybe you should use it.”
You grunt, rummaging through your pack. You find your regular kit and
the special one you purchased earlier today.
Didn’t they warn you it was only for emergencies? That you weren’t to…
to what? Overuse it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Use the enhanced medical kit. Return to Full
Health.|Chapter 1-5 USED ENMED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your regular medical
kit.|Chapter 1-5 USED REG
KIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
thought of how easy it would be to just fall asleep here and now lodges
in your mind. You shake yourself and dig through your pack for your
medical kit. You need to take care of yourself before you bleed out in
the square.
Gritting your teeth, you patch yourself up as best you can. You’re
vaguely aware of the passing crowd’s eyes on you, but no one approaches
you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. [ENHANCED MEDICAL KIT] Required item
is missing.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your medical kit.|Chapter 1-5
USED REG KIT
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
glance out across the square. In the time that has passed, more
clusters of people have come and gone. You watch their harried
movements, thankful that everyone has either ignored you or given you a
wide berth.
You raise your head, catching movement headed in your direction. A
handful of children tear free from the pockets of townsfolk and shuffle
across the square, spreading out like a flock of scruffy pigeons. The
child in the middle looks vaguely familiar…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Yeah,” Aeran says, “but—”
“We needed to get <i>out,”</i> you interrupt. “Do you think
we could have fought the Count and won like this? He’s made one thing
absolutely clear: Rona is his city. We’re lucky he let us go.”
Aeran lowers his head. “Have it your way,” he mutters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is true and $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<elseif $aeranfollow is true>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO HEALTH]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
Aeran replies coolly. “Under the compulsion of a blood oath. I don’t
think he would have, if he had a choice.”
You tilt your head back, shoulders sagging a little. “That’s his
business,” you say, sighing heavily, “not ours. You of all people should
know that fighting the same enemy doesn’t make you an ally.”
Aeran grunts. “I don’t like this, $firstname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, it was a choice between helping the
stranger who assaulted us or getting us out alive. Why is this is a
surprise?”|Chapter 1-5 LEFT RHO C A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You don’t have to. It’s done. Let
it go.”|Chapter 1-5 LEFT RHO C
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran grunts. “Because it wasn’t
right, $firstname.”
You roll your eyes and fall silent, dropping the subject. No point on
arguing when he clearly isn’t going to change his perspective.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is true and $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<elseif $aeranfollow is true>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO HEALTH]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran grunts. “It’s not right,
$firstname.”
You roll your eyes and fall silent, dropping the subject. No point on
arguing when he clearly isn’t going to change his perspective.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is true and $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<elseif $aeranfollow is true>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO HEALTH]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
asked you to follow my lead,” Aeran says. <<if $aeranpromise is
"broken">>“You promised me you would. And then you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he says quietly. “Do you?”<<else>>“I
never said I would,” you reply.
“And I can’t help but feel that’s the problem,” he says. “You don’t
trust me, do you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 102 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 102 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-102B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 102 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 102 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-102B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)>>He relaxes, letting
out a soft sigh. “I know,” he says finally. “But it seems like you
don’t. You trust your own instincts over anything else. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
<<if $health is "injured">>You swallow hard, pain rippling
through your body.<<else>>You swallow hard. “I’m
sorry.”<</if>>
He closes his eyes. “Me, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“No,” he says, a
bitter edge to his voice. “You don’t.”
“I do—”
“$firstname,” he interrupts, “I’m always the first person you trample
when things don’t go according to plan. You trust your own instincts
over anything else, and that’s your problem. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
falls silent. “…right,” he sighs. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“Look,” you say, “when it comes down to it, when we’re thrown into a
situation where we don’t have a plan… I have to trust my instincts. You
do the same—”
“I don’t,” he interrupts. “Because I accept my failures. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST CONVO
INJURED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Let’s
stop here,” Aeran murmurs.
You raise an eyebrow. “I’d rather return to Zenaida as soon as
possible—”
“Just for a moment, $firstname,” he interrupts, his tone sharper than
you expect.
Silent, you nod and walk to the statue in the centre of the square.
Someone has lit a lantern in the statue’s hand; it holds the light
aloft, chasing away the night’s shadows. You sink down and sit with your
backs to the enclosure.
The silence between you weighs heavily on your shoulders. Aeran shifts
restlessly beside you; you can feel him fighting with indecision. From
the way he’s avoiding looking at you, you have a feeling he wants to
yell at you about something—
“You’re an idiot,” he blurts.
Ah. There it is.
“Yeah,” you sigh. “That’s me. Smartest graduate of the Spire—”
“Let me finish, would you?” he snaps. “You had no idea what you were
doing, did you.”
It’s not a question; it’s an accusation. You fold your arms and look
away, gazing out across the square. A couple in brightly-coloured,
patched cloaks poke their heads out of an alley, check to see if the
coast is clear, then run across the square to convene with a growing
cluster of people.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I did what I thought was best.”|Chapter 1-5
104A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I did what I had to.”|Chapter 1-5
104B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I did it to save your ass,
Aeran.”|Chapter 1-5 104C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
snorts. “Do you even know what that is? Half the time you take us from
one bad situation to another.”
“What do you want me to say?” you retort. “He could have killed us on
that bridge. I found another way and it worked out fine—”
“He could have killed you—”
“He didn’t.”
“You got lucky.”
“Oh, <i>thanks.”</i> You scowl deeply. “Skill had nothing to
do with it, it was all just luck.”
Aeran pauses, breathing sharply through his nose. “What happens next
time you get into a scrap like this?” he says finally. “Are you going to
barrel your way through that, too?”
You sigh and tilt your head back. The stars are unusually bright
tonight. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“I asked you to follow my lead,” Aeran says. <<if $aeranpromise is
"broken">>“You promised me you would. And then you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he says quietly. “Do you?”
<<else>>“I never said I would,” you reply.
“And I can’t help but feel that’s the problem,” he says. “You don’t
trust me, do you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]<</if>></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stares at you, an incredulous look on his face. “You didn’t have to do
<I>anything!”</I> he shouts. <<if $aeranpromise is
"broken">>“I asked you to follow my lead, you promised me you
would—and then you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he bites out bitterly. “Do
you?”<<else>>“I asked you to follow my lead.”
“I never said I would,” you reply.
“Yeah,” he bites out. “And that’s the problem. You don’t trust me, do
you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<set
$persuasionsuccess += 1>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)>>He relaxes, letting out a soft
sigh. “I know,” he says finally. “But it seems like you don’t. You trust
your own instincts over anything else. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
<<if $health is "injured">>You swallow hard, pain rippling
through your body.<<else>>You swallow hard. “I’m
sorry.”<</if>>
He closes his eyes. “Me, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 104 CONT FOR
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“No,” he says, a
bitter edge to his voice. “You don’t.”
“I do—”
“$firstname,” he interrupts, “I’m always the first person you trample
when things don’t go according to plan. You trust your own instincts
over anything else, and that’s your problem. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 104 CONT FOR
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
falls silent. “…right,” he sighs. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“Look,” you say, “when it comes down to it, when we’re thrown into a
situation where we don’t have a plan… I have to trust my instincts. You
do the same—”
“I don’t,” he interrupts. “Because I accept my failures. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 104 CONT FOR
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah—”
“And?
Are we really arguing about this?”
“That’s not the point, $firstname—”
“Then you better tell me what the damn point is!”
He breathes out sharply and looks you in the eye. <<if
$aeranpromise is "broken">>“I asked you to follow my lead, you
promised me you would—and then you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he bites out bitterly. “Do
you?”<<else>>“I asked you to follow my lead.”
“I never said I would,” you reply.
“Yeah,” he bites out. “And that’s the problem. You don’t trust me, do
you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 104 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-104B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“Look,”
you say after a moment, “arguing about what could have happened or what
should have happened… it’s all pointless, isn’t it? We made it out.
We’re alive. The Count’s dead. That’s what matters.”
Aeran clenches his jaw. “Sure.”
“Maybe I made the wrong call. Maybe we should never have backed out on
our agreement with the Count, maybe we should have found his chalice—”
“$firstname—”
“—we can’t know what the right decision was.”
He sighs, looking away, and falls into silence.
You glance out across the square. In the time that has passed, more
clusters of people have come and gone. You watch their harried
movements, thankful that everyone has either ignored you or given you a
wide berth.
You raise your head, catching movement headed in your direction. A
handful of children tear free from the pockets of townsfolk and shuffle
across the square, spreading out like a flock of scruffy pigeons. The
child in the middle looks vaguely familiar…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Leaving
the villa behind, you and Aeran wind your way through the dark streets.
You’re exhausted from your fight and have no energy to spare, so you
walk in silence as you head for the Docks. Night falls in earnest now as
the sun falls below the horizon. The rainclouds have moved on, leaving
the sky lit by a splash of stars.
Rona is far from silent. While night usually signals a flow of harried
workers to the Cove for its evening distractions, the streets are busier
than usual. A simmering tension grows as townsfolk emerge from their
homes and businesses, their muttered voices carrying a clash of
excitement and worry. Some shoot you furtive looks, but most ignore
you—you aren’t the first exhausted and wounded people to lurk in the
streets.
You reach the town square. The morning shops have closed, the vendors
and merchants having removed their goods and collapsed their stalls
hours ago. More people gather in clusters, in the corners, at the front
of alleys, the air humming with whispers and murmurs. <<if $health
is "injured">>You draw more looks and more stares as you limp
across the square, Aeran at your side.<<else>>You draw a few
looks as you walk across the square, though they all quickly turn
away.<</if>>
You lock eyes with an Aeda with blue-green wings and an emerald green
kerchief tied around one arm. You stare them down, summoning all your
remaining strength to send your voiceless threat. They turn and push off
the pavement, soaring into the air, their lustrous wings carrying them
away into the night.
You watch them go, an uncomfortable twist in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 square
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Leaving
the villa behind, you and Aeran wind your way through the dark streets.
You’re exhausted from your fight and have no energy to spare, so you
walk in silence as you head for the Docks. Night falls in earnest now as
the sun falls below the horizon. The rainclouds have moved on, leaving
the sky lit by a splash of stars.
Rona is far from silent. While night usually signals a flow of harried
workers to the Cove for its evening distractions, the streets are busier
than usual. A simmering tension grows as townsfolk emerge from their
homes and businesses, their muttered voices carrying a clash of
excitement and worry. Some shoot you furtive looks, but most ignore
you—you aren’t the first exhausted and wounded people to lurk in the
streets.
You reach the town square. The morning shops have closed, the vendors
and merchants having removed their goods and collapsed their stalls
hours ago. More people gather in clusters, in the corners, at the front
of alleys, the air humming with whispers and murmurs. <<if $health
is "injured">>You draw more looks and more stares as you limp
across the square, Aeran at your side.<<else>>You draw a few
looks as you walk across the square, though they all quickly turn
away.<</if>>
You lock eyes with an Aeda with blue-green wings and an emerald green
kerchief tied around one arm. You stare them down, summoning all your
remaining strength to send your voiceless threat. They turn and push off
the pavement, soaring into the air, their lustrous wings carrying them
away into the night.
You watch them go, an uncomfortable twist in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 VILLA
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Can
we stop?” Aeran says quietly, exhausted. “Please?”
You nod and together you walk to the statue in the centre of the square.
Someone has lit a lantern in the statue’s hand; it holds the light
aloft, chasing away the night’s shadows. You sink down and collapse with
your backs to the enclosure.
“I… just need… a moment,” Aeran murmurs. He sounds as drained as you
feel.
You clasp your hands around your knees, drawing them into your chest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 IMMEDIATE
MED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST MELEE
CONT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall into silence. No matter how exhausted you are, sleep seems like a
distant reward. You press a hand gingerly to your wounds. Your palm
comes away wet and sticky.
Aeran looks at you. “Gods, $firstname,” he says. “You’re a mess.”
You choke out a laugh and groan. “Yeah.”
<<if $enmedkiteqp is true>>You close your eyes. You’re so
tired.
“Where is it?”
The sharpness in his voice cuts through the fog in your mind. You
rummage through your pack, searching for your medical kit. You find your
regular kit and the special one you purchased from Emari.
Didn’t they warn you it was only for emergencies? That you weren’t to…
to what? Overuse it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Use the enhanced medical kit. Return to Full
Health.|Chapter 1-5 ENMED KIT USE 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your regular medical
kit.|Chapter 1-5 OTHER REG
KIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
thought of how easy it would be to just fall asleep here and now lodges
in your mind. You shake yourself and dig through your pack for your
medical kit. You need to take care of yourself before you bleed out in
the square.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. [ENHANCED MEDICAL KIT] Required item
is missing.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use your medical kit.|Chapter 1-5
USED REG KIT
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>>-1 Enhanced Medical Kit<</notify>><<set
$enmedkit -= 1>><<set $enmedkituse += 1>>You open the
kit. You’re not sure what half the items are or how to use them
correctly, but you’ll take your chances anyway.
Inside you find a vial containing a mouthful of clear liquid and a small
jar. You pull out the vial, swilling the liquid inside, and read the
red label attached to the top.
<blockquote><i>Drink First, then Apply Scarlet
Salve</i></blockquote>
You pull out a small jar and glance at Aeran. He slumps beside you, eyes
closed, his breath slow and steady.
Simple enough.
Pain flares through your body. You flick the vial open and down the
solution. An acrid taste burns your tongue and you nearly spit it out,
but you force yourself to swallow it down.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 ENMED KIT USE
2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "healing">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Healing<</notify>>You ignore the enhanced kit and dig
through your regular one.
<<if $aeranapp <= 19>>Gritting your teeth, you patch
yourself as best you can. It’s not ideal, but it’s all you can do. If
anything, you’ve stopped yourself from bleeding out on your way back to
the Docks.<<else>>“Stay still,” Aeran says. “Let me help
you.”
You grunt and peel your tunic back from your wounds. Aeran kneels beside
you and gently patches you up. You’re exhausted and sore, and it’s not
ideal, but it’s the best you can do for now. If anything, he’s stopped
you from bleeding out on your way back to the Docks.
“How do you feel?” he asks.
“Like I got stabbed,” you grunt.
A smile pulls at the corner of his lips, but it fades as quickly as it
appears.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST MELEE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance across the square, watching the milling crowd. Why are there so
many people on the streets? Did something else happen or has word of
your actions at the villa spread so quickly already?
You clench your teeth. You don’t like being out in the open like this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead_How is
6>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST MELEE EXE RHO]]<<elseif
$rhodarthDead_How is 5>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST MEELE AERAN
EXE RHO]]<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
7>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 YOU LEFT RHO]]<<elseif
$aeranfollow is false>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE
TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "full">><<notify 3000>>Status: Full
Health...?<</notify>><<if $aeranapp <=
19>>Your mind still in a haze, you open the jar, peel back your
tunic, and slather your side with ointment. You wince as your fingers
probe your wound and you carefully set about wrapping it with bandages.
Good enough, you think as you finish. You vaguely wonder how long it is
going to take to set in—
The fog clears. The pain in your side is little more than a dull ache.
You feel… fine?
You feel more than fine.<<else>>You reach for the jar.
“Stay still,” Aeran says. “Let me help you.”
You grunt. You hand him the jar and peel your tunic back from your
wounds. Aeran kneels beside you and gently patches you up. You wince as
his fingers graze your wounds, slathering them with the ointment and
carefully bandaging them. You exhale slowly, ignoring the pain—
And then it vanishes, growing to little more than a dull ache.
You turn to Aeran. “What the hell?”
“How do you feel?” he asks.
“I… fine,” you say. “I feel fine. What did you do?”
“I didn’t miraculously become an expert field surgeon over night,” he
says. “Whatever is in this thing, you can thank
Emari.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST MELEE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
changed, $firstname,” Aeran says. “Tonight. He was in your way and you
disposed of him.”
Rhodarth.
You grit your teeth. You don’t like where this is going.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re not discussing this.”|Chapter 1-5 EXE
RHO A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you have something to say, say
it.”|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Rhodarth,” he says. “I… we…” He looks away. “We didn’t have
to kill him.”
Your gut twists and you flush. While you don’t know their full history,
Rhodarth meant something to Aeran and you put him through hell tonight. A
hell you had to walk, but a hell, nonetheless.
“It had to be done,” you say coldly.
“Did it?” He turns to you. “He wasn’t the Count, condemning those around
him to a fate worse than death. He was bound by a blood oath. His
choices were to kill us, or submit. It wasn’t only his life on the line,
but the lives of his company. What would you have done?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO
G]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I wouldn’t let myself be bound by a
blood oath in the first place.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I wouldn’t fight. Not unless it was
my choice.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO E]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “… I’d fight.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO
H]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“He didn’t deserve it,” Aeran
says. “What you did to him. He wasn’t the Count, condemning those around
him to a fate worse than death. He was bound by a blood oath. His
choices were to kill us, or submit. It wasn’t only his life on the line,
but the lives of his company. What would you have done?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I wouldn’t let myself be bound by a
blood oath in the first place.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I wouldn’t fight. Not unless it was
my choice.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO E]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “… I’d fight.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO
F]]</div></div><</nobr>>“He
didn’t deserve it,” Aeran says. “What you did to him. He wasn’t the
Count, condemning those around him to a fate worse than death. He was
bound by a blood oath. His choices were to kill us, or submit. It wasn’t
only his life on the line, but the lives of his company. What would you
have done?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I wouldn’t let myself be bound by a
blood oath in the first place.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I wouldn’t fight. Not unless it was
my choice.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO E]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “… I’d fight.”|CHAPTER 1-5 EXE RHO
F]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Tsch.”</i>
Aeran shakes his head, falling silent. He folds his arms, refusing to
look at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Easy for you to be so sure when
it’s outside the realm of possibility,” he says darkly. “I’m not sure if
it’s a lack of imagination, $firstname, or that you truly don’t value
anything more than yourself.”
You scowl, a retort forming in your mouth—but Aeran looks away and your
unspoken words die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“That’s the point, $firstname,”
Aeran snaps. “He had no choice. Follow the commands of the oath or
submit to it. There is no in-between.”
You scowl, a retort forming in your mouth—but Aeran looks away and your
unspoken words die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
wouldn't,” Aeran says. “You’d do whatever your oath requires, because
you value your own life—and the lives of those important to you—above
everything else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
nods. “That’s what I thought.”
He falls silent and looks away, refusing to meet your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
wouldn't,” Aeran says. “You’d do whatever your oath requires, because
you value your own life—and the lives of those important to you—above
everything else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE RHO CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
made a choice, Aeran,” you say. <<if $rhodarthDead_How is
5>>“And you did, too. Don’t push your guilt onto
me.”<<else>>“I did what I thought was
right.”<</if>>
He clasps his hands together, shoulders sagging. A painful look flashes
across his face. “Yeah,” he mutters. “Sure.”
An uneasy silence settles between you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is
false>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 EXE
TRUST]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 POST RHO NO TRUST
CONVO
HEALTH]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“You
had no idea what you were doing tonight, did you,” Aeran says after a
moment.
It’s not a question; it’s an accusation. You fold your arms and look
away, gazing out across the square. A couple in brightly-coloured,
patched cloaks poke their heads out of an alley, check to see if the
coast is clear, then run across the square to convene with a growing
cluster of people.
“I asked you to follow my lead,” Aeran says. <<if $aeranpromise is
"broken">>“You promised me you would. And then you didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he bites out bitterly. “Do
you?”<<else>>
“I never said I would,” you reply.
“Yeah,” he bites out. “And that’s the problem. You don’t trust me, do
you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-5 110 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 110 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-110B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 110 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-5 110 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter
1-5-110B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5, 90)>>He relaxes,
letting out a soft sigh. “I know,” he says finally. “But it seems like
you don’t. You trust your own instincts over anything else. That you
could be wrong is something you can never admit.”
You chew the inside of your cheek and fold a knee towards your chest.
“I’m sorry,” you say.
He laces his hands across the back of his neck and stares out blankly at
the town square.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 100 EXE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“No,” he says
bitterly. “You don’t.”
“I do—”
“Don’t lie to me,” he snaps.
“I’m not—”
“$firstname,” he interrupts, “I’m always the first person you trample
when things don’t go according to plan. You trust your own instincts
over anything else, and that’s your problem. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
His words hit harder than expected. You feel like you’ve taken a blow to
the chest.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 100 EXE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
falls silent. “…right,” he grunts. “At least you’re honest about it.”
“Look,” you say, “when it comes down to it, when we’re thrown into a
situation where we don’t have a plan… I have to trust my instincts. You
do the same—”
“I don’t,” he interrupts. “Because I accept my failures. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
You chew the inside of your cheek and fold a knee towards your chest,
bouncing your leg up and down.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 100 EXE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Look,”
you say after a moment, “arguing about what could have happened or what
should have happened… it’s all pointless, isn’t it? <<if
$countDead is true>>We made it out. We’re alive. The Count’s dead.
That’s what matters.”<<else>>We made it out. We’re alive.
That’s what matters.”<</if>>
Aeran clenches his jaw. “Sure.”
“Maybe I made the wrong call. Maybe we should never have backed out on
our agreement with the Count, maybe we should have found his chalice—”
“That’s not—”
“—we can’t know what the right decision was.”
You glance out across the square. In the time that has passed, more
clusters of people have come and gone. You watch their harried
movements, thankful that everyone has either ignored you or given you a
wide berth.
You raise your head, catching movement headed in your direction. A
handful of children tear free from the pockets of townsfolk and shuffle
across the square, spreading out like a flock of scruffy pigeons. The
child in the middle looks vaguely familiar…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$countDead_How is 6 or $countDead_How is 7>>“Get lost, kid—”
“Get $himher, Luthais,” a scrawny girl whispers, tugging at her patchy
hair and pulling the limp strands together in a knot. She stares at you,
a fervent, hungry look in her eye. The chorus of children behind them
nod, murmuring their agreement.
Luthais draws a knife. He stands still, wavering back and forth,
uncertain of what to do. The children around him whisper and mutter,
pointing at you and Aeran.
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs. Somehow this seems fitting, considering
the direction your life has taken. Survive encountering the Crimson
Count, get knifed by a gang of children.
The gang pushes Luthais at you. He stares at his feet, at the knife,
then at you. His eyes widen at the sight of blood on your clothing. You
place your hand on the hilt of your sword.
“Look,” you say. “Whatever problem you’ve got with me, leave it.”
“You killed someone, didn’t you?” he says quietly. “Who was it? Was it
Kane—?”
<<if $countDead_How is 7>>“The Count. My friend here killed
him.”<<else>>“The Count.”<</if>>
The boy’s eyes widen. “…what?”
The gang clusters around Luthais. They whisper, muttering and pointing
emphatically, but Luthais ignores them. He sheathes the knife.
“Thank you,” he whispers. “I’ll… I’ll go now.” He looks at you,
shoulders sagging. “I’m sorry. About… about this morning. I’m sorry.”
He ducks his head and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
night. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and chases
after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
You watch them go and let out a weary sigh. Even the smallest of actions
cause unexpected ripples. You can’t bear the burden of every one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 RETURN TO
ZENAIDA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“I
don’t know you, kid,” you say. “You’re not my problem—”
“It’s your fault!” the boy yells. “It’s your fault she’s dead!”
You grit your teeth. You don’t have the cleanest record in the world,
but you don’t like being accused of murder you didn’t commit. “Right,”
you say. “You’re going to have to explain that one to me—”
“You were supposed to come with me!” he shouts. He’s shaking now and he
lowers his head, unable to look you in the eye. “To the Alley! Kane
said… He…” He chokes on his words, tears shining in his eyes. “When you
didn’t, he…”
You exchange looks with Aeran. It feels like a month has passed since
this morning. The incident in the town square was little more than an
inconsequential bump in the road, already forgotten. But you don’t need
more of this story to put two and two together—you didn’t take the boy’s
bait and his family was punished for it.
“Screw this,” a scrawny girl whispers, tugging at her patchy hair and
pulling the limp strands together in a knot. “Get $himher, Luthais!” She
stares at you with a fervent, hungry look in her eye. The chorus of
children behind them nod, murmuring their agreement.
Luthais draws a knife. He stands still, wavering back and forth,
uncertain of what to do. You sigh wearily. Somehow this seems fitting,
considering the direction your life has taken. Survive an encounter with
the Count, get knifed by a gang of children.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t think stabbing two random
mercenaries will make you feel better.”|CHAPTER 1-5 LUTHAIS
D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you want revenge, Luthais, try
pointing the knife in the right direction.”|CHAPTER 1-5 LUTHAIS
E]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“I
don’t know you, kid,” you say. “And I certainly don’t know your mother.
Something rotten’s happened to you and I’m sorry for that. If you tell
me—”
“It’s your fault!” the boy yells. “It’s your fault she’s dead!”
You pause. “You’re going to have to explain that one to me—”
“You were supposed to come with me!” he shouts, shaking as he lowers his
head, unable to look you in the eye. “To the Alley! Kane said… He…” He
chokes on his words, tears shining in his eyes. “When you didn’t, he…”
The boy falls silent.
You exchange looks with Aeran. It feels like a month has passed since
this morning. The incident in the town square was little more than an
inconsequential bump in the road, already forgotten. But you don’t need
more of this story to put two and two together—you didn’t take the boy’s
bait and his family was punished for it.
“Get $himher, Luthais,” a scrawny girl whispers, tugging at her patchy
hair and pulling the limp strands together in a knot. She stares at you
with a fervent, hungry look in her eye. The chorus of children behind
them nod, murmuring their agreement.
Luthais draws a knife. He stands still, wavering back and forth,
uncertain of what to do. You sigh wearily. Somehow this seems fitting,
considering the direction your life has taken. Survive an encounter with
the Count, get knifed by a gang of children.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t think stabbing two random
mercenaries will make you feel better.”|CHAPTER 1-5 LUTHAIS
D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you want revenge, Luthais, try
pointing the knife in the right direction.”|CHAPTER 1-5 LUTHAIS
E]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance out across the square. In the time that has passed, more
clusters of people have come and gone. You watch their harried
movements, thankful that everyone has either ignored you or given you a
wide berth.
You raise your head, catching movement headed in your direction. A
handful of children tear free from the pockets of townsfolk and shuffle
across the square, spreading out like a flock of scruffy pigeons. The
child in the middle looks vaguely familiar…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 LUTHAIS
MELUSINE BASILISK")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1-5 MEET LUTHAIS
SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>It’s
your thief from this morning. He looks even paler and scrawnier than
before. A fresh cut flares across his eyebrow and there’s a new bruise
on his cheek.
You sigh wearily.
“Go home, kid,” you call. “You don’t want to mess with me right now.”
“I <i>hate</i> you,” he seethes. “You… my mom… <i>I
hate you.”</i>
You stare at him blankly.
<i>What the…?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Brush him off.|Chapter 1-5 Luthais special
a]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You sense a story here. Push him for
answers.|chapter 1-5 luthais special
b]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I have no idea what you’re
talking about—”
“Get $himher, Luthais,” a scrawny girl whispers, tugging at her patchy
hair and pulling the limp strands together in a knot. She stares at you,
a fervent, hungry look in her eye. The chorus of children behind them
nod, murmuring their agreement.
Luthais draws a knife. He stands still, wavering back and forth,
uncertain of what to do. The children around him whisper and mutter,
pointing at you and Aeran as they tug at Luthais, pushing him forwards.
You glance at the passing crowds, wondering whether you’ve attracted any
attention, but it’s pointless. Whatever turbulent event is brewing is
far more important than a thief and two worn-out Wayfarers.
Somehow this seems fitting, considering the direction your life has
taken. Survive a fight with a basilisk, get knifed by a gang of
children.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The gang pushes Luthais at you. He stares at his feet, at the
knife, then at you. His eyes flicker to Aeran. “What happened to your
face?”
Aeran wheezes with laughter. “That’s a… that’s a secret, kid.”
“You look real ugly.”
“I’m allowed to have an off-day. Getting on the Count’s bad side does
that to you.”
Luthais presses his lips together. “You saw the Count?”
“Yeah. My friend here killed his basilisk.”
The boy’s eyes widen. “…what?”
The gang clusters around him. They whisper, muttering and pointing
emphatically, but Luthais ignores them. He sheathes the knife.
“Thank you,” he whispers. “I’ll… I’ll go now.” He looks at you,
shoulders sagging. “I’m sorry. About… about this morning. I’m sorry.”
He ducks his head and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
milling crowd. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and
chases after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
You watch them go and let out a weary sigh. Even the smallest of actions
cause unexpected ripples. You can’t bear the burden of every one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 RETURN TO
ZENAIDA][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“I
don’t know you, kid,” you say. “And I certainly don’t know your mother.
Something rotten’s happened to you and I’m sorry for that. If you tell
me—”
“It’s your fault!” the boy yells. “It’s your fault she’s dead!”
You blink. “Look, I’m sorry about your mother,” you say. “But you’re
going to have to explain that one to me—”
“You were supposed to come with me!” the boy says. He’s shaking now and
he lowers his head, unable to look you in the eye. “To the Alley! Kane
said… He…” He chokes on his words, tears shining in his eyes. “When you
didn’t, he…”
The boy falls silent.
You exchange looks with Aeran. It feels like a month has passed since
this morning. The incident in the town square was little more than an
inconsequential bump in the road, already forgotten. But you don’t need
more of this story to put two and two together—you didn’t take the boy’s
bait and his family was punished for it.
“Get $himher, Luthais,” a scrawny girl whispers, tugging at her patchy
hair and pulling the limp strands together in a knot. She stares at you,
a fervent, hungry look in her eye. The chorus of children behind them
nod, murmuring their agreement.
Luthais draws a knife. He stands still, wavering back and forth,
uncertain of what to do. You glance at the passing crowds, wondering
whether you’ve attracted any attention, but it’s pointless. Whatever
turbulent event is brewing is far more important than a thief and two
worn-out Wayfarers.
You sigh wearily. Somehow this seems fitting, considering the direction
your life has taken. Survive a fight with a basilisk, get knifed by a
gang of children.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t think stabbing two half-dead
mercenaries will make you feel better.”|Chapter 1-5 200 a]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you want revenge, Luthais, try
pointing the knife in the right direction.”|Chapter 1-5 200
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
boy pauses. He looks at his feet. “I don’t care what you think.”
The children mutter behind him. The girl with the patchy hair grabs his
arm and whispers something in his ear. Luthais stares blankly at the
ground.
“Do you really want to kill me, Luthais?” you ask.
He shakes his head. His mouth moves; you can’t hear the word he speaks.
<i>“…no.”</i>
The girl tugs at his arm again, whispering into his ear.
“Stop it, Vi!” he hisses, pushing her away. “I don’t… this isn’t… We
need to go.”
He sheathes the dagger and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
milling crowd. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and
chases after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
You watch them go, unable to shake off a creeping feeling of guilt. Even
the smallest of actions cause unexpected ripples. You can’t bear the
burden of every one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 RETURN TO
ZENAIDA]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
boy pauses. “…what?”
You shrug. “Sounds like Kane’s the one to blame. If you’re so eager to
use all that simmering anger, best serve it to the person who deserves
it.”
The children mutter behind him. The girl with the patchy hair grabs his
arm and whispers something in his ear. He shakes his head, pulling away.
“I can’t go against Kane,” he says. “He’s too powerful. It’s
impossible.”
“And I killed the Count’s basilisk,” you reply. “An impossible feat, yet
I’m still here.” <<if $health is "healing">>Barely. But you
don’t need to acknowledge that right
now.<<else>><</if>>
His eyes widen. “…what?”
The gang clusters around him. They whisper, muttering and pointing
emphatically, but Luthais ignores them.
“Thank you,” he says. “Kane’s got it coming.”
He sheathes the dagger and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
milling crowd. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and
chases after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 200 c
a]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Dareia">>“You certainly attract an
interesting assortment of attention,” a familiar voice says.
You slowly stand. “Malsara.”
The woman drops gracefully onto the pavement. She straightens, her dark
clothing fluttering around her, and observes you with narrowed eyes.
Aeran, unable to hide his grimace, gets to his feet.
“And you have interesting timing,” he says. “Have you been following
us?”
Malsara shrugs. “I have kept watch, yes.”
“Could have dropped in a bit sooner, don’t you think?” Aeran says.
She raises her chin. “It is my practice to observe and not to interfere,
unless strictly necessary,” she counters. “Had you died it would merely
prove you unworthy to serve my mistress.”
“Thanks,” Aeran grunts.
Malsara raises an eyebrow. “Her Grace may have put her faith in you out
of necessity, but my sister and I have not. I have no reason to care for
your wellbeing—”
“Yeah, I got that,” he interrupts. “You’re showing great integrity with
your very specific set of priorities.”
She grimaces. Her eyes flicker to the milling crowds, scanning them
carefully. “While I’m sure you are eager to continue this enthralling
conversation and suss out more opportunities to insult me,” she says,
dropping her voice, “we do not have the time. Your endeavour tonight has
garnered much unwanted attention and we must board our ship at once.”
<<if $health is "healing">>Sighing, you turn and limp across
the square. <<else>>Sighing, you turn and walk across the
square.<</if>> Aeran follows, muttering a curse under his
breath, the day’s exhaustion preventing him from antagonizing Malsara
further. The assassin trails quietly behind you, urging you forward at a
rapid pace. The back of your neck prickles; you can feel her eyes
watching.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
20]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“He’s going to get himself
killed,” Aeran says darkly as you watch them go.
“You don’t know that.”
He rolls his eyes. “Right... I still don’t think that was a good idea. I
know you like to be encouraging sometimes, <<if $aeranapp >=
20>>$firstname<<else>>$nickname<</if>>,
but there’s a time and a place.”
You shrug. Even the smallest of actions cause unexpected ripples. You
can’t bear the burden of every one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 RETURN TO
ZENAIDA]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
boy pauses. He looks at his feet. “I don’t care what you think.”
The children mutter behind him. The girl with the patchy hair grabs his
arm and whispers something in his ear. Luthais stares blankly at the
ground.
“Do you really want to kill me, Luthais?” you ask.
He shakes his head. His mouth moves; you can’t hear the word he speaks.
<i>“…no.”</i>
The girl tugs at his arm again, whispering into his ear.
“Stop it, Vi!” he hisses, pushing her away. “I don’t… this isn’t… We
need to go.”
He sheathes the dagger and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
night. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and chases
after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
You watch them go, unable to shake off a creeping feeling of guilt. Even
the smallest of actions cause unexpected ripples. You can’t bear the
burden of every one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 RETURN TO
ZENAIDA]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
boy pauses. “…what?”
You shrug. “Sounds like Kane’s the one to blame. If you’re so eager to
use all that simmering anger, best serve it to the person who deserves
it.”
The children mutter behind him. The girl with the patchy hair grabs his
arm and whispers something in his ear. He shakes his head, pulling away.
“I can’t go against Kane,” he says. “He’s too powerful. It’s
impossible.”
<<if $countDead_How is 6>>“And I killed the Count,” you
reply. “An impossible feat, yet I’m still here.”<<elseif
$countDead_How is 7>>“And my friend here killed the Count,” you
reply. “An impossible feat, yet we're still here.”<<elseif
$basiliskslain is true>>“And I killed the Count’s basilisk,” you
reply. “An impossible feat, yet I’m still here.”<<else>>
“And I walked into the Count’s villa and came out alive,” you reply. “An
impossible feat, yet I’m still here.”<</if>>
His eyes widen. “…what?”
The gang clusters around him. They whisper, muttering and pointing
emphatically, but Luthais ignores them.
“Thank you,” he says. “Kane’s got it coming.”
He sheathes the dagger and flees into the shadows, disappearing into the
night. The girl with the patchy hair throws you a dark look and chases
after him, the rest of the gang on her heels.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 200 c
a]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
crowds thin as you approach the Docks. The dockhands have either
returned home or been swept up in the growing unease. There are some
hooded and cloaked figures who remain, slipping in and out of alleys to
conduct their nefarious business, but even they feel curtailed.
The harbour is silent, ships bobbing up and down on quiet, dark water to
the rhythm of creaking boards and lapping waves. The very last pier is
lit, conjured lights floating alongside a gangplank, their golden glow
reflected in the water. They guide a flurry of movement as a stream of
dark figures board the ship. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>Peering through the darkness, you can see the burgundy
colour of the ship’s sides and the prominent dragon figurehead on its
bow.<<else>><</if>>
Malsara pushes past you, striding towards a woman in a deep purple cloak
standing at the edge of the pier. She lowers her head, murmuring
something to the woman. Your ears prick up, listening through the low
din for her voice.
“I have retrieved them, my lady,” she says. <<if $health is
"healing">>“A little worse for wear, but alive.”
“We can tend to their wounds onboard the <i>Dareia</i>,”
Zenaida replies.<<else>>“Good,” Zenaida replies. “Take them
onboard the <i>Dareia</i>. We must not delay. Already we
have taken too long.”<</if>>
“I did what I could,” Malsara says, a little stiffly. “Unfortunately,
transdimensional displacement was not possible, given the
circumstances.”
“This was not a criticism of your talents, Malsara,” Zenaida says.
Several figures in dark clothing rush by her, darting down the pier and
up the gangplank. They quickly disperse across the ship and call out to
each other, their voices too low <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>even for your ears to make out<<else>>for you
to make out<</if>>. “Merely an observation made under great
tension.”
She turns, her cloak fanning out behind her, and faces you. “Come,” she
says, beckoning you to join her. “We must make haste. News of your
actions has spread through the town like wildfire.”
You glance at Aeran and hurry forwards, following Zenaida down the pier.
“The Seven will not take this affront to their power lightly,” she
continues. “You may have escaped the clutches of Cere Nalos, but Anselma
Malley is another matter entirely.”
<<if $countDead is true>>Aeran grunts. “I don’t get it,” he
says. “They squabble and nearly kill each other for control over this
city and the Count was at the top, orchestrating it all. You’d think
someone like Malley would be happy about it—”
“Happy?” Zenaida pulls up short. “All you have done, Wayfarer, is prove
they can be dethroned by a single, lucky strike. After all, if a
powerless mercenary who fights without magic can kill the Crimson Count,
any ordinary, skilled warrior could slaughter them all. The Seven have
controlled Rona for decades by weaving the illusion they are
untouchable. You have shattered that illusion—completely. They will seek
retribution.”<<else>>Aeran grunts. “I don’t get it,” he
says. “The Count is alive. They already squabble and nearly kill each
other for control over this city, how is this any different—”
“Because you were the one who instigated it,” Zenaida interrupts,
pulling up short. “All you have done, Wayfarer, is prove they can be
threatened, that their grasp is far from absolute. After all, if a
powerless mercenary who fights without magic can force the Crimson Count
into submission, any ordinary, skilled warrior could slaughter them
all. The Seven have controlled Rona for decades by weaving the illusion
they are untouchable. You have shattered that illusion—completely. They
will seek retribution.”<</if>>
A thunderous noise cracks across the harbour, a circle of light
illuminating the pier. You raise a hand, shielding your eyes from the
unnaturally bright light and squint, searching for the source. Wind
howls across the pier, tearing at hair and clothes, blowing leaves and
other debris in spirals down the road.
“Are you so fearful for your own life, you would slip away in the dark
like a snake to water?” a resonant voice calls.
Zenaida exhales wearily and turns, lowering her hood. Her braided hair
is mussed, escaping its intricate plait. She raises her chin, looking
upward with an unflinching stare as she is cast into shadow.
You follow her gaze and your jaw drops.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
21]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A line of Aeda warriors, seven
in total, descend from the night sky. They float above you, suspended in
the air, their dark wings beating steadily, long silver spears in hand.
A woman hovers in the centre of the line, her dark green wings spread
out majestically behind her. She wears her hair long and loose, the
emerald locks fanning out behind her, rippling in the wind. Silver
markings shine brightly against her weathered, tawny skin, circling
around her eyes like streaks of lightning, masking the lines and
wrinkles of age. Her dark green clothing swirls around her like mist,
tendrils of fabric hanging loose in the air—if she placed a foot on the
ground, her hems would drag at least a foot behind her. She looks down,
eyes fixed on Zenaida, dark lips pursed in displeasure.
Anselma Malley, the Viridian Lady. The Count’s rival and the second
greatest power within Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You risk much, Zenaida Anaxas,” the Lady says. “I trust you
know your life is not the only one jeopardized by your presence here.”
“I am no agent of the Empire,” Zenaida replies, shouting into the storm.
“I am here on my own behalf—”
<<if $countDead is true>>“And yet within a day of your
arrival, a leader of this city lies dead, slain by sellswords in your
employ,” the Lady interrupts, voice cracking like thunder. “Suspicious
minds are quick to speculate and rumours spread faster than flames. An
assassination, carried out on Imperial orders? Does the Empire seek to
exert its control over Rona once again?”<<else>>“And yet
within a day of your arrival, a leader of this city is attacked by
sellswords in your employ,” the Lady interrupts, voice cracking like
thunder. “Suspicious minds are quick to speculate and rumours spread
faster than flames. An assassination attempt, carried out on Imperial
orders? Does the Empire seek to exert its control over Rona once
again?”<</if>>
“The actions of my subordinates do not reflect Imperial politics,”
Zenaida says, stepping forward, placing herself between you and the line
of armed Aeda. All activity on the ship has stopped, her people frozen,
mesmerized as they watch events unfold on the pier. “This is a separate
matter—”
“If you are not associated with their actions,” the Lady continues
coldly, “then they have personally acted against Rona’s authority and
must be punished accordingly. Their lives are forfeit. I demand you
release them into my custody.”
You glance at Aeran. He grunts and glares upward, facing the wind as he
squints through the bright light. Just when you thought it was over…
Your fingers brush the hilt of your sword. From behind, Malsara seizes
your arm, preventing you from drawing your blade. She shakes her head
imperceptibly and mouths a single word—
“Wait.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Interfere.|Chapter 1-6 22
INTERFERE][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere.|Chapter 1-6 22
DON'T INTERFERE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)>>You pull
free from Malsara’s grasp and step forwards. “And here I thought you
were rivals,” you say. “It’s well-known you have no love for the Count,
why should you care so much about him?”
The Lady’s eyes snap to you. She hovers, head tilted, hair rippling
behind her. Zenaida turns, a livid look burning on her face. A faint
golden glow whisps around her body, but it may be a trick of the light.
“You speak, sellsword,” the Lady says. “How would you defend your
actions?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Take
responsibility and explain what happened.|Chapter 1-6 23A PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Take responsibility and
explain what happened.|Chapter 1-6 23A PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $countDead is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] Name the Count a tyrant and proclaim that you have done
Rona a service.|Chapter 1-6 23BPERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] Name the Count a tyrant and proclaim that you have done
Rona a service.|Chapter 1-6 23BPERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. [PERSUASION]
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. Take responsibility and explain what happened.|Chapter
1-6 23A PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Take responsibility
and explain what happened.|Chapter 1-6 23A PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $countDead is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[2.
Name the Count a tyrant and proclaim that you have done Rona a
service.|Chapter 1-6 23BPERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Name
the Count a tyrant and proclaim that you have done Rona a
service.|Chapter 1-6 23BPERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met</s><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<lethalisGain>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 20, 79)>>“I cannot fulfill that
demand,” Zenaida counters. “While they are in my employ, they are
subjects of the Empire. They are bound by our laws, not yours. If they
deserve to be punished for <<if $countDead is true>>killing a
tyrant,<<else>>assaulting a tyrant,<</if>> then
they must be punished on Imperial soil.”
The Lady nods, a cold, resigned look crossing her face. “Then we are at
an impasse,” she says. “Unlike my fellows, I was willing to forgive your
trespasses here. The Seven would rejoice to send you home, piece by
piece, as a warning to your emperor.”
“Kill me if you wish, Lady Malley, but my death will mean nothing to the
emperor,” Zenaida replies coolly, unflustered by the threat. “When it
comes to the country of my birth, I am negligible. I am nothing, one
aristocrat among thousands—do you think the emperor even knows my name?”
She shakes her head and takes another step forward, hands clasped
firmly in front of her.
The Lady watches her carefully. She will not underestimate Zenaida’s
unassuming posture.
“But should I die,” Zenaida says, continuing her slow advance, “there is
another entity that will be most aggrieved. And as they are beyond the
will of nations and monarchs, they will not hesitate to obliterate this
putrid town off the face of the earth when they come to seek their
vengeance.” She unlocks her fingers, spreading her hands. A golden aura
erupts around her, flaring into existence.
Zenaida stands alone, facing a line of Aeda warriors, shining in the
dark like a beacon.
“Make an enemy of the Empire and the Empire will not care,” she calls.
“But make an enemy of the Guild? You will not survive six months.”
Silence falls over the pier. Malsara’s grip tightens on your arm,
fingers digging into your flesh, her breath quickening as she watches.
An agonizing tension grows in the scene before your eyes—Zenaida,
glowing, standing at the mercy of the Lady’s warriors, and the Lady,
hovering several feet above her, her expression as still as stone. All
you can hear is the gentle surge of the waves below and the steady flap
of wings above.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the air, alighting
on the ground, her cloak swirling around her, her hems pooling at her
feet. Her warriors flank her, hovering a few feet above at her
shoulders. In unison they withdraw their spears, resting them against
their shoulders.
The Lady towers over Zenaida, wings unfurled and still. “Then you should
take your leave, Savant,” she says. “If your business is concluded.”
“It is,” Zenaida replies. “I have all I came for.”
The Lady tilts her head, observing Zenaida through narrowed eyes. She
nods, some unspoken agreement passing between them. She turns, her
movements smooth and graceful, and pushes off the ground, sailing into
the sky. Her warriors ascend with her and, with a few flaps of their
great wings, disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>With the Lady’s departure, the wind calms. Malsara lets go of
your arm and rushes to Zenaida’s side.
“My lady—”
Zenaida turns to her, shaking her head. Her aura dies, slowly fading to
nothingness. “She has bought us time,” she says. “The next member of the
Seven who finds us will not be so forgiving. We shall not tarry.”
She sweeps by, barely acknowledging you as she walks down the pier and
up the gangplank. You exchange looks with Aeran and follow without
comment, Malsara trailing after you. You want nothing more than to be
done with this farce, to have a word with Aeran in private, but it will
have to wait.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 25 SHIP LEAVES
HARBOUR][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 20, 79)>>“I take
responsibility for what occurred between Cere Nalos, myself and my
partner,” you reply. “We were contracted, we failed to deliver what he
requested, and he attempted to kill us for our failure.”
The Lady watches you silently, her wings beating slowly.
“Death is not something I am willing to accept,” you continue. “I won’t
be condemned and walk willingly to the gallows.”
<<if $basiliskslain is true>>“He attempted to feed us to a
basilisk he kept below his villa—were you aware of that?” you add. “A
monster capable of petrification, can you imagine what would happen if
he let it loose on the city? On the Seven?”
The Lady raises an eyebrow but does not speak.
You push on, carried by the momentum of your words. “We killed the
serpent,” you say. <<if $countDead_How is 6>>“And when he
threatened the life of someone who fought alongside us, we killed
him.<<elseif $countDead_How is 7>>“And when he threatened
the life of someone who fought alongside us, my partner killed him. This
was no assassination attempt, Lady Malley, only brutal circumstances
that got out of hand because of one man’s lust for
power.”<<else>>“And accepting what we had done, he let us
go. This was no assassination attempt, Lady Malley.”<</if>>
Silence falls over the pier. The aura around Zenaida flares, growing
bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and
her warriors hover several feet above you, their expressions still as
stone. All you can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the
steady flap of wings above.
Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the air, alighting on the
pier, her cloak swirling around her, her hems pooling at her feet. Her
warriors flank her, hovering a few feet above. They withdraw their
spears in unison, resting them against their shoulders.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>The Lady
raises her chin, eyes flickering over you. Though she matches your
height, she carries such a powerful presence she seems much
taller.<<else>>The Lady towers over you, wings unfurled and
still.<</if>> “I sense the truth in your words, sellsword,”
she says. <<if $countDead is true>>“As one of the Seven,
Nalos’ death demands justice, but I cannot ask for your life in return
for his—not when you have rid our city of such a
creature.”<<else>>“As one of the Seven, the attack on Nalos
demands justice, but I cannot ask for your life as punishment—not when
you have rid our city of such a creature.”<</if>>
There’s a harsh, yet gratified tone to the way she phrases creature… You
can’t help but wonder whether the creature is the basilisk.
“You should take your leave,” the Lady continues. “Our business here is
concluded.”
The Lady tilts her head, observing Zenaida through narrowed eyes. The
mage nods, some unspoken agreement passing between them. Then the Lady
turns, her movements smooth and graceful, and pushes off the ground,
sailing into the sky. Her warriors ascend with her and, with a few flaps
of their great wings, disappear into the night.<<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 COURTYARD MELEE")>><<if
$countDead_How is 6>>“He ordered his guards to slaughter us. We
fought—and when he threatened us again, we killed him. This was no
assassination attempt, Lady Malley, only brutal circumstances that got
out of hand because of one man’s lust for power.”<<elseif
$countDead_How is 7>>“He ordered his guards to slaughter us. We
fought—and when he threatened us again, my partner killed him. This was
no assassination attempt, Lady Malley, only brutal circumstances that
got out of hand because of one man’s lust for
power.”<<else>>“He ordered his guards to slaughter us. We
fought—and when we dispatched his mercenaries, he let us go. This was no
assassination attempt, Lady Malley.”<</if>>
Silence falls over the pier. The aura around Zenaida flares, growing
bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and
her warriors hover several feet above you, their expressions still as
stone. All you can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the
steady flap of wings above.
Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the air, alighting on the
ground, her cloak swirling around her, her hems pooling at her feet. Her
warriors flank her, hovering a few feet above at her shoulders. They
withdraw their spears in unison, resting them against their shoulders.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>The Lady
raises her chin, eyes flickering over you. Though she matches your
height, she carries such a powerful presence she seems much
taller.<<else>>The Lady towers over you, wings unfurled and
still.<</if>> “I sense the truth in your words, sellsword,”
she says. <<if $countDead is true>>“As one of the Seven,
Nalos’ death demands justice, but I cannot ask for your life in return
for his. You should take your leave. Our business here is
concluded.”<<else>>“As one of the Seven, the attack on Nalos
demands justice, but as he did not seek further recompense, I cannot
ask for your life. You should take your leave. Our business here is
concluded.”<</if>>
The Lady tilts her head, observing Zenaida through narrowed eyes. The
mage nods, some unspoken agreement passing between them. Then the Lady
turns, her movements smooth and graceful, and pushes off the ground,
sailing into the sky. Her warriors ascend with her and, with a few flaps
of their great wings, disappear into the night.<<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 DUEL")>>“He demanded a duel. I
accepted—though I had no choice, it was either accept or die. We fought
and I killed him. This was no assassination attempt, Lady Malley. He
died playing at his own game.”
Silence falls over the pier. The aura around Zenaida flares, growing
bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and
her warriors hover several feet above you, their expressions still as
stone. All you can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the
steady flap of wings above.
Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the air, alighting on the
ground, her cloak swirling around her, her hems pooling at her feet. Her
warriors flank her, hovering a few feet above at her shoulders. In
unison they withdraw their spears, resting them against their shoulders.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>The Lady
raises her chin, eyes flickering over you. Though she matches your
height, she carries such a powerful presence she seems much
taller.<<else>>The Lady towers over you, wings unfurled and
still.<</if>> “I sense the truth in your words, sellsword,”
she says. “As one of the Seven, Nalos’ death demands justice, but I
cannot ask for your life in return for his, not when he is responsible
for his own death. The rules of the <i>ahni nathos</i> are
sacred to the Azilian Melusine; it is not within my right to circumvent
them.” She pauses. “You should take your leave. Our business here is
concluded.”
The Lady tilts her head, observing Zenaida through narrowed eyes. The
mage nods, some unspoken agreement passing between them. Then the Lady
turns, her movements smooth and graceful, and pushes off the ground,
sailing into the sky. Her warriors ascend with her and, with a few flaps
of their great wings, disappear into the night.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 24 CONT TO
BOAT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I’m
responsible for this mess,” you reply bluntly. “We were contracted by
the Count to find a missing artefact. Our leads dried up and we knew the
Count was out for blood. We had to make a decision—keep looking for the
damn thing and risk failing the Count, or take Zenaida’s offer and
leave Rona as soon as possible.”
The Lady watches you silently, eyes narrowed.
“I don’t like being backed into a corner,” you continue. “It shouldn’t
be difficult to see why we did what we did—”
“You willingly entered a contract with Cere Nalos, sellsword,” the Lady
interrupts coldly, “and when it became too trying, too difficult for you
to complete, you willingly capitulated and turned to a rival. Thanks to
your personal defects, you had the luxury of doing so—anyone else would
have been bound by a blood oath. So in your great defence, you are
claiming your morals are so compromised that you will default on your
word at a moment’s notice.”
Her eyes flicker to Zenaida. “Are you certain you can trust your efforts
to someone like that, Savant?” she says.
Zenaida remains silent. The aura around her flares, growing bright as a
beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and her warriors
hover several feet above you, their expressions still as stone. All you
can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the steady flap of wings
above. The rhythm washes over you, thumping in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 25 thrum
thrum]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 20, 79)>>“Oh, I
don’t, Lady Malley,” you say. “There is nothing to defend. We killed
Cere Nalos and we would kill him again because he was a fucking tyrant.”
The Lady watches you silently, hovering in the air.
“I don’t go to my death willing, and certainly not at the command of a
despot who gets off on power,” you continue. “The bastard’s dead, along
with his schemes, and Rona’s better off for it. I would think someone
like you should be rejoicing. We punched a hole in your regime and it
won’t be there forever. Power is about to change hands—maybe it’s time
for the Seven to become the Six.”
Silence falls over the pier. The aura around Zenaida flares, growing
bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and
her warriors hover several feet above you, their expressions still as
stone. All you can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the
steady beat of wings above. The rhythm washes over you, thumping in your
ears.
Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the air, alighting on the
ground, her cloak swirling around her, her hems pooling at her feet. Her
warriors flank her, hovering a few feet above at her shoulders. In
unison they withdraw their spears, resting them against their shoulders.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>The Lady
raises her chin, eyes flickering over you. Though she matches your
height, she carries such a powerful presence she seems much
taller.<<else>>The Lady towers over you, wings unfurled and
still.<</if>> “I’m flattered, sellsword, that you think I do
not have the same tendencies of our late Count,” she says, an amused
look glimmering in her eye.
You shrug. “Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. But unlike him, your reign
won’t last forever.” Aeda, unlike their Melusine and elven kin, have
shortened lifespans. It’s rare for them to live longer than six decades,
and judging from the Lady’s appearance, she is well past middle age.
The Lady tilts her head, the amusement fading. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>“Careful, $cousin,” she says, her eyes lingering on your
crest. “Such jabs may some back to haunt
you.”<<else>>“Quite,” she says. “That is a truth I will not
deny.”<</if>>
A shrewd smile pulls at the corners of her lips. “By the laws of the
Seven, Nalos’ death demands justice, but perhaps the time of such laws
has passed. You say that Seven should become Six. Perhaps Seven should
become One.”
Her eyes glimmer. Tilting her head back, she spreads her wings and
pushes off the ground. She turns, soaring through the air, her hems
fluttering behind her. “You amuse me, sellsword,” she calls down to you.
“For that, I grant you passage out of my city. You should take your
leave while you can. Power is about to change hands tonight; I do not
recommend you linger.”
She turns and soars away. Her warriors ascend and, with a few flaps of
their great wings, disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 24 CONT TO
BOAT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Oh,
I don’t, Lady Malley,” you say. “There is nothing to defend. We killed
Cere Nalos and we would kill him again because he was a fucking tyrant.”
The Lady watches you silently, hovering in the air.
“I don’t go to my death willing, and certainly not at the command of a
despot who gets off on power,” you continue. “The bastard’s dead. Rona
should be grateful.”
She tilts her head, an amused smile pulling at the corners of her lips.
“The arrogance,” she says. “It was by fortune’s grace you survived. But
know that even the luckiest <<if $gender is
"male">>bastard’s<<elseif $gender is
"female">>bitch’s<<else>>delinquent’s<</if>>
luck will run dry.”
Silence falls over the pier. The aura around Zenaida flares, growing
bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst. The Lady and
her warriors hover several feet above you, their expressions still as
stone. All you can hear is the gentle surge of waves below and the
steady beat of wings above. The rhythm washes over you, thumping in your
ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 25 thrum
thrum]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
the Lady’s departure, the wind calms. Zenaida’s aura slowly fades and
winks out. “We should not tarry here,” she says, turning around. “Come.”
She sweeps by, barely acknowledging you as she walks down the pier and
up the gangplank. You exchange looks with Aeran and follow without
comment, Malsara trailing after you. You want nothing more than to be
done with this farce, to have a word with Aeran in private, but it will
have to wait.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 25 SHIP LEAVES
HARBOUR]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship deck is bustling with activity. Sailors rush to and fro, shouting
at each other in their rush to set sail, and the captain barks orders
you cannot understand. Some climb the ropes, disappearing into dark
sails that soon light up with magic. Others round the sides of the ship,
hands and fingers glowing, the water below surging and bubbling as it
responds to their magic.
Someone bumps into you and sends you sprawling—
“Out of the way, Wayfarer!” a sailor shouts, gnashing their teeth as
they sprint across the deck and climb up into the sails.
Aeran seizes your arm and drags you back towards the stern.
“What are you—”
“Best not to get in the way,” he says. “If we disrupt their magic, the
ship won’t make it out of the harbour.”
You nod, grinding your teeth, and walk with him to the doors of a grand
cabin below the stern deck. You lean against the doors, feeling utterly
useless as you watch the crew work. The gangplank is unceremoniously
detached, sails balloon outwards, filled with re-directed wind, and
water surges around the port and starboard sides, splashing across the
deck. Suddenly, the ship lurches forward, slicing through the dark water
like a hot knife through butter. The sailors whoop, their calls echoing
back and forth.
You are on your way.
“Impressive, is it not?” a voice says.
You turn and, to your surprise, Malsara appears at your side. She nods
at the sailors, observing them through narrowed eyes. She looks
different than she did on the pier, a subtle shadow clinging to her
ashen hair. Maybe it’s a trick of the light.
“The work of a Velantian crew, praised for their speed and navigational
skill,” she continues. “It shall be a swift journey—four weeks to reach
the Lotharic Sea, if not sooner.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "merchant">>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Four weeks? The Coveran merchant fleet can do it in
two.”|Chapter 1-6 26 A]]<<else>><s>1. [CHILD OF THE
SEAS] Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you say so. This isn’t my area
of expertise.”|Chapter 1-6 26
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>Thrum
thrum thrum.
Thrum thrum thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 AEDA
ATTACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The Lady descends, streaking
through the air like a javelin, her cloak swirling around her, tendrils
fluttering in the wind. Her warriors flank her, their spears thrust
forwards as they rocket towards you and your clustered group on the
pier—
Zenaida raises her hands, eyes glowing, and a shimmering golden dome
bursts into existence, expanding around the pier and the ship. The Lady
pulls away at the last moment, careening off to hover several feet away.
One of her warriors is not as quick. He slams into the barrier and lets
out a terrible cry. His spear drops, the point bent, and he falls to
the ground, rocking back and forth in pain, skin blistering and smoking.
Your eyes widen. “What—”
“Malsara!” Zenaida shouts, sweat beading her forehead. “Take them!”
Malsara seizes your arm. “This way,” she says roughly, dragging you down
the pier.
You try to pull free but her grasp is firm. You crane your neck, mouth
open. Beyond the barrier, the Lady hovers high in the air. She stretches
out her hand and summons a shimmering blade, green energy crackling
along the edge. She pushes the tip into the barrier and slowly cuts
through. Zenaida grunts, pushing outwards with her hands, physically
straining to maintain her barrier.
She throws a look over her shoulder. Her irises, ordinarily brown, have
turned gold, the glow bleeding into the whites of her eyes.
“Go!” she shouts. <i>“Go!”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The Lady’s blade pierces through. She drags it up, cutting a
long, slow gash in the barrier. Zenaida twists around, grunting, and
closes a fist. The gash seals itself, flickers for a moment, then
returns, larger than before.
You sprint for the ship. <<if $health is "healing">>Pain
flares in your side, but you ignore it, your feet pounding on the
gangplank as you make a mad dash for the deck.<<else>>You
dash up the gangplank, feet pounding on the wood, and stumble out onto
the deck.<</if>> Aeran and Malsara follow on your heels.
The ship deck is in chaos. Sailors scream into the night in their rush
to set sail, the captain barking orders you cannot understand. Some
climb the ropes, disappearing into dark sails that soon light up with
magic. Others round the sides of the ship, hands and fingers glowing,
the water below surging and bubbling as it responds to their magic.
Someone bumps into you and sends you sprawling—
“Out of the way, Wayfarer!” a sailor shouts, gnashing their teeth as
they sprint across the deck and climb up into the sails.
Aeran seizes your arm and drags you back towards the stern.
“What are you—”
“We can’t get in the way!” he shouts. “If we disrupt their magic now,
we’ll never make it out of the harbour.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You hunker down below the stern deck, your breath caught in
your throat, your heart pounding. You feel utterly useless as you watch
the crew work. The gangplank is hastily detached and the ship floats
away from the pier. The sails balloon outwards, filled with re-directed
wind, and water surges around the port and starboard sides, splashing
across the deck.
The ship propels forward, careening towards the edge of the golden dome.
You whirl around, spotting Zenaida on the pier, holding her barrier.
The gash has doubled in size, the Lady cutting away at it, her green
blade glowing.
Suddenly, Malsara appears in a swirl of amber mist. She tumbles out of
the air, seizes Zenaida around the waist, and disappears. The golden
barrier winks out.
A triumphant yell echoes from shore and the Aeda fly for the ship,
shooting through the air, silver spears glowing in the dark—
Malsara and Zenaida reappear on the ship, crashing into the deck.
Zenaida stands, throwing her hands out, and the dome reappears around
the ship, moving with it as it cuts through the dark harbour.
The Lady and her warriors pull up, narrowly avoiding a collision. They
hover in the air, watching as the ship sails further and further away.
After a long tense moment, the Lady’s green blade dissipates and she
turns, flying with her warriors back to shore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Zenaida watches them go with a satisfied look in her eyes. She
is breathless, sweat gleaming on her face, her hair mussed and slipping
from its elegant braid, and yet she has not lost her composure.
“Thank you for your assistance, Malsara,” she says. “I will keep the
barrier intact until we are beyond the bay. I do not think Malley will
follow us, but I would rather not take the risk.”
“Of course.” Malsara clasps her hands in front of her and bows her head.
“My sister would have done well in the Guild, do you not think?” a cool
voice murmurs in your ear. “She has such a flair for the dramatic.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 5>>A
shiver prickles across your neck and you turn, trying to hide your
surprise. Malsara’s twin, Nova, stands behind you, an unreadable
expression on her face. Her raven black hair falls over one shoulder,
not a single strand out of place.
“I don’t have an opinion,” you say.
Nova raises an eyebrow. “Hm,” she says, eyes scanning your face. She
takes a step forward, closing the distance between you. She’s a little
too close for comfort. “I hear you don’t have many opinions, at least on
the things that matter. Is it naivete, I wonder, or willful ignorance?”
She smiles. There’s an uncomfortable hungry look about it.
“I—”
“No matter,” she interrupts. “We shall find the answer eventually, won’t
we?”
She turns, walking away and disappearing up the stairs to the stern
deck. You exhale sharply, tension flooding from your body, and glance at
Aeran. He shrugs, arms folded, a sullen look cast across his face.
“Look,” you begin. “Aeran, I—”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “A word?”
You sigh.
Aeran shakes his head. “Go,” he says. “We’ll talk later.”
You turn and cross the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 ZENAIDA ESCP][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “I see. So naval travel is not outside your realm of
expertise.” She sounds mildly surprised.
“Is that strange?” you ask.
“No,” she replies. “Merely unexpected. You seem so reluctant to engage
with magic in any regard. I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll take care not to get underfoot. You’re not the only one
who wants to reach our destination.”
Aeran snorts, a smirk on his lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 26 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “You seem so reluctant to engage with magic in any
regard,” she says. “I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive. To go by land would put us behind schedule by months.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll take care not to get underfoot. You’re not the only one
who wants to reach our destination intact.”
Aeran snorts, a smirk on his lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 26 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. She looks you up and down, a strange glint in her brown eyes.
“So eager,” she says. “Interesting. Tell me, Wayfarer, when we arrive
what do you hope to find?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Money.”|Chapter 1-6 -27 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “A job that needs doing.”|Chapter
1-6 27 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-6 27
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I don’t care.”|Chapter 1-6 27
D]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “So this is what has become of your mighty order,” she says,
turning to you. “At best ignorant of your own creed, at worst willfully
negligent of it. You will do whatever is required of you, as long as you
are paid. And you claim the Guild is corrupt.”
You flush. “It is corrupt. Isn’t that why Zenaida hired us?”
“It is not the same,” Malsara says. “Ours is a corruption of power and
politics, the kind you see echoed in the courts of monarchs and
sovereigns. Yours is a corruption of the self.”
You scowl. <<if $perception >= 2>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 28
HIGH]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How industrious,” she says. “How focused. Her Grace will be
pleased with such work ethic, of course, but I cannot help but wonder
how the remnants of your order will respond to you working with their
nemesis. Would they consider it a betrayal, I wonder?”
“We make do with what we can,” you snap. “Anyone who survived the Spire
will understand that.”
“Will they?”
You scowl. <<if $perception >= 2>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 28
HIGH]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How fascinating,” she says. “You paint an interesting picture
of yourself, Wayfarer. Are you no more than a leaf, blown to and fro by
the wind, leaving your fate to be decided by chance? Such detachment
shows a remarkable lack of agency in your own life.”
You scowl. <<if $perception >= 2>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 28
HIGH]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “A statement often uttered,” she says. “Those who speak it only
do so to hide an opposing truth. The more they say they do not care,
the more they do.” She glances at you, eyes narrowed. “So why do you
care, Wayfarer?”
You scowl. <<if $perception >= 2>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 28
HIGH]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nova!”
You turn and a second Malsara walks across the deck, irritation scrawled
across her face. The woman beside you smirks. She shimmers, ashen hair
bleeding to black, and bows. A strange smile dances on her lips.
“A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says, sweeping away across the deck. “We
must converse again sometime.”
Malsara—the real one—sighs. “Pardon my sister,” she says. “She delights
in masquerading as me.”
An uncomfortable shiver prickles across your neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $perception >= 2>>[[1. “I saw
through it.”|Chapter 1-6 29 A]]<<else>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Skill level requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “...great.”|Chapter 1-6 29
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. “Of course,” she says. “You are not easily fooled, even by a
simple transmogrification.”
You grimace. It appears Nova can use her powers to alter her appearance.
This was no illusion. Illusions have no bearing on you; you can see
right through them to the person beneath. Transmogrification, on the
other hand, alters its target on a physical level. Once the magic is
cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
Malsara clasps her hands in front of her and steps back. “Her Grace
wishes to speak with you,” she says, addressing you. “You will find her
at the prow of the ship.”
Without another word, she turns and sweeps away, the skirt of her
serithan flaring out behind her.
You exhale sharply, tension flooding from your body, and glance at
Aeran. He shrugs, arms folded, a sullen look cast across his face.
“Look,” you begin. “Aeran—”
He shakes his head. “Go,” he says. “We’ll talk later.”
You turn and cross the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 30 ZEN TALK NO
ESCP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
the cleverest of disguises,” Aeran says gruffly. “I mean, she’s your
twin, she already looks like you—”
Malsara shoots him a sideways glare and he stops talking. “I am not my
sister, Aeran Kellis, and she is not me,” she says. “Please remember
that.” She clasps her hands in front of her and steps back. “Her Grace
wishes to speak with you,” she adds, addressing you. “You will find her
at the prow of the ship.”
Without another word, she turns and sweeps away, the skirt of her
serithan flaring out behind her.
You exhale sharply, tension flooding from your body, and glance at
Aeran. He shrugs, arms folded, a sullen look cast across his face.
“Look,” you begin. “Aeran—”
He shakes his head. “Go,” he says. “We’ll talk later.”
You turn and cross the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 30 ZEN TALK NO
ESCP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
cross the deck and find Zenaida at the prow, watching the rushing
waters and the shadows of jagged rocks and islands passing by. She rests
a hand against the railing, calm and poised, an effortless depiction of
grace. She glances at you as you approach.
“You have had quite an unexpected day, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says.
“One does not easily escape a brush with death and continue on as if
nothing has happened.”
<<if $health is "healing">>Your body flares with pain.
“Yeah, well… nothing I’m not used to.” You limp forward to stand beside
her, your hand gripping the railing.<<else>>You shrug.
“Yeah, well… nothing I’m not used to.” You step beside her and lean
against the railing, looking out across the water.<</if>>
You hear the rush of waves, the howl of wind. A twinge of anticipation
rises in your chest. Rona is behind you, soon to be not even a speck in
the distance. The town—your life for the past six months—will be gone.
“However,” Zenaida continues, “I hope this recklessness is not a
recurring trait. I am no stranger to rash decisions, but you show a
temerity with a particularly impulsive streak.”
“Are you reprimanding me?” you reply. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved">>The wind picks up, tearing at your
hair.<<else>>The wind picks up, tearing at your
tunic.<</if>> You taste salt on your tongue.
“Your actions concern me, yes,” she says. “While some may praise your
bravery, I do not wish to lose such a valuable asset to my cause.”
You grunt. You’re not sure how you feel about being called an asset. It
makes you feel like a tool to be used, rather than a person with a
specific skillset. “I’ll try to take more care in the future,” you say.
“I’d much rather you did, rather than try.”
Are you really arguing semantics? <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You feel like a youth again, trying to one-up Varyn in a
conversation and failing miserably.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">>This is the kind of thing Cenric
despised.<<else>>This is the kind of thing Sero thought
hilarious and disregarded completely, unless they wanted to turn it into
a joke.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll do my best.”|Chapter 1-6 31
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t bother trying to goad me,
Zenaida, it won’t work.”|Chapter 1-6 31 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and say nothing.|Chapter 1-6
32]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>A
satisfied, yet weary, smile crosses her lips. “Good,” she says. “I am
paying you extravagantly, after all. I believe that deserves some extra
effort on your part.”
“I don’t go out of my way to try to get myself killed,” you reply. “Not
on purpose, at least.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
32]]</div></div><</nobr>>“If
you believe that is a goad, you are greatly mistaken,” she replies
coolly. “I am not a politician, like my mother. I have no fondness for
barbed words and concealed threats. When I choose to show my
dissatisfaction, there is no room for misinterpretation.”
You nod, sighing wearily. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
32]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Your
Grace,” a voice says behind you.
Zenaida glances over her shoulder and nods, acknowledging the
worn-looking sailor. Judging from their brightly-coloured headwrap and
the confident way they carry themselves, they must be the captain.
“Go ahead, Xanael,” she says.
The captain bows. “We have left the harbour boundaries and reached the
Cobalt Sea,” they inform her. “With the speed we have achieved, I
believe we are out of harm’s way. Should there be any Ronan aggressors
following us, we are beyond their reach.”
“Thank you, Xanael,” Zenaida says.
“Very good, Your Grace.”
She nods and raises a hand, gesturing for the captain to leave.
The ship dips, waves crashing against its sides. A spray of sea water
flies up over the railing, misting across your face. Zenaida blinks,
unruffled. “Wayfarer $lastname,” she says after a moment. “I have
something I must confess.”
You clench your teeth. “Go on.”
“You are not the person I expected to find when I came to Rona,” she
says.
You purse your lips, brows drawing together. What did she mean by that? A
backhanded compliment? A genuine compliment? A neutral statement
confessing the unpredictability of life?
“Who did you expect to find?” you ask.
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
replies. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer
Kellis. It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership
with him.”
Your fingers tighten on the railing. What source? Who would be keen to
track Aeran’s whereabouts, yet remain blind to yours?
“Lucky you,” you say, scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I do feel fortunate. You are a remarkably
skilled individual; though you are reckless, your keen will to survive
is proof enough of that.” She sighs and turns to you, brown eyes meeting
yours. “Our partnership is irregular, you and I both know that, and yet
I hope it will be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer working
together towards a common goal… no one among the fractured pieces of the
Guild will suspect it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I look forward to it.”|Chapter 1-6 33
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ve already told you, don’t
misinterpret my intentions. I am doing it for the payment, nothing
more.”|Chapter 1-6 33 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We don’t share a common goal. I’m
here because I have no other choice.”|Chapter 1-6 33 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Nod and say nothing.|Chapter 1-6 33
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>“I am glad
to hear it,” Zenaida says. “We shall converse later. I must retire for
the night.”
She nods respectfully and sweeps past, disappearing across the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
as I’ve told you,” Zenaida replies, “I appreciate your honesty. I know
many who could benefit from such frankness.” She turns and sweeps past
you. “We shall converse later. I must retire for the night.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>Zenaida
raises her chin, her lips forming a thin line. “I know what it is to be
backed into a corner,” she says. “I only hope, for your sake, that you
curb your cynicism before it prevents you from recognizing much needed
allies when they approach you with open arms—especially those who save
your life after you make a grave error.” She turns and sweeps past you.
“We shall converse later. I must retire for the night.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>Once
she’s gone, you turn around and lean against the railing. You peer over
the edge of the ship, staring into the dark water, and let out a long
sigh. Mist sprays up and around you, settling on your face and arms. You
scrunch up your face, your mind racing.
“Talkative one, that princess,” Aeran says, drawing up beside you. “And
here I thought she’d never leave you be.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=1>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“Oh, so you want me all to yourself, is that it?”|Chapter 1-6
45A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You know nobility. They’re never
done until they say they’re done.”|Chapter 1-6 45B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I didn’t mind.”|Chapter 1-6
45C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Very
well,” Zenaida says. “A good evening to you. We shall converse later. I
must retire and recover my strength.”
She nods respectfully and sweeps past you, disappearing across the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
you approach the mage, she nods and steps across the deck, heading to
the prow of the ship. You listen to the echoing voices of the crew,
calling out to each other, adjusting the ship’s speed as it slices
through the dark harbour. The glowing dome pulses, shimmering against
the water, the shadows of jagged rocks and islands ghosting by.
Zenaida reaches the prow and halts, one hand resting on the railing. The
ship dips, heading into choppier water, mist spraying up and onto the
deck. She doesn’t seem to care.
“I hope this recklessness is not a recurring trait,” she says. “I am no
stranger to rash decisions, but you show a temerity with a particularly
impulsive streak.”
“Are you reprimanding me?” you reply. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved">>The wind picks up, tearing at your
hair.<<else>>The wind picks up, tearing at your
tunic.<</if>> You taste salt on your tongue.
“Your actions concern me, yes,” she says. “While some may praise your
bravery, angering the Viridian Lady in this manner is what some would
call exceedingly foolish. Possibly even stupid.”
You grunt and fold your arms.
“It is painfully obvious you lack the disposition to negotiate with
powerful adversaries,” Zenaida continues. She remains infuriatingly
composed; if she is angry, it is hidden deep below her mask. “Velantis
is full of such people and Anselma Malley pales in comparison. In the
future, it would be best if you do not entangle yourself with them in
such a manner. I do not wish to lose such a valuable asset to my cause
because they insulted the wrong person.”
You’re not sure how you feel about being called an asset. It makes you
feel like a tool to be used, rather than a person with a specific
skillset. “I’ll try to take more care in the future,” you say.
“I’d much rather you did, rather than try.”
Are you really arguing semantics? <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You feel like a youth again, trying to one-up Varyn in a
conversation and failing miserably.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">>This is the kind of thing Cenric
despised.<<else>>This is the kind of thing Sero thought
hilarious and disregarded completely, unless they wanted to turn it into
a joke.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll do my best.”|Chapter 1-6 50
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t bother trying to goad me,
Zenaida, it won’t work.”|Chapter 1-6 50 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and say nothing.|Chapter 1-6
51]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>A
satisfied, yet weary, smile crosses her lips. “Good,” she says. “I am
paying you extravagantly, after all. I believe that deserves some extra
effort on your part.”
“I don’t go out of my way to try to get myself killed,” you reply. “Not
on purpose, at least.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
51]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>“If you
believe that is a goad, you are greatly mistaken,” she replies coolly.
“I am not a politician, like my mother. I have no fondness for barbed
words and concealed threats. When I choose to show my dissatisfaction,
there is no room for misinterpretation.”
You nod, sighing wearily. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
51]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Your
Grace,” a voice says behind you.
Zenaida glances over her shoulder and nods, acknowledging the
worn-looking sailor. Judging from the size of their hat and the
confident way they carry themselves, they must be the captain.
“Go ahead, Xanael,” she says.
The captain bows. “We have left the harbour boundaries and reached the
Cobalt Sea,” they inform her. “With the speed we have achieved, I
believe we are out of harm’s way. Any Aeda combatants who follow should
not be able to reach us now.”
Zenaida closes her eyes. “Thank you, Xanael,” she says. “I will release
the barrier.”
“Very good, Your Grace.” The captain turns to leave.
“Thank you for your swift response,” Zenaida adds. “The actions of you
and your crew granted us a smooth retreat. I will see you are properly
rewarded when we reach Velantis.”
A small smile crosses the captain’s lips. “Of course, Your Grace,” they
say, bowing again. “My crew and I are overjoyed to be of service to
House Anaxas.”
Zenaida nods and raises a hand, gesturing for the captain to leave. They
stride across the deck, their weariness soothed by her promise of
compensation. She sighs, closes her eyes, and the shimmering dome
flickers and winks out of existence. Her golden aura fades with the
dome, and when she opens her eyes, they have returned to their typical
brown. She steps sideways, shaking with exhaustion, and grips the
railing tight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Are you… all right?”|Chapter 1-6 52
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Is that all?”|Chapter 1-6 52
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|Chapter 1-6 52
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>“I’m…
fine,” she says, breathing heavily. “The focus required to maintain a
barrier that large for such a period of time… is draining.” She sways.
Her grip tightens, her knuckles paling.
You fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of a powerful Arathian archon, just an
exhausted woman who did what she had to in order to save the lives of
everyone around her.
“I didn’t realize magic was so…” Your words trail away.
She chuckles, bowing her head, chin resting against her chest.
“Involved?” she says, shoulders sagging. “Magic isn’t self-sustaining.
The energy to create and transform must flow through somewhere. The body
is but a conduit for something much greater than itself, and, like all
conduits, it cannot maintain the flow of power indefinitely.”
The ship dips, waves crashing against its sides. A spray of sea water
flies up over the railing, misting across you. Zenaida blinks, welcoming
the salty spray, and straightens, composing herself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
53]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>“No,” she
replies, breathing heavily. “There is more I must say.” She sways. Her
grip tightens, her knuckles paling.
You fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of a powerful Arathian archon, just an
exhausted woman who did what she had to in order to save the lives of
everyone around her.
Her shoulders sags and she lowers her head, dropping her chin onto her
chest. She breathes, wavering. The ship dips, waves crashing against its
sides. A spray of sea water flies up over the railing, misting across
you. Zenaida blinks, welcoming the salty spray, and straightens,
composing herself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
53]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says after a moment. “I have something I must confess.”
You clench your teeth. “Go on.”
“You are not the person I expected to find when I came to Rona,” she
says.
You purse your lips, brows drawing together. What did she mean by that? A
backhanded compliment? A genuine compliment? A neutral statement
confessing the unpredictability of life?
“Who did you expect to find?” you ask.
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
replies. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer
Kellis. It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership
with him.”
Your fingers tighten on the railing. What source? Who would be keen to
track Aeran’s whereabouts, yet remain blind to yours?
“Lucky you,” you say, scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I do feel fortunate. You are a remarkably
skilled individual; though you are reckless, your keen will to survive
is proof enough of that.” She sighs and turns to you, brown eyes meeting
yours. “Our partnership is irregular, you and I both know that, and yet
I hope it will be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer working
together towards a common goal… no one among the fractured pieces of the
Guild will suspect it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I look forward to it.”|Chapter 1-6
54A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ve already told you, don’t
misinterpret my intentions. I am doing it for the payment, nothing
more.”|Chapter 1-6 54B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We don’t share a common goal. I’m
here because I have no other choice.”|Chapter 1-6 54C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Nod and say nothing.|Chapter 1-6
54D]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of a powerful Arathian archon, just an
exhausted woman who did what she had to in order to save the lives of
everyone around her.
Her shoulders sags and she lowers her head, dropping her chin onto her
chest. She breathes, wavering. The ship dips, waves crashing against its
sides. A spray of sea water flies up over the railing, misting across
you. Zenaida blinks, welcoming the salty spray, and straightens,
composing herself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
53]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>“I am glad
to hear it,” Zenaida says. “We shall converse later. I must retire and
recover my strength.”
She nods respectfully and sweeps past you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
as I’ve told you,” Zenaida replies, “I appreciate your honesty. I know
many who could benefit from such frankness.” She turns and sweeps past
you. “We shall converse later. I must retire and recover my strength.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>Zenaida
raises her chin, her lips forming a thin line. “I know what it is to be
backed into a corner,” she says. “I only hope, for your sake, that you
curb your cynicism before it prevents you from recognizing much needed
allies when they approach you with open arms—especially those who save
your life after you make a grave error.” She turns and sweeps past you.
“We shall converse later. I must retire and recover my strength.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Very
well,” Zenaida says. “A good evening to you. We shall converse later. I
must retire and recover my strength.”
She nods respectfully and sweeps past you, disappearing across the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6 34 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=39 or $rhodarthDead is true or $aeranpromise is
"broken">><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>>Aeran glances at you and sighs
deeply. “Please don’t do that, $firstname,” he says, drawing away.
You grip the railing. “Sorry,” you grunt. “Just trying to lighten the
mood—”
“Don’t.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
48]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0, 100)>>Aeran glances at
you, a light flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a hand through
his hair. “They put us in the same cabin, so you better not get tired of
me. It’s going to be a long voyage.”
You arch an eyebrow. “Same cabin? Cheeky.”
He elbows you. “Stop it,” he says, struggling to contain a smile.
“Practical reasons.”
“Uh huh—”
“No one is willing to bunk with Wayfarers—”
“Mhm—”
“One small slip and the lights go out—”
“Uh huh—”
“Did you know they gave us oil lamps?”
You turn to him. “Aeran.”
His eyes meet yours. His gaze lingers, barely containing the muddled
mess of conflicting feelings and desires. “$nickname, I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him.|Chapter 1-6
46A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Elbow him and play it off.|Chapter
1-6
46B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
sighs deeply. <<if $origin is "noble">>“I guess you would
know, wouldn’t you?” he says.
You shrug. “Oh, believe me. Compared to the cess pool that is the Vodena
aristocracy, Zenaida’s a cute little kitten.”
“Kittens still have claws,” he points out.
You rap your fingers across the railing. “And I think this metaphor is
getting away from us,” you say.
Aeran chuckles.<<else>>“That’s true enough,” he
says.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
48]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin is "noble">>“I suppose you didn’t,” he says. “It must be
nice to be around your own kind—”
You frown. “What?”
He shrugs. “You were born into nobility, $firstname,” he says. “You can
deny that life as much as you want, but part of it will always be with
you.”
You fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on your retort.
Arguing with him will get you nowhere.<<else>>“Oh,
wonderful,” he says. “Just what I want to hear.”
You frown. “What?”
“Keep dallying with the aristocrats, $firstname,” he grunts. “Flatter
them enough and you’ll want for nothing. Varyn would be proud of such
manipulation—except it’s not intentional, is it?”
You roll your eyes and fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on
a retort. Apparently this is a sore spot. Arguing with him will get you
nowhere.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
48]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)>>You reach out,
pressing a hand to his cheek. He sighs at your touch and closes his
eyes, breathing deeply, exhaustion and pain flickering across his face.
“This is a mess, you know,” he says after a moment.
“I know.” Your heart pounds, a shiver running down your spine and across
your shoulders. For a moment, the creak of the ship, the crash of the
waves, the echoes of the crew all fade—and it’s just you and him. Your
friend, your partner, your…
…What?
You’ve never really decided. And that uncomfortable, tangled knot in
your chest desperately wants an answer.
Aeran opens his eyes. His hand touches yours, fingers ghosting across
the back of your hand. “I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs.
He pulls away and leans against the railing, watching the water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
48]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw away, a smirk on your lips, laughter in your eyes, and elbow him
playfully. He rolls his eyes and leans against the railing.
“$nickname,” he says.
“What?”
He shakes his head. “If you’re going to be like that, I’m not going to
tell you.”
You snort. “Just tell me.”
“No. I hide my secrets well.”
You blow a raspberry. “And here I thought I was the exemption.”
“As I keep telling you,” he replies, shaking as he tries to contain his
laughter, “you’re not that special.”
You grin. You and Aeran dissolve into laughter, the comfortable
familiarity of your banter soothing away the anxieties and tensions of
the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-6
48]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
steps back, raising his arms to stretch and rest his hands on the back
of his neck. “I’m not sure what’s worse,” he says after a moment. “That
we’re employed by an Imperial aristocrat or that we’re employed by a
Guild mage.”
“Try not to think about it,” you offer. “It’s one job. How bad can it
be?”
He drops his hands. “That’s the thing, $firstname,” he says. “We’ve had a
pretty foul run of bad luck already. Who’s to say it won’t get worse?”
You fall silent. As you stand side-by-side watching the waves, you twist
your fingers together and chew the inside of your cheek. Should you
tell him what Zenaida said? He’s already on edge—should he know she came
to Rona specifically to search for him?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|Chapter 1-6 49 TELL
HIM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|Chapter 1-6 49 DON'T
TELL HIM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerantell to true>>“Zenaida admitted something you should know,”
you say after a moment.
Aeran’s expression darkens. “Oh?”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers. She
wasn’t looking for us. She was looking for you.” The tips of your
fingers press sharply against the railing, your nailbeds paling. “Her
source—whoever that is—gave her your name. I was a surprise.”
<<if $aeranapp <=39>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“And
you’re telling me this because, what, $firstname?” He scoffs, turning on
you. “You’re… jealous?”
“Don’t be an idiot,” you snap. “I want to know why it’s you. Who’s her
source? What do they have on you?”
“Your concern is touching,” he says coldly. “Really. Though I wonder—how
bothered are you to realize you aren’t the only Wayfarer who has left a
mark?”
You grit your teeth. “That’s not what this is about—”
“Isn’t it?” He shakes his head. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”
“Aeran—”
He draws away, eyes narrowed as he shoots you a dark look. “I need some
air,” he says. “This is going to be a long journey, I’d rather not
suffocate the first night out.” He turns and stalks across the deck,
leaving you alone.
“You’re outside already!” you call after him.
He raises a hand and, without turning around, makes a rude gesture in
your direction.
<i>Oh, for fuck’s sake…</i>
You sigh and turn around. Dark waves roll and crash against the ship,
splashing up over the sides and spraying you with mist. As you realize
you are uncomfortably damp, you are unable to shake your growing sense
of unease.
<i>This is going to be a long journey to Velantis.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>He pauses, watching the sea. “And
what do you think?”
“I’m concerned who this source is.”
“Did you ask her?”
You shake your head.
He sighs. “I suppose she wouldn’t be forthcoming with that information
regardless,” he says. He falls silent for a moment and raps his fingers
along the railing, eyes narrowed, brows drawn together. “Though the fact
she told you tells us she didn’t intend to hide it. Whoever’s tracking
me must be in her inner circle.”
“Which could include any number of Guild mages.” You raise your hands,
digging your fingers into the back of your neck, massaging the sore
muscles. “Pissed anyone off last time you were in Imperial territory?”
“Yeah,” he snorts. “At least a dozen. Probably more. I have one of those
faces.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hm. Yes. You do.”|Chapter 1-6 70
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Roll your eyes.|Chapter 1-6 70
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aerantell to false>><<if $aeranapp <= 39>>“What
is it?” he asks.
You shrug, shaking your head. “Nothing.”
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am.” He sighs
and leans against the railing, resting his hands across each other. “All
we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
You nod. You fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>“What is it?”
he asks, his eyes searching yours. “Don’t tell me. You forgot a vitally
important instrument in our shitty apartment and there’s no going back
for it now.”
You chuckle, but your laughter is short-lived.
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am. This
journey we’re on…” He sighs and leans against the railing, resting his
hands across each other. “All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep
one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or "very tall">>He turns his head,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns
his head, glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>><<if $aeranapp <=
39>>Aeran chuckles, but his laughter is short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You lower your hands and rest
them back on the railing. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<elseif $aeranapp >=
40>>Aeran chuckles, but his laughter is short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or "very tall">>He turns his head,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns
his head, glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <= 39>>Aeran chuckles, but his laughter is
short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me
on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do when we reach
Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You lower your hands and rest
them back on the railing. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<elseif $aeranapp >=
40>>Aeran chuckles, but his laughter is short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or "very tall">>He turns his head,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns
his head, glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
smiles. “You had me worried there, $nickname,” he says.
“I’ll try not to make a habit of it,” you croak.
“I hope not.” He pauses, the bed creaking a little as he shifts his
weight, and his smile fades. “I may not always be around to remind you
of your mortality. I’d hate for you to get yourself killed next time.”
<i>Right…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-2
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you in silence—and then he bursts out laughing, a dry,
desperate kind of laugh that only follows a close brush with death. He
passes a hand over his face, his shoulders shaking, and turns away from
you.
“What?” you croak. “What is it?”
Aeran shakes his head, blue eyes shining. “I’m glad to have you back,
$nickname,” he says.
You swallow the dry lump in your throat and nod. “Yeah,” you murmur. You
lean back, resting your head against the headboard. “Yeah…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-2
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
draws away, pulling his hand from yours. “Sorry,” he says. His eyes
sweep over you; he’s unable to keep the concern from his face. “I’m glad
to have you back, $firstname.”
You nod, swallowing a dry lump in your throat. “Yeah,” you murmur. You
lean back, resting your head against the headboard. “Yeah…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-2
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes meet yours. “Waiting for you to wake up.”
“Oh.” You lean back, resting your head against the headboard. “Thank
you.”
Aeran nods. “You… uh…” He pauses, uncertain of what to say, and runs a
hand through his hair. “You really did a number on yourself this time.”
“I guess.”
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and an unspoken silence settles
over you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-2
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shift in bed, tugging at the quilt as you pull your knees into your
chest. Your muscles protest with the ache of disuse; you must have been
asleep for days. It dawns on you that you’re wearing clothes that aren’t
yours. Your skin itches, but it’s not the fabric. You try to ignore
your growing discomfort, but you can’t put it out of your mind.
You grit your teeth, pull at the neckline of your shirt, and look down.
Your wounds are neatly bandaged. Whoever has cared for you has done a
remarkable job. You let go of your neckline and glance at Aeran. “You…
did this?”
He shakes his head. “No. Zenaida has a healer onboard with some surgical
skill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Grimace. Healer or not, you hate the idea of
someone you don’t know touching your body without your consent.|Chapter
1-7-3A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Nod. Whoever they are, they saved
your life. You can’t complain.|Chapter
1-7-3B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
scowl is difficult to miss.
“I’m sorry,” Aeran says. “I had to let her. I… I didn’t know what else
to do.”
You shrug. It’s difficult to think…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
sorry,” Aeran says. “Not ideal, but I… I didn’t know what else to do.”
You sigh, trying to force yourself to think. It’s difficult to
concentrate…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida.
Your
eyes flick around the room—or cabin, if you’re using the right
words—and you feel another lurch of waves. <<if $origin is
"merchant">>It’s a familiar rhythm, one that reminds you far too
much of your childhood.<<else>>It’s been some time since
you’ve felt the rhythm of the ocean.<</if>> Your stomach
turns and you fight down a swell of nausea. Whether it’s your wounds or
the sea, there’s no way to know.
The sea…
Zenaida. Zenaida’s ship. Velantis.
You groan. Your mind feels like sludge.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5-51 HELP
RHO")>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 COUNT INJURED YOU POST
MELEE]]<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 COURTYARD
MELEE")>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 RHO HURT YOU IN
MELEE]]<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT")>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 BASILISK HURT YOU]]<<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 DUEL")>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 COUNT
HURT YOU IN
DUEL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 8>>Aeran
lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “When the Count…” The words fade. “I
thought the Count killed you,” he begins again. “I stood there and I
couldn’t move, I couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He glances at you. “I fought him,” he says hollowly. “And I killed him.
And I… well… I think I lost a bit of myself there. To get you out.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself
when you blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s actions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|Chapter 1-7 80A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|Chapter 1-7
80B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>>Aeran lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “When
Rho…” The words fade. He shakes himself and looks away, jaw clenched.
You wait, leaning into the rocking of the ship, fingers tugging at the
quilt. It’s a long time before he finally speaks.
“I thought Rhodarth killed you,” Aeran says hollowly. “And I… well… I
think I lost a bit of myself back there. To get you out.”
There’s a weight to his words that can only mean one thing.
“I…” He turns to you, a pleading look in his eyes. “Don’t ask me what I
did, $firstname. Please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Respect his wishes. Let him
continue.|Chapter 1-7-20A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask him anyway. You need to know the
truth.|Chapter 1-7-20B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
lets out a long, tired sigh. “We fought that damn serpent, Rho and I…”
The words fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “I thought it killed
you. And when it was dead, the Count extended a truce, reasoning that
anyone who killed his favourite pet monster deserved to live. And I…
refused.”
He glances at you. “I fought him,” he says hollowly. “And I killed him.
And I… well… I think I lost a bit of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure. Had you been given the chance, you would have killed
him yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|Chapter 1-7-30A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|Chapter
1-7-30B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 8>>Aeran
lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “When the Count…” The words fade. “I
thought the Count killed you,” he begins again. “I stood there and I
couldn’t move, I couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He glances at you. “I fought him,” he says hollowly. “And I killed him.
And I… well… I think I lost a bit of myself there. To get you out.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself
when you blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s actions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|Chapter 1-7 40A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|Chapter 1-7
40B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead_How to 10>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)>><<aeranApp>>“Okay,”
you say quietly. <<if $aeranrom >=2>>You lean forwards
and press a hand to his cheek. He stares at you, eyes
wide.<<else>><</if>>
The ghost of a smile appears crosses his face. “Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-21
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead_How to 9>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Did
you kill him?” you ask, mouth dry.
Aeran’s fingers curl inward, shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he says.
“I need to know,” you press. “I don’t care how bad it was, it’s not
going to change what I think of you, I need to know what happened back
there—”
“I killed him.”
Aeran is shaking.
“I killed him,” he repeats. “And I would have killed the Count, too, but
instead I walked out of that bastard’s den with you.” He looks at you,
eyes flashing. “Does that satisfy your damn curiosity?”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-21
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
didn’t make it far,” he continues. “But Malsara must have been keeping
an eye on us. She showed up not long after, helped get you across town—”
“Could have helped earlier,” you grunt.
Aeran sighs. “By the time we reached the Weasel,” he continues, “I knew
you were alive, but barely hanging on.” He swallows hard. “Zenaida went
mad when she saw your condition. Ordered her people to prepare to set
sail, refused to wait until morning. She had what she came for and she
nearly lost it that night. She needed to leave before the Count—or the
full force of the Seven—traced us back to her.”
“How long have we been at sea?” you ask.
“Three days.” He shifts, rolling a shoulder, fingers prodding his
bandages. He winces. “It will be a few weeks at least before we reach
Velantis.”
You lean back, twisting your fingers together. “That leaves us plenty of
time to contemplate our actions, I guess.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is
false>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST
CONVO]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-70 NO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah.”
Aeran stands, folding his arms and taking the few short steps to the
window. He peers out at the sea beyond, the sunlight turning his hair a
near blonde. The warm light is at odds with the grave expression on his
face.
“What?” you ask.
<<if $aeranpromise is "broken">>“I asked you to follow my
lead,” he says. “That night. You promised me you would. And then you
didn’t.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.”
“You don’t trust me,” he says quietly. He glances at you. “Do
you?”<<else>>“I asked you to follow my lead,” he says. “That
night.”
“I never said I would,” you reply.
“And I can’t help but feel that’s the problem,” he says. “You don’t
trust me, do you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “I
do.”|Chapter 1-7 61 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “I do.”|Chapter 1-7 61 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter 1-7
61B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-7 61 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “I do.”|Chapter 1-7 61 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t.”|Chapter 1-7
61B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“Yeah.”
Aeran stands, folding his arms and takes the few short steps to the
window. He peers out at the sea beyond, the sunlight bleaching his hair
to a near blonde. The warm light is at odds with the grave expression on
his face.
“What is it?” you ask.
<<if $aeranapp >= 60 and $aeranrom >= 10>>He glances
at you, his eyes sweeping over your body. “You should rest,” he murmurs.
“Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye. “…I don’t know.
I don’t know what to say anymore—”
“Hey.”
You reach out, your fingers catching his hand. He freezes, and silently
grasps your hand in return. He allows you to pull him close and he
settles on the edge of your bed, his hand firmly in yours.
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
Aeran nods. <<if $hairlength neq "shaved">>His leans in, his
free hand brushing the back of your neck, his fingers sliding through
your hair.<<else>>His leans in, his free hand brushing the
back of your neck.<</if>> He presses his forehead to yours.
“Move forwards,” he echoes, his eyes closed.
“Yeah,” you whisper. Your heart pounds at the warmth and familiarity of
his touch. There’s a deep ache within you, one that has nothing to do
with your wounds. An ache you’ve been at odds with for two years, ever
since your reunion. You’ve buried your feelings, time and again,
reasoning that there isn’t time in your life for such things, and you’ve
failed, time and again, to keep those feelings from emerging.
And now… Especially now…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-7-71 A
ROMANCE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You
nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your desire—your need—for
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-7-71 ACE
ROMANCE">2. [ <i class="far fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You
nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your romantic feelings for
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. No. This is a risk for you both. You
can’t afford to become distracted, especially when you are facing
Velantis and the Guild of Mages.|Chapter 1-7-71 NO
ROMANCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
glances at you. “You should rest,” he says. “Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye. “…I don’t know.
I don’t know what to say anymore—”
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
Aeran nods. “Move forwards,” he echoes.
The door opens.
“I apologize for the interruption, Aeran,” a cool voice says, “but Her
Grace—”
Aeran pulls away, turning to face the door.
Malsara stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea three days, she looks immaculate. She is
dressed in a simple black serithan. The heavy skirts are pressed into
neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
single, long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is
out of place. Her impeccable appearance only serves to highlight her
surprise.
She hovers, clearing her throat. “I did not realize $lastname had
awakened.”
“Yeah,” Aeran says, turning around. “<<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe have<<else>>$HeShe
has<</if>>.”
Malsara takes a step into the room and bows her head. “I am glad you are
well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once. She will be delighted to hear of your
recovery.” She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with
you.” Her eyes flick over his shoulder at you. “At your leisure, of
course.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
Aeran sighs. “I have to go,” he says. “The princess calls.” There’s an
uncharacteristic resignation in his voice.
You lean back, your head lolling against the headboard. “I didn’t think
she was actual royalty.”
He snorts. “Whatever she is, she’s not the most patient person in the
world. You learn pretty quickly that ‘at your leisure’ means ‘as soon as
possible.’”
You arch an eyebrow. “Both sound like vague measurements of time to me,”
you say.
He chuckles. “I’ll see you out on deck,” he says. Then he turns and
steps out of the cabin, quietly closing the door behind him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>“Okay,” you say quietly. <<if
$aeranrom >=2>>You lean forwards and press a hand to his cheek.
He stares at you, eyes wide.<<else>><</if>>
The ghost of a smile appears crosses his face. “Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-31
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran’s fingers curl inward,
shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he says.
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“And I don’t want to tell you,” he snaps. “I killed him, that’s all you
need to know. Take your damn curiosity elsewhere.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-31
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Rho helped me carry you out,”
he continues. “He respects you. Not many would take on a basilisk.”
You nod.
“Malsara must have been keeping an eye on us. She showed up not long
after, helped get you across town—”
“Could have helped earlier,” you grunt.
Aeran sighs. “By the time we reached the Weasel, I knew you were alive,
but barely hanging on.” He swallows hard. “Zenaida went mad when she saw
your condition. Ordered her people to prepare to set sail, refused to
wait until morning. She had what she came for and she nearly lost it
that night. With the Count dead, she needed to disappear before the full
force of the Seven traced us back to her and sought retribution.”
You fold your arms. “It’s not her problem, not her fight. Why target
her?”
“She needs us alive if her plan is going to work,” he replies. “We’re
under her protection now. Anyone who wants to get to us has to go
through her and every mage sworn to her.” He scowls and picks at a stray
thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to be
untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your bandages
experimentally and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You roll your eyes, but leave your wounds alone. Your mind
lingers on Aeran’s words, trying to reconstruct what he has told you
about the events of that night. “What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
Aeran falls silent for a moment. He draws back, staring across the
cabin, a distant look in his eyes. “Gone,” he says. “Away from Rona.
With the Count dead, he’s free from his blood oath.”
“Blood oath?” Your brows draw together in confusion. This is the first
you’ve heard of it.
Aeran nods. “I’m not sure of the circumstances—Rho’s not the most
forthcoming person—but some years back, he swore a blood oath to the
Count to keep his people safe. I… broke it when I killed the Count.
Their pact is over.”
“Oh,” you say. “That’s good.”
Aeran presses his fingers to the back of his neck. Now that the subject
of Rhodarth has been broached, a question lingers between you. You chew
your lower lip, wondering whether you should even ask. Aeran is
notoriously tight-lipped about his personal life; he rarely speaks about
his life prior to your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask him about Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-7-32 ASK
ABOUT RHO][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is
false>>[[2. Leave it be. You don’t need to poke your nose where it
doesn’t belong.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST CONVO][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[2. Leave it be. You don’t need to poke your
nose where it doesn’t belong.|Chapter 1-7-70 NO TRUST CONVO][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Brightblades<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$brightbladecodex to true>>“Aeran,” you say quietly, “you never
mentioned him—”
“It’s not like I know everything about your life, $firstname,” he
interrupts pointedly. He pauses, lets out a long sigh, and releases his
hands, dropping them to his sides. “There’s not much to say. I was in
Corsida six, maybe seven, years ago. Local government was dealing with a
kraken. Disruption of trade routes, damage to the harbour… Of course
the Empire refused to send aid, so they hired a detachment of
Brightblades to help.”
He glances at you. “They’re a warrior sect founded in Corsida,” he
explains. “Many Imperial provinces rely on them to boost their city
guard or militias when they feel disregarded by the Empire. They only
train bloodbinders. People who—”
“Who can generate a constant source of curative magic, immediately
healing any wounds, I know,” you interrupt. It explains the sect’s name.
Like most forms of magic, curative magic radiates light. An entire
cabal of warriors capable of healing at a moment’s notice… they would
shine bright. Quite literally.
“Rhodarth’s company couldn’t contain it,” Aeran continues. “And then the
overseers found me and.... well, Rhodarth pretty much roped me into
helping at knife point.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“Yeah, well…” He smiles. “Rho’s got a way about him.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 2>>You nod, pushing back a pang of
jealousy. <i>Stop it,</i> you tell
yourself.<<else>>You nod.<</if>>
“We travelled together for some time after that,” he continues. “A year,
maybe. We did what we pleased, when we pleased. I suppose you could say
we were lovers, but I don’t know if it merits it.” A faint smile pulls
at the corner of his lips, but it’s gone in an instant. “He wanted to
move further into Imperial territory, I refused to go with him. We
parted ways. I never expected to run into him out here, but it seems
Rona’s where you go when you run out of options.”
“Yeah,” you murmur. You cast an eye at him, lacing your fingers
together. “Thanks for telling me.”
He nods, shoulders slumped. He seems more than happy to drop this
conversation.
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 BASILISK
FIGHT")>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-33 GET BASILISK
TOOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$aeranfollow is false>>“How long have we been at sea?” you ask.
“Three days.” Aeran shifts, rolling a shoulder, fingers prodding his
bandages. He winces. “It will be a few weeks at least before we reach
Velantis.”
You lean back. “That leaves us plenty of time to contemplate our
actions, I guess.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“How
long have we been at sea?” you ask.
“Three days.” Aeran shifts, rolling a shoulder, fingers prodding his
bandages. He winces. “It will be a few weeks at least before we reach
Velantis.”
You lean back. “That leaves us plenty of time to contemplate our
actions, I guess.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-70 NO TRUST
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<pickup
'$junkInv' 'Basilisk tooth'>><<notify 3000>>+
Basilisk Tooth<</notify>>“There is a bright side to all
this,” Aeran continues.
“Oh joy,” you say, wincing as pain flares through your body. “Please
tell me what this silver lining is before I decide it doesn’t exist.”
“I tore a tooth from the basilisk and stuffed it in your pack,” he says.
You blink. “…thanks?” you reply, a little perplexed. “I always wanted to
start a reptilian dental collection.”
He chuckles, your sarcasm not lost on him. “Considering their rarity, I
figured it would be worth something when we reach Velantis.”
“How long have we been at sea?” you ask.
“Three days.” Aeran shifts, rolling a shoulder, fingers prodding his
bandages. He winces. “It will be a few weeks at least before we reach
Velantis.”
You lean back. “That leaves us plenty of time to contemplate our
actions, I guess.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is
false>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST
CONVO]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-70 NO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>He
relaxes, letting out a soft sigh. “I know,” he says finally. “But it
seems like you don’t. You trust your own instincts over anything else,
$firstname. That you could be wrong is something you can never admit.”
You chew the inside of your cheek and fold a knee towards your chest.
“I’m sorry,” you say.
He closes his eyes. “Me, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 TRANS TO LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90)>>“No,” he says, a
bitter edge to his voice. “You don’t.”
“I do—”
“$firstname,” he interrupts, “I’m the first person you trample when
things don’t go according to plan. You trust your own instincts over
anything else, and that’s your problem. That you could be wrong is
something you can never admit.”
You chew the inside of your cheek and shift uncomfortably beneath the
quilt. His words hit harder than you expected, and an uncomfortable knot
forms in your stomach.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 TRANS TO LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Aeran falls
silent. “…right,” he sighs. He presses a hand against the window frame.
“I appreciate your honesty.”
“Look,” you say, “when it comes down to it, when we’re thrown into a
situation where we don’t have a plan… I have to trust my instincts. You
do the same—”
“I don’t,” he interrupts. “Because I accept my failures. That you could
be wrong is something you can never admit.”
You chew the inside of your cheek and shift uncomfortably beneath the
quilt.
<<if $aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>Two
years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what? Why is he
bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
79>>Two years. Two years travelling together and he’s now… what?
Why is he bringing this up now, of all times? You always thought you
were stronger together, better together, flying in the face of Wayfarer
tradition. You feel shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 40 &&
$aeranapp <= 59>>Two years. Two years travelling together and
he’s now… what? Rethinking things? You always thought you were stronger
together, better together. Now you don’t know. You feel
shaken.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <=
39>>Two years. Two years travelling together and all you can feel
is the strain on your relationship. Maybe this partnership was doomed to
fail from the start. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time
to part ways.<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>Two years. Two years travelling together, your relationship
slowly unravelling. Maybe you were wrong to think you were stronger
together, better together. Wayfarers traditionally work alone; this is a
reminder why. When you’re done the Velantis job, it may be time to part
ways.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 TRANS TO LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>An
awkward silence settles over you. Aeran draws away from the window,
eyes flicking over you. He walks to the door and pauses, his hand
resting on the handle. “You should rest,” he says after a moment.
“Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine,” you interrupt. “Feeling better by the minute. I’ve had
worse—” Pain flares in your side and shoulder. You bite back a wince;
you’d rather not disprove your point so soon.
Aeran doesn’t look convinced. “I’ll be out on the deck if you need me,”
he says and disappears through the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
lean back in bed and stare at the ceiling. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved">>You run your fingers through your greasy hair, tugging
at the $haircolour <<if $hairtexture is
"kinky">>coils<<elseif $hairtexture is
"locked">>locs<<elseif $hairtexture is
"coily">>coils<<elseif $hairtexture is
"curly">>curls<<else>>strands<</if>> as
you contemplate what to do next.<<else>>You run your hands
over your shaved scalp, fingers brushing across the light stubble as you
contemplate what to do next.<</if>> You glance across the
cabin and fight the feeling of restless constriction.
You could go back to sleep. Your aching body would be thankful for it.
But already you grow tired of the same four walls. Surely a short walk
onto the ship deck would do you some good…
Carefully, you sit up and swing your legs over the edge of the bed. Your
shirt twists around you, tangling between your legs. It dawns on you
that—aside from your bandages—it’s the only thing you’re wearing. You
wonder what happened to your clothes.
You stand shakily and your legs forget how to work. The ship lurches,
sending you stumbling into the far wall. You slam into the chest,
crushing the strung hammock to the wood panels, and fall back.
<<if $agility >= 2>>You throw out a hand and push it
against the edge of the bed, steadying yourself before you fall
over.<<else>>You land, unceremoniously, on the floor and a
flare of pain ripples through your chest. You grunt, fingers prodding
your bandages, and slowly get up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Investigate the chest.|Chapter 1-7-50A
CHEST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Exit the cabin. You may be half
naked, but that’s not really your problem. You want to get out of this
room.|Chapter 1-7-50B NO
CHEST]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0, 100)>>You wrap your
hands around the back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He
doesn’t pull away, doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you
close, his body pressed to yours. You can feel his breath on your cheek,
his lips so close to yours. He sighs, your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 72 DOOR
OPEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0, 100)>>You wrap your
hands around the back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He
doesn’t pull away, doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you
close. He sighs, your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 72 DOOR
OPEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw away. Aeran pulls back a split second later, letting go of your
hand. His eyes dart around the room, unable to meet your gaze. He
swallows, clearing his throat, and runs a hand through his hair, an
embarrassed flush creeping onto his cheeks.
“Sorry,” he says. “I…”
“No,” you say. “It was me, I—”
“I’ll just—”
“No, you don’t have—”
“$firstname—”
“Aeran—”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7-72 UNIQUE DOOR
OPEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
apologize for the interruption, Aeran,” a cool voice says, “but Her
Grace—”
Aeran pulls away, turning to face the door.
Malsara stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea three days, she looks immaculate. She is
dressed in a simple black serithan. The heavy skirts are pressed into
neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
single, long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is
out of place. Her impeccable appearance only serves to highlight her
surprise.
She hovers, clearing her throat. “I did not realize $lastname had
awakened.”
“Yeah.” Aeran’s hand remains in yours. He squeezes it tightly.
Malsara takes a step into the room and bows her head. “I am glad you are
well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once. She will be delighted to hear of your
recovery.” She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with
you.” Her eyes flick over his shoulder at you. “At your leisure, of
course.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
Aeran sighs. His hand slips from yours as he rises from the bed. “I have
to go,” he says.
A sharp ache tugs at your heart. “Do you?” you ask. If only you could
reverse time, just a few seconds…
“The princess calls.” There’s an uncharacteristic resignation in his
voice.
You lean back, your head lolling against the headboard. “I didn’t think
she was actual royalty.”
He snorts. “Whatever she is, she’s not the most patient person in the
world. You learn pretty quickly that ‘at your leisure’ means ‘as soon as
possible.’”
You arch an eyebrow. “Both sound like vague measurements of time to me,”
you say. “It doesn’t have to mean right now.”
Aeran flushes. He looks away, laughing awkwardly, and runs a hand
through his hair, making it stick up even more. “I have to go,” he says
quietly. “I’ll see you out on deck.”
He pauses, rooted to the floor, wavering in indecision. Then he turns
and steps out of the cabin, quietly closing the door behind him.
You exhale sharply, staring at the ceiling.
<i>Fuck.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
apologize for the interruption, Aeran,” a cool voice says, “but Her
Grace—”
Aeran scrambles to his feet.
Malsara stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea three days, she looks immaculate. She is
dressed in a simple black serithan. The heavy skirts are pressed into
neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
single, long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is
out of place. Her impeccable appearance only serves to highlight her
surprise.
She hovers, clearing her throat. “I did not realize $lastname had
awakened.”
“Yeah,” Aeran says. “<<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe're<<else>>$HeShe is<</if>>
feeling much better—”
Malsara takes a step into the room and bows her head. “I am glad you are
well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once. She will be delighted to hear of your
recovery.” She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with
you.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
Aeran sighs. “I have to go,” he says, glancing at you. “The princess
calls.”
You lean back, head lolling against the headboard. “I didn’t think she
was actual royalty.”
He snorts. “Whatever she is, she’s not the most patient person in the
world.” He turns and walks to the door. He pauses, his hand resting on
the handle, and looks over his shoulder. “I’ll see you out on deck.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$clothed to true>>You kneel next to the chest and grasp the lid.
It’s heavy and your weak muscles strain at the effort, but you manage to
prop it open. Inside is a collection of familiar items—your weapons,
your pack, your cloak, a few of Aeran’s belongings. You don’t see your
clothes, but you find a pair of dark trousers and a dark tunic, similar
to the ones Aeran wore.
You pull them out and quickly dress.
You find your boots pushed under the bed. You sit on the floor and pull
them on, shoulders aching. By the time you’re done, you flop back onto
the floor, exhausted, and stare at the ceiling. Your mind races,
flicking through the events that led you here, to this particular ship,
to this particular floor...
You pass a hand over your face. Maybe in another life things would have
played out differently, but you can’t turn back time.
You groan and slowly pull yourself up, gripping the edge of the bed for
support. <<if $hairlength is "short">>You run your hands
through your hair, combing it as best you can and, satisfied that you’re
as respectable as you’re going to get, you hobble through the cabin
door.<<elseif $hairlength is "shaved">>Satisfied that you’re
as respectable as you’re going to get, you hobble through the cabin
door.<<else>>You quickly pull your hair back and, satisfied
that you’re as respectable as you’re going to get, you hobble through
the cabin door.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 51 EXIT
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$clothed to false>>You glance down at your bare legs.<<if
$tattoo1 is "manticore" or $tattoo2 is "manticore">> You can see
your tattoo poking through below the hem.<</if>> This is as
good as it gets.
You hobble through the cabin door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 51 EXIT
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You limp down a wood-panelled
corridor, the narrow walkway lit with glowing orbs that hover an inch or
two from the ceiling.<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very
tall">> You duck your head and slouch, trying not to bump them.
You’d rather not cause a complete blackout below
decks.<</if>>
As you pass more doors that must lead to other cabins, you are left with
the distinct impression that this is the nicest ship you have ever
stepped foot on.<<if $origin is "merchant">> Even the ships
in your parents’ fleet cannot compete.<</if>> Zenaida’s ship
is well-outfitted, with more than enough space to house both the crew
and her retinue, though considering her origins this shouldn’t come as a
surprise.
You find the ladder to the deck above a little further down the
corridor. You rest a hand on the rungs, grit your teeth and pull
yourself up. Your body protests with every move.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Opening the hatch, you emerge from the depths of the ship to
bright daylight and sunny skies. A trio of tall, broad masts tower over
the deck, their burgundy sails full with a strong wind. You spot an
ensign flying from the tip of the tallest one—a deep red flag, adorned
with a golden phoenix. The symbol of the Arathian Empire.
Sailors rush to and fro, busy with their work. Some perch in the sails,
hanging from ropes, their hands and fingers glowing as they manipulate
the wind. Others hover near the stern, manipulating the flow of water
around the keel. Every so often, the captain—recognizable by their
brightly-coloured headwrap—barks at the crew, ordering an adjustment in
speed and direction.
You turn and walk shakily across the deck, searching for Aeran.
<<if $clothed is false>>The ship deck is rough beneath your
feet. The wind tugs at your shirt, billowing the fabric around you. You
grab it, holding it in place. A nearby elven sailor shoots you a strange
look and laughs, carrying on with her work.<<else>>You
grunt, your boots slipping on the rough wood.<</if>>
Up here the ship seems keen on tossing you around like a rag-doll. It
takes all your concentration to keep from falling over. As you round a
collection of barrels locked in place by shimmering bands of energy, you
nearly stumble into a familiar figure dressed in black.
Malsara.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Adventuring out so soon after you return to us?” she says.
<<if $clothed is false>>Her eyes look you up and down,
lingering on your loose, billowing shirt. <</if>>“Stubborn,
indeed.”
You fold your arms. “I try,” you grunt.
Malsara shoots you a strange look and readjusts her serithan.
“Impressive, is it not?” she says, nodding at the sailors. She looks
different than she did when she came to your cabin. Her hair is darker,
though you wonder whether it’s the difference in light. “The work of a
Velantian crew, praised for their speed and navigational skill. We
should reach the waters of the Lotharic Sea within four weeks, if not
sooner.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "merchant">>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Four weeks? The Coveran merchant fleet can do it in
two.”|Chapter 1-7-52A][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>><s>1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you say so. This isn’t my area
of expertise.”|Chapter 1-7-52B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “I see. So naval travel is not outside your realm of
expertise.” She sounds mildly surprised.
“Is that strange?” you ask.
“No,” she replies. “Merely unexpected. You seem so reluctant to engage
with magic in any regard. I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll take care not to get underfoot. You’re not the only one
who wants to reach our destination.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-53]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “You seem so reluctant to engage with magic in any
regard,” she says. “I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive. To go by land would put us behind schedule by months.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll take care not to get underfoot. You’re not the only one
who wants to reach our destination intact.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-53]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. She pushes past you, sauntering to the edge of the deck. You
watch from a distance as she rests her hands against the rail and looks
out to sea. The azure waves beat against the ship, white caps cresting
in the distance.
“So eager,” she says. The wind tugs at her hair, shifting her long
braid. “And when we arrive, what do you hope to find?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Money.”|Chapter 1-7-54 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “A job that needs doing.”|Chapter
1-7-54 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-7-54
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I don’t care.”|Chapter 1-7-54
D]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “So this is what has become of your mighty order,” she says,
turning to you. “At best ignorant of your own creed, at worst willfully
negligent of it. You will do whatever is required of you, as long as you
are paid. And you claim the Guild is corrupt.”
You flush. “It is corrupt. Isn’t that why Zenaida hired us?”
“It is not the same,” Malsara says. “Ours is a corruption of power and
politics, the kind you see echoed in the courts of monarchs and
sovereigns. Yours is a corruption of the self.”
You scowl. <<if $perception >=8>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How industrious,” she says. “How focused. Her Grace will be
pleased with such work ethic, of course, but I cannot help but wonder
how the remnants of your order will respond to you working with their
nemesis. Would they consider it a betrayal, I wonder?”
“We make do with what we can,” you snap. “Anyone who survived the Spire
will understand that.”
“Will they?”
You scowl. <<if $perception >=8>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How fascinating,” she says. “You paint an interesting picture
of yourself, Wayfarer. Are you no more than a leaf, blown to and fro by
the wind, leaving your fate to be decided by chance? Such detachment
shows a remarkable lack of agency in your own life.”
You scowl. <<if $perception >=8>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “A statement often uttered,” she says. “Those who speak it only
do so to hide an opposing truth. The more they say they do not care,
the more they do.” She glances at you, eyes narrowed. “So why do you
care, Wayfarer?”
You scowl. <<if $perception >=8>>No matter how cutting
her words are, you sense a clear will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown
you before. You have a feeling you’re not talking to
Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and your gut twists in
anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7-55]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nova!”
You turn and see a woman in a dark serithan standing across the deck.
Her ashen hair is plaited into a long braid. You turn, staring at her in
bemusement, and the woman beside you smirks. She shimmers and her hair
transforms, the colour bleeding to black. She bows, a strange smile
dancing on her lips.
“A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says, sweeping away across the deck. “We
must converse again sometime.”
Malsara—the real one—sighs. “Pardon my sister,” she says. “She delights
in masquerading as me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $perception >=8>>[[1. “I saw
through it.”|Chapter 1-7 56 A]]<<else>><<if
settings.action>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Skill level requirements
have not been met.</s><<else>><s>1. Skill level
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “...great.”|Chapter 1-7
57]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. “Of course,” she says. “You are not easily fooled, even by a
simple transmogrification.”
You grimace. It appears Nova can use her powers to alter her appearance.
This was no illusion. Illusions have no bearing on you; you can see
right through them to the person beneath. Transmogrification, on the
other hand, alters its target on a physical level. Once the magic is
cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
57]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
clasps her hands together. “I am glad your wounds are healing well,”
she says. “I feared you would perish, that I was not skilled enough to
heal you.”
You stare at her. “What?”
“Did Aeran not tell you?” Malsara says, raising an eyebrow. “My line of
work has led to many skills the Guild overlooks. Non-magical surgery has
its uses and the Erebian League prizes a full understanding of anatomy.
I’m sure you can imagine why.”
You swallow. Discomfort twists in your gut. You know exactly why Aeran
did not mention that <i>Malsara</i>, of all people, had
tended to your wounds. He must have assumed you wouldn’t be pleased to
know Zenaida’s personal assassin was responsible for your care.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Thank you.”|Chapter 1-7 58A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay silent.|Chapter 1-7
58B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am not my sister, Wayfarer,” Malsara says. “All I ask is that you
remember that. If you are to work closely with us, it will serve you
well.” She bows, bending low. “I shall leave you be.”
She turns and sweeps across the deck without another word, her
serithan’s skirts flaring out behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
59]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am not my sister, Wayfarer,” Malsara says. “Do not judge me as you
would judge her.” She bows, bending low. “I shall leave you be.”
She turns and sweeps across the deck without another word, her
serithan’s skirts flaring out behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
59]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
Malsara gone, you wander the ship. The sailors give you a wide berth,
working around you as you walk the deck. Though you can’t quite relax,
the sun is bright and warm against your skin and there’s a lulling
quality to the crashing waves.
You pass the doors to a grand cabin. On a regular ship, these would be
the captain’s quarters, but you have no doubt Zenaida has occupied them
for the journey. You climb the stairs, expecting to find Aeran up here,
and draw to a halt.
The mage stands near the stern of the ship, gazing out at sea. She is
dressed in an exquisite travel serithan befitting of her station. The
silken robes are long and flowing, their deep turquoise colour
complimenting the sea. Complex gold embroidery wraps around the hems of
the skirt and the single long sleeve. Her dark hair is braided and
pulled back, and covered with a protective silk scarf that flows loosely
over one shoulder. She has forgone jewellery and makeup and still looks
like she could step into the Imperial palace for an audience with the
emperor.
She raises her chin, her brown eyes flickering to you as you approach.
“You have had quite an unexpected week, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says,
gesturing for you to approach. “Such a brush with death is not easily
forgotten.”
Your body flares with pain. “Yeah, well… Nothing I’m not used to.” You
limp forward to stand beside her, your hand gripping the railing. Your
eyes scan the horizon—you see nothing but blue sky and blue sea. Rona is
out there somewhere, but it’s not even a speck in the distance. The
town—your life for the past six months—is well and truly gone.
<<if $clothed is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-7
61]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Zenaida
glances at your loose shirt and bare legs. “Your old clothing was not
recoverable,” she says. “I had it burned. You will find fresh attire in
the chest in your quarters.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I hope you understand I expect you to wear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll get on that, princess, don’t
worry.”|Chapter 1-7 60A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I will.”|Chapter 1-7
60B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Zenaida
clasps her hands in front of her, observing the rolling sea. “I hope
the recklessness you displayed three nights ago is not a recurring
trait,” she says. “I am no stranger to rash decisions, but you show a
temerity with a particularly impulsive streak.”
“Are you reprimanding me, Your Grace?” you reply. <<if $hairlength
is "shaved" or $hairlength is "cropped">>The wind picks up,
tearing at your shirt.<</if>> You taste salt on your tongue.
“Your actions concern me, yes,” she says. “While some may praise your
bravery, I do not wish to lose such a valuable asset to my cause.”
You grunt. You’re not sure how you feel about being called an asset. It
makes you feel like a tool to be used, rather than a person with a
specific skillset. “I’ll try to take more care in the future,” you say.
“I’d much rather you did, rather than try.”
Are you really arguing semantics? <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You feel like a youth again, trying to one-up Varyn in a
conversation and failing miserably.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">>This is the kind of thing Cenric
despised.<<else>>This is the kind of thing Sero thought
hilarious and disregarded completely, unless they wanted to turn it into
a joke.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll do my best.”|Chapter 1-7 62
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t bother trying to goad me,
Zenaida, it won’t work.”|Chapter 1-7 62 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then I suppose I’ll have to put
some effort in. You’re lucky I like you, I don’t do this for
everyone.”|Chapter 1-7 62 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and say nothing.|Chapter 1-7
63]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
stares at you incredulously. Then she clears her throat and looks away.
“Princess is not a title I hold,” she says. “House Anaxas, while an old
imperial family, is not royalty. If you wish to address me by title,
Your Grace or Savant are appropriate.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
61]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Good,”
she says. She looks away, a slight flush on her cheeks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
61]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>A satisfied
smile crosses her lips. “Good,” she says. “I am paying you
extravagantly, after all. I believe that deserves some extra effort on
your part.”
“I don’t go out of my way trying to get myself killed,” you say. “Not
purposefully.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
63]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>She glances
at you, a strange smile on her lips. “If you believe that is a goad,
you are greatly mistaken. I am not a politician, like my mother. I have
no fondness for barbed words and concealed threats. When I choose to
show my dissatisfaction, there is no room for misinterpretation.”
You nod, chewing the inside of your cheek. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
63]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>Zenaida’s
face lights up with a brilliant smile as she tries to conceal her
laughter. “You honour me,” she says. “I look forward to our partnership.
I hope I will not disappoint.”
You nod, a little lost for words. Did she really think what you said was
that funny?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
63]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship dips, waves crashing against its sides. A spray of sea water flies
up over the railing, misting across your face. Zenaida blinks,
unruffled. She adjusts her silk scarf, her eyes never leaving the
horizon.
“Wayfarer $lastname,” she says after a moment. “I have something I must
confess.”
You shrug. This should be interesting. “Go on.”
“You are not the person I expected to find when I came to Rona,” she
says. “And yet I am glad I found you nonetheless.”
You purse your lips, brows drawing together. What did she mean by that? A
backhanded compliment? A genuine compliment? A neutral statement
confessing the unpredictability of life?
“Who did you expect to find?” you ask.
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
says. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer Kellis.
It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership with
him.”
Your fingers tighten on the railing. What source? Who would be keen to
track Aeran’s whereabouts, yet remain blind to yours?
“Lucky you,” you say, scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I do feel fortunate. You are a remarkably
skilled individual; your survival is proof enough of that. I hope my
earlier words did not offend.” She sighs and turns to you, brown eyes
meeting yours. “Our partnership is irregular, you and I both know that,
and yet I hope it will be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer
working together towards a common goal… no one among the fractured
pieces of the Guild will suspect it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful
for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I look forward to it.”|Chapter 1-7 64
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ve already told you, don’t
misinterpret my intentions. I am doing it for the payment, nothing
more.”|Chapter 1-7 64 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We don’t share a common goal. I’m
here because I have no other choice.”|Chapter 1-7 64 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Nod and say nothing.|Chapter 1-7 64
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>“Most
excellent,” Zenaida says. She nods deeply, politely, and turns. “We
shall converse later,” she adds. “Take the time you need to recover.”
She walks away, scarf fluttering in the wind, and disappears down the
stairs to the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
65]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
as I’ve told you,” Zenaida replies, “I appreciate your honesty. I know
many who could benefit from such frankness.”
She turns, scarf fluttering in the wind. “We shall converse later,” she
says, walking away. “Take the time you need to recover.”
She disappears down the stairs to the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
65]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>Zenaida
raises her chin, her lips forming a thin line. “I know what it is to be
backed into a corner,” she says. “I only hope, for your sake, that you
curb your cynicism before it prevents you from recognizing much needed
allies when they approach you with open arms.”
She turns, scarf fluttering in the wind. “We shall converse later,” she
says, walking away. “Take the time you need to recover. You clearly need
it.”
She disappears down the stairs to the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
65]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
turns, scarf fluttering in the wind. “We shall converse later,” she
says, walking away. “Take the time you need to recover. You clearly need
it.”
She disappears down the stairs to the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
65]]</div></div><</nobr>>Once
she’s gone, you turn around and lean against the railing. You peer over
the edge of the ship, staring into the deep azure water, and let out a
long sigh. Mist sprays up and around you, settling on your face and
arms. You scrunch up your face, your mind racing.
“She found you, I see,” Aeran’s voice says behind you.
You glance over your shoulder. He stands some feet away, open shirt
flapping in the wind, backlit by the sun. Out here in the daylight he
looks stronger than he did below decks. Beneath the healing cuts and
bruises, he has the beginnings of a healthy tan.
“You should consider becoming a sailor,” you say, squinting as you raise
a hand to shield your eyes from the sun. “Sea life suits you.”
“Not really,” he says, sauntering over to you. “It’s nice to have a
change of scenery. I was getting tired of overgrown trees and stagnant
water and never seeing the sun.”
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-5 BASILISK FIGHT")>>“And there’s a
wonderful lack of basilisks,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He chuckles quietly. “Please, $nickname,” he says. “Don’t curse it.
We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck, let’s not invite
anymore.”<<else>>“At least no one’s actively trying to kill
us,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He inhales sharply. “Please, $nickname,” he says. “Don’t curse it. We’ve
had a pretty foul run of bad luck lately, let’s not invite
anymore.”<</if>>
Aeran leans against the railing and looks out at the horizon, the wind
tangling his hair. <<if $clothed is false>>He glances at
your loose shirt and bare legs. “Nice shirt,” he says, biting back a
laugh.
“Thanks,” you reply. “I’ll add it the list of excellent decisions I’ve
made this week.”
He chuckles, shaking his head.
You fall silent, standing side-by-side as you watch the waves. You
glance at Aeran, twisting your fingers together as you wonder whether
you should tell him what Zenaida said. Does he know that she came to
Rona specifically to look for him?<<else>>You fall silent,
standing side-by-side as you watch the waves. You glance at Aeran,
twisting your fingers together as you wonder whether you should tell him
what Zenaida said. Does he know that she came to Rona specifically to
look for him?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|Chapter 1-7 66 TELL
HIM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|Chapter 1-7 66 DON'T
TELL HIM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerantell to true>>“Zenaida admitted something you should know,”
you say after a moment.
His expression darkens. “Oh?”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers. She
was looking for you.” The tips of your fingers press sharply against the
railing, your nailbeds paling. “Her source—whoever that is—gave her
your name. I was a surprise.”
Aeran is still. He watches the sea, barely reacting when the ship
unexpectedly lurches to the side, rocked by the waves.
<<if $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“And you’re telling me this
because, what, $firstname? You’re jealous?”
“Don’t be an idiot,” you snap. “I want to know why it’s you. Who’s her
source? What do they have on you?”
“Your concern is touching,” he says coldly. “Really. Though I wonder,
$firstname—how bothered are you to realize you aren’t the only Wayfarer
who has left a mark?”
You grit your teeth. “That’s not what this is about—”
“Isn’t it?” He shakes his head. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”
“Aeran—”
He draws away, eyes narrowed as he shoots you a dark look. “While you’re
playing invalid, maybe think about where you’re putting that misplaced
energy,” he says. “You might find this mess has more to do with you than
it does with me.”
Aeran stalks away without another word, leaving you alone on the deck.
You watch him go, too exhausted to chase after him and continue this
conversation.
You sigh wearily and turn around, looking out to sea. As the blue waves
roll and crash against the ship, you are unable to shake your growing
sense of unease.
<i>This is going to be a long journey.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$aeranapp >= 20>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
10, 5, 90)>><<aeranApp>>“She failed to mention that,”
Aeran murmurs. “What do you think?”
“I’m concerned who this source is,” you reply.
“Did you ask her?”
You shake your head.
Aeran sighs. “I suppose she wouldn’t be forthcoming with that
information regardless,” he says. He falls silent for a moment and raps
his fingers along the railing, eyes narrowed, brows drawn together.
“Though the fact she told you tells us she didn’t intend to hide it.
Whoever’s tracking me must be in her inner circle.”
“Which could include any number of Guild mages.” You raise your hands,
digging your fingers into the back of your neck, massaging the sore
muscles. “Pissed anyone off last time you were in Imperial territory?”
“Yeah,” he snorts. “At least a dozen. Probably more. I have one of those
faces.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hm. Yes. You do.”|Chapter 1-7
67A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Roll your eyes.|Chapter 1-7
67B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aerantell to false>><<if $aeranapp >= 19>>“What
is it?” he asks.
You shrug, shaking your head. “Nothing.”
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am.” He sighs
and leans against the railing, resting his hands across each other. “All
we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
You nod. You fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“What
is it?” he asks, his eyes searching yours. “Don’t tell me. You forgot a
vitally important instrument in our shitty apartment and there’s no
going back for it now.”
You chuckle, but your laughter is short-lived.
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am. This
journey we’re on…” He sighs and leans against the railing, resting his
hands across each other. “All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep
one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
67]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aerantell to true>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
+ 1, 5, 90)>><<aeranApp>><<if $aeranapp >=
20 && $aeranapp <= 50>>Aeran chuckles, but his laughter
is short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts
me on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do when we reach
Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You lower your hands and rest
them back on the railing. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>Aeran chuckles,
but his laughter is short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,”
he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do
when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s
backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns,
glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp <= 50>>“I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” Aeran says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You lower your hands and rest
them back on the railing. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>“I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them
back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning
towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns,
glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >= 10>>You lower your hands, resting them back on
the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say, leaning towards
him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out, hesitantly placing a hand over yours. You lean
into him, his body firm and warm against yours. Standing here with him,
you feel grounded and more certain about the challenges you may face in
Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns,
glancing at you, a faint smile on his face.<<else>>He turns,
glancing down, a faint smile on his face.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” he says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You lower your
hands, resting them back on the railing. “At least that hasn’t changed,”
you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my life—”
Aeran grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis,” Aeran says after a moment,
“let’s go somewhere. Far away. No Guild, no Order. And maybe then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>He nods.<<if $aeranrom >=
10>> You lean forwards and press a hand to his cheek. He stares at
you, eyes wide.<</if>> The ghost of a smile flickers across
his face.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 41 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran’s fingers curl inward,
shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he says.
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“And I don’t want to tell you,” he snaps. “I killed him, that’s all you
need to know. Take your damn curiosity elsewhere.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 41 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Rho
helped me carry you out,” he continues. “For what it’s worth, he
respects you. Not many would dare attack the Count, let alone duel him.”
You nod.
“Malsara must have been keeping an eye on us. She showed up not long
after, helped get you across town—”
“Could have helped earlier,” you grunt.
Aeran sighs. “By the time we reached the Weasel, I knew you were alive,
but barely hanging on.” He swallows hard. “Zenaida went mad when she saw
your condition. Ordered her people to prepare to set sail, refused to
wait until morning. She had what she came for and she nearly lost it
that night. With the Count dead, she needed to disappear before the full
force of the Seven traced us back to her and sought retribution.”
You fold your arms. “It’s not her problem, not her fight. Why target
her?”
“She needs us alive if her plan is going to work,” he replies. “We’re
under her protection now. Anyone who wants to get to us has to go
through her and every mage sworn to her.” He scowls and picks at a stray
thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to be
untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your side experimentally
and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
42]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes, but leave your wounds alone. Your mind lingers on
Aeran’s words, trying to reconstruct what he has told you about the
events of that night. “What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
Aeran falls silent for a moment. He draws back, staring across the
cabin, a distant look in his eyes. “Gone,” he says. “Away from Rona.
With the Count dead, he’s free from his blood oath.”
“Blood oath?” you ask. “What blood oath?”
He pauses. “Rho didn’t say much about it,” he says. “But he swore a
blood oath to the Count a while ago. Refused to tell me why, but it was
the only reason he was working for him in the first place.”
“Oh,” you say.
“The oath broke with the Count’s death, so…” Aeran shrugs. “He took his
company and left.”
He awkwardly trails off and leans back, pressing his fingers to the back
of his neck. Now that the subject of Rhodarth has been broached, a
question lingers between you. You chew your lower lip, wondering whether
you should even ask. Aeran is notoriously tight-lipped about his
personal life; he rarely speaks about his life prior to your reunion two
years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask him about Rhodarth.|Chapter 1-7-32 ASK
ABOUT RHO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is
false>>[[2. Leave it be. You don’t need to poke your nose where it
doesn’t belong.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST CONVO]]<<else>>[[2.
Leave it be. You don’t need to poke your nose where it doesn’t
belong.|Chapter 1-7-70 NO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>He nods.<<if $aeranrom >=
10>> You lean forwards and press a hand to his cheek. He stares at
you, eyes wide.<</if>> The ghost of a smile flickers across
his face.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 81 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran’s fingers curl inward,
shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he says.
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“And I don’t want to tell you,” he snaps. “I killed him, that’s all you
need to know. Take your damn curiosity elsewhere.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7 81 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 5 or $rhodarthDead_How is 6>>“Malsara must
have been keeping an eye on us,” he continues. “She showed up not long
after, helped get you across town—”
“Could have helped earlier,” you grunt.
Aeran sighs. “By the time we reached the Weasel, I knew you were alive,
but barely hanging on.” He swallows hard. “Zenaida went mad when she saw
your condition. Ordered her people to prepare to set sail, refused to
wait until morning. She had what she came for and she nearly lost it
that night. With the Count dead, she needed to disappear before the full
force of the Seven traced us back to her and sought retribution.”
You fold your arms. “It’s not her problem, not her fight. Why target
her?”
“She needs us alive if her plan is going to work,” he replies. “We’re
under her protection now. Anyone who wants to get to us has to go
through her and every mage sworn to her.” He scowls and picks at a stray
thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to be
untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your side experimentally
and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 82 TALK ABOUT RHO
DEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Rho
helped me carry you out,” he continues. “For what it’s worth, he
respects you. Not many would dare attack the Count.”
You nod.
“Malsara must have been keeping an eye on us. She showed up not long
after, helped get you across town—”
“Could have helped earlier,” you grunt.
Aeran sighs. “By the time we reached the Weasel, I knew you were alive,
but barely hanging on.” He swallows hard. “Zenaida went mad when she saw
your condition. Ordered her people to prepare to set sail, refused to
wait until morning. She had what she came for and she nearly lost it
that night. With the Count dead, she needed to disappear before the full
force of the Seven traced us back to her and sought retribution.”
You fold your arms. “It’s not her problem, not her fight. Why target
her?”
“She needs us alive if her plan is going to work,” he replies. “We’re
under her protection now. Anyone who wants to get to us has to go
through her and every mage sworn to her.” He scowls and picks at a stray
thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to be
untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your side experimentally
and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-7
42]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 6>>“He didn’t deserve it,” Aeran says after a
moment. “What you did to him.”
You blink, confused. Your mind feels sluggish. “…who?”
He glances at you. “Rhodarth.”
Your mouth feels raw.
“He wasn’t the Count, condemning those around him to a fate worse than
death. He was bound by a blood oath. His choices were to kill us, or
submit. It wasn’t only his life on the line, but the lives of his
company. What would you have done?”<<else>>“$firstname,” he
says after a long moment. “Rhodarth. I… we…” He looks away. “We didn’t
have to kill him.”
Your gut twists. While you don’t know their full history, Rhodarth meant
something to Aeran and you put him through hell that night. A hell you
had to walk, but a hell, nonetheless.
“It had to be done,” you say.
“Did it?” He turns to you. “He wasn’t the Count, condemning those around
him to a fate worse than death. He was bound by a blood oath. His
choices were to kill us, or submit. It wasn’t only his life on the line,
but the lives of his company. What would you have
done?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|Chapter 1-5
83A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I wouldn’t let myself be bound by a
blood oath in the first place.”|Chapter 1-5 83B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I wouldn’t fight. Not unless it was
my choice.”|Chapter 1-5 83C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “… I’d fight.”|Chapter 1-5
83D]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
nods. “That’s what I thought.”
He falls silent and looks away, refusing to meet your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 84 CONT RHO
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Easy for you to be so sure when
it’s outside the realm of possibility,” he says.
You scowl, a retort forming in your mouth—but Aeran looks away and your
unspoken words die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 84 CONT RHO
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“That’s the point, $firstname,”
Aeran snaps. “He had no choice. Follow the commands of the oath or
submit to it. There is no in-between.”
You scowl, a retort forming in your mouth—but Aeran looks away and your
unspoken words die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 84 CONT RHO
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
wouldn’t,” Aeran says. “You’d do what your oath requires, because you
value your own life—and the lives of those important to you—above
everything else.”
You scowl, a retort forming in your mouth—but Aeran looks away and your
unspoken words die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5 84 CONT RHO
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
made a choice, Aeran,” you say after a long moment. <<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 5>>“And you did, too. Don’t push your guilt
onto me.”<<else>>“And I did what I thought was
right.”<</if>>
He clasps his hands together, shoulders sagging. A painful look flashes
across his face. “Yeah,” he mutters. “Sure.”
An uneasy silence settles between you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranfollow is false>>[[2.
Leave it be. You don’t need to poke your nose where it doesn’t
belong.|Chapter 1-7-60 TRUST CONVO]]<<else>>[[2. Leave it
be. You don’t need to poke your nose where it doesn’t belong.|Chapter
1-7-70 NO TRUST
CONVO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
serpent flies by, missing you by inches. It draws to a stop, confused,
and turns its head to you. It lets out a low hiss, swaying back and
forth, and darts at you.
You sidestep the serpent and it rams its nose into the ground. It pulls
back sharply, dazed. You dart in front of it and, wasting no time, ram
your sword into its eye. The serpent lets out an unnatural, gargling
cry. Blood wells from its ruined eye.
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow slices through the air and punctures the serpent’s other eye.
The creature howls, its forked tongue flicking in and out of its mouth.
It curls in on itself, its head thumping to the ground, and stops
moving.
You look up and find Aeran standing on the upper-most tier of the
garden. He lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and
cautiously skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Rho,” Aeran calls. “It’s blind!”
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
You spot movement in your peripheral vision. Rhodarth approaches,
pulling his blind-fold free. He observes the coiled serpent through
narrowed eyes and lowers his spear.
“Is it dead?” he asks.
You glance at the serpent. Aeran’s arrow may have penetrated far enough
to kill it, but if not…
<<if settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Listen for signs of movement, breath and a
heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81 AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA]
Ancestry requirement has not been met.</s><</if>>
[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but stab it just in case.|Chapter
1-5 80 STAB]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital
signs.|Chapter 1-5 81 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|Chapter 1-5 81
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Listen for signs of movement, breath and a
heartbeat.|Chapter 1-5 81 AEDA]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA]
Ancestry requirement has not been met.</s><</if>>
[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but stab it just in case.|Chapter
1-5 80 STAB]]<</if>><div
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<<script>>Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Credits").processText());
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<<set $HeShe to "She">>
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/* INVENTORY */
<<newinventory '$gearInv'>>
<<newinventory '$packInv'>>
<<newinventory '$questInv'>>
<<newinventory '$giftInv'>>
<<newinventory '$junkInv'>>
<<newinventory '$holding'>>
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<<set $nickname to "Lia">><<if
tags().includes('noheader')>>
<<elseif tags().includes('exploration')>>
<div class="header-flex">
<div class="header-item" onclick="toggle(header)" title="access the
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<<if $gamechapter is 0>>New Game
<<elseif $gamechapter is 0.1>>Prologue
<<elseif $gamechapter is 1>>Episode I
<<elseif $gamechapter is 2>>Episode II
<<elseif $gamechapter is 3>>Episode III<</if>>
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<<liveblock>>
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<div class="header-item" onclick="toggle(header)" title="access the
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<<if $gamechapter is 0>>New Game
<<elseif $gamechapter is 0.1>>Prologue
<<elseif $gamechapter is 1>>Episode I
<<elseif $gamechapter is 2>>Episode II
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<<liveblock>><<if $window is true>><a
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SAVING...<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
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Point<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<set
$vlvilla to true>>When compared to major Rhesainian cities, Rona
is a backwater dump clinging precariously to shore. When the world
happens to remember the town’s existence, it is remembered as a city
suspended on rotting boardwalks, moments from falling into the sea,
surviving through sheer stubbornness. But even backwater dumps have
their own brand of wealth and the South Isle holds that distinct honour.
Overlooking the Cobalt Sea, the isle is home to Rona’s most powerful
residents. Though the years have consumed most traces of the city’s
Imperial heritage, the touch of the Arathian Empire has never quite
faded. The isle is cultivated in a way that cannot be replicated further
into shore. Land was raised, vegetation uprooted and replaced, roads
paved and mansions built. Heavily transformed, the South Isle remains an
anomaly compared to the rest of the city. Though Imperial nobles no
longer occupy the elegant villas, those who hold themselves in a similar
regard do.
“Something funny?” Aeran asks as you step off the boardwalks and onto a
bridge. The tiered, artificial bluffs loom over you, dotted with shining
white villas. Glowing lights are interspersed between the buildings,
lighting up the isle like a beacon in the rain.
You shrug. “I wonder what the Empire would think if they knew their
grand homes have been taken over by an entire flotilla of retired
pirates.”
He snorts. “Does it matter?” he says, scanning the cliffs. “From where
I’m standing, I can hardly see the difference.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VL 1
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
cross the bridge and turn down a wide promenade. The flagstones—usually
a bright white to match the villas—have turned grey in the rain. You
haven’t gone far when you reach a crossroads. One fork turns left,
stretching over another bridge and heading to the eastern part of the
isle.
You’ve been down this path before. The Crimson Count’s villa lies
beyond, perched at the far end of the isle on its own personal
peninsula, backing onto the water. The other turns right, winding its
way up the tiers. The Viridian Lady’s villa is at the top, towering over
all.
It’s indicative, perhaps, of the nature of these two wealthy, powerful
rivals: one an ancient melusine, preferring to stay close to the sea,
the other an upstart aeda preferring to stay open to the skies. Either
way, they know their power and they know how to showcase it.
You frown, squinting through the rain. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>You can just make out the dark green banners fluttering
in the wind.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You haven’t decided on a plan yet. Ask Aeran
if he has any ideas.|VL 1 03 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1,
5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You always come prepared. Tell Aeran
your plan.|VL 1 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. The best plan is no plan.|VL 1 03
C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90), $vlplan to
"noplan"]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlplan to "noplan">><<aeranApp>>“Thoughts?” you ask.
He leans his head back and folds his arms. “We need to do this
carefully, $nickname,” he says. “Our best chance is to find a way in
through the back, but the villa is surrounded by sheer cliffs on three
sides. She hasn’t made it easy for non-aeda to access it.”
You grunt. “Wonderful.”
“Aeda sentries patrol the skies day and night, watching the property
from all sides. Getting in won’t be easy.”
Great. “Nothing ever is.”
“How do you feel about climbing?”
You raise an eyebrow.
<<if $agility <=6>>“In this rain? Not looking forward to
it. Any other ideas?”<<elseif $agility <=8>>“In this
rain? Uh… that’s fine, I guess. Any other ideas?”<<elseif $agility
>=9>>“In this rain? It’ll be fine. Unless you have any other
ideas?”<<elseif $gearInv.has('Grappling hook')>>“In this
rain? Thanks to Thelkar, it’ll be fine.” You pat the grappling hook on
your hip. “Unless you have any other ideas?”<</if>>
He lets out a long, slow breath. “Uh… I’m not sure, but I don’t think
walking in the front door and demanding answers is the right move. A
little subtlety would go a long way.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” you reply, glancing at him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t discount my charms.”|Chapter 1 VL 1
03 A 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Subtle’s not exactly my strong
suit.”|Chapter 1 VL 1 03 A 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Let’s keep our options
open.”|Chapter 1 VL 03 A
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
villa’s surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides,” you say. “And the
single entrance through the front is guarded. aeda patrols watch the
property day and night from the sky. They are under orders to deal with
any suspicious activity immediately. Getting in won’t be easy.”
“I’m guessing you have a thought or two about that?” he asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah. Scale the cliffs, go in through the
back, hope they don’t spot us in all this rain.”|Chapter 1 VL 03 B
1][$vlplan to "backdoor", $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah. Go to the front, knock on the
door and ask for a private audience, like a perfectly civilized person
who would never think about sneaking through her house and raiding her
treasure trove.”|Chapter 1 VL 03 b 2][$vlplan to
"frontdoor"]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shrug and cross your arms. The villa is surrounded by sheer cliffs on
three sides with a single, guarded entrance in the front. You’ve heard
aeda patrols watch the property day and night from the sky, making it
one of the most impenetrable locations in Rona. You haven’t thought much
about how to get in and considering your options now draws a blank.
You’re going to have to rely on your instincts.
“We’ll see when we get there,” you say. “Nothing wrong with a little
improvisation.”
Aeran’s eyes narrow. “$firstname—”
“It’s easier to deal with the unexpected if you’re not stuck to a plan,”
you interrupt. “And considering whose house we’re about to enter,
anything can go wrong. I’d be surprised if it didn’t.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He sighs. “Fair enough,” he says.
“Just… whatever you end up doing, be careful. Please? I’m not prepared
to bury you quite yet.”
There’s a morbid overtone to his words that does not go unnoticed. You
laugh shakily. “Oh, don’t worry,” you say, brushing it off. “I like to
keep imminent death out of the picture.”
He smiles weakly at your attempt at humour and falls silent. Letting the
subject drop, you take off up the promenade and begin the long climb to
the villa.<<else>>He sighs wearily. “So your plan is to go
off and do whatever the hell you want.”
“I don’t <i>have</i> a plan.”
“Right.” He pushes past you and starts up the promenade without further
comment.
Sensing his frustration, you hurry to catch up with him. “Aeran—”
“Go ahead and do things your way,” he interrupts. “I’m not going to stop
you. It’s part of that resourcefulness <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Brissa<<else>>$master<</if>>
always praised.” There’s an unexpected sour note to his words.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” you ask, stung.
“I think you’re smart enough to unravel that one on your own,” he
replies. “You have an entire climb to figure it out.”
He strides on ahead. Shaking your head, you let the subject drop and
trail behind him, biting back your frustration. An awkward silence
settles between the two of you and you set off on the long climb up the
promenade.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
raises an eyebrow. “Funny. I’m sure nothing will go wrong there.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You gasp in mock surprise. “I can
practice on you first, if you like.”
Aeran stares at you. Behind the glare, he’s desperately trying to clamp
down on a smile, but he’s failing miserably. “Come on,” he says,
striding down the promenade. “We’ve got a long ways to go.”
“Good!” you reply, hurrying to catch up with him. “All the more time to
use you as a test subject.”
“Please,” he counters. “You already know I’m immune.”
“Is that a challenge?” you ask.
He grins. “Only if you want it to be.”
Chuckling with mirth, you begin the climb up the winding
promenade.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>You gasp in mock
surprise. “Such a lack of faith. I’m hurt. Honestly.”
Aeran chuckles. “Someone has to make sure you keep a level head.”
“Uh huh,” you counter. “And what about you? Who’s keeping your head
level?”
He turns, grinning, and nudges you with an elbow. “Who do you think?” he
says.
Chuckling with mirth, you begin the trek up the winding
promenade.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>You roll your eyes.
“Thanks,” you say. “So glad you trust me.”
He sighs. “$firstname—”
You shrug and point at the winding promenade. “Come on, we’ve got a long
ways to go.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
tilts his head, thinking over your words. “No,” he says after a moment.
“It’s not.”
You narrow your eyes. “You weren’t supposed to agree with me, you know,”
you reply.
He steps away, hands spread. “Do you need some reminders?”
“Oh, please don’t—”
“I have a list—”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Chuckling, you start the long climb
up the promenade, Aeran trailing after you, cheerily listing off all the
various mishaps you were certain everyone had
forgotten.<<else>>Rolling your eyes, you start the long
climb up the promenade. Aeran trails behind you in weary
silence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods. “All right,” he says. “But $firstname, you shouldn’t rely on
sheer luck for this one. The Viridian Lady isn’t someone to be messed
with.”
You sigh. “Bit late for that, don’t you think?”
Without waiting for a reply, you take off up the promenade and begin
your long climb.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
nods. “I was thinking the same thing.” He glances at you. <<if
$gearInv.has('Grappling hook')>>“I guess we both fancy a climb in
the rain.”
“Oh, I’m looking forward to it.” You touch the grappling hook on your
hip. “Thanks to Thelkar.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “I could feel you itching to try out your
new toy.”
“It’s not a toy, Aeran.” You shoot him a flat look. “It’s an important
tool for the trade.”
“Sure.”
You sigh wearily. “You’re going to rag on me about it the entire time,
aren’t you?”
He flashes you a grin. “Would I do that?”
“Fine,” you retort with mock annoyance. “You are never touching any of
my gear again. You are banned.” You turn and start up the promenade,
leaving Aeran behind.
“Oh, come on $nickname!” he calls, hurrying to catch up with you.
“That’s a little much, don’t you think?”
You raise a hand and make a rude gesture. “Banned!”
Aeran catches up with you, chortling with laughter. Embracing the
familiar comfort of your easy banter, you begin the long climb to the
villa.<<elseif $agility <=7>>“Maybe you should wait here.
It’s going to be a bad climb in the rain.”
You let out a shaky laugh. He’s right, of course. You’re not the most
agile person in the world; scaling the cliff will prove challenging.
“Yeah, well… I’ll try not to get myself killed in the attempt.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Please don’t. I’m not prepared to
bury you quite yet.” He turns, grinning, though his playful tone doesn’t
quite hide the morbid nature of his reply.
“Oh, don’t worry,” you say, brushing it off. “I like to keep imminent
death out of the plan.”
He chortles and you smile, embracing the familiar comfort of your easy
banter. With that, you take off up the promenade and begin the long
climb to the villa.<<else>>He rolls his eyes. “Please
don’t,” he says, sighing wearily. He brushes past you without further
comment and takes off up the promenade. You hurry to catch up and
together you begin the long climb to the
villa.<</if>><<else>>“I guess we both fancy a
climb in the rain.”
“Could be worse,” you say, shrugging. <<if $master is
"Sero">>“Sero left me on top of a mountain once and I had to find
my way back down. In a blizzard.”
“I remember,” he replies.
“Oh?” With Sero’s unconventional training practices, you never had much
crossover with Aeran during your training.
“Brissa and Cenric were ready to send a search party out for you,” he
continues, “but Sero insisted they not interfere with your battle with
the elements.”
You raise an eyebrow. “I didn’t know that.”
He shoots you a look. “Come on, $firstname,” he says. “You may have been
chosen by the Grandmaster, but Brissa and Cenric cared about you just
as much. Maybe more than the person who thought it was acceptable to
leave a kid on top of a mountain in the middle of winter.”
You shrug. Aeran never cared for the Grandmaster much, though you’re not
sure why he’s being so prickly about it now. Dropping the subject, you
take off up the promenade and begin the long climb to the
villa.<<elseif $master is "Cenric">>“Cenric took me to Tol
Covere once. There was a nest of harpies roosting in the cliffs above
the harbour. The only way to reach them was to climb. Imagine doing that
while fending off flying pests that want to claw your eyes out.”
“I can imagine,” he replies. He pauses, a pensive look in his eyes. “I
don’t think you’ve ever told me that story.”
You chuckle. “When this is over, ask me again over a drink. It’s the
perfect tavern story, I promise.”
He flashes a grin and together you take off up the promenade, beginning
the long climb to the villa.<<else>>“Remember that time
Varyn took us to Vodena and I got stuck on the roof of the Arsenian
embassy?”
He winces, shaking his head. “Oh gods, don’t start on that disaster. I
feel embarrassed just thinking about it—”
“What are you embarrassed for? I’m the one who fell through the
skylight—”
“Leave it right there, $nickname, we do not need to revisit this—”
Spirits lifted by your easy banter, you take off up the promenade and
begin the long climb to the villa.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
raises an eyebrow. “Uh… no offense, $nickname, but I’m not sure walking
in the front door and demanding answers is the right move. A little
subtlety would go a long way.”
“There are more ways to be subtle than skulking around like we’re part
of a thieves’ guild,” you say.
“I’m just asking you to consider a covert strategy—”
“And what happens when that strategy fails because we blunder into
something unexpected? We don’t know her villa. We don’t know the layout,
we don’t know anything. I’d much rather question her upfront than be
caught sneaking about red-handed.”
He exhales a long breath. “If we mess this up we’re fucked.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hey now, don’t discount my charms.”|Chapter
1 VL 1 03 A 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Besides, Aeran—stealth isn’t
exactly my strong suit.”|Chapter 1 VL 1 03 A 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “When has that ever stopped
us?”|Chapter 1 VL 03 B 2A]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
chuckles, shaking his head. “All right. We’ll play it your way,
$firstname. Let’s go.”
Together you take off up the promenade and begin the long climb to the
villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1 VL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The South Isle is eerily silent
compared to the bustle of the town. The promenade is empty, save for a
few cloaked figures who pass without comment, their hoods pulled up to
shield them from the rain.
There is something uncanny about the Isle, an off-putting feeling that
is difficult to ignore. In any Arathian city, promenades like this would
be well-tended, lined with beautiful statues and elaborate shrubberies
to match the splendour of the surrounding architecture. But Rona is not
an Imperial city and the individuals who occupy these houses could care
less about neighbourhood appearances.
Where there should be cultivated landscaping, there are tangles of dark
trees and vegetation. Thick roots plunge deep below the flagstones,
rupturing the path above, and shiny, green vines slink along the edges,
slowly creeping along the stones. The beautiful villas are at odds with
their environment. Though magic sustains the architecture here, staving
off decay, it cannot disguise the overall neglect. Even in the seat of
Rona’s rich and powerful, nature seeks to take back what is hers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You wind your way back and forth across the bluffs. You catch a
dark figure in the corner of your eye, hovering some ways away in the
sky. You turn to look closer, blinking rain out of your eyes, and the
figure is gone.
A chill runs down your spine. You can’t see the patrols, but you know
they must be there. Have you drawn their attention? Are they soaring,
just out of sight, following your every move?
Your hand flexes around the hilt of your sword, but the familiar grip
does little to soothe you.
“Something wrong?” Aeran asks.
“No,” you reply. “Not yet. I just can’t shake the feeling that someone
is watching us.”
Aeran continues walking and casually raises his face to the sky.
Droplets mist across his forehead and cheeks as he peers through the
rain, searching the clouds. “There’s a sentry directly above us, to the
left,” he murmurs. “Flying away now, can’t see where they’ve gone.”
“Do you think they’ve recognized us?” you ask.
In the six months you’ve been in Rona, you have amassed a certain amount
of notoriety, but you’re far from having a recognizable face. You’ve
also declined to engage with the Seven’s strange custom of marking their
personnel. Most mercenaries, sentries, bodyguards, and agents in the
Seven’s pocket wear kerchiefs with their master’s colours. When you
accepted the Count’s contract, you fervently refused to wear a red
kerchief, arguing that it would simply get in your way and put a target
on your back. The Count, much to your surprise, agreed.
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“I doubt it,” Aeran says.
“For all they know, at this distance we’re two strangers on the road.”
“Yeah…” You clench your jaw. You wonder whether news of your skirmish
with Kane has made its way to the Lady’s ears. That would complicate
things.
<i>Damn it.</i><<else>>“I doubt it,” Aeran says.
“For all they know, at this distance we’re two strangers on the
road.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You near the top of the bluffs and the promenade flattens out,
following a sheer cliff face that plunges into the waters below. The sea
roars, whitecaps crashing against the rocks. The wind blows sharply in
your face, making your eyes water. You taste brine on your tongue.
There’s an unexpected freshness up here, high above the sea. The stench
of rot and decay that permeates the rest of the city has been blown
away.
You round the cliff and come to a halt. Aeran nudges you and together
you step off the road, huddling beneath the splayed branches of a nearby
tree.
The Lady’s villa looms ahead. White walls enclose the rectangular
complex, backing onto cliffs that drop into the sea below. A single,
wrought iron gate blocks the entrance. No guards are posted, but you are
certain the aeda sentries are not far away. If you squint, you can make
out a shimmering barrier pulsing around the complex—further protection
from unwanted attention. Judging from its near-invisibility, it must be a
complicated bit of magic. Not that it will be a problem for you; like
all magic, barrier enchantments fail to recognize your existence. You
can slip through them at will.
Aeran seizes your shoulder and pulls you down. You crouch, back pressed
against the trunk of the tree. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
him point quietly at the sky. You glance up and see a trio of aeda
sentries pass overhead, carried through the air on dark wings, silver
spears glowing in their hands.
“I have—” Aeran begins.
“If you say ‘a bad feeling about this,’ I’m going to punch you,” you
interrupt.
He smirks and withdraws his grip on your shoulder. You watch the
sentries fly on, disappearing around the far side of the villa. When
they’re gone, you carefully move forwards, keeping low as you clamber
over the roots and vines that line the promenade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Lying low in a tangle of roots, you scan the looming mansion
ahead. From your vantage point, you can see through the gate to the
complex beyond. A series of tiered gardens fills the grounds, cascading
one over the other until they reach the gate. The gardens are so lush
and dense, you cannot see a path through. Maybe there isn’t one. Most of
those in service to the Viridian Lady are aeda—why have a path when you
can fly?
The mansion itself is settled on the fourth tier. Nestled between two
artificial waterfalls, it is a three-storey white building with sweeping
balconies and wide, arching windows. Water cascades from the cliffs
above, flowing from an unknown source into elegant pools that surround
the mansion. Conjured lights are scattered across the complex, embedded
into the villa’s walls and floating on the surface of the pools. Their
pulsing glow illuminates the whole complex, making it shine brilliantly
in the rain.
The mansion radiates the power and opulence you’ve come to associate
with the Imperial aristocracy. But just as there is something off about
the promenade below, there is something bizarre about the villa. A
feeling that it is not quite right. Despite the Arathian trappings, the
woman who dwells within is anything but an Imperial aristocrat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
sit back on your heels and hunker down. <<if $vlplan is
"backdoor">>The villa is worse than you thought. At first glance,
there appears to be no way into the grounds except through the front
gate. The drop into the sea below is steep—so steep you’re uncertain
whether you’ll even be able to scale it. Even if you do manage to make
your way up the cliffs, you then have the walls to contend
with…<<elseif $vlplan is "frontdoor">>The villa is about
what you expected—closely guarded and carefully positioned to dissuade
unwanted attention. It’s clear from the cliffs to the walls to the
grounds that those who enter the Viridian Lady’s villa only do so at the
Lady’s own bidding. If you stick to your current plan, you will have to
be careful…<<else>>The villa is about what you
expected—closely guarded and carefully positioned to dissuade unwanted
attention. It’s clear from the cliffs to the walls to the grounds that
those who enter the Viridian Lady’s villa only do so at the Lady’s own
bidding.<</if>>
“What do you think?” you ask Aeran.
His eyes scan the gate, peering through to the grounds beyond. “There
must be a way for non-aeda to access the mansion,” he says. “Not
everyone in her employ can fly.”
You nod and brush the back of your hand across your forehead, wiping
away rain droplets. <<if $luthaiscloak is true>>Without your
cloak, you are soaked to the bone in this miserable
weather.<<else>>Even with your cloak, you are soaked to the
bone in this miserable weather.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Scan the
complex again and look for another way in. There must be one
somewhere.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Scan the complex again and look for another way in. There
must be one somewhere.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask Aeran if he sees another way
in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 ASK AERAN][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $vlplan is
"backdoor">>[[3. There’s no way you can sneak into a place like
this. You’ll have to go in the front and switch up your tactics.|CHAPTER
1 VL 05 FRONT DOOR PLAN][$vlplan to "frontdoor"]]<<elseif $vlplan
is "frontdoor">>[[3. There’s no way you can sneak into a place
like this. Best stick with your original plan.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 FRONT
DOOR PLAN 2][$vlplan to "frontdoor"]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Scan the complex again and look for another way in. There
must be one somewhere.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Scan the complex again and look for
another way in. There must be one somewhere.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask Aeran if he sees another way
in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 ASK AERAN][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $vlplan is
"backdoor">>[[3. There’s no way you can sneak into a place like
this. You’ll have to go in the front and switch up your tactics.|CHAPTER
1 VL 05 FRONT DOOR PLAN][$vlplan to "frontdoor"]]<<elseif $vlplan
is "frontdoor">>[[3. There’s no way you can sneak into a place
like this. Best stick with your original plan.|CHAPTER 1 VL 05 FRONT
DOOR PLAN 2][$vlplan to "frontdoor"]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
scan the villa again, searching for signs of a hidden path or any
indications of an alternative route. Growing damper by the minute and
cursing the rain under your breath, you’re about to give up when you
spot something promising.
You nudge Aeran. “Look.”
He follows your pointing finger and nods. “Ah,” he says. “I thought as
much.”
A trampled line of vegetation leads around one side of the walls,
squeezing between the wall and the cliff as it heads to the back of the
complex—perhaps to a side gate or another access door. Regardless,
judging from the footprints in the mud and the trodden leaves and vines,
the path has been recently used. It’s a good place to start.
You draw back, resting a palm against the trunk of a nearby tree as you
consider your options.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow the path and sneak in through the
back.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 STEALTH TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"backdoor"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Regardless of where the path goes,
sneaking is a bad idea. Better be upfront and direct. Walk up to the
gate and demand an audience.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 FRONT DOOR
TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"frontdoor"]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
scan the villa again, searching for signs of a hidden path or any
indications of an alternative route. Growing damper by the minute and
cursing the rain under your breath, you let out an exhausted, ragged
sigh and fight the urge to kick something.
Aeran raises an eyebrow. “You… okay?”
“Yeah, fine,” you spit. “It’s the fucking rain. And the fucking job. And
the fucking city. Fucking fuck—”
He reaches out, putting a steady, comforting hand on your shoulder.
“Hey. $firstname—”
“What?” you snap.
He meets your eyes, unbothered by your sudden prickliness. “There’s a
path there.”
You glance at the villa. “Where?”
“There—”
He points, gesturing at a near-invisible line of trampled vegetation.
The hidden path leads around one side of the walls, squeezing between
the wall and the cliff. Maybe it leads to a side gate or another access
door.
“I think it’s been used recently,” Aeran continues. “The mud and the
leaves are packed down, like several people have trodden over it
multiple times. Maybe it’s the servants’ entrance?”
“Maybe,” you grunt, grinding your teeth, annoyed that you missed it.
You draw back, resting a palm against the trunk of a nearby tree as you
consider your options.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow the path and sneak in through the
back.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 STEALTH TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"backdoor"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Regardless of where the path goes,
sneaking is a bad idea. Better be upfront and direct. Walk up to the
gate and demand an audience.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 FRONT DOOR
TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"frontdoor"]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Do
you see anything?” you ask, scanning the villa again and searching for
signs of a hidden path. You shift uncomfortably, cursing the rain under
your breath. You’re growing damper by the minute.
Aeran raises an eyebrow. “You okay?” he asks, noting your discomfort.
“Yeah, fine,” you reply. “I’m really done with this rain.”
He groans. “Aren’t we all.”
“Promise me the next place we go has a better climate,” you add. “My
patience for rainy seasons has run out.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Aeran chuckles. “I’ll add it to the
list.”
“There’s a list?”
“Yeah, the ever-growing list of requirements to appease Wayfarer
$lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> particular tastes,
should $heshe ever consider retirement from this distinguished trade.”
You shoot him a look but can’t quite hide your smile. “Do I even want to
know what’s on this list?”
“Oh, I’ll let you know,” Aeran replies, eyes dancing with mirth. “I’m
saving it for the right moment. In the meantime, we have some unlawful
entry to commit.”
Biting back your laughter, you follow his gesturing hand and see a
near-invisible line of trampled vegetation. The hidden path leads around
one side of the walls, squeezing between the wall and the cliff. Maybe
it leads to a side gate or another access door.<<else>>Aeran
nods in agreement. “Look,” he says, gesturing at the wall. “Do you see
it?”
You follow his pointing finger and see a near-invisible line of trampled
vegetation. The hidden path leads around one side of the walls,
squeezing between the wall and the cliff. Maybe it leads to a side gate
or another access door.<</if>>
“I think it’s been used recently,” he says. “The mud and the leaves are
packed down, like several people have trodden over it multiple times.
Maybe it’s the servants’ entrance?”
“Good call,” you reply. You draw back, resting a palm against the trunk
of a nearby tree as you consider your options.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow the path and sneak in through the
back.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 STEALTH TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"backdoor"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Regardless of where the path goes,
sneaking is a bad idea. Better be upfront and direct. Walk up to the
gate and demand an audience.|CHAPTER 1 VL 06 FRONT DOOR
TRANSFER][$vlplan to
"frontdoor"]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out a weary sigh. “This isn’t going to work,” you say, drawing
away. You lean against the trunk of a nearby tree, silently cursing the
rain. You’re growing damper by the minute and it is putting you in a
foul mood. “Time for a different plan.”
Aeran shoots you a dark look. “Not like you to give up so soon,” he
says.
“Don’t start,” you retort. “We’re on limited time, we can’t spend hours
trying to figure out how to break into this mansion. Either we go in the
front and ask for an audience directly, or we call it off entirely. We
have other leads.”
He frowns, brows knitting together. “We’re already here. You’re so
worried about wasting time, but you’re willing to call it off?
$firstname—”
“I’m not afraid to call a bad idea a bad idea,” you interrupt. “And this
is a bad idea.”
He folds his arms and glances at the villa, scanning the property again.
“So what do you want to do?”
You grunt. He’s right—you’ve already committed to coming here, it would
be a waste not to follow through. You have only one course of action.
“I’m going in the front,” you say.
Aeran sighs. “All right,” he replies. “Get your audience. Talk to her.
While she’s focused on you, I’ll find a way in through the back,
maintain some element of surprise in case things go wrong. And
besides—it may be worthwhile to find out what her servants know.”
You nod. You don’t like the idea of separating so soon, but Aeran has
his own plan and he’s keen to stick to it. “If you run into trouble—”
He smiles. “Don’t worry about me. If <i>you</i> run into
trouble—” His fingers brush the fletching of his arrows. “I’ll have my
eye on you.”
You push away from the tree, hand resting on your sword hilt. “Good
luck.”
He gestures, returning the sentiment, and you step out onto the
promenade and head for the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL VILLA
FRONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Let’s
see where that path goes,” you say. “And hopefully we can sneak in
through the back unnoticed.” You glance at the sky and see nothing but
clouds and rain. No sign of movement, no flying sentries…
Aeran notices your upwards gaze. “This will be tricky,” he says. “You
ready?”
“No point on putting it off any longer,” you say. “Let’s get this done.”
Clinging to the shadows of the trees along the promenade, you creep
towards the complex’s walls. When you’re close, you duck out from under
the trees and dash towards the path, slamming yourself against the wall
and falling still. Aeran follows moments later and together you
cautiously tread through the trampled vegetation and start down the
path.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL VILLA
STEALTH]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out a weary sigh. “This isn’t going to work. We have to go in the
front.”
Aeran shoots you a dark look. “Not going to happen.”
“We’re on limited time,” you retort. “We can’t spend hours trying to
figure out how to break into this mansion. Either we go in the front and
ask for an audience directly, or we call it off entirely. We have other
leads.”
He frowns, brows knitting together. “You’re so worried about wasting
time, but you’re willing to call it off? $firstname—”
“I’m not afraid to call a bad idea a bad idea,” you interrupt. “And it’s
a bad idea.”
He folds his arms and glances at the villa, scanning the property again.
“So you’re going to walk right into her home and see what happens? What
kind of plan is that?”
“I’ll make it work,” you say. You’ve already committed to coming here,
it would be a waste not to follow through. This is your only course of
action. “I’m going in the front.”
Aeran sighs. “All right,” he replies. “Get your audience. Talk to her.
While she’s focused on you, I’ll find a way in through the back,
maintain some element of surprise in case things go wrong. And
besides—it may be worthwhile to find out what her servants know.”
You nod. You don’t like the idea of separating so soon, but Aeran has
his own plan and he’s keen to stick to it. “If you run into trouble—”
He smiles. “Don’t worry about me. If you run into trouble—” His fingers
brush the fletching of his arrows. “I’ll have my eye on you.”
You push away from the tree, hand resting on your sword hilt. “Good
luck.”
He gestures, returning the sentiment, and you step out onto the
promenade and head for the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL VILLA
FRONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1 VL 03 b 2")>>You let out a weary sigh and
lean against the trunk of a nearby tree, silently cursing the rain.
You’re growing damper by the minute and it is putting you in a foul
mood. “We have to go in the front,” you say.<<else>>You let
out a weary sigh. “This isn’t going to work,” you say, drawing away. You
lean against the trunk of a nearby tree, silently cursing the rain.
You’re growing damper by the minute and it is putting you in a foul
mood. “We have to go in the front.”<</if>>
Aeran shoots you a dark look.
“We’re on limited time,” you continue. “We can’t spend hours trying to
figure out how to break into this mansion. Either we go in the front and
ask for an audience directly, or we call it off entirely. We have other
leads.”
“We’re already here. You’re so worried about wasting time, but you’re
willing to call it off? $firstname—”
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1 VL 03 b 2")>>“I’m not afraid to
call a bad idea a bad idea. And it’s a bad idea. But I’ll make it work.”
He sighs. “All right,” he says. “Get your audience. Talk to her. While
she’s focused on you, I’ll find a way in through the back, maintain some
element of surprise in case things go wrong. And besides—it may be
worthwhile to find out what her servants know.”<<else>>“I’m
not afraid to call a bad idea a bad idea. And it’s a bad idea.”
He folds his arms and glances at the villa, scanning the property again.
“So you’re going to walk right into her home and see what happens? What
kind of plan is that?”
“I’ll make it work,” you say. You’ve already committed to coming here,
it would be a waste not to follow through. This is your only course of
action. “I’m going in the front.”
He sighs. “All right,” he replies. “Get your audience. Talk to her.
While she’s focused on you, I’ll find a way in through the back,
maintain some element of surprise in case things go wrong. And
besides—it may be worthwhile to find out what her servants
know.”<</if>>
You nod. You don’t like the idea of separating so soon, but Aeran has
his own plan and he’s keen to stick to it. “If you run into trouble—”
He smiles. “Don’t worry about me. If you run into trouble—” His fingers
brush the fletching of his arrows. “I’ll have my eye on you.”
You push away from the tree, hand resting on your sword hilt. “Good
luck.”
He gestures, returning the sentiment, and you step out onto the
promenade and head for the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL VILLA
FRONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlplan to "frontdoor">>The rain thunders against the pavement as
you approach the gate, the wrought iron finials glistening in the
storm. A shiver runs down your spine as you approach. It’s hard to say
whether it’s from the wet cold of your damp clothing or a deeper
apprehension about what you’re about to do. Regardless, it doesn’t
matter. You’re committed to this idea and hopefully you won’t get
yourself killed in the process.
You step up to the gate and press a hand against the delicate
scrollwork. The barrier shimmers and pulses around your fingers as if
they aren’t there. No matter how advanced the Viridian Lady’s security
systems may be, they cannot recognize you. You sigh, drawing in a cold
breath, and peer through the gate. Usually someone of the Lady’s status
would have a sentry on guard, but the villa grounds are empty—
<i>Idiot. Why man the gate when you could watch it from
above?</i>
You cast an eye to the sky and see nothing. You spent the entire climb
up the promenade avoiding the Lady’s sentries, and now you
<i>want</i> their attention, they’re no where to be found?
Grimacing, you consider your options.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Make a
commotion. Force them to deal with you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone
noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1
VL 2 1B AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the
gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably trying to break in, they will
do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait. You wouldn’t want to ruin your
chance of a dignified first impression.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Make a
commotion. Force them to deal with you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably
trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see
someone noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about
it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait. You wouldn’t want to ruin your
chance of a dignified first impression.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
1C]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlplan to "backdoor">>The path narrows considerably as it
follows the outer wall, clinging to the cliff. Large roots burst through
the ground and snake over the edge, their long, thick tendrils crawling
down the sheer rockface. You press a hand against the wall and
carefully put one foot in front of the other, mindful of your balance.
The rain beats against your face and the wind tears at your clothes as
you creep along the edge. You glance out over the cliff; you’re not
afraid of heights, but it’s enough to make your stomach drop. It’s a
long way to the cresting waves below.
You step over a root, curving around a bend, and the path falls away.
The earth tugs below your boots, a trickle of pebbles, clots of dirt and
rotting leaves tumbles off the cliff and scatters to the wind. You
yelp, backpedalling, and slam yourself against the wall, fingers
scrabbling at the smooth stone.
“Fuck—”
Aeran seizes you by the back of your shirt and holds you steady.
The slide stops. You throw a grateful look over your shoulder. “Thanks,”
you mutter, your panic subsiding.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He smiles. “Don’t mention
it.”<<else>>“Yeah,” he grunts.<</if>>
“Some path, huh? I don’t think the servants go this way.”
“Eh, you’re probably right.” He leans out and peers around you, careful
not to disturb the unstable ledge. “Dead end?”
“Maybe.” You glance up at the smooth white walls, looking for gaps in
the stone, anything to use as a handhold. “We could try here—”
“No,” he interrupts. “There’s nothing to hold onto. <<if
$gearInv.has('Grappling hook')>>Even if we use your hook, we’re
too close to the gate. We need to go further in.<<else>>Even
if we could climb in here, we’re too close to the gate. We need to go
further in.<</if>>”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL VILLA STEALTH
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Hello?”
you shout. “I have come to speak to the Lady!”
Silence.
You pause, stepping back from the gate. “I am here to speak with the
Lady!”
There is no answer from the skies, only rain.
<i>Shit.</i>
You pace back and forth in front of the gate, shivering in the rain, one
hand resting on your sword hilt. You could scream yourself hoarse, but
the sentries—wherever they are—don’t seem to be paying attention.
The toe of your boot hits a loose rock, kicking it across the pavement.
You pause, pursing your lips together.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Yell again.
Maybe throw in a threat for good measure?|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
1B AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Yell again. Maybe throw in a threat for good
measure?|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Scale the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Scale the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>Sighing
wearily, you resign yourself to the plan. Using the scrollwork as
handholds, you hoist yourself up the gate.
“I thought I said no to climbing,” you mutter as you clamber over the
top and drop down to the other side. You land on the ground with a
<i>thud</i>, knees bending and aching from the impact as you
hit the pavement. You scan the area, looking for a path through the
lush greenery—
Someone collides with you and knocks you to the ground. You lie flat on
your back, momentarily blinded by the rain, pinned beneath your
assailant. The sharp tip of a spear presses against your throat. You
blink, peering through blurry vision, and the face of an aeda sentry
swims into view.
<i>“Wayfarer,”</i> they hiss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>Sighing
wearily, you resign yourself to the plan. Using the scrollwork as
handholds, you hoist yourself up the gate.
“I thought I said no to climbing,” you mutter as you reach for the top
of the gate. Your grip slips on the wet metal and you slam against the
gate. Grunting in pain, you press your toes against the scrollwork and
carefully pull yourself up. Balancing precariously, you carefully lift
one leg up as you try to maneuver yourself over the gate. Muttering a
string of curses, you manage to foist yourself into a position where you
can swing your legs over the top of the gate—
Something crashes into you. With a yelp, you fall, hurtling over the
gate and unceremoniously crashing into the villa grounds. Groaning in
pain, you lie flat on your back, momentarily blinded by the rain. You
gingerly push yourself up but someone slams into you, pinning you to the
ground. The sharp tip of a spear presses against your throat. You
blink, peering through blurry vision, and the face of an aeda sentry
swims into view.
<i>“Wayfarer,”</i> they hiss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Sighing,
you lean against the wall, fold your arms, and wait. Ignoring your wet
clothes and the damp cold, you tilt your head back and lazily watch the
rain come down. If anything, it is nice to take a moment’s rest—not that
you’re particularly comfortable, with the stone wall digging into your
back and one eye on the sky.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>><i>I wonder how Aeran’s
doing…</i><<else>><i>Aeran’s probably halfway
across the cliff by now…</i><</if>>
You wait, but nothing changes. Maybe you need to rethink this…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Make a
commotion. Force them to deal with you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone
noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1
VL 2 1B AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the
gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably trying to break in, they will
do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait. You wouldn’t want to ruin your
chance of a dignified first impression.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C
WAIT]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Make a
commotion. Force them to deal with you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably
trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see
someone noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about
it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait. You wouldn’t want to ruin your
chance of a dignified first impression.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C
WAIT]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“I
demand an audience with the Viridian Lady!” you shout. You draw your
sword for emphasis and pace in front of the gate. “If you continue to
ignore me, I will find the mechanism that powers the villa’s barriers
and dismantle them—”
A roar of air rushes in your ears and a sentry drops out of the air,
landing in front of you. Their lustrous blue-green wings are spread wide
and they grasp a silver spear in one hand. “Enough of your howling,
Wayfarer,” they spit. “You have the patience of a fledgling.”
You smirk. “At least I got your attention.”
The sentry’s eyes flicker over you. “There is no guarantee that I will
indulge your shrieking.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Demand your
audience—officially, this time.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A 1 PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Demand your
audience—officially, this time.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A 1 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. Demand your audience—officially, this time.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
1A 1 PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Demand your
audience—officially, this time.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A 1 PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“Ah,”
you reply, “but the sooner you indulge me, the sooner you will be rid
of me and my—what did you say? Shrieking?” You smile and sheathe your
sword. “Let me make an official request. I have come to speak with the
Viridian Lady.”
The sentry snorts. “You? A mercenary employed by the Count?”
“I am doing this of my own free will,” you say. “This is not a ploy by
the Count, merely one person asking for the aid of another.”
“You want the Lady’s aid?” The sentry frowns, their brows knitting
together.
“Why else would I come here?” you reply. “She is my employer’s rival. If
I didn’t think she could help me, I would avoid her at all costs.”
The sentry falls silent, staring at you through narrowed eyes. Their
lustrous blue-green wings flare behind them; one wing-tip flicks in
annoyance. Suddenly, they turn and press a hand to a small indentation
beside the gate. You catch a flash of emerald light and hear the
telltale whir of gears deep within the wall. The gates shudder, metal
groaning as the mechanism turns, and slowly swing open.
“Then come,” they say. “I will escort you to the house. I suggest you
think carefully before you attempt any more suspicious acts.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Look,”
you say, “all I want is to talk to the Lady. Can we manage that much at
least?”
The sentry’s eyes sweep over you. They pause, noting your sword, and
their scowl deepens. “You, speak to the Lady?” they say. “You? A
mercenary employed by the Count?”
“The details hardly matter right now,” you snap, your frustration
getting the better of you. “All I want—”
The sentry crashes into you, knocking you to the ground. Your sword
flies out of your hand. Groaning in pain, you lie flat on your back,
momentarily blinded by the rain. The sentry pins you down, their spear
tip thrust beneath your chin.
Instincts take over and you roll sideways, throwing them off you. The
spear tip scrapes your skin as you shove them away. The sentry flips,
wings spread wide and pushes off the ground, hovering in the air. You
scramble to your feet and grab your sword. They turn, pointing their
spear at you, ready to strike.
“Enough!”
Air rushes over you, thundering in your ears, as another sentry hurtles
down from the sky. The aeda woman catches herself before she collides
with the ground, turns mid-air and forcefully knocks the sentry back.
She wrests their spear away.
“Failar—” the sentry begins.
<i>“Aphainnoren!”</i> she snaps. You don’t understand the
following words, but her furious tone could not be clearer. The sentry
bristles and attempts to interrupt, but the woman speaks over them. She
glances at you, looking you up and down, then sighs wearily and shakes
her head. Without warning, she pushes off the ground, soaring high into
the sky.
The sentry glances at you. “You want an audience with the Lady?” they
say. “Then you shall have one.”
Without warning, they hurtle towards you and seize you under the arms
with surprising strength. You yelp as the ground gives way beneath you,
but their grip is firm as you soar upwards and sail towards the third
floor of the villa.
The top floor is a single, domed atrium open to the sky. The sentry
carries you over the sweeping balconies and through a curved entryway,
then deposits you unceremoniously on the floor. You grunt, stumbling
across the hard marble, and skid to a stop. Your sword is still in your
hand. You sheathe it.
With one flap of their wings, the sentry sails a few paces back and
lands lightly on the floor.
“Anselma,” they say. “The Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILS FOR
EITHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Pushing through the dense
greenery, the sentry leads you down a hidden path. You wind your way
through the garden tiers in silence, careful not to make any sudden
moves. The sentry keeps a watchful eye on you, with particular focus on
your sword. Their displeasure is palpable.
When you reach the front of the villa, the sentry ushers you up a wide
set of stairs that lead onto a veranda. As they take you through the
grand doors, you pass through a second barrier, its pulsing light barely
visible to the eye. The Lady’s defenses are more complex than you
initially thought.
You enter the entrance hall. The ceilings are high and vaulted, covered
in shimmering mosaics in the Arathian style. The marble walls, veined in
gold and green, are decorated with frescos depicting vibrant
landscapes. Two long, rectangular pools of water sink into the centre of
the hall, framing a walkway that leads to a sweeping marble staircase
that goes up to a second floor mezzanine.
“Don’t touch anything,” the sentry says gruffly as you pass a marble
statue.
“Wasn’t planning on it,” you reply. “I’m here for information, not to
steal trinkets.”
The sentry spins around. “You—”
“Starling, do be a dear and don’t antagonize our guest,” a voice
interrupts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
short, plump elven woman appears on the staircase. She is dressed in
flowing brown trousers and a tunic, overlaid with a sleeveless gold
overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze bracer wraps around her left
forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun piled high on her head,
the loose locks bouncing against her neck as she moves. Round spectacles
perch across a wide nose spattered with freckles, framing brown eyes
that shine with mirth.
Starling draws away, bowing their head with respect. “Lady Ambrose, I—”
“Shush,” the woman says, descending the staircase. “I’m focusing.”
She glances at you and smiles a curious smile. A shiver prickles at the
back of your neck as she systematically sizes you up.
“The Lady has asked for—”
The woman steps up to Starling and presses a hand to their lips.
“Shush,” she repeats. “I know what Anselma wants, but she can wait.
<<if $kanedead is true or $aerankane is true>>She’s busy.
She won’t notice if I have a few words with our guest
first.<<else>>She’s busy with that rascal
Kane.<</if>>”
She turns to you and pushes her spectacles up her nose. “Hera Ambrose,”
she says, holding out a hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 100 A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t take it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 100
B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$vlmark to 0>>“Thank you, Starling, that will do,” a cool voice
says.
<<if $vlplan is "backdoor">>Sore from your impromptu flight,
you slowly push yourself up and get to your
feet.<<else>>Steeling yourself, you glance across the room,
taking in your new environment.<</if>>
The atrium is beautiful, in a calculated way. <<if $vlplan is
"backdoor">>Tall white marble walls, veined with gold and green,
support the dome you flew through moments
before.<<else>>Tall white marble walls, veined with gold and
green, support a vast dome. There’s a gap in the centre that leaves the
atrium open to the sky, protected by a barrier.<</if>> From
the underside you can see the extensive mosaics sprawling across the
ceiling, intricate patterns in gold and green depicting Meissandic
emblems and symbols. Small conjured lights are embedded at precise
points in the mosaics, creating a symmetrical web of glowing light.
Curved ingresses bordered in similar mosaics lead out to a balcony that
runs the perimeter of the atrium. Like the ceiling above, these
entrances are protected by a shimmering, pulsing barrier to keep the
elements at bay.
In the centre of the atrium is a wide, circular pool. Small bulbs of
light float on its rippling surface, bumping through lush water lilies.
Comfortable chairs and divans, piled with pillows and blankets, are
placed at precise intervals. Blooming plants and flowers hang from the
walls or thrive in their vessels. Despite their sprawling nature, even
the plants are methodically positioned around the room.
The sentry nudges you in the back. “Forwards,” they say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILED 1200 KANE
DEAD]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILED 1200 KANE
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“This
isn’t what it looks like,” you croak.
The spear tip digs into your skin, just below your chin. “Of course
not,” they say. “A mercenary known to be in the employ of the Crimson
Count, breaking into the Lady’s grounds outright? Spare me whatever lies
you plan to spin, I do not have the patience for them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUASION] If they
don’t have the patience, neither do you. Demand an audience with the
Viridian Lady outright.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2A PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] If they don’t have the
patience, neither do you. Demand an audience with the Viridian Lady
outright.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2A PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 16>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Tell them the truth. Explain why you
were climbing the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2B PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Tell them the truth. Explain
why you were climbing the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2B PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[1. If they don’t have the patience, neither do you. Demand
an audience with the Viridian Lady outright.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2A
PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. If they don’t have the
patience, neither do you. Demand an audience with the Viridian Lady
outright.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2A PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 16>>[[2. Tell them the truth. Explain why you were climbing
the gate.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 2B PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
Tell them the truth. Explain why you were climbing the gate.|CHAPTER 1
VL 2 2B PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“All
I ask is an audience with the Lady,” you say. “I have come to speak
with her of my own free will. This is not an assault at the Count’s
behest. If it were, I assure you my approach wouldn’t be so blatant.”
The sentry scowls, but they loosen their grip on the spear. The pressure
on your throat vanishes. “Then why did you climb the gate?” they ask.
You shrug. “I was tired of waiting.”
The sentry falls silent, staring at you through narrowed eyes. Their
lustrous blue-green wings flare behind them; one wing-tip flicks in
annoyance. Suddenly, they spread their wings and push away from you.
They shoot backwards and hover a few feet from the ground.
“Then come,” they say. “I will escort you to the house. I suggest you
think carefully before you attempt any more suspicious acts.”
You gingerly get to your feet. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I
want to talk to the Lady,” you grunt. “Let me—”
“You?” the sentry interrupts, eyes flashing dangerously. “A mercenary in
the employ of the Count? Your kind can never be trusted. This intrusion
on the Lady’s home is proof enough.”
The spear tip presses sharply against your chin. You feel the sting of
cut skin.
Instincts take over and you roll sideways, throwing the sentry off you.
The spear tip scrapes your skin as you shove them away. The sentry
flips, wings spread wide and pushes off the ground, hovering in the air.
You scramble to your feet, drawing your blade. They turn, pointing
their spear at you, ready to strike.
“Enough!”
Air rushes over you, thundering in your ears, as another sentry hurtles
down from the sky. The aeda woman catches herself before she collides
with the ground, turns mid-air and forcefully knocks the sentry back.
She wrests their spear away.
“Failar—” the sentry begins.
<i>“Aphainnoren!”</i> she snaps. You don’t understand the
following words, but her furious tone could not be clearer. The sentry
bristles and attempts to interrupt, but the woman speaks over them. She
glances at you, scanning you up and down, then sighs wearily and shakes
her head. Without warning, she pushes off the ground, soaring high into
the sky.
The sentry glances at you. “You want an audience with the Lady?” they
say. “Then you shall have one.”
Without warning, they hurtle towards you and seize you under the arms
with surprising strength. You yelp as the ground gives way beneath you,
but their grip is firm as you soar upwards and sail towards the third
floor of the villa.
The top floor is a single, domed atrium open to the sky. The sentry
carries you over the sweeping balconies and through a curved entryway,
then deposits you unceremoniously on the floor. You grunt, stumbling
across the hard marble, and skid to a stop. Your sword is still in your
hand. You sheathe it.
With one flap of their wings, the sentry sails a few paces back and
lands lightly on the floor.
“Anselma,” they say. “The Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILS FOR
EITHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“Maybe
the Lady should consider having someone at the gate,” you say. “In case
someone comes calling. Not everyone is willing to wait forever.”
The sentry scowls, but they loosen their grip on the spear. The pressure
on your throat vanishes. “That’s why you climbed the gate?” they asked.
“You were… bored?”
You shrug. “Something like that,” you say. “All I ask is an audience
with the Lady. If I was here for anything else, I assure you my approach
wouldn’t have been so blatant.”
The sentry falls silent, staring at you through narrowed eyes. Their
lustrous blue-green wings flare behind them; one wing-tip flicks in
annoyance. Suddenly, they spread their wings and push away from you.
They shoot backwards and hover a few feet from the ground.
“Then come,” they say. “I will escort you to the house. I suggest you
think carefully before you attempt any more suspicious acts.”
You gingerly get to your feet. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I
got bored waiting for someone to show up,” you grunt. “If you had
someone at the gate, you could avoid unwanted situations in the future—”
<i>“Shut up.”</i> The spear tip presses sharply against
your chin. You feel the sting of cut skin.
Instincts take over and you roll sideways, throwing the sentry off you.
The spear tip scrapes your skin as you push them away. The sentry flips,
wings spread wide and pushes off the ground, hovering in the air. You
scramble to your feet, drawing your blade. They turn, pointing their
spear at you, ready to strike.
“Enough!”
Air rushes over you, thundering in your ears, as another sentry hurtles
down from the sky. The aeda woman catches herself before she collides
with the ground, turns mid-air and forcefully knocks the sentry back.
She wrests their spear away.
“Failar—” the sentry begins.
<i>“Aphainnoren!”</i> she snaps. You don’t understand the
following words, but her furious tone could not be clearer. The sentry
bristles and attempts to interrupt, but the woman speaks over them. She
glances at you, scanning you up and down, then sighs wearily and shakes
her head. Without warning, she pushes off the ground, soaring high into
the sky.
The sentry glances at you. “You want an audience with the Lady?” they
say. “Then you shall have one.”
Without warning, they hurtle towards you and seize you under the arms
with surprising strength. You yelp as the ground gives way beneath you,
but their grip is firm as you soar upwards and sail towards the third
floor of the villa.
The top floor is a single, domed atrium open to the sky. The sentry
carries you over the sweeping balconies and through a curved entryway,
then deposits you unceremoniously on the floor. You grunt, stumbling
across the hard marble, and skid to a stop. Your sword is still in your
hand. You sheathe it.
With one flap of their wings, the sentry sails a few paces back and
lands lightly on the floor.
“Anselma,” they say. “The Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILS FOR
EITHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shift your weight, boots treading against the stone pavement as you try
to find a more comfortable position. You press your fingers into the
back of your neck, massaging the sore muscles.
<i>Maybe I should have gone with Aeran…</i>
You raise your head and scan the skies. Still nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Make a
commotion. Force them to deal with you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone
noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1
VL 2 1B AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Scale the
gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably trying to break in, they will
do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As tempting as taking action may be,
waiting is still your best option.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C LAST
WAIT]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Make a commotion. Force them to deal with
you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see someone noticeably
trying to break in, they will do something about it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Scale the gate. Maybe if they see
someone noticeably trying to break in, they will do something about
it.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1B AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As tempting as taking action may be,
waiting is still your best option. |CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C LAST
WAIT]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>Stretching
your hands above your head, you work out some of the stiffness in your
arms and shoulders. Might as well stay occupied while you wait—
“Wayfarer.”
You jump, lurching sideways as you spin around, instinctually reaching
for your sword. You come face to face with an aeda sentry who has
dropped in front of the gate. They fold their lustrous blue-green wings
into their body and rest the butt of a silver spear against the ground.
They observe you with keen, but wary, eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t mean you any harm.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 2
1C1 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “There you are. I was wondering when
you’d show up.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C1 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Finally.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 2 1C1
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>To
illustrate your point, you let go of your sword hilt and raise your
hands in the air. The sentry watches you with little change in their
expression.
“Of course not,” they say coolly. “Otherwise you would have acted
already.”
“Then will you believe me when I say all I want is to talk to the Lady?”
<i>“Tsch.”</i> The sentry’s long, slender fingers grip
tightly around their spear. “A $person of your reputation? Hardly. But
in this case…” They shake their head. “Certain allowances must be made.”
They turn, wings flaring behind them, and press a hand to a small
indentation beside the gate. You catch a flash of emerald light and hear
the telltale whir of gears deep within the wall. The gates shudder,
metal groaning as the mechanism turns, and slowly swing open.
“It is by the Lady’s own goodwill that you are allowed entry,” the
sentry says. “I suggest you think carefully if you are tempted to do
anything that acts against her favour. Come.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
sentry grimaces, unable to hide their displeasure. “You are fortunate
the Lady favours you, Wayfarer. Otherwise I would rip that flippant
tongue from your mouth.”
“Threats already? We’re off to a great start.”
<i>“Tsch.”</i> They roll their eyes and their scowl deepens.
“I get the feeling you don’t like me, so I’ll make this brief,” you
continue. “What do I have to do to get an audience with the Lady?”
“Nothing,” the sentry replies. They turn, wings flaring behind them, and
press a hand to a small indentation beside the gate. You catch a flash
of emerald light and hear the telltale whir of gears deep within the
wall. The gates shudder, metal groaning as the mechanism turns, and
slowly swing open.
“It is by the Lady’s own goodwill that you are allowed entry,” the
sentry says. “I suggest you think carefully if you are tempted to do
anything that acts against her favour. Come.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Tsch.”</i>
The sentry grimaces, unable to hide their displeasure.
“I doubt we have much to say to one another, so I’ll be brief,” you
continue. “What do I have to do to get an audience with the Lady?”
“Nothing,” the sentry replies. They turn, wings flaring behind them, and
press a hand to a small indentation beside the gate. You catch a flash
of emerald light and hear the telltale whir of gears deep within the
wall. The gates shudder, metal groaning as the mechanism turns, and
slowly swing open.
“It is by the Lady’s own goodwill that you are allowed entry,” the
sentry says. “I suggest you think carefully if you are tempted to do
anything that acts against her favour. Come.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3 FOLLOW
STARLING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$magianiscodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Magianis<</notify>>You take her hand and she
grasps yours. Her grip is surprisingly strong.
“Hm, interesting,” she muses, her fingers crushing your hand. “It’s like
a… dampening effect, like a block in a pipe or a dam in a river. The
water still flows, but it’s… lessened, somehow.”
“Your magic?” you say.
She nods.
“Yes, that’s what happens when—”
“I have heard the tales of Wayfarer powers,” she interrupts, eyes
gleaming, “but I have yet to experience them firsthand.”
“They’re not powers.”
“Yes, yes, the traditional theory is that magianis is a state of
existing—or being, if you will—outside the spheres of magic. You do not
<i>do</i>, you merely <i>are</i>, but…” Without
warning, she lets go of your hand and reaches deep into her pocket,
pulling out a small notebook and a pen. She riffs through the pages and
hastily scribbles down a note. “Thank you for indulging my curiosity, I
am most grateful.”
She stashes her notebook back in her pocket and looks up at you. Her
spectacles slide down her nose. “Let us talk somewhere private, shall
we?”
With businesslike haste, she turns and sweeps up the stairs. Feeling
like you don’t have much of a choice, you follow her. Starling lingers
behind, watching you through narrowed eyes, and takes off in a huff.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3
101]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$magianiscodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Magianis<</notify>>You glance at her hand, then at
her.
Hera shoots you an annoyed look and seizes your hand anyway. Her grip is
surprisingly strong. “Hm, interesting,” she muses. “It’s like a…
dampening effect, like a block in a pipe or a dam in a river. The water
still flows, but it’s… lessened, somehow.”
“Your magic?” you say.
She nods.
“Yes, that’s what happens when—”
“I have heard the tales of Wayfarer powers,” she interrupts, eyes
gleaming, “but I have yet to experience them firsthand,”
“They’re not powers.”
“Yes, yes, the traditional theory is that magianis is a state of
existing—or being, if you will—outside the spheres of magic. You do not
<i>do</i>, you merely <i>are</i>, but…” Without
warning, she lets go of your hand and reaches deep into her pocket,
pulling out a small notebook and a pen. She riffs through the pages and
hastily scribbles down a note. “Thank you for indulging my curiosity,”
she continues. “I am most grateful.”
She stashes her notebook back in her pocket and looks up at you. Her
spectacles slide down her nose. “Let us talk somewhere private, shall
we?”
With businesslike haste, she turns and sweeps up the stairs. Feeling
like you don’t have much of a choice, you follow her. Starling lingers
behind, watching you through narrowed eyes, then takes off in a huff.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 3
101]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Trailing behind Hera, you climb
to the mezzanine. The second floor is just as grand as the first. More
frescos cover the walls, interspersed between wide archways that lead
deeper into the villa.
“Do you like my home, $firstname $lastname?” Hera says, slowing her pace
to walk beside you. “All this—” She glances at the ceiling, taking in
the frescos— “the height of my father’s self-interest and pride. He was
ever so pleased when this villa was complete, a sure sign that, as
magistrate, he was favoured by the emperor. A foolish assumption. His
assignment here was punishment for his incompetent meddling, though he
would never see it that way. Still—” She tilts her head, eyes sweeping
across you. “—rich and beautiful things create such powerful
distractions.”
You nod, unable to think of a proper reply. Hera smiles at you in your
silence and leads you down a passageway. She walks briskly to the end of
the corridor and unlocks a door. She ushers you inside and closes the
door behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The room beyond is a long, wide chamber. The vaulted ceilings
are painted with whimsical pastoral scenes in pinks and violets. A
strange bronze contraption that resembles a sun hangs from the ceiling,
spinning gently. A large, conjured light hovers at its core,
illuminating the room with soft, dappled light.
Three walls are lined with red oak bookcases that stretch from floor to
ceiling, their contents neatly organized, bound in leather and stamped
with gold lettering. The wall opposite the entrance displays tall
windows and an arched door that opens out onto a balcony. A nearby
window is cracked open, the sheer curtains fluttering in a light breeze.
The rest of the room is a mess.
Locked trunks are pushed up against the bookshelves in no apparent
order. A trio of lopsided statues, all draped in fabric, tilt
precariously against each other. Mismatched desks and tables are
squished together in a labyrinthine configuration, their surfaces
littered with quills, inkpots, open journals, stacks of paper, and
ripped and crumpled pages. A large, high-backed chair sits in the
middle, suspended on small wheels that allow it to roll across the
floor. A strange assortment of objects emerge from the sea of
parchment—an amulet here, a bracelet there, an unremarkable slab of grey
rock, a polished black orb, the defaced bust of an elf wearing a
circlet. All emit a soft, subtle glow.
The back of your neck prickles. You don’t need the glow to know potent
magic is woven into these objects.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Now, then,” Hera says, pushing past you and squeezing through
the maze of desks. “We have much to discuss.”
“You’ve been light on the details,” you say, folding your arms. This
woman perplexes you. She has no fear of being alone with an armed
warrior and when she looks at you, it’s like you’re an artefact in a
museum archive waiting to be analyzed. “What do you want?”
Hera pulls the high-backed chair towards her, rolling it smoothly across
the floor. “I have a proposal,” she says, spinning it around and
sitting down. “Something you may find interesting.”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>You sigh. “Another one? If I
was this popular six months ago, I wouldn’t have half the problems I do
now.”
Hera raises an eyebrow, curiosity shining in her eyes. “Another one?
Dare I ask from whom?”
“You really don’t want to know.”
She leans back in her chair. “Very well,” she says. “Then I will have to
hope that I can outshine my competition, whomever they happen to be.”
“You’ll have the Count to contend with.”
“Of course,” she replies. “I’m well aware of the Count’s hold on
you.”<<else>>“Oh?” you say. “Too bad you didn’t approach me
sooner. I already have an employer—as I’m sure you know.”
“I know, $firstname $lastname,” Hera replies. “I’m well aware of the
Count’s hold on you.”<</if>>
“Then talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Hera raises an eyebrow. She picks up a nearby quill,
absentmindedly rolling it between her fingers. “Very well,” she says.
“You are privy to a secret here, $firstname $lastname. What Rona sees as
Anselma’s obsession with antiquities masks something deeper—a long
history of study, analysis and archiving. My work—”
A crash echoes across the room. You and Hera spin around, looking
towards the window. An elven man tumbles through, landing squarely on
the floor, the curtains tangled behind him.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“$firstname?” he says, eyes widening.
He spots Hera and reaches for his bow.
“I’m fine,” you say quickly, gesturing for him to stand down. “This is
Hera.”
He looks from you to her and back again. “Uh huh,” he says, slowly
relaxing.
“Aeran Kellis, I presume,” Hera says, completely unperturbed that an
armed Wayfarer has crashed through her window. She swings her chair
around in a businesslike manner and gestures towards you. “I am glad you
have found your way here. Please, join your friend, if you will. We
were about to discuss a proposal.”
Aeran skirts the maze of desks and stands beside you. “Are you sure
she’s fine?” he murmurs. “Because—”
“Let’s hear her out and then we can move on,” you interrupt. You glance
at him, taking in the scrapes on his arms and face. “You’re looking a
little worse for wear.”
He sighs and shakes his head. “I climbed a cliff, what else do you want
me to say?”
Hera clears her throat. “I’m sure you have much to say to one another
and I hate to interrupt, but shall we carry on?” she says, flashing a
strained smile. She calmly taps her quill across one palm.
“Sorry,” you say, nudging Aeran into silence. “Go ahead.”
She sets down the quill. “What Rona sees as Anselma’s obsession with
antiquities masks something deeper,” she says. “A long history of study,
analysis and archiving. My work.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA MAIN
TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$chaliceinfo1 to true>>Pushing one foot off the ground, she rolls
the chair and slides into a nearby table. She lifts a sheaf of paper
and picks up a small ornament hiding beneath it. It’s a small spherical
frame, no bigger than the span of her palm. The sphere is bronze in
colour with two engraved metal loops encircling it. Placed at its centre
is a small, square turquoise gemstone, glowing with its own internal
light.
Hera rolls the sphere in her palm. “The thing you seek,” she says,
watching the glimmering gemstone, “is a powerful piece of history.
Perhaps the most potent piece of magical engineering to cross Rona’s
shores.”
Aeran stirs restlessly beside you. You fold your arms, stiffening. Hera
knows something about the chalice—and she’s going to give you this
information freely?
Hera glances up, noting your postures. “Ah,” she says. “Caught your
attention, have I?”
“We’re listening.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>Confident
in your agility and sense of balance, you leap off the edge. Dirt and
debris falls away in your wake, tumbling into the sea below. You land,
grunting at the impact, and slam your hand into the side of the cliff,
clutching at the rock to steady yourself. You shimmy forwards and crouch
down, carefully sliding onto the next ledge.
As you clamber down, you see Aeran follow out of the corner of your eye.
<<if $agility <=6>>He climbs down with an ease and
natural grace you can only envy.<<else>>He climbs down with
an ease and natural grace, his agility matching your
own.<</if>>
Squeezing between dead trees, you carefully follow the ledge. You
scramble over rocks and push through the vegetation. The sea churns
below, waves crashing against the cliffs. A large wave collides against
the rocks and sprays up water and mist, drenching you. You grimace,
spitting out salty water, and ignore the numb chill setting in. What you
wouldn’t give for a warm hearth and dry clothes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 201 SECOND
PASS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<agilityFail>>You
leap off the edge. Dirt and debris fall away in your wake, tumbling into
the sea below. You land, grunting at the impact, and pitch forwards.
One foot slides off the edge of the shelf, striking air. You yelp,
careening forwards, one hand desperately scrabbling at the side of the
cliff to stop your fall—
You tumble off the shelf.
You fall. Wind roars in your ears, the sea sprays mists around you.
Aeran is but a speck in the distance and the churning dark waters grow
closer, closer, closer—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Strong hands grab you, jerking you to a stop, the impact
knocking the breath from your lungs. The neckline of your tunic pulls
up, cutting against your neck. You glance up, but you cannot see the
face of the aeda sentry who stopped your fall. Their wings—dark,
lustrous blue-green—thunder in your ears, wind rushing over you. Their
iron grip on you tightens as they soar upwards and sail over the wall,
soaring towards the mansion.
<i>Shit.</i>
You grimace, biting down on your tongue. You know better than to
struggle—a fall from this height will certainly be lethal. You wonder
whether Aeran was spotted, whether he has also been waylaid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The aeda turns, soaring down and the world below rushes to meet
you. The top floor of the villa is a single, domed atrium open to the
sky. A shimmering barrier stretches across the opening, protecting the
room from the wind and rain. The sentry descends through it and drops
you unceremoniously on the floor. You grunt, rolling across hard marble,
and come to a stop on your back. With one flap of their wings, the
sentry sails a few paces back and lands lightly on the floor.
“Anselma,” they say, their voice surprisingly vibrant and deep. “The
Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILS FOR
EITHER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
unhook the grappling hook from your hip and crouch down. You test the
ground, searching for a spot that will hold. Finding a solid root, you
thrust the hook into the wood and tug on the rope. It holds.
You flash a grin at Aeran. He shrugs, though you catch a glimpse of a
smile.
“Hopefully this works,” you say.
“If you plummet to your doom, I’ll be sure to pay Thelkar a visit in
your honour,” he replies.
You chortle. “I’m sure he’d love that,” you call, lowering yourself
down. The rope holds firm and your feet touch the shelf. You let out a
sigh of relief.
“All good?” Aeran says.
“Yeah,” you shout back. You yank hard on the rope, dislodging the hook
and pulling it free. You roll the rope up and attach the hook to your
belt. You shimmy forwards and crouch down, carefully sliding onto the
ledge below.
As you clamber down, you see Aeran follow out of the corner of your eye.
<<if $agility <=6>>He climbs down with an ease and
natural grace you can only envy.<<else>>He climbs down with
an ease and natural grace, his agility matching your
own.<</if>>
Squeezing between dead trees, you follow the ledge. You scramble over
rocks and push through the vegetation. The sea churns below, waves
crashing against the cliffs. A large wave collides against the rocks and
sprays up water and mist, drenching you. You grimace, spitting out
salty water, and ignore the numb chill setting in. What you wouldn’t
give for a warm hearth and dry clothes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 201 SECOND
PASS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Carefully
inching your way along, you wind your way around the grotto. It’s
difficult work and soon your arms and shoulders are aching. You cling to
the side of the cliff, sweat beading at the nape of your neck, and
shuffle along the ledge. Aeran follows, a few feet behind, too focused
to speak. One wrong move and either of you will plummet into the sea.
You’re near the far side of the grotto when you stop, panting, for a
break. Clutching a nearby branch for support, you lean back, arching
your neck as you stare up. The sheer cliffs tower above you, smoothly
merging with the white walls that stretch even higher. In the distance
you spot a dark, winged figure circling the villa.
You glance at Aeran. “Another one,” you say, raising your chin.
He grimaces. “Hopefully they stay high and don’t look too closely at the
cliffs,” he says, glancing up.
“This isn’t going on the list of smart things I’ve done.”
He snorts with laugher and inches towards you. “There’s a list? This is
the first I’m hearing of it. How many things are on it?”
“A handful.”
He smirks. “That’s more than I thought. I would’ve guessed one, maybe
two.” He draws up beside you, panting with effort, and brushes damp hair
off his forehead. “What’s at the top of your list? The smartest thing
you’ve ever done.”
The waves crash below, sending up another spray of mist.
You glance at him. You said it in jest earlier, but there are a few
moments that you truly consider important decisions. Without them, you’d
be on a different path.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. The decision to leave your home behind and
take Cenric’s offer, ultimately putting you on the path to becoming a
Wayfarer.|CHAPTER 1 VL 202 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. The decision to carve your own
path, on your own terms. This led you away from the Order, ultimately
keeping you away from the Spire the night everything went terribly
wrong. Though you can’t quite shake the sense of lingering guilt, you do
not regret your path.|CHAPTER 1 VL 202 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. The decision you made two years ago,
when you and Aeran stumbled into Karth, a tiny village in the middle of
the Osian desert. From there, you chose to travel and work together.
True, you probably wouldn’t be stuck in Rona right now if it weren’t for
him, but you could very well be someplace worse. Your life is
unquestionably better because of him.|CHAPTER 1 VL 202 C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1,
0, 100)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin is "nomad">>“Leaving Osian,” you say gravely. “There was
nothing for me there, with my family. They did what they could to
accommodate, but the desert is harsh. Having someone who could unravel
essential enchantments with a touch… it made things
difficult.<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>“Leaving Brennath,”
you say gravely. “There was nothing for me there, with my clan. They
tolerated me, but I was nothing but a burden on them, their way of
life.<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>“Leaving Arsenia,” you
say gravely. “There was nothing for me there, on that farm. With my
family. The community had already decided I was less than
rot.<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>“Leaving Nesactium,” you
say gravely. “There was nothing for me there, I was already on the
streets. I couldn’t set wards, I couldn’t protect myself from the other
urchins while I slept. I don’t know how much longer I would have lasted
if Cenric hadn’t found me.<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“Leaving Tol Covere,” you say gravely. “There was
nothing for me there. I didn’t matter to my family. I guess, in a way,
that saved me from being little more than an asset to be used, but
that’s no way to live.<<elseif $origin is "noble">>“Leaving
Vodena,” you say gravely. “There was nothing for me there. I was hidden
away, the family disappointment. I guess, in a way, that saved me from
being used as a tool in my family’s political schemes, but I couldn’t
take being the family shame any longer.<</if>> I don’t know
what my life would be if I had stayed, but I wouldn’t be who I am if I
had.<<if $aeranapp >=40>> Or met the people important to
me.<</if>>”
Aeran looks away. “I’ll be honest, $firstname,” he says after a moment.
“I didn’t expect you to answer seriously.” The waves crash, frothing and
churning. He looks down and grits his teeth. “Maybe, uh—” He chuckles.
“Maybe we should save the serious heart-to-heart for a time when we’re
not precariously hanging off the side of a cliff?”
You nod, laughing shakily, and continue your way across the grotto.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
203]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
made my own path after initiation,” you say gravely. “$master gave me
my sword, I left the Spire and never looked back. If things had been
different… if I had received Sero’s summons when I was supposed to, if I
was at the Spire that night—”
“No.” Aeran glances at you, eyes flashing. His jaw clenches. “It’s
better you weren’t there.” The waves crash, frothing and churning.
“Let’s keep going.”
You nod, but you’re unable to shake the growing tension as you continue
your way across the grotto.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
203]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomance>><</timed>><<else>><<aeranApp>><</if>>“Yes,”
you say gravely. “It’s called Karth.”
Aeran falls silent. The wind howls, tugging at his cloak. “Karth,” he
murmurs.
“For all the years I spent working alone, Aeran, there’s no comparison,”
you continue. “My life is better because we work as one.
Unquestionably. Even when we’re hanging off the side of a cliff.”
He pauses, taking in your words. He’s strangely silent.
You nudge him with your elbow. “Not like you to be speechless,” you say.
“Did I say something wrong—?”
“No,” he interrupts, shaking his head. “No. I just…” His eyes flicker to
you, but he glances away just as quickly, unable to meet your gaze.
Suddenly, he laughs. “The cliff is really ruining things here. Maybe we
should move on.”
You nod and continue your way across the grotto.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
203]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
descend along the ledge, clambering over jutting rocks and thorny vines
in silence. You glance up every so often as you climb, keeping an eye
on the skies. Though you don’t spot any other sentries, you can’t shake
the feeling of being watched.
You reach the far side of the grotto and rest against a large rock. The
rockface is black and slippery with rain, forming a clear, but
precarious, path up. Mouth dry from exertion, you pull your flask from
your belt. You take a long drink, water trickling down your chin in your
haste.
Aeran reaches you and settles against a rock opposite you. He presses a
hand against the cliff face and looks up, scanning for decent hand and
footholds in the rock. You take another drink, eyeing the rockface. Your
arms ache just thinking about it.
<<if $gearInv.has('Grappling hook')>>“After you?” he says,
gesturing to your grappling hook.
You put away your flask. “No point on delaying,” you say. You shoot him a
sideways look. “Think you can get up on your own?”
“Please,” he retorts with mock offense. “I’d be helping you if you
weren’t cheating.”
You snort with laughter. Unravelling the hook from your belt, you step
up to the cliff and prepare to climb.<<elseif $agility
>=8>>“After you?” he says.
You put away your flask. “Always,” you reply. You step up to the cliff
and prepare to climb.<<elseif $agility <=6>>“Want me to
go first?” he asks.
You put away your flask. “You don’t need to baby me, Aeran, I’ll be
fine.” As if to reinforce your point, you step up to the cliff and reach
up, fingers searching for a handhold. Your fingertips brush a crevice
and you hold firm.
He watches you pull yourself up, grunting with exertion. “Fine,” he
replies. <<if $aeranrom >=10>>“Prefer the view from down
here anyway.”
You snort with laughter and pull yourself up another level. “Oh, fuck
off,” you say with a grin and glance down at him. The sea swims before
your eyes, so far below. You look away, stomach roiling.
Noting your discomfort, Aeran’s smile fades. “Please be careful,
$nickname.”
You nod. Your mouth is dry again. “I will,” you reply. Shaking off your
discomfort, you turn your focus upwards and begin your
climb.<<else>>“But please be careful, $nickname.”
You pull yourself up another level and glance down at him. The sea swims
before your eyes, so far below. You look away, stomach roiling.
You swallow hard. “I will,” you reply. Shaking off your discomfort, you
turn your focus upwards and begin your
climb.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Grappling
hook')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 204 GRAPPLING
HOOK]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 204
AGILITY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
climb is hard, slow work. You lodge the hook into the crevices along
the cliff and slowly pull yourself up, one bit at a time. More than once
you imagine the hook sliding free or the rope snapping and you falling
into the sea below, but it holds firm. Thelkar’s reputation as a
blacksmith is as reliable as his hook. Rain and wind lash the rockface,
tearing at your <<if $hairlength neq "shaved">>clothes and
hair<<else>>clothes<</if>> and buffeting you
around like a ragdoll. You squint through the rain, blinking water out
of your eyes, and continue your upward climb.
By the time you reach the top, a deep ache pulls at your shoulders and
arms. Sweat runs down your spine and your body feels like jelly, but you
crest the edge of the cliff and flop over on the grass. You close your
eyes, rain misting your face, and slowly get your breath under control
as Aeran scales the cliff. He emerges over the ledge, cresting it
without difficulty and drops gracefully beside you.
“That wasn’t that bad,” he says.
“I’m not looking to do that again any time soon,” you reply, sitting up.
Getting to your feet, you loop up the rope and attach the hook to your
belt.
Turning around, you and Aeran scan the top of the cliff. The white wall
lies some feet ahead, its foundation tangled with vegetation. It’s not
very high on this side of the complex. <<if $height is "very
tall">>Once you stand next to it, you’re sure you’ll be able to
see over it. You’ll have no trouble pulling yourself over.<<elseif
$height is "tall">>If you stand on your tiptoes, you’ll have no
problem reaching the top and pulling yourself
over.<<else>>If you stand on your tiptoes, you may be able
to reach the top and pull yourself over—and if not, Aeran can give you a
boost.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 CLIFF
SUCCESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>>The climb is hard, slow work. You cling to
crevices and jagged outcroppings, pulling yourself up one bit at a time.
Within minutes you’re panting for breath and a deep ache pulls at your
shoulders and arms. When you chance a look down to see how far you’ve
come, the staggering height makes your stomach flip. You quickly look
away, clinging to your handholds, your feet scrabbling against the rock.
Aeran’s hand briefly touches your ankle, a gentle reminder that he is
climbing alongside you. Your stomach settles and you continue on.
Rain and wind lash the rockface, tearing at your <<if $hairlength
neq "shaved">>clothes and
hair<<else>>clothes<</if>>, threatening to pull
you free. You squint through the rain, blinking water out of your eyes,
and force yourself up.
On the bright side, going up feels more secure than going down. Though
one is not necessarily easier than the other, you’d much rather head up
to solid ground than slide down and flirt with falling into the sea.
As you near the top of the cliff, the rockface smooths out. There is a
single, small outcropping some feet ahead, but it is out of reach. You
pause, gripping your handholds, your boots firmly pushed into crevices.
Briefly thinking you’ve trapped yourself on this cliff, you bite down on
your rising panic and scan the cliff, looking for new handholds.
Your arms are getting tired. You won’t be able to hold on here forever.
You should make a decision quickly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the outcropping above you.
This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the
outcropping above you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to your
left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to
your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above you. This will be
a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above
you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
look to the left, craning your neck as you peer through the rain. You
spot a tangle of vines and trees, clinging to a rocky outcropping that
juts out, not too far away from your current position. From there, it’s
only a short climb to the top of the cliff.
It will be tricky getting over to the outcropping, but not as difficult
as jumping directly up.
<<if $staminacounter is 1>>Your arms are getting
tired.<<elseif $staminacounter is 2>>Your shoulders ache.
You have to get to the top of this fucking cliff.<<elseif
$staminacounter is 3>>Pain spikes through your upper arms. If
you’re going to do something, you should do it now.<<elseif
$staminacounter >=4>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VL 205 STAMINA
FAILURE">><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="cycle-item"><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look to your left.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your right.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your
right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the outcropping above you.
This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the
outcropping above you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
AGILITY DIFFICULT FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on your left. This
will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on
your left. This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
PASS")>><div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 13>>[[5. [AGILITY] Climb to the right and use the
ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL
205 AGILITY EASY JUMP PASS]]</div><<else>>[[5.
[AGILITY] Climb to the right and use the ledges to climb up to the top.
This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><</if>>
<<else>><div
class="cycle-item"><s>1. Look to your
left.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS")>><s>2. Look to your
right.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK RIGHT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. Look to your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to
your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above you. This will be
a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above
you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left. This will be an
average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left.
This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
PASS")>><div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 13>>[[5. Climb to the right and use the ledges to
climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY
EASY JUMP PASS]]</div><<else>>[[5. Climb to the right
and use the ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy
jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<switch
visited()>>
<<case 1>>You look to the left, craning your neck as you
peer through the rain. You cannot spot anything useful.
Cursing softly, you consider your options.<<default>>You
still don't see anything useful.<</switch>>
<<if $staminacounter is 1>>Your arms are getting
tired.<<elseif $staminacounter is 2>>Your shoulders ache.
You have to get to the top of this fucking cliff.<<elseif
$staminacounter is 3>>Pain spikes through your upper arms. If
you’re going to do something, you should do it now.<<elseif
$staminacounter >=4>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VL 205 STAMINA
FAILURE">><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your left. Again. |CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
FAIL][$staminacounter +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your right.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the outcropping above you.
This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the
outcropping above you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
AGILITY DIFFICULT FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
PASS")>><div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 13>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the right and use the
ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL
205 AGILITY EASY JUMP PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to
the right and use the ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an
easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><</if>>
<<else>><div
class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to
your left. Again. |CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
FAIL][$staminacounter +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS")>><s>2. Look to your
right.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK RIGHT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. Look to your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to
your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
FAIL][$staminacounter +=1]]<</if>><<elseif
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[2. Look to your
right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to your right.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above you. This will be
a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above
you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT
PASS")>><div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 13>>[[4. Climb to the right and use the ledges to
climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY
EASY JUMP PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Climb to the right and use the
ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL
205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>><<agilityPass>>Steeling
yourself, you throw yourself up, hands extended, reaching for the rock.
You grasp it, fingers catching on a crevice. You dangle, mid-air,
hanging precariously by your fingers, your feet pushing against the
smooth rock. Grunting, you slide across and find a better grip. Slowly,
shoulders and arms screaming with pain, you pull yourself up and crouch
on the outcropping. Wiping sweat out of your eyes, you pull yourself up a
few more feet and spill out onto the top of the cliff, breathing
heavily.
You close your eyes, rain misting across your face. You hear a grunt
somewhere below you and Aeran quickly scales the cliff, cresting the
ledge and landing gracefully beside you.
“That wasn’t that bad,” he says. “You all right?”
You groan and slowly push yourself up. “Let’s not do that again,” you
say, getting to your feet. The white wall lies some feet ahead, tangled
vegetation at its feet. It’s not very high on this side of the complex.
<<if $height is "very tall">>Once you stand next to it,
you’re sure you’ll be able to see over it. You’ll have no trouble
pulling yourself over.<<elseif $height is "tall">>If you
stand on your tiptoes, you’ll have no problem reaching the top and
pulling yourself over.<<else>>If you stand on your tiptoes,
you may be able to reach the top and pull yourself over—and if not,
Aeran can give you a boost.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 CLIFF
SUCCESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>><<agilityFail>>Steeling
yourself, you throw yourself up, hands extended, reaching for the rock.
You miss, fingers scrabbling to grab something, anything, but they meet
nothing but sheer rock. Your stomach drops as you slide down the
slippery rockface—
And then the cliff falls away and you’re hurtling back, free-falling
through the air. Wind roars in your ears, the sea sprays mists around
you. Aeran is but a speck in the distance and the churning dark waters
grow closer, closer, closer—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FALL OFF CLIFF
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>>You can’t hold on any longer. You grit your
teeth and try to throw yourself up, but you don’t have enough energy to
make the leap. You slide down the cliff, fingers scrambling against the
slippery, dark rocks—
And then the cliff falls away from under you. You’re free-falling
through the air, wind roaring in your ears, sea spray misting around
you. Aeran is but a speck in the distance and the churning dark waters
grow closer, closer, closer—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FALL OFF CLIFF
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
look to the right, pressing yourself against the rockface as you scan
the area around you. You spot a nearby outcropping, clear of vegetation
but wide enough to support you. If you follow it along the cliff for a
few yards, it connects with several ledges that work their way up the
cliff.
It’s a good option, perhaps one of the safest.
<<if $staminacounter is 1>>Your arms are getting
tired.<<elseif $staminacounter is 2>>Your shoulders ache.
You have to get to the top of this fucking cliff.<<elseif
$staminacounter is 3>>Pain spikes through your upper arms. If
you’re going to do something, you should do it now.<<elseif
$staminacounter >=4>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VL 205 STAMINA
FAILURE">><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS")>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your
left.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK LEFT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK
LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter +=1]]<</if>><<elseif
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your
right.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the outcropping above you.
This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the
outcropping above you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
AGILITY DIFFICULT FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on your left. This
will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on
your left. This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
13>>[[5. [AGILITY] Climb to the right and use the ledges to climb
up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY
JUMP PASS]]<<else>>[[5. [AGILITY] Climb to the right and use
the ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 13>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the
right and use the ledges to climb up to the top. This will be an easy
jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP PASS]]<<else>>[[5.
[AGILITY] Climb to the right and use the ledges to climb up to the top.
This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<</if>>
<<else>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>><s>1. Look to your left.</s><<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1.
Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to your left.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to your
left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>2. Look to your
right.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above you. This will be
a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above
you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left. This will be an
average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left.
This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
13>>[[5. Climb to the right and use the ledges to climb up to the
top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
PASS]]<<else>>[[5. Climb to the right and use the ledges to
climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY
EASY JUMP FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
13>>[[4. Climb to the right and use the ledges to climb up to the
top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY EASY JUMP
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Climb to the right and use the ledges to
climb up to the top. This will be an easy jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY
EASY JUMP FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1>>You look to the right, craning
your neck, but you cannot see a way through.
<i>Damn it.</i><<default>>You still cannot see a
way through.<</switch>>
<<if $staminacounter is 1>>Your arms are getting
tired.<<elseif $staminacounter is 2>>Your shoulders ache.
You have to get to the top of this fucking cliff.<<elseif
$staminacounter is 3>>Pain spikes through your upper arms. If
you’re going to do something, you should do it now.<<elseif
$staminacounter >=4>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VL 205 STAMINA
FAILURE">><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS")>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your
left.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION
LOOK LEFT FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK
LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter +=1]]<</if>><<elseif
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to
your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1
VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look to your right.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the outcropping above you.
This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Throw yourself at the
outcropping above you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
AGILITY DIFFICULT FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>><div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on your
left. This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [AGILITY] Climb to the outcropping on
your left. This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<<else>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>><s>1. Look to your left.</s><<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
FAIL")>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1.
Look to your left. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to your left.
Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look to your left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS][$staminacounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look to your
left.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Look to your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT PASS][$staminacounter
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Look to your right. Again.|CHAPTER 1 VL
205 PERCEPTION LOOK RIGHT FAIL][$staminacounter
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
23>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above you. This will be
a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Throw yourself at the outcropping above
you. This will be a difficult jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY DIFFICULT
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 PERCEPTION LOOK LEFT
PASS")>><div class="cycle-item"><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left.
This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Climb to the outcropping on your left.
This will be an average jump.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 AGILITY LEFT
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>>Reaching up and out, you throw yourself to
the left and snag a tangle of vines. You dangle, inching yourself across
the gap towards the outcropping, hanging on with all of your might. The
vines groan and protest, but they hold. You quickly scamper across the
rockface and pull yourself up onto the outcropping.
Balancing carefully, you turn and clamber up the rest of the cliff,
pulling yourself out over the edge. Wiping sweat out of your eyes, you
crouch on the edge of the cliff and wait as Aeran quickly scales the
cliff, cresting the ledge and landing gracefully beside you.
“That wasn’t that bad,” he says.
You roll your eyes. “I’m not wanting to do that again any time soon.”
You stand, turning around. The white wall lies some feet ahead, tangled
vegetation at its feet. It’s not very high on this side of the complex.
<<if $height is "very tall">>Once you stand next to it,
you’re sure you’ll be able to see over it. You’ll have no trouble
pulling yourself over.<<elseif $height is "tall">>If you
stand on your tiptoes, you’ll have no problem reaching the top and
pulling yourself over.<<else>>If you stand on your tiptoes,
you may be able to reach the top and pull yourself over—and if not,
Aeran can give you a boost.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 CLIFF
SUCCESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>><<agilityFail>>Reaching up and
out, you throw yourself to the left and snag a tangle of vines. You
dangle, inching yourself across the gap towards the outcropping, hanging
on with all of your might. The vines groan and protest, but they hold.
You press your feet against the rockface and attempt to swing yourself
over to the outcropping—
A vine snaps.
Your stomach drops and you’re hurtling down the cliff, free-falling
through the air. Wind roars in your ears, the sea sprays mists around
you. Aeran is but a speck in the distance and the churning dark waters
grow closer, closer, closer—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FALL OFF CLIFF
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>><<agilityPass>>Carefully, you
shimmy along the rockface to the right and pull yourself onto the
outcropping. You follow it along until it reaches the ledges, then
scramble up the rest of the cliff. You roll over the edge and onto flat
ground, breathing heavily.
Wiping sweat out of your eyes, you wait for Aeran. He follows, quickly
scaling the cliff and cresting the ledge. He lands gracefully beside
you.
“That wasn’t that bad,” he says.
“I’m not looking to do that again any time soon,” you reply.
Turning around, you scan the top of the cliff. The white wall lies some
feet ahead, its foundation tangled with vegetation. It’s not very high
on this side of the complex. <<if $height is "very
tall">>Once you stand next to it, you’re sure you’ll be able to
see over it. You’ll have no trouble pulling yourself over.<<elseif
$height is "tall">>If you stand on your tiptoes, you’ll have no
problem reaching the top and pulling yourself
over.<<else>>If you stand on your tiptoes, you may be able
to reach the top and pull yourself over—and if not, Aeran can give you a
boost.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 CLIFF
SUCCESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$staminacounter to 0>><<agilityFail>>You turn right,
shimmying along the rockface. The rocks are slippery beneath your hands
and feet, and you slip more than once, catching yourself just in time.
You reach for the outcropping and pull yourself up—
Your grip slips.
Your stomach drops and you slide down the cliff, and then it falls away
from under you. You’re free-falling through the air, wind roaring in
your ears, sea spray misting around you. Aeran is but a speck in the
distance and the churning dark waters grow closer, closer, closer—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FALL OFF CLIFF
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Strong hands grab you, jerking
you to a stop, the impact knocking the breath from your lungs. The
neckline of your tunic pulls up, cutting against your neck. You glance
up, but you cannot see the face of the aeda sentry who stopped your
fall. Their wings—dark, lustrous blue-green—thunder in your ears, wind
rushing over you. Their iron grip on you tightens as they soar upwards
and sail over the wall, soaring towards the mansion.
<i>Shit.</i>
You grimace, biting down on your tongue. You know better than to
struggle—a fall from this height will certainly be lethal. You wonder
whether Aeran was spotted, whether he has also been waylaid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The aeda turns, soaring down and the world below rushes to meet
you. The top floor of the villa is a single, domed atrium open to the
sky. A shimmering barrier stretches across the opening, protecting the
room from the wind and rain. The sentry descends through it and drops
you unceremoniously on the floor. You grunt, rolling across hard marble,
and come to a stop on your back. With one flap of their wings, the
sentry sails a few paces back and lands lightly on the floor.
“Anselma,” they say, their voice surprisingly vibrant and deep. “The
Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL FAILS FOR
EITHER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>After recovering from your
climb, you and Aeran pull yourselves over the wall and slip through the
shimmering barrier. It pulses around you, maintaining its protective
enchantments, ignorant to your presence. Without hesitation, you
unceremoniously drop over the wall.
The gardens here are dense, a tangle of ornamental trees and bushes not
intended to be viewed up close. You push your way through, cursing
softly as you trip over roots and branches hit you in the face. The
trees give way to low-lying bushes interspersed between tall white
flowers. The lush flora line a curving white path that follows a
waterway back to a waterfall.
On the other side of the waterway is the villa. Its white walls tower
above you, rising high into the sky. Water laps against the villa’s
foundation, running along the wall and flowing into the pools at the
front of the building. There are no windows on this side of the villa,
but as you crane your neck you catch a glimpse of a balcony that runs
the perimeter of the third floor.
Aeran suddenly seizes you and drags you back into the bushes. Breathing
lightly, you glance up and spot an aeda sentry soar overhand and land on
the balcony. They look out, scanning the horizon, and disappear from
view.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You glance at Aeran. “Now what?” you mouth.
“Got to find a way in,” he breathes. “I’ve got an idea, come on.”
“Whatever it is, I hope it doesn’t involve more climbing.”
He smirks and carefully pushes past you, trying his best not to rustle
the flowers. Following the waterway, you make your way towards the back
of the villa.
“This is just a guess,” he says quietly as you approach the waterfall.
The rush of water fills your ears as you creep closer, masking his
words. “But judging from that third-floor balcony, I think she either
lives on the top floor or conducts her business from there.”
“Makes sense for an aeda,” you grunt, trying to keep as low as possible.
A cramp is growing in your lower leg.
“So what are the other floors used for? She must have servants, some
kind of staff—not everyone who works for her can fly.”
“Still on about a servants’ entrance?” You grimace, thinking about the
wall and the cliff. “How well did that turn out last time?”
He rolls his eyes. “Forget that. She collects artefacts and antiquities.
Now, if she’s anything like the Count—”
“No one’s like the Count—”
“She’s one of the Seven, they’re all the same—let me finish, would you?”
he says sharply, cutting across you mid-retort.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You reach the pool and crouch down in the garden, kneeling
between the bright pink blossoms of a giant flower twice your height and
the curling, glossy vines emerging from what looks like a gnarled
violet stump. From here you have a decent view of the back of the villa.
“No doubt she keeps some of her collection on display,” Aeran continues.
“Some trinkets here and there to show off to visitors. But the ones she
really cares about? The dangerous ones, the powerful ones—she’d want to
keep those safe. Close at hand, but out of the way, where no one thinks
to look for them.”
You nod, mulling over his words. He has a point, but you should take a
look at your surroundings first.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1 2 3 4>>Where should you look?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 206 WATERFALL PASS")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Examine the waterfall.</s><<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 206 WATERFALL FAIL")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Examine the waterfall.</s><<elseif random(1,20)
+ $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Examine the
waterfall.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 WATERFALL PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Examine the waterfall.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 WATERFALL
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
FIRST FLOOR PASS")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Examine the first
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FIRST FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Examine the first
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Examine the first floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
FIRST FLOOR PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Examine the
first floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FIRST FLOOR
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
SECOND FLOOR PASS")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Examine the second
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 2O5 SECOND FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Examine the second
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Examine the second floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
SECOND FLOOR PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Examine the
second floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 2O5 SECOND FLOOR
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
THIRD FLOOR PASS")>><s>4. [PERCEPTION] Examine the third
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 THIRD FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>4. [PERCEPTION] Examine the third
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[4. [PERCEPTION] Examine the third floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
THIRD FLOOR PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [PERCEPTION] Examine the
third floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 THIRD FLOOR
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 206
WATERFALL PASS")>><s>1. Examine the
waterfall.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 206
WATERFALL FAIL")>><s>1. Examine the
waterfall.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Examine the waterfall.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 WATERFALL
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Examine the waterfall.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206
WATERFALL FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
FIRST FLOOR PASS")>><s>2. Examine the first
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FIRST FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>2. Examine the first
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. Examine the first floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 FIRST FLOOR
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Examine the first floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
FIRST FLOOR FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
SECOND FLOOR PASS")>><s>3. Examine the second
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 2O5 SECOND FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>3. Examine the second
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[3. Examine the second floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 SECOND FLOOR
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Examine the second floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL
2O5 SECOND FLOOR FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205
THIRD FLOOR PASS")>><s>4. Examine the third
floor.</s><<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 205 THIRD FLOOR
FAIL")>><s>4. Examine the third
floor.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[4. Examine the third floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205 THIRD FLOOR
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Examine the third floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 205
THIRD FLOOR
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>
<<default>>“What
do you think?” Aeran murmurs. “Got a plan for this or are we going to
make it up as we go along?”
You shoot him a look.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $firstfloor is true or $secondfloor is
true>>[[1. “Of course I’ve got a plan, this is me you’re talking
about.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 207 PLAN]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’d like to hear what you
think.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 207 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fuck it, we’re wasting time. Let’s
improvise.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 207
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<perceptionPass>><<set
$waterfall to true>>The white path ends here, curving around the
pool. Stone benches, weathered with age, rest at the water’s edge. A
small bridge crosses the waterway, leading to a rough path that curves
around the back of the building.
You look up, craning your neck as you watch the water cascade over a
shining, mossy rockface. The waterfall and the pool, as far as you can
tell, have no distinct source. You wonder what kind of engineering went
into making it work.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<set
$waterfall to false>>The white path ends here, curving around the
pool. Stone benches, weathered with age, rest at the water’s edge. A
small bridge crosses the waterway, leading to a rough path that curves
around the back of the building.
There is nothing else remarkable here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>><<set
$firstfloor to true>>The first floor is blocked from view by a
tangle of low-lying trees and bushes. A muddy footpath disappears into
the tangled vegetation. Beyond it, you can just make out the shadow of a
door. You squint, staring at the path. There are no visible
footprints—it hasn’t been used recently, those would surely show up in
the rain.
If most of the Lady’s personnel are aeda, then there isn’t much need for
a back door. And if there’s no need for a back door, then the chances
of it being watched are slim…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<set
$firstfloor to false>>The first floor is blocked from view by a
tangle of low-lying trees and bushes. A muddy footpath disappears into
the tangled vegetation. Beyond it, you can just make out the shadow of a
door. You squint, staring at the path, but you don’t see anything of
note.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>><<set
$secondfloor to true>>Delicately arched doors and windows lead
out to sweeping balconies that run the length of the second floor. All
are closed, but you spot the familiar flickering of conjured lights
glowing in the further window.
Chances are someone is there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<set
$secondfloor to false>>Delicately arched doors and windows lead
out to sweeping balconies that run the length of the second floor. All
are closed and dim. You do not see anything of interest here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>><<set
$thirdfloor to true>>The third floor towers high above you.
Beyond the balcony, you can make out the open walls of a domed atrium.
You’re about to turn away when you spot movement. An aeda woman with
long flowing hair and dressed in elegant green robes appears on the
balcony. She is accompanied by a sentry, who bows their head, listening
intently as she speaks. Her wings fan out behind her, curving at a sharp
angle, as if to express annoyance.
You nudge Aeran. “The Lady, you think?”
He follows your gaze. “Most likely,” he says. “Good to know she’s up
there.”
The sentry bows and takes off, soaring into the sky and disappearing
among the clouds. The woman watches them go, then turns and disappears
into the atrium.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>><<set
$thirdfloor to false>>The third floor towers high above you.
Beyond the balcony, you can make out the open walls of a domed atrium.
You don’t see anything of interest there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 206 LOOKING
AROUND]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grins, eyes brightening. “Then tell me what it is. Preferably before I
die of anticipation—or before I lose all feeling in my leg.”
You glance at him and he sits down abruptly in the garden, massaging a
cramp in his calf. He grimaces and nods, silently asking you to
continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $firstfloor is true>>[[1.
“Judging from the path through the back, there’s a back door on the
first floor that isn’t in use. Let’s make our way through the villa from
there.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 FIRST FLOOR ENTRY]]<<elseif $firstfloor
is false>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $secondfloor is
true>>[[2. “There’s a light in the last window on the second
floor. I have a hunch it’s important.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 SECOND FLOOR
ENTRY]]<<elseif $secondfloor is false>><s>2.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
smiles. <<if $aeranrom >=10>>He crawls forward, his hand
brushing your shoulder. Maybe it’s your imagination, but his hand
lingers for a moment as he settles down beside
you.<<else>>He crawls forward, his hand brushing your
shoulder as he crouches down beside you.<</if>>
“There’s a light in the farthest window of the second floor,” he says.
<<if $secondfloor is true>>You nod. “Yeah, I see
it.”<<elseif $secondfloor is false>><i>Oh.</i>
You didn’t notice that.<</if>>
“If I were the Lady and conducted all my business on the third floor,”
he continues, “then I’d want my collection close at hand. I think that
room is what we’re looking for.”
You glance at the series of second-floor balconies. “So we’re climbing
again, I take it?”
Aeran smirks. “Your lucky day.” He creeps forward, leaves rustling
around him as he emerges from the garden.
“Don’t get me started,” you whisper, following him as he skirts the pool
and crosses the bridge over the waterway and darts down the footpath.
Keeping low, you disappear into the trees.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 SECOND FLOOR ENTRY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Without
waiting for a response, you creep out of the garden and skirt the pool.
Aeran sighs. “All right,” he whispers, following you. “Let’s go flirt
with disaster.”
You cross the bridge over the waterway and dart down the footpath,
disappearing into the trees.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 FIRST FLOOR ENTRY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
turns, looking at the tangle of trees and bushes at the first floor.
“All right,” he says, getting to his feet. “Slow and methodical. Let’s
go.”
Adjusting his quiver, he creeps out of the garden and skirts the pool,
darting down the footpath. You follow, staying low, and disappear into
the trees.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 FIRST FLOOR ENTRY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
makes you say that?” Aeran whispers.
<<if $thirdfloor is true>>“What were you saying about
keeping her artefacts close at hand, but out of the way?” you breathe.
“The Lady’s on the third floor. If that’s where she conducts her
business, then that room may be what we’re looking for.”<<elseif
$thirdfloor is false>>“What were you saying about keeping her
artefacts close at hand, but out of the way?” you breathe. “That room
could be what we’re looking for.”<</if>>
He grins and nudges you with his elbow. “That’s what I was thinking.” He
raises his head and looks, eyes narrowed, at the series of second-floor
balconies. “Think we can get up there?” he asks.
You smirk. “After that cliff, anything’s possible.”
Adjusting his quiver, Aeran creeps out of the garden and skirts the
pool, darting down the footpath. You follow, staying low, and disappear
into the trees.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 SECOND FLOOR ENTRY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push through the tangle of trees and bushes. Leaves and branches scrape
at your face as your boots slip in the muddy undergrowth.
“What’s the point of having a back door if you’re never going to use
it?” Aeran grunts. A branch snaps under his foot.
You turn sharply, but your response dies in your throat as your boot
rams into stone. Biting back a yelp, you shake out the stinging pain.
You squeeze through the snarled vegetation and step out onto a small
veranda. Vines curl around the balustrade, choking the stone, inching
menacingly towards the villa walls. A wide door stands in front of you,
the heavy wood crawling with moss and ivy.
Tilting your head, your eyes sweep the villa. A second barrier pulses
over the stone, its faint light barely visible to the eye. Ignoring it,
you press a hand against the door. Where there should be rot is clean,
grainy wood. There must be preservation bindings deep within,
maintaining the door’s integrity.
Carefully, you seize the handle and pull. The door groans, stiff with
disuse. <<if $strength >=8>>Grunting with effort, you
manage to yank it open far enough to create a gap. You tilt your head at
Aeran. He silently passes you and slips into the dark foyer beyond. You
follow and the door closes behind you with a hollow
<i>boom</i>.<<else>>It refuses to budge.
Grunting with effort, you pull with all your might but the door remains
shut. Aeran steps beside you and, nudging you out of the way, yanks the
door open. He glances at you, chuckling with quiet mirth. You shoot him
an annoyed look and slip inside. He sighs and follows suit. The door
closes behind him with a hollow
<i>boom.</i><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 CONNECT FAILED
CLIMB]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push through the tangle of trees and bushes. Leaves and branches scrape
at your face as your boots slip in the muddy undergrowth.
“What’s the point of having a back door if you’re never going to use
it?” Aeran grunts. “This is ridiculous—” A branch snaps under his foot
and he falls silent.
Shaking your head, you peer through the dense thicket at the back of the
villa. In comparison to the rest of the villa, the first floor is
looking a little worse for wear. A heavy, wide door opens out onto a
stone veranda crawling with vines. Ivy clings to the walls, choking the
stone. The floor above, however, is clear of the encroaching vegetation.
The balconies sweep out in a grand arc, brushing over the thicket.
Aeran nudges you. “Thoughts?” he asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Grappling hook')>>[[1. [GRAPPLING HOOK] Use the
grappling hook to get up to the nearest balcony.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208
GRAPPLING HOOK CLIMB]]<<else>><s>1. [GRAPPLING HOOK]
You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Climb a tree and pull yourself up to the
balcony.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 AGILITY CLIMB PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Climb a tree and pull yourself up to the balcony.|CHAPTER 1 VL
208 AGILITY CLIMB
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Grappling
hook')>>[[1. [GRAPPLING HOOK] Use the grappling hook to get up to
the nearest balcony.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 GRAPPLING HOOK
CLIMB]]<<else>><s>1. [GRAPPLING HOOK] You do not have
the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Climb a tree and pull yourself up to the balcony.|CHAPTER
1 VL 208 AGILITY CLIMB PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Climb a tree and
pull yourself up to the balcony.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 AGILITY CLIMB
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
nod. Pressing your hand against the wall, you scan the cliffs ahead.
The escarpment curves inward, creating a small hollow. The complex’s
walls follow the curve; on the far side of the grotto, they slowly
descend until they become little more than a short half-wall, leaving
the very back of the complex open to the sea.
You observe the grotto, searching for a way across. Though the ground
directly ahead of you falls away, there is a small shelf a few feet
below the wall that juts out from the cliff. Below it, a ledge runs
along the grotto, curving around to the far side. A line of thin, dead
trees clings to the ledge, marking the path. Their spiky, leafless
branches stick out at odd angles, waving in the wind. The path is
precarious and takes you down towards the sea, but the cliffs on the far
side of the grotto aren’t as sheer. If you can reach it, with any luck
you’ll find a way up.
The wind picks up, howling in your ears. The waves roll, dark and
turbulent, and crash against the cliffs, spraying mist in the air.
“This way,” you call to Aeran, your voice lost to the wind.
He nods and waits for you to take the lead.
You look down and consider the shelf. There’s a small gap between you
and the shelf. It’s no more than a foot or so across, but it plummets
directly into the sea below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 13>>[[1. [AGILITY] Make the
leap.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY]
Make the leap.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Grappling
hook')>>[[2. [GRAPPLING HOOK] Use the grappling hook to carefully
lower yourself onto the shelf below.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 GRAPPLING
HOOK]]<<else>><s>2. [GRAPPLING HOOK] You do not have
the required
item.</s><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
13>>[[1. Make the leap.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Make the leap.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Grappling
hook')>>[[2. [GRAPPLING HOOK] Use the grappling hook to carefully
lower yourself onto the shelf below.|CHAPTER 1 VL 200 GRAPPLING
HOOK]]<<else>><s>2. [GRAPPLING HOOK] You do not have
the required
item.</s><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlentry to "firstfloor">>The foyer beyond is dark and still.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>Unbothered by the dim light, you
peer around, taking stock of your surroundings.<<else>>You
blink, your eyes adjusting to the dim light, and take stock of your
surroundings.<</if>> While the foyer is swept clean, there
are no indications it is regularly used. No grand chandeliers hang from
the ceiling, no statues adorn the corners, no decorations hang from the
walls. A small archway ahead leads into a lit passage.
Treading as light as you can, you press yourself against the wall and
peer around the archway. The passage is empty in both directions. Like
the foyer, it is clean and neat, with no decorative additions. Conjured
lights are bracketed in the wall, illuminating the hall with a steady
stream of light.
Aeran rests a hand on your shoulder, silently cautioning you to wait.
You glance at him and nod, withdrawing further into the shadows. Your
breath stills to quiet, shallow breaths and you watch the corridor.
Moments pass and the passage remains empty. You’re about to take your
chance and enter the hall when a figure passes through an archway ahead.
A servant, judging from their sensible clothes and their businesslike
manner. They pause, preoccupied with untangling a set of keys on a long
chain. Huffing with exasperation, they bustle down the hall towards you,
eyes on the chain.
You draw in a sharp breath and step back, bumping into Aeran. He curses
quietly and pulls you back into a dark corner of the foyer. The servant
passes, humming to themself as they jangle their keys. They pass the
archway, eyes on the keys, and continue down the hall.
When their humming and footsteps fade, you nod at Aeran and return to
the archway.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This way. Follow me.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 A GO
WITH AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should split up. Cover more
ground that way.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 2010 B SPLIT
UP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip out beyond the archway and quietly make your way down the passage,
heading in the opposite direction of the servant. Aeran follows, one
hand on the hilt of his dagger. You can feel the tension in his every
move; if something goes wrong, he’s ready to strike.
The back corridor is silent. The doors are sealed, locked with an
assortment of protection spells. Like the barriers that protect the
villa, these enchantments are nothing to you. To a Wayfarer, the doors
are simply doors. You push them open with ease and quickly check the
rooms beyond. There is nothing of note—store rooms, a passage that leads
to the kitchen, another passage that leads to the servant quarters. You
hear the telltale sounds of casual chatter beyond. After a furious
whispered debate about whether to investigate further into the servant
quarters, you win the argument and continue your search.
Half an hour or so passes while you search the first floor, but you find
nothing. Aeran urges you on, not wanting to linger. You dodge a few
servants by quickly ducking into a storeroom to wait for them to pass,
but otherwise you encounter no one else in these back halls. You’ll have
to move on to the rest of the villa.
Peeking through a grand door at the end of the passage, you peer out
into the villa’s entrance hall. Unlike the back corridor, the ceilings
here are high and vaulted, covered in shimmering mosaics in the Arathian
style. The walls are decorated with frescos depicting vibrant
landscapes. Two long, rectangular pools of water sink into the centre of
the hall, framing a walkway that leads to a sweeping marble staircase
that goes up to the second floor mezzanine.
Aeran lets out a slow breath. “She sure doesn’t hold back on
appearances,” he says.
“She’s one of the Seven, what do you—”
Aeran nudges you and presses a hand to his lips. You fall silent and
follow his gaze. An aeda sentry rests their hands against the mezzanine
balustrade, lazily observing the hall below. Suddenly, they leap over
the balustrade and drop through the air. Their wings flare out, catching
them before they crash, and they casually lower themself onto the
marble floor. They disappear through an archway and pass out of sight.
You gently close the door and press yourself against the wall, arms
folded. “Sentries everywhere,” you say.
<i>“One</i> sentry,” Aeran corrects. “My bet is that most of
them are outside, patrolling the grounds.”
You clench your jaw. “There’s nothing down here. We need to check the
second floor.”
Aeran pushes the door open and pokes his head around. “So we go now.
While the coast is clear.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Bad idea. You don’t know how many sentries
are indoors and you’ll be visible on the staircase. You need to find
another way up to the second floor.|CHAPTER 1 VL 211 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re tired of sneaking around.
Better go now.|CHAPTER 1 VL 211 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
he agrees. “I’ll take the left if you take the right.”
“Sure.”
“Meet back here in thirty minutes? If something goes wrong—”
“You’ll probably hear it.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He smirks. “Yeah, well,” he says,
eyes shining with mirth as he slips around you and backs down the
corridor. “Try your best not to let that happen?”
“No promises,” you reply.
Aeran gestures at you and disappears down the corrido. Sighing quietly,
you head in the opposite direction, following the same route the servant
did only minutes before.<<else>>He sighs wearily. “Please
try not to fuck things up,” he says, slipping around you. “I’m not sure
how much more of that I can take.”
“Sure,” you shoot back. “But just so we’re clear, I’m not the only one
who fucks things up.”
Aeran rolls his eyes and disappears down the corridor. Muttering under
your breath, you turn and head in the opposite direction, following the
same route the servant did only minutes before.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 220
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,
I don’t think—”
Too late. He pushes through the door and steps out into the hall.
Cursing under your breath, you hurry after him, moving as silently as
you can across the marble floors.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
212]]</div></div><</nobr>>Like
the rest of the villa, the hall is empty and silent, save for the
trickling water in the pools. You quickly climb the stairs and reach the
mezzanine. The second floor is just as grand as the first. More frescos
cover the walls, interspersed between wide archways that lead deeper
into the villa.
Not knowing if or when the sentry will return, you and Aeran duck
through the nearest archway and continue your search. The second floor
passages are different than the floor below. They are wide, broad
hallways, brightly lit and adorned with lush plants and elegant statues.
You pass an assortment of chambers—libraries, studies, dining halls,
rooms for entertainment. You don’t have time to scout each one; a quick
look inside is enough to confirm that it doesn’t hold what you’re
looking for.
You return to the mezzanine several times to search different passages.
You expect to see a sentry fly through the entrance hall at any moment,
but they never appear. Usually a lack of guards would let you relax, but
here it does nothing but heighten your unease.
As you follow Aeran down the last passage, a shiver runs down your
spine. Something isn’t right.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop him and talk.|CHAPTER 1 VL 213
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’ve been on edge all day and
you’re exhausted. It’s probably nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VL 213
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
touch Aeran’s arm, slowing him down. “Hey,” you breathe. “Wait.”
He pauses, glancing over his shoulder at you. “What is it?”
“Does something feel off to you?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He nods. “Everything about this is
off.”
“Glad I’m not the only one—”
You freeze. You hear voices behind you.<<else>>“$firstname,”
he mutters. “We don’t have time for this.”
You grunt, biting back a flare of annoyance. You’re about to retort when
you hear voices behind you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 214 HIDING FROM
VOICES]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
trail behind Aeran as you make your way down the hall, checking doors.
You are halfway down the hall when you freeze.
You hear voices behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 214 HIDING FROM
VOICES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A spike of dread runs down your
spine. You lurch forwards and seize Aeran by the arm, dragging him
towards the closest door and yank it open. Instead of a room, you find a
small, empty closet. You unceremoniously stuff yourselves inside and
pull the door shut.
Heart thundering in your chest, you turn your focus inward and
concentrate on slowing your breath. The closet is dark and musty. Your
back presses uncomfortably against the cold wall; you can feel every
stone through your tunic. You shudder as your fingers brush a cobweb.
<<if $height is "very tall">>The tight space is barely
enough for the two of you, especially with your
height.<<else>>The tight space is barely enough for the two
of you.<</if>> Aeran awkwardly presses against you and
you’ve become an uncomfortable tangle of limbs and weapons. You hear his
shallow breath and the frantic beat of his heart.
<<if $aeranrom >=40>>“Not the most glamorous part of our
day, huh?” he breathes. “Not that I mind being crammed in a small space
with you, I rather enjoy the company—”
You press a hand to his mouth and shoot him a warning look. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>As you know full well, aeda have uncommonly
perceptive hearing compared to other species.<<else>>Aeda
have uncommonly perceptive hearing compared to other
species.<</if>> You have to stay quiet.
The voices grow closer, stopping mere feet from your hiding spot. They
speak a language you do not understand. You catch a few familiar sounds
and guess that it is either Auraian or Aosian. You exchange looks with
Aeran and hesitate, your hand still pressed to his lips. He catches your
hand and slowly lowers it, his fingers clasped tightly around
yours.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>“Not the most glamorous
part of our day, huh?” he mouths.
“Who said our day was going to be glamorous?” you reply. “I think your
expectations may be too high.”
He snorts and clasps a hand over his mouth. You bite back on your own
chortle. Shaking with laughter, you force yourself to be quiet.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>As you know full well, Aeda have
uncommonly perceptive hearing compared to other species.
<<else>>Aeda have uncommonly perceptive hearing compared to
other species.<</if>> You have to stay quiet.
The voices grow closer, stopping mere feet from your hiding spot. They
speak a language you do not understand. You catch a few familiar sounds
and guess that it is either Auraian or Aosian, two of the most common
aeda languages.
You exchange looks with Aeran. He nods, an impatient look in his eye,
and freezes.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>“Shit,” he curses.
“Not exactly how I wanted this to go.”
“Quit complaining,” you retort. “I—”
He shoots you a dark look and presses a finger to his lips, gesturing
for you to fall silent. You cut yourself off and press yourself against
the wall. <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>As you know full well,
aeda have uncommonly perceptive hearing compared to other
species.<<else>>Aeda have uncommonly perceptive hearing
compared to other species.<</if>> You have to stay quiet.
The voices grow closer and stop mere feet from your hiding spot. They
speak a language you do not understand. You catch a few familiar sounds
and guess that it is either Auraian or Aosian.
You exchange looks with Aeran. He nods, an impatient look in his eye,
and freezes.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The voices continue. Your neck grows stiff and a cramp grows in
your calf. You close your eyes and bite down your irritation.
How long is it going to take for them to move on?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You’re not sure how much time passes. It could be only a few
minutes—or five, or ten, or more. Your throat is dry. The cramp in your
calf screams. You glance at Aeran. He scowls with annoyance and he drops
his hand to the hilt of his dagger. His eyes flicker to the door and he
raises an eyebrow, asking a silent question.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING CONSIDER YOUR
OPTIONS START][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
passage is silent. The doors are sealed, locked with an assortment of
protection spells. Like the barriers that protect the villa, these
enchantments are nothing to you. To a Wayfarer, the doors are simply
doors. You push them open with ease and carefully check the rooms
beyond. There is nothing of note—store rooms, a passage that leads to
the kitchen, another passage that leads to the servant quarters. You
hear the telltale sounds of casual chatter beyond, but nothing
worthwhile.
Frustrated with your search, you step into a sealed store room. You lean
against the wall, arms folded, collecting your thoughts. Searching the
villa room by room isn’t going to get you anywhere very quickly and
increases your chances of getting caught. This cobbled together plan
isn’t working.
As you try to sort out a new plan, you hear a familiar hum echoing down
the hall outside. Moments later, the door creaks open and a short, squat
servant enters the room and lets out a sharp gasp as they see you.
You hurl yourself across the room and slam the servant into the wall.
“Not—a—<i>word,”</i> you hiss, pressing a hand against their
mouth.
They nod, eyes wide.
You look them up and down, taking in their simple, utilitarian clothes,
the keys strung from a chain around their neck, and the gold and emerald
pin on their left shoulder. You’re not sure what it means exactly, but
you guess it reflects a high rank within the staff.
You didn’t plan on accosting any of the Lady’s servants tonight, but now
this opportunity is here, you better not waste it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. “Who are you exactly?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA
1]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “This villa’s well-guarded. How many
sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 2]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “The Lady collects artefacts of
value. Where does she keep them?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Varania,
ser!” the servant exclaims, flapping their hands nervously. “Head of
Staff!”
You smile. It’s always nice when your instincts are right. “All right,
Varania,” you say. “I’m not here to hurt you. But if you tell anyone I’m
here, I will silence you, is that understood?”
Varania nods. “I won’t breathe a word, ser,” they say. “I promise.”
“Good. I’m glad we have an understanding.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><s>1. “Who are you
exactly?”</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 2")>><s>2. “This villa’s well-guarded. How many
sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”</s><<else>>[[2. “This villa’s well-guarded.
How many sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 3")>><s>3. “The Lady collects artefacts of value.
Where does she keep them?”</s><<else>>[[3. “The Lady
collects artefacts of value. Where does she keep them?”|CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 3]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to ask.|CHAPTER 1
VL VARANIA DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“There
are twenty in the Lady’s personal guard,” Varania says.
“All aeda, I presume?”
They laugh nervously. “Well… yes. Who else would they be? When the Lady
arrived from Aurai, she brought a contingent of the city’s best warriors
with her. They are loyal to her and her alone, everyone knows that.”
You didn’t know that.
“And where are they?” you say, failing to curb your irritation.
Varania flinches. “They patrol the perimeter! Sometimes the main hall,
but…” They shake their head. “No one unwanted breaks through the
perimeter,” they continue, staring you straight in the eye. <i>“No
one.”</i>
You raise an eyebrow. “Is that a threat?”
“No!” they squeak. “Of course not!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA
1")>><s>1. “Who are you
exactly?”</s><<else>>[[1. “Who are you
exactly?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 2")>><s>2. “This villa’s well-guarded. How many
sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”</s><<else>>[[2. “This villa’s well-guarded.
How many sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 3")>><s>3. “The Lady collects artefacts of value.
Where does she keep them?”</s><<else>>[[3. “The Lady
collects artefacts of value. Where does she keep them?”|CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 3]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to ask.|CHAPTER 1
VL VARANIA DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+Viridian Treasure Key<</notify>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Viridian treasure key'>>Varania points up to the
ceiling. “The second floor,” they say. “From the main hall, take the
grand staircase to the mezzanine. The first passage on the right will
take you down the correct corridor. Walk all the way to the end. You
will find the room you seek through the last door on the left.”
Your eyes flicker to the chain around their neck. “Will I need anything
to open the door to that room?” you ask. Every door you’ve encountered
so far has been magically sealed, but there must be a reason for those
keys.
Varania bows their head and fumbles with the chain. “Take this,” they
add, unclipping a key from the chain and extending it to you. “There are
more reliable ways to bar a door than through magic.”
You take the key.
<<if $perception >=8>>“You’re being awfully helpful,” you
say.<<else>>“Thank you,” you say. “Now that wasn’t so hard,
was it?”<</if>>
They cough and smile weakly. “I’d rather not die today,” they reply. “It
wasn’t in the schedule.”
You roll your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA
1")>><s>1. “Who are you
exactly?”</s><<else>>[[1. “Who are you
exactly?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL
VARANIA 2")>><s>2. “This villa’s well-guarded. How many
sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”</s><<else>>[[2. “This villa’s well-guarded.
How many sentries are here? Are they in the building or are they
outside?”|CHAPTER 1 VL VARANIA 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>3. “The Lady collects artefacts
of value. Where does she keep them?”</s></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to ask.|CHAPTER 1
VL VARANIA DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“May I go now?” Varania asks
quietly.
You step away, gesturing towards the door. “Just remember,” you warn.
“Say anything, to anyone—”
“No need to threaten me again, Wayfarer,” they interrupt sharply. “I
understand perfectly.”
Without another word, Varania smooths their clothes, adjusts their pin
and scurries through the door. Once beyond your reach, they slow down,
raise their head and continue as if nothing happened.
<<if $perception >=8>>You frown. You can’t shake the
feeling that Varania’s behaviour is a little too over-the-top, a little
too performative… but maybe you’re overthinking things. Regardless, you
have what you need. Time to regroup with Aeran.<<else>>You
have what you need. Time to regroup with Aeran.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You quickly move back through the corridors and slip into the
foyer. Aeran isn’t there. Crouching in a corner, you wait in the dark,
one hand on your hilt, and listen intently for any signs of a skirmish.
You hear nothing but the sound of your own breath.
Minutes pass. Still no Aeran.
Wondering whether you should go look for him, you step towards the
archway and collide with a figure as they rush around the corner. You
jolt back, thrown off-balance. Your sword is half-drawn before you
realize that the person who ran into you is Aeran himself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What are you playing at? I could have hit
you!”|CHAPTER 1 VL REGOUP WITH AERAN 01][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Punch his shoulder. You’re annoyed
at his carelessness, but no harm done.|CHAPTER 1 VL REGOUP WITH AERAN
02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Easy,
$nickname,” he says. “Everything’s fine.”
Your eyes narrow. “Oh, really?”
He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Ugh, a small problem near
the kitchens,” he mutters, “but nothing serious.”
You grimace, but decide not to pursue elaboration. Knowing Aeran, ‘a
small problem’ could mean anything from something truly insignificant to
something that will blow your whole operation wide open. “Good thing I
know where we need to go,” you reply, brandishing Varania’s key. “Let’s
move.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL REGROUP WITH AERAN
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Ow!”
Aeran rubs his shoulder, but he smiles nonetheless. “Guess I deserved
that.”
“Did you find anything?”
“Uh, no. Well.” He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Find isn’t
exactly the word I would use…”
“Aeran.”
“Fine!” He steps back, hands spread defensively. “There was a small
problem near the kitchens, but nothing serious.”
You grimace, but decide not to pursue elaboration. Knowing Aeran, ‘a
small problem’ could mean anything from something truly insignificant to
something that will blow your whole operation wide open. “Good thing I
know where we need to go,” you say and brandish Varania’s key. “Let’s
move.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL REGROUP WITH AERAN
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You quickly work your way back
through the corridor and reach a grand door. Pulling it open, you peer
into the villa’s entrance hall. Unlike the back corridors, the ceilings
here are high and vaulted, covered in shimmering mosaics in the Arathian
style. The walls are decorated with frescos depicting vibrant
landscapes. Two long, rectangular pools of water sink into the centre of
the hall, framing a walkway that leads to a sweeping marble staircase
that goes up to the second floor mezzanine.
Aeran lets out a slow breath. “She sure doesn’t hold back on
appearances,” he says.
“She’s one of the Seven, what do you—”
Aeran nudges you and presses a hand to his lips. You fall silent and
follow his gaze. An aeda sentry rests their hands against the mezzanine
balustrade, lazily observing the hall below. Suddenly, they leap over
the balustrade and drop through the air. Their wings flare out, catching
them before they crash, and they casually lower themself onto the
marble floor. They disappear through an archway and pass out of sight.
“Okay,” you whisper. “They’re gone. The other sentries should be outside
the complex. If we’re going to make it onto the second floor, we should
go now.”
Aeran nods.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Like the rest of the villa, the hall is empty and silent, save
for the trickling water in the pools. You quickly climb the stairs and
reach the mezzanine. The second floor is just as grand as the first.
More frescos cover the walls, interspersed between wide archways that
lead deeper into the villa.
Following Varania’s words, you duck down the first passage on the right
and enter a long, broad corridor. It is brightly lit and adorned with
lush plants and elegant statues. You pass more magically sealed doors,
but pay them no attention. You know what room you’re looking for.
You are halfway down the hall when you hear voices behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 214 HIDING FROM
VOICES][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
pause, mind racing as you consider your options. You can’t stay hidden
here forever…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for the
sentries to pass.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING FIRST WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [STRENGTH] Emerge from the closet
and take the sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING ATTACK
PLAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [AGILITY] Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for the sentries to pass.|CHAPTER 1 VL
215 HIDING FIRST WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Emerge from the closet and take the
sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING ATTACK PLAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“Wait,”
you murmur. “They can’t stay there forever.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You move, cautiously trying to
stretch out your stiff limbs. Your elbow collides with the door. Pain
flares up your arm and you yelp. The voices stop. Aeran seizes you and
pulls you into him, muffling your voice. You freeze, listening for the
sentries, but slowly they begin speaking again, continuing as if nothing
has happened. <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very
tall">>You lean against Aeran in silence, your face unusually
close to his.<<else>>You lean against Aeran in silence, your
head resting against his chest.<</if>>
His hands are warm against you. He hasn’t let you go.<<elseif
$aeranapp >=40>>You move, cautiously trying to stretch out your
stiff limbs. Your elbow collides with the door. Pain flares up your arm
and you yelp. The voices stop. Aeran seizes you and pulls you into him,
muffling your voice. You freeze, listening for the sentries, but slowly
they begin speaking again, continuing as if nothing has happened.
You glance at Aeran and he nods, letting you go.
<i>Close one,</i> he mouths.
You smirk.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>You move, cautiously
trying to stretch out your stiff limbs. Your elbow collides with the
door. Pain flares up your arm and you yelp. The voices stop. Aeran
seizes you and pulls you into him, muffling your voice. You freeze,
listening for the sentries, but slowly they begin speaking again,
continuing as if nothing has happened.
You glance at Aeran and he nods, letting you go, annoyance flickering
across his face.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for the
sentries to pass.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING SECOND WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion
of dreamweed to incapacitate the
sentries.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [STRENGTH] Emerge from the closet
and take the sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING ATTACK
PLAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [AGILITY] Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for the sentries to pass.|CHAPTER 1 VL
215 HIDING SECOND WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have
the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Emerge from the closet and take the
sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING ATTACK PLAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Dreamweed<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You reach
into your pack and withdraw a small vial. You shake it, swirling the
liquid inside. Aeran eyes it, a hesitant look on his face.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asks. “Taking out the Lady’s
sentries—”
“I’m not killing them,” you interrupt. “They’ll be fine. Some weird
dreams, maybe. But relatively fine.”
He sighs. “On your own head.”
You draw your dagger and quickly cut strips of fabric from the hem of
your tunic. “You’re going to help, right?” you whisper. “I take one, you
take the other?”
“Yeah,” he murmurs. “But in case it wasn’t clear, I don’t think this is a
good idea. Attacking the Lady’s sentries in any way is a good way to
get us both killed.”
“I’m not waiting in here any long,” you interrupt. “Now shut up and hold
your breath.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You pop the cork and tip the vial upside down, drenching the
fabric. Handing one to Aeran, you tuck the empty vial away, straighten
and cautiously push the door open. Peeking out, you see two sentries
down the hall, a man and a woman. They chat amiably, their backs to you.
Tumbling out of the closet, you sprint down the hall, Aeran at your
side. Before the sentries can react, you throw your arm around the
woman’s neck and yank her back. She yelps in surprise, but you shove the
saturated fabric over her mouth and nose, forcing her to breathe in the
scent. She struggles limply, her closed wings thrumming against your
chest, and collapses into you. You gently set her on the floor. She
stirs restlessly, dazed, her eyelids fluttering.
You step back and glance at Aeran. He kneels beside his victim and
grimaces. The sentry moans softly, gently rolling to and fro in his
confused state. Dreamweed infusions are potent. The hallucinations
should be taking hold.
“Well, we can’t leave them here,” he says sullenly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Several minutes later and two sentries stuffed and locked in
your previous hiding place, you wipe your hands on your trousers and
continue down the hall as if nothing happened.
The final door is on the left. There is nothing remarkable about it.
Like the others, a shimmering barrier pulses over it, protecting the
room beyond from unwanted visitors.
You place a hand on the handle and pull. The door does not budge. You
glance at Aeran. He raises an eyebrow, excitement flashing in his eyes.
This is a promising sign. You must be closing in on your goal.
Crouching down, you peer at the handle. There is a small, ornate keyhole
above. If you have the right tools, you should be able to get it open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1. [LOCKPICKS] Use a
lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE ROOM][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
DAGGER AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY
FAIL][$PassageNo = 1]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1. [LOCKPICKS] Use a
lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE ROOM][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER
AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[2. Use the tip of
your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY FAIL][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Fuck
this,” you mutter, reaching for your sword.
Aeran catches your wrist. “Are you fucking serious, $firstname?” he
hisses. “Attacking the Lady’s sentries?”
You shrug. “We need an out.”
“Kill them and she’s going to kill us,” he says. “You’re not doing
this.”
“Try me.”
His eyes widen. His grips tightens, slowly squeezing your wrist. It
hurts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 ATTACK SENTRIES PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 ATTACK SENTRIES FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reconsider.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
RECONSIDER ATTACK]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 ATTACK SENTRIES
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
ATTACK SENTRIES FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reconsider.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
RECONSIDER
ATTACK]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“We
have the element of surprise,” you murmur. “We can take them out.”
“Are you serious?” he hisses. “Attacking the Lady’s sentries?”
“We’re not going to kill them!”
“Better not. Kill them and she’s going to kill us.”
“Do you have a better idea? Because I’m not waiting around in this
closet forever.”
Aeran hesitates. “Fine,” he says darkly. “We’ll do it your way.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Incapacitate the
sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 AGILITY PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY]
Incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 AGILITY FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reconsider.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
RECONSIDER INCAPACITATE]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 AGILITY
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[1. Incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL
215 AGILITY FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<</if>></if>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reconsider.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
RECONSIDER
INCAPACITATE]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>The
voices move down the hall. You hold still, fighting your unease.
<i>Just go, just go, there’s nothing to see here… Just leave
already.</i>
Minutes pass. The closet is stuffy, the mustiness suffocating. Sweat
trickles down the back of your neck. Your skin feels clammy. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>The voices move on, fading into nothing.
You’re fairly certain the sentries have left the corridor, but you won’t
know for sure until you leave your hiding place.<<else>>You
can no longer hear the voices. You’re uncertain if that means the
sentries have moved on, or whether they are still in the corridor and
are too far away for you to hear.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for the sentries to pass.|CHAPTER 1 VL
215 HIDING THIRD WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Viridian
treasure key')>>[[2. Leave.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING LEAVE WITH
KEY]]<<else>>[[2. Leave.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING LEAVE NO
KEY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Minutes pass. Your body is stiff
and your calf pulses with a painful cramp. Aeran leans against the wall
and closes his eyes, waiting for time to pass. <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>He holds you close, and you don’t draw
away.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>You grit your teeth and
ignore the cramp.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>You’re not sure
how much longer you can stand being trapped in here.<</if>>
<i>Just a little longer… just a little longer…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Without warning, the door opens and fresh air rushes over you.
“Well, well,” an amused voice says lightly. “Two Wayfarers in my closet.
Whatever shall I do?”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You spin into action, pulling away
from Aeran and reaching for your sword.<<else>>You spin into
action and reach for your sword.<</if>> Your blade is
halfway drawn when your eyes finally settle on the person who found you.
You pause, looking her up and down, eyes narrowed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
short, plump elven woman stands before you, brown eyes shining with
mirth. She is dressed in flowing brown trousers and a tunic, overlaid
with a sleeveless gold overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze bracer
wraps around her left forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun
piled high on her head, the loose locks bouncing against her neck as she
moves. Round spectacles perch across a wide nose spattered with
freckles.
She eyes your blade and rolls her eyes. “Oh, put your sword away,” she
says, stepping back and watching as you and Aeran clamber out of the
closet. “All this sneaking around has been quite exhilarating, but
frankly it’s gone on for far too long.”
You scowl. “I—”
“Hera Ambrose,” the woman continues. “Now hurry up before Orian and
Failar come back. I have a proposal for you and it’s extremely vital no
one overhears it.”
With businesslike haste, she turns and sweeps down the hall. She reaches
the final door on the left and holds it open, gesturing to you
expectantly. You glance at Aeran. He shrugs. Without a word, you make
your way down the hall. Hera ushers you inside and closes the door and
locks it behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM WITH
HERA][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Cautiously,
you push the door open and tumble out into the hall. With one hand on
your hilt, you look up and down the corridor, searching for signs of the
sentries. Seeing nothing, you glance at Aeran and nod, continuing down
the corridor.
The final door is on the left, just as Varania said. There is nothing
remarkable about it. Like the others, a shimmering barrier pulses over
it, protecting the room beyond from unwanted visitors.
Pulling Varania’s key from your pocket, you slide the key into the
keyhole and turn. The lock clicks. You glance at Aeran and grin. He
raises an eyebrow, excitement flashing in his eyes. You are closing in
on your goal.
You open the door and enter the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>>Cautiously,
you push the door open and tumble out into the hall. With one hand on
your hilt, you look up and down the corridor, searching for signs of the
sentries. Seeing nothing, you glance at Aeran and nod, continuing down
the corridor.
The final door is on the left. There is nothing remarkable about it.
Like the others, a shimmering barrier pulses over it, protecting the
room beyond from unwanted visitors.
You place a hand on the handle and pull. The door does not budge. You
glance at Aeran. He raises an eyebrow, excitement flashing in his eyes.
This is a promising sign. You must be closing in on your goal.
Crouching down, you peer at the handle. There is a small, ornate keyhole
above. If you have the right tools, you should be able to get it open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1. [LOCKPICKS] Use a
lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE
ROOM]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
DAGGER AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Use the tip of
your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1. [LOCKPICKS] Use a
lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE
ROOM]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Use the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The room beyond is a long, wide
chamber. The vaulted ceilings are painted with whimsical pastoral scenes
in pinks and violets. A strange bronze contraption that resembles a sun
hangs from the ceiling, spinning gently. A large, conjured light hovers
at its core, illuminating the room with soft, dappled light.
Three walls are lined with red oak bookcases that stretch from floor to
ceiling, their contents neatly organized, bound in leather and stamped
with gold lettering. The wall opposite the entrance displays tall
windows and an arched door that opens out onto a balcony. A nearby
window is cracked open, the sheer curtains fluttering in a light breeze.
The rest of the room is a mess.
Locked trunks are pushed up against the bookshelves in no apparent
order. A trio of lopsided statues, all draped in fabric, tilt
precariously against each other. Mismatched desks and tables are
squished together in a labyrinthine configuration, their surfaces
littered with quills, inkpots, open journals, stacks of paper, and
ripped and crumpled pages. A large, high-backed chair sits in the
middle, suspended on small wheels that allow it to roll across the
floor. A strange assortment of objects emerge from the sea of
parchment—an amulet here, a bracelet there, an unremarkable slab of grey
rock, a polished black orb, the defaced bust of an elf wearing a
circlet. All emit a soft, subtle glow.
The back of your neck prickles. You don’t need the glow to know potent
magic is woven into these objects.
“Now, then,” Hera says, pushing past you and squeezing through the maze
of desks. “We have much to discuss.”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“We’ve already had one
unwanted proposal today, we don’t need another,” Aeran grunts.
Hera chuckles and slips out into the centre of the maze. “Is that so?”
she asks, pulling the high-backed chair towards her. It rolls smoothly
across the floor and she sits down, calmly folding her hands in her lap.
“Dare I ask from whom?”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt.
She raises an eyebrow and leans back in her chair. “Very well,” she
says. “Then I will have to hope that I can outshine my competition,
whomever they happen to be.”
“What do you want?” Aeran snaps.<<else>>“What do you want?”
Aeran grunts.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Hera chuckles, leaning back in her chair. She picks up a nearby
quill, absentmindedly rolling it between her fingers. “Do you like my
home, Aeran Kellis?” she says. “All this—” She glances at the ceiling,
taking in the frescos— “the height of my father’s self-interest and
pride. He was ever so pleased when this villa was complete, a sure sign
that, as magistrate, he was favoured by the emperor. A foolish
assumption. His assignment here was punishment for his incompetent
meddling, though he would never see it that way. Still—” She tilts her
head, eyes sweeping across you and Aeran. “—rich and beautiful things
create such powerful distractions.”
Aeran scowls. You sigh wearily, watching him and Hera, knowing it’s only
a matter of time before he snaps and says something that gets you in
more trouble than you’re worth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I guess you know a thing or two
about that. Distractions, that is.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK B][$PassageNo
=
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The room beyond is a long, wide
chamber. The vaulted ceilings are painted with whimsical pastoral scenes
in pinks and violets. A strange bronze contraption that resembles a sun
hangs from the ceiling, spinning gently. A large, conjured light hovers
at its core, illuminating the room with soft, dappled light.
Three walls are lined with red oak bookcases that stretch from floor to
ceiling, their contents neatly organized, bound in leather and stamped
with gold lettering. The wall opposite the entrance displays tall
windows and an arched door that opens out onto a balcony. A nearby
window is cracked open, the sheer curtains fluttering in a light breeze.
The rest of the room is a mess.
Locked trunks are pushed up against the bookshelves in no apparent
order. A trio of lopsided statues, all draped in fabric, tilt
precariously against each other. Mismatched desks and tables are
squished together in a labyrinthine configuration, their surfaces
littered with quills, inkpots, open journals, stacks of paper, and
ripped and crumpled pages. A large, high-backed chair sits in the
middle, suspended on small wheels that allow it to roll across the
floor. A strange assortment of objects emerge from the sea of
parchment—an amulet here, a bracelet there, an unremarkable slab of grey
rock, a polished black orb, the defaced bust of an elf wearing a
circlet. All emit a soft, subtle glow.
The back of your neck prickles. You don’t need the glow to know potent
magic is woven into these objects.
<<if $vlentry is "secondfloor">>You skirt the labyrinth of
desks and make your way across the room, examining the artefacts from a
safe distance.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
PASS")>>“Did you really have to smash my door?” a voice says
wearily. “I do not have enough patience left this week to explain to
Anselma why it needs to be replaced.”<<else>>“I suppose
knocking was out of order,” a voice says
wearily.<</if>><<elseif $vlentry is
"firstfloor">>You glance at Aeran, a triumphant smile on your
lips. You’ve found the Viridian Lady’s artefact room.
“I suppose knocking was out of order,” a voice says
wearily.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You spin, reaching for your blade as you search for the
speaker. You scan the room, your blade half drawn, but do not see
anyone.
“I know, I’m invisible.” A short, plump elven woman emerges from behind
the draped statues, inquisitive brown eyes looking you up and down. “The
virtue of being short,” she adds with a smile. <<if $height is
"short" or $height is "very short">>“I imagine you understand
that.”<</if>>
The woman is dressed in flowing brown trousers and a tunic, overlaid
with a sleeveless gold overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze bracer
wraps around her left forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun
piled high on her head, the loose locks bouncing against her neck as she
moves. Round spectacles perch across a wide nose spattered with
freckles.
She eyes your blade and rolls her eyes as she squeezes through the maze
of desks. “Oh, put your sword away,” she says as she squeezes through
the maze of desks. “No one’s going to lay a finger on you—especially not
me. All this sneaking around has been quite exhilarating, but frankly
it’s gone on for far too long.”
You scowl. “I—”
“Hera Ambrose,” the woman continues. She reaches the centre of the maze,
spins the chair around, and casually throws herself into it. “I have a
proposal for you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“You and everyone
else,” Aeran grunts.<<else>>“Not interested,” Aeran
grunts.<</if>>
Hera chuckles, leaning back in her chair. She picks up a nearby quill,
absentmindedly rolling it between her fingers. “Do you like my home,
Aeran Kellis?” she says. “All this—” She glances at the ceiling, taking
in the frescos— “the height of my father’s self-interest and pride. He
was ever so pleased when this villa was complete, a sure sign that, as
magistrate, he was favoured by the emperor. A foolish assumption. His
assignment here was punishment for his incompetent meddling, though he
would never see it that way. Still—” She tilts her head, eyes sweeping
across you and Aeran. “—rich and beautiful things create such powerful
distractions.”
You clench your jaw.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I guess you know a thing or two
about that.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Thanking
your foresight when you were in Myn’s shop, you pull a lockpick from
your pack and slide it into the lock. After some careful maneuvering,
you hear a distinct click. Flashing Aeran a grin, you stand up and turn
the handle.
The door swings open and you step into the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>Muttering
to yourself about improvising tools, you draw your dagger and slip the
tip into the lock. It takes some time, but after some careful
maneuvering, you hear a distinct click. You draw back, eyes wide.
“I’m surprised that worked,” you whisper to Aeran.
He grins. “Sometimes you get lucky.”
Sheathing your dagger, you stand up and turn the handle. The door swings
open and you step into the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>Muttering
to yourself about improvising tools, you draw your dagger and slip the
tip into the lock. After several attempts at maneuvering it, the door
remains stubbornly locked. You withdraw the dagger and glance at Aeran.
“Ideas?” you ask.
He grimaces. “Break down the door?”
Without warning, the door swings open. You backpedal, falling flat on
your rear, and stare up at an amused but exasperated elven woman. She is
short and plump, dressed in flowing brown trousers and a tunic,
overlaid with a sleeveless gold overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze
bracer wraps around her left forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a
bun piled high on her head, the loose locks bouncing against her neck as
she moves. Round spectacles perch across a wide nose spattered with
freckles, framing warm and inquisitive brown eyes.
Hands on her hips, the woman stares down at you and wrinkles her nose
with annoyance. “Please don’t break my door,” she says. “I need it to
keep my workroom quiet.”
Her eyes sweep over you and Aeran. “Hera Ambrose,” she adds, introducing
herself. She steps back and gestures for you to come in with
businesslike haste. “Now hurry up before Orian and Failar come back. I
have a proposal for you and it’s extremely vital no one overhears it.”
She waits expectantly. You get to your feet and, exchanging perplexed
looks with Aeran, enter the room. Hera closes the door and locks it
behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM WITH
HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You wrench
your wrist free from Aeran’s grasp. You quietly push the door open and
step out, spotting two sentries down the hall, a man and a woman. They
chat amiably, their backs to you.
Drawing your sword, you sprint down the hall. Surprised by the sudden
clatter, the sentries turn and spot you behind them. They shout,
reaching for their weapons. You slam into the woman, knocking her to the
floor. You pin her down, ready to plunge your blade between her ribs
when someone grabs you from behind.
“What—what are you doing?” you grunt as Aeran drags you back.
“Don’t be an idiot,” he hisses.
You wrench yourself from his grip and spin. The woman pushes off the
floor and rises gracefully into the air, hovering above you. Her partner
joins her. Spears appear in their hands.
You step back, eyeing them carefully, and drop into a defensive
position.
“$firstname $lastname,” the man calls. “You will answer to the Lady for
your indiscretions.”
“What the Lady doesn’t know won’t harm her,” you return.
“Enough!” Aeran shouts. “Stand down, all of you!”
The woman laughs. “This farce is over,” she says, levelling her spear in
your direction. “We have watched you worm your way in here like a pair
of rats. No more. You will stand before the Lady—”
Somewhere behind you, a door slams open.
“Well, this is a sight if I’ve ever seen one,” a sharp voice says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HERA
INTERRUPTS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You wrench
your wrist free from Aeran’s grasp. You quietly push the door open and
step out, spotting two sentries down the hall, a man and a woman. They
chat amiably, their backs to you.
Drawing your sword, you sprint down the hall. Surprised by the sudden
clatter, the sentries turn and spot you behind them. They shout,
reaching for their weapons. You slam into the woman, knocking her to the
floor, but she rolls and scrambles away, wings spread. She pushes off
the floor and rises into the air, turning gracefully to hover above you.
Her partner joins her. Spears appear in their hands.
You step back, eyeing them carefully, and drop into a defensive
position.
“$firstname $lastname,” the man calls. “You will answer to the Lady for
your indiscretions.”
“What the Lady doesn’t know won’t harm her,” you return.
Aeran appears beside you. “Enough!” he shouts, reaching for his bow.
“Stand down, all of you!”
The woman laughs. “This farce is over,” she says, levelling her spear in
your direction. “We have watched you worm your way in here like a pair
of rats. No more. You will stand before the Lady—”
Somewhere behind you, a door slams open.
“Well, this is a sight if I’ve ever seen one,” a sharp voice says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HERA
INTERRUPTS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“All
right,” you hiss. “I won’t attack the sentries, are you satisfied?”
Aeran loosens his grip. “Yeah.”
You wrench your hand free. You massage your smarting wrist and fall
silent. Aeran sighs and shuffles back as far as he can, avoiding your
gaze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Wait.|CHAPTER
1 VL 215 UNIQUE WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. [STRENGTH] Emerge from the
closet and take the sentries by surprise.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 215
HIDING INCAPACITATE PLAN")>><s>4. [AGILITY] Emerge from the
closet and incapacitate the sentries.</s><<else>>[[4.
[AGILITY] Emerge from the closet and incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1
VL 215 HIDING INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 UNIQUE
WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. Emerge from the closet and
take the sentries by surprise.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 215
HIDING INCAPACITATE PLAN")>><s>4. Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the sentries.</s><<else>>[[4. Emerge
from the closet and incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
INCAPACITATE
PLAN]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>An
elven woman briskly pushes her way past you, hands on her hips. She
tilts her head, glaring up at the sentries. “Orian, Failar,” she says.
“You’re dismissed. I will take it from here.”
The woman blinks. “But… Lady Ambrose—”
The elven woman waves a hand. “Go on,” she says. “Join the other
patrols. And if you breathe a word of this to Anselma—”
The man drops to the floor. “We know nothing of this, Lady Ambrose,” he
says, bowing deeply. He shoots a dark look at his companion and they
take off, disappearing down the corridor and out of sight.
The elven woman sighs wearily and turns to you, eyeing you with
calculating brown eyes. She is short and plump, dressed in flowing brown
trousers and a tunic. A sleeveless gold overcoat, belted at the waist,
accentuates her clothing. A bronze bracer wraps around her left forearm.
Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun piled high on her head, the loose
locks against her neck as she turns her head. Round spectacles perch
across a wide nose splashed with freckles.
She looks you and Aeran up and down. “Oh, put your weapons away,” she
says, rolling her eyes. “No one’s going to lay a finger on you, not
while I’m here.”
You scowl. “I—”
“Hera Ambrose,” the woman continues. “Now hurry up before your little
skirmish here causes a bigger headache than I can handle. I have a
proposal for you and it’s extremely vital no one overhears it.”
With businesslike haste, she turns and sweeps down the hall. She reaches
the final door on the left and holds it open, gesturing to you
expectantly. You glance at Aeran. He shrugs. Without a word, you make
your way down the hall. Hera ushers you inside and closes the door and
locks it behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM WITH
HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Minutes pass. Your body is stiff
and your calf pulses with a painful cramp. Aeran leans against the wall
and closes his eyes, waiting for time to pass. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>You grit your teeth and ignore the
cramp.<<else>>You’re not sure how much longer you can stand
being trapped in here.<</if>>
<i>Just a little longer… just a little longer…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Without warning, the door opens and fresh air rushes over you.
“Well, well,” an amused voice says lightly. “Two Wayfarers in my closet.
Whatever shall I do?”
You spin into action and reach for your sword. Your blade is halfway
drawn when your eyes finally settle on the person who found you. You
pause, looking her up and down, eyes narrowed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
short, plump elven woman stands before you, brown eyes shining with
mirth. She is dressed in flowing brown trousers and a tunic, overlaid
with a sleeveless gold overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze bracer
wraps around her left forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun
piled high on her head, the loose locks bouncing against her neck as she
moves. Round spectacles perch across a wide nose spattered with
freckles.
She eyes your blade and rolls her eyes. “Oh, put your sword away,” she
says, stepping back and watching as you and Aeran clamber out of the
closet. “All this sneaking around has been quite exhilarating, but
frankly it’s gone on for far too long.”
You scowl. “I—”
“Hera Ambrose,” the woman continues. “Now hurry up before Orian and
Failar come back. I have a proposal for you and it’s extremely vital no
one overhears it.”
With businesslike haste, she turns and sweeps down the hall. She reaches
the final door on the left and holds it open, gesturing to you
expectantly. You glance at Aeran. He shrugs. Without a word, you make
your way down the hall. Hera ushers you inside and closes the door and
locks it behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM WITH
HERA][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Fine,”
you say after a moment. “I won’t attack the sentries. Satisfied?”
Aeran grimaces. “Yeah. Sure.”
You roll your eyes and fall silent. Aeran sighs and shuffles back as far
as he can, avoiding your gaze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Wait.|CHAPTER
1 VL 215 UNIQUE WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 215
HIDING ATTACK PLAN")>><s>3. [STRENGTH] Emerge from the
closet and take the sentries by
surprise.</s><<else>>[[3. [STRENGTH] Emerge from the
closet and take the sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING ATTACK
PLAN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>4. [AGILITY] Emerge from the
closet and incapacitate the
sentries.</s></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 UNIQUE
WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dreamweedeqp is true and
$dreamweed > 0>>[[2. [DREAMWEED] Use the infusion of dreamweed
to incapacitate the sentries.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
DREAMWEED][$dreamweed -=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>2. [DREAMWEED] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 215
HIDING ATTACK PLAN")>><s>3. Emerge from the closet and take
the sentries by surprise.</s><<else>>[[3. Emerge from
the closet and take the sentries by surprise.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HIDING
ATTACK PLAN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>4. Emerge from the closet and
incapacitate the
sentries.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You quietly
push the door open and peer out, spotting the two sentries down the
hall, a man and a woman. They chat amiably, their backs to you. You and
Aeran carefully emerge from the closet and slowly approach the sentries.
Taking advantage of their distraction, you seize them from behind and
wrestle them to the ground. They cry out in surprise, reaching for their
weapons, but a quick punch to the face sends them sprawling. Dazed and
confused, the sentries lie on the floor in a jumble of limbs and wings,
stirring restlessly.
You step back and glance at Aeran. He kneels beside the limp sentries
and grimaces.
“Well, we can’t leave them here,” he says sullenly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Several minutes later and two sentries stuffed and locked in
your previous hiding place, you continue down the hall as if nothing
happened.
The final door is on the left. There is nothing remarkable about it.
Like the others, a shimmering barrier pulses over it, protecting the
room beyond from unwanted visitors.
You place a hand on the handle and pull. The door does not budge. You
glance at Aeran. He raises an eyebrow, excitement flashing in his eyes.
This is a promising sign. You must be closing in on your goal.
Crouching down, you peer at the handle. There is a small, ornate keyhole
above. If you have the right tools, you should be able to get it open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1. [LOCKPICKS] Use a
lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE ROOM][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215
DAGGER AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY
FAIL][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[1.
[LOCKPICKS] Use a lockpick.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 LOCKPICK TREASURE
ROOM][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>><s>1. [LOCKPICKS] You do
not have the required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Use the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER
AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[2. Use the tip of
your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 DAGGER AGILITY FAIL][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You quietly
push the door open and peer out, spotting the two sentries down the
hall, a man and a woman. They chat amiably, their backs to you. You and
Aeran carefully emerge from the closet and slowly approach the sentries.
Shaking with anticipation, your boot hits the marble floor with a loud
<i>thud</i>. The sentries wheel around and spot you, eyes
wide with surprise. They snarl and rise into the air, spears appearing
in their hands.
“Oh, fuck,” Aeran mutters, falling back and reaching for his bow.
You draw your sword and drop into a defensive position.
“$firstname $lastname,” the man calls. “You will answer to the Lady for
your indiscretions.”
“What the Lady doesn’t know won’t harm her,” you return.
Aeran nocks an arrow and aims it at the sentries.
The woman laughs. “This farce is over,” she says, levelling her spear in
your direction. “We have watched you worm your way in here like a pair
of rats. No more. You will stand before the Lady—”
The man places a hand on her shoulder and she falls silent. She glances
at Aeran, noting his bow, and draws back her spear, hovering cautiously.
Somewhere behind you, a door slams open.
“Well, this is a sight if I’ve ever seen one,” a sharp voice says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 215 HERA
INTERRUPTS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Hera
raises an eyebrow. She observes you, calmly tapping the quill against
one hand, and shrugs off your comment without concern.
“Very well,” she says. “You are privy to a secret here, $firstname
$lastname. What Rona sees as Anselma’s obsession with antiquities masks
something deeper—a long history of study, analysis and archiving. My
work.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA MAIN
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance at the glowing artefacts on the table.
Hera smiles. “I do,” she says. “What Rona sees as Anselma’s obsession
with antiquities masks something deeper—a long history of study,
analysis and archiving. My work.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA MAIN
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
point at a nearby tree. Its branches snake towards the building,
curling under a nearby balcony.
Compared to the cliff, scaling the tree is easy—though the densely
growing branches and vines scrape your face and hands more than once.
You pull yourself up to the crook of the tree and deftly step along the
low-lying branch, carefully keeping your balance. As the branch thins,
you throw yourself at the balustrade, catching yourself on the stone.
You roll up and over the edge and land on the balcony in a crouch.
As you wait for Aeran to follow, you scan the balcony. A second barrier
pulses over the stone, its faint light barely visible to the eye. The
Lady’s defences are more complex than you initially thought—not that it
matters for you.
Aeran lands gracefully on the balcony. He tilts his head back, eyes
scanning the sky for sentries.
“See anything?” you ask.
“No,” he replies. “We should hurry. We’re out in the open.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 APPROACH
BALCONY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
point at a nearby tree. Its branches snake towards the building,
curling under a nearby balcony.
Compared to the cliff, scaling the tree is easy—though the densely
growing branches and vines scrape your face and hands more than once.
You pull yourself up to the crook of the tree and shuffle along the
low-lying branch, concentrating on keeping your balance. The branch
wobbles beneath your feet, groaning and shaking as you inch towards the
balcony.
Without warning, the branch cracks beneath your feet. You tilt too far
to the side and lose your balance. Heart in your throat, hands waving
uselessly in the air, you yelp and fall, crashing through the underbrush
to the ground below.
You land with a hard thud. You lie still, staring up at the twisting
branches above, pain flaring across your body.
Aeran’s face swims above you.
“You all right?” he asks.
You groan and slowly push yourself up. “Yeah,” you reply, rolling a
shoulder. “Fine. Just… fine.”
He helps you up, concern flashing in his eyes. “Maybe we should
reconsider,” he says, glancing at the veranda.
“Yeah, sure,” you mutter, getting to your feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 208 AGILITY CLIMB FAIL
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull the grappling hook free from your belt and smirk.
It takes a few tries, but you eventually hook it around the balustrade
of the nearest balcony. You pull on the rope to make sure it’s secure,
then carefully pull yourself up. As you crest the balustrade and roll
over the edge, you spot a second barrier pulsing over the stone, its
faint light barely visible to the eye. The Lady’s defences are more
complex than you initially thought—not that it matters for you.
Aeran climbs up after you, landing gracefully on the balcony. He tilts
his head back, eyes scanning the sky for sentries.
“See anything?” you ask, unhooking the grappling hook and pulling up the
rope.
“No,” he replies. “We should hurry. We’re out in the open.”
You nod in agreement and clip the grappling hook back onto your belt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 APPROACH
BALCONY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlentry to "secondfloor">>You and Aeran hurry across the
balconies. You follow a line of dark windows and barred doors, carefully
jumping the gap between the balconies as you head for the end of the
villa. The faint glow in the farthest window gleams like a beacon.
When you reach the last balcony, you slow down and draw close to the
villa wall. A wide, arched door is flanked on both sides by a line of
grand windows. All are hung with light, gossamer curtains. They only
partially block your view of the room within. Though you can’t make out
the details, you can see distinct shadows through the curtains, outlines
of the objects beyond. A nearby wall is lined with something that looks
like bookcases.
<i>A library?</i> you wonder.
You glance at Aeran and find him crouched by the door, examining the
lock.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around
the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY
PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the
balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
[AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1
VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Look around the balcony
for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Look around the balcony for alternative
ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[3. Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
squeeze through the snarled vegetation and step out onto the veranda.
As you approach the door, you spot a second barrier pulsing over the
stone, its faint light barely visible to the eye. The Lady’s defences
are more complex than you initially thought—not that it matters for you.
Ignoring the barrier, you press a hand against the door. Where there
should be rot is clean, grainy wood. There must be preservation bindings
deep within, maintaining the door’s integrity.
Carefully, you seize the handle and pull. The door groans, stiff with
disuse. <<if $strength >=8>>Grunting with effort, you
manage to yank it open far enough to create a gap. You tilt your head at
Aeran. He silently passes you and slips into the dark foyer beyond. You
follow and the door closes behind you with a hollow
<i>boom</i>.<<else>>It refuses to budge.
Grunting with effort, you pull with all your might but the door remains
shut. Aeran steps beside you and, nudging you out of the way, yanks the
door open. He glances at you, chuckling with quiet mirth. You shoot him
an annoyed look and slip inside. He sighs and follows suit. The door
closes behind him with a hollow
<i>boom</i>.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 CONNECT FAILED
CLIMB]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
pause and step back, scanning the line of windows. At the far end, you
spot a small break in the line. A single window is cracked open. You
approach it, passing Aeran by the door and tapping him on the shoulder.
He draws back, watching as you crouch down by the window and slip your
fingers under the frame and pull it open.
The curtains flutter in the breeze. You flash Aeran a quick grin and
jump through, landing on marble tiled floor. Hand on your sword hilt,
you step further into the room, arching your neck as you take in your
surroundings.
Aeran slips through behind you.
“Oh,” he says. “I think we found what we were looking for.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
pause and step back, scanning the line of windows, but you see nothing
of interest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open the
door.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the
lock with the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways
in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1
VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Look around
the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have teh required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $agility
>= 18>>[[3. Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><div
class="choice-item">[[4. Defeated by a door. Today gets better and
better.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 DEFEATED BY
DOOR]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
crouch down next to Aeran and nudge him out of the way.
“Here,” you say, drawing a lockpick from your pocket and inserting it
into the lock. It takes a moment of careful maneuvering, but you hear a
light click as the tumblers move out of place.
Removing the lockpick, you flash Aeran a grin and stand up. You turn the
handle and slip inside the room.
“Oh,” Aeran murmurs, following you. “I think we found what we’re looking
for.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
crouch down next to Aeran and nudge him out of the way.
“You think that’s going to work?” he asks as you draw your dagger and
slip the tip into the lock.
You roll your eyes. It takes some time, but after some careful
maneuvering, you hear a distinct click. You draw back, eyes wide.
“Looks like it did,” you say.
Sheathing your dagger, you stand up and turn the handle. The door swings
open and you step into the room.
“Oh,” Aeran murmurs, following you. “I think we found what we’re looking
for.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
crouch down next to Aeran and nudge him out of the way.
“You think that’s going to work?” he asks as you draw your dagger and
slip the tip into the lock.
You roll your eyes and focus on the lock. After several attempts at
maneuvering it, the door remains stubbornly locked. You withdraw the
dagger and glance at Aeran.
“Ideas?” you ask.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL")>>He grimaces.<<else>>He grimaces. “Break down
the door?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the
lock with the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways
in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1
VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Look around
the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $agility
>= 18>>[[3. Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><div
class="choice-item">[[4. Defeated by a door. Today gets better and
better.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 DEFEATED BY
DOOR]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>Standing
back, you muster your strength and drive the heel of your foot into the
door. The wood groans, but the door holds. After several more kicks,
the door splinters and gives way. Panting for breath, you slip through
the gap and enter the room beyond.
“Not the most graceful of solutions,” Aeran says, following you.
“It was your idea—”
He puts a hand on your shoulder, pulling you to a stop. “I think we
found what we’re looking for.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM
WITHOUT HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>Standing
back, you muster your strength and drive the heel of your foot into the
door. The wood groans, but the door holds. After ramming it several
times, the door refuses to give way. You lean against it, exhausted, and
glance at Aeran.
“Never mind,” you pant. “Bad idea.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look around the balcony for
alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the
lock with the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [AGILITY] Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [STRENGTH] Break the door
open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways
in.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Look around the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1
VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Look around
the balcony for alternative ways in.|CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>>[[2. [LOCKPICK] Use a lockpick to open
the door.|CHAPTER 1 209 BALONY LOCKPICK]]<<else>><s>2.
[LOCKPICK] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL")>><s>3. Attempt to pick the lock with
the tip of your dagger.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $agility
>= 18>>[[3. Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your
dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
Attempt to pick the lock with the tip of your dagger.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><s>4. Break the door
open.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Break the door open.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209
BALCONY STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 210 BALCONY PERCEPTION FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY AGILITY FAIL") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 209 BALCONY STRENGTH FAIL")>><div
class="choice-item">[[4. Defeated by a door. Today gets better and
better.|CHAPTER 1 VL 209 DEFEATED BY
DOOR]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>Without
warning, the door opens. You lurch forwards and Aeran catches you
before you hit the ground. You turn around to see an amused but
exasperated elven woman standing in the entryway. She is short and
plump, dressed in flowing brown trousers and a tunic, overlaid with a
sleeveless gold overcoat belted at the waist. A bronze bracer wraps
around her left forearm. Curly blonde hair escapes from a bun piled high
on her head, the loose locks bouncing against her neck as she moves.
Round spectacles perch across a wide nose spattered with freckles,
framing warm and inquisitive brown eyes.
Hands on her hips, the woman stares at you and wrinkles her nose with
annoyance. “Please don’t break my door,” she says. “I need it to keep my
workroom quiet.”
Her eyes sweep over you and Aeran. “Hera Ambrose,” she adds, introducing
herself. She steps back and gestures for you to come in with
businesslike haste. “Now hurry up and come in before someone sees you. I
have a proposal for you and it is vital no one overhears.”
She steps back, waiting expectantly. Exchanging perplexed looks with
Aeran, you step through the door and enter the room. Hera closes it and
locks it behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 216 TREASURE ROOM WITH
HERA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>She leans back in her chair,
crossing one leg over the other. “There aren’t many artefacts left from
the eras before the Astrandium,” she continues. “That event—whatever it
was, take Meissandic lore as you will—destroyed much of the existing
world, leaving behind little more than a few broken ruins sealed below
the ground or buried in the seas. The Chalice of Offering is one of the
few recorded artefacts that can be dated back before that time. A
remnant of our ancestors and a culture doomed to extinction. The things I
could learn from it…”
She pauses, pushing her spectacles up her nose. “In an unfortunate turn
of events,” she says, “when I caught wind of the chalice’s arrival in
Rona, Cere Nalos already had it within his grasp. Petty mongrel who
cares for nothing but his own show of power…” She grimaces, quietly
seething. “Did he tell you what makes the chalice so potent?”
“No,” you reply. “He was conveniently light on the details and the Count
isn’t exactly someone you can press for more information.”
Hera throws back her head and laughs, swinging back and forth in her
chair. “Of course, of course,” she says. “Oh, the bastard. So terrified
of losing his power, he leaves his people to operate blind. Believe me
when I say every mercenary, warrior, merchant and mage in his employ
would gladly stab him in the back if they had a choice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Her fingers curl around the little bronze sphere and she passes
it from hand to hand. “The chalice has been called many things in many
languages,” she continues, “but all can be translated as roughly the
same name—the Chalice of Offering. Its power is simple. Any food, drink
or other edible item offered to the chalice will transform into an
elixir that, when drunk, provides nourishment and cures any malady or
wound.” She pauses, fingers clenched around the sphere. “It is also said
that with the correct combination of ingredients, it can provide a
tincture that will greatly extend the natural life of the drinker.”
You exchange dark looks with Aeran. If this is indeed true, no wonder
the Count is desperate to get it back.
You fold your arms, pressing them tightly to your chest. “Sounds like a
myth.”
“Oh, it most definitely is,” Hera replies. “I’ve traced it through many
texts spanning many centuries and cultures. What is truth and what is
fiction can only be ascertained once the chalice is in my hands.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You nod. <<if $chaliceinfo2 is true>>For someone so
keen about antiquities, it seems odd that Hera is unaware of Lars
Drakehand’s involvement in bringing the chalice to Rona. <<if
$servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You know Fisher
was likely the one who took the chalice, but you’ve yet to confirm who
he was working for.<<else>>But if Hera is telling the truth,
the artefact was never here and the Viridian Lady is innocent of the
theft.<</if>><<else>>If Hera is telling the
truth, the artefact was never here and the Viridian Lady is innocent of
the theft. Unless she has insights you are not privy to, this is a dead
end.<</if>>
You clench your jaw. <i>Who else would benefit from the chalice
going missing?</i> you wonder. <i>Another of the Seven? An
unknown party?</i>
Taking advantage of your silence, Aeran glowers beside you. “So, let me
get this right,” he says. “You want the chalice and the Viridian Lady is
willing to have us double-cross our employer? Typical—”
“No,” Hera interrupts sharply, half rising out of her seat. “Anselma has
no interest in the chalice. It is but one of many complications in her
relationship with Nalos and the careful balance she strikes with the
Seven. If Nalos wants it, he can keep it. So long as peace is
maintained, she doesn’t care what happens to it.”
Without warning, she throws the sphere at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Catch it.|CHAPTER
1 VL HERA TALK AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[1.
[AGILITY] Catch it.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK AGILITY FAIL][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Step out of the way.][$PassageNo =
1]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Catch it.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK AGILITY PASS][$PassageNo
= 1]]<<else>>[[1. Catch it.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK AGILITY
FAIL][$PassageNo = 1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Step out of the way.][$PassageNo =
1]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Bronze
Sphere<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Bronze sphere'>>You raise a hand and catch it, the
metal frame scraping your palm as you pluck it from the air. The
gemstone inside the sphere casts a turquoise glow through your fingers.
Hera arches an eyebrow. “Ah,” she says, watching the sphere.
“Interesting.” Without further comment, she rolls across the floor to
another table, grabs a new quill and a fresh piece of paper and begins
scrawling notes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Bronze
Sphere<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Bronze sphere'>>You raise a hand to catch it, but the
sphere glances off your finger tips and bounces on the floor. Aeran
picks it up. The gemstone casts a turquoise glow through his fingers. He
passes it to you.
Hera arches an eyebrow, an amused look on her face. “Ah,” she says,
watching the sphere. “Interesting.” Without further comment, she rolls
across the floor to another table, grabs a new quill and a fresh piece
of paper and begins scrawling notes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Bronze sphere<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Bronze sphere'>>You step out of the way. The sphere
hits the floor and bounces, rolling across the floor and hitting a
bookshelf.
Hera sighs wearily. “Careful,” she says. “That is quite precious.”
Aeran grunts and crosses the room. He silently picks it up and returns
to you. The gemstone casts a turquoise glow through his fingers. He
passes it to you without comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Is
this a bribe?” you demand.
She chuckles. “I have all I need from it,” she says, “and it will fetch a
pretty penny—if you can find the right buyer.” She pauses, humming with
annoyance as her pen runs out of ink. Reaching across the table, she
drags an inkpot towards her, dips her quill into it, and continues
writing furiously. “The metal that created that sphere is magically
inert on the outside, but creates a magically conductive field on the
inside. By virtue of its design, it is protected from interference.
Nothing can alter it, not even a Wayfarer’s immunity.”
You open your palm and stare at the sphere. The gemstone hums inside,
slowly turning over, its light pulsing.
“Call it a gift—or a bribe, if that makes you more comfortable,” Hera
says. Her speech barely impedes the flow of her writing. “When you find
the Chalice of Offering, do not return it to Cere Nalos. He will lock it
away, to be flaunted when he needs an easy display of power. He has no
need of it. I, however, do.”
The scratch of her quill slows to a stop. She pauses, the tip hovering
above the paper. Instead of reaching for her inkpot, she sets the quill
down and swings her chair around. She folds her hands in her lap and
raises her chin, staring you straight in the eye.
“What I am about to tell you is a secret, one I have not shared with
even Anselma,” she says. Her voice catches. She hesitates and pushes her
spectacles up her nose. There’s a strange vulnerability about her, one
that is at odds with everything you have seen from her before.
“Anselma is strong now,” she says slowly, “but even her strength will
not last. She only ever thinks about the present moment. Asking her to
consider the future, especially a future many years from now, is a
luxury to which she will not easily commit.”
She looks from you to Aeran. “I do not want the chalice simply because
it is a pre-Astrandium artefact, the exact kind of relic I have devoted
my life to researching,” she says. “I want it because I can see a future
where Anselma is no longer here and I cannot live my life without her.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Silence
settles over the room. Aeran stirs restlessly beside you, a deep scowl
creasing his brow. He shifts with unease, one hand settling on his
quiver. The tips of his fingers mindlessly run across the arrow
fletchings.
“You want us to turn on the Count so you can, what, save your
girlfriend’s life?” he says flatly. “Is she ill or something?”
Hera frowns. “She is not. But she is aeda. And I am elven. The nature of
the world says I will outlast her. It is not something I can accept
without pursuing alternatives.”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>She glances at you, her eyes
flickering to your crest. “You are half-aeda, are you not?” she adds.
“You must have first hand experience with what I speak.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t remember my parents.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
HERA TALK 05]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t care about my
parents.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK 05]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “That’s in the past.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
HERA TALK
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$ancestry is "melusine">>She glances at you, her eyes flickering
across your face. “You are half-melusine, are you not?” she adds. “You
must have first hand experience with what I speak.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t remember my parents.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
HERA TALK 05]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t care about my
parents.”|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK 05]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “That’s in the past.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
HERA TALK
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$ancestry is "elven" and $aeranrom >=10>>She glances from you
to Aeran. “Be grateful for what you have,” she says. “You are
fortunate.”
“Excuse me, what?” Aeran balks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>She
glances at you, her eyes flickering across your face. “Perhaps someday
you will know what I mean,” she says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TALK
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if $ancestry is "aeda"
or $ancestry is "melusine">>Hera sighs. “Of course,” she says. She
pauses, tapping her fingers against an armrest, then abruptly stands
and pushes her chair back. It rolls across the floor and trundles into
her desk.<<else>>Hera pauses, tapping her fingers against an
armrest, then abruptly stands and pushes her chair back. It rolls
across the floor and trundles into her desk.<</if>>
“I do not ask you to do this lightly,” she says, slipping through the
maze of tables as she works her way towards you. “The Count is
vindictive. Turning against him is a death sentence. But if you bring me
the Chalice, I promise I will secure protection from the Count.”
She stops before you, hands folded loosely in front of her. “What’s
more,” she adds, “I will ensure you get what you want—passage out of
Rona. Transportation to wherever you wish to go, at no cost to
yourself.”
Aeran snorts. “I can’t imagine the Viridian Lady will be pleased with
that.”
Hera turns to him, smiling delicately, eyes bright. “The Seven aren’t
the only ones with powerful connections,” she says. “Anselma has her
influences and I have mine. I assure you, as soon as the Chalice is in
my hands, you will leave the harbour on the swiftest ship available. Not
even the Count will be able to apprehend you.”
“And if we don’t?” Aeran grunts.
She pauses, frowning at his response, then bursts into ringing laughter.
“Are you always this suspicious, Aeran Kellis?” she asks, stepping up
to him. The top of her head barely reaches his shoulders.
Aeran shies back, one hand brushing the hilt of his dagger, but Hera
closes the distance between them. Unbothered by being in such close
range to his weapons, she stands on tip-toe, prods two fingers against
his chest and raises her chin, looking him straight in the eye.
“Whatever harmed you long ago,” she says, “don’t let it shadow you
forever. Otherwise, it will catch up with you when you least expect it.”
“Thanks for the advice,” he grunts, glowering.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Hera draws away, slips around you and heads for the door. “This
is not a threat,” she says. “It is a proposition—perhaps the most
honest one you will find in Rona. I’m not in the market for
manipulations and threats.”
“Let me guess,” Aeran interrupts. “That’s the Lady’s domain?”
“It is,” Hera replies cheerfully. “Think on it, please. And when you
find the Chalice, remember my request.” She opens the door. Light
cascades in from the hallway beyond, backlighting her. For a brief
moment, she looks like she is glowing. “Now, come,” she says, gesturing
for you to follow her. “You should have reached the atrium by now. If we
don’t hurry, Anselma’s going to think you’re the most incompetent
housebreakers this side of the Cobalt Sea.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL HERA TAKES YOU TO THE
LADY][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You follow Hera through a hidden
door at the end of the hall and up a long, spiral staircase. Up and up
it goes, curving round and round until you begin to feel dizzy. Small
arched windows are placed at even intervals. You pause once to catch
your breath and peer through the glass at the churning sea below. The
horizon is dark and grey, the storm clouds bearing down oppressively
upon the coast.
When you finally emerge, the staircase opens out onto the third-floor
balcony. Running the perimeter of the floor, the balcony encircles a
large atrium. Tall white marble walls, veined with gold and green,
support a vast dome. There’s a gap in the centre that leaves the atrium
open to the sky; a barrier protects the floor below from the wind and
rain. From the underside you can see the extensive mosaics sprawling
across the ceiling, intricate patterns in gold and green depicting
Meissandic emblems and symbols. Small conjured lights are embedded at
precise points in the mosaics, creating a symmetrical web of glowing
light.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Hera leads you through a curved ingress bordered in mosaics.
Like the ceiling above, these entrances are protected by a shimmering,
pulsing barrier to keep the elements at bay. In the centre of the atrium
is a wide, circular pool. Small bulbs of light float on its rippling
surface, bumping through lush water lilies. Comfortable chairs and
divans, piled with pillows and blankets, are placed at precise
intervals. Blooming plants and flowers hang from the walls or thrive in
their vessels. Despite their sprawling nature, even the plants are
methodically positioned around the room.
“Anselma,” she calls. “I’ve brought your guests.”
“And you’ve ensnared both of them, I see,” a voice replies. <<if
$aerankane or $kanedead>>“How wonderful.”<<else>>“You
have excellent timing. I need a distraction after dealing with the most
maddening of my subordinates.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>On
the far side of the atrium, against a beautifully detailed mosaic of
the sun sinking into the sea, is a throne carved from veined marble. It
is perched at the top of a tall pillar, raising it almost to the level
of the dome. An aeda woman sits elegantly on the throne, her dark green
wings fanned out majestically behind her. Her hair is long and loose,
the emerald locks cascading over her shoulders. Silver markings shine
brightly against her weathered, tawny skin, circling her eyes like
streaks of lightning, masking the lines and wrinkles of age. She is
dressed simply, yet elegantly—long green robes swirl around her, the
fabric hanging several feet off the throne, dangling like tendrils.
Anselma Malley, the Viridian Lady.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Aeran glances at you, one hand resting on his quiver. Hera
spins, reaching out with unexpected deftness and grabs his wrist.
“You’ll want to think long and hard about that,” she whispers.
Aeran grunts, but relents. Hera lets go and ushers you further into the
atrium. She sits down on a nearby divan and leans back comfortably,
watching you with a discerning eye.
The Lady leans back on her throne. “Did my wife extend her
hospitalities?” she asks, folding her long elegant hands together. “She
does enjoy waylaying unexpected guests in our home. The fact that you
remain alive bodes well.”
You glance at Hera. She lounges on the divan, gives you a wry smile,
then taps the bracer on her left arm. A blade shoots out of it. Taking
in your surprised looks, Hera giggles and retracts the blade. “Wayfarers
have an appreciation for magical engineering that so many others take
for granted,” she says, looping a loose curl behind her ear. “It is
surprisingly refreshing.”
“Indeed,” the Lady says, her eyes lingering on you and Aeran.
“I see you’ve expected us,” you say.
“Of course,” she replies. “You are employed by my rival, are you not?
Your search for the Chalice of Offering would logically lead to me.
Failure to suspect me would be a foolish oversight and I can see you are
no fool.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I try my best.” |CHAPTER 1 VL MEET THE LADY
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks, but can we skip the
pleasantries? We’re on limited time here.”|CHAPTER 1 VL MEET THE LADY
B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Remain silent.|CHAPTER 1 VL MEET THE
LADY C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
smile, leaning into your dry sarcasm. Aeran stiffens beside you,
carefully watching Hera and the Lady.
The Lady’s eyes sweep over you, a green light burning in her irises.
“You came to talk,” she says. “Well, then—shall we?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL AUDIENCE WITH LADY HERA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady’s eyes sweep over you, a green light burning in her irises. “I can
see you have little patience for trivialities,” she says. “But take
care, sellsword, that your impatience does not turn to disrespect. I
will not tolerate insults in my own house. I will end you in an instant,
no matter how much my wife likes you.”
You nod silently and exchange looks with Aeran.
<i>Don’t insult her. Great note.</i>
“You came to talk,” the Lady continues. “Well, then—shall we?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL AUDIENCE WITH LADY HERA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance at Aeran. He stiffens beside you, carefully watching Hera and
the Lady.
“Very well,” the Lady says after a moment. Her eyes sweep over you, a
green light burning in her irises. “You came to talk. Well, then—shall
we?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL AUDIENCE WITH LADY HERA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$heramet to true>><<set $vlmark to 0>><<set
$ladycounter to 0>>Despite her invitation, the Lady remains where
she is, lounging on her elaborate throne. You wonder whether it’s her
aeda sensibilities that made her add something so impractical to her
atrium, a show of power or a flair for the dramatic. Perhaps all three.
Regardless, your neck is starting to hurt from all this craning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for her to speak.|CHAPTER 1 VL 500
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you want to talk, why don’t you
come down? Might make this friendly conversation a little
easier.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 500
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
say nothing.
Aeran mutters a curse. “Come down, why don’t you?” he calls. “All this
posturing is getting on my nerves.”
The Lady raises an eyebrow. “A bold statement,” she says, turning to
you. “Is your companion usually this hot-headed?”
You shrug. “Sometimes.”
<i>“Tsch.”</i> Aeran shoots you a dark look. “Thanks for the
endorsement, $firstname.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Hera grins, unable to contain her delight.
The Lady stands and pushes off the pedestal. She descends in an elegant
spiral and settles onto the marble floor beside you. Folding her wings,
she draws herself up to her full height. Up close, she is a powerfully
built woman. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though she
matches your height, she strikes an imposing bearing that makes you feel
small in comparison.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Even though
you are relatively tall yourself, she strikes an imposing bearing that
towers over you.<<else>>She towers over you with an imposing
bearing.<</if>>
She arches an eyebrow and pushes past you, walking languidly towards the
pool. Pausing at Hera’s divan, she bows her head and kisses her, then
settles down at the edge of the pool, her back to you. She trails her
fingers in the water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 KANE DEAD]]<<elseif
$chapter1route is "docks">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 WENT TO
DOCKS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 KANE
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady laughs, a deep throaty laugh that resonates around the atrium. She
rises, standing on the edge of the pedestal, wings spread behind her.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“A pity you cannot take to the
skies, cousin,” she says. Her eyes sweep across your face, taking in
your crest. “To be born beyond the clans, without magic. You have done
well, considering your disadvantages.”
You grunt. You avoid any discussion of your parents on principle—that is
old history, buried long ago. You don’t need to be
pitied.<<else>>“A shame you cannot take to the skies,” she
says. “But alas, it is a realm far beyond you.”<</if>>
The Lady pushes off her throne, descending in an elegant spiral. She
settles onto the marble floor beside you, folds her wings, and draws
herself to her full height. Up close, she is a powerfully built woman.
<<if $height is "very tall">>Even though she matches your
height, she strikes an imposing bearing that makes you feel small in
comparison.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Even though you are
relatively tall yourself, she strikes an imposing bearing that towers
over you.<<else>>She towers over you with an imposing
bearing.<</if>>
She arches an eyebrow and pushes past you, walking languidly towards the
pool. Pausing at Hera’s divan, she bows her head and kisses her, then
settles down at the edge of the pool, her back to you. She trails her
fingers in the water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 KANE DEAD]]<<elseif
$chapter1route is "docks">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 WENT TO
DOCKS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 501 KANE
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlmark += 1>>“By rights, I should kill you now,” the Lady says,
watching the water lilies. “You killed one of my subordinates earlier
today. The man was an uncontrolled boor who has mangled his assignments
time and again—the poor greendrift boy he manipulated into targeting you
is just one example of his incompetence. While I am very glad to be
relieved of him, he served a purpose and his death is an affront against
me.”
<<if $aerankane is true>> You pause and glance at Aeran. He
shot Kane, but arguing over the specifics doesn’t seem wise. He scowls
and shifts his weight from foot to foot.
The Lady glances at you, the curve of her lips pulling upwards in a sly
smile. There’s a quiet, but powerful confidence in her voice and
posture. She’s here with two armed mercenaries employed by her rival,
her back is to you, and yet she doesn’t fear you. She is not someone who
can be threatened.<<else>>The Lady glances at you, the
curve of her lips pulling upwards in a sly smile. There’s a quiet, but
powerful confidence in her voice and posture. She’s here with two armed
mercenaries employed by her rival, her back is to you, and yet she
doesn’t fear you. She is not someone who can be
threatened.<</if>>
“However,” she continues, “you are far more skilled than Merrick Kane
ever was. Killing you in return for killing him would be a waste, and
one that would disrupt the delicate balance between Cere Nalos and
myself at that. The lengths to which he has gone to recruit you into his
fold… he would be most upset if you died before you can carry out your
mission.”
You blink. “What do you mean, the lengths he went to recruit us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
502]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
owe you an apology,” the Lady says, watching the water lilies.
You exchange looks with Aeran. “Oh?”
“You were targeted by one of my subordinates earlier today,” she
replies.
You frown. “What do you mean?”
The Lady turns, observing you with narrowed eyes. “Did you not wonder
why a greendrift boy attempted to rob you in the street this morning?”
she asks.
“I didn’t think much of it,” you reply, shrugging. “It was a
distraction. We can’t afford distractions.”
She throws back her head and laughs. “You are stubbornly single-minded
sellsword,” she says. “Take care you are not blinded by your own
resolve.” Her laughter stills and she glances at you, the curve of her
lips pulling upwards in a sly smile. There’s a quiet, but powerful
confidence in her voice and posture. She’s here with two armed
mercenaries employed by her rival, her back is to you, and yet she
doesn’t fear you. She is not someone who can be threatened.
“I hope you will not share this matter with the Count,” she says. “There
is a delicate balance between myself and Cere Nalos that I do not wish
to disrupt. Particularly where you are concerned. The lengths to which
he has gone to recruit you into his fold—”
You blink. “What do you mean, the lengths he went to recruit us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
502]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
owe you an apology,” the Lady says, watching the water lilies.
You exchange looks with Aeran. “Oh?”
“You were attacked by one of my subordinates earlier today,” she
replies. “The man is an uncontrolled boor who has mangled his
assignments time and again—the poor greendrift boy he manipulated into
targeting you is just one example of his incompetence.”
“Kane,” you mutter. The incident in Rat Alley feels like it happened a
month ago.
“Yes.” The Lady glances at you, the curve of her lips pulling upwards in
a sly smile. There’s a quiet, but powerful confidence in her voice and
posture. She’s here with two armed mercenaries employed by her rival,
her back is to you, and yet she doesn’t fear you. She is not someone who
can be threatened.
“I hope you will not share this matter with the Count,” she says. “There
is a delicate balance between myself and Cere Nalos that I do not wish
to disrupt. Particularly where you are concerned. The lengths to which
he has gone to recruit you into his fold—”
You blink. “What do you mean, the lengths he went to recruit us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
502]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady cups a water lily, pulling it towards the edge of the pool. “Why
did you think work was so difficult for you to find? Because no one
trusts a Wayfarer?”
You clench your jaw. “In my experience, that sentiment isn’t exactly
unique.”
The Lady sighs and shoots you a dissatisfied look. “Please,” she says.
“This isn’t Arathia. You’re in a city of outcasts and pariahs. Your
abilities set you apart. With your skills, you could easily oust one of
our leaders and become part of the Seven.”
You fold your arms and look away. You have always lived your life on the
move, journeying from one place to another, never settling for more
than a few years. Wherever you have gone, you have been looked upon with
fearful respect or outright distrust.
Beside you, Aeran stirs with unease. Judging from his expression, he is
fighting every impulse to interrupt. It’s a losing battle. You know it’s
only a matter of time before he says something he shouldn’t.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
503]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Your
Order is dead, true,” the Lady continues. “But you are much more than a
common sellsword. A shame that is all you allow yourself to be.” She
turns, gently pushing the water lily back through the rippling water.
“The Count had his eye on you the moment you and your companion landed
on these shores. He is not one to act in haste. Rather, he watched you
carefully, taking stock of who hired you for your skills, then slowly
weeded out the competition until you had no choice but to turn to him.”
Your gut twists, but you force yourself to remain silent. You dislike
her line of thought and you wouldn’t put it past the Lady to lie to your
face… but the more you think about it, the more it rings true. The
Seven are not to be trifled with and they are very adept at getting what
they want. If the Crimson Count wanted you in his fold, you’re not
surprised he manipulated events to leave you with no other choice.
A sick knot forms in the pit of your stomach.
“If I hadn’t been distracted with other matters, I would have
propositioned you first,” the Lady says. “And yet here we are and these
are the parts we must play.”
One wing twitches, draping over her shoulder as she turns back to you,
folding her hands neatly in her lap. Her fingers are long and lean,
ending in talon-like nails painted a shimmering emerald. Like the rest
of the Seven, the Viridian Lady knows how to keep to a theme.
<<if $vlplan is "backdoor">>“Tell me,” she continues.
“Between the two of you, who made the decision to break into my home
like common thieves?”
You glance at Aeran. A shiver runs down your spine. Though she speaks
casually, you can’t help but sense a threat beneath her
words.<<else>>“Tell me,” she continues. “Between the two of
you, who made the decision to send one of you to distract my sentries
while the other broke into my home like a common thief?”
You glance at Aeran. A shiver runs down your spine. Though she speaks
casually, you can’t help but sense a threat beneath her words.
“Time is short, sellsword,” the Lady says. “Let us play our roles.
Conduct your investigation and I will answer as I see
fit.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the
truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504 TELL THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse to answer the
question.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504 REFUSE TO ANSWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her you were
under orders from the Count.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504
LIE]]</div><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504 TELL THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse to answer the
question.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504 REFUSE TO ANSWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [LIE] Tell her you were under orders
from the Count.|CHAPTER 1 VL 504
LIE]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“I
did,” you say. There is no need for elaboration.
The Lady arches an eyebrow, a thin, satisfied smile curling her lips.
“Indeed,” she says. “My people notified me the moment you reached the
Isle. I instructed them to watch from a distance. I was interested to
see what course of action you would take. Of course, I never intended
you harm—it would have saved you time and trouble to approach me
directly.”
The hair raises on the back of your neck. You knew you were being
watched, but direct confirmation from the Lady herself fills you with
unease. <<if $aeranapp >=40>>Aeran reaches out and rests a
steadying hand on your shoulder.<<else>>Aeran bristles
beside you, a deep scowl marring his expression.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE BAD]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE
GOOD]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlmark +=1>>“Why does it matter?” you ask flatly. “We’re here
now.”
Hera giggles and presses a hand to her mouth. She leans forwards, eyes
gleaming brightly, watching you and the Lady like you’re actors in a
particularly entertaining stage play.
The Lady stares at you through narrowed eyes, her lips pursed tightly
together, cold disapproval etched into every inch of her face. “How
unfortunate,” she says. “I had hoped you would show more sense than a
common sellsword, but alas. You are as foolish as the rest of your ilk.”
She rests a hand against the lip of the pool, talons tapping against the
marble. “When I ask you a question, Wayfarer, I suggest you answer it,”
she says. “I no longer have the patience for dealing with hotheads.”
You nod. Your mouth has gone dry, the hair raising on the back of your
neck as your sense of unease grows. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran reaches out and rests a steadying hand on your
shoulder.<<else>>Aeran bristles beside you, a deep scowl
marring his expression.<</if>>
“Time is short, sellsword,” the Lady says. “Let us play our roles.
Conduct your investigation and I will answer as I see fit.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE BAD]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE
GOOD]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<set
$vlmark +=1>>“It was a decision made at the Count’s suggestion,”
you say. “He knew you…”
Your words fade. The Lady stares at you through narrowed eyes, her lips
pursed tightly together, cold disapproval etched into every inch of her
face. She isn’t easily fooled and, worse still, she’s displeased you
even tried.
“How unfortunate,” she says coolly. “I had hoped you would show more
sense than a common sellsword, but alas. You are as foolish as the rest
of your ilk. If you’re going to lie, at least make it an interesting
one.”
She rests a hand against the lip of the pool, talons tapping against the
marble. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Hera lean forwards,
grinning from ear to ear, watching you and the Lady like you’re actors
in a particularly entertaining stage play.
“Do not try to lie to me again, Wayfarer,” the Lady says. “I will know
if you do.”
You nod. Your mouth has gone dry, the hair raising on the back of your
neck as your sense of unease grows. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran reaches out and rests a steadying hand on your
shoulder.<<else>>Aeran bristles beside you, a deep scowl
marring his expression.<</if>>
“Time is short, sellsword,” the Lady says. “Let us play our roles.
Conduct your investigation and I will answer as I see fit.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE BAD]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 NEGOTIATE
GOOD]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>If
you accept what Hera told you as truth, the Lady is not involved with
the chalice’s theft. However, she has eyes everywhere. <<if
$greendrifts2 is true>>She may be privy to crucial information you
may not find elsewhere—such as the mystery behind the Ebony Marquis’
disappearance.<<else>>She may be privy to crucial
information you may not find elsewhere.<</if>>
Consider your questions carefully. You do not know how long you have
before she cuts this interrogation short.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>If
you accept what Hera told you as truth, the Lady is not involved with
the chalice’s theft. However, she has eyes everywhere. <<if
$greendrifts2 is true>>She may be privy to crucial information you
may not find elsewhere—such as the mystery behind the Ebony Marquis’
disappearance.<<else>>She may be privy to crucial
information you may not find elsewhere.<</if>>
Consider your questions carefully. You do not know how long you have
before she cuts this interrogation short.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$galainfo to true>>The Lady’s wings rustle as she shifts,
elegantly crossing her legs. She looks you straight in the eye, her
expression like stone. “It was a simple night,” she says. “A commonality
familiar to us all. Though we nip and bite at each other’s borders, by
our own elected laws the Seven must gather once a month to discuss the
state of the city. While we tolerate each other’s behaviours and
activities, when it comes to the wellbeing of our city, we must stand as
one. Any fracture in the façade leaves us vulnerable. If there is one
thing upon which we can all agree, Rona will never fall under the
influence of a foreign nation again.”
“No,” you reply carefully. “I doubt it will.”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“Do you?” she says pointedly.
“I know the Anaxas child has arrived on our shores, I know you have
dealt with her.”
<i>Shit.</i>
“Is nothing ever fucking private in this city?” Aeran grunts. “How—”
“Maybe you could tell us about the night of the gala,” you interrupt,
jumping in before Aeran says something he shouldn’t. “We’re not here to
discuss our business, after all.”<<else>>She smiles and nods
in acknowledgement. “Very astute, Wayfarer.”
“I’ve lived here long enough to learn how things work around here.”
“Indeed,” she replies. “And yet you are so keen to leave our shores.”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
The Lady arches an eyebrow. “That is the truth of the matter, is it
not?” she says.
You freeze, swallowing your momentary panic. While it could be a case of
keen observation and guesswork, you have a feeling there’s something
more sinister beneath the surface. You’d rather not know how she found
out intimate details about you and Aeran and your plans.
“Maybe you could tell us about the night of the gala,” you press,
redirecting the question. “We’re not here to discuss our business, after
all.”<</if>>
<<if $gender is "female" or $gender is "nb">>The Lady
chuckles, a high, trilling kind of laugh that is both alluring and
dangerous. “A shame,” she says, smiling coyly. “Perhaps another day,
sellsword.”
From the divan, Hera laughs, unable to contain her amusement.
“The gala?” you press.
The Lady stretches a wing, the deep green iridescent feathers bristling
as it fans out behind her. “Nothing unusual occurred that evening,” she
says. “We conducted our business—a process that took several hours and
left us with the desire to cut each other’s throats out of exasperation.
When it was concluded, we indulged ourselves in our usual feasting and
drinking and assorted revelries.”<<else>>The Lady stretches a
wing, the deep green iridescent feathers bristling as it fans out
behind her. “Nothing unusual occurred that evening,” she says. “We
conducted our business—a process that took several hours and left us
with the desire to cut each other’s throats out of exasperation. When it
was concluded, we indulged ourselves in our usual feasting and drinking
and assorted revelries.”<</if>>
“And after?” you prompt.
“I only saw the chalice once that night,” she replies. “Nalos had set it
on display as a show of power—ever the dramatist, that one. It reeked
of barrier magic, adorned with such a web of enchantments it shone
brighter than the sun.” She rests a hand on the lip of the pool and
leans back, observing you through narrowed eyes. “As Nalos can tell you
himself, I never left the main atrium. As the two most powerful members
of the Seven, we were at each other’s sides the entire night—a display
of order and balance, one we are adept at performing. My magic does not
allow for me to cloak, disguise or transport myself. I did not take the
Chalice of Offering, nor did I order any of my subordinates to.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
draws back, an irritated look flashing in her eyes. “Please,
sellsword,” she says. “Do not show your ignorance. You make the false
assumption that I wish to oust him at all. Cere Nalos is my rival, true,
but a rival is not an enemy and I do not want him dead. He has been a
powerful presence in Rona for longer than any of us can know. He was
here before any of the Seven were born and he will be here long after we
are dead. To remove him entirely leaves a void in the structure, one
too many fools will rush to fill. The chaos his death would cause is
more than enough to justify tolerating his position.”
You nod. This matches what Hera said earlier; the Lady’s primary concern
is maintaining balance between the Seven. Best leave this line of
questioning alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo1 to true>>The Lady sighs, flicking the tip of a
wing in annoyance. “At a glance, any of them,” she says. “Flora Goldhorn
has been biting at Nalos’ borders for years. Leva Vane and Sayida Burn
have challenged him and faced the consequences—despite their amiable
nature, their bitterness runs deep. Mari Rack has no choice but to
answer to Nalos. As for Samwell Every…”
She pauses.
<<if $greendrifts2 is true>>“He’s missing,” you say.
She nods. “Indeed.”
“I take it this is unusual?”
“Samwell Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks,” she
replies, “and, frankly, beneath our contempt. The lowest of the Seven.
We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it is not
uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but this
time is different.”
“Different how so?”<<else>>“What about him?” you prompt.
“He has been missing for a month,” she replies. “Samwell Every has
always been an eccentric addition to our ranks and, frankly, beneath our
contempt. We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it
is not uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but
this time is different.”
You grunt. Samwell Every, the Ebony Marquis. An eccentric little elven
man whom you’ve only seen once from a distance. He technically controls
the Grove, but the Grove is buried so far into the wetlands that it is
barely considered part of Rona at all. If he is indeed missing…
“Different how so?” you ask.<</if>>
“The greendrifts are emerging from the Grove in greater numbers than
before,” she replies. “In the past it was common for only the most
adventurous or desperate to cross Deadfall Marsh and enter Rona proper,
but now they walk the streets in Deadwood and Marshwall. They would only
be so bold if Every is not there to exercise his power.”
“And you find this concerning?”
“I find any disruption to the balance of power concerning,” the Lady
says shortly. “But you are concerned about a certain chalice, no? Is
that not where your focus should remain?”
<<if $greendrifts2 is true>>You nod, falling
silent.<<else>>You nod, falling silent and mull over her
words. This news about the Grove and the Marquis is troubling, but
you’re not sure if it’s important.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1 2 >>What should you ask the Lady?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD
QUESTION 1")>><s>1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTION
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
GOOD QUESTION 2")>><s>2. “You’re the Count’s rival. How far
would you go to oust him from power?”</s><<else>>[[2.
“You’re the Count’s rival. How far would you go to oust him from
power?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTION
2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
GOOD QUESTION 3")>><s>3. “Who among the Seven would benefit
from this?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Who among the Seven would
benefit from this?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD QUESTION
3]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>What
should you ask the Lady?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505 GOOD
QUESTION 1")>><s>1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”|CHAPTER 1 VL LADY INTERRUPTS
PRE]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
GOOD QUESTION 2")>><s>2. “You’re the Count’s rival. How far
would you go to oust him from power?”</s><<else>>[[2.
“You’re the Count’s rival. How far would you go to oust him from
power?”|CHAPTER 1 VL LADY INTERRUPTS
PRE]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
GOOD QUESTION 3")>><s>3. “Who among the Seven would benefit
from this?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Who among the Seven would
benefit from this?”|CHAPTER 1 VL LADY INTERRUPTS
PRE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1 2>>What should you ask the Lady?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD
QUESTION 1")>><s>1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What happened the night of the
gala?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTION 1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
BAD QUESTION 2")>><s>2. “You’re the Count’s rival. How far
would you go to oust him from power?”</s><<else>>[[2.
“You’re the Count’s rival. How far would you go to oust him from
power?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTION 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 505
BAD QUESTION 3")>><s>3. “Who among the Seven would benefit
from this?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Who among the Seven would
benefit from this?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTION
3]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>The
Lady smiles and smoothly rises to her feet, drawing herself to her
full, imposing height. She brushes her glossy hair over her shoulder and
takes a step towards you, her eyes glinting dangerously in the atrium
lights. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though you match
her for height, the natural majesty she embodies makes you feel
insignificant in comparison.<<else>>She towers over you, her
natural majesty making you feel insignificant in
comparison.<</if>>
“That answer shall have to wait for another day,” she says coolly. “You
will have to sate yourself with the answers I have provided for I am no
longer keen to play the role of the willing respondent. Let us now turn
the tables—”
“Anselma,” Hera interrupts.
The Lady glances at her. She hesitates, then turns back to you and
Aeran, a strange smile on her lips. “The Chalice of Offering is a
powerful artefact,” she says. “And so, Wayfarers, my question is
this—what will you do if you find it? Would you attempt to break its
bindings and unravel its magic? Would it even be possible with an
artefact of such ancient potency? Or will you return it to Nalos,
intact, collect your reward and disappear into the horizon?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL LADY
INTERRUPTS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$galainfo to false>>The Lady’s wings rustle as she shifts,
elegantly crossing her legs. She looks you straight in the eye, her
expression like stone. “It was a simple night,” she says. “A commonality
familiar to us all. Though we nip and bite at each other’s borders, by
our own elected laws the Seven must gather once a month to discuss the
state of the city. While we tolerate each other’s behaviours and
activities, when it comes to the wellbeing of our city, we must stand as
one. Any fracture in the façade leaves us vulnerable. If there is one
thing upon which we can all agree, Rona will never fall under the
influence of a foreign nation again.”
“No,” you reply carefully. “I doubt it will.”
She tilts her head and stretches a wing, the deep green iridescent
feathers bristling as it fans out behind her. “Nothing unusual occurred
the night of the gala,” she says, annoyance tinging her voice. “We
conducted our business—a process that took several hours and left us
with the desire to cut each other’s throats out of exasperation. When it
was concluded, we indulged ourselves in our usual feasting and drinking
and assorted revelries.”
“And after?” you prompt.
“I only saw the chalice once that night,” she replies. “Nalos had set it
on display as a show of power—ever the dramatist, that one. It reeked
of barrier magic, adorned with such a web of enchantments it shone
brighter than the sun.” She rests a hand on the lip of the pool and
leans back, observing you through narrowed eyes. “As Nalos can tell you
himself, I never left the main atrium. As the two most powerful members
of the Seven, we were at each other’s sides the entire night—a display
of order and balance, one we are adept at performing. My magic does not
allow for me to cloak, disguise or transport myself. I did not take the
Chalice of Offering, nor did I order any of my subordinates to.”
You chew the inside of your cheek. <i>Of course she would say that
when asked upfront.</i>
Asking her to retrace her steps through the night of the gala is
probably a waste of time. If she is responsible for the Chalice’s theft,
she will never admit it this way. You don’t know enough about the gala
to catch her in a lie.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
draws back, an irritated look flashing in her eyes. “Please,
sellsword,” she says. “Do not show your ignorance. You make the false
assumption that I wish to oust him at all. Cere Nalos is my rival, true,
but a rival is not an enemy and I do not want him dead. He has been a
powerful presence in Rona for longer than any of us can know. He was
here before any of the Seven were born and he will be here long after we
are dead. To remove him entirely leaves a void in the structure, one
too many fools will rush to fill. The chaos his death would cause is
more than enough to justify tolerating his position.”
You nod. This matches what Hera said earlier; the Lady’s primary concern
is maintaining balance between the Seven. Best leave this line of
questioning alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo1 to true>>The Lady sighs, flicking the tip of a
wing in annoyance. “At a glance, any of them,” she says. “Flora Goldhorn
has been biting at Nalos’ borders for years. Leva Vane and Sayida Burn
have challenged him and faced the consequences—despite their amiable
nature, their bitterness runs deep. Mari Rack has no choice but to
answer to Nalos. As for Samwell Every…”
She pauses.
<<if $greendrifts2 is true>>“He’s missing,” you say.
She nods. “Indeed.”
“I take it this is unusual?”
“Samwell Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks,” she
replies, “and, frankly, beneath our contempt. The lowest of the Seven.
We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it is not
uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but this
time is different.”
“Different how so?”<<else>>“What about him?” you prompt.
“He has been missing for a month,” she replies. “Samwell Every has
always been an eccentric addition to our ranks and, frankly, beneath our
contempt. We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it
is not uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but
this time is different.”
You grunt. Samwell Every, the Ebony Marquis. An eccentric little elven
man whom you’ve only seen once from a distance. He technically controls
the Grove, but the Grove is buried so far into the wetlands that it is
barely considered part of Rona at all. If he is indeed missing…
“Different how so?” you ask.<</if>>
“The greendrifts are emerging from the Grove in greater numbers than
before,” she replies. “In the past it was common for only the most
adventurous or desperate to cross Deadfall Marsh and enter Rona proper,
but now they walk the streets in Deadwood and Marshwall. They would only
be so bold if Every is not there to exercise his power.”
“And you find this concerning?”
“I find any disruption to the balance of power concerning,” the Lady
says shortly. “But you are concerned about a certain chalice, no? Is
that not where your focus should remain?”
<<if $greendrifts2 is true>>You nod, falling
silent.<<else>>You nod, falling silent and mull over her
words. This news about the Grove and the Marquis is troubling, but
you’re not sure if it’s important.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 505 BAD QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance at Aeran. He shrugs, folding his arms, and scowls. This isn’t
something you’ve discussed. You’ve been so focused on finding the damn
thing, you haven’t thought about what you will do with it when you do.
You’ve been hired to hunt artefacts in the past; the world is littered
with them. Anyone with a basic understanding of rune bindings and
engineering can create objects that contain or channel magic. Aside from
slaying monsters, breaking curses, and hunting rogue mages, finding
missing artefacts ranks high on the list of services performed by a
Wayfarer. Usually in such cases, you wear gloves or use another physical
barrier when handling the artefact to prevent unintentional erosion of
its enchantments or bindings.
The idea that you could return the chalice to the Count without its
powers intact had not occurred to you. <<if $chaliceinfo1 is
true>>But considering what Hera told you about the chalice’s
origins… it may be a moot point altogether.<</if>>
<<if $height neq "very tall">>You raise your chin and meet
the Lady’s eyes.<<else>>You meet the Lady’s
eyes.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We were hired to do a job. That’s all that
matters.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 600 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We don’t know. We’ll decide when I
find it.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 600 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Frankly, my lady, what we do is
none of your business.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 600
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady tilts her head, a strange smile curling her upper lip. “Unduly
committed to your word,” she says. “And I can, perhaps, understand why.
Such behaviour saves you the grief of taking responsibility for your own
actions and thrusts it firmly at the feet of your employer.”
Without warning, she takes a step towards you. Aeran moves forward, one
hand visibly resting on the hilt of his dagger. The Lady pauses. She
glances at him, then at the dagger, and slowly draws back. She turns,
sweeping across the floor as if nothing happened, and sits elegantly
beside Hera on the divan.
“I wonder,” she says, clasping her hands together, “what happens when
that sense of duty comes to blows with your own principles?”
“Hasn’t happened yet,” you retort. “And, frankly, it’s none of your
business.”
She smirks. “Tell me, sellsword, is there nothing you will not do for
money?”
“Depends on the job.”
“You avoid my question.”
“Unless you’re planning to hire me yourself, it’s none of your
business.”
“How unfortunate,” she says. “Then I shall watch from a distance.
Perhaps I will find my answer soon.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601
MAIN]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601
EXTRA]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>She
sighs witheringly. “I suppose it is easier to act on instinct and let
the pieces fall where they may,” she says. Her eyes narrow dangerously.
“The coward’s way.”
“I don’t know,” you retort quietly. “I prefer waiting until I have all
the information I need rather than tying myself to a rash decision
beforehand.”
Without warning, she takes a step towards you. Aeran moves forward, one
hand visibly resting on the hilt of his dagger. The Lady pauses. She
glances at him, then at the dagger, and slowly draws back.
“True,” she says, sweeping across the floor as if nothing happened. “But
that is not of what I speak.” She sits elegantly beside Hera on the
divan and clasps her hands together.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601
MAIN]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601
EXTRA]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady throws back her head and laughs. “Indeed,” she says, smiling with
mirth. “You are correct. It is not my business.”
Without warning, she takes a step towards you. Aeran moves forward, one
hand visibly resting on the hilt of his dagger. The Lady pauses. She
glances at him, then at the dagger, and slowly draws back.
<<if $vlmark >=2>>“But nevertheless, I am intrigued to
know the answer,” she continues, sweeping across the floor as if nothing
happened. She sits elegantly beside Hera on the divan and clasps her
hands together. “However, there is no time for that. My sentries will
see you to the gate.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Be gracious and thank her.|CHAPTER 1 VL 600
C-2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug and remain silent.|CHAPTER 1
VL 601
MAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
VL 601
EXTRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I have nothing more to offer
you,” the Lady says. “My sentries will see you to the gate.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Be gracious and thank
her.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo + 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug and remain silent.|CHAPTER 1
VL 601 MAIN][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Thank you for your help,” you reply. “I appreciate that you
were willing to speak to me.”
The Lady arches an eyebrow. “No, Wayfarer,” she says. “You are fortunate
that you struck me with a rare bout of curiosity. It is not a common
occurrence. Anyone else seeking to enter my home without permission
finds themselves dead within minutes of crossing the boundary.”
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs.
<i>Yeah,</i> you think. <i>What else did I
expect?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601 MAIN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Take
care not to get yourself killed on this endeavour,” the Lady continues.
“Dangerous tidings have come to Rona. The Seven are far from the only
perils here.”
You nod. “I had a feeling that was the case.”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“A further word of advice,
Wayfarer,” she adds. “Zenaida Anaxas is not to be trifled with. You may
have refused her wishes for now, but she will try again. No matter how
she manipulates the situation, do not fall for her act. You are better
off without aligning yourself to her or her creed.”
She tilts her head and raises a hand. <<if $vlmark
<=1>>“Now go,” she says. “I have other business to attend to.
You are no longer welcome here.”<<else>>“Now go,” she says.
“Return to your mission. Be well,
Wayfarer.”<</if>><<else>><<if $vlmark
<=1>>“Now go,” she says. “I have other business to attend to.
You are no longer welcome here.”<<else>>“Now go,” she says.
“Return to your mission. Be well,
Wayfarer.”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL LEAVING THE VILLA
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$vlplan is "frontdoor">>Starling spirals down through the gap in
the atrium ceiling, tailed closely by a second
sentry.<<else>>Two sentries spiral down through the gap in
the atrium ceiling.<</if>> Without a word, they usher you
and Aeran across the atrium and down a staircase. They escort you
through the villa in silence. Any attempt to make witty remarks is cut
short with a stony look and you quickly decide it is better to say
nothing at all.
When you reach the grand entrance hall, you find Hera waiting for you.
“Wonder if she has a secret passage,” Aeran mutters.
“Wouldn’t put it past her,” you reply.
“Oh, I most definitely have a secret passage,” Hera interrupts brightly.
“My father was intensely paranoid and installed hidden exits on every
floor. Not even Anselma knows where all of them are—”
<<if $vlplan is "frontdoor">>Starling rolls their
eyes.<<else>>One of the sentries rolls their
eyes.<</if>>
“Sorry, Starling,” Hera continues. “Some day, I promise.”
<<if $vlplan is "frontdoor">>They
huff.<<else>>Starling huffs.<</if>>
Hera steps towards you. She shoulders Aeran out of the way and grasps
your hands in hers. “Remember what I asked,” she says. “When you find
it, come to me. It will be more than worth your while.”
“We’ll think about it,” you reply, carefully pulling your hands free.
She smiles and pushes her spectacles up her nose. “I’ll hold you to
that,” she says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
701]]</div></div><</nobr>>When
you are deposited back out on the promenade, the sentries close the
gate and take off without a word, spiralling high into the stormy sky
and out of sight.
“Well,” you say, looking up at the villa one last time, “that could have
been worse.”
“You don’t say,” Aeran replies.
The rain comes down even stronger than before, pelting the pavement. You
can’t shake the damp chill setting in beneath your clothes.
“You were pretty quiet in there,” you say. “Something wrong?”
He shrugs. “I got the feeling it was better to let you do the talking.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Oh, look, you learned something from Varyn
after all.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 702 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks for the vote of
confidence.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 702 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Smartest thing you’ve done all
day.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 702 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
he says quietly after a moment. “I suppose I did.”
Before you can reply, he shoots you a forced smile and takes off down
the road. You need to focus on your next move. Speaking to the Viridian
Lady was only one part of the plan; you have a long way to go before you
find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
703]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
smiles and nudges you with his elbow. “Anytime,” he says.
You shoot him a grin and take off down the road. You need to focus on
your next move. Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of the
plan; you have a long way to go before you find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
703]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Well,
one of us has to show some competence or we’ll never get anywhere,” he
replies.
You roll your eyes. “Don’t even start,” you say, taking off down the
road. You need to focus on your next move. Speaking to the Viridian Lady
was only one part of the plan; you have a long way to go before you
find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
703]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
walk in silence for some time, winding your way down the bluffs.
“Interesting that the Count cut us out of crucial information about the
chalice,” Aeran says after a moment.
“Are you really that surprised?”
“No.” He sighs. “But if Hera is right about its properties, this is a
hell of a lot more complicated than we originally thought. What do you
think about her offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s… interesting.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 704
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’d rather she have it than the
Count.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 704 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m not double-crossing the
Count.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 704 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a dark look. “Please don’t tell me you’re considering it.”
“Can’t say it’s not tempting. Working for anyone other than the Count
is—”
“Out of the question,” he interrupts. “As we’re under contract with the
Count, we better not piss him off. Whether we bring her the chalice or
not, Hera doesn’t want to kill us. The Count, on the other hand,
<i>will</i> if we double-cross him. I’d like to live long
enough to see something other than this shitty city.”
You scowl.
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter,” he says quickly before you can get a word
in. “We have to find the damn thing first.”
“… yeah.”
He pauses. “Gods, I hate this city.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>><<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
MALSARA
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
sighs wearily. “$firstname—”
“What?” you interrupt. “If it’s a choice between Hera and the Count, I’d
rather side with Hera. She, at the very least, seems to have a
conscience.”
“She wants it so she can make her girlfriend semi-immortal,” he says
flatly.
“As opposed to the Count, who <i>is</i> semi-immortal, and
wants it for unknown reasons?” you retort.
Aeran grabs your shoulder, drawing you to a halt. “Look,” he says, “all
I’m saying is that as long as we’re under contract with the Count, we
better not piss him off. Hera doesn’t want to kill us. The Count, on the
other hand, will if we double-cross him. I’d like to live long enough
to see something other than this shitty city.”
You scowl.
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter,” he says quickly before you can get a word
in. “We have to find the damn thing first.”
“…yeah.”
He pauses. “Gods, I hate this city.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>><<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
MALSARA
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Good,”
he says. “That’s what I thought. Of the two of them, he’s more likely
to want to cut our throats if he doesn’t get his way. Hera, on the other
hand—”
“Has a conscience, at least,” you supply.
“Yeah.” Aeran runs a hand through his damp hair. “Not that it matters
right now. We have to find the damn thing first.”
“…yeah.”
He pauses. “Gods, I hate this city.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>><<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
MALSARA
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent"><<if $vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>The South
Isle<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$cove is true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>The
Cove<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>Edgewater<</if>></span></span>
<<if
$mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is true>><span
class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if $deadwood
is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>Deadwood<</if>></span></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq true>><area
alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as your destination"
data-passage="POST COVE VIRIDIAN LADY TRANSFER"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="POST BL COVE TRANSFER A"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER A"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>You
freeze, your reply dying on your lips. Movement flickers in the corner
of your eye and you turn sharply, a shiver prickling down your spine.
Save for yourself and Aeran, the promenade is empty in both directions.
“What is it?” Aeran says.
“Just a feeling,” you reply quietly. “Like we’re being watched.”
He casts an eye above. “The Lady’s sentries?”
“No, this is different.” You set your hand on your hilt, fingers
wrapping around the leather grip. This isn’t the first time today you’ve
felt someone watching you. You recall the stranger this morning, in the
town square. “Something’s wrong.”
Aeran stands still and quietly reaches for his bow. He scans the road,
looking ahead and behind. “All right,” he says after a moment. “Then we
take it slow.”
You nod, you hand still on your sword. You glance behind you, checking
the road one more time, then turn to continue down the path—
A hooded figure in a black cloak stands in the middle of the promenade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
710]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsaramet to true>>“Shit,” Aeran curses. Before you can
intercede, he pulls an arrow from his quiver and nocks it, aiming at the
stranger. “What do you want?” he calls. “Why are you following us?”
The stranger doesn’t answer. They simply stand in the middle of the
road, unbothered by the threat of Aeran’s arrow, and watch you.
“Who do you work for?” he shouts. “Which one of the Seven?”
“None of them,” the figure says.
They lower their hood, revealing a young human woman. Her tawny face is
long and oval, her brown eyes framed by straight brows. Her hair is a
pale ashen blonde, as if something has leached all the colour away. She
wears it swept back in an intricate half-braid which is unravelling in
the downpour. Her left ear is pierced with a series of small bronze
rings, from the top of her ear to her lobe.
“You do not need to threaten me, Aeran Kellis,” she says. “I merely wish
to talk, no more, no less.”
“Then talk,” he hisses. He does not lower his bow. “Who are you? What do
you want?”
The woman observes him coolly and raises her chin. “I have observed you
for several days on behalf of the one I serve,” she replies. She has an
Imperial accent, one that reminds you of Erenvor. Whoever she is, she
must have ties to the Arathian capital. “The one I serve has—shall we
say—an interest in your specific capabilities. I wanted to ensure you
posed no danger before we approached you.”
Aeran grunts, cursing under his breath.
“You’ve been watching us for days?” you say.
“Yes, $firstname $lastname.” The woman’s expression doesn’t change.
“Three, to be precise.”
You glance at Aeran. His jaw is clenched and his eyes are dark. He is on
the verge of doing something stupid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him to stand down.|CHAPTER 1 710
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere. There are enough
strange things happening today. Better keep your guard up.|CHAPTER 1 710
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Aeran,”
you mutter. “Wait.”
He glances at you, his scowl deepening, but he lowers his bow and slowly
releases the tension on the string. The woman pauses, noting the
lowered bow, and continues as if nothing has happened.
“I know, for example,” she says, “that you reside in an apartment in a
slum the locals call Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know
you have been contracted by one of the seven lords to retrieve a unique
and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a chalice.”
She raises her chin, her amber eyes flickering from you to Aeran and
back again. “All this effort because you wish to leave Rona,” she says.
“Fortunately for you, my employer wishes to help you in that regard, in
exchange for your talents, of course. She can ensure your escape from
this rotten city before the Seven can trace your whereabouts. I would
consider it, if I were you. You are running short on time and your lord
plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail.”
You blink. “He… what? Plans on what?”
The woman raises an eyebrow. “Did he not threaten you with this?” she
asks.
“No,” you choke. “Basilisks never entered the equation—”
“You are welcome for the warning.”
Aeran scowls. “I don’t care about your warnings,” he hisses.
The woman meets his gaze. “You must come,” she says. “Your fate depends
on this, I assure you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t believe in fate.”|CHAPTER 1 711
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I already have a job – and I’d
rather not risk getting fed to a basilisk, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1 711
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I know, for example,” the woman
continues, “that you reside in an apartment in a slum the locals call
Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know you have been
contracted by one of the seven lords to retrieve a unique and arguably
valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a chalice—”
Aeran fires the arrow.
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air. The arrow shoots through the space she previously occupied and arcs
down, clattering uselessly onto the pavement. Light flares in your
peripheral vision and you spin around, sword drawn, to see the woman
appear several feet behind you, unruffled by Aeran’s attack.
<i>Great,</i> you think. <i>She’s a
Planeswalker.</i> Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to
affect time and space explains how she was able to follow you.
Aeran snarls and draws a second arrow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The woman eyes him and sighs with barely disguised contempt.
“Please,” she says. “I am not your enemy. Rather, I represent an
opportunity. The kind you have been waiting for.”
“Then enough with the vague hints,” Aeran shouts, aiming at the woman.
“Who is your employer? What do they want?”
“You wish to leave Rona, do you not?” the woman says. “My employer
wishes to help you in that regard, in exchange for your talents, of
course. She can ensure your escape from this rotten city before the
Seven can trace your whereabouts—”
Aeran fires the arrow. The woman stops mid-sentence and vanishes, amber
light misting around the spot she occupied, and the arrow strikes the
ground, missing her by seconds. He turns, searching wildly for her, and
she re-appears, moments later, further down the road.
“We can do this all day, Aeran Kellis,” she calls, “but I am growing
weary of it. I see your brutish tendencies make it difficult to speak
plainly. A shame—I had hoped you would be more civilized, but what can
one expect from a Wayfarer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Aeran bristles, but this time he stays his hand.
“The one I serve will not be denied,” the woman continues. “We will meet
again.”
He rushes forward, hurtling down the road towards her. He reaches out—
And she vanishes.
Aeran skids to a stop, stumbling through the place she stood, cursing
under his breath. He looks up as you approach.
“Imperials in Rona,” he hisses. “Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing we can do about it now.
Best stay focused.”|CHAPTER 1 712 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe if you hadn’t attacked her,
we could have found out more.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 712 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
woman smiles. “Believe as you will. It cannot change facts. Now will
you come with me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“I certainly don’t want to,” he says, glancing at the woman. “But I have
a feeling she won’t leave us alone if we don’t.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will have wished
you came with me.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 711 MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE LISTENED][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 711 LET'S
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “And you could have a better one,” she says. “One that
does not force you to serve a madman who believes he is the height of
sophistication because he calls himself a count. Now will you come with
me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will wish you
came with me.” She tilts her head. “The one I serve cannot be denied. We
will meet again.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 711 MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE LISTENED][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 711 LET'S
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. Raising his head, he stares at the grey sky and
brushes damp hair off his forehead. “Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right.”
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>He scowls. “Then maybe she
should’ve been upfront from the beginning,” he snaps. “If someone’s
going to trail us all over the city, I’m not likely to think they have
the best intentions in mind—”
You sigh. “All right, all right, point taken.”
He grunts.
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlmark +=1>>“Welcome, sellsword,” the cool voice continues. “I
wondered whether you would show your face.”
You follow the voice. On the far side of the atrium, against a
beautifully detailed mosaic of the sun sinking into the sea, is a throne
carved from veined marble. It is perched at the top of a tall pillar,
raising it almost to the level of the dome. An aeda woman sits elegantly
on the throne, her dark green wings fanned out majestically behind her.
Her hair is long and loose, the emerald locks cascading over her
shoulders. Silver markings shine brightly against her weathered, tawny
skin, circling her eyes like streaks of lightning, masking the lines and
wrinkles of age. She is dressed simply, yet elegantly—long green robes
swirl around her, the fabric hanging several feet off the throne,
dangling like tendrils.
Anselma Malley, the Viridian Lady.
“You… expected me?” you ask.
“Of course,” the Lady replies. “You are employed by my rival, are you
not? Your search for the Chalice of Offering would logically lead to
me.”
<i>Chalice of Offering…</i> That’s new. You were never told
the chalice had an official name. Considering it is thousands of years
old, you shouldn’t be surprised.
“Failure to suspect me would be a foolish oversight,” the Lady
continues. “And I can see you are no fool.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Uh… thank you?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1201
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I try my best.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1201
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thanks, but can we skip the
pleasantries? I’m on limited time here.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1201
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“A
moment,” the cool voice interrupts. “I am not yet finished here.”
You follow the voice. On the far side of the atrium, against a
beautifully detailed mosaic of the sun sinking into the sea, is a throne
carved from veined marble. It is perched at the top of a tall pillar,
raising it almost to the level of the dome. An aeda woman sits elegantly
on the throne, her dark green wings fanned out majestically behind her.
Her hair is long and loose, the emerald locks cascading over her
shoulders. Silver markings shine brightly against her weathered, tawny
skin, circling her eyes like streaks of lightning, masking the lines and
wrinkles of age. She is dressed simply, yet elegantly—long green robes
swirl around her, the fabric hanging several feet off the throne,
dangling like tendrils.
Anselma Malley, the Viridian Lady.
She glances at you briefly, a cold smile on her lips, but her attention
returns to a gaunt man standing below her. His back is to you, but you
note his dishevelled clothing, the green kerchief on his arm.
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>There’s something
familiar about him…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Oh, shit. Is that…?|CHAPTER 1 VL 1300
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Doesn’t matter. Your attention
should be on the Lady and no one else. Interrupting her now seems like a
bad idea.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1300
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1400 DID NOT MEET
KANE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
smile awkwardly, not sure what to make of her statement. You’re not
sure what to make of her. The Lady seems unbothered by your arrival,
which is… not what you expected.
Her eyes sweep over you, a green light burning in her irises. “Leave us,
Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1202]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
smile, leaning into your humorous tone, your sarcasm covering your
uncertainty. You’re not sure what to make of her statement. You’re not
sure what to make of her. The Lady seems unbothered by your arrival,
which is… not what you expected.
Her eyes sweep over you, a green light burning in her irises. “Leave us,
Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1202]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fold your arms, your jaw clenched. You’re not sure what to make of her
statement. You’re not sure what to make of her. The Lady seems
unbothered by your arrival, which is… not what you expected.
“I can see you have little patience for trivialities,” she says. Her
eyes sweep over you, a green light burning in her irises. “But take
care, sellsword, that your impatience does not turn to disrespect. I
will not tolerate insults in my own house.”
You nod silently. <i>Don’t insult her. Great note.</i>
“Leave us, Starling,” the Lady commands. “I will have words in private
with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1202]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
remain still, rooted to the floor as you stare up at her, waiting for
her to speak. The Lady says nothing, observing you quietly with those
glowing green eyes as she lounges on her elaborate throne. You wonder
whether it’s her aeda sensibilities that made her add something so
impractical to her atrium, a show of power or a flair for the dramatic.
Perhaps all three. Regardless, your neck is starting to hurt from all
this craning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wait for her to speak.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1203
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you want to talk in private, why
don’t you come down? Might make this friendly conversation a little
easier.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1203
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady pauses, as if waiting for you to speak. When you say nothing, she
tilts her head, observing you through narrowed eyes, and pushes off her
throne. She descends in an elegant spiral and settles onto the marble
floor beside you. Folding her wings, she draws herself up to her full
height.
Up close, she is a powerfully built woman. <<if $height is "very
tall">>Even though she matches your height, she strikes an
imposing bearing that makes you feel small in comparison.<<elseif
$height is "tall">>Even though you are relatively tall yourself,
she strikes an imposing bearing that towers over
you.<<else>>She towers over you with an imposing
bearing.<</if>>
Pushing past you, she walks languidly over to the pool and sits on the
edge, her back to you. She leans over and trails her fingers in the
water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1204]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady laughs, a deep throaty laugh that resonates around the atrium. She
stands, balancing on the edge of her throne, wings spread behind her.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“A pity you cannot take to the
skies, cousin,” she says. Her eyes sweep across your face, taking in
your crest. “To be born beyond the clans, without magic. You have done
well, considering your disadvantages.”
You grunt. You avoid any discussion of your parents on principle—that is
old history, buried long ago. You don’t need to be
pitied.<<else>>“A shame you cannot take to the skies,” she
says. “But alas, it is a realm far beyond you.”<</if>>
The Lady pushes off her throne, descending in an elegant spiral. She
settles onto the marble floor beside you, folds her wings, and draws
herself to her full height. Up close, she is a powerfully built woman.
<<if $height is "very tall">>Even though she matches your
height, she strikes an imposing bearing that makes you feel small in
comparison.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Even though you are
relatively tall yourself, she strikes an imposing bearing that towers
over you.<<else>>She towers over you with an imposing
bearing.<</if>>
Pushing past you, she walks languidly over to the pool and sits on the
edge, her back to you. She leans over and trails her fingers in the
water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1204]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“By all rights, I should kill
you now,” the Lady says, watching the water lilies. “You killed one of
my subordinates earlier today. The man was an uncontrolled boor who has
mangled his assignments time and again—the poor greendrift boy he
manipulated into targeting you is just one example of his incompetence.
While I am very glad to be relieved of him, he served a purpose and his
death is an affront against me.”
<<if $aerankane is true>>She glances at you, the curve of
her lips pulling upwards in a sly smile. There’s a quiet, but powerful
confidence in her voice and posture. She’s alone with you, an armed
mercenary employed by her rival, and her back is to you, and yet she
doesn’t fear you or your actions. She is not someone who can be
threatened.
You pause, hesitant to interrupt. Aeran killed Kane, but arguing over
the specifics doesn’t seem wise.<<else>>She glances at you,
the curve of her lips pulling upwards in a sly smile. There’s a quiet,
but powerful confidence in her voice and posture. She’s alone with you,
an armed mercenary employed by her rival, and her back is to you, and
yet she doesn’t fear you or your actions. She is not someone who can be
threatened.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“However,” the Lady continues, “you are far more skilled than
Merrick Kane ever was. Killing you in return for killing him would be a
waste, and one that would disrupt the delicate balance between Cere
Nalos and myself at that. The lengths to which he has gone to recruit
you into his fold… he would be most upset if you died before you can
carry out your mission.”
You blink. “What do you mean, the lengths he went to recruit me?”
The Lady cups a water lily, pulling it towards the edge of the pool.
“Why did you think work was so difficult for you to find? Because no one
trusts a Wayfarer?”
You clench your jaw. “In my experience, that sentiment isn’t exactly
unique.”
The Lady sighs and shoots you a dissatisfied look. “Please,” she says.
“This isn’t Arathia. You’re in a city of outcasts and pariahs. Your
abilities set you apart. With your skills, you could easily oust one of
our leaders and become part of the Seven.”
You fold your arms and look away. You have always lived your life on the
move, journeying from one place to another, never settling for more
than a few years. Wherever you have gone, you have been looked upon with
fearful respect or outright distrust.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Your Order is dead, true,” the Lady continues. “But you are
much more than a common sellsword. A shame that is all you allow
yourself to be.” She turns, gently pushing the water lily back through
the rippling water. “The Count had his eye on you the moment you and
your companion landed on these shores. He is not one to act in haste.
Rather, he watched you carefully, taking stock of who hired you for your
skills, then slowly weeded out the competition until you had no choice
but to turn to him.”
Your gut twists, but you force yourself to remain silent. You dislike
her line of thought and you wouldn’t put it past the Lady to lie to your
face… but the more you think about it, the more it rings true. The
Seven are not to be trifled with and they are very adept at getting what
they want. If the Crimson Count wanted you in his fold, you’re not
surprised he manipulated events to leave you with no other choice.
A sick knot forms in the pit of your stomach.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“If I hadn’t been distracted with other matters, I would have
propositioned you first,” the Lady says. “And yet here we are and these
are the parts we must play.” One wing twitches, draping over her
shoulder as she turns back to you, folding her hands neatly in her lap.
Her fingers are long and lean, ending in talon-like nails painted a
shimmering emerald. Like the rest of the Seven, the Viridian Lady knows
how to keep to a theme. “Where is the other?”
You blink. “The other…?”
“Your companion,” she replies. “The other Wayfarer. The one who follows
you with the devotion of a tamed hound.”
You pause. Aeran definitely wouldn’t appreciate being compared to a dog.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Careful. I don’t typically stand by and let
people insult my friend.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1205 A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s not… quite like that.”|CHAPTER
1 VL 1205 B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You may have a point, but it’s
neither here nor there.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1205 C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
Lady arches an eyebrow. “Is it an insult if it is the truth?”
“I—”
“Regardless, you do not deny it,” she continues, cutting across you.
“How heartening. Two survivors of a broken order, banding together to
travel the world… Bards have committed worse tales to song.”
You flush. “Our lives aren’t some whimsical tale of fancy for the
entertainment of others,” you grunt.
She smiles coyly, green eyes sweeping over you. “You avoid my question,”
she says. “Where is your companion?”
A shiver runs down your spine. You must be careful how you answer her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the
truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her Aeran
isn’t here and that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell her a half-truth.
You don’t technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this
moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL
THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] Tell her Aeran isn’t here and
that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell her a half-truth. You don’t
technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>She
chuckles. “Your hesitance indicates otherwise,” she says coyly. “How
interesting.” Her green eyes sweep over you. “But regardless, you avoid
my question. Where is your companion?”
A shiver runs down your spine. You must be careful how you answer her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the
truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her Aeran
isn’t here and that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell her a half-truth.
You don’t technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this
moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL
THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] Tell her Aeran isn’t here and
that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell her a half-truth. You don’t
technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>She
tilts her head. “Interesting,” she says. “So that is how you see your
partnership.”
“That’s not what I meant,” you interrupt flatly.
“Is it not?” She smiles coyly. “You have revealed something about
yourself that you did not intend. Curious, sellsword. Curious, indeed.”
Her green eyes sweep over you. “Regardless, you avoid my question. Where
is your companion?”
A shiver runs down your spine. You must be careful how you answer her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the
truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her Aeran
isn’t here and that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell her a half-truth.
You don’t technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this
moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 TELL
THE TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] Tell her Aeran isn’t here and
that you came alone.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1206 LIE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell her a half-truth. You don’t
technically know where Aeran is… exactly… at this moment.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1206 HALF TRUTH
PASS]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Kane?” you blurt. “What the
hell are you doing here?”
Two Fingers Kane turns, his hollow eyes burning as he sees you.
“$lastname,” he spits. “I’d ask you the same thing, but I’d trust your
answer about as much as I’d trust a rat in a pantry.”<<if $vlplan
is "backdoor">> His eyes flicker over you, taking in the dirty
smudges from your fall. “You’re looking a little worse for wear. So
where you’d find $himher, Starling? Crawling out of a
sewer—”<</if>>
“Enough!” the Lady intones, her thunderous voice echoing through the
atrium. “This ceaseless prattle of yours tries my patience, Kane.”
“Apologies, my Lady,” Kane says. He raises his chin and draws himself up
to his full height, one hand resting on his sword hilt. “This is the
one who nearly killed me.”
“And?” the Lady replies. She leans back on her throne, an unimpressed
look on her face. “What do you expect me to do with that information?”
A muscle twitches in his jaw. “What do I—” he splutters. He rounds on
you, gesticulating wildly. “Kill $himher! Get rid of $himher!”
The Lady rolls her eyes with boredom. She leans one elbow on the armrest
of her throne, resting her chin against her fist as she watches his
gestures as Kane continues to splutter, tripping over his own words as
he lists a garbled account of your infractions.
“You dare command me, Kane?” she says quietly, interrupting him
mid-tirade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“A… poor choice of words, my lady, but it was in response to—”
“My power is not yours to do with as you please,” she interrupts
sharply. “I’ve seen your actions, Kane, you wield my name as a threat to
get whatever you please. Between this and your misadventures with the
greendrifts in Flotsam Grove, you have proven an uncanny ability to
misinterpret the most basic of commands in favour of your own wishes. My
patience grows thin.”
“I act only in your interests, my lady!” Kane stammers. He pulls
nervously at a lock of grimy hair. “You said yourself, the Count’s
influence has taken over this city. And with this Wayfarer on his side—”
The Lady laughs, green eyes flashing. “Sides? You think there is
something as mundane as <i>sides</i> in this conflict?”
“Well—”
“Do not interrupt me!” she snaps. Kane flinches, cowering below her.
“The Seven maintain a careful balance in this city, a balance necessary
to our survival. Rona will not survive a skirmish between the Seven, not
with our enemies biting at our borders. Attacking the Count’s
mercenaries is a declaration of war, one I have no intention of making.
But it seems something so straight forward is far beyond someone as
small-minded as yourself.”
Cowed, Kane hangs his head. “But the Wayfarers—”
“As your woefully inept attempt to eliminate one of them has proven,”
the Lady says, “they are <i>not</i> your concern.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The Lady pushes off the throne, wings spread wide, and rockets
through the air. She collides into him, gripping him by the throat, and
pushes him into the marble floor. Kane squirms under her grasp. Her
fingers tighten and he goes still.
“You represent me, Kane,” the Lady hisses. “My name, my laws. If you
cannot abide by them, I will replace you.” There’s a dangerous edge to
the way she says replace. It leaves no room for misinterpretation.
She turns her head, casting an eye in your direction. “The assault on
your person was carried out without my knowledge or permission,” she
says. “You and your employer are the injured party here. What would you
have me do with him?”
You pause, rooted to the spot, a million questions filling your mind.
You were caught attempting to infiltrate the Lady’s villa and here she
is asking you to choose the fate of her lackey—a man whose life you have
already spared. There’s a play here, but you can’t figure out what.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her to let him go.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301
LET KANE GO][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell her to get rid of him.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1301 GET RID OF KANE][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell her you don’t care.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1301 YOU DON'T CARE][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You don’t care either way, but you
want some answers. Ask Kane why he attacked you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301 GET
ANSWERS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I grow weary,” the Lady says, a
deep frown creasing her brow. “Between this and your misadventures with
the greendrifts in Flotsam Grove, you are on dangerous ground. Your
uncanny ability to misinterpret the most basic of commands in favour of
your own wishes tries my patience.”
“I act only in your interests, my lady!” the man stammers. He pulls
nervously at a lock of grimy hair. “You said yourself, the Count’s
influence has taken over this city. And with Wayfarers on his side—”
The Lady laughs, green eyes flashing. “Sides? You think there is
something as mundane as <i>sides</i> in this conflict?”
“Well—”
“Do not interrupt me!” She rises out of her seat, wings spread behind
her. The man flinches, cowering below her. “The Seven maintain a careful
balance in this city, a balance necessary to our survival. Rona will
not survive a skirmish between the Seven, not with our enemies biting at
our borders. Attacking the Count’s mercenaries is a declaration of war,
one I have no intention of making. But it seems something so straight
forward is far beyond someone as small-minded as yourself.”
Cowed, the man hangs his head. “But the Wayfarers—”
“As your woefully inept attempt to eliminate one of them has proven,”
the Lady says, “they are not your concern.”
The man bristles.
“But I suppose if you insist,” she continues languidly, leaning back
casually on the throne, “there’s one standing behind you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The man wheels around, his eyes going wide as he spots you.
Looking even more disheveled and bedraggled than before, Two Fingers
Kane bares his teeth and goes for his sword. His blade is half drawn
when the Lady pushes off the throne, wings spread wide, and rockets
through the air. She collides into him, gripping him by the throat, and
pushes him into the marble floor.
Kane squirms under her grasp. The Lady’s fingers tighten and he goes
still.
“You represent me, Kane,” the Lady hisses. “My name, my laws. If you
cannot abide by them, I will replace you.” There’s a dangerous edge to
the way she says <i>replace.</i> It leaves no room for
misinterpretation.
She turns her head, casting an eye in your direction. “The assault on
your person was carried out without my knowledge or permission,” she
says. “You and your employer are the injured party here. What would you
have me do with him?”
You pause, rooted to the spot, a million questions filling your mind.
You were caught attempting to infiltrate the Lady’s villa and here she
is asking you to choose the fate of her lackey—a man whose life you have
already spared. There’s a play here, but you can’t figure out what.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her to let him go.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301
LET KANE GO][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell her to get rid of him.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1301 GET RID OF KANE][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell her you don’t care.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1301 YOU DON'T CARE][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You don’t care either way, but you
want some answers. Ask Kane why he attacked you.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301 GET
ANSWERS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I grow weary,” the Lady says, a
deep frown creasing her brow. “Between this and your misadventures with
the greendrifts in Flotsam Grove, you are on dangerous ground. Your
uncanny ability to misinterpret the most basic of commands in favour of
your own wishes tries my patience.”
“I act only in your interests, my lady!” the man stammers. He pulls
nervously at a lock of grimy hair. “You said yourself, the Count’s
influence has taken over this city. And with Wayfarers on his side—”
The Lady laughs, green eyes flashing. “Sides? You think there is
something as mundane as <i>sides</i> in this conflict?”
“Well—”
“Do not interrupt me!” She rises out of her seat, wings spread behind
her. The man flinches, cowering below her. “The Seven maintain a careful
balance in this city, a balance necessary to our survival. Rona will
not survive a skirmish between the Seven, not with our enemies biting at
our borders. Attacking the Count’s mercenaries is a declaration of war,
one I have no intention of making. But it seems something so straight
forward is far beyond someone as small-minded as yourself.”
Cowed, the man hangs his head. “But the Wayfarers—”
“As your woefully inept attempt to eliminate one of them has proven,”
the Lady says, “they are not your concern.”
The man bristles.
“But I suppose if you insist,” she continues languidly, leaning back
casually on the throne, “there’s one standing behind you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The man wheels around, his eyes going wide as he spots you.
“You,” he stammers. “What are <i>you</i> doing here?” He
gestures wildly in your direction. He is missing several fingers.
“Am I supposed to know you?” you retort.
The man growls and goes for his sword. His blade is half drawn when the
Lady pushes off the throne, wings spread wide, and rockets through the
air. She collides into him, gripping him by the throat, and pushes him
into the marble floor.
The man squirms under her grasp. The Lady’s fingers tighten and he goes
still.
“You represent me, Kane,” the Lady hisses. “My name, my laws. If you
cannot abide by them, I will replace you.” There’s a dangerous edge to
the way she says replace. It leaves no room for misinterpretation.
She turns her head, casting an eye in your direction. “You were targeted
by a young greendrift boy earlier today,” she says. “A foolish play by
this one that reeks of desperation and incompetence. He hoped you would
follow the boy to Rat Alley, where he and his cronies would then assault
you. This plan was carried out without my knowledge or permission, and I
am very pleased you did not fall for it.”
<<if $kanetalk is true>>Your eyes widen. So this must be Two
Fingers Kane, the man Luthais mentioned after the altercation this
morning… You hadn’t given him a second thought after leaving for the
Docks.<<else>>Your eyes widen. So that’s what was behind the
altercation this morning…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The Lady sighs in disgust. A green glow burns in her eyes as
her magic manifests. Kane flinches, frozen in fear. Suddenly, the Lady
straightens, releasing him as she flows gracefully backwards into the
air. She hovers a few feet above the floor, the hem of her robes
swirling about her legs and brushing the marble.
“Go,” she says, the green light fading from her eyes. “Leave my sight,
Kane. If you ever attempt something so foolish again, remember that I
will show no more tolerance.”
Kane pushes himself up, wheezing, one hand rubbing his neck. He bows
deeply, unable to make eye contact, and scurries out of the atrium.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I must choose my underlings more carefully in
the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection for those willing
to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.” She turns to her
subordinate. “Leave us, Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in
private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Let
him go,” you say. “He’s not worth the effort.”
Kane looks from you to the Lady desperately, frozen in fear. The Lady
smiles dangerously, a green glow burning in her eyes as her magic
manifests. Then suddenly, she straightens, releasing him as she flows
gracefully backwards into the air. She hovers a few feet above the
floor, the hem of her robes swirling about her legs and brushing the
marble.
“Be grateful there are those who choose mercy over revenge,” she says,
the green light fading from her eyes. “Now go.”
Kane pushes himself up, wheezing, one hand rubbing his neck. He bows
deeply, unable to make eye contact, and scurries out of the atrium.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I must choose my underlings more carefully in
the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection for those willing
to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.” She turns to her
subordinate. “Leave us, Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in
private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$ladykilledkane to true>>You look Kane in the eye. “Why keep
someone so inept around?” you say. “Get rid of him.”
The Lady glances at you, smiling dangerously. “We are of one mind, it
seems, sellsword,” she says. “Most excellent.”
She clenches her fingers around Kane’s throat. He gasps for breath,
fingers scrabbling at the back of her hands.
He wheezes, but his words are unintelligible. His eyes bulge as he
struggles against her grasp, but the Lady holds still as she strangles
him. He looks at you pleadingly, but you silently shake your head, firm
in your decision.
Slowly, Kane ceases to struggle. He lies limp on the floor, eyes wide
and unseeing. The Lady tilts her head, a strange, dangerous smile on her
face as she releases him. She straightens, flowing gracefully backwards
into the air to hover a few feet above the floor. The hem of her robes
swirl around her legs, brushing the marble.
“Starling,” she says, “clean that up. I have business to attend to with
our interloper.”
In a rush of wings and air, Starling flies by you, seizing Kane’s body
by the arms and takes off, disappearing over the edge of the balcony.
The Lady watches them go, sighing wearily. “I must choose my underlings
more carefully in the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection
for those willing to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vlmark +=1>>“Then do what you want with him,” you say. “I don’t
care.”
Kane looks from you to the Lady desperately, frozen in fear. The Lady
smiles dangerously, a green glow burning in her eyes as her magic
manifests. Then suddenly, she straightens, releasing him as she flows
gracefully backwards into the air. She hovers a few feet above the
floor, the hem of her robes swirling about her legs and brushing the
marble.
“Be grateful there are those who choose mercy over revenge,” she says,
the green light fading from her eyes. “Now go.”
Kane pushes himself up, wheezing, one hand rubbing his neck. He bows
deeply, unable to make eye contact, and scurries out of the atrium.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I must choose my underlings more carefully in
the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection for those willing
to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.” She turns to her
subordinate. “Leave us, Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in
private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Give
me a moment first,” you say. “If he was acting outside your orders, I’d
like to know why he targeted me.”
The Lady nods. “Of course. I’d like to hear such justification myself.”
Kane’s eyes bulge. He glances at the Lady and wheezes something, but his
words are garbled.
She tilts her head, the curve of her lips pulling upwards in a dangerous
smile. Her fingers loosen. “Speak plainly, Kane,” she commands, her
voice echoing across the atrium. “Why did you attack $himher? I will
know if you lie.”
He glares at you with hot, uncontained anger. “Because <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
are<<else>>$heshe’s<</if>> a Wayfarer. Cursed,
godless unnatural fiends who deserve to rot.”
You raise your chin and return his glare. You’ve had worse thrown at
you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You have your answer. Let the Lady do as she
pleases.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisfriend is
true>>[[2. Push for one more question. Ask him about
Luthais.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301 ASK ABOUT
LUTHAIS]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story requirements
have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Then
do what you want with him,” you say. “I don’t care.”
Kane looks from you to the Lady desperately, frozen in fear. The Lady
smiles dangerously, a green glow burning in her eyes as her magic
manifests. Then suddenly, she straightens, releasing him as she flows
gracefully backwards into the air. She hovers a few feet above the
floor, the hem of her robes swirling about her legs and brushing the
marble.
“Be grateful there are those who choose mercy over revenge,” she says,
the green light fading from her eyes. “Now go.”
Kane pushes himself up, wheezing, one hand rubbing his neck. He bows
deeply, unable to make eye contact, and scurries out of the atrium.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I must choose my underlings more carefully in
the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection for those willing
to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.” She turns to her
subordinate. “Leave us, Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in
private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
hate what I am,” you say as steadily as you can manage, “why drag a kid
into it? If this was between you and me, why not come after me
yourself? Why get Luthais involved—”
Kane laughs hoarsely. “The kid’s a greendrift, what do you expect? They
do anything for money—and not that well at that. Kid bungled the job.”
You scowl. “Leave him alone, Kane.”
“His mother owes me,” he snarls. “That bitch is drowning in her debts,
I’ll do as I please—”
The Lady sighs wearily and she clenches her fingers around his throat.
Kane’s words cut off as he gasps for breath, his fingers scrabbling at
the back of her hands.
“As always, Kane, you talk too much,” she says coldly, squeezing
tighter. “I am glad to be rid of you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop her.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301 LUTHAIS STOP
LADY]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t stop her.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1301
LUTHAIS DON'T STOP LADY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,”
you interrupt. “Don’t. Someone as despicable as him isn’t worth the
trouble.”
The Lady tilts her head, observing Kane through cold, green eyes. “No,”
she muses. “I suppose the wayfaring sellsword is correct. You are not
worth it.” She smiles dangerously, a green glow burning in her eyes as
her magic manifests. Then suddenly, she straightens, releasing him as
she flows gracefully backwards into the air. She hovers a few feet above
the floor, the hem of her robes swirling about her legs and brushing
the marble.
“Be grateful there are those who choose mercy over revenge, Kane,” she
says, the green light fading from her eyes. “Now go.”
Kane pushes himself up, wheezing, one hand rubbing his neck. He bows
deeply, unable to make eye contact, and scurries out of the atrium.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I must choose my underlings more carefully in
the future,” she says. “Unfortunately, the selection for those willing
to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.” She turns to her
subordinate. “Leave us, Starling,” she commands. “I will have words in
private with this one.”
Starling nods and takes off into the air, flying out over the balcony,
and disappears into the rainy air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$ladykilledkane to true>>Kane wheezes, but his words are
unintelligible. His eyes bulge as he struggles against her grasp, but
the Lady holds still as she strangles him. He looks at you pleadingly,
but you stay still, unwilling to interfere. You spared his life once;
you’re not doing so again. If the Lady wants to kill him, so be it.
Slowly, Kane ceases to struggle. He lies limp on the floor, eyes wide
and unseeing. The Lady tilts her head, a strange, dangerous smile on her
face as she releases him. She straightens, flowing gracefully backwards
into the air to hover a few feet above the floor. The hem of her robes
swirl around her legs, brushing the marble.
“Starling,” she says, “clean that up. I have business to attend to with
our interloper.”
In a rush of wings and air, Starling flies by you, seizing Kane’s body
by the arms and takes off, disappearing over the edge of the balcony.
The Lady watches them go, sighing wearily. “I must choose my underlings
more carefully in the future,” she muses. “Unfortunately, the selection
for those willing to undertake the more dubious jobs is slim at best.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1401 CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The Lady steps towards you.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“A pity you cannot take to the
skies, cousin,” she says. Her eyes sweep across your face, taking in
your crest. “To be born beyond the clans, without magic. You have done
well, considering your disadvantages.”
You grunt. You avoid any discussion of your parents on principle—that is
old history, buried long ago. You don’t need to be
pitied.<<else>>“A shame you cannot take to the skies,” she
says. “But alas, it is a realm far beyond you.”<</if>>
You shrug, watching her cautiously. Up close, she is a powerfully built
woman. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though she matches
your height, she strikes an imposing bearing that makes you feel small
in comparison.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Even though you
are relatively tall yourself, she strikes an imposing bearing that
towers over you.<<else>>She towers over you with an imposing
bearing.<</if>> She arches an eyebrow and pushes past you,
walking languidly over to the pool. She sits on the edge, her back to
you, and trails her fingers in the water.
“I must apologize for Kane’s behaviour,” the Lady says, watching the
water lilies. “The man <<if $ladykilledkane is
true>>was<<else>>is<</if>> an uncontrolled
boor who has mangled his assignments time and again—the poor greendrift
boy he manipulated into targeting you is just one example of his
incompetence.”
She glances at you, the curve of her lips pulling upwards in a sly
smile. There’s a quiet, but powerful confidence in her voice and
posture. She’s alone with you, an armed mercenary employed by her rival,
and her back is to you, and yet she doesn’t fear you or your actions.
She is not someone who can be threatened.
“I hope you will not share this matter with the Count,” she says. “There
is a delicate balance between myself and Cere Nalos that I do not wish
to disrupt. Particularly where you are concerned. The lengths to which
he has gone to recruit you into his fold—”
You blink. “What do you mean, the lengths he went to recruit me?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The Lady cups a water lily, pulling it towards the edge of the
pool. “Why did you think work was so difficult for you to find? Because
no one trusts a Wayfarer?”
You clench your jaw. “In my experience, that sentiment isn’t exactly
unique.”
The Lady sighs and shoots you a dissatisfied look. “Please,” she says.
“This isn’t Arathia. You’re in a city of outcasts and pariahs. Your
abilities set you apart. With your skills, you could easily oust one of
our leaders and become part of the Seven.”
You fold your arms and look away. You have always lived your life on the
move, journeying from one place to another, never settling for more
than a few years. Wherever you have gone, you have been looked upon with
fearful respect or outright distrust.
“Your Order is dead, true,” the Lady continues. “But you are much more
than a common sellsword. A shame that is all you allow yourself to be.”
She turns, gently pushing the water lily back through the rippling
water. “The Count had his eye on you the moment you and your companion
landed on these shores. He is not one to act in haste. Rather, he
watched you carefully, taking stock of who hired you for your skills,
then slowly weeded out the competition until you had no choice but to
turn to him.”
Your gut twists, but you force yourself to remain silent. You dislike
her line of thought and you wouldn’t put it past the Lady to lie to your
face… but the more you think about it, the more it rings true. The
Seven are not to be trifled with and they are very adept at getting what
they want. If the Crimson Count wanted you in his fold, you’re not
surprised he manipulated events to leave you with no other choice.
A sick knot forms in the pit of your stomach.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“If I hadn’t been distracted with other matters, I would have
propositioned you first,” the Lady says. “And yet here we are and these
are the parts we must play.” One wing twitches, draping over her
shoulder as she turns back to you, folding her hands neatly in her lap.
Her fingers are long and lean, ending in talon-like nails painted a
shimmering emerald. Like the rest of the Seven, the Viridian Lady knows
how to keep to a theme. “Where is the other?”
You blink. “The other…?”
“Your companion,” she replies. “The other Wayfarer. The one who follows
you with the devotion of a tamed hound.”
You pause. Aeran definitely wouldn’t appreciate being compared to a dog.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Careful. I don’t typically stand by and let
people insult my friend.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1205 A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s not… quite like that.”|CHAPTER
1 VL 1205 B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You may have a point, but it’s
neither here nor there.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1205 C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>No
point in lying. You have a feeling she’d see right through you.
<<if $vlplan is "backdoor">>“Last I saw him he was on the
cliffs outside your villa,” you say. “We attempted to infiltrate your
house by climbing. When I fell, your sentry caught me, but Aeran was
left on the cliffs. I imagine he has found a way in by now.” You pause,
shifting your weight and grounding yourself firmly on the floor. “Your
sentries should not attempt to stop him. That would end… badly for
them.”
You’ve seen it before, many years ago. There is nothing deadlier to an
aeda than an archer who knows their weak points.
The Lady smiles vivaciously and laughs, her eyes glinting. “Indeed,” she
says. “When my people notified me that you had reached the Isle, I
instructed them to stay far away. They would not have interfered had you
not nearly fallen to your death, but alas. Trifles. I much prefer to
speak to you myself, without the distraction of your hot-headed friend.”
The hair raises on the back of your neck and you force down an
uncomfortable lump in your throat. From the moment you stepped onto the
South Isle, you were being watched. You could have saved yourself the
trouble of scaling the cliffs and knocked on the front
door.<<else>>“Last I saw him he was on the cliffs outside
your villa,” you say. “I was to go in through the front, while he went
in through the back. I’m not sure if he saw the… incident at the front
gate, but he wouldn’t leave me here on my own. I imagine he has found a
way in by now.” You pause, shifting your weight and grounding yourself
firmly on the floor. “Your sentries should not attempt to stop him. That
would end… badly for them.”
You’ve seen it before, many years ago. There is nothing deadlier to an
aeda than an archer who knows their weak points.
The Lady smiles vivaciously and laughs, her eyes glinting. “Indeed,” she
says. “When my people notified me that you had reached the Isle, I
instructed them to stay far away. They would not have interfered had you
not made a commotion at the gate. I am glad your companion did not
accompany you. I much prefer to speak to you myself, without the
distraction of your hot-headed friend.”
The hair raises on the back of your neck. From the moment you stepped
onto the South Isle, you were being watched. You know the Lady has eyes
everywhere, but that knowledge does nothing to dull your
uneasiness.<</if>>
“I have been informed he has safely reached the villa,” the Lady
continues. “Time is short before he finds his way here. Let us play our
roles. Conduct your investigation, sellsword, and I will answer as I see
fit.”
You pause, fingers digging into the sides of your arms. The Lady seems
eager to speak to you—for now. But you should take care of how you speak
to her regardless.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<set
$vlmark +=1>><i>Keep it simple,</i> you tell
yourself. Too elaborate a lie and she will see right through you.
“He’s not here,” you say. “The Count grows impatient and we thought it
best to split our investigation…”
Your words fade. The Lady stares at you through narrowed eyes, her lips
pursed tightly together, cold disapproval etched into every inch of her
face. She isn’t easily fooled and, worse still, she’s displeased you
even tried.
“How unfortunate,” she says coolly. “I had hoped you would show more
sense than a common sellsword, but alas. You are as foolish as the rest
of your ilk.”
She rests a hand against the lip of the pool, talons tapping against the
marble. “My people notified me at once when you and your companion
reached the Isle,” she continues. “Out of curiosity, I instructed them
to leave you be and to watch you closely.
<<if $vlplan is "frontdoor">>They would not have interfered
had you not made a commotion at the gate.<<else>>They would
not have interfered had you not nearly fallen to your
death.<</if>> Don’t try to lie to me again, Wayfarer, I will
know if you do.”
You nod. Your mouth has gone dry, the hair raising on the back of your
neck as your sense of unease grows. The Viridian Lady cannot be played.
If you’re to leave her villa intact, you should not try again.
“I have been informed your companion has safely reached the villa,” the
Lady continues. “He will reach us soon. Time is short. Let us play our
roles. Conduct your investigation, sellsword, and I will answer as I see
fit.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>You
have a feeling the Lady will see straight through a lie, but that
doesn’t mean you have to be honest either.
“I don’t know,” you say bluntly. “He could be on the cliffs, he could be
in the villa, he could be on his way back to the city for all I know, I
don’t keep track of him.”
The Lady stares at you and falls silent for an uncomfortable amount of
time. Then she smiles broadly, a short, uncharacteristic giggle bubbling
out of her. “A fair response, Wayfarer,” she says. “In truth, my people
notified me at once when you and your companion reached the Isle. Out
of curiosity, I instructed them to leave you be and to watch closely.
<<if $vlplan is "frontdoor">>They would not have interfered
had you not made a commotion at the gate.<<else>>They would
not have interfered had you not nearly fallen to your
death.<</if>>”
You nod. Your mouth has gone dry, the hair raising on the back of your
neck. You can’t quite shake your sense of unease; somehow, the Lady’s
laughter has made it worse.
“I have been informed your companion has safely reached the villa,” she
continues. “He will reach us soon. Time is short. Let us play our roles.
Conduct your investigation, sellsword, and I will answer as I see fit.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlmark
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1 2 3>>Consider your questions
carefully. You do not know how long you have before she cuts this
interrogation short.
What should you ask the Lady?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 A BAD
CHALICE")>><s>1. “Why is it called the Chalice of Offering? I
haven’t heard that term before.”</s><<else>>[[1. “Why
is it called the Chalice of Offering? I haven’t heard that term
before.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 A BAD CHALICE]]<</if>>
</div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
BAD GALA")>><s>2. “What happened the night of the
gala?”</s><<else>>[[2. “What happened the night of the
gala?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 BAD GALA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
BAD ANTIQUITIES")>><s>3. “You collect magical antiquities.
How badly do you want the chalice in your
collection?”</s><<else>>[[3. “You collect magical
antiquities. How badly do you want the chalice in your
collection?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 BAD
ANTIQUITIES]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
BAD RIVAL")>><s>4. “You’re the Count’s rival. If the chalice
is so powerful, seems like it could tip the scales in your favour. How
far would you go to oust him from
power?”</s><<else>>[[4. “You’re the Count’s rival. If
the chalice is so powerful, seems like it could tip the scales in your
favour. How far would you go to oust him from power?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
BAD RIVAL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
BAD GREENDRIFT")>><s>5. “Kane was meddling with the
greendrifts in Flotsam Grove. Was this on your orders or was he acting
on his own?”</s><<else>>[[5. “Kane was meddling with
the greendrifts in Flotsam Grove. Was this on your orders or was he
acting on his own?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 BAD
GREENDRIFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>
<<default>>The
Lady smiles and smoothly rises to her feet, drawing herself to her
full, imposing height. She brushes her glossy hair over her shoulder and
takes a step towards you, her eyes glinting dangerously in the atrium
lights. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though you match
her for height, the natural majesty she embodies makes you feel
insignificant in comparison.<<else>>She towers over you, her
natural majesty making you feel insignificant in
comparison.<</if>>
“That answer shall have to wait for another day,” she says coolly. “You
will have to sate yourself with the answers I have provided for I am no
longer keen to play the role of the willing respondent. Let us now turn
the tables.”
Green light flares in her eyes, illuminating the silver streaks of her
crest. A shimmering blade quietly appears in her hand, green energy
crackling down its edge. She holds it at her side, tip pointed down, her
skirts swelling around it as she moves.
You freeze, one hand resting on your sword hilt.
The Lady chuckles. “Concerned already?” she says pointedly. “You are
armed; it is only fair that I match you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You think you can match me? I can stop your
magic whenever I want.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1210 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You don’t need to threaten me. Ask
whatever you want, just as I did to you. That’s only fair.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
1210 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and stay silent. You’re not
going to rise to her goad.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1210
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1 2 3 4>>Consider your questions
carefully. You do not know how long you have before she cuts this
interrogation short.
What should you ask the Lady?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 A GOOD
CHALICE")>><s>1. “Why is it called the Chalice of Offering? I
haven’t heard that term before.”</s><<else>>[[1. “Why
is it called the Chalice of Offering? I haven’t heard that term
before.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 A GOOD
CHALICE]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
GOOD GALA")>><s>2. “What happened the night of the
gala?”</s><<else>>[[2. “What happened the night of the
gala?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 GOOD GALA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
GOOD ANTIQUITIES")>><s>3. “You collect magical antiquities.
How badly do you want the chalice in your
collection?”</s><<else>>[[3. “You collect magical
antiquities. How badly do you want the chalice in your
collection?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 GOOD
ANTIQUITIES]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
GOOD RIVAL")>><s>4. “You’re the Count’s rival. If the
chalice is so powerful, seems like it could tip the scales in your
favour. How far would you go to oust him from
power?”</s><<else>>[[4. “You’re the Count’s rival. If
the chalice is so powerful, seems like it could tip the scales in your
favour. How far would you go to oust him from power?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
GOOD RIVAL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1207
GOOD GREENDRIFT")>><s>5. “Kane was meddling with the
greendrifts in Flotsam Grove. Was this on your orders or was he acting
on his own?”</s><<else>>[[5. “Kane was meddling with
the greendrifts in Flotsam Grove. Was this on your orders or was he
acting on his own?”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 GOOD
GREENDRIFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>The
Lady smiles and smoothly rises to her feet, drawing herself to her
full, imposing height. She brushes her glossy hair over her shoulder and
takes a step towards you, her eyes glinting dangerously in the atrium
lights. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though you match
her for height, the natural majesty she embodies makes you feel
insignificant in comparison.<<else>>She towers over you, her
natural majesty making you feel insignificant in
comparison.<</if>>
“That answer shall have to wait for another day,” she says coolly. “You
will have to sate yourself with the answers I have provided for I am no
longer keen to play the role of the willing respondent. Let us now turn
the tables.”
Green light flares in her eyes, illuminating the silver streaks of her
crest. A shimmering blade quietly appears in her hand, green energy
crackling down its edge. She holds it at her side, tip pointed down, her
skirts swelling around it as she moves.
You freeze, one hand resting on your sword hilt.
The Lady chuckles. “Concerned already?” she says pointedly. “You are
armed; it is only fair that I match you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You think you can match me? I can stop your
magic whenever I want.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1210 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You don’t need to threaten me. Ask
whatever you want, just as I did to you. That’s only fair.”|CHAPTER 1 VL
1210 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and stay silent. You’re not
going to rise to her goad.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1210
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$chaliceinfo1 to true>>The Lady pauses. “You search for it, yet
you know nothing about it?” she says. “My disappointment in you grows.”
Your jaw clenches. You bristle at her words, but decide to make nothing
of it. “Unfortunately, we were not in the position to ask for
clarification,” you reply. “I know the Count has kept us deliberately in
the dark, but I’d rather not risk my neck more than I already am.”
“Then I’ll humour you,” she says. “You should know the reputation of the
object you seek.”
The Lady folds her hands in her lap and raises her head imperiously. Her
crest catches the atrium lights, glittering like diamonds.
“The Chalice of Offering comes from an age beyond the Astrandium,” she
begins. “Its magic is ancient and complex, its bindings crafted by the
lost arts of our predecessors.” Her eyes sweep over you, her gaze
lingering on the hilt of your sword. “A sentiment you should be familiar
with, considering your Alassar blade.”
You grunt, one hand skimming your hilt. “Yeah.”
“Its power is simple, but vast,” she continues. “Any food, drink or
other edible item offered to the chalice will be transformed into an
elixir that provides nourishment and cures any malady or wound.”
You fold your arms, pressing them tightly to your chest. “Sounds like a
myth,” you say.
“It is,” the Lady replies. “One that has graced the texts of many a
historian over the centuries, and yet here it is. In Rona. I do not know
how it was unearthed or who brought it here, but regardless, it did—and
it found its way into Nalos’ hands.”
“And then he lost it,” you say, smirking. <<if $chaliceinfo2 is
true>>Seems odd the Lady is unaware of Lars Drakehand’s
involvement, but bringing that up now feels
counterintuitive.<</if>>
The Lady pauses, her lips forming a thin line. “Indeed,” she says
darkly. “Any of the Seven would gladly give a limb to claim it as their
own.”
“Just a limb?” you ask, raising an eyebrow.
She smiles. “Or perhaps a few fingers at best,” she replies. “We’re not
the self-sacrificing kind. We do not act unless it benefits us in the
present moment.”
You fall silent, waiting for her to continue, but she says nothing. You
pause, considering what she has told you. You knew the chalice was
imbued with some kind of intricate magic, but the Count was light on the
details. If even half of what the Lady says is true, you know why the
Count is desperate to get it back. An artefact of amplified curative
magic is an extremely powerful tool.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$galainfo to true>>The Lady’s wings rustle as she shifts,
elegantly crossing her legs. She looks you straight in the eye, her
expression like stone. “It was a simple night,” she says. “A commonality
familiar to us all. Though we nip and bite at each other’s borders, by
our own elected laws the Seven must gather once a month to discuss the
state of the city. While we tolerate each other’s behaviours and
activities, when it comes to the wellbeing of our city, we must stand as
one. Any fracture in the façade leaves us vulnerable. If there is one
thing upon which we can all agree, Rona will never fall under the
influence of a foreign nation again.”
“No,” you reply carefully. “I doubt it will.”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“Do you?” she says pointedly.
“I know the Anaxas child has arrived on our shores, I know you have
dealt with her.”
<i>Fuck.</i>
You remain still and force yourself to remain quiet. She’s been watching
you, just as the Count has been watching you. The feeling leaves you on
edge.
“And yet,” the Lady continues, “you have refused her calling and
continue your mission. Perhaps you are as good as your word.”
You shrug and smile faintly, pushing down your unease. “I don’t like to
leave things unfinished,” you say. “If you hire me for a job, I do the
job.”
“How delightfully sincere of you,” she replies. “Or perhaps those are
your mercenary tendencies speaking.”
“Maybe you could tell me more about this gala,” you interrupt. “I know
myself pretty well, I’d like to talk less about me and more about
you.”<<else>>She smiles and nods in acknowledgement. “Very
astute, Wayfarer.”
“I’ve lived here for half a year, that’s long enough to learn how things
work around here.”
“Indeed,” she replies. “And yet you are so keen to leave our shores.”
You freeze, swallowing your momentary panic. While it could be a case of
keen observation and guesswork, you have a feeling there’s something
more sinister beneath the surface. You’d rather not know how she found
out intimate details about you and Aeran and your plans.
“Yes, well—” You cough, smiling awkwardly. “Maybe you could tell me more
about this gala. I know myself pretty well, I’d like to talk less about
me and more about you.”<</if>>
“Then, by all means, proceed with your questions.”
“What happened the night of the gala?”
One wing flicks impatiently across her shoulder. “What are you
suggesting, Wayfarer?” she says. “That I took the chalice?”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You
know Fisher was likely the one who took the chalice, but you’ve yet to
confirm who he was working for. You’re not about to reveal all your
cards to the Lady. It feels safer not to mention it.
“Did you?” you ask.<<else>>“Did you?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 GALA CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady blinks, letting out a surprised <i>tsk.</i> For a
moment, she seems uncharacteristically flustered. “The chalice is worth
more than every artefact in my possession combined,” she says,
recovering smoothly. “Of course I want it in my collection. However,
taking it by force, coercion or theft from Nalos’ hands would upset the
very delicate balance between us. I do not condone any actions that
would lead to open war amongst the Seven. Rona would not survive such a
conflict.”
“So you want it.”
“The acknowledgement of one’s desires does not signal the will to act
upon them,” she replies abruptly. <<if $gender is "female" or
$gender is "nb">>“I assure you, I can contain myself. After all,
if that were not the case, I would have had a very different proposition
for you.”
“Thanks,” you say. “Noted.”
<i>Let’s not focus too much on what she means by
that…</i><<else>>“I assure you, I can contain myself.”
“Thanks,” you say. “Noted.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
draws back, an irritated look flashing in her eyes. “Please,
sellsword,” she says. “Do not show your ignorance. You make the false
assumption that I wish to oust him at all. Cere Nalos is my rival, true,
but a rival is not an enemy and I do not want him dead. He has been a
powerful presence in Rona for longer than any of us can know. He was
here before any of the Seven were born and he will be here long after we
are dead. To remove him entirely leaves a void in the structure, one
too many fools will rush to fill. The chaos his death would cause is
more than enough to justify tolerating his position.”
You nod, biting back on your words. Best leave this line of questioning
alone; she has made her stance quite clear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo1 to true>>The Lady sighs, the tip of a wing
flicking in annoyance. “He acted on his own,” she says. “Kane enjoys
exercising what modicum of power he has obtained through his association
with me. Unfortunately, there are only a few he can successfully
torment. The greendrifts have become his favourite target.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>You nod, thinking of
Luthais. The scrappy, malnourished boy, paid to do Kane’s dirty work…
and Kane had mentioned his mother. It’s not beyond reason to conclude
that Kane threatened Luthais into luring you to Rat Alley this morning.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>It’s uncomfortably close to
memories of your youth.<<else>>You clench your fist and bite
back a burst of anger.<</if>><<else>>You nod.
From what you’ve seen of Kane, he seemed the type who would abuse
whatever little power he had.<</if>>
“Why bother with someone like him?” you say. “Not to be rude, but Kane
doesn’t seem your… type.”
The Lady chuckles. “And you would be correct. I am particular about
those who work for me and I demand a certain level of… finesse, shall we
say. However, there are times when it is necessary to look elsewhere,
to a different flock, so to speak. Strange events have been afoot in
Flotsam Grove ever since the Ebony Marquis’ disappearance.”
<<if $greendriftinfo2 is true>>You nod. This confirms what
Aegineta told you.
The Lady raises an eyebrow. “You seem unsurprised.”
You shrug. “I knew about the Marquis’ disappearance,” you say. “I do not
know much about him. I take it this is unusual?”
“Samwell Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks,” she
replies, “and, frankly, beneath our contempt. The lowest of the Seven.
We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it is not
uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but this
time is different.”
“Different how so?”<<else>>“The… what?” You round on her,
frowning deeply. “One of the Seven is missing?”
“Yes,” she replies coolly. “He has been missing for a month. Samwell
Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks and, frankly,
beneath our contempt. We do not usually concern ourselves with his
movements and it is not uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches
at a time, but this time is different.”
You grunt. Samwell Every, the Ebony Marquis. An eccentric little elven
man whom you’ve only seen once from a distance. He technically controls
the Grove, but the Grove is buried so far into the wetlands that it is
barely considered part of Rona at all. If he is indeed missing…
“Different how so?” you ask.<</if>>
“The greendrifts are emerging from the Grove in greater numbers than
before,” she replies. “In the past it was common for only the most
adventurous or desperate to cross Deadfall Marsh and enter Rona proper,
but now they walk the streets in Deadwood and Marshwall. They would only
be so bold if Every is not there to exercise his power.”
“And you find this concerning?”
“I find any disruption to the balance of power concerning,” the Lady
says shortly. “But you are concerned about a certain Chalice, no? Is
that not where your focus should remain?”
<<if $greendriftinfo2 is true>>You nod, falling
silent.<<else>>You nod, falling silent and mull over her
words. This news about the Grove and the Marquis is troubling, but
you’re not sure if it’s important or not.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady stretches a wing, the deep green iridescent feathers bristling as
it fans out behind her. “Nothing unusual occurred the night of the
gala,” she says. “We conducted our business—a process that took several
hours and left us with the desire to cut each other’s throats out of
exasperation. When it was concluded, we indulged ourselves in our usual
feasting and drinking and assorted revelries.”
“And after?” you prompt.
“I only saw the Chalice once that night,” she replies. “Nalos had set it
on display as a show of power—ever the dramatist, that one. It reeked
of barrier magic, adorned with such a web of enchantments it shone
brighter than the sun.” She rests a hand on the lip of the pool and
leans back, observing you through narrowed eyes. “As Nalos can tell you
himself, I never left the main atrium. As the two most powerful members
of the Seven, we were at each other’s sides the entire night—a display
of order and balance, one we are adept at performing. My magic does not
allow for me to cloak, disguise or transport myself. I did not take the
Chalice of Offering, nor did I order any of my subordinates to.”
You chew the inside of your cheek. <i>Of course she would say that
when asked upfront.</i>
Asking her to retrace her steps through the night of the gala is
probably a waste of time. If she is responsible for the chalice’s theft,
she will never admit it this way. You don’t know enough about the gala
to catch her in a lie.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 POSITIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceinfo1 to true>>The Lady pauses. “You search for it, yet
you know nothing about it?” she says. “My disappointment in you grows.”
Your jaw clenches. You bristle at her words, but decide to make nothing
of it. “Unfortunately, we were not in the position to ask for
clarification,” you reply. “I know the Count has kept us deliberately in
the dark, but I’d rather not risk my neck more than I already am.”
“Then I’ll humour you,” she says. “You should know the reputation of the
object you seek.”
The Lady folds her hands in her lap and raises her head imperiously. Her
crest catches the atrium lights, glittering like diamonds.
“The Chalice of Offering comes from an age beyond the Astrandium,” she
begins. “Its magic is ancient and complex, its bindings crafted by the
lost arts of our predecessors.” Her eyes sweep over you, her gaze
lingering on the hilt of your sword. “A sentiment you should be familiar
with, considering your Alassar blade.”
You grunt, one hand skimming your hilt. “Yeah.”
“Its power is simple, but vast,” she continues. “Any food, drink or
other edible item offered to the chalice will be transformed into an
elixir that provides nourishment and cures any malady or wound.”
You fold your arms, pressing them tightly to your chest. “Sounds like a
myth,” you say.
“It is,” the Lady replies. “One that has graced the texts of many a
historian over the centuries, and yet here it is. In Rona. I do not know
how it was unearthed or who brought it here, but regardless, it did—and
it found its way into Nalos’ hands.”
“And then he lost it,” you say, smirking. <<if $chaliceinfo2 is
true>>Seems odd the Lady is unaware of Lars Drakehand’s
involvement, but bringing that up now feels
counterintuitive.<</if>>
The Lady pauses, her lips forming a thin line. “Indeed,” she says
darkly. “Any of the Seven would gladly give a limb to claim it as their
own.”
“Just a limb?” you ask, raising an eyebrow.
She smiles. “Or perhaps a few fingers at best,” she replies. “We’re not
the self-sacrificing kind. We do not act unless it benefits us in the
present moment.”
You fall silent, waiting for her to continue, but she says nothing. You
pause, considering what she has told you. You knew the chalice was
imbued with some kind of intricate magic, but the Count was light on the
details. If even half of what the Lady says is true, you know why the
Count is desperate to get it back. An artefact of amplified curative
magic is an extremely powerful tool.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$galainfo to false>>The Lady’s wings rustle as she shifts,
elegantly crossing her legs. She looks you straight in the eye, her
expression like stone. “It was a simple night,” she says. “A commonality
familiar to us all. Though we nip and bite at each other’s borders, by
our own elected laws the Seven must gather once a month to discuss the
state of the city. While we tolerate each other’s behaviours and
activities, when it comes to the wellbeing of our city, we must stand as
one. Any fracture in the façade leaves us vulnerable. If there is one
thing upon which we can all agree, Rona will never fall under the
influence of a foreign nation again.”
“No,” you reply carefully. “I doubt it will.”
She tilts her head and stretches a wing, the deep green iridescent
feathers bristling as it fans out behind her. “Nothing unusual occurred
the night of the gala,” she says, annoyance tinging her voice. “We
conducted our business—a process that took several hours and left us
with the desire to cut each other’s throats out of exasperation. When it
was concluded, we indulged ourselves in our usual feasting and drinking
and assorted revelries.”
“And after?” you prompt.
“I only saw the Chalice once that night,” she replies. “Nalos had set it
on display as a show of power—ever the dramatist, that one. It reeked
of barrier magic, adorned with such a web of enchantments it shone
brighter than the sun.” She rests a hand on the lip of the pool and
leans back, observing you through narrowed eyes. “As Nalos can tell you
himself, I never left the main atrium. As the two most powerful members
of the Seven, we were at each other’s sides the entire night—a display
of order and balance, one we are adept at performing. My magic does not
allow for me to cloak, disguise or transport myself. I did not take the
Chalice of Offering, nor did I order any of my subordinates to.”
You chew the inside of your cheek. <i>Of course she would say that
when asked upfront.</i>
Asking her to retrace her steps through the night of the gala is
probably a waste of time. If she is responsible for the Chalice’s theft,
she will never admit it this way. You don’t know enough about the gala
to catch her in a lie.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady blinks, letting out a surprised <i>tsk.</i> For a
moment, she seems uncharacteristically flustered. “The Chalice is worth
more than every artefact in my possession combined,” she says,
recovering smoothly. “Of course I want it in my collection. However,
taking it by force, coercion or theft from Nalos’ hands would upset the
very delicate balance between us. I do not condone any actions that
would lead to open war amongst the Seven. Rona would not survive such a
conflict.”
“So you want it.”
“The acknowledgement of one’s desires does not signal the will to act
upon them,” she replies abruptly. <<if $gender is "female" or
$gender is "nb">>“I assure you, I can contain myself. After all,
if that were not the case, I would have had a very different proposition
for you.”
“Thanks,” you say. “Noted.”
<i>Let’s not focus too much on what she means by that…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“I
assure you, I can contain myself.”
“Thanks,” you say. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>She
draws back, an irritated look flashing in her eyes. “Please,
sellsword,” she says. “Do not show your ignorance. You make the false
assumption that I wish to oust him at all. Cere Nalos is my rival, true,
but a rival is not an enemy and I do not want him dead. He has been a
powerful presence in Rona for longer than any of us can know. He was
here before any of the Seven were born and he will be here long after we
are dead. To remove him entirely leaves a void in the structure, one
too many fools will rush to fill. The chaos his death would cause is
more than enough to justify tolerating his position.”
You nod, biting back on your words. Best leave this line of questioning
alone; she has made her stance quite clear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo1 to true>>The Lady sighs, the tip of a wing
flicking in annoyance. “He acted on his own,” she says. “Kane enjoys
exercising what modicum of power he has obtained through his association
with me. Unfortunately, there are only a few he can successfully
torment. The greendrifts have become his favourite target.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>You nod, thinking of
Luthais. The scrappy, malnourished boy, paid to do Kane’s dirty work…
and Kane had mentioned his mother. It’s not beyond reason to conclude
that Kane threatened Luthais into luring you to Rat Alley this morning.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>It’s uncomfortably close to
memories of your youth.<<else>>You clench your fist and bite
back a burst of anger.<</if>><<else>>You nod.
From what you’ve seen of Kane, he seemed the type who would abuse
whatever little power he had.<</if>>
“Why bother with someone like him?” you say. “Not to be rude, but Kane
doesn’t seem your… type.”
The Lady chuckles. “And you would be correct. I am particular about
those who work for me and I demand a certain level of… finesse, shall we
say. However, there are times when it is necessary to look elsewhere,
to a different flock, so to speak. Strange events have been afoot in
Flotsam Grove ever since the Ebony Marquis’ disappearance.”
<<if $greendriftinfo2 is true>>You nod. This confirms what
Aegineta told you.
The Lady raises an eyebrow. “You seem unsurprised.”
You shrug. “I knew about the Marquis’ disappearance,” you say. “I do not
know much about him. I take it this is unusual?”
“Samwell Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks,” she
replies, “and, frankly, beneath our contempt. The lowest of the Seven.
We do not usually concern ourselves with his movements and it is not
uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches at a time, but this
time is different.”
“Different how so?”<<else>>“The… what?” You round on her,
frowning deeply. “One of the Seven is missing?”
“Yes,” she replies coolly. “He has been missing for a month. Samwell
Every has always been an eccentric addition to our ranks and, frankly,
beneath our contempt. We do not usually concern ourselves with his
movements and it is not uncommon for him to disappear for long stretches
at a time, but this time is different.”
You grunt. Samwell Every, the Ebony Marquis. An eccentric little elven
man whom you’ve only seen once from a distance. He technically controls
the Grove, but the Grove is buried so far into the wetlands that it is
barely considered part of Rona at all. If he is indeed missing…
“Different how so?” you ask.<</if>>
“The greendrifts are emerging from the Grove in greater numbers than
before,” she replies. “In the past it was common for only the most
adventurous or desperate to cross Deadfall Marsh and enter Rona proper,
but now they walk the streets in Deadwood and Marshwall. They would only
be so bold if Every is not there to exercise his power.”
“And you find this concerning?”
“I find any disruption to the balance of power concerning,” the Lady
says shortly. “But you are concerned about a certain Chalice, no? Is
that not where your focus should remain?”
<<if $greendriftinfo2 is true>>You nod, falling
silent.<<else>>You nod, falling silent and mull over her
words. This news about the Grove and the Marquis is troubling, but
you’re not sure if it’s important or not.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1207 NEGATIVE
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“True,”
she says. “But beneath the enchantments and bindings is very real
steel. I don’t suppose your immunity can stop the bite of a blade?”
“No,” you reply shortly.
She smiles and takes another step towards you. “I’m not afraid of you,
Wayfarer,” she says. “On the contrary, you intrigue me. Baffle me. Wrest
my magic from me, if you dare, but know that my talents come in many
forms.”
You fall silent, watching her carefully. A shiver prickles the back of
your neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1211]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady throws back her head and laughs. It’s the first genuine thing
you’ve heard from her since you entered the atrium. You step back, brow
furrowed, watching her cautiously as she presses a hand to her mouth and
stifles her laughter.
“You intrigue me, Wayfarer,” she says after a moment. “Baffle me, even.
Congratulations—not many can.”
You nod, falling silent, as she takes another step towards you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1211]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No
response?” she says, taking another step towards you. “I see you have
no patience for games. Very well. I shall not delay any further.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
1211]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Regardless
of what Cere Nalos has told you, the chalice is a powerful artefact,”
the Lady says. “And so, Wayfarer, my question is this—what will you do
if you find it?” She draws closer, standing merely inches away. The
quiet buzz of the magical energy running down her blade fills your ears.
“Would you attempt to break its bindings and unravel its magic? Would
it even be possible with an artefact of such ancient potency? Or will
you return it to Nalos, intact, collect your reward and disappear into
the horizon?”
You pause. You’ve been focused on finding the damn thing, you haven’t
thought about what you will do with it when you do. You’ve been hired to
hunt artefacts in the past; the world is littered with them. Anyone
with a basic understanding of rune bindings and engineering can create
objects that contain or channel magic. Aside from slaying monsters,
breaking curses, and hunting rogue mages, finding missing artefacts
ranks high on the list of services performed by a Wayfarer. Usually in
such cases, you wear gloves or use another physical barrier when
handling the artefact to prevent unintentional erosion of its
enchantments or bindings.
The idea that you could return the chalice to the Count without its
powers intact had not occurred to you. <<if $chaliceinfo1 is
true>>But considering what the Lady has told you about the
chalice’s origins… it may be a moot point altogether.<</if>>
<<if $height is "very tall">>You meet the Lady’s
eyes.<<else>>You raise your chin and meet the Lady’s
eyes.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I was hired to do a job. That’s all that
matters.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1212 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know. I’ll decide when I
find it.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1212 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Frankly, my lady, what I do is none
of your business.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1212
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady tilts her head, a strange smile curling her upper lip. Her blade
thrums, crackling with energy. “Unduly committed to your word,” she
says. “And I can, perhaps, understand why. Such behaviour saves you the
grief of taking responsibility for your own actions and thrusts it
firmly at the feet of your employer.”
Without warning, she closes the distance between you. She reaches out
and presses a hand to your cheek, the tips of her long, sharp nails
brushing your skin. Immediately upon her touch, the light in her eyes
fades and the hum of her blade dwindles, dampened by her contact with
you. She murmurs a soft, curious <i>hm</i> and continues,
unbothered.
“I wonder,” she says, “what happens when that sense of duty comes to
blows with your own principles.”
“Hasn’t happened yet,” you retort. “And, frankly, it’s none of your
business.”
She smirks. “Tell me, sellsword, is there nothing you will not do for
money?”
“Depends on the job.”
“You avoid my question.”
“Unless you’re planning to hire me yourself, it’s none of your
business.”
She chuckles. “How unfortunate,” she says. “Then I shall watch from a
distance. Perhaps I will find my answer soon.”
A flicker of movement catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1213 AERAN
ENTERS]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
sighs witheringly. “I suppose it is easier to act on instinct and let
the pieces fall where they may,” she says, her eyes narrowing
dangerously. “The coward’s way.”
“I don’t know,” you retort quietly. “I prefer waiting until I have all
the information I need rather than tying myself to a rash decision
beforehand.”
The Lady observes you silently. Without warning, she closes the distance
between you. She presses a hand to your cheek, the tips of her long,
sharp nails brushing your skin. Immediately upon her touch, the light in
her eyes fades and the hum of her blade dwindles, dampened by her
contact with you. She murmurs a soft, curious <i>hm.</i>
“True,” she says. “But that is not of what I speak.”
A flicker of movement catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1213 AERAN
ENTERS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Lady throws back her head and laughs. “Indeed,” she says, smiling with
mirth. “You are correct. It is not my business.”
Without warning, she closes the distance between you. She presses a hand
to your cheek, the tips of her long, sharp nails brushing your skin.
Immediately upon her touch, the light in her eyes fades and the hum of
her blade dwindles, dampened by her contact with you. She murmurs a
soft, curious <i>hm.</i>
“But nevertheless,” she continues, “I am intrigued to know the answer.”
A flicker of movement catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1213 AERAN
ENTERS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Still within the Lady’s grasp
and within range of her blade, you remain still and glance quickly to
the side. In your peripheral vision, you spot Aeran on the balcony. He
hovers in the shadows of an entryway, bow in hand, an Alassar arrow
flashing between his fingers.
The Lady sighs wearily. “I can hear your heartbeat, Aeran Kellis,” she
says. Her eyes remain on you, observing your reactions. “You cannot take
me by surprise.”
Aeran puts an arrow on the string and steps into the atrium. “I’d
appreciate it if you let my friend go,” he says.
<<if $gender is "female" or $gender is "nb">><<if
$pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe’s<</if>>
fine,” the Lady replies. “This is merely the end of a friendly
conversation.” Her eyes flicker over you, scanning you up and down. “And
it has been quite friendly indeed, wouldn’t you agree, $firstname?”
Your mouth is dry. This is the first time she has addressed you as
anything other than “sellsword” or
“Wayfarer.”<<else>><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe’s<</if>>
fine,” the Lady replies. “This is merely the end of a friendly
conversation. Wouldn’t you say so, Wayfarer?” <</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Quite friendly.”|passage()][$PassageNo =
$PassageNo + 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you say
so.”|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo + 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and remain
silent.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The Lady smiles. Her wings flare out behind her and she pushes
off the floor, spiralling into the air. As she lets go of you, the green
light bursts in her eyes, her magic pulsing around her. She flies
across the atrium and hovers in the air. She holds out her blade and
releases it. It vanishes into nothing.
Aeran crosses the atrium, skidding to a stop beside you. He looks at you
with concern, but you shrug, silently communicating that you are well
and unharmed. He turns, gazing up at the Lady, ready to draw his bow at
any moment.
<<if $vlmark >=2>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1213 CONT ALL][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“I
have nothing more to offer you,” the Lady says. “Go now. My sentries
will see you to the gate.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Thank her for her help.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1213
THANK HER][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug and remain silent.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1213 CONT ALL][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>>“Take
care not to get yourself killed on this endeavour,” the Lady continues.
“Dangerous tidings have come to Rona. The Seven are far from the only
perils here.”
You nod. “I had a feeling that was the case,” you reply.
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“A further word of advice,
Wayfarer,” she calls. “Zenaida Anaxas is not to be trifled with. You may
have refused her wishes for now, but she will try again. No matter how
she manipulates the situation, do not fall for her act. You are better
off without aligning yourself to her or her creed.”
She tilts her head and raises a hand. <<if $vlmark
>=2>>“Now go,” she says. “I have other business to attend to.
You are no longer welcome here.”<<else>>“Now go,” she says.
“Return to your mission. Be well,
Wayfarer.”<</if>><<else>><<if $vlmark
>=2>>“Now go,” she says. “I have other business to attend to.
You are no longer welcome here.”<<else>>“Now go,” she says.
“Return to your mission. Be well,
Wayfarer.”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1214 LEAVING VILLA
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Thank
you for your help,” you reply. “I appreciate that you were willing to
speak to me.”
The Lady arches an eyebrow. “No, Wayfarer,” she says. “You are fortunate
that you struck me with a rare bout of curiosity. It is not a common
occurrence. Anyone else seeking to enter my home without permission
finds themselves dead within minutes of crossing the boundary.”
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs.
//Yeah,// you think. //What else did I expect?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1213 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>Flanked
by two imposing sentries, you and Aeran are escorted through the villa
in silence. Any attempt to make witty remarks is cut short with a stony
look and you quickly decide it is better to say nothing at all. When you
are deposited back out on the promenade, the sentries close the gate
and take off without a word, spiralling high into the stormy sky and out
of sight.
“Well,” you say, looking up at the villa one last time, “that could have
been worse.”
<<if $vlplan is "backdoor">>Aeran snorts. “You don’t say.”
He glances at you, a strange look on his face. “All things considered,
I’d rather not complain about your sheer dumb luck, but ‘that could have
been worse’ is a bit of an understatement.”
You shrug and spread your hands. “What’s a normal day without a little
brush with death?”
“Have you ever considered there’s something wrong with that?” he says
flatly.
You pause. The rain comes down stronger than before, pelting the
pavement. You can’t shake the damp chill setting in beneath your
clothes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s part of the job.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1215
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t really
think about it.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1215 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yeah, but I’m not going to complain
about it.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1215
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
raises an eyebrow. “So your plan to use your dazzling wits to charm
your way into the Lady’s good graces didn’t work?”
You make a face. “Yeah,” you say. “Bit of an understatement, to tell the
truth…”
He chuckles. “Wish I had been there to see it. But then, I do have a
pretty vibrant imagination, I think I know how things went—”
You glare at him.
“—and your reaction says it all,” he finishes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t contain your smile. “I hate
you.”|CHAPTER 1 VL 1216 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Playfully punch his shoulder.
Sometimes he takes that as a sign to stop teasing you.
Sometimes.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1216 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Roll your eyes and take off down the
road. You’re not in the mood for this right now.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1216
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
sighs, looking away. “Yeah,” he grunts. “Sure. Barely, but sure.”
He turns, pushes roughly past you and starts down the road. You grit
your teeth, wondering what he meant, and decide not to say anything.
Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of the plan; you have a
long way to go before you find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs, looking away. “Yeah. I don’t want to think about it either.”
He turns, pushing past you and starts down the road. You purse your
lips, wondering what he meant by that, and decide not to say anything.
Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of the plan; you have a
long way to go before you find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs, looking away. “For the best, I guess,” he says.
He turns, pushing past you and starts down the road. You stare after
him, wondering what he meant by that, and decide not to say anything.
Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of the plan; you have a
long way to go before you find the chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
grins. “Do you now?”
“Yeah,” you continue, taking off down the road. “Always have, always
will. I am simmering with <i>absolute</i> hatred for you.”
“Uh huh,” he replies, trailing behind you. “Careful. I can see the steam
from here.”
You snort and desperately clamp down on your laughter. The tension from
the villa slowly vanishes, alleviated by your mirth. You need to focus
on your next move. Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of
the plan; you have a long way to go before you find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
turn and lightly punch his shoulder.
Aeran raises his hands in defeat. “All right, all right,” he says.
“Point taken.”
<i>“Thank</i> you,” you reply and take off down the road.
You need to focus on your next move. Speaking to the Viridian Lady was
only one part of the plan; you have a long way to go before you find
that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“What
did I say?” Aeran calls, hurrying to catch up with you. “$firstname—”
“We have work to do,” you interrupt. You need to focus on your next
move. Speaking to the Viridian Lady was only one part of the plan; you
have a long way to go before you find that chalice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE
GIFT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Bronze Sphere<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Bronze sphere'>>“It wasn’t a complete disaster,” Aeran
says.
Putting a hand on your shoulder, he draws you to a stop. You raise your
eyebrows, watching him expectantly as he digs around in his pocket. He
withdraws something round and metal. Cradling it in his palm, he extends
his hand to you and grins.
It’s a small spherical frame, no bigger than the span of his palm. The
sphere is bronze in colour with two engraved metal loops encircling it.
Placed at its centre is a small, square turquoise gemstone. It hums as
it slowly turns in its place, pulsing with an internal light.
“What is it?” you ask.
“A trinket. Something to sell—or to keep.”
You watch the gemstone turn. “How is it doing that?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “Either it’s powerful enough to resist or
something else is going on. Here.” He tosses it to you.
You catch it. “You stole this? From the Lady?”
He chuckles. “No. It… happened to fall into my hands.”
You pocket the sphere. “Very helpful, Aeran, thank you,” you sigh. You
continue down the road, winding your way along the promenade.
“What did she say to you?” he asks after a moment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1217 SPHERE GIFT")>>“What did she
say to you?” Aeran asks as you wind your way down the road.
You glance up at the stormy clouds, rain pelting your face. You can’t
see any sentries, but you know they must be there,
watching.<<else>>You glance up at the stormy clouds, rain
pelting your face. You can’t see any sentries, but you know they must be
there, watching.<</if>>
<<if $chaliceinfo1 neq true and $galainfo neq true and
$greendriftinfo1 neq true>>“Nothing useful,” you say. “If she knew
anything important, she wasn’t keen to give it up.”
He grunts. “Should have expected as much.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 CONT ALL
AGAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>[[1. Tell him about the chalice.|CHAPTER 1
VL 1218 TELL ABOUT CHALICE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $galainfo is true or $galainfo
is false>>[[2. Tell him about the gala.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL
ABOUT GALA]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $greendriftinfo1 is
true>>[[3. Tell him about the greendrifts in Flotsam
Grove.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
GROVE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“The
chalice is called the Chalice of Offering,” you say. “It’s extremely
powerful, capable of creating an elixir that can cure any wound.”
“Great,” Aeran grunts. “No wonder the Count wants it back.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><s>1. Tell him about the
chalice.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218
TELL ABOUT GALA")>><s>2. Tell him about the
gala.</s><<elseif $galainfo is true or $galainfo is
false>>[[2. Tell him about the gala.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
GALA]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218
TELL ABOUT GROVE")>><s>3. Tell him about the greendrifts in
Flotsam Grove.</s><<elseif $greendriftinfo1 is
true>>[[3. Tell him about the greendrifts in Flotsam
Grove.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
GROVE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. Move on.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 CONT ALL
AGAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
she has people dealing with greendrifts in Flotsam Grove,” you
continue. <<if $greendriftinfo2 is true>>“She confirmed what
Aegineta told me about the Ebony Marquis. Every is missing and there’s
something strange happening in the
Grove.”<<else>>“Something’s going on in there. The Ebony
Marquis disappeared and she doesn’t know why or how.”<</if>>
“Do you think that has anything to do with the chalice?”
“At this point, anything could do with the chalice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL
ABOUT CHALICE")>><s>1. Tell him about the
chalice.</s><<elseif $chaliceinfo1 is true>>[[1. Tell
him about the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
CHALICE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218
TELL ABOUT GALA")>><s>2. Tell him about the
gala.</s><<elseif $galainfo is true or $galainfo is
false>>[[2. Tell him about the gala.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
GALA]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>3. Tell him about the greendrifts
in Flotsam Grove.</s></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. Move on.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 CONT ALL
AGAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“She
says she was with the Count the entire night of the gala, but that
doesn’t prove anything either way.”
“Could have seen that coming.”
“Yeah.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL
ABOUT CHALICE")>><s>1. Tell him about the
chalice.</s><<elseif $chaliceinfo1 is true>>[[1. Tell
him about the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
CHALICE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>2. Tell him about the
gala.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VL 1218
TELL ABOUT GROVE")>><s>3. Tell him about the greendrifts in
Flotsam Grove.</s><<elseif $greendriftinfo1 is
true>>[[3. Tell him about the greendrifts in Flotsam
Grove.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 TELL ABOUT
GROVE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. Move on.|CHAPTER 1 VL 1218 CONT ALL
AGAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
falls silent, mulling over your words. “Well, at least you met with
her,” he says after a moment. “I scouted as much of the villa as I could
and I found nothing.”
“Fairly certain she intended it that way,” you reply. “She was watching
us the entire time.”
He sighs, looking a little deflated. “Should have guessed,” he grumbles.
“It was too easy.”
<<if $vlplan is "backdoor">>“Easy? There was nothing easy
about that cliff—”
He raises his hands. “Fine,” he says. <i>“Aside</i> from the
cliff, it was too easy.”
“I suppose that’s what we get for playing into the hands of the Seven.”
“Yeah.” He scowls. “Gods, I hate this city.”<<else>>“I
suppose that’s what we get for playing into the hands of the Seven.”
“Yeah.” He scowls. “Gods, I hate this city.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>><<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
MALSARA
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
snorts. “Yeah, listen to the woman who’s spent three days stalking us,”
he says. “That’s a great idea, $firstname.”
“I’m just saying maybe she wasn’t intentionally malicious,” you reply,
crossing your arms.
Aeran rubs his forehead. “Yeah, sure. Right.” He pushes past you and
takes off down the road. “Come on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. He stares at the empty space where the woman
vanished. Amber mist swirls in the air, slowly dispersing around the
spot she occupied.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Yeah,”
you agree. “Let’s go.”
Together you duck through the door and cross the hall as quietly as you
can.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL
212]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Off
to the Cove, then,” Aeran says. “That collector seems a little
weaselly, if you ask me.”
“I figure a collector of magical antiquities should know something,” you
say. “And maybe we can resupply while we’re there.”
“Yeah.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("The Cove");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Runes & Relics").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|THE COVE ROUTE
B 01][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me rethink.”|CHAPTER
1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Headed
home?” Aeran asks.
“We should talk to this so-called servant,” you reply. “If he’s out from
under the Count’s shadow, maybe he’ll be willing to talk.”
Aeran doesn’t look convinced. “If you say so.” He pauses. “Are you
sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Edgewater");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Edgewater").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|EDGEWATER
01][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me rethink.”|CHAPTER
1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$guildchapterlead is true>>“No,” Aeran say flatly.
“Drakehand gave us a lead,” you reply. “We need to check it out.”
He grumbles. “Fine. But visiting the Guild… are you sure about
this?”<<else>>“No,” Aeran says flatly.
“Come on,” you reply, “someone still needs to do something about that
fire in Rat Alley—”
“Maybe someone has—”
You elbow him in the gut.
“Ouch!” Aeran shoots you a pained look.
“The Guild master won’t bite.”
He looks thoroughly put out. “Fine,” he grumbles. “But are you sure
about this?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Deadwood");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Deadwood").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|MAGE GUILD
01][$actionpoints -=1, $aeranapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me rethink.”|CHAPTER
1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Cove">><<set $cove to
true>><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-4-1 THE COVE
START")>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<else>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>As
far as Rona is concerned, the Cove is neutral ground. Tucked along the
western coast, the Cove is located on a small peninsula that juts out
into the sea. The trees and foliage are thinner here, spaced out between
the shops and buildings. Compared to the rest of the city, the effect
is unusual, evoking either a sense of harmony between Rona’s residents
and the land they occupy, or an inevitable standstill in the war between
nature and civilization. The district remains beyond the control of the
Seven, their agreed-upon no man’s land.
Here, the streets are less overgrown and generally clean, at least by
Rona’s standards. The boardwalks are replaced before the rot sets in and
excesses of trash and litter are pushed into the water, where it is
taken out to sea by the tide or floats further into the marsh.
The Cove is a commercial district and little else. Merchants, drawn by
the Seven’s agreed-upon neutrality, flock to the Cove to sell their
wares, whatever those may be. There is a general lack of rules regarding
what they can and cannot sell, and so it boasts both more oddities and
questionable ethics in regard to goods and services than most Rhesainian
cities.
And yet, because of those dubious quirks, the Cove is one of the few
places where you can regularly and easily find the supplies that make
your life—and your trade—easier.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Edgewater">><<set $edgewater to
true>><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-10-EDGEWATER
START")>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<else>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<br>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</if>>Though disparaging
visitors from wealthy cities could call most of Rona a slum, Edgewater
is a particular brand of destitute. Squished into the northern recesses
of the city, the district clings precariously to the edge of an inlet.
Tenements are stacked perilously one on top of another along the shore,
sometimes reaching ten or eleven stories high. Narrow balconies protrude
out from the upper floors to look out across the dark waters towards
Flotsam Grove. Some are lit with conjured lights, others with flickering
lamps and candles. The branches of giant trees overhang the roofs and
vines curl along the walls, burrowing into wood and stone. Here, more
than ever, nature seems determined to choke the civilization out of
Rona.
If anything, nature is succeeding. The scent of rotting wood is
overwhelming.
The main road winds along the shore, tenements on one side, dilapidated
and sunken docks on the other. The inlet is empty, save for a few
fearless boatmen making their way back through the waterways, lamps
swinging from the bows to light their way. Rain pelts the still waters,
creating divots in the flat surface.
“What was the man’s name again?” you ask as you pick your way down the
road.
“Fisher,” Aeran replies. “Madam Grey on Moss Lane may know more about
him.”
You purse your lips. Moss Lane is a dark cul-de-sac hidden behind a soup
kitchen further down the main road. The buildings there sit lower than
the rest of the slum, sinking so deep into the muck their foundations
are nearly consumed by the marsh. It is one of the cheapest areas in
Edgewater, but the proprietor, Madam Grey, is notoriously brutish. She
runs a successful smuggling ring out of the Lane and is said to be
eyeing up Mari Rack’s position in the Seven.
You’ve made a point of staying out of her way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health neq
"full">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 01 A
INJURED]]<<elseif $luthaisstole is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER 01 B MISSING ITEMS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER 01 C NOT
INJURED]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Deadwood">><<set $deadwood to
true>><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-11-0 GUILD
START")>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<else>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<br>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</if>>Despite being one of the
largest districts in Rona, you have spent little time in Deadwood.
Spread out across the city’s eastern border, the area is relatively new.
There is space between buildings and the tenements aren’t quite so
desperately stacked, showing a tendency for new buildings to grow out
rather than up. The boardwalks are kept clean and free of rot. Small
channels wind their way through the district, cutting across the
district like latticework. Aside from Rat Alley, which most of the
residents pretend doesn’t exist, Deadwood is a fairly respectable area
of the city.
Or at least as respectable as Rona can get.
<i>“Fucker!”</i>
A human and an elf are grappling with each other in the middle of the
road. A crowd has gathered around them, hollering themselves hoarse as
the fighters beat each other bloody. The elf takes a hit to the face and
stumbles back, blood gushing from her nose. She shakes herself, tugging
at a shorn ear, and launches herself at her opponent. She seizes him
around the waist and slams him to the ground.
“Do we even want to ask?” Aeran says as you draw to a stop.
The human lies flat on the boardwalk, howling in pain as his legs curl
inwards. The elf spits on him and stalks away, pacing in a circle around
him, her arms raised in triumph.
The crowd cheers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Not really.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m always up for a friendly
neighbourhood brawl.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 01
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You and Aeran enter the Cove.
The long, narrow main road stretches out before you, winding its way
along the coast. Composed almost entirely of boardwalks, it is flanked
on either side by one and two-storey buildings. There are very few
alleys and sideroads; the general consensus is that if your enterprise
is not located on the main road, it is not worthy of business.
There is an unspoken hierarchy here: the more desirable your goods and
services, the closer to the Cove’s entrance your building will be – if
you can afford the rent. The buildings here are well-kept—the overgrowth
is trimmed back, the walls regularly washed and painted bright colours.
Conjured lights are strung along balconies and verandas, a welcoming
sight in the rain. Hired bands of mercenaries patrol the road, ready to
quash any patrons deemed troublesome. It’s a mystery what the
mercenaries do with the offenders, but you have a feeling there are more
than a few skeletons floating in the marsh.
The first block bustles with a colourful assortment of taverns,
dreamweed dens, and leisure houses with entertainment of all kinds on
offer. The crowds here are lively; the later in the day, the busier the
block becomes as workers flock to their favourite places to unwind and
forget their troubles. You pass a line of taverns and catch an
invigorating smell of seafood and spices wafting up and down the street.
Your stomach growls; you didn’t realize you were hungry. It’s tempting
to stop and eat, but you have more pressing matters to attend to.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The third block is home to the district’s
undesirables—merchants who make a modest living finding or crafting,
then selling equipment and tools that make a life in Rona viable. Their
goods aren’t flashy or unique, but they are necessities.
Near the beginning of the block is an artificer who specializes in
crafting all sorts of useful odds and ends for your trade. At the end,
in the most run-down building in the Cove and in danger of falling off
the boardwalk and sinking into the wetland, is an apothecary who sells
an assortment of medicinal supplies (deemed pointless by most of the
city) and dreamweed under the table to make ends meet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>This leaves the second block. Squished between the extravagant
establishments of the first and the decrepit businesses of the third is a
square mile dedicated to specialty shops. Imported goods from around
the Cobalt Sea and beyond make their appearance here, many of them
acquired through less-than-legal means.
There is a narrow bookshop whose outer walls are painted to resemble an
ancient tome, complete with runes and various other scrawlings you don’t
understand and have a feeling are just for show anyway. Not too far
away is a blacksmith who specializes in magic-imbued weapons and armour.
His work is always in demand, particularly by the Seven, and while most
of it is useless to you, you never know when he may have something of
value. His smithy billows smoke into the sky day and night and his
neighbours complain on the hour. Every time you’ve visited the Cove,
there’s been some altercation at the smithy. You’re surprised the
blacksmith manages to get anything done.
The largest building on the block by far is Runes & Relics. The shop
of a notorious artefact collector, it amasses, displays and sells items
of all kinds, from the mundane to the rare to the outright dangerous.
The proprietor is a particularly pedantic fellow from Nesactium and
rebuilt the entire front façade of his shop to resemble Arsenian
architecture.
And he is your target.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“Woah,” Aeran says as you approach the shop. “Bit much, don’t
you think?”
The artefact collector’s shop is a difficult eyesore to miss. A
two-storey monstrosity that looms over the rest of the block, you can
spot it from a mile away down the street in either direction. The shop
forgoes the wood favoured by most of Rona’s buildings and instead sports
a façade crafted from beautiful white stone—or what you assume to be
formerly beautiful white stone. It’s weathered now, stained with mud and
crawling with vines. Someone has made an attempt to clear them, to no
avail.
The walls are tall and imposing, set with large windows crafted from
thick, imported glass. Two white stone columns frame the door, a hefty
thing constructed from dark wood, set with a brass handle and engraved
with fanciful symbols you’re pretty sure mean nothing. A sign extends
from the second floor wall, swinging back and forth in the wind:
<blockquote><i>Runes & Relics, Est. 1236, Proprietor
Lars Drakehand.</i></blockquote>
It’s the only sign in the entire Cove.
“You’d think all that stone would have sunk into the sea by now,” Aeran
adds, frowning up at the building.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>“Magic’s holding it in place, no
doubt.” You grimace. This place reminds you too much of your home city,
like Nesactium poked Rona once with a stray finger and left behind a
print.<<else>>“Magic’s holding it in place, no
doubt.”<</if>>
He shoots you a side-eyed look. “Think we’ll break it?”
You roll your eyes. “Surely he has stronger enchantments than that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE AERAN BET][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 03][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Aeran
flashes you a grin. “Want to bet on it?”
<<if $gold is 0>>You pause, feeling the empty spot where
your coin purse should be.
//Damn kid…//<<elseif $gold <=5>>You feel the handful of
loose coins rattling around in your pocket—the limited funds you have
left.<<else>>You feel the weight of the full coin pouch in
your purse.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold === 0>><s>1. You do
not have enough crowns to take this option.</s><<elseif
$gold <=5>>[[1. “Fine. One crown.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE BET
A][$aeranbet to true, $aerandeal to 1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
+ 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[1. “Fine. Five crowns.”|CHAPTER 1
COVE BET B][$aeranbet to true, $aerandeal to 5, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, I’ll bet, all right. But on
something other than money.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE BET C][$aeranbet to true,
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Aeran, please. We have a job to
do.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE NO BET][$aeranbet to
false]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
squints at the building. “Maybe. I guess we’ll find out.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Remind me what we know of
Drakehand,” you say, taking in the hefty white stone and the heavyset
door.
“Other than he’s running his warehouse staff ragged, not much,” Aeran
replies. “He’s been moving a lot of stock and word is he’s closing up
shop soon. Something has him scared.”
“If he has anything to do with the chalice, he better be.”
“Shall we go find out?”
You nod and together you stride up the steps to the front door and pull
it open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Inside is a small foyer illuminated by a chandelier. A rug—once
a rich red, now faded to greyish pink and embroidered with geometric
patterns in gold—covers the white stone floor. Two busts—one of an elven
man, the other of a human woman, both nude—are displayed on pedestals
that flank a set of shallow steps leading up to the main room. Despite
this valiant attempt at grandeur, there are noticeable cracks in the
paving stone, tarnish on the chandelier and plaster flaking off the
busts.
<<if $aeranbet is true>>“Hm,” you murmur, stooping and
gently pressing a hand against the stone floor. “Nothing’s broken. Looks
like those wards are better than you thought.”
“Give it a minute—”
A loud <i>thud</i> booms through the room
beyond.<<else>>You are about to cross the foyer when a loud
<i>thud</i> booms through the room
beyond.<</if>> You exchange looks with Aeran and, hand on
your hilt, hurry across the foyer and dart up the stairs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Chaos reigns in the shop’s main room. The wide, rectangular
space is a maelstrom of boxes, display cases and artefacts. Its dark
wood floor is spotted with footprints and littered with
papers—manifests, records, memos, and all kinds of personal notes. The
floor-to-ceiling windows are covered with heavy, wine-red drapes,
blocking the view from outside. Employees in red and black uniforms rush
about, cracking open cases, heaving out inventory, and hefting busts
and statues to and fro. Near the back, some staff duck in and out of a
doorframe covered by a velvet curtain. Nailed above it is a sign that
reads <i>Staff Only.</i>
A red-faced, red-haired dwarf in an elaborate coat stands in the middle
of the din, barking orders and mopping his sweating brow with an
embroidered handkerchief. He spots you and Aeran and freezes
mid-sentence, mouth open, eyes wide with horror.
<i>“STOOOOOP!”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>The screeching shout blasts through the room. The staff stop
moving immediately, dropping artefacts back into their cases, freezing
while crouched next to a pile of loose inventory, or pausing in the act
of checking a stack of papers. Two employees teeter with a heavy box,
struggling to hold on, and drop it. It crashes onto the floor, landing
on its side. The lid pops open and a wave of collectors’ coins, cheap
gemstones and shoddily made jewelry slides out, cascading over the
floor.
The dwarf cringes, mopping his forehead so fervently he leaves a red
mark creased into his brow. “Imbeciles,” he mutters.
He glances at you and Aeran, his thin mouth quivering behind his red
beard. “This isn’t what it looks like,” he says.
You cast an eye around at the mess. “Uh huh.”
The dwarf laughs nervously. “Just a little inventory management,” he
continues, tugging at his collar. “A little spring cleaning, as it
were.” He casts an eye around at the mess and tugs more forcefully at
his collar. A bead pops off and bounces to the floor. “Late spring
cleaning. Very, very <i>late</i> spring cleaning…”
Aeran pushes past two very dead-eyed employees. “You can drop the act,
Drakehand,” he says. “It’s not worth the time or effort, I know you’re
getting ready to cut and run, it’s all over the Docks.”
Drakehand bristles. <i>“Nalak,”</i> he curses. “Can’t trust
anyone to keep their damn mouth shut…” He wrings his hands. Rings
glitter on his fingers.
Drawing himself up to his full height, Drakehand straightens his back
and steels himself, though he can’t quite stop glancing at your sword.
“Downsizing is inevitable,” he continues, rattling off his speech like
an actor rehearsing for a play. “True collectors are not abundant on
these fair shores and Rona is a far cry from Nesactium, as you ought to
know. <i>Runes & Relics</i> is a family business, I
would never dream to liquidate our assets here without first informing
my cousin. Please assure Kellan that his investments are protected by my
very own, as they have been for decades—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Who the hell is Kellan?”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 05
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re not from Kellan.”|CHAPTER 1
COVE 05 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yeah, yeah – shut up.”|CHAPTER 1
COVE 05 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
grins. “You’re on.”
“Of course,” you reply, smiling sweetly. “I can’t wait to walk through
that door and be one crown richer.”
He snorts with laughter and together you turn towards the shop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
grins. “You’re on.”
“Of course,” you reply, smiling sweetly. “I can’t wait to walk through
that door and be five crowns richer.”
He snorts with laughter and together you turn towards the shop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
raises an eyebrow. “Huh,” he says, barely able to contain his smile.
“What did you have in mind?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If I’m right, you owe me your most
embarrassing secret.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE BET SECRET]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If I’m right, you owe me a favour,
to be called on at any time and without warning.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE BET
FAVOUR]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If I’m right, I get to choose where
we’re going once Rona is left in the dust.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE BET
LOCATION]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
sighs, shoulders slumping a little as disappointment flashes across his
face. “All right, all right,” he says. “Just trying to lighten things
up.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerandeal to "secret">>He chuckles cautiously and runs a hand
through his hair. “Uh, what do you mean by ‘most embarrassing,’
$nickname? I think you were around for my most embarrassing moments.”
“I seem to remember a whole lot of years where I wasn’t there,” you say,
nudging him with your elbow. “I don’t believe for a moment nothing
scandalous happened.”
“I’m not sure I like your definition of ‘scandalous,’” he says, eyes
narrowed.
You step back and smile impishly. “Look, if I’m wrong, you can ask the
same of me. Deal?”
He pauses, eyes sweeping over you, and folds his arms. “All right,” he
replies. “Deal.”
You grin and turn towards the shop.
He groans. “Oh, I’m going to regret this…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerandeal to "favour">>He grins, blue eyes sparkling. “Okay,
$nickname,” he says. “You’re on.”
You return the smile and together you turn towards the shop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerandeal to "location">>He nods, thinking through the
suggestion. “All right, $nickname,” he says. “I’ll take it.”
“You’re on,” you reply, grinning, and together you turn towards the
shop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
falls silent, the tip of his tongue pressed against his upper lip.
“You… you’re not from the Osgar family?” he says.
You shrug. The name’s not familiar. “No.”
Drakehand nearly chokes. “Then… who?”
“How about let’s take this conversation elsewhere, yeah?” Aeran
interrupts, striding across the room. “Looks like your staff could use a
break.”
“I don’t—”
Ignoring Drakehand’s garbled protests, he seizes the dwarf by the
shoulder and pushes him towards the back of the room and up a carpeted
staircase. Drakehand’s employees collectively breathe out a sigh of
relief. You brush by them and follow Aeran up the stairs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 06 AERAN
DRAGS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
squeaks and falls silent. Behind you, one of his employees snorts with
laughter and quickly slaps a hand over their mouth.
You sigh and stride across the room. “Don’t know who Kellan is, don’t
care to find out,” you say and seize Drakehand by the shoulder. “Let’s
go.”
Ignoring Drakehand’s garbled protests, you push him towards the back of
the room and up the carpeted stairs. Aeran follows.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 06 MC
DRAGS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
emerge onto the second floor and find yourself in a long, narrow hall
that runs the length of the building. Doorframes are spaced evenly down
the hall, their doors removed to reveal the rooms within. Aeran passes
each of these in turn, briefly glancing at the chambers beyond. Some are
filled with floor-to-ceiling glass cases, others are lined with books.
Some have very few artefacts displayed within, but the displays are
segregated by velvet rope and have <i>Do Not Touch</i> signs
plastered on every available surface.
Aeran finds a room with a door near the end of the hall. He opens it
and, letting out a satisfied sigh, steers Drakehand through the
entryway. Unlike the floor below, the curtains here are pulled back, the
windows open to the pallid, grey light of the rainy day beyond. The
walls are panelled with dark, glossy wood, decorated with a handful of
paintings depicting Arsenian landscapes. Plush chairs are strewn
throughout the room and grouped around low, round tables. The upholstery
is faded and frayed, there are scratches on the tables, and the rug in
the centre is worn thin.
There are no displays here, aside from a strange little idol hung high
on the wall. The idol is made from some kind of burnished metal and
forms what looks like a baby’s body with an oversized, wobbling wood
head and wide, goggling eyes that move every few seconds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ugh, gross. You hate it on sight.|CHAPTER 1
COVE 07][$fumsup to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Weird, but whatever.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
07][$fumsup to false]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
emerge onto the second floor and find yourself in a long, narrow hall
that runs the length of the building. Doorframes are spaced evenly down
the hall, their doors removed to reveal the rooms within. You pass each
of these in turn, briefly glancing at the chambers beyond. Some are
filled with floor-to-ceiling glass cases, others are lined with books.
Some have very few artefacts displayed within, but the displays are
segregated by velvet rope and have <i>Do Not Touch</i> signs
plastered on every available surface.
You find a closed-off room with a proper door near the end of the hall.
You open it. Unlike the floor below, the curtains here are pulled back,
the windows open to the pallid, grey light of the rainy day beyond. The
walls are panelled with dark, glossy wood, decorated with a handful of
paintings depicting Arsenian landscapes. Plush chairs are strewn
throughout the room and grouped around low, round tables. The upholstery
is faded and frayed, there are scratches on the tables, and the rug in
the centre is worn thin.
“Good enough,” you say and steer Drakehand into the room.
You usher him into a seat and sit down opposite him. Glancing around,
you note that unlike the other rooms, there are no displays here, aside
from a figurine hung high on the wall. The figurine is made from some
kind of burnished metal and forms what looks like a baby’s body with an
oversized, wobbling wood head and wide, goggling eyes that move every
few seconds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ugh, gross. You hate it on sight.|CHAPTER 1
COVE 08][$fumsup to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Weird, but whatever.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
08][$fumsup to false]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
ushers Drakehand into a chair by the windows and throws himself into a
chair opposite. Drakehand rests his hands on his knees, his eyes darting
nervously around the room. He glances at the door.
You pull it shut.
Drakehand deflates.
“Nice place you’ve got here, Lars,” Aeran says, leaning back in the
chair and putting his feet up on the table.
The dwarf bristles, eyeing Aeran’s boots, but his reprimand dies before
it even begins. He exhales slowly and tries to ignore you as you make
your way across the room and sit down in a chair next to Aeran.
“I take some manner of pride in it,” Drakehand says slowly. “May I ask
what has brought two… uh… fine representatives of the Guild to my little
establishment?”
You nearly choke. “The <i>Guild?”</i>
Drakehand glances at you. “Of course,” he says, shaking a little. He
fiddles with a ring, twisting it round and round his finger. “Runes
& Relics boasts nothing but the highest security. Only those I
invite into this establishment may pass through the barrier. Or those
who exhibit great power, like… yourself…”
He looks from you to Aeran and back again. Aeran raises an eyebrow and
draws an arrow from his quiver. He places it on the table, the Alassar
arrowhead shining white against the dark wood.
“You’re Wayfarers,” Drakehand says hollowly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
rests his hands on his knees, his eyes darting nervously around the
room. He glances at the door.
Aeran pulls it shut and saunters over to join you.
Drakehand deflates.
“Nice place you’ve got here, Lars,” Aeran says, throwing himself into a
nearby chair and putting his feet up on the table.
The dwarf bristles, eyeing Aeran’s boots, but his reprimand dies before
it even begins. “I take some manner of pride in it,” Drakehand says
slowly. “May I ask what has brought two… uh… fine representatives of the
Guild to my little establishment?”
You nearly choke. “The <i>Guild?”</i>
Drakehand glances at you. “Of course,” he says, shaking a little. He
fiddles with a ring, twisting it round and round his finger. “Runes
& Relics boasts nothing but the highest security. Only those I
invite into this establishment may pass through the barrier. Or those
who exhibit great power, like… yourself…”
He looks from you to Aeran and back again. Aeran raises an eyebrow and
draws an arrow from his quiver. He places it on the table, the Alassar
arrowhead shining white against the dark wood.
“You’re Wayfarers,” Drakehand says hollowly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
found us out,” Aeran says. He leans back in his chair, casually linking
his hands behind his neck as he watches Drakehand with a careful eye.
The dwarf strokes his manicured beard, his eyes flickering from your
weapons to the door to the window as he desperately tries to maintain a
calm disposition. He’s not doing a very good job of it.
“What… what do you want?” he asks, voice quivering.
You glance at Aeran. He has a particular way of handling people like
Lars Drakehand and, from the looks of it, he’s already embracing his
usual strategy: casual intimidation. Act unruffled, treat the space like
your own, and lace that friendly banter with the threat of imminent
violence. It’s the exact kind of strategy <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn<<else>>Brissa Varyn<</if>>
despised with every ounce of her being.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. If it
works, it works. You handled the Viridian Lady. Time to let Aeran do his
thing.|CHAPTER 1 COVE AERAN APPROACH]]<<else>>[[1. If it
works, it works. Let Aeran do his thing.|CHAPTER 1 COVE AERAN
APPROACH]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Cut in. You don’t have time to
waste. Sometimes direct force is the best shortcut.|CHAPTER 1 COVE HARD
APPROACH][$hardapproach to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Cut in. Drakehand looks like he’s
going to break under pressure if he’s threatened one more time. Better
use a softer approach.|CHAPTER 1 COVE SOFT APPROACH][$softapproach to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You lean back and cross one leg
over the other. The chair isn’t very comfortable and you swear you can
feel its frame through the upholstery. There’s a hollow near your lower
back where the padding has eroded away.
<i>Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap—</i>
Drakehand’s leg bounces up and down, the heel of his boot pattering
against the wood floor. Aeran hasn’t said anything. He watches the dwarf
with a strange look on his face, drawing out a long, uncomfortable
silence.
“I, uh…” Drakehand clears his throat. “What… what do you want from—”
“Information,” Aeran interrupts. He removes his feet from the table,
leans forward and seizes the arrow. “You’re in a unique position,
Drakehand,” he continues, toying absentmindedly with the arrow. “You
must see all sorts of interesting things come through Rona, whether you
know their true value or not.”
Drakehand flushes and tries to cover it with a faltering laugh. “I do
have quite the collection,” he says. “My clients are always satisfied
with the range of antiquities—”
“And would you say you keep accurate records of those antiquities?”
Aeran says. He spins the arrow in one hand. “From the mess downstairs,
it’s a little difficult to tell.”
Drakehand watches the shining arrowhead. “I… uh…”
“Those records?” Aeran presses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Drakehand sweats in silence, his foot tapping away. You sit up,
back aching from the chair, and glance around the room. The little idol
stares at you with its wide, unsettling eyes. <<if $fumsup is
true>>You grimace. A shiver prickles the nape of your neck and
runs down your spine. You <i>really</i> don’t like that
thing.<</if>>
The dwarf swallows uncomfortably. “I pride myself on my impeccable
cataloguing!” he finally blurts. “In addition, I have an immaculate
memory. I remember every antique to pass my doors—”
Aeran leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and rolls the
arrow between his fingers. “Then you’ll remember a chalice.”
The dwarf wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. “I remember…
many chalices?” he says. “It’s a rather… common item in magical
antiquities—”
“This one would have been a recent acquisition.” Aeran raises his head
and makes eye contact with Drakehand. “Copper. Unadorned. Doesn’t look
like anything special.”
The dwarf pales. “The Count has it!” he squeaks, wringing his hands
together. “I only laid eyes on it once, it was barely here for a day
before he sent his mercenaries. Damn green bloodbinder broke the door.”
Aeran pauses, a strange look on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah, and we need more information on
it.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 10 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
10 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Let’s not waste each other’s
time,” you say, cutting across Aeran. “Tell us about the chalice, Lars.”
Drakehand freezes. “The what?” he squeaks.
You rise from your seat, one hand on the hilt of your sword. “You know
what I’m talking about,” you say, rounding the table.
Drakehand trembles with fear as you approach and compulsively twists a
ring round and round his finger. “I don’t—I don’t know what you’re
talking about, I swear—”
“Oh, come on,” you snap, looming over his chair.<<if $height is
"very short" or $height is "short">> It would be more effective if
you were taller, but regardless the imminent threat of physical
violence is doing its job.<</if>> “You must see a lot of
interesting artefacts pass through your shop. Unless you’re a scam
peddling fraudulent items to those who don’t know any better.”
He shrinks further into his chair. “There’s nothing deceitful about my
collection, I assure you!” he says. “My clients are always satisfied
with the range of antiquities I source—”
“And you know what would make me satisfied, Lars?” <<if $height is
"short" or $height is "very short">>You seize him by the front of
his shirt.<<else>>You crouch next to his chair so you’re on
the same level and grab him by the front of his shirt. The man stinks
of perfumed oils.<</if>> “If you could shake that little
memory of yours and tell me what you know about a little unadorned
copper chalice.”
“Oh,” Drakehand says. “That… chalice?”
He coughs nervously. You tighten your grip and his eyes widen.
“$firstname,” Aeran mutters.
You ignore him. “Yes,” you tell Drakehand. <i>“That</i>
chalice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“It wasn’t anything special!” he exclaims. “Just a little thing
one of my buyers found on a return trip from the Calanthan coast! It
arrived on a ship bursting with more interesting items, it was nothing
compared to the other antiques we imported that month.” He pauses,
catching his breath, and presses on. “I didn’t know Kellan wanted it so
badly. By the time I got his missive, the Count’s mercenaries and that
damn green bloodbinder arrived and threatened to burn the shop down if I
didn’t give it to them.”
Aeran draws back, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, a strange look on
his face. “A bloodbinder?” he asks quietly.
Drakehand stares at floor. <i>“Nalak,”</i> he curses. He
must not have heard Aeran’s question. “I don’t know who you work for,
but if you’re going to slit my throat, please do it already. I’d rather
die here than be found by the Osgar family.”
You sigh wearily. “Good news for you then,” you say, releasing him. “We
work for the Count and he doesn’t want you dead. Not yet anyway.”
The dwarf stares at you in shock, mouth working furiously to hide his
fear. He nods, then slumps forward in defeat, head in his hands.
You sigh wearily and step away. Though he is responsible for bringing
the chalice into Rona, it seems his involvement stops there. <<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>It’s not the most useful information; what
you learned at the Viridian Lady’s villa was far more
valuable.<<else>>It’s not the most useful
information.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Threaten Drakehand into telling you who he
thinks would steal the chalice, if given the chance. You’ll have to tell
him the chalice is missing and the Count won’t like that information
getting out, but it’s worth the risk.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 20 A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He clearly doesn’t know anything.
Better move on.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 20 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
swipe the arrow off the table. “We’re not here to threaten you,” you
say to Drakehand. You pass the arrow back to Aeran. He grimaces, eyes
narrowed, and reluctantly puts it back in his quiver. “We’re only here
for information.”
Drakehand tugs at his collar. “What… what kind of information?”
You lean back and shift in your seat. The chair isn’t very comfortable
and you swear you can feel its frame through the upholstery. There’s a
hollow near your lower back where the padding has eroded away. “We’re
looking for something,” you continue. “An artefact. A chalice, to be
precise. We thought it may have crossed your path.”
Drakehand nods. He glances at Aeran, who glowers in his seat, his feet
still on the table. The dwarf knots his fingers together nervously and
clears his throat. “What chalice? It is a common item, particularly
within magical antiquities. Perhaps if you provided a description…”
“Copper,” you say. “Unadorned. Doesn’t look like anything special.”
The dwarf nods. “An item similar to that may have come through
recently,” he says, putting his hands on the armrests and slowly rising
out of the chair. “If you let me check my records—”
“Because your records are so well maintained,” Aeran scoffs, rolling his
eyes. “From the mess downstairs, it’s a little difficult to tell.”
Drakehand flushes and sits back down. “I pride myself on impeccable
cataloguing!” he blurts. “In addition, I have an immaculate memory. I
remember every antique to pass my doors—”
“Then you don’t need to check your records,” Aeran interrupts. He sweeps
his feet off the table and leans forward, resting his elbows on his
knees. “Do you want to know what I think, Drakehand?”
<i>Oh no.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Discreetly kick him in the shins.|CHAPTER 1
COVE 30 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Interrupt before he scares the wits
out of Drakehand.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 30
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
passes a hand across his face. <i>“Nalak…</i> Does everyone
and their bloody mother want this chalice—”
“No need to get excited,” you say. “We work for the Count.”
Aeran grunts and draws back, still preoccupied with something Drakehand
said. He takes the arrow and stashes it back in his quiver.
“You… work for the Count?” the dwarf asks.
You shrug. “For now.”
He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, almost as if he’s about to throw
himself out of the chair and make a run for it.
“So, Drakehand,” you continue. “The chalice. What do you know about it?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
11]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
green bloodbinder?’” he asks, eyes narrowed.
Drakehand raises his hands defensively and nearly bounces out of his
seat. “I don’t know! One of the Count’s mercenaries is some
half-melusine bastard—”
“Can’t say I care what his mercenaries are up to,” Aeran says darkly. “I
care more about the chalice—”
Drakehand passes a hand across his face. <i>“Nalak…</i> Does
everyone and their bloody mother want this chalice—”
“Calm down,” Aeran snaps. “We work for the Count.”
“You… work for the Count?” The dwarf blanches. “I—you—”
“So, Drakehand,” Aeran says, cutting across him. “The chalice. Tell us
what you know about it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
11]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
pauses, twisting his fingers in his lap. “One of my buyers found it,”
he says dully. “In some little village on the north-western tip of
Calantha.” He sighs. “Strange place, Calantha. Never know what you’ll
find. If the Osgar family could send their fleets beyond the Wall, they
would triplicate their profits in a month.”
Aeran snorts. “Then it’s a good thing you can’t go into Calantha.”
You shoot him a dark look. “What else?” you press, turning back to
Drakehand. “There’s more to it than that.”
“I don’t know!” the dwarf yelps. “The chalice arrived on a ship bursting
with more interesting items. It was nothing compared to the other
antiques we imported!”
“Stole, you mean,” Aeran interrupts.
“Yes! Fine! Stole!” Drakehand squeals, flapping his hands. “I sent
copies of the manifest to Kellan’s office, as per procedure, and had my
staff throw it in the back room for assessment. The next morning, the
Count’s mercenaries were knocking on my door and threatened to burn down
my shop unless I gave them the chalice.”
He swallows nervously. “I didn’t think anything of it,” he adds,
speaking so quickly he nearly stumbles over his own words. “It didn’t
look rare or powerful, it was a simple ancient Calanthan chalice.
Prized, perhaps, for its age, but there was nothing inherently magical
about it!”
<<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>You press your lips together. If
only he knew what he’d had in his hands… He never stood a chance.
He pauses, catching his breath, then presses on.<<else>>He
pauses, catching his breath, then presses on.<</if>> “I
didn’t think twice about it. I supposed the Count had his reasons for
wanting it—who has ever understood his motives? But then I received a
missive from Kellan, demanding I send him the chalice immediately.” He
pales and absently chews at a fingernail. “What was I to do? I couldn’t
retrieve it from the Count, and I couldn’t tell Kellan I lost it or gave
it away under threat. There’s no worse fate than a black mark from the
family…”
“And now you’re running,” you say, crossing your arms.
Drakehand deflates and slumps forwards. “Yes,” he croaks. “Yes.
Shameful, but better than facing death…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
12]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
exchange looks with Aeran. Though Drakehand is responsible for bringing
the chalice into Rona, it seems his involvement stops there. <<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>It’s not the most useful information; what
you learned at the Viridian Lady’s villa was far more
valuable.<<else>>It’s not the most useful
information.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Threaten Drakehand into telling you who he
thinks would steal the chalice, if given the chance. You’ll have to tell
him the chalice is missing and the Count won’t like that information
getting out, but it’s worth the risk.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 13 A][$coverumour
to "mc"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He clearly doesn’t know anything.
Better move on.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 13 B][$coverumour to
"aeran"]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$guildchapterlead to true>>You get to your feet, one hand resting
on the pommel of your sword. Drakehand slinks back in his chair and
avoids your gaze. “Listen, Drakehand,” you say. “The chalice is missing.
Clearly it’s an item of interest to many people. Who in this city would
want to take it?”
Drakehand cringes. “I don’t know.”
“Best guess.”
“I don’t know!” He wrings his hands, twisting a ring round and round,
and a gemstone pops free from its setting. It clatters across the floor
and rolls under a chair. “The Viridian Lady!”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“Nope, not her. Guess
again.”<<else>>“She’s on the list. Guess
again.”<</if>>
“Then try any of the Seven! You work for the Count, you know better than
me who his enemies are!”
“Think outside the box a little,” you press. “Who outside the Seven?
Other merchants? Proprietors on the Cove? Some—”
“No one on this street would dare,” Drakehand chokes. “Not unless they
had the backing to counter Cere Nalos. Aegineta, perhaps.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran gets to his feet, a deep scowl
darkening his brow. “Yeah, we’ve already talked to him,” he
says.<<else>>Aeran gets to his feet, a deep scowl darkening
his brow. “The local Guild master?” he says. “Come on,
Drakehand—”<</if>>
“That’s my best guess!” the dwarf exclaims, raising his hands and
cowering in his chair. “It’s all I know, I’m sorry!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Calm down, I believe you.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
14 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah, yeah. Come on, Aeran, let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$guildchapterlead to true>>You get to your feet and turn, heading
for the door. Aeran remains where he is.
“One more thing, Drakehand,” he says.
The dwarf slinks back in his chair and avoids his gaze. “Yes?” he
mumbles.
“Judging from this room’s existence, you’re clearly a betting man,” he
says. “That chalice is an item of interest to many people and it’s gone
missing. Who in this city would want it?”
The dwarf cringes. “I don’t know.”
“Give me your best guess.”
“I don’t know!” He wrings his hands, twisting a ring round and round,
and a gemstone pops free from its setting. It clatters across the floor
and rolls under a chair. “The Viridian Lady!”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“Someone other than her. Guess
again.”<<else>>“Anyone else? Guess
again.”<</if>>
Drakehand balks. “Is there a reason for this—”
“Just answer it,” Aeran says wearily. “Someone other than one of the
Seven.”
Drakehand’s lip twitches. “No one on this street would dare steal from
the Count,” he says. “Not unless they had the backing to counter Cere
Nalos. Aegineta, perhaps.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran scowls darkly. “Yeah, we’ve
already talked to him,” he says.<<else>>Aeran scowls darkly.
“The local Guild master?” he says. “Come on,
Drakehand—”<</if>>
“That’s my best guess!” the dwarf exclaims, raising his hands and
cowering in his chair. “It’s all I know, I’m sorry!”
You wind your way back through the tables and put a hand on Aeran’s
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Come on. We’ve got enough.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
13 B1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let’s go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 13
B2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
peeks at you through a gap in his fingers. “You do?”
You glance at Aeran. He sighs witheringly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah. Good luck getting out of Rona. Hope
you outrun that bloodthirsty cousin of yours. Let’s go, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 1
COVE 15]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks for the information. If
you’re going to skip town, I’d hurry up the process before someone else
comes looking for that chalice.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
15]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
that, you turn around and stride across the room, winding your way
through the tables and chairs. Drakehand stares at you, dumbstruck,
frozen in his chair.
You reach the centre of the room and pause. The idol watches you
gleefully from the corner of your eye. <<if $fumsup is
true>>Your gut twists. You really hate that
thing.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “One more thing, Lars. What the hell is
that?”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15 FUMSUP]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it alone.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15 NO
FUMSUP]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
dwarf hangs his head. “A Faran good luck charm,” he mumbles. “Attunes
to the owner, makes them… well… lucky. I’m not sure if it works, I’ve
had terrible luck playing a round of cards in this room.”
“Huh.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take it off his hands.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 16
TAKE THE FUMSUP]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it alone.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 16
LEAVE THE FUMSUP]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $fumsup is true>>[[3.
Break it. You really do hate that thing.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 16 BREAK THE
FUMSUP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>>3. <s>Conditional story requirements have
not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
shake your head. <<if $fumsup is true>>It’s nothing more
than a creepy idol. Not worth your time.<<else>>It’s just an
idol. Not worth your time.<</if>>
“Come on, Aeran,” you say. “Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 40 EXIT RUNES AND
RELICS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+Faran Idol<</notify>><<pickup '$junkInv'
'Faran idol'>><<if $height is "short" or $height is "very
short">>You cross the room and, standing on your tiptoes, pluck
the idol from the wall.<<else>>You cross the room and pluck
the idol from the wall.<</if>> Ignoring Drakehand’s
protests, you turn it over in your hands. The burnished metal is cool
and smooth. You don’t see anything immediately magical about it, but
then you sense the pulsing of a binding point buried deep within its
centre, away from your touch. <<if $packInv.has('Bronze
sphere')>>You wonder whether it’s made from the same metal as your
bronze sphere. Regardless, the idol is enchanted, but you’re not sure
it does what Drakehand thinks it does.<<else>>It is
enchanted, but you’re not sure if it does what Drakehand thinks it
does.<</if>>
“I’ll take this off your hands, if you don’t mind,” you say and stuff
the idol in your pocket.
“Please,” Drakehand groans, a hand pressed to his forehead. “Leave me
alone.”
“Happily,” you reply. “Come on, Aeran.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 40 EXIT RUNES AND
RELICS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shake your head. It’s just an idol. <<if $fumsup is true>>A
creepy one, sure, but nothing special.<<else>>Nothing
special—not even a hint of irregular magic.<</if>>
“Please,” Drakehand mumbles from his chair. “What else?”
“We’re done,” you reply. “Come on, Aeran.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 40 EXIT RUNES AND
RELICS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$height is "short" or $height is "very short">>You cross the room
and, standing on your tiptoes, pluck the idol from the
wall.<<else>>You cross the room and pluck the idol from the
wall.<</if>> Ignoring Drakehand’s protests, you toss it on
the floor and step on it. While the metal resists the pressure of your
boot, the idol’s head pops off and flies across the floor, spinning
under a chair.
Drakehand stands up, eyes wide with horror.
Aeran scowls at you.
“What?” you shrug. “It bothered me.”
“Go…” Drakehand groans, sinking down in his chair. “Please. Just… leave
me alone.”
“Happily,” you reply. “Come on, Aeran.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 40 EXIT RUNES AND
RELICS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceinfo2 to true>>It’s still raining when you return to the
street.
“Well, that was a waste of time,” you say, shutting the shop’s door. You
hover on the front steps and scowl at the grey sky.
Aeran grunts.
You look up and down the street. You should continue with your
investigation, considering Drakehand didn’t give you much.
<<if $chapter1route is "docks">>But Zenaida’s coin purse is
full and heavy in your pocket and the temptation to check out some of
the shops is great. It’s been a while since you could afford to
supplement your supplies.<<else>>Though your funds are
scanty and there isn’t much you can afford, maybe you can talk your way
into a deal.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
41]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a sullen look and gets to his feet.
“I guess,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 13
B4]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a sullen look and gets to his feet.
“Yeah, yeah,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 13
B4]]</div></div><</nobr>>Drakehand
is silent as you cross the room. He sits dumbstruck in his chair,
staring out the window.
You reach the centre of the room and pause. The idol watches you
gleefully from the corner of your eye. <<if $fumsup is
true>>Your gut twists. You really hate that
thing.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “One more thing, Lars. What the hell is
that?”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15 FUMSUP]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it alone.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15 NO
FUMSUP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$guildchapterlead to true>><<set $coverumour to
"mc">>“Listen, Drakehand,” you say, folding your arms. “The only
reason we’re here is because the chalice is missing. You took it from
Calantha, the Count took it from you, and now someone has taken it from
the Count. Clearly it’s an item of interest to many. Who in this city
would want to take it?”
Drakehand cringes. “I don’t know.”
“Best guess.”
“I don’t know!” He wrings his hands, twisting a ring round and round,
and a gemstone pops free from its setting. It clatters across the floor
and rolls under a chair. “The Viridian Lady!”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“Nope, not her. Guess
again.”<<else>>“She’s on the list. Guess
again.”<</if>>
“Then try any of the Seven! You work for the Count, you know better than
me who his enemies are!”
“Think outside the box a little,” you press. “Who outside the Seven?
Other merchants? Proprietors on the Cove? Some—”
“No one on this street would dare,” Drakehand chokes. “Not unless they
had the backing to counter Cere Nalos. Aegineta, perhaps.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran gets to his feet, a deep scowl
darkening his brow. “Yeah, we’ve already talked to him,” he
says.<<else>>Aeran gets to his feet, a deep scowl darkening
his brow. “The local Guild master?” he says. “Come on,
Drakehand—”<</if>>
“That’s my best guess!” the dwarf exclaims, raising his hands and
cowering in his chair. “It’s all I know, I’m sorry!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Calm down, I believe you.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
14 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah, yeah. Come on, Aeran, let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$coverumour to "aeran">><<set $guildchapterlead to
true>>You head for the door. Aeran pauses, hesitant to follow and
on the verge of saying something.
He rounds on Drakehand. “One more thing.”
The dwarf slinks back in his chair and avoids his gaze. “…yes?”
“Judging from this room’s existence, you’re clearly a betting man,”
Aeran says. “That chalice is an item of interest to many people and it’s
gone missing. Who in this city would want it?”
The dwarf cringes. “I don’t know.”
“Give me your best guess.”
“I don’t know!” He wrings his hands, twisting a ring round and round,
and a gemstone pops free from its setting. It clatters across the floor
and rolls under a chair. “The Viridian Lady!”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“Someone other than her. Guess
again.”<<else>>“Anyone else? Guess
again.”<</if>>
Drakehand balks. “Is there a reason for this—”
“Just answer it,” Aeran says wearily. “Someone other than one of the
Seven.”
Drakehand’s lip twitches. “No one on this street would dare steal from
the Count,” he says. “Not unless they had the backing to counter Cere
Nalos. Aegineta, perhaps.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran scowls darkly. “Yeah, we’ve
already talked to him,” he says.<<else>>Aeran scowls darkly.
“The local Guild master?” he says. “Come on,
Drakehand—”<</if>>
“That’s my best guess!” the dwarf exclaims, raising his hands and
cowering in his chair. “It’s all I know, I’m sorry!”
You wind your way back through the tables and put a hand on Aeran’s
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Calm down, I believe you.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
14 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah, yeah. Come on, Aeran, let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 15]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Your
foot connects sharply with Aeran’s shin beneath the table. He falls
silent, mouth working furiously to mask a grunt of pain, and shoots you
an annoyed look.
“So you saw it,” you say, turning to Drakehand. “Or something like it.”
The dwarf pauses. “Yes,” he says quietly.
“What happened after?”
Drakehand falls silent and taps his foot restlessly against the floor.
You wait as patiently as you can and cast an eye around the room. The
little idol stares at you with its wide, unsettling eyes. <<if
$fumsup is true>>You grimace. A shiver prickles the nape of your
neck and runs down your spine. You really don’t like that
thing.<</if>>
“The Count took it,” Drakehand says finally. “It was here for a day,
barely removed from its case before he sent his mercenaries. Damn green
bloodbinder broke the door.”
“Bloodbinder…?” Aeran murmurs, a strange look on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
31]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
my friend means to say,” you interrupt quickly, “is that you saw it. Or
something like it. What happened after?”
Drakehand falls silent and taps his foot restlessly against the floor.
You wait as patiently as you can and cast an eye around the room. The
little idol stares at you with its wide, unsettling eyes. <<if
$fumsup is true>>You grimace. A shiver prickles the nape of your
neck and runs down your spine. You really don’t like that
thing.<</if>>
“The Count took it,” Drakehand says finally. “It was here for a day,
barely removed from its case before he sent his mercenaries. Damn green
bloodbinder broke the door.”
“Bloodbinder…?” Aeran murmurs, a strange look on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
31]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Look,”
you say, “I’ll be upfront with you, Lars. We’re currently employed by
the Count—”
The dwarf blanches.
“For reasons I can’t get into,” you continue quickly, “we need as much
information about the chalice as possible. Where did you find it?”
Drakehand glances from you to Aeran and back again. “One of my buyers
came across it,” he says. “In some little village on the north-western
tip of Calantha.” He sighs. “Strange place, Calantha. Never know what
you’ll find. If the Osgar family could send their fleets beyond the
Wall, they could triplicate their profits in a month.”
Aeran grimaces, a retort on the tip of his tongue. You glance at him and
imperceptibly shake your head. His scowl deepens, but he remains
silent.
“The chalice arrived on a ship bursting with more interesting items,”
Drakehand continues. “It was nothing compared to the other antiques we
imported. I sent copies of the manifest to Kellan’s office, as per
procedure, and my staff put it in the back room for assessment. The next
morning, the Count’s mercenaries were knocking on my door and
threatening to burn the shop down unless I handed over the chalice.”
He shakes himself. “I didn’t think anything of it. It didn’t look rare
or powerful, it was a simple ancient Calanthan chalice. Prized, perhaps,
for its age, but there was nothing inherently magical about it.”
<<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>You press your lips together. If
only he knew what he’d had in his hands… He never stood a
chance.<<else>>You press your lips together and nod,
silently urging him to continue.<</if>>
“I didn’t think twice about it,” Drakehand presses on. “I supposed the
Count had his reasons for wanting it—who has ever understood his
motives? But then I received a missive from Kellan, demanding I send him
the chalice immediately.” He spreads his hands. “What was I to do? I
couldn’t retrieve the chalice from the Count and I couldn’t tell Kellan I
lost it or gave it away under threat. There’s no worse fate than a
black mark from the family…”
“So that’s why you’re running,” you say.
Drakehand deflates. “Yes,” he admits. “Shameful, but better than facing
death…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
32]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
exchange looks with Aeran. Though Drakehand is responsible for bringing
the chalice into Rona, it seems his involvement stops there. <<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>It’s not the most useful information; what
you learned at the Viridian Lady’s villa was far more
valuable.<<else>>It’s not the most useful
information.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask him who else in this city would have
their eye on the chalice. You’ll have to tell him the chalice is missing
and the Count won’t like that information getting out, but it’s worth
the risk.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 33 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He clearly doesn’t know anything.
Better move on.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 33
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$coverumour to "mc">>“One last thing and then we will leave you
alone,” you say. “Someone stole the chalice from the Count—”
Drakehand’s eyes widen. “What?”
“—clearly, it’s an item of interest to many. Who else in this city would
want it?”
He mulls it over. “At a guess… the Viridian Lady, perhaps…?”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“No,” you say. “Not her. Any other
suggestions?”<<else>>“She’s on the list. Any other
suggestions?”<</if>>
“Then I would point towards any of the Seven,” he says, settling back
comfortably in his chair. “Though I can’t imagine why my guesses are
better than yours. You work for the Count, you know who his enemies are
more than I do. Although…” He pauses, tapping his fingers against his
armrest. “No merchant on this street would dare cross the Count. But
there is someone in Deadwood who does have the power and the backing.”
“Who?” you press.
“Aegineta,” Drakehand says. “The local Guild master. You can find him in
Deadwood.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran scowls.
“We’ve already talked to him,” you say. “But thank
you.”<<else>><i>Guild mages…</i> Of course. It’s
a good idea, one you should have considered earlier.
Beside you, Aeran freezes, his fingers curling into a fist. Convincing
him to go to Deadwood is not going to be easy.
“Thank you,” you say. “We’ll consider it.”<</if>>
“That’s all I know,” Drakehand says. “Now, if you please…”
He glances at the door.
You get to your feet. “Thanks for the information,” you say. “If you’re
going to skip town, I’d hurry up the process before someone else traces
the chalice back to you.”
Drakehand grimaces. <i>“Nalak,”</i> he mutters. “Everyone
and their mother wants it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 35
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$coverumour to "aeran">>“Thanks for your time,” you say, getting
to your feet. “We’ll leave you be. If you’re going to skip town, I’d
hurry up the process before someone else traces the chalice back to
you.”
Drakehand grimaces. <i>“Nalak,”</i> he mutters. “Everyone
and their mother wants it—”
“One more thing,” Aeran says.
The dwarf freezes. “…yes?”
“Judging from this room’s existence, you’re clearly a betting man,”
Aeran says. “That chalice is an item of interest to many people and it’s
gone missing. Who in this city would want it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Give me your best guess.”
“I don’t know! The—the Viridian Lady!”
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“Someone other than her. Guess
again.”<<else>>“Anyone else? Guess
again.”<</if>>
Drakehand balks. “Is there a reason for this—”
“Just answer it,” Aeran says wearily. “Someone other than one of the
Seven.”
Drakehand’s lip twitches. “No one on this street would dare steal from
the Count,” he says. “Not unless they had the backing to counter Cere
Nalos. Aegineta, perhaps.”
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aeran scowls darkly. “Yeah, we’ve
already talked to him,” he says.<<else>>Aeran scowls darkly.
“The local Guild master?” he says. “Come on,
Drakehand—”<</if>>
“That’s my best guess!” the dwarf exclaims. “It’s all I know, I’m
sorry!”
You wind your way back through the tables and put a hand on Aeran’s
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Come on. We’ve got enough.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
33 B1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let’s go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 33
B2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$guildchapterlead to true>>Drakehand is silent as you cross the
room. He sits dumbstruck in his chair, staring out the window. You and
Aeran weave your way through the tables and chairs. As you reach the far
side of the room, you glance back. The idol stares at you from its
place on the wall, its large goggling eyes following your every move.
You grimace. <<if $fumsup is true>>It’s nothing more than a
creepy idol. Not worth your time.<<else>>It’s just an idol.
Not worth your time.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 40 EXIT RUNES AND
RELICS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a sullen look and gets to his feet.
“I guess,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 35
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a sullen look and gets to his feet.
“Yeah, yeah,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 35
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
do you think?” you ask, clattering down the steps and onto the
boardwalk to join the milling crowd. “Should we stop for supplies? Might
find something useful—”
“Sure.” He grimaces, his brow furrowing. “No. I don’t…” He stops and
exhales a long, sharp breath. “Whatever you want, $firstname.”
You pause. Someone smacks into your arm and curses at you as they hurry
down the road. You brush them off and seize Aeran by the elbow, dragging
him to the side. “What’s going on?” you ask.
His mouth twitches. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it,” he says,
folding his arms and glancing back at Runes & Relics. <<if
$aeranbet is true>>“Looks like you won the
bet—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. He’s not avoiding this. “Tell me what’s
wrong.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 42 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranbet is true>>[[2.
Let him brush it off. “Yeah. Looks like you owe me.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 42 B
AERAN BET][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[2. Let him brush it off.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 42 C
NO AERAN
BET]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
grimaces. Seizing you by the arm, he leads you to the edge of the
boardwalk and out of the flow of the crowd. You lean against the corner
of a nearby building. Beneath the foot traffic you can hear the rush of
water as the tide pulls it out to sea. You wrinkle your nose. The
pungent scent of fish and brine will soon be all over the Cove.
“There’s something Drakehand said,” Aeran says after a moment. He turns
his head, avoiding your gaze, and settles on watching the jostling
crowd. “About the Count’s mercenaries.”
“Sounds like they roughed him up and scared the shit out of him.” You
shrug. “Not a difficult thing to do. A rat would scare the shit out of
that man—”
“The bloodbinder,” Aeran interrupts. “He said there was a bloodbinder.
I… I have a feeling I know who it is.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE 43
BRIGHTBLADES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aerandeal is 1>><<set $gold +=1>><<notify
3000>>+1 Crown<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>Aeran chuckles.
“What was it again…?”
“One singular, shitty crown.”
He grins and reaches into his pocket. He flips you a coin.
You catch it. “I feel so much richer now.”
He rolls his eyes and gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<<elseif $aerandeal is 5>><<set $gold
+=5>><<notify 3000>>Aeran Approves<br>+5
Crowns<</notify>>Aeran chuckles. “What was it again…?”
“Five crowns. Pay up.”
He grins and reaches into his pocket. He passes you a handful of coins.
“Satisfied?” he asks.
“I feel so much richer now!” you drawl.
He rolls his eyes and gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<<elseif $aerandeal is
"secret">><<aeranApp>>“You owe me a secret,” you
reply, grinning. “And I’m not going to waste it now. Better prepare
yourself, I could spring it on you whenever I want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to go?”<<elseif
$aerandeal is "favour">><<aeranApp>>“You owe me a
favour,” you reply, grinning. “And I’m not going to waste it now. Better
prepare yourself, I could spring it on you whenever I want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to go?”<<elseif
$aerandeal is "location">>“I get to decide what shitty city we
live in next after we’re done with the Count,” you say, turning down the
road.
He chuckles. “What an honour. I’m going to trust you not to mess it up.”
“Me?” you reply, pointing at yourself in mock astonishment. “Mess up my
choices? Never.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B PRE COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stuffs his hands into his pockets and looks up and down the street. “So
where did you want to go?” he asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B PRE COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$brightbladecodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Brightblades<</notify>>Bloodbinders are rare.
Their powerful regenerative abilities that heal all wounds make them
particularly valuable fighters. If one is here in Rona, it’s not
surprising the Count bought their services.
You frown. “How many bloodbinders do you know?”
“Only one.” He grimaces. “Rhodarth Nairan. A Brightblade.”
<i>Great.</i> Brightblades are an established warrior order
from the island of Corsida. They only accept bloodbinders into their
fold, making them dangerously resilient.
Aeran folds his arms and shifts uncomfortably beside you. His fingers
dig sharply into his arms, the beds of his fingernails turning white.
“What I don’t understand is what he’s doing here,” he blurts suddenly.
“If it is him—and I think it is.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Care to explain that one?”
Aeran groans, tilting his head back to watch the rain pour from the sky.
“Brightblades don’t leave the Lotharic Sea. It’s part of their creed.
So why is he here in Rona, without his company? Why is he working for
the Count?”
“Rona attracts all sorts,” you reply, shrugging. “It’s the place people
end up when they have nowhere else to go. And the Count…” You grimace.
“Well, not everyone has a choice about who they work for. Look at us.”
“Yeah,” he mutters darkly. “But that’s not Rho.”
You fall silent. As travelling the world is part of the Wayfarer nature,
it’s not unusual for you to run into former acquaintances of all kinds.
But Aeran seems unnerved by the implication that this Brightblade is
here in Rona.
And that is strange.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rho?”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 43 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not to pry, but is this a
problem?”|CHAPTER 1 COVE 43
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
closes his eyes and presses a hand to his forehead. “Yeah. We were…
together a while back, before all the…” He sighs wearily. “Look, it’s
not important, all right?”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your gut twists. In the two years
you’ve travelled together, he has never mentioned someone named
Rhodarth. Not once. You often assume you and Aeran know everything about
each other—and then a reminder that you don’t comes along and slaps you
in the face. Despite your shared history, there are still so many
things you do not know.
“All right,” you say, clamping down on your urge to ask him more. Then
again, maybe you don’t want to know. Who says you’re entitled to the
details of his romantic past?
You push off the wall and step back into the crowd. “Moving on?” you
prompt.
He nods, a relieved look crossing his face, and joins you.<<elseif
$aeranapp >=40>>You frown. In the two years you’ve travelled
together, he has never mentioned someone named Rhodarth. You often
assume you and Aeran know everything about each other—and then a
reminder that you don’t comes along and slaps you in the face. Despite
your shared history, there are still so many things you do not know.
“All right,” you say, clamping down on your urge to ask him more.
Aeran’s far from the only one with ghosts in his past.
You push off the wall and step back into the crowd.
“Moving on?” you prompt.
He nods and joins you.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>You shrug.
In the two years you’ve travelled together, he has never mentioned
someone named Rhodarth. Though you often assume you know him as well as
you know yourself, there are still things about Aeran that come as a
surprise. He’s entitled to his privacy as much as you are.
“All right,” you say. This isn’t your business and if it’s important…
well, you’ll deal with it later. Aeran’s far from the only one with
ghosts in his past.
You push off the wall and step back into the crowd.
“Moving on?” you prompt.
He nods and joins you.<</if>>
<<if $aeranbet is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COVE 44 BET
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Where
did you want to go?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B PRE COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
makes a face. “I don’t know, $firstname,” he says. “I really don’t.
Rhodarth and I didn’t leave on the best of terms.”
“So I’m guessing we should avoid him at all costs, then,” you reply.
“No, it’s not like that, it’s…” He sighs and runs a hand through his
hair. “Let’s keep our heads down, find the chalice, and get the hell out
of this city.”
His tone is much sharper than usual.
“Agreed,” you say. You push off the wall and step back into the crowd.
“Moving on?”
He nods and joins you.
<<if $aeranbet is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COVE 44 BET
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Where
did you want to go?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B PRE COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
walk a little ways down the street, your pace slowed by the crowd
ahead. You glance back at Runes & Relics and remember the
conversation you had before you went in.
“Hey Aeran,” you say. “Looks like you owe me.”
He blinks. “Uh… come again?”
“The bet. You owe me for the bet.”
Realization dawns on him. He chuckles. “Right. What was it again?”
<<if $aerandeal is 1>><<set $gold
+=1>><<notify 3000>>+1
Crown<</notify>>“One singular, shitty crown.”
He grins and reaches into his pocket. He flips you a coin.
You catch it. “I feel so much richer now.”
He rolls his eyes and gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<<elseif $aerandeal is 5>><<set $gold
+=5>><<notify 3000>>+5
Crowns<</notify>>“Five crowns. Pay up.”
He grins and reaches into his pocket. He passes you a handful of coins.
“Satisfied?” he asks.
“I feel so much richer now!” you drawl.
He rolls his eyes and gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<<elseif $aerandeal is "secret">>“You owe me a secret,”
you reply, grinning. “And I’m not going to waste it now. Better prepare
yourself, I could spring it on you whenever I want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to go?”<<elseif
$aerandeal is "favour">>“You owe me a favour,” you reply,
grinning. “And I’m not going to waste it now. Better prepare yourself, I
could spring it on you whenever I want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to go?”<<elseif
$aerandeal is "location">>“I get to decide what shitty city we
live in next after we’re done with the Count,” you say, turning down the
road.
He chuckles. “What an honour. I’m going to trust you not to mess it up.”
“Me?” you reply, pointing at yourself in mock astonishment. “Mess up my
choices? Never.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and
gestures at the street. “So where did you want to
go?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B PRE COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
consider your options. There’s the apothecary, where you might find
poultices and poisons. The artificer will have gadgets, from lockpicks
to traps to any number of things. And the blacksmith could have useful
tools you won’t find anywhere else—provided you can get him to talk to
you.
“I’m all for resupplying,” Aeran adds, “but we’ve already wasted a lot
of time here. Let’s try not to visit the same place twice, yeah?”
You nod. He’s right; you really only have time to visit each location
once.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Cove</span>
You have <span class="specialtitle">$gold crowns</span>.
Where do you want to go?
<<switch visited()>><<case
1>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B
APOTHECARY START")>><s>1. The
apothecary.</s><<else>>[[1. The apothecary.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B APOTHECARY START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B
ARTIFICER START")>><s>2. The
artificer.</s><<else>>[[2. The artificer.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B ARTIFICER START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B
BLACKSMITH START")>><s>3. The
blacksmith</s><<else>>[[3. The blacksmith.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B BLACKSMITH
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B APOTHECARY START")>><s>1. The
apothecary.</s><<else>>[[1. The apothecary.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B APOTHECARY START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B
ARTIFICER START")>><s>2. The
artificer.</s><<else>>[[2. The artificer.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B ARTIFICER START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B
BLACKSMITH START")>><s>3. The
blacksmith</s><<else>>[[3. The blacksmith.|CHAPTER 1
ROUTE B BLACKSMITH START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=1>>[[4.
There’s nothing of interest left. Leave the Cove.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
EXIT]]<<else>>[[4. You have no money left. It’s time to
leave the Cove.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
and Aeran follow the boardwalk, winding your way to the very end.
You’re close to the coast here; the smell of fish and brine is strong
and the planks creak beneath your feet. If you stepped off the
boardwalk, you would step directly into the sea. The apothecary’s shop
is small and clings to the edge of the boardwalk. Only one storey tall
and sporting a thatched roof, it looks more like a hut than a shop. In
contrast to the other shops in the Cove, the apothecary’s veranda is lit
with lamps rather than conjured lights.
You’ve always had a fondness for the place. It’s nice to walk into a
shop and know you can’t destroy its infrastructure simply by existing.
Stepping up onto the veranda, you slide the door open and enter.
The shop is empty and dark. The only source of light is a small oil lamp
strung from the rafters, hanging alongside suspended pots overflowing
with spindly green plants and vines. The floor, though scratched and
creaking, is swept clean of dirt and mud. The walls are lined shelves,
their wood darkened with age. They are filled with earthenware jars and
glass bottles, all neatly placed in a row, each one meticulously
labelled with a delicate script.
At the far back is a small counter. The apothecary, a middle-aged aeda,
leans against it, absorbed writing labels and attaching them to new
stock. They look up as you approach, their face brightening.
“$firstname, Aeran,” they say, putting down their quill and pushing
their wire spectacles up their nose. Their left wing drapes over their
shoulder, grey feathers sleek and orderly. Their right wing—the broken
one—curls behind their back, out of sight. “What can I do for you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=10>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 APOTHECARY
MONEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 APOTHECARY NO
MONEY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
artificer’s shop is a long and narrow nondescript building squished
between two larger, squarer nondescript buildings. It’s the kind of shop
that feels like an afterthought, sprung up in the remaining free space
between its neighbours. One storey high, it is dwarfed by the other
buildings on the block—easy to overlook when compared to the other shops
in the Cove.
All the better for you. It means you get first pick of the artificer’s
wares.
“Maybe I’ll stay outside,” Aeran says as you draw near. “Myn was a
little… tetchy last time.”
You roll your eyes. “She’s not that bad.”
“She nearly shot me with the… whatever it was.”
“Rapid fire crossbow.”
“Yeah, that.”
“I promise she’s not going to shoot you.”
He grimaces. <<if $gold <=5>>“Are you sure about that?
You might change your mind after she finds out we have barely any
money—”<<else>>“Are you sure about that? I wouldn’t put it
past her to—”<</if>>
Rolling your eyes, you seize Aeran by the arm and slide the shop door
open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=10>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER
MONEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER NO
MONEY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>As
you walk into the Cove’s second block a crowd catches your eye. A
handful of people cluster around the blacksmith’s smithy, jostling and
shoving as they hurl insult after insult. An elven man—tall, with his
unkempt hair pulled back and a week-old scraggly beard on his
chin—stands at the entrance to his smithy, taking the verbal abuse
without comment. His scowl deepens with every passing second.
“What do you think?” you ask Aeran as you draw closer to the crowd.
“Come back later or—”
The blacksmith walks calmly down the steps and punches the nearest man
in the mouth. He cries out, spitting blood, a hand clamped over his
mouth as he stumbles away. The crowd falls silent.
“Anyone else?” the blacksmith says calmly. “We can be here all day if
you like, but my clients are going to complain.”
“It’s <i>you</i> who’s the problem, Calanthan,” a woman
spits. “You and your unnatural—”
“Yeah, yeah,” the blacksmith interrupts. “Take it up with the Seven. Now
piss off.” Without further comment he leaps up the steps and barrels
through the front door, ramming it shut behind him.
The crowd mutters, simmering with disgust and outrage, but they’re too
intimidated to take the matter further and slowly disperse. The injured
heckler is nowhere to be found.
You pass through the remaining protesters, ignoring their dark looks and
pointed whispers, and climb the steps to the smithy.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B BLACKSMITH
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wander along the boardwalk. The steady rain continues to fall, though
it is lighter now. Huddled clusters of cloaked people shoot you blank
stares and move out of the way as you pass.
“Think we’re done here?” Aeran asks. He pushes his hood back and runs
his fingers through his hair. Now the rain is lighter, he seems to be
enjoying it.
“Yeah,” you reply. “We should get going.”
You walk in silence as you pass, slipping quietly through the crowd. As
you enter the first block, you pass a small group of mercenaries
lingering on the veranda of a popular leisure house, chatting amiably.
Every few minutes they look out across the boardwalk, observing the
shifting crowds.
Red kerchiefs are tied around their upper arms. A mark of the Count.
A mercenary makes eye contact with you as you pass. She pushes a shock
of white hair out of her eyes and smirks.
“Think they’re watching us?” you mutter to Aeran. “Making sure we stay
on track?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI
THREATENED") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COVE IF MERCHANTS THREATENED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COVE IF MERCHANTS NOT
THREATENED]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$routebEmari to true>>“Good to see you, Emari,” you reply. “We’ve
just come to take a look and maybe resupply.”
Emari nods and rests their long, narrow hands against the counter. Their
fingernails—long, curved, resembling talons and painted silver to match
the circular markings on their face—tap absent-mindedly against the
wood. “Of course. Let me know if I can help.”
You nod and poke around the shelves, taking a look at what Emari has on
offer. The apothecary was the first person you met when you arrived in
Rona and you’ve viewed each other with polite affection ever since.
Emari is a bit of a recluse; you’ve never seen them venture outside
their shop. They are particularly tight-lipped, especially about
themself. How a soft-spoken, bespectacled aeda with a broken wing washed
up in Rona is a story you will never hear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 APOTHECARY
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Good
to see you, Emari,” you reply, smiling brightly.
The apothecary has a long-standing soft spot for you and Aeran. You’re
not sure why; they knew you were Wayfarers from the moment you first
walked through their door. Maybe they feel some kind of unexplained
kinship with you.
“We don’t have a lot, but we’re trying to resupply,” you continue.
<<if $gold >=1>>“Is there anything you can give us for
$gold crowns?”<<else>>“Is there anything you can part with
for free?”<</if>>
Emari exhales slowly, a flicker of guilt crossing their face. “I’m
sorry, $firstname,” they say. “Were it any other week, I would. But I
have my own debts to pay.”
You nod and press your lips together. Aeran grimaces and moves towards
the door, but you don’t budge. Emari’s infusions and poultices have
proven useful countless times. There must be something you can offer
them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [PERSUASION]
Levy your association with the Crimson Count. If Emari is being
threatened, the Count could offer protection.|CHAPTER 1 EMARI
THREATENED][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $junkInv.has('Faran
idol')>>[[2. Offer up the idol. Maybe you can swing a
trade.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH IDOL TRADE]]<<else>><s>2.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Bronze
sphere')>>[[3. Offer up the sphere. Maybe you can swing a
trade.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH SPHERE TRADE]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Thank them and walk away. It’s in
poor taste to try to weasel something out of them.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH WALK
AWAY][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Levy your
association with the Crimson Count. If Emari is being threatened, the
Count could offer protection.|CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $junkInv.has('Faran
idol')>>[[2. Offer up the idol. Maybe you can swing a
trade.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH IDOL TRADE]]<<else>><s>2.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Bronze
sphere')>>[[3. Offer up the sphere. Maybe you can swing a
trade.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH SPHERE TRADE]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Thank them and walk away. It’s in
poor taste to try to weasel something out of them.|CHAPTER 1 APOTH WALK
AWAY][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>“Emari,” you
say, “you know who we work for—”
The apothecary freezes, eyes going wide. Their nails scratch deep into
the counter’s surface. “Yes,” they say. “Is this a threat, $lastname?”
You blink. “No! All I meant is that if you have debts to pay, maybe we
can leverage—”
“I will never want Cere Nalos’ protection,” Emari hisses, eyes flashing.
“Get out of my shop.”
“But—”
One wing flares out behind them and they rise slightly in the air.
“OUT!”
Without a word, you turn and walk briskly through the shop and step back
out onto the street. Aeran shuts the door behind you.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED")>>“What the hell
are you playing at, $firstname?” Aeran says, rounding on you. “First
Myn, now Emari—”
“I’m working with what we have,” you reply shortly.
“Yeah, and you <i>should stop,”</i> he says flatly. “You
can’t throw the Count’s name around like that. We may work for him, but
we’re not his people.”
Muttering a string of curses, he steps out into the flow of traffic. You
follow several paces behind, letting him blow off
steam.<<else>>“What the hell was that?” he demands.
“I… <i>ugh.”</i> You shake your head. “I swear that wasn’t
what I was implying—”
“You know what the Count is like and you want to put Emari in that
situation just to get a handful of herbs?” Aeran snaps. <<if
$aeranapp <=39>>“Fuck off,
$firstname.”<<else>>“Fucking brilliant idea, $nickname.
Let’s go.”<</if>>
He strides on ahead in silence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$snakeweedeqp to true>><<set $snakeweed +=
5>><<notify 3000>>+ Infusion of
Snakeweed<</notify>>You dig through your pockets. “We may
not have crowns,” you say, “but surely this is worth something.”
You pull out the bronze sphere and put it on the counter. Emari picks it
up cautiously and examines it. They flip it over in their hands,
watching the glowing turquoise gem.
“I cannot accept this, $firstname,” they say, handing it back to you.
“It is… too much.”
“Then it’s a good trade,” you press.
“It is best you keep it,” they reply, shaking their head. “Giving it to
me will cause more trouble than you know.”
They fold their hands together and watch you carefully, their eyes
boring into yours. You smile cautiously. This feeling of intense
examination is making you uncomfortable.
“But here,” Emari says, ducking below their counter and withdrawing a
handful of vials. “Perhaps this will help you.”
You take the vials. Dark liquid swirls about within, shimmering
slightly.
“Infusion of snakeweed,” they explain. “Deadly in large doses. Be
careful with it. It’s potent.”
You nod your thanks and slip the vials into your pocket. “Thank you,
Emari.”
After saying a brief farewell, you leave the shop and step back out onto
the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
dig through your pockets. “We may not have crowns,” you say, “but
surely this is worth something.”
You pull out the idol you took from Drakehand and put it on the counter.
Emari stares at it. They withdraw their hand.
“I don’t know what that is.”
“Neither do I.”
“Please get it off my counter.”
“All right.”
Emari purses their lips. “I think you should leave, $firstname,” they
say. “I cannot barter or trade. My prices begin at twenty crowns. If you
do not have that, there is nothing I can sell you.”
You put the idol back in your pocket. “Thanks.”
Giving Emari a strained smile, you leave the shop and head back out onto
the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$snakeweedeqp to true>><<set $snakeweed +=
5>><<aeranApp>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Infusion of
Snakeweed<</notify>><</timed>>You smile shortly.
“I understand,” you say. “Thanks anyway.”
As you turn to weave your way back through the shop, a strong hand
seizes your arm. You glance over your shoulder to find Emari leaning
over the counter, an intense look in their eyes. “I know you wouldn’t
willingly work for Cere Nalos unless you had no choice,” they say.
“Please. Whatever you’re doing, $firstname, be careful.”
You nod.
Emari lets go and withdraws behind the counter. Suddenly, they raise a
hand, gesturing for you to wait, and duck below. When they resurface,
they place three vials on the countertop. Dark liquid swirls within.
“For you,” they say as you pick up the vials and examine them. “Infusion
of snakeweed. Deadly in large doses. Be careful with it. It’s potent.”
You nod your thanks and slip the vials into your pocket. “Thank you,
Emari.”
After saying a brief farewell, you leave the shop and step back out onto
the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>“Myn,” you
say, “we work for the Count now—”
“And you’re happily throwing around threats now?” Myn snaps. She draws
herself up to her full height and scowls at you. “Get out.”
“I—”
“GET OUT!”
Aeran seizes you by the arm and drags you through the shelves. You
stumble out onto the street and Myn slams the door behind you.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED")>>“What the
hell are you playing at, $firstname?” Aeran says, rounding on you.
“First Emari, now Myn—”
“I’m working with what we have,” you reply shortly.
“Yeah, and you <i>should stop,”</i> he says flatly. “Stop
throwing the Count’s name around just to shake up merchants. We may work
for him, but we’re not his people.”
Muttering a string of curses, he steps out into the flow of traffic. You
follow several paces behind, letting him blow off
steam.<<else>>“What the hell was that?” he demands.
“I… <i>ugh.”</i> You shake your head. “I swear that wasn’t
what I was implying—”
“You can’t drop the Count’s name like that,” he snaps. “Myn’s not going
to forget an open threat like that. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>Fuck off, $firstname.”<<else>>Fucking
brilliant idea, $nickname. Let’s
go.”<</if>><</if>>
He strides ahead in silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$routebMyn to true>>The space inside is small and crowded.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves squeeze together along the walls and in
clusters in the centre to maximize space. You slip between two displays
and poke through the shelves for anything that catches your eye.
A door in the back slides open and a blunt dwarven woman enters, wiping
her hands on a weathered leather apron. Her coily black hair is woven
back in braids, keeping it out of her face, and the sparse, dark fuzz of
unshaved stubble runs down her cheeks and across her upper lip. Her
forehead and chin shine with spots of grease. Her muscular arms are
marked with a series of black, geometric tattoos that run from shoulder
to wrist. You recognize them as Faran clan tattoos.
“Hey, Myn,” you say, raising a hand in welcome.
Aeran swiftly ducks out of sight behind a group of shelves.
“$lastname,” she answers, folding her arms. Despite other merchants in
the Cove declaring Myn has had a shop here for over a decade, she
retains a thick Faran accent. “Come to hassle me again, I see.”
“Not intentionally,” you reply, eyeing a set of lockpicks.
“I can see you, Kellis,” Myn calls. “You’re not subtle.”
Aeran sticks out a hand from behind the shelves and waves. “Hi, Myn,” he
calls, deflated.
She snorts. “Suit yourself, blasted Wayfarer,” she grunts, shaking her
head. “What are you after this time?” she adds, staring at you with
narrowed eyes. “I won’t be parting with any more of my prototypes after
what happened to the last one. I finally make something that outstrips
Cerys Tormond’s designs and you go and wreck it.”
You wince. You were hoping you’d be able to duck in and duck out without
<i>that</i> incident coming up, but Myn knows how to hold a
grudge. She’s a self-styled inventor and extremely possessive of her
work.
“Just picking up a few essentials,” you explain. “We’ll be on our way
soon.”
Myn blows out a sharp breath. “If you say so.” She cocks her head
towards her wares. “Well, get on with it. I don’t have all day to stand
here waiting for you, I’m busy.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 ARTIFICER
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
space inside is small and crowded. Floor-to-ceiling shelves squeeze
together along the walls and in clusters in the centre to maximize
space. You squeeze between two displays and poke through the shelves for
anything that catches your eye. A set of lockpicks, some
thunderspheres, traps… <<if $gold >=1>>All useful in your
line of work, but all well over $gold
crowns.<<else>>Nothing you can afford, considering you have
no crowns.<</if>>
Aeran is right about one thing. Myn doesn’t like bartering. It’s going
to take a bold strategy to convince her to drop her prices.
A door in the back slides open. “$lastname,” a gruff voice barks.
You turn and come face to face with a dwarven woman wiping her hands on a
weathered leather apron. Her coily black hair is woven back in braids,
keeping it out of her face, and the sparse, dark fuzz of unshaved
stubble runs down her cheeks and across her upper lip. Her forehead and
chin shine with spots of grease. Her muscular arms are marked with a
series of black, geometric tattoos that run from shoulder to wrist. You
recognize them as Faran clan tattoos.
“Hey, Myn,” you say.
Aeran swiftly ducks out of sight behind a group of shelves.
“Come to hassle me again, I see,” she says, folding her arms. Despite
other merchants in the Cove declaring Myn has had a shop here for over a
decade, she retains a thick Faran accent.
“‘Hassle’ is a bit of a misleading word, don’t you think?” you reply.
Myn tuts. “I can see you, Kellis!” she calls over your shoulder. “You’re
not subtle!”
Aeran sticks out a hand from behind the shelves and waves. “Hi, Myn,” he
calls, deflated.
She snorts. “Suit yourself, blasted Wayfarer,” she grunts, shaking her
head, and turns back to you. “What are you after this time? I won’t be
parting with any more of my prototypes after what happened to the last
one. I finally make something that outstrips Cerys Tormond’s designs and
you go and wreck it.”
You wince. You were hoping you’d be able to get by without
<i>that</i> incident coming up, but Myn knows how to hold a
grudge. She’s a self-styled inventor and extremely possessive of her
work.
“Just picking up a few essentials,” you explain. “We’ll be on our way
soon.”
Myn blows out a sharp breath. “If you say so,” she says flatly. She
watches you expectantly, waiting for a reply.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] She’s the type to appreciate honesty. Sometimes. Ask her
for a discount outright.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] She’s the type to appreciate
honesty. Sometimes. Ask her for a discount outright.|CHAPTER 1
ARTIFICER DISCOUNT
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. [PERSUASION]
You do not have enough crowns to take this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] Levy your association
with the Crimson Count. Maybe that will give her a nudge in the right
direction.|CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $junkInv.has('Faran
idol')>>[[3. Try to barter with the idol.|CHAPTER 1 ART IDOL
TRADE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Bronze
sphere')>>[[4. Try to barter with the bronze sphere.|CHAPTER 1 ART
SPHERE TRADE]]<<else>><s>4. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. Thank her for her time and leave.
She already sounds pissed at you, no point making it worse.|CHAPTER 1
ARTIFICER LEAVE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1.
She’s the type to appreciate honesty. Sometimes. Ask her for a discount
outright.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
She’s the type to appreciate honesty. Sometimes. Ask her for a discount
outright.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You do not have
enough crowns to take this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Levy your association with the
Crimson Count. Maybe that will give her a nudge in the right
direction.|CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $junkInv.has('Faran
idol')>>[[3. Try to barter with the idol.|CHAPTER 1 ART IDOL
TRADE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Bronze
sphere')>>[[4. Try to barter with the bronze sphere.|CHAPTER 1 ART
SPHERE TRADE]]<<else>><s>4. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. Thank her for her time and leave.
She already sounds pissed at you, no point making it worse.|CHAPTER 1
ARTIFICER LEAVE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div><</if>>
</div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“Actually,
Myn,” you say, “I was hoping for a discount.”
She stares at you and a surprisingly bubbly giggle erupts out of her. “A
discount?” she says. “Dear gods, that’s rich, coming from you.” She
shakes her head and, still chuckling, rests a hand on her hip. “All
right, $lastname. I’ll hear you out. Why the hell should I give you a
discount?”
“Because <<if $gold >=2>>$gold
crowns<<else>>one crown<</if>> is all I’ve got,”
you say. “But I’m doing work for the Count. Give me something to finish
the job and once our expenses to leave this city are covered, I’ll give
you the rest.”
“Huh.” She folds her arms, nodding as she mulls over your offer. “All
right,” she says after a moment. “All right, $lastname, I hear you. I’ll
give you something, but I’ll take <<if $gold >=2>>those
crowns<<else>>that crown<</if>> now and, mark my
words, there will be hell to pay if you don’t follow up on your offer.”
You smile shortly. “Consider them marked.”
“Right.” Myn swings around the shop, pulling a handful of different
items from the shelves and slams them down on her counter. “What do you
want?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B MYN
SHOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Actually,
Myn,” you say, “I was hoping for a discount.”
She stares at you and a surprisingly bubbly giggle erupts out of her. “A
discount?” she says. “Dear gods, that’s rich, coming from you.” She
shakes her head and, still chuckling, rests a hand on her hip. “All
right, $lastname. I’ll hear you out. Why the hell should I give you a
discount?”
“Because <<if $gold <=2>>$gold
crowns<<else>>one crown<</if>> is all I’ve got,”
you say. “Please, Myn. Do me this one favour—”
“Oh, fuck off, $lastname,” she snaps. “Not my fault you’re in this
position. If you can’t pay, then get out of my shop. And take Kellis
with you.”
You give her a defeated nod and squeeze back through the shelves, Aeran
trailing behind you. As you step back out onto the street, he throws you
a side-eyed look.
“What?” you say. “It was worth a shot.”
He shakes his head and says nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
dig through your pockets. “We may not have enough crowns right now,”
you say, “but surely this is worth something.”
You pull out the idol you took from Drakehand and hold it out to Myn.
The artificer bursts into laughter.
“Did you bully poor Lars into giving you that?” she says, crossing her
arms. “Never mind. Point being, I’m not taking it. Please get that piece
of superstitious Faran trash out of my shop.”
You stuff it back into your pocket. “Maybe—”
“Look, $lastname,” Myn interrupts coldly. “If you don’t have the crowns,
I have nothing for you. Sorry.”
You nod. Giving her a strained smile, you leave the shop and head back
out onto the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
dig through your pockets. “We may not have enough crowns right now,”
you say, “but surely this is worth something.”
You pull out the bronze sphere and hand it to Myn. She takes it in
silence, her eyes wide with curiosity, and holds it up to examine it.
She runs a thumb over the bronze frame and peers at the glowing
turquoise gem inside.
“Where did you get this?” she asks.
“Doesn’t matter.”
She hands it back to you. “I can’t take it,” Myn says. “There is nothing
I can do with it. As much as I want it, it will give me more trouble
than I’m worth. Someone in this city is going to come for it and I’d
rather not have another target on my back.”
“Right…” You slip the sphere back into your pocket.
“I think you should go, $lastname,” she continues, crossing her arms
uncomfortably. “If there’s nothing you can afford, then you should leave
my shop.”
You nod. Giving her a strained smile, you leave the shop and head back
out onto the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“You
know what, Myn?” you say. “We’re wasting your time. We can’t afford any
of this right now. We’ll just go.”
Seizing Aeran by the arm, you pull him through the shelves towards the
door. Myn shrugs, nonplussed, and disappears through the back door.
You head back out onto the street.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Lockpicks'>><<notify
3000>>+Lockpicks<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- All
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>“These will do,” you
say, pointing at the lockpicks.
She huffs. “Why am I not surprised.”
“Hey, don’t judge me,” you reply. “You’re the one who made them.”
“But I’m not gonna <i>use</i> them, now am I?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT LEAVE
MYN A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$clawtrapeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>+ 3 Claw
Traps<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>- All
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>“Those,” you say,
pointing to the traps.
Myn raises an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Be careful
with those,” she says. “Won’t kill you, but get a stray finger caught in
them and it’ll hurt you to hell and back.”
“I’m counting on it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT LEAVE
MYN A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$thundersphereeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>+3
Thunderspheres<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- All
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>“Those,” you say,
pointing to the thunderspheres.
“Those will make a guaranteed ruckus,” Myn says. “There’s a latch on the
bottom. Pull it to release the lever and you have about ten seconds
before it ignites. Just make sure to keep your distance when it goes
off.”
“Sure.”
“Don’t you ‘sure’ me, Wayfarer,” she snaps. “You better be damn careful
with those, you hear? Don’t go throwing them willy-nilly or you’ll get
innocent people killed.”
You raise an eyebrow. “If they’re so dangerous, why sell them?”
She folds her arms and shrugs. “I already made them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT LEAVE
MYN A]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
your purchases pocketed, you and Aeran wind your way back through the
shop and step out onto the street.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>Inside
is a wide, open room with a high ceiling. The anvil and forge rest on a
sunken gravel floor along the west wall. The rest of the room is taken
up by various worktables, shelves and miscellaneous storage. Despite the
amount of space, the smithy is a cluttered mess. Tools lie haphazardly
on worktables, organized by an internal logic that escapes you. Weapons
and gear in various states of completion are scattered around the room.
Some glow with different intensities and colours, others look like
ordinary weapons.
The blacksmith stands by a water barrel, scrubbing blood off his hand
with a damp cloth. He grimaces when you enter and does not look up.
“Get out,” he growls. “Unless you also want to lose a tooth—”
“When I get a toothache, I’ll let you know,” you interrupt. “As far as I
know, my mouth is fine.”
The blacksmith straightens at the sound of your voice, eyes wide with
panic. He leaps towards you, hands raised. “Stay there!” he shouts.
“Don’t – touch – <i>anything!”</i>
“Calm down, Thelkar,” Aeran says. “We’re not going near your work.”
Thelkar pauses. “All right,” he says, slowly lowering his hands. “But…
stay there. Don’t wander around the shop.”
“Fine by me,” you reply, folding your arms and planting your feet near
the door. “Seems you got yourself into another tight spot.”
Thelkar snorts. “Those fools? Hardly. All they do is wave their hands
and yell themselves hoarse. Suits me just fine. The sooner they lose
their voices, the sooner I can get back to work.”
“I wouldn’t disregard them completely,” you warn.
“None of your business, Wayfarer,” Thelkar snaps. “I was exiled from my
home. I can tolerate a few toothless malcontents.” His eyes sweep over
you, narrowing with suspicion. “I doubt you’re here to exchange
pleasantries. What do you want? My work isn’t for you.”
“We’re outside your usual range of specialization, yes,” you reply. “But
I know your style better than that. You tinker as much as Myn—”
Thelkar rolls his eyes. “Myn wants to see how far she can push her
inventions until they explode. The downfall of Faran artificers. I am an
artisan.”
“Uh-huh,” Aeran says.
Thelkar shoots him a dark look.
“You’re skilled, Thelkar,” you interrupt quickly. “And skilled craftsmen
don’t limit themselves. Do you have anything non-magical you’re willing
to part with?”
He sets his jaw. “Nothing you’d be able to afford.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=10>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BLACKSMITH MONEY
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BLACKSMITH NO
MONEY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$routebThelkar to true>><<if $gold >= 50>>You pull
out your coin pouch. “Try me.”<<else>>You smile, trying not
think about the remaining contents of your coin pouch. “Try
me.”<</if>>
Thelkar blows out a withering sigh and crosses the smithy to dig through
the clutter at the back. “This may be of interest,” he calls.
“Considering the work you Wayfarers find yourselves in—”
“What kind of work is that?” Aeran says flatly.
Thelkar shrugs. “Questionable.”
“You’re quick to judge,” Aeran replies. “Considering you supply the
Seven and their mercenaries with any weapons and arms they need—”
Thelkar turns around, scowling darkly, a hefty-looking clump of metal in
hand. “How’s your mouth feeling, Kellis?” he says. “Any toothaches?”
“Is that the thing of interest, Thelkar?” you interrupt quickly, shoving
Aeran back towards the door and cutting across him.
The blacksmith pales and rushes forwards. “I told you not to move!”
You stop. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the multiple glowing
weapons, soft light emanating from their blades. “Don’t worry,” you say
calmly. “I’ll stay here.”
Thelkar grunts.
“But you know that’s not how it works, right?” you add. “Minor
enchantments and conjurations can be broken at a touch, sure, but your
work? A single touch may disrupt your enchantments, but it will revert
once I—”
“Stop talking,” the blacksmith seethes. He carries the item across the
room and slams it on a nearby table.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gold >=1>>You smile and pull out your coin pouch, trying not
to think about the meager contents. “Try me.”
Without waiting for more input, Thelkar seizes the pouch. He rounds on
you, a dark scowl on his face as he feels its weight. “You can’t be
fucking serious, $lastname,” he says and throws the pouch back at you.
You catch it. “Just hear me out—”<<else>>You smile and try
not to think about how you have no money left. “Surely there’s some
little thing you can part with—”
“For free?” he grunts. “You’re out of your mind, $lastname.”
“Just hear me out—”<</if>>
“Get out,” he grunts.
“Wait—”
<<if $height is "very tall">>Thelkar sizes you up, a muscle
twitching in his jaw.<<else>>Thelkar looms over you, a
muscle twitching in his jaw.<</if>> You glance desperately
around the smithy for any ideas before the blacksmith throws you out.
You spot a nearby sword shining with a pulsing glow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Threaten to
break the sword’s enchantment if Thelkar refuses to deal with
you.|CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5,
5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=1>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Try to
talk him down. If he can calm down, maybe there’s something in the back
you can get for your pittance of crowns.|CHAPTER 1 THELKAR
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Try to talk him down. If he
can calm down, maybe there’s something in the back you can get for your
pittance of crowns.|CHAPTER 1 THELKAR
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. [PERSUASION]
You do not have enough crowns to select this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Leave the smithy.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE
THE SMITHY][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Threaten to
break the sword’s enchantment if Thelkar refuses to deal with
you.|CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5,
5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=1>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2. Try to talk him down.
If he can calm down, maybe there’s something in the back you can get for
your pittance of crowns.|CHAPTER 1 THELKAR
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Try to talk him down. If he can calm
down, maybe there’s something in the back you can get for your pittance
of crowns.|CHAPTER 1 THELKAR
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. You do not have
enough crowns to select this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Leave the smithy.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE
THE SMITHY][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
duck around Thelkar and step towards the nearby table, hand
outstretched. “I wonder how long you spent on this,” you say. “A week?
Two weeks?”
The sword glows beneath your fingers. Minor enchantments and
conjurations can be broken at a touch, but it will take much more than
that to unravel Thelkar’s work. But he doesn’t know that.
“Would be a shame if all that effort went to waste—”
Thelkar freezes, unwilling to risk stopping you. “Leave it be,
$lastname,” he hisses, deep-seated hatred flashing in his eyes.
“Not unless you have something for me,” you counter.
“$firstname,” Aeran says.
You glance at him and shake your head. You’re committed to this now, you
aren’t going to let him interfere.
“What do you think, Thelkar?” you continue, your hand hovering over the
sword. “Surely you’ve got some insignificant little thing no one will
miss.”
<i>“$firstname,” </i>Aeran warns.
“I may have something,” the blacksmith says coldly.
He retreats to the back of the smithy and retrieves a hefty-looking
item. “Grappling hook,” he says, returning to you and slamming it down
on the table. “Was outfitting a local ship with new equipment but the
crew mutinied and the new captain didn’t pay up. Supposed to be used to
catch ship rigging, but I can see other practical uses.” His lip curls
in a strange smile. <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“You seem the
kind of person who needs to scale a wall or two in a hurry. Shame you
can’t fly.”
“Neither can you.”
“I’m a blacksmith. I don’t need to.”
You smirk. A tool like this will be extremely
useful.<<else>>“You seem the kind of person who needs to
scale a wall or two in a hurry.”
“Maybe.” He is right, of course; a tool like this will be extremely
useful.<</if>>
“Then take it,” Thelkar says bluntly. “And get out.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 THREATENED GRAPPLING
HOOK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>Your
gaze passes over the sword. Threatening to destroy the blacksmith’s
work is a bad move. “Listen, Thelkar,” you say, raising your hands in
surrender and stepping back. “We’re only here to see if there’s
something we can take off your hands. Something that’s been gathering
dust that no one else wants. Selling it to me for $gold crowns is better
than selling it for none, wouldn’t you say?”
Thelkar scowls. “I may have something,” he grunts. “But don’t consider
this a favour, $lastname, and I expect to be given those crowns.”
You smile. “Of course.”
“Wait here. <i>Don’t</i> touch anything.”
You glance around the smithy, taking in the various glowing objects, and
nod. Minor enchantments and conjurations can be broken at a touch, but
it will take much more than that to unravel Thelkar’s work. But he
doesn’t know that and you don’t see the point in correcting him.
Thelkar retreats to the back of the smithy and returns with a
hefty-looking item. He slams it down on a nearby table and steps back,
arms folded.
“Grappling hook,” he says. “Was outfitting a local ship with new
equipment but the crew mutinied and the new captain didn’t pay up.
Supposed to be used to catch ship rigging, but I can see other practical
uses.” His lip curls in a strange smile. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>“You seem the kind of person who needs to scale a wall or
two in a hurry. Shame you can’t fly.”
“Neither can you.”
“I’m a blacksmith. I don’t need to.”<<else>>“You seem the
kind of person who needs to scale a wall or two in a hurry.”
“Maybe.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 THELKAR PERSUASION
GRAPPLING HOOK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Your
gaze passes over the sword. Threatening to destroy the blacksmith’s
work is a bad move. “Listen, Thelkar,” you say, raising your hands in
surrender and stepping back. “Don’t you have a little something—”
“Get out,” Thelkar says flatly.
“But—”
“OUT!”
Aeran seizes you by the arm and drags you from the smithy. You pass
quickly through the door, tumbling down the steps and out onto the
street. The blacksmith slams the door closed behind you.
“He is in a <i>foul</i> mood,” you say.
“Maybe we should have left him alone,” Aeran points out.
You shrug. “It was worth a shot.”
“If you say so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Your
gaze passes over the sword. Threatening to destroy the blacksmith’s
work is a bad move. “You know what, Thelkar?” you say, raising your
hands in surrender and stepping back. “I’m sorry to have bothered you.
We’ll be going now.”
Thelkar grunts. You feel his eyes boring into your back as you turn and
pass through the entryway, clattering down to the steps to the street
beyond. He slams the door shut behind you.
“He is in a foul mood,” you say.
“I’d be, too, if my shop was constantly being harassed,” Aeran points
out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<notify 3000>>+
Grappling Hook<</notify>>You take the grappling hook and
attach it to your belt. You can feel Thelkar’s eyes boring into your
back as you exit the smithy.
Aeran watches you silently, his disapproving glare impossible to avoid.
“What?” you snap.
He shrugs and strides on ahead.
“Aeran—”
“I’m so glad you chose today to be an asshole,” he snaps. “Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold
-=$gold>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>- All Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>You
smile and toss him your coin pouch. “Thank you for your business.”
Thelkar catches it. He stands, unmoving, and glares darkly at you.
Sighing, you attach the grappling hook to your belt and make your way
out the door.
“He hates me,” you say to Aeran and return to the boardwalk.
Aeran clatters down the steps after you. “I wonder why,” he says.
You roll your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$merchantsThreatened to true>>Aeran shrugs noncommittally.
You frown. It isn’t like him to be this quiet. You glance at him and
find that though he keeps pace with you, he is avoiding you. A deep
scowl darkens his brow.
You stop. “Spit it out.”
“It’s nothing—”
“Doesn’t seem that way—”
“$firstname—”
“Do you have a problem with something?” you snap.
Aeran stops and the person behind you nearly slams into him. They curse
and curve around you, muttering profanities as they disappear down the
street.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE AERAN APPROACH")>>“You’re
getting a little too comfortable throwing threats around,” Aeran says
after a moment. “That’s all.”
You grit your teeth. “You’re one to talk,” you grunt. “Considering how
you handled Drakehand—”
“That was different,” he interrupts, eyes flashing dangerously. “I was
getting information out of him. You, on the other hand, had no reason to
threaten <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI
THREATENED")>>Emari like that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
MYN THREATENED")>>Myn like that.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Thelkar like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED")>>Emari and Myn like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Emari and Thelkar like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Myn and Thelkar like
that.”<<else>>random merchants who have nothing to do with
the chalice—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Because that makes it so
different.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t have time to worry about
shit like that when we’re barely holding on.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m not arguing about
this.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH C AERAN DISAPPROVES][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$hardapproach is true>>“You’re getting a little too comfortable
throwing threats around,” Aeran says after a moment. “You didn’t have to
go so hard on Drakehand and you didn’t have to—”
“Drakehand?” you snort. “You’re upset about that? You would have done
the same, I just cut out the bullshit.”
He shoots you a dark look. “Forget Drakehand, that doesn’t matter. There
was no reason to threaten <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI
THREATENED")>>Emari like that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
MYN THREATENED")>>Myn like that.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Thelkar like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED")>>Emari and Myn like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Emari and Thelkar like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN THELKAR")>>Myn and Thelkar like
that.”<<else>>random merchants who have nothing to do with
the chalice—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Because that makes it so
different.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t have time to worry about
shit like that when we’re barely holding on.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m not arguing about
this.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH C AERAN DISAPPROVES][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“You’re
getting a little too comfortable throwing threats around,” Aeran says
after a moment. “There was no reason to threaten <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED")>>Emari like
that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED")>>Myn
like that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 THREATEN
THELKAR")>>Thelkar like that.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
EMARI THREATENED") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN
THREATENED")>>Emari and Myn like that.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EMARI THREATENED") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
THREATEN THELKAR")>>Emari and Thelkar like that.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MYN THREATENED") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
THREATEN THELKAR")>>Myn and Thelkar like
that.”<<else>>random merchants who have nothing to do with
the chalice—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t have time to worry about shit like
that when we’re barely holding on.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not arguing about
this.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE EXIT MERCH C AERAN DISAPPROVES][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“He’s
had people watching us from the moment we took his contract,” he
replies. “He’s not going to let us mess this up and walk away.”
Your gut twists. You’ve been trying not to think about that. “Yeah,” you
say, throat dry.
<<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused is true>>You
turn away from the veranda and try to put the mercenaries out of your
mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COVE MALSARA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
falls silent. “It is different,” he says quietly after a moment. “But
I’m not going to argue about it.”
“Aeran—”
“Let’s <i>go.”</i>
<<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused is true>>You
walk to the Cove’s entrance and head back out into Rona without a
further word. Aeran tries to hide his annoyance, but his silence speaks
volumes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
turns down the road and stops in his tracks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Keep
telling yourself that,” he says bluntly. “Let’s go.”
“Aeran—”
“Let’s <i>go.”</i>
<<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused is
true>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
turns down the road and stops in his tracks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>He
shoots you a dark look. “Of course not,” he snaps. “Then you’d have to
admit you crossed a line. And you hate doing that, don’t you?”
You grit your teeth. “Aeran—”
“Let’s <i>go.” </i>
<<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused is true>>You
walk to the Cove’s entrance and head back out into Rona without a
further word. Aeran tries to hide his annoyance, but his silence speaks
volumes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
turns down the road and stops in his tracks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent"><<if $vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>The South
Isle<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$cove is true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>The
Cove<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>Edgewater<</if>></span></span>
<<if
$mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is true>><span
class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if $deadwood
is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>Deadwood<</if>></span></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq true>><area
alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as your destination"
data-passage="POST COVE VIRIDIAN LADY TRANSFER"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="POST BL COVE TRANSFER A"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER A"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div><<set
$malsaramet to true>>A hooded figure cloaked in black stands
ahead of you, blocking the flow of traffic. They are seemingly oblivious
to the angry mutters as the crowd parts around them. You pause, a
shiver rolling down your spine. You recall the stranger watching you
this morning, in the town square…
“What do you want?” Aeran calls.
The stranger doesn’t answer.
“Who do you work for?” he shouts. “Which one of the Seven?”
“None of them,” the figure says. “I only wish to speak with you.”
Aeran steps forward, but the figure turns and slips through the crowd.
He glances at you and reaches for his bow. Without waiting for a
response, he rushes after the figure. You curse under your breath and
run after them, weaving your way through the crowd as you chase them
towards the town square.
The figure ducks down a nearby alley. Aeran follows, swiftly drawing an
arrow from his quiver and setting it on the string. You catch up and
slide to a stop next to him.
“You need not threaten me, Aeran Kellis,” the figure says. “I merely
wish to talk, no more, no less.”
The figure lowers their hood, revealing the face of a young human woman.
Her tawny face is long and oval, her brown eyes framed by straight
brows. Her hair is a pale ashen blonde, as if something has leached all
the colour away. She wears it swept back in an intricate half-braid
which is unravelling in the downpour. Her left ear is pierced with a
series of small bronze rings, from the top of her ear to her lobe.
“Then talk,” Aeran hisses. He does not lower his bow. “Who are you? What
do you want?”
The woman observes him coolly and raises her chin, unbothered by the
imminent threat of being shot. “I have observed you for several days on
behalf of the one I serve,” she replies. She has an Imperial accent, one
that reminds you of Erenvor. Whoever she is, she must have ties to the
Arathian capital. “The one I serve has—shall we say—an interest in your
specific capabilities. I wanted to ensure you posed no danger before we
approached you.”
Aeran curses under his breath.
“You’ve been watching us for days?” you say.
“Yes, $firstname $lastname.” The woman remains impassively cold and
still. “Three, to be precise.”
You glance at Aeran. His jaw is clenched, his eyes are dark. He is on
the verge of doing something stupid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him to stand down.|CHAPTER 1 COVE
MALSARA A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere. There are enough
strange things happening today. Better keep your guard up.|CHAPTER 1
COVE MALSARA B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Aeran,”
you mutter. “Wait.”
He glances at you, his scowl deepening, but he lowers his bow and
carefully releases the tension on the string. The woman pauses, noting
the lowered bow, and continues as if nothing has happened.
“I know, for example,” she says, “that you reside in an apartment in a
slum the locals call Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know
you have been contracted by one of the seven lords to retrieve a unique
and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a chalice.”
She raises her chin, her amber eyes flickering from you to Aeran and
back again. “All this effort because you wish to leave Rona,” she says.
“Fortunately for you, my employer wishes to help you in that regard, in
exchange for your talents, of course. She can ensure your escape from
this rotten city before the Seven can trace your whereabouts. I would
consider it, if I were you. You are running short on time and your lord
plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail.”
You blink. “He… what? Plans on what?”
The woman raises an eyebrow. “Did he not threaten you with this?” she
asks.
“No,” you choke. “Basilisks never entered the equation—”
“You are welcome for the warning.”
Aeran scowls. “I don’t care about your warnings,” he hisses.
The woman meets his gaze. “You must come,” she says. “Your fate depends
on this, I assure you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t believe in fate.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
MALSARA A 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I already have a job – and I’d
rather not risk getting fed to a basilisk, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
MALSARA A 2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know, for example,” the woman continues, “that you reside in an
apartment in a slum the locals call Edgewater, on a street called Mulch
Road. I know you have been contracted by one of the seven lords to
retrieve a unique and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in the shape
of a chalice—”
Aeran fires the arrow.
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air. The arrow shoots through the space she previously occupied and arcs
down, clattering uselessly onto the boardwalk. Light flares in your
peripheral vision and you spin around, sword drawn, to see the woman
appear several feet behind you, unruffled by Aeran’s attack.
<i>Great,</i> you think. <i>She’s a
Planeswalker.</i> Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to
affect time and space explains how she was able to follow you.
Aeran snarls and draws a second arrow.
The woman eyes him and sighs with barely disguised contempt. “Please,”
she says. “I am not your enemy. Rather, I represent an opportunity. The
kind you have been waiting for.”
“Then enough with the vague hints,” Aeran shouts, aiming at the woman.
“Who is your employer? What do they want?”
“You wish to leave Rona, do you not?” the woman says. “My employer
wishes to help you in that regard, in exchange for your talents, of
course. She can ensure your escape from this rotten city before the
Seven can trace your whereabouts—”
Aeran fires the arrow. The woman stops mid-sentence and vanishes, amber
light misting around the spot she occupied, and the arrow strikes the
ground, missing her by seconds. He turns, searching wildly for her, and
she re-appears, moments later, further down the road.
“We can do this all day, Aeran Kellis,” she calls, “but I am growing
weary of it. I see your brutish tendencies make it difficult to speak
plainly. A shame—I had hoped you would be more civilized, but what can
one expect from a Wayfarer?”
Aeran bristles, but this time he stays his hand.
“The one I serve will not be denied,” the woman continues. “We will meet
again.”
He rushes forward, hurtling down the road towards her. He reaches out—
And she vanishes.
Aeran skids to a stop, stumbling through the place she stood, cursing
under his breath. He looks up as you approach.
“Imperials in Rona,” he hisses. “Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing we can do about it now.
Best stay focused.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA B1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe if you hadn’t attacked her,
we could have found out more.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA B2][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “Believe as you will. It cannot change facts. Now will
you come with me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will have wished
you came with me.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA A 1A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA A
1B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “And you could have a better one,” she says. “One that
does not force you to serve a madman who believes he is the height of
sophistication because he calls himself a count. Now will you come with
me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will wish you
came with me.” She tilts her head. “The one I serve cannot be denied. We
will meet again.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA A 1A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 COVE MALSARA A
1B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
snorts. “Yeah, listen to the woman who’s spent three days stalking us,”
he says. “That’s a great idea, $firstname.”
“I’m just saying maybe she wasn’t intentionally malicious,” you reply,
crossing your arms.
Aeran rubs his forehead. “Yeah, sure. Right.” He pushes past you and
takes off down the road. “Come on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. He stares at the empty space where the woman
vanished. Amber mist swirls in the air, slowly dispersing around the
spot she occupied.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. “Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right.”
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
scowls. “Then maybe she should’ve been upfront from the beginning,” he
snaps. “If someone’s going to trail us all over the city, I’m not likely
to think they have the best intentions in mind—”
You sigh. “All right, all right, point taken.”
He grunts.
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST COVE EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“You
want to go after the Lady?” Aeran asks. “Bold move.”
“Hopefully she doesn’t skin us alive.”
“Better her than the Count.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("The Viridian Lady's
Villa");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Viridian Lady's Villa").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED]
“Yes.”|VIRIDIAN LADY VILLA 1][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me rethink.”|CHAPTER
1 POST VL EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
you near the halfway mark, you reach the intersection with Mulch Road.
Your apartment is at the end of this narrow alley. It is in one of the
highest tenements in Edgewater and is towered over by a giant tree.
Aeran draws to a stop and pulls you to one side. “Maybe you should sit
this one out,” he says.
“I’m fine—”
“You’re pushing.” His eyes pass over you, seeking out your wounded
shoulder. <<if $vlvilla is true or $cove is true or $deadwood is
true>>“You’re scrambling all over Rona, acting like it’s nothing.
That shoulder’s not going to heal on its own.”<<else>>“You
could use a break. That shoulder’s not going to heal on its
own.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>You make a face. Though his reminder
may be annoying, his concern is touching.<<else>>You
grimace, irritated at his reminder. You haven’t forgotten your
injury.<</if>>
As if on cue, your wound throbs, sending a dull, pulsing ache through
your shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stay with Aeran and continue the
investigation. Your injury’s nothing to worry about.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
01A GO ON]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [REST] Go home and rest.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 01A GO HOME]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
you near the halfway mark, you pass the intersection with Mulch Road.
Your apartment is at the end of this narrow alley. It is in one of the
highest tenements in Edgewater and may or may not have melded into the
giant tree that towers over it. While your sore feet would love to take a
break, you can’t spare the time.
“All right,” you say, passing the alley and continuing down the road.
“Let’s go bother Madam Grey.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MADAM
GREY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’ll
be fine,” you say. “Don’t worry about it.”
Aeran frowns. “You sure?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Yeah,” you say, striding on down
the road. “Let’s go talk to Madam Grey.”<<else>>“I said not
to worry about it,” you snap, striding on down the road. “Come on. Let’s
go bother Madam Grey.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MADAM
GREY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah…”
you admit. “Maybe you’re right.”
Aeran raises an eyebrow. You can feel the unspoken <i>I told you
so.</i>
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Oh, shut up,” you say, forcing down
a smile.
“I didn’t say anything!”
You chuckle. “Try not to get into trouble with Madam Grey,” you call as
you duck into the alley and back down Mulch Road. “If you leave me alone
in this shitty city, I’m never forgiving you.”
He grins. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he says. “See you.”
“See you.”<<else>>“Oh, shut up,” you say.
“I didn’t say anything!”
“Try not to get into trouble with Madam Grey,” you call as you duck into
the alley and back down Mulch Road.
He nods. “See you.”
“See you.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
HOME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$edgewatergrey to true>>As you near the end of the road, you and
Aeran pass by the soup kitchen. Its doors are closed, but that hasn’t
stopped a decrepit, water-logged queue from forming outside. People of
all kinds hunker down, shivering in the rain while they wait for their
chance at a meal. You’ve eaten here more times than you can count,
scrounging up whatever bits and scraps on offer for a pitiful amount of
coin.
Your stomach growls. Trying not to think about the last time you ate,
you duck down the alley behind the soup kitchen and enter Moss Lane.
The moment you enter you are plunged into near darkness. The boardwalks
have rotted away, leaving behind a sinking road covered with half a foot
of water. Reeds push up from the ground in thick clusters. Clumps of
glowing green algae gather around the reeds, pushed back and forth by
the lapping water.
You wade through the muck. The mud tugs at your boots, threatening to
pull them off with every step. The tenements loom around you, creaking
in the wind and the rain. A few haggard residents in patched clothing
stand on the verandas or lean out their windows. They watch your
movements with suspicion.
You catch a flicker of movement in the corner of your eye and a door
slams shut. A chill runs down your spine. You cannot shake the feeling
that you do not belong.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask for Madam Grey.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 10
ASK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Defer to Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
10 DEFER TO AERAN][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Overshadowed by the giant tree
and the surrounding buildings, Mulch Road is perpetually dark, even on a
sunny day. Though the tree provides some protection from the rain, the
alley is flooded with several inches of water. Your boots stick to the
muddy bottom as you plod your way through the muck and rotting
vegetation. When you reach your building, you climb out onto a decaying
platform and put a foot on the bottom of the rickety stairs that clamber
up the side of the tenement.
“Still alive, I see.”
A scrawny dwarf leans against the wall, the glowing end of a lit smoking
reed gripped between two fingers. They observe you with a dark look,
lips pursed, eyes narrowed, their expression somewhere between amusement
and anger.
Oleander. The proprietor of this esteemed establishment. The only person
willing to rent to you—for an inflated fee, of course.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>They raise the reed to their mouth and take a drag, expelling a
cloud of smoke outwards in your direction.
You bat the smoke away. It’s so pungent you can taste the dreamweed.
You’ve wondered why they insist on smoking it when their dwarven
ancestry is resistant to its effects, but Oleander will do as they
please. “Yeah, well, I’m not inclined to die anytime soon. Things to do,
places to see.”
“Shame.” Oleander puffs on their reed. “Where’s Kellis?”
“Busy.”
“Shame.”
You roll your eyes and clatter up the stairs.
“You know you owe me, $lastname,” Oleander calls. They stick their head
in the gap between the stairs and the railing and glare up at you.
You pause on a landing, one foot hovering above the next step.
<<if $gold >=50>>You have the money to pay them now, but
dealing with your landlord wasn’t in today’s plan. And Oleander is
pissing you off.<</if>>
“Everyone owes you, Oleander,” you say. “That’s the problem with being a
landlord.”
They puff on their reed, smoke clouding around them. “You trying to be
funny, $lastname?”
“No. Just pointing out a fact—”
“I’d hurry up on that payment, $lastname. Don’t want to get the Calico
Lord involved.”
//Ugh.// It barely counts as a threat. While Mari Rack—or the Calico
Lord—technically oversees Edgewater, it is well known that he is in the
Crimson Count’s pocket.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Now that could get interesting. Give me a
time and a place.”|CHAPTER 1 HOME 01A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ll get you your money, Oleander.
Goodbye.”|CHAPTER 1 HOME 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>As
you near the halfway mark, you reach the intersection with Mulch Road.
Your apartment is at the end of this narrow alley. It is in one of the
highest tenements in Edgewater and may or may not have melded into the
giant tree that towers over it.
You draw to a stop. If you go home, you could get your replacements for
the items Luthais stole. You never know what scrapes you’re going to get
into and you don’t like being on the job without a medical kit. Maybe
you can find a few loose coins while you’re at it…
“What’s wrong?” Aeran asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stay with Aeran and continue your
investigation.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 01B GO ON]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask Aeran to continue without you.
You need to run back to the apartment.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 01B GO
HOME]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nothing,”
you say, shrugging. “Let’s go bother Madam Grey.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MADAM
GREY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Listen,”
you say, “I need to go home first. Can you ask around about Fisher
without me?”
He frowns. “Sure,” he replies. “How long are you going to be?”
“I don’t know.” You duck into the alley and slowly back down the road.
“Go talk to Madam Grey,” you call. “I’ll catch up when I can.”
Aeran raises a hand in farewell. “See you.”
“See you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
HOME]]</div></div><</nobr>>Oleander
snorts. “Doesn’t work like that, $lastname—”
“You think I was serious?” you interrupt. “Try a better threat next
time, Oleander. I’ll get you your money. Now piss off.”
Without waiting for a further word, you clatter up the rest of the
stairs to the top landing and slide the door open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Without
waiting for a further word, you clatter up the rest of the stairs to
the top landing and slide the door open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$edgewaterhome to true>>The tight corridor beyond is dark and
crowded. Some doors are thrown open, others are shut tight, but you can
hear the echoes of your neighbours’ voices up and down the hall.
Children play quietly on the floor, oblivious to the heated voices of
their parents. You carefully step around them and make your way to the
end of the hall.
“Still here, I see.” A woman clutching a wailing baby to her hip appears
in a doorway. Her dark eyes glare at you, her upper lip curling into a
sneer. “You should be out on the street, not in here with respectable
folk.”
<<if $origin is "urchin">>A memory of Nesactium’s narrow,
winding alleys and the claustrophobia they inflicted surfaces, unbidden.
You shake it off and try to push past her.<<else>>You grit
your teeth. Ignoring the comment, you try to push past
her.<</if>>
The woman steps in front of you. “Oleander should never have let the
likes of you in here—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Get out of my way.”|CHAPTER 1 HOME
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You think I want to be here? You
think I want to be in this city?”|CHAPTER 1 HOME 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Force your way past her.|CHAPTER 1
HOME 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Ignoring
her screaming child, the woman glares at you, undaunted. Her baby
wails, tears streaming down their reddened cheeks. Finally, she spits at
you and disappears through the entryway into her apartment, slamming
the door behind her.
You sigh wearily and continue to the end of the hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Ignoring
her screaming child, the woman glares at you undaunted. Her baby wails,
tears streaming down their reddened cheeks. “Then go back to where you
came from,” she hisses.
You clench your teeth. “Wouldn’t that be nice,” you say. You shoulder
past her, forcing your way through. She curses, spitting at you in
protest, and disappears through the entryway of her apartment. The door
slams behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shoulder your way past her without comment. The woman curses, spitting
at you in protest, and disappears through the entryway of her apartment.
The door slams behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Your apartment is the smallest
in the building and little more than a glorified closet. You slide the
door closed behind you and sit down with your back to the nearest wall.
Though you can hear the distant voices of your neighbours through the
walls, this is the first moment of peace you’ve had all day.
You lean back, head resting against the wall. Now that you’re sitting
down, you don’t feel like getting back up.
<i>Huh. Guess I didn’t realize how tired I am…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You survey the room. It is exactly the way you left it this
morning. The windows are shuttered to keep out the rain, leaving the
room in the dark. Your sleeping pallets—which take up most of the space
when they’re out—are stacked against the wall, loose bedding piled on
top of them. A collection of small pots and jars that contain spare
rations and herbs sit below the window. Your spare cloak hangs from a
hook on a nearby wall. The floor is decently swept and you can just make
out the dark outline of the loose floorboards where you stash your
valuables.
The apartment doesn’t account for much, but you’ve lived in worse
places.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The rain patters against the shutters. <<if $aeranbet is
true>>A small smile tugs at your lips as you think about your bet
with Aeran. When the time comes, you’re going someplace with less rain.
You don’t care where.<<else>>Wherever you go next, you hope
it’s someplace with a better climate.<</if>> You’ve had
enough rain for an entire lifetime.
You pull your knees into your chest. The thought has been on your mind
more than once. Wayfarers never stay in one place for long. Journeying
is part of the job. Either you finish what you came to do and move on,
or your presence slowly unsettles the local populace and you’re
eventually <i>forced</i> to move on.
The Spire is the only place where you could come and go freely, without
explanation or judgement. But the Spire, like so many things, was taken
from you. Without it, you’re unanchored. Without it, there’s no way to
communicate with surviving Wayfarers, if there are any at all. You’re
cast adrift in a world where you’re an anomaly to be pitied or feared—or
used.
You chew the inside of your cheek, your thoughts whirling around your
mind. <<if $health neq "full">>Your shoulder
throbs.<</if>>
You don’t like thinking about the Spire. You’ve thought about returning,
despite Varyn’s warnings not to. It’s been five years since the Spire
fell, surely the danger is gone and it’s nothing more than an overgrown
ruin…
But Aeran won’t hear of it and you can’t blame him. Whatever he went
through that night scarred him, in more ways than one. If you ever
return, you will have to do it alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Aeran.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Two years is a long time to travel
together. You have remained by his side in part because you have no one
left. If there are other Wayfarers, you will only know if you find them
by pure happenstance. You and Aeran are bonded together by a shared
history and a shared grief.
But it is more than that now. Wherever you go, you go together. And once
you’re done with Rona and you’re out of the Count’s clutches, you will
move forward together.<<else>>You haven’t spoken of it, but
it’s been on your mind. Two years is a long time to travel together.
You’ve stuck by his side in part because you have no one left. If there
are other Wayfarers, you will only know if you find them by pure
happenstance. You and Aeran are bonded together by a shared history and a
shared grief.
But that doesn’t mean you will stay together to the end. Maybe when
you’re done here, when you’re out of the Count’s clutches, it will be
time for you to move on in different directions.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Shouting echoes through the building. You nearly jump to your
feet, reaching for your sword before you realize it’s an argument from
an apartment below. You settle back down, stretching out your legs and
working out some of the soreness in your calves.
<<if $health is "full" and $aeranapp >=40>>You push down
the feeling of guilt at leaving Aeran to investigate on his
own.<<elseif $health is "full" and $aeranapp <=39>>You
wonder how Aeran is getting on, investigating on his own. You should
feel guilty about leaving him on his own, but you’re enjoying this
moment of quiet too much to let it bother you.<<elseif $health neq
"full" and $aeranapp >=40>>You push down the feeling of guilt
at leaving Aeran to investigate on his own, but he said you needed to
rest. And so you’re resting.<<elseif $health neq "full" and
$aeranapp <=39>>Aeran said you needed to rest, and so you’re
resting. No need to feel guilty about leaving him on his
own.<</if>>
You close your eyes and listen to the rain.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME 05 LOOP][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>If
you could go anywhere…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
CALANTHA")>><s>1. Calantha. It’s out of Rhesainia, and maybe
that means it’s free of Rhesainian
prejudice.</s><<else>>[[1. Calantha. It’s out of
Rhesainia, and maybe that means it’s free of Rhesainian
prejudice.|CHAPTER 1 HOME CALANTHA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
FARANDOR")>><s>2. Farandor. The country has a strained
relationship with Rhesainian nations, particularly the Arathian Empire,
but that has nothing to do with you.</s><<else>>[[2.
Farandor. The country has a strained relationship with Rhesainian
nations, particularly the Arathian Empire, but that has nothing to do
with you.|CHAPTER 1 HOME FARANDOR]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
NOWHERE")>><s>3. Somewhere else. Somewhere far
away.</s><<else>>[[3. Somewhere else. Somewhere far
away.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
NOWHERE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$calanthacodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Calantha<</notify>>Calantha isn’t far and Rona
technically encroaches on its territory. And perhaps because of its
isolation, Calantha has many different norms and customs from its
Rhesainian neighbours.
However, there is the small matter of the Wall.
Some call it a veil, others a barrier, but neither word is quite right.
The Wall is an invisible entity, stretching out from the Maribian Basin
in central Istaran. The Basin is said to be the first place the
Eleneids, an ancient progenitor species who lived millennia ago,
appeared. All who pass into the Wall’s sphere of influence fall under
its power. The Eleneids’ descendants—elves, melusine and aeda—are
virtually unaffected. But for humans and dwarves, the Wall causes all
sorts of maladies. Migraines, hallucinations, seizures and, inevitably,
death.
The Wall is, undoubtedly, magical. Whoever the Eleneids were, they left a
powerful mark on the world. The Wall is so potent, so atypical, it is
unknown whether even a Wayfarer’s natural immunity could withstand its
power.
<<if $ancestry is "human" or $ancestry is "dwarven">>You
aren’t keen to find out.<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>As an
elf, you have nothing to fear from the Wall. The Eleneid blood that
runs in your veins will protect you. You could leave everything in the
dust, pass through the barrier and be on your way to Calantha. But the
idea is so simple, you can’t help but resist it. The Wayfarer Order has
traditionally avoided the area and there’s no guarantee you’ll be
accepted there anymore than you are in Rhesainian
countries.<<elseif $ancestry is "aeda">>Despite your aeda
heritage, you are still half-human. That’s half of you the Wall would
very much like to kill if your immunity failed you. You’re not keen to
test it.<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>Despite your
melusine heritage, you are still half-human. That’s half of you the Wall
would very much like to kill if your immunity failed you. You’re not
keen to test it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME CALANTHA")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME FARANDOR") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
NOWHERE")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
CONTINUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME 05
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$farandorcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Farandor<</notify>>Though many speak of Farandor
as a far off country across the sea, far away from the political
machinations of Rhesainian nations, in reality it is not so distant.
With a maritime trade network to rival the Coveran Republic and a
military to match the Arathian Empire, Farandor is a political and
economic powerhouse in the west. Faran artificers are universally
recognized as pioneers in their field, contributing to many modern
developments in magical engineering.
It has also expelled the Guild of Mages, banishing the organization from
its borders.
An entire country without Guild influence makes for a tempting
destination. However, Farandor has a dark history you have to contend
with. Two centuries ago, Faran leaders instigated a ruthless invasion of
Rhesainian territory, forcing their way through Arsenia and Artanis and
into the Lotharic Sea. Though the invading forces were ousted over a
century ago, the war is not easily forgotten.
Though you put away your attachments to <<if $origin is
"nomad">>Sathir<<elseif $origin is
"hunter">>Artanis<<elseif $origin is "urchin" or $origin is
"farmer">>Arsenia<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>the
Coveran Republic<<else>>Vestra<</if>> long ago,
being a Rhesainian in Farandor may be more trouble than it’s worth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME CALANTHA")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME FARANDOR") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
NOWHERE")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
CONTINUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME 05
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
world is so much more than Rhesainia. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Somewhere, there must be a place for you and
Aeran.<<else>>Somewhere, there must be a place for
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME CALANTHA")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME FARANDOR") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 HOME
NOWHERE")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
CONTINUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME 05
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Getting
out of Rona feels like little more than a dream. You’ve been trapped
here for six months. Every time you’ve gotten close to securing passage
out, something has gone wrong. And it could go wrong again, if you don’t
play this right.
You need to find the chalice…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisstole is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME MISSING
ITEMS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME NO MISSING
ITEMS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "healing">><<set $health to
"recovering">><<set $actionpoints +=1>><<notify
3000>>Status: Recovering<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+Medical
Kit<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<notify
3000>>+ Medical
Kit<</notify>><</if>><<transfer '$holding'
'$gearInv' 'Medical kit'>>Something crashes in the apartment
below. You jolt out of your reverie and bolt upright. Did you fall
asleep? Maybe you were more tired than you thought. <<if $health
neq "full">>Aeran will be pleased. He wanted you to rest and here
you are, resting.<</if>>
You get to your feet and dig around your apartment. After some time, you
unearth your spare medical kit by the window. Relief floods through
you. It’s such a small thing, but you feel better having it back. You
never know what will go wrong. Ensuring you have the proper supplies to
care for your wounds can mean the difference between life and death.
You pause and purse your lips together as you scan your apartment again.
Your pendant is gone. Maybe the kid kept it or pawned it—regardless,
you’re not getting it back. You’re fairly certain you kept all your
remaining coins on your person, but it won’t hurt to check.
Kneeling down, you pry up a loose floorboard and reach into the gap.
Your fingers scrape the bottom, searching around for the tell-tale feel
of loose coins, but you come up empty. Making a face, you slide the
floorboard back into place.
You eye the floorboard under which Aeran keeps his valuables.
<i>I wonder if Aeran has any spare crowns…</i>
He wouldn’t mind, would he? <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Considering you share pretty much everything, you doubt
it.<<else>>Probably not. Maybe. You
think.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Look under Aeran’s floorboard.|CHAPTER 1
HOME LOOK UNDER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No. Not without his
permission.|CHAPTER 1 HOME DON'T
LOOK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "healing">><<set $health to
"recovering">><<set $actionpoints +=1>><<notify
3000>>Status: Recovering<br>+1 Action
Point<</notify>><</if>>Something crashes in the
apartment below. You jolt out of your reverie and bolt upright. Did you
fall asleep? Maybe you were more tired than you thought. <<if
$aeranapp >=40>>Aeran will be pleased. He wanted you to rest
and here you are, resting.<</if>>
You shake yourself, throwing off any lingering fatigue, and get to your
feet. There’s not much else you can do here. Maybe you should get going…
You pause, your eyes lingering on the outline of a loose floorboard.
<<if $gold >=50>>Though you have plenty of money to spare
thanks to Zenaida, it wouldn’t hurt to double
check.<<else>>You’re fairly certain you carry all your money
on your person, but it wouldn’t hurt to double check. Any spare coins
could prove useful.<</if>>
Kneeling down, you pry up a loose floorboard and reach into the gap.
Your fingers scrape the bottom, searching around for the tell-tale feel
of loose coins, but you come up empty. You make a face and slide the
floorboard back into place.
As you sit back on your heels, you eye the floorboard under which Aeran
keeps his valuables.
<i>I wonder if Aeran has any spare crowns…</i>
He wouldn’t mind, would he? <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Considering you share pretty much everything, you doubt
it.<<else>>Probably not. Maybe. You
think.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Look under Aeran’s floorboard.|CHAPTER 1
HOME LOOK UNDER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No. Not without his
permission.|CHAPTER 1 HOME DON'T
LOOK]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>Aeran’s
not going to mind,</i> you think as you pry up the floorboard. A
cloud of dust spirals in the air. You sneeze and drop the board on the
ground. Blinking tears out of your watery eyes, you let the dust settle
before you crawl forwards and reach down into the gap. After some
digging, your hand brushes a leather pouch stuffed in the back. You pull
it out.
It’s heavier than expected. Shrugging, you tug the leather strings open
and peer inside.
The pouch is stuffed with letters. The topmost letter is addressed to
Aeran in <<if $master is "Varyn">>familiar
script<<else>>an elegant script<</if>>. At first
glance, the words are nonsensical, but then the realization settles in.
The letter is written in the Wayfarer Order’s code, created and
introduced by Cenric almost a century ago.
It’s been years since you’ve read coded communications. You still carry
the last two you received: <<if $master is
"Sero">>Sero’s<<else>>the
Grandmaster’s<</if>> summons to the fateful summit five
years ago and Varyn’s urgent memo sent thereafter. But the longer you
stare at it, the more you recall and a burning thought spirals through
your mind.
<i>How old are these? Who’s writing to him? If it’s another
Wayfarer and they’re alive, why didn’t he tell me?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Put the letters away. You shouldn’t invade
his privacy. If they’re important, he’ll tell you when he’s
ready.|CHAPTER 1 HOME PUT AWAY LETTERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You need to know. Read the
letters.|CHAPTER 1 READ THE
LETTERS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
eyes pass over the floorboard. If he has spare crowns, he most likely
took them with him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME LEAVE
EARLY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranletters to "putaway">>You pull the strings shut and shove
the pouch back into the gap. Not your business. Definitely not your
business…
You snap the floorboard back into place and get to your feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME LEAVE
EARLY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You exhale a sharp breath and
pull the stack of letters out. You set them on the floor and bend over
them, flicking through the stack, searching for names and dates. Every
one bears the same handwriting. <<if $master is "Varyn">>You
frown and press your lips together. You swear it’s familiar, but you
can’t quite place it.<</if>> The dates are scribbled
predictably in the upper left corner.
<i>18 Ivernian 1251, 29 Harrowmere 1251… 5 Firstfall 1250… 17
Sunreach 1249, 8 Eventide 1249, 19 Stormwind 1249… 15 Guardian 1248, 3
Firstfall 1248… 9 Guardian 1247…</i>
The letters stretch back to the time just after the Spire’s attack, a
year before you met Aeran in the Osian desert. Whoever has been writing
to him has been doing so regularly since then.
You take the most recent letter. It’s crumpled and creased, as if Aeran
has read and re-read it multiple times. You smooth it out on the floor
and stare at the coded script. Your eyes narrow as you try to remember
how to decipher it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Ugh.</i>
You rub your forehead. Your mind feels sluggish. Reading the Wayfarer
code is like reading a foreign language—the more you use it, the more
natural it becomes. But take an extended break and you’re bound to
forget most of it.
After several minutes, you know you’re going to have to do this the hard
way.
Fetching a worn-out pencil and a scrap of paper, you sit cross-legged on
the floor and get to work. The rain pounds against your shutters in a
fierce competition against your neighbours to make the most racket. You
drown it out and focus on your work.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You’re not sure how long it takes you, but eventually you have
the letter deciphered. Though your back is stiff and your knees are
complaining, you lean forwards, teeth clenched as you read the decoded
words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 AERAN LETTER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if $luthaiscloak is
true>><<set $newcloak to true>>Firm in your decision
that there’s nothing more you can do here, you collect your spare cloak
from a nearby hook, throw it around your shoulders and head for the
door.<<else>>Firm in your decision that there’s nothing more
you can do here, you head for the door.<</if>>
“Off again?” Oleander smirks at you as you clatter down the stairs.
“Don’t forget—”
“I owe you, I know,” you interrupt. <<if $gold >=50>>Your
coin pouch lies heavy in your pocket.
<i>Not today, Oleander. Not today.</i>
“Don’t need another reminder!” you shout over your shoulder as you step
onto the road. The mud squelches beneath your
boots.<<else>>“Don’t need another reminder!” you shout over
your shoulder as you step onto the road. The mud squelches beneath your
boots.<</if>>
“Then don’t forget my fucking crowns!” Oleander shouts.
You raise your hand, make a rude gesture and trod away from your
apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Back out on the main road, you weave your way through the foot
traffic and skirt the edge of a building. The rain beats down furiously,
churning against the waters. You watch as a boatman struggles to tie up
his boat at the dock. The ropes slip through his hands and land in the
water.
You wonder how Aeran is getting on with Madam Grey. Maybe you should
have gone with him…
<<if $health is "recovering">>“That doesn’t look like
resting to me.”
Aeran appears out of the crowd. He steps up beside you and leans
casually against the building wall, gazing out at the churning waters.
You shrug. “Yeah, well—”
“Don’t tell me. You got bored.”
You scratch the back of your neck. “Something like that.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” You roll your shoulder as if to prove your point. An ache
twinges deep within, but you ignore it. All things considered, you are
feeling better. “What did you find out?”<<else>>“Get what
you need?”
Aeran appears out of the crowd. He steps up beside you and leans
casually against the building wall, gazing out at the churning waters.
“Yeah.” You glance at him. “What did you find out?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME 06][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeranletters to "chapter1">><<set $servantinfo2 to
true>>18 Ivernian, 1251
Aeran,
I will not begin with the usual pleasantries. Though you refuse to
answer my letters, I know you receive them. There is little I can say
now that will convince you to return to the Empire, but nevertheless, I
will try.
I am finished in Arsenia. Sunderfell did not offer the answers I sought.
Though I believe it is part of the larger picture somehow, the
connection point eroded long ago. Whatever evidence there was—if there
was any at all—is lost to time.
S. will soon finish their excavation of the Spire. I know you do not
want to hear this (it pains me, too, to discuss our home in such a
fashion), but they have unearthed… something. Another key to this
puzzle. And it points to the same road as the others: Velantis.
Consider this my last letter. If you have an ounce of conscience left,
inform $firstname of what has transpired. Would you not want the truth,
if you were in $hisher stead?
Meet me in Velantis. This is larger than any of us now. We must finish
what we started.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $aeranlettercodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Updated:
Letters<</notify>>You set the letter down, your mind
whirling. Aeran has never told you exactly what happened the night the
Spire fell. The most you know comes from the letter Varyn sent shortly
before she disappeared in Erenvor.
But this letter… An excavation? A discovery? The citadel is ancient; not
even Cenric knew all of its secrets. Is this simply someone taking
advantage of the Order’s collapse to investigate the Spire? Or is there
something more sinister going on?
<i>What the hell are you involved in, Aeran?</i>
You reach for the next letter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
patter of footsteps in the hall outside jolts your concentration. You
hurriedly stuff the letters back into the pouch and slide the floorboard
back into place.
The door slides open and Aeran appears in the entryway.
“$firstname, I—” He stops, a strange look on his face as he spots you
sitting on the floor. “Something wrong?”
You grab the scrap paper with your deciphered notes. “I’m fine,” you
say, quickly stuffing it into your pocket. “What did you find out?”
He closes the door and leans against the nearest wall. “It’s getting
complicated,” he replies, folding his arms. “Fisher’s dead.”
<i>Shit.</i>
“Great. There goes that lead…”
“Not entirely.” Aeran grimaces. “I spoke to his sister. Rayne.”
You draw one leg into your chest. “And?”
He exhales sharply. “Fisher was up to something before he died. From
Rayne’s description, looks like he’s the one who stole the chalice from
the Count’s villa.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“How’d he manage that?”
“Don’t know.” He shrugs. “Made a deal with someone in Marshwall, but got
knifed before he could deliver on it. Boaters found his body floating
in the marsh three days ago.”
You tap your fingers against the floor. “Do they know who killed him?”
“Surprisingly, yes.” He casts an eye at you. “Couple of greendrifts
jumped him on the Edgewater docks. Jumped back into a boat and took off
across the water into the Grove.”
“Did he have the chalice on him?”
“Unknown.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>The Grove again… The
Viridian Lady was convinced something strange is happening
there.<<elseif $greendriftinfo2 is true>>The Grove again…
Aegineta told you Samwell Every is missing. And something strange is
happening there.<<elseif $greendriftinfo1 is true and
$greendriftinfo2 is true>>The Grove again… The Viridian Lady and
Aegineta were both convinced something strange is happening there.
Samwell Every is missing. And now greendrifts killed the man who stole
the chalice.
It’s all pointing to the same place, but there’s something you can’t put
your finger on: why? Flotsam Grove is often overlooked and forgotten,
barely considered part of Rona. And yet it is the one piece of this
puzzle you can’t figure out.<<else>>Flotsam Grove. Rona’s
most tangled, destitute slum hidden within the depths of Deadfall Marsh.
It is often overlooked and forgotten, barely considered part of
Rona…<</if>>
<i>This is larger than any of us now. We must finish what we
started.</i>
“Hey—$nickname.”
Aeran is watching you with a concerned look.
“You okay?” he asks. “You’re acting strange.”
“I’m sitting on the floor,” you retort. “How is that strange?”
He stares at you.
You roll your eyes and get to your feet, stretching out the cramp in
your leg. <<if $health is "recovering">>There’s been too
much sitting and not enough moving, but at least your shoulder feels
rested.<<else>>There’s been too much sitting and not enough
moving.<</if>>
<<if $luthaiscloak is true>><<set $newcloak to
true>>You collect your spare cloak from a nearby hook and throw it
around your shoulders. “Let’s get out of here,” you say. You slide the
door open and step back out into the hallway.<<else>>“Let’s
get out of here,” you say. You slide the door open and step back out
into the hallway.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>You make your way out of the building and run back down the
stairs. Aeran trails behind you, unusually quiet. You feel a terse
silence growing between you. You shove it—like the letter—away. You can
deal with it later.
“Off again?” Oleander smirks at you from the veranda. “Don’t forget—”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“We owe you,” you and Aeran
interrupt.<<else>>“I owe you, I know,” you
interrupt.<</if>>
<<if $gold >=50>>You clatter down the remaining stairs.
Your coin pouch lies heavy in your pocket.
<i>Not today, Oleander. Not today.</i>
“Don’t need another reminder!” you shout over your shoulder as Mulch
Road squelches beneath your boots.<<else>>You clatter down
the remaining stairs. Mulch Road squelches beneath your boots. “Don’t
need another reminder!” you shout over your shoulder.<</if>>
They chuckle hoarsely behind you. “Then don’t forget my fucking crowns!”
You raise your hand, make a rude gesture and trod through the mud away
from your apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$edgewaterhome is true and $aeranletters neq
"putaway">><<run Dialog.setup("Rested");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Rested Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<restedOn>><</if>>You
walk down the main road in silence, one hand resting on your sword,
preoccupied by your thoughts. The crowd gives you a wide berth. You’ve
always found Edgewater’s reaction to you strange; sometimes, they spit
on you, other times they ignore you, and sometimes they put as much
distance between you and them as they possibly can.
It looks like this is the latter.
“Where to next?” Aeran asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST EDGEWATER EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if $edgewaterhome is
true and $aeranletters neq "putaway">><<run
Dialog.setup("Rested");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Rested Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<restedOn>><</if>><<set
$malsaramet to true>>You walk down the main road in silence, one
hand resting on your sword, preoccupied by your thoughts. The crowd
gives you a wide berth. You’ve always found Edgewater’s reaction to you
strange; sometimes, they spit on you, other times they ignore you, and
sometimes they put as much distance between you and them as they
possibly can.
It looks like this is the latter.
Aeran seizes your arm and pulls you to a stop.
“What—”
“Look,” he grunts, nodding towards the end of the road.
A hooded figure cloaked in black stands ahead of you. They are the only
person there, as no one seems willing to go near them. You pause, a
shiver rolling down your spine. You recall the stranger watching you
this morning, in the town square…
“What do you want?” Aeran calls.
The stranger doesn’t answer.
“Who do you work for?” he shouts. “Which one of the Seven?”
“None of them,” the figure says. “I only wish to speak with you.”
Aeran steps forward, but the figure turns and walks away, heading out of
Edgewater. He curses and runs after them.
“Hey!” you shout. “Wait!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Cursing under your breath, you follow and sprint to keep up
with them. Aeran and the stranger weave through Rona’s tangled streets,
heading back towards Marshwall and the town square.
You almost catch up with them and spot the figure’s cloak flaring out
behind them as they duck down a nearby alley. Aeran hisses with
frustration and draws his bow, setting an arrow on the string. He dives
into the alley.
“You need not threaten me, Aeran Kellis,” the figure says. “I merely
wish to talk, no more, no less.”
The figure lowers their hood, revealing the face of a young human woman.
Her tawny face is long and oval, her brown eyes framed by straight
brows. Her hair is a pale ashen blonde, as if something has leached all
the colour away. She wears it swept back in an intricate half-braid
which is unravelling in the downpour. Her left ear is pierced with a
series of small bronze rings, from the top of her ear to her lobe.
“Then talk,” Aeran hisses. He does not lower his bow. “Who are you? What
do you want?”
The woman observes him coolly and raises her chin, unbothered by the
imminent threat of being shot. “I have observed you for several days on
behalf of the one I serve,” she replies. She has an Imperial accent, one
that reminds you of Erenvor. Whoever she is, she must have ties to the
Arathian capital. “The one I serve has—shall we say—an interest in your
specific capabilities. I wanted to ensure you posed no danger before we
approached you.”
Aeran curses under his breath.
“You’ve been watching us for days?” you say.
“Yes, $firstname $lastname.” The woman remains impassively cold and
still. “Three, to be precise.”
You glance at Aeran. His jaw is clenched, his eyes are dark. He is on
the verge of doing something stupid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him to stand down.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
MALSARA 01 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere. There are enough
strange things happening today. Better keep your guard up.|CHAPTER 1
EGDEWATER MALSARA 01 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$servantinfo2 to true>>He doesn’t answer. In his silence, you
both look towards the docks, watching as the boatman jumps into the
water to retrieve his fallen rope. He splashes around, wading deeper
into the bay, the water at his chest.
“It’s getting complicated,” Aeran says finally. “Fisher’s dead.”
<i>Shit.</i>
“Great,” you reply. “There goes that lead.”
He grimaces. “Not entirely. I spoke to his sister. Rayne.”
The boatman catches his rope and tosses it onto the nearby dock. He
grips the edge of the dock and tries, unsuccessfully, to pull himself
out of the water.
“And?” you prompt.
“Fisher was up to something before he died,” Aeran says. “From Rayne’s
description, looks like he’s the one who stole the chalice from the
Count’s villa.”
You blink. “How’d he manage that?”
The boatman clings to the edge of the dock, half out of the water, then
loses his grip and tumbles back in with a splash.
“Don’t know,” Aeran says, shrugging. “Made a deal with someone in
Marshwall, but got knifed before he could deliver on it. Boaters found
his body floating in the marsh three days ago.”
“Do they know who killed him?”
“Surprisingly, yes. Couple of greendrifts jumped him on the docks.
Jumped back into a boat and took off across the water and into the
Grove.”
The boatman finally pulls himself up onto the dock. He lies on the
rotting wood, exhausted, and wearily ties up his boat. You look past him
towards the dark shadow on the other side of the bay.
“Did he have the chalice on him?” you ask.
Aeran shakes his head. “Unknown.”
You cross your arms. <<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>The
Grove again… The Viridian Lady was convinced something strange is
happening there.<<elseif $greendriftinfo2 is true>>The Grove
again… Aegineta told you Samwell Every is missing. And something
strange is happening there.<<elseif $greendriftinfo1 is true and
$greendriftinfo2 is true>>The Grove again… The Viridian Lady and
Aegineta were both convinced something strange is happening there.
Samwell Every is missing. And now greendrifts killed the man who stole
the chalice.
It’s all pointing to the same place, but there’s something you can’t put
your finger on: why? Flotsam Grove is often overlooked and forgotten,
barely considered part of Rona. And yet it is the one piece of this
puzzle you can’t figure out.<<else>>Flotsam Grove. Rona’s
most tangled, destitute slum hidden within the depths of Deadfall Marsh.
It is often overlooked and forgotten, barely considered part of
Rona.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 HOME
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>“All
right,” you say. <<if $vlvilla is true or $cove is true or
$deadwood is true>>“Put that away with the other things we know.
Something will come of it.<<else>>“Maybe it’s helpful, maybe
it’s not… we need more information before we know for
certain.”<</if>>
Aeran nods. “Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“We’re
here to see Madam Grey,” you say, tilting your head and looking up at
the residents. One slams their window shut as soon as you speak. “Just
want to talk, that’s all.”
You’re met with eerie silence.
“Not the friendly type, are they?” Aeran mutters under his breath.
You grit your teeth. “Madam Grey,” you try again. “Where is she?”
An old man on a nearby veranda turns and teeters to his apartment door.
One by one, the remaining residents retreat inside their homes.
“Then Fisher!” you call. “What about a man named Fisher? He lives here,
doesn’t he—”
A woman on a second floor balcony lets out a shrill cry and disappears
through a broken door. Doors and windows snap shut in quick succession,
leaving behind nothing but deadened air and empty space. You exchange
dark looks with Aeran and wade to the centre of the cul-de-sac. A clump
of algae floats past your leg, pulled in your direction by your
movement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Keep shouting. Someone will answer you
eventually.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 11 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask Aeran what he thinks.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 11 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“What
do you think?” you murmur, casting an eye around the cul-de-sac, one
hand on your sword hilt. You glance up, meeting the eyes of a woman on a
second floor balcony. She looks away, frightened, and scurries into her
apartment.
“Let’s try not to spook them,” he says. “Leave our weapons be.”
You nod and reluctantly let go of your sword.
“Madam Grey?” Aeran calls, turning around as he looks in a wide circle
around the cul-de-sac. “Has anyone seen Madam Grey?”
There is no answer. The rain and wind howl in the silence.
“Madam Grey?” he repeats.
An old man on a nearby veranda turns and teeters to his apartment door.
One by one, the remaining residents retreat inside their homes. Doors
and windows snap shut in quick succession, leaving behind nothing but
deadened air and empty space.
You exchange dark looks with Aeran. “Great,” you say. “This is going…
great.”
Aeran scowls and brushes wet hair back from his forehead. “They’re not
willing to talk, that much is clear,” he says. “Got any ideas?”
A bolt flies by your head, striking a wooden beam on a nearby tenement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MADAM GREY
ENTRANCE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fisher!”
you shout, sploshing forwards. “I know he lives here—”
<<if $agility >=6>>Your boot catches on the muck and you
nearly pitch forwards into the water. Aeran catches you wordlessly,
steadying you as you pull yourself towards the nearest
veranda.<<else>>Your boot catches on the muck. You grunt,
cursing under your breath, and pull yourself towards the nearest
veranda.<</if>>
“Leave it be, $firstname,” Aeran says quietly. “They’re not going to
talk.”
“So what then?” you snap, rounding on him. “We stop before we’ve even
started?”
“No—”
“Fisher’s name came up for a reason,” you interrupt. Your foot connects
with a rotten, submerged set of steps. You climb up them, hoisting
yourself out of the muck and onto the veranda. “Someone here has to know
something—”
A bolt flies by your head and lodges itself in a nearby wooden beam.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MADAM GREY
ENTRANCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“What
do you think?” you mutter.
“They’re not willing to talk, that much is clear,” he answers. He turns,
casting an eye around the cul-de-sac. “Something doesn’t feel right.”
You nod. Your growing sense of unease would agree with that.
You put a hand on your sword hilt.
“Wait,” Aeran says.
A bolt flies by your head, striking a wooden beam on a nearby tenement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MADAM GREY
ENTRANCE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
business does Cere Nalos have in Edgewater?” a voice calls. “Mari Rack
may be in his pocket, I most certainly am not.”
Turning very carefully, you look across the flooded block, searching for
the speaker. A giant woman stands on a third floor balcony, bracing a
crossbow against the railing. She is dressed in a dark grey sleeveless
tunic, cut to show her large chest and muscular shoulders. Her dark hair
is pulled back in a long, roped braid that falls over her shoulder.
Maybe it’s the dim light or the rain, but her complexion appears to be
grey like stone.
“Madam Grey, I take it,” Aeran says, shielding his eyes from the rain as
he looks up at her.
“I am she.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I see you’re taking the colour coordination quite
seriously.”
“Spare me the jests, boy, you’re not as funny as you think,” she snaps.
The crossbow creaks as she loads in a second bolt. “Now tell me why
you’re standing in the middle of my lane, yelling my name like the
world’s about to end or I’ll shoot you and toss your body in the Grove.
There’s been plenty of that lately, the fish won’t mind extra meat.”
“This isn’t about the Count,” you cut in. “We only want to ask a few
questions.”
Madam Grey snorts. “Don’t play me, Wayfarer,” she says. “Word went
around about you long before today. You may not wear his colours, but
you’re his muscle, tried and true.” She swings the crossbow around and
points it directly at you. The bolt glints in the rain.
Better say something quickly or she’s going to skewer you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC
ABSTAINED">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re looking for a man named Fisher. Do
you know him?”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How about you come down here first?
Hard to have a decent conversation with a crossbow in my face.”|CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER TC
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re looking
for a man named Fisher. Do you know him?”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How about you come down here first?
Hard to have a decent conversation with a crossbow in my face.”|CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER TC B]]
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Don’t say
anything.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC
ABSTAINED]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Popular
man, Fisher,” she says. “What do you want with him?”
Aeran glances at you, a warning look in his eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Lie and make something up.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 20 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
throws her head back and laughs. “Keep talking, Wayfarer, or you’ll
have much more to worry about than a crossbow in your face.”
You grit your teeth. “We’re looking for a man named Fisher.”
“Aye. What about him?”
“They say you know him.”
“That may be true.” She tilts her head to the side and smiles
dangerously. “What do you want with him?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Lie and make something up.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 20 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
mind blanks. You force yourself to say something, anything, but no
words come out.
“Uh—”
Aeran shouts. The crossbow fires.
A moment later, you are flat on your stomach, partially submerged in a
foot of water. You cough and splutter, spitting muddy water out of your
mouth. Aeran scrambles to his feet beside you. He is thoroughly soaked
and a clump of algae clings to his shoulder. A crossbow bolt sticks out
of the veranda behind you.
Aeran hisses and reaches for his bow. By the time you’ve pushed yourself
up out of the water, he has an arrow on the string, pointed at Madam
Grey’s throat. She pauses in the midst of reloading, a third bolt in
hand.
“Take us to Fisher,” Aeran snarls. “Now.”
Her upper lip curls, showing very sharp and very white fangs. She rests a
hand on the railing. “I can’t—”
His arrow strikes the railing, piercing the wood directly between her
fingers.
“I cannot take you to Fisher,” Madam Grey says, “because Fisher is
dead.”
Aeran draws another arrow and nocks it. “How?” he hisses.
“I don’t know,” she replies. “But I can take you to the one who can.”
“Then show us.”
Madam Grey smiles, casually leaps over the balcony rail and falls three
stories to the ground.
She lands in the centre of the cul-de-sac, a surge of water rushing up
around her on impact. She straightens, indifferently brushing a clump of
algae off her shoulder, and rounds on you. She is taller—much
taller—than you expected. <<if $height is "very tall" or $height
is "tall">>Even at your height, you feel
dwarfed.<</if>> She observes you through bright silver eyes
and smiles, showing a hint of fangs. Glimmering scales cling to her arms
in long, smooth patches, protecting her bare skin like armour. As she
raises a hand to push her braid over her shoulder, you catch the barest
hint of webbing between her long, powerful fingers. One hand is
bleeding, the webbing shredded where Aeran’s arrow punctured it.
“This way,” she says, walking briskly towards a nearby tenement. “But
keep the blather to a minimum or I’ll throw you out a window.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER GO TO SEE
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Something
went missing from the Count’s villa,” you say. “An item of great value.
We have reason to believe Fisher is involved somehow—”
The crossbow thuds as Madam Grey sets it down. “Was,” she corrects. “Was
involved. Fisher’s not alive anymore.” She tilts her head to the side,
cracking her neck, then casually leaps over the balcony rail and falls
three stories to the ground.
She lands in the centre of the cul-de-sac, a surge of water rushing up
around her on impact. She straightens, indifferently brushing a clump of
algae off her shoulder, and rounds on you. She is taller—much
taller—than you expected. <<if $height is "very tall" or $height
is "tall">>Even at your height, you feel
dwarfed.<</if>> She observes you through bright silver eyes
and smiles, showing a hint of fangs. Glimmering scales cling to her arms
in long, smooth patches, protecting her bare skin like armour. As she
raises a hand to push her braid over her shoulder, you catch the barest
hint of webbing between her long, powerful fingers.
“Fisher lived here, yes,” she says. “And as of three days ago, he no
longer lives here. I didn’t care to know what he was involved in, but if
you want to speak to the person who does, you better speak fast and
give me a damn good reason.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=100>>[[1. Bribe her. 100 crowns.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 100
CROWN BRIBE]]<<elseif $gold >=5>>[[1. Bribe her. 5
crowns.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 5 CROWN
BRIBE]]<<else>><s>1. You do not have enough crowns to
take this option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince her that if you know what
Fisher was up to, you can find out how and why he died. Maybe offer
closure.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince her that if you
know what Fisher was up to, you can find out how and why he died. Maybe
offer closure.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=100>>[[1. Bribe her.
100 crowns.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 100 CROWN BRIBE]]<<elseif $gold
>=5>>[[1. Bribe her. 5 crowns.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 5 CROWN
BRIBE]]<<else>><s>1. You do not have enough crowns to
take this option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. Convince her that if you know what Fisher was up
to, you can find out how and why he died. Maybe offer closure.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER TC PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Convince her
that if you know what Fisher was up to, you can find out how and why he
died. Maybe offer closure.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER TC PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
stare at the crossbow bolt, your mind whirling as you try to think of a
believable reason. You blurt out the first thing you think of.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [PERSUASION]
“He owes us. Lost a bet gambling in a leisure house. We just want our
money.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER LIES A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “Delivering a message.
Personal. Private. The kind of thing that can’t be written
down.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER LIES B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] “We’re old friends.
Life may have sent us down different paths, but now we’re in the same
city, it would be a shame not to make amends.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER LIES
C]]</div><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“He owes us. Lost a bet gambling in a leisure house. We just want our
money.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER LIES A]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Delivering a message. Personal.
Private. The kind of thing that can’t be written down.”|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER LIES B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’re old friends. Life may have
sent us down different paths, but now we’re in the same city, it would
be a shame not to make amends.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER LIES
C]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold -=100>><<notify 3000>>-100
Crowns<</notify>>You stuff your hand into your coin pouch,
pull out a handful of coins and extend them to Madam Grey. The gold
glitters in the rainfall, clinking as the rain bounces off the metal.
“I’d consider this a damn good reason,” you say.
Madam Grey throws her head back and laughs. “I like you, you little
shit,” she says, flashing you a wide smile and a view of her fangs.
Without waiting for a response, she seizes the coins from your hands and
stuffs them into a pocket at her hip.
You grunt, pain flashing up your arm. You feel like you punched a wall.
“This way,” Madam Grey says, walking briskly towards a nearby tenement.
“But keep the blather to a minimum or I’ll throw you out a window.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER GO TO SEE
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold -=5>><<notify 3000>>-5
Crowns<</notify>>You stuff your hand into your coin pouch,
draw out five crowns and extend them to Madam Grey. The gold glitters in
the rainfall, clinking as the rain bounces off the metal.
Madam Grey glances at the meager offering of crowns. “You’re a little
shit, Wayfarer,” she says. “I thought this information was more valuable
to you than that. Is this all you have or is it all you’re willing to
part with?”
Aeran seizes your arm. “This isn’t worth it, $firstname,” he mutters.
“We have other leads—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Tell her
it’s all you have.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER BRIBE 5 CROWN
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Tell her it’s all you
have.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER BRIBE 5 CROWN
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Not worth it. Give up and
leave.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER BRIBE
LEAVE]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. Tell her it’s all you have.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER BRIBE 5
CROWN PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Tell her it’s all you have.|CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER BRIBE 5 CROWN FAIL]]<</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Not worth it. Give up and
leave.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER BRIBE
LEAVE]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“We
were pointed in his direction,” you say quickly. “There must be a
reason for that and I’m willing to bet that whatever Fisher was involved
in is related to our own problems. If we can learn what he was up to,
maybe we can find out why he died. Find closure for those who knew him.”
Madam Grey observes you quietly, a strange smile on her face. You remain
still, holding her gaze and waiting for an answer, but she only keeps
smiling. Water sloshes around your calves.
“I like you, Wayfarer,” she says finally. “You’ve got something I
respect. So I’ll help you. Call it curiosity.”
She snorts with laughter and turns, walking briskly to a nearby
tenement. “This way,” she calls. “And keep the blather to a minimum or
I’ll throw you out a window.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER GO TO SEE
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Whatever
Fisher was up to, it’s important,” you say quickly. “If we can find out
why he died, maybe we can—”
“Important for who?” Madam Grey interrupts. Her upper lip curls back.
Her fangs are very white. “You? Or Cere Nalos?”
You swallow hard. “I—”
“You’re a little shit, Wayfarer,” she says, silver eyes glinting
dangerously. “And I’m tired of little shits.”
Aeran touches your arm. You don’t need to look at him to sense his
tension; if it comes down to it, he’s ready to fight.
“Then we’ll be going,” you say.
“Good <<if $gender is
"nb">>kid<<else>>$child<</if>>,” she
replies. “Because Fisher’s dead and a lady can only handle so much trash
in her lane.”
Sloshing through the water, you and Aeran pick your way through the lane
and back out onto the main road. You can feel Madam Grey’s eyes boring
into your back every instant.
“What a waste of time,” Aeran grunts.
“If only things could be easy,” you reply wearily.
He laughs hollowly. “If only.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Madam
Grey takes you through a door and up a set of stairs. The tenement was
never built to accommodate someone of her size. When you arrive on the
second floor landing, she is forced to hunch up awkwardly and squeeze
through the doorway. You follow, trying not to notice the alarming sag
of rotting wood beneath your feet.
“She’s in here,” Madam Grey says, coming to a halt outside a door
halfway down the hall. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 10
ASK")>>“Rayne was mighty upset when you started howling his name
earlier. Keep that in mind when you start asking
questions.”<<else>>“Rayne was mighty upset when you started
howling in the middle of the lane. She’s a touch distressed. Keep that
in mind when you start asking questions.”<</if>>
“Who’s Rayne?” Aeran asks.
Madam Grey shoots him a strange look. “Fisher’s sister,” she says coldly
and slides the door open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
30]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>“Until
the Count sees fit to pay us, it’s all I’ve got.”
You throw the coins at her. She catches them deftly, moving at an
impossible speed.
“Huh,” Madam Grey muses, examining the coins. She glances at you and
flashes a grin. “I like you, Wayfarer. You’ve got something I respect.
So I’ll help you. Call it curiosity.”
She snorts with laughter and stuffs the coins in her pocket. “This way,”
she calls, walking briskly to a nearby tenement. “And keep the blather
to a minimum or I’ll throw you out a window.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER GO TO SEE
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“It’s
all I’ve got,” you say, curling your fingers into a fist. The coins
press against your palm.
Madam Grey eyes you. “Did I say I didn’t want them?” she murmurs.
Water churns around her and she flies towards you at an impossible
speed, slamming into you before you can react. Though her supernatural
strength dissipates on contact, she still has an incredible natural
power. She wrenches your hand, pulling your fingers open and seizing the
crowns.
You grunt, blinking back tears. Pain flares up your arm. You feel like
you punched a wall.
Aeran shouts, reaching for his bow, but Madam Grey releases you. She
stuffs the coin into a pocket and strides briskly across the cul-de-sac.
“That will do, Wayfarer,” she says, heading towards a nearby tenement.
“Come with me. Call it compensation for your arm.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He nods in agreement, but there is a dark
scowl on his face.
Madam Grey smirks. “Keep the blather to a minimum,” she warns, “or I’ll
throw you out a window.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER GO TO SEE
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$servantinfo1 to false>>You curl your fingers around your meager
offering of coins and withdraw your hand. “Sorry to trouble you,” you
say. “We’ll be going now.”
Madam Grey smirks. “Suit yourself, you little shit.”
Sloshing through the water, you and Aeran make your way back out onto
the main road.
“What a waste,” he grunts.
You nod in agreement. “If only everything could be easy.”
He laughs hollowly. “If only…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<set
$servantinfo1 to false>>Madam Grey snorts with laughter. “Nice
try,” she says, her upper lip curling back to reveal very sharp, very
white fangs. “But Fisher has a clean record. He hasn’t stepped foot in
the Cove in a year.”
<i>Shit.</i> Well, it was a good try, at least.
“You’re a little shit, Wayfarer,” she says. “And I am tired of little
shits.”
Aeran touches your arm. You don’t need to look at him to sense his
tension; if it comes down to it, he’s ready to fight.
“Then we’ll be going,” you say.
“Good <<if $gender is
"nb">>kid<<else>>$child<</if>>,” she
replies. “Because Fisher’s dead and a lady can only handle so much trash
in her lane.”
Sloshing through the water, you and Aeran pick your way through the lane
and back out onto the main road. You can feel Madam Grey’s eyes boring
into your back every instant.
“What a waste of time,” Aeran grunts.
“If only things could be easy,” you reply wearily.
He laughs hollowly. “If only.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<set
$servantinfo1 to false>>Madam Grey fixes you with a smile. Her
upper lip curls back to show very sharp, very white fangs. “Now I wonder
what sort of message someone would send a scrawny rat like Fisher,” she
says. “Must be real interesting, considering anyone in their right mind
would send a private letter through <i>regular</i> means. I
suppose that is the sort of thing the likes of you forgets about.”
<i>Shit.</i> Well, it was a good try at least.
“You’re a little shit, Wayfarer,” she says. Her silver eyes glint
dangerously. “And I am tired of little shits.”
Aeran touches your arm. You don’t need to look at him to sense his
tension; if it comes down to it, he’s ready to fight. Maybe not the best
idea when your opponent is staring you down from behind a crossbow on a
third floor balcony.
“Then we’ll be going,” you say.
“Good <<if $gender is
"nb">>kid<<else>>$child<</if>>,” she
replies. “Because Fisher’s dead and a lady can only handle so much trash
in her lane.”
Sloshing through the water, you and Aeran pick your way through the lane
and back out onto the main road. You can feel Madam Grey’s eyes boring
into your back every instant.
“What a waste of time,” Aeran grunts.
“If only things could be easy,” you reply wearily.
He laughs hollowly. “If only.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>><<set
$servantinfo1 to false>>Madam Grey throws back her head, her
entire body shaking as she howls with laughter. “That scrawny little rat
friends with a Wayfarer?” she says. “You’re such a little shit, but
that’s got to be the funniest drivel I have heard all week.”
You glance at Aeran. “So—”
“The answer’s no, you clod,” Madam Grey snaps. Her upper lip curls back
dangerously to show very sharp, very white fangs.
Aeran touches your arm. You don’t need to look at him to sense his
tension; if it comes down to it, he’s ready to fight. Maybe not the best
idea when your opponent is staring you down from behind a crossbow on a
third floor balcony.
“Then we’ll be going,” you say.
“Good <<if $gender is
"nb">>kid<<else>>$child<</if>>,” she
replies. “Because Fisher’s dead and a lady can only handle so much trash
in her lane.”
Sloshing through the water, you and Aeran pick your way through the lane
and back out onto the main road. You can feel Madam Grey’s eyes boring
into your back every instant.
“What a waste of time,” Aeran grunts.
“If only things could be easy,” you reply wearily.
He laughs hollowly. “If only.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
apartment is a small, barely furnished room. There are no windows and
the air is hot and stale, as if it has been shuttered against the
outside world for some time. A couple of frayed mats lie overlapped on
the floor in a desperate attempt to provide some cushioning. Clusters of
dried herbs hang in a line above the door to the balcony.
An elven woman sits kneeled on the floor, clutching a thin, frayed shawl
around her shoulders. Her short black hair is covered with a worn
kerchief. She looks up as Madam Grey hunches over and ducks into the
room. Her swollen, dark eyes widen when you follow and she clutches at
her shawl, desperately holding onto her only form of protection.
Madam Grey sinks to the floor beside her. Even when sitting, the top of
her head nearly brushes the ceiling. “It will be fine, Rayne,” she says,
her hands moving quickly in a rapid succession of signs. It’s not a
language you recognize. “They want to ask about your brother.”
Rayne glances at you, staring from you to Aeran and back again. Her
fingers tighten on her shawl. Madam Grey signs an unspoken phrase, her
lips twisting into a strange smile. A scratchy, hollow laugh escapes
Rayne unexpectantly. She pushes herself back on her mat and gestures for
you to sit.
“How do you know my brother?” Rayne asks. She fixes you with a cold
stare, her fingers moving in succinct gestures as Madam Grey interprets.
“We don’t,” you reply.
She rolls her eyes and makes a sharp gesture, which elicits a throaty
chuckle from Madam Grey. You feel like you missed something.
“Then why the fuck are you here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Be upfront. Ask her whether Fisher was
involved in the theft of the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 30
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ease into it. She’s grieving the
loss of a family member, you need to handle this with care.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 30 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let Aeran handle it.|CHAPTER 1
EGDEWATER 30 C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You meet her eyes. Behind the
dark circles and the puffy skin, you see simmering anger. This is a
woman stretched to her breaking point and you are trespassing on her
life and her grief.
“I’m not going to waste your time, Rayne,” you say. “A magical artefact
was stolen from our employer and we were hired to find it. Fisher’s name
was mentioned by an informant. I know he was employed among the Crimson
Count’s staff before he died—”
“He didn’t serve that South Isle bastard,” she interrupts, eyes wide
with fury. Her signs become short and abrupt, clipped gestures
punctuating the end of her sentences. “Not really. He ran deliveries for
the Seven. It was supposed to be a good job, but the pay was shit and
four years later we’re still stuck in this rotten bog.” She tugs
emphatically at her kerchief as Madam Grey finishes interpreting and
nearly pulls it off her head. “If I had known, I would have stayed in
Maribor.”
You press your lips together. She’s surprisingly talkative, but you need
to keep her on track or you’ll never learn anything useful. “Did you
see anything strange?” you ask. “Did he come home with anything he
shouldn’t have?”
Rayne smiles with feigned sweetness. “Yeah, sure,” she signs. “All the
time.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Her eyes flicker to the hilt of your sword. She glances at
Madam Grey and exchanges a rapid series of signs. The conversation stops
as quickly as it began and she turns back to you, sizing you up. “I’m
guessing you don’t care about his stash of illegal dreamweed,” she says.
“No,” you reply. “Anything other than the dreamweed?”
She shrugs. “He carried out all sorts of deliveries,” she says. “But the
roads are dangerous at night and not everyone is able to afford a fancy
sword. Sometimes it got too late and he’d bring an item or two back
here before taking off in the morning.”
“Like?”
Rayne pauses, tilting her head back as she thinks. Suddenly, her lips
split into a wide, impish grin that is completely at odds with her puffy
red face. “Do you want to hear about Flora Goldhorn’s magic dildo? It’s
enchanted to—”
“No,” Aeran interrupts.
Madam Grey trails off into a cackling laugh while Rayne finishes with an
obscene gesture.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
meet her eyes. Behind the dark circles and the puffy skin, you see
simmering anger. This is a woman stretched to her breaking point and you
are trespassing on her life and her grief.
“You lost your brother,” you say. “I’m sorry.”
She sniffs and rubs her nose. “Bullshit,” she signs sharply. “Why would
someone like you ever be sorry for a person like me?”
You swallow hard. “That’s not what I—”
“Fucking Wayfarer,” she interrupts, her gestures growing larger with
every word. “At least you have the means to protect yourself. My brother
and I came here with nothing and we still have
<i>nothing.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "urchin">>[[1. [CHILD
OF THE STREETS] “Yeah, the world’s a piece of shit. Here, Arsenia,
doesn’t matter. I grew up on the street, don’t talk to me about having
nothing.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 30 B 1]]<<else>><s>1.
[CHILD OF THE STREETS] Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know we’re
Wayfarers?”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 30 B 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fine. I’m not sorry. Your brother
got himself killed and I want to know why. You’re going to tell
me.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 30 B
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$servantinfo1 to true>>You have a feeling you’re not going to get
anywhere easily with Rayne. Maybe Aeran will have an easier time. You
glance at him, a silent question in your expression. He sighs wearily
and nods in acceptance.
“We don’t want to be here, Rayne,” he says. “Knowing what you’ve been
through, I’d rather leave you be—”
She spits on the floor. “You don’t know a thing, Wayfarer,” she signs,
glaring at him through narrowed eyes.
“Then tell me.”
“No.”
“Rayne—”
“Fuck you.”
“There’s a chance we can find your brother’s killers.”
She pauses, hand raised in the middle of forming her next sign.
“If Fisher was connected to the artefact we’re tracking, then—”
“You’ll never find them,” she says. She bites her lower lip and dips her
head, shoulders trembling. Tears shine in her eyes. For the first time
since you stepped into her apartment, she looks vulnerable. “Bastards
stabbed him and went off into the Grove. They took his boat. They took
his <i>fucking</i> boat.”
“The Grove?” Aeran asks. “Greendrifts did this?”
Rayne slaps the back of one hand against the palm of her other. “Yes,
you fuck!” she signs. “They stabbed him in the gut and dumped him in the
bay. They all saw it. Everyone on the docks that day. But they did
nothing and they let the water take him. They didn’t find his body until
three days ago.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
40]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rayne
is impossible to read, which makes this conversation difficult to
direct. You should be mindful of what you ask. If you push her too hard
with difficult questions, she may refuse to answer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER
DIED")>><s>1. Ask how Fisher died.</s><<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER DELIVERY") or hasVisited("CHAPTER
1 EDGEWATER FISHER CHALICE")>>[[1. Ask how Fisher died.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER FISHER DIED]]<<else>>[[1. Ask how Fisher
died.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER RAYNE FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
FISHER DELIVERY")>><s>2. Ask about Fisher’s
deliveries.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Fisher’s
deliveries.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER
DELIVERY]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
FISHER CHALICE")>><s>3. Ask if she’s seen the
chalice.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask if she’s seen the
chalice.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Rayne
gives you strained smile. “Whatever…”
“I know your brother was employed among the Crimson Count’s staff,” you
begin again. “Did he—”
“He didn’t serve that South Isle bastard,” Rayne interrupts. Her signs
become short and abrupt, clipped gestures punctuating the end of her
sentences. “Not really. He ran deliveries for the Seven. It was supposed
to be a good job, but the pay was shit and four years later we’re still
stuck in this rotten bog.”
She tugs emphatically at her kerchief as Madam Grey finishes
interpreting and nearly pulls it off her head. “What do you really want
to know?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rayne
rolls her eyes. “It’s not just your neighbours in Oleander’s little
compound, it’s all of Edgewater,” she says, smiling unpleasantly.
“You’re idiots if you think people don’t talk—and I can’t sense you with
my magic. It’s like you’re not there.” Her eyes flicker over you. “It’s
creepy.”
“Thanks.” You sigh wearily. “Rayne, we’re looking for a missing artefact
and your brother may have been involved. We’re just trying to put the
pieces together. Any information you may have—”
She gestures sharply, interrupting. “I don’t know anything.”
You clench your teeth. You’re trying to be patient, but even your
patience has its limits. “Tell me about your brother. What did he do?”
“Dreamweed. A whole lot of dreamweed. Do you want to see his illegal
stash before I sell it to pay off his fucking debts? It’s very
impressive.”
“That’s not what I…”
Madam Grey laughs. She fixes you with an unnerving look, taking strange
joy out of these unusual proceedings.
“My brother ran deliveries for the Seven,” Rayne says finally. “It was
supposed to be a good job, but the pay was shit and four years later
we’re still stuck in this rotten bog.” She tugs emphatically at her
kerchief as Madam Grey finishes interpreting and nearly pulls it off her
head. “What else do you want to know?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Madam
Grey seizes your arm in an iron grip, her fingernails digging deep into
your skin. “Watch yourself, little shit,” she warns. “I’m still
considering the window.”
You nod. Madam Grey flashes an unnerving smile and withdraws. Blood
wells up where her nails punctured your skin.
“Sorry,” you say. “I know your brother was employed among the Crimson
Count’s staff—”
“He didn’t serve that South Isle bastard,” Rayne interrupts, eyes wide
with fury. Her signs become short and abrupt, clipped gestures
punctuating the end of her sentences. “Not really. He ran deliveries for
the Seven. It was supposed to be a good job, but the pay was shit and
four years later we’re still stuck in this rotten bog.”
She tugs emphatically at her kerchief as Madam Grey finishes
interpreting and nearly pulls it off her head. “What do you really want
to know?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$servantinfo1 to true>>You press your tongue to the back of your
teeth and think through what you’re about to ask her. You’ve avoided the
subject so far and you have a feeling she won’t want to discuss it.
Bringing it up now could stop her from answering any more questions, but
you need to say it.
“How did your brother die?”
Rayne goes still. She presses her hands to her knees, her knuckles
paling from the pressure. Her eyes dart around the room, searching for
anything other than the three visitors in her apartment. She chews on
her lower lip, her expression shuddering, tears in her eyes.
Madam Grey eyes you coldly. “I think you should go.”
Rayne reaches out, grabbing Madam Grey’s arm. She steadies herself and
raises her head. Her dark eyes meet you and you see nothing but fury.
“My brother didn’t die, he was murdered on the docks here in Edgewater,”
she says. Her signs are succinct, but forceful. “He was getting into
his boat when two greendrifts stabbed him in the gut and dumped him in
the bay. Then they steered his boat right into the Grove and
disappeared.”
She presses a hand to her mouth, stifling a sob. “They all saw it!” she
signs, her hands trembling. “Everyone on the docks that day! But they
did nothing and they let the water take him. They didn’t find his body
until three days ago.”
“Did he have <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER
CHALICE")>>the chalice<<else>>a copper
chalice<</if>> with him?” Aeran asks.
Rayne rounds on him, her eyes wide. She rises on shaking feet and signs
forcefully at you and Aeran. Though her words go uninterpreted, her
meaning could not be clearer.
<i>Get out. </i>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER DELIVERY") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER CHALICE")>>“We’ll be
going,” you say quickly.
You grab Aeran by the arm and duck out of the apartment, clattering down
the stairs and out into the cul-de-sac before Madam Grey can say a
word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Wait,”
you say quickly. “Let me ask one more thing, Rayne, then we’ll be done.
Please.”
She glares at you, hands hovering in the air. She makes a single sign.
“Fine. One thing.”
You breathe a sigh of relief. You’re not sure how you managed to salvage
this, but you’re thankful you did.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$servantinfo1 to false>>You press your tongue to the back of your
teeth, thinking through what you’re about to ask her. You’ve avoided
the subject so far and you have a feeling she won’t want to discuss it.
Bringing it up now could stop her from answering any more questions, but
you need to ask it.
“How did your brother die?”
Rayne goes still. She presses her hands to her knees, her knuckles
paling from the pressure. Then she rises on shaking feet and signs
forcefully at you, repeating the same phrase again and again. Though her
words go uninterpreted, her meaning could not be clearer.
<i>Get out.</i>
Madam Grey eyes you coldly, unbridled malice shining in her eyes. You
grab Aeran by the arm and pull him from the apartment.
“What are you doing?” he protests.
“We have enough, let’s go,” you snap.
Without another word, you clatter down the stairs and emerge out into
the cul-de-sac.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“His
last delivery… where did he go?”
Rayne spreads her hands. “I don’t know. I don’t remember.”
You clench your teeth and clamp down on your growing irritation. You
haven’t forgotten Madam Grey’s threat and you really don’t feel like
being defenestrated today. You have enough problems on your hands.
“Try, Rayne. Please.”
She scowls. “Marshwall,” she says finally. “He had a deal to deliver a
sack of counterfeit goods from the Cove to some bastard in Marshwall. He
left and never came back.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER DIED") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER CHALICE")>>“Thank you for
telling us,” you say quickly, rising to your feet. “We’ll be going.”
Rayne grimaces and shrugs noncommittally. You grab Aeran by the arm and
duck out of the apartment, clattering down the stairs and out into the
cul-de-sac before Madam Grey can say a word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Listen,
Rayne,” you say. “Did your brother ever bring home a chalice?”
“A what?”
You fold your arms. “Like a… fancy cup. It wouldn’t look like much.”
Rayne scratches her chin. “Maybe,” she says. “He had a whole collection
of things the night before he died. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he
robbed Runes & Relics.” She pauses, pursuing her lips. “I may have
seen something like that. Copper, sturdy… you’d look like you’re far up
your own ass drinking out of it.”
“What happened to it?” Aeran grunts. He is looking thoroughly put out.
Rayne shrugs. “I don’t know. It went with the rest of his deliveries.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER DELIVERY") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FISHER DIED")>>“Thank you for
telling us,” you say quickly, rising to your feet. “We’ll be going.”
Rayne grimaces and shrugs noncommittally. You grab Aeran by the arm and
duck out of the apartment, clattering down the stairs and out into the
cul-de-sac before Madam Grey can say a word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER QUESTION
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
slosh through the water and head for the main road. You’re hesitant to
look back, but you have a feeling Madam Grey is watching you from
Rayne’s balcony.
“Glad to be out of there,” you say.
Aeran lets out a choked laugh. “No kidding,” he replies. “I couldn’t
decide whether Madam Grey wanted to eat us or… you know.”
He trails off.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You grin and elbow him playfully. “Would
have been interesting.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 42 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not touching that thought.
Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 42 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You don’t actually know and at this
point you’re not going to ask.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 42
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$servantinfo1 to true>><i>Shit.</i> <<if
$greendriftinfo1 is true>>The Lady said greendrifts were emerging
more frequently from the Grove. You didn’t expect them to be knifing
people in the streets.<</if>>
“Do you know why they targeted him?” Aeran asks calmly. “Was he carrying
something of value?”
Rayne’s hands drop limply onto her knees. “He did deliveries for the
Seven,” she signs after a moment. “Supposed to be a good job, but the
pay was fucking shit and four years later we’re still stuck in this
rotten bog.” She shakes herself. “So yeah. He had something valuable
because he <i>always</i> had something valuable.”
“Where was he going when he was killed?”
“Marshwall,” she replies. Her hands are shaking. “He had a deal to
deliver a sack of counterfeit goods from the Cove to some bastard in
Marshwall. Had the whole lot with him. If I didn’t know better, I’d say
he robbed Runes & Relics.”
Aeran exchanges looks with you. “And these counterfeit goods,” he
continues, “did you see them at all? Was there a chalice in them?”
“I don’t know, I…” Her hands stop mid-air. “Yeah. There was. Little cup
thing. Copper. You’d look like you’re far up your own ass drinking out
of it.”
“And did he—”
Rayne goes still. She presses her hands to her knees, her knuckles
paling from the pressure. Then she rises on shaking feet and signs
forcefully at you, repeating the same phrase again and again. Though
her words go uninterpreted, her meaning could not be clearer.
<i>Get out. </i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
41]]</div></div><</nobr>>Madam
Grey eyes you coldly, unbridled malice shining in her eyes.
“Thank you for your time,” you say rapidly, getting to your feet. “Sorry
for your loss.”
You grab Aeran by the arm and pull him from the apartment.
“What are you doing?” he protests.
“We have enough, let’s go,” you snap.
Without another word, you clatter down the stairs and emerge out into
the cul-de-sac.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER EXIT
RAYNE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Oh
gods,” Aeran groans. “$nickname—”
“I’m just saying—”
“Please don’t say it—”
“You’re the one who brought it up—”
“I was just stating a fact. Besides,” he turns to you, a light flush on
his cheeks. “She’s not exactly my type.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“Maybe not, but I have an idea who is.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER FLIRT
AERAN][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. But she’s mine.”|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 43 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Laugh and say nothing.|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER 50]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent and stride on ahead. Aeran can keep that joke to himself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
50]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>He
chuckles. “Do you, now?” he replies. “If you’re right, you know you’ll
have to take that secret to the grave.”
You grin. “Will you tell me if I’m right before I commit to that?”
“No.”
“I hate you.”
“You don’t.”
You snort with laughter. The tension you’ve been holding since you
entered Moss Lane dissipates. This is one of the many reasons you
appreciate your partnership with Aeran; it’s easy to keep yourself
grounded in the wake of tense situations.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
50]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=1>>He chuckles. “You should have said something. I
wouldn’t want to get in the way.”<<else>>He chuckles. “Have
fun with that.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>You snort with laughter. The tension
you’ve been holding since you entered Moss Lane dissipates. This is one
of the many reasons you appreciate your partnership with Aeran; it’s
easy to keep yourself grounded in the wake of tense
situations.<<else>>You snort with laughter and let the topic
drop.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
50]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
climb up onto the boardwalk and round the corner. Though it hasn’t
opened its doors for the afternoon, the soup’s queue has grown
considerably since you disappeared into Moss Lane. Ignoring the rowdy
customers, you stay in the alley and lean against the soup kitchen’s
wall. Your feet are cold and waterlogged, and there’s a clump of algae
and reeds wrapped around your boot. It’s long and slimy and drags a foot
behind you.
“Maybe we rushed it,” you say as you shake your foot back and forth,
trying to dislodge it. “Should have gotten more from her.”
Aeran shrugs. “We’re lucky we got what we have. I doubt there was much
more she’d be willing to say with Madam Grey in the room. And who knows
how much of Rayne’s words she changed.”
“I got the feeling those were Rayne’s words,” you say, shaking your
head. You shake your foot vigorously, but the algae remains stubbornly
attached.
He stares blankly at you. “What the hell are you doing?” he says. “Just
take it off.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No. It’s slimy and I don’t want to touch
it.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 51 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Now that you’ve said that, I’m not
going to.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 51 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Take it off.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER 51
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>“Suit yourself,” he says. He crouches down and
pulls the reeds free, tossing them back towards Moss Lane. He glances
up at you. “Better?”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Unbidden, your cheeks flush. “Yeah,”
you reply, working furiously to hide it. “Aeran?”
“Yeah?”
You swallow hard. You’ve prompted something, but you don’t know what you
want to say. “Never mind.”
Aeran smiles and straightens up. “Let’s go.”<<else>>You
chuckle. “Yeah,” you say. “Let us never speak of this again.”
He chortles and straightens up. “Let’s
go.”<</if>><<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>“Suit
yourself,” he grunts. He steps back, arms folded, and watches as you
dislodge the clump of reeds from around your boot.
“Better?” he asks pointedly.
You roll your eyes. “Shut up.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
52]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
raises an eyebrow. He steps back, arms folded, and watches as you
dislodge the clump of reeds from around your boot.
“Better?” he asks pointedly.
You roll your eyes. “Shut up.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
52]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
bend down and pull the clump off your boot. Aeran grins.
“Oh, shut up,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
52]]</div></div><</nobr>>“So
Fisher was delivering goods around Rona,” Aeran says as you pick your
way down the main road. “And the chalice was a part of that.”
“Looks like it,” you reply.
“What confuses me is how exactly he got his hands on the chalice,” he
continues. “Seems unlikely that someone like Fisher could steal it right
out from under the Count’s nose.”
You shrug. “We don’t know anything about him. Maybe he was exactly the
right person. Regardless, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that at
some point he had the chalice and now he’s dead.”
You cross your arms, your mind filtering through the information you
uncovered.
<<if $servantinfo1 is true>>Fisher had a delivery in
Marshwall and was killed before he could make it. And greendrifts were
the ones who killed him…
<<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>The Grove again… The Viridian
Lady was convinced something strange is happening there.<<elseif
$greendriftinfo2 is true>>The Grove again… Aegineta told you
Samwell Every is missing. And something strange is happening
there.<<elseif $greendriftinfo1 is true and $greendriftinfo2 is
true>>The Grove again… The Viridian Lady and Aegineta were both
convinced something strange is happening there. Samwell Every is
missing. And now greendrifts killed the man who stole the chalice.
It’s all pointing to the same place, but there’s something you can’t put
your finger on: why? Flotsam Grove is often overlooked and forgotten,
barely considered part of Rona. And yet it is the one piece of this
puzzle you can’t figure out.<<else>>Flotsam Grove. Rona’s
most tangled, destitute slum hidden within the depths of Deadfall Marsh.
It is often overlooked and forgotten, barely considered part of
Rona.<</if>>
You resist the urge to kick something. These pieces don’t fit together.
You need more information to make sense of it.<<elseif
$servantinfo1 is false>>Fisher had a delivery in Marshwall and was
killed before he could make it.
You resist the urge to kick something. You have the pieces to the puzzle
here, but you can’t make them fit. Maybe if you had dealt with Rayne
differently, you could have found out more…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Aeran,” you mutter. “Wait.”
He glances at you, his scowl deepening, but he lowers his bow and
carefully releases the tension on the string. The woman pauses, noting
the lowered bow, and continues as if nothing has happened.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER HOME")>>“I know, for
example,” she says, “that you reside in an apartment in Edgewater, on a
street called Mulch Road. An apartment which your partner has just
visited.”<<else>>“I know, for example,” she says, “that you
reside in an apartment in Edgewater, on a street called Mulch
Road.”<</if>>
A chill runs down your spine. “What?”
The woman smiles. “I know you have been contracted by one of the seven
lords to retrieve a unique and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in
the shape of a chalice.”
She raises her chin, her amber eyes flickering from you to Aeran and
back again. “All this effort because you wish to leave Rona,” she says.
“Fortunately for you, my employer wishes to help you in that regard, in
exchange for your talents, of course. She can ensure your escape from
this rotten city before the Seven can trace your whereabouts. I would
consider it, if I were you. You are running short on time and your lord
plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail.”
You blink. “He… what? Plans on what?”
The woman raises an eyebrow. “Did he not threaten you with this?” she
asks.
“No,” you choke. “Basilisks never entered the equation—”
“You are welcome for the warning.”
Aeran scowls. “I don’t care about your warnings,” he hisses.
The woman meets his gaze. “You must come,” she says. “Your fate depends
on this, I assure you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t believe in fate.”|CHAPTER 1
EDGEWATER MALSARA 02 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I already have a job – and I’d
rather not risk getting fed to a basilisk, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1 EGDEWATER
MALSARA 02 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know, for example,” the woman continues, “that you reside in an
apartment in Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know you have
been contracted by one of the seven lords of this town to retrieve a
unique and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a
chalice—”
Aeran fires the arrow.
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air. The arrow shoots through the space she previously occupied and arcs
down, clattering uselessly onto the boardwalk. Light flares in your
peripheral vision and you spin around, sword drawn, to see the woman
appear several feet behind you, unruffled by Aeran’s attack.
<i>Great,</i> you think. <i>She’s a
Planeswalker.</i> Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to
affect time and space explains how she was able to follow you.
Aeran snarls and draws a second arrow.
The woman eyes him and sighs with barely disguised contempt. “Please,”
she says. “I am not your enemy. Rather, I represent an opportunity. The
kind you have been waiting for.”
“Then enough with the vague hints,” Aeran shouts, aiming at the woman.
“Who is your employer? What do they want?”
“You wish to leave Rona, do you not?” the woman says. “My employer
wishes to help you in that regard, in exchange for your talents, of
course. She can ensure your escape from this rotten city before the
Seven can trace your whereabouts—”
Aeran fires the arrow. The woman stops mid-sentence and vanishes, amber
light misting around the spot she occupied, and the arrow strikes the
ground, missing her by seconds. He turns, searching wildly for her, and
she re-appears, moments later, further down the road.
“We can do this all day, Aeran Kellis,” she calls, “but I am growing
weary of it. I see your brutish tendencies make it difficult to speak
plainly. A shame—I had hoped you would be more civilized, but what can
one expect from a Wayfarer?”
Aeran bristles, but this time he stays his hand.
“The one I serve will not be denied,” the woman continues. “We will meet
again.”
He rushes forward, hurtling down the road towards her. He reaches out—
And she vanishes.
Aeran skids to a stop, stumbling through the place she stood, cursing
under his breath. He looks up as you approach.
“Imperials in Rona,” he hisses. “Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing we can do about it now.
Best stay focused.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 10 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe if you hadn’t attacked her,
we could have found out more.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 10
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “Believe as you will. It cannot change facts. Now will
you come with me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will have wished
you came with me.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 03 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 03
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “And you could have a better one,” she says. “One that
does not force you to serve a madman who believes he is the height of
sophistication because he calls himself a count. Now will you come with
me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will wish you
came with me.” She tilts her head. “The one I serve cannot be denied. We
will meet again.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 03 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 EDGEWATER MALSARA 03
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
snorts. “Yeah, listen to the woman who’s spent three days stalking us,”
he says. “That’s a great idea, $firstname.”
“I’m just saying maybe she wasn’t intentionally malicious,” you reply,
crossing your arms.
Aeran rubs his forehead. “Yeah, sure. Right.” He pushes past you and
takes off down the road. “Come on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST EDGEWATER EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. He stares at the empty space where the woman
vanished. Amber mist swirls in the air, slowly dispersing around the
spot she occupied.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST EDGEWATER EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. “Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right.”
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST EDGEWATER EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
scowls. “Then maybe she should’ve been upfront from the beginning,” he
snaps. “If someone’s going to trail us all over the city, I’m not likely
to think they have the best intentions in mind—”
You sigh. “All right, all right, point taken.”
He grunts.
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST EDGEWATER EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent"><<if $vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>The South
Isle<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$cove is true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>The
Cove<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>Edgewater<</if>></span></span>
<<if
$mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is true>><span
class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if $deadwood
is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>Deadwood<</if>></span></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq true>><area
alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as your destination"
data-passage="POST COVE VIRIDIAN LADY TRANSFER"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="POST BL COVE TRANSFER A"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER A"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>You
peer past the crowd. The Guild’s sign hangs on a nearby building
further down the road.
“They’re blocking the way,” you say, grimacing.
The man spits out a mouthful of blood and gets to his feet. He charges
the elf and rams into her from behind. The crowd staggers out of the way
as they sail across the boardwalk and slam into the railing. A silver
light flashes over the elf as her magic absorbs the impact.
“You could try telling them to move,” Aeran replies drily. “I’m sure
they’ll listen to you if you ask politely.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>The sarcasm is impossible to miss.
You force back a smile. No matter how tiring this day gets, at least one
of you still has a sense of humour.<<else>>The sarcasm is
impossible to miss. You roll your eyes. This day keeps getting longer
and longer.<</if>>
The elf kicks the man sharply in the knees. He stumbles back, hobbling
from one foot to the other and swearing profusely.
<<if $mageguild is true>>You turn away from the fight and
look back the way you came. You can just make out a cloud of smoke
rising high above the buildings. Rat Alley is still burning.
<<if $vlvilla or $cove or $edgewater is true>>“Really
thought someone would have put that out by now,” Aeran says.
You raise an eyebrow.
“I was <i>hopeful</i> someone would have put that out by
now,” he corrects.
“Come on,” you say and push into the crowd.<<else>>“Come
on,” you say and push into the
crowd.<</if>><<else>>“Come on,” you say and push
into the crowd.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stares at you, eyes narrowed. “$nickname, I wasn’t being serious.”
“I know,” you reply, smiling impishly. “But maybe I am.”
“Oh gods, don’t join the fight.”
You chortle and peer past the crowd. The Guild’s sign hangs on a
building further down the road. “Maybe I’ll have to,” you say. “They’re
blocking the way.”
“Or we could leave the Guild alone,” he says hopefully.
The crowd shouts. Back on the boardwalk, the man spits out a mouthful of
blood and gets to his feet. He charges the elf and rams into her from
behind. The crowd parts as they sail across the boardwalk and slam into
the railing. A silver light flashes over the elf as her magic absorbs
the impact.
<<if $mageguild is true>>You glance over your shoulder and
look back the way you came. You can just make out a cloud of smoke
rising high above the buildings. Rat Alley is still burning.
“Not a chance,” you say. “Come on.”
The elf kicks the man sharply in the knees. He stumbles back, hobbling
from one foot to the other and swearing
profusely.<<else>>“Not a chance,” you say. “Come on.”
The elf kicks the man sharply in the knees. He stumbles back, hobbling
from one foot to the other and swearing profusely.<</if>>
You push your way into the crowd, Aeran following a pace behind,
grumbling under his breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
crowd jostles around you, the stinking scent of drink and sweat on the
air. You’re pushed to the edge, mere feet away from the brawlers, who
have resumed pummeling the life out of each other. The elf takes a hit
to the face and her barrier shatters, her magic unable to sustain
itself. She stumbles back and drops to a knee, one hand clutching her
mouth and nose, blood oozing through her fingers.
“Want more?” the man calls. “Huh? More?”
The elf lowers her hand and grins through bloody teeth. “Shithead.”
The man snarls. He charges at her, ready to deal the final blow.
Suddenly, the boardwalk fuses together beneath his feet, the planks
melding into one another like glass. The man yelps and skids across the
slippery surface, arms windmilling in the air. He hits the railing. The
thin wooden beams crack on the impact and he sails over the edge,
plunging into the channel below.
“My gods,” a voice says from the back of the crowd. “What will it take
for all of you to SHUT THE HELL UP?”
Indistinct murmurs rumble from the crowd, but no one gives an answer.
The crowd parts, revealing a short human man standing outside the
Guild’s door. Dressed in long robes that drag on the ground, he has a
tuft of thinning grey hair on his head, an unremarkable beard and bright
blue eyes. A pipe is stuck haphazardly between his teeth and he leans
heavily on a white bark staff.
“Be off!” he shouts. “All of you! Before I turn you all into… rats or
fungi or whatever you sad, bored bastards are afraid of.”
The crowd disperses. The mage shakes his staff, hissing at the passersby
as they clear the street. The elf slowly gets to her feet, staring
curiously at her bloody hand.
“Come on, Alina,” the mage shouts. “You’ve had enough fun for one day—”
He trails off. His grey eyes widen as he spots you and Aeran.
“Oh, shit,” he says.
Alina lowers her hand. “Aegineta,” she calls. “Wait—”
The man pulls an exaggerated face. Swinging around, he limps through his
door as quickly as he can and slams it behind him.
“So that’s the Guild master,” Aeran says.
“Yeah.”
“This is going to be fun.”
“Yeah.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
03]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MAGE GUILD
INFO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
head for the closed door.
“Hey!” a voice calls behind you. “Wait!”
The bruised and bloody elf scrambles towards you. Now that she’s not in
the middle of a brawl, you can get a better look at her. She’s
young—younger than you, probably barely out of her teen years. Her
straight black hair is cropped just below her ears and straight brows
frame her intense brown eyes. A piercing has torn through her left
nostril, dislodged during her fight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 04
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You should get that looked
at.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Nice fight.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 04
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
draws herself up. “You can’t see Aegineta,” she says in as official a
voice as she can muster. Considering she took quite the beating and is
now standing woozily on her feet, the effect is a little lackluster.
“He’s not taking visitors and the Guild is closed—”
“You’re not going to stop us,” you interrupt. “We’re not going to wait
around for Aegineta to kindly open his doors and no amount of wards will
keep us out.”
Without waiting for a response, you push past the spluttering,
protesting girl. You wrench the door open and step inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$alinaice to true>>“I manage fine on my own,” she snaps angrily.
You’re not sure whether she intended to sound threatening or not;
regardless, the effect is ruined as she gingerly prods the swollen skin
around her nose.
“I’m sure you do,” you reply. “But until you find a healer, lean forward
and breathe through your mouth. And find some ice.”
She blinks. “…ice?”
“Reduces the swelling. Surely you know someone with conjuration magic
who can summon some ice.”
“I… maybe. But I’m not taking your weird folk remedy!”
You roll your eyes and stride past her.
“Um,” she calls, reaching for you and Aeran as you make your way to the
door. “Aegineta’s not taking visitors right now. The Guild is closed
to—”
“Do you think we look like the type of people who are going to wait
around for Aegineta to kindly open his doors?” you interrupt. “We’ve got
things to do and no amount of wards are going to keep us out. Now get
some ice. I promise you’ll feel better.”
Leaving the girl be, you wrench the door open and step inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
delighted look flashes across her face, but the moment is fleeting. She
reels in her short-lived glee and straightens her back. “Aegineta’s not
taking visitors,” she says in as official a voice as she can muster.
Considering she took quite the beating and is now standing woozily on
her feet, the effect is a little lackluster. “The Guild is closed with
the exception of members and affiliates—”
“You could call us that,” you interrupt. “Affiliates. In a way.”
“That’s a stretch,” Aeran mutters.
“Competitors?”
“Not much better.”
“Come on, work with me here, Aeran—”
He bristles. You ignore him.
“Point is,” you continue, “we’re not the type to wait around for
Aegineta to kindly open his doors. We’ve got things to do and no amount
of wards are going to keep us out.”
You push past the protesting girl, wrench the door open and step inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
eyes are met with the gleam of a hundred security spells, woven so
tightly you can barely see past them. You exchange looks with Aeran and
raise an eyebrow. <<if $vlvilla is true>>It’s been a while
since you’ve seen a security system this overdone, not even the Viridian
Lady went this far.<<else>>It’s been a while since you’ve
seen a security system this overdone.<</if>> Unbothered, you
pass through the wards and duck through the foyer, emerging out into
the building’s main room.
“Huh,” Aeran says.
“Huh,” you agree.
Overgrown plants stuff every corner, bursting out of their pots in
chaotic splashes of colour. Vines snake across the floor, branches loop
across the walls, and giant leaves block the few lights bobbing around
the ceiling. Some of the plants are fused together, their stems
succinctly flowing from one into the next. The shutters are closed,
locked and warded, further adding to the stale darkness. Intertwining
paths of footprints wind across the floor, which has such a thick coat
of grit it may as well have been cleaned once a decade ago. A spindly
contraption stands in one corner, whirring quietly as it waves
needle-like rods in the air.
Whatever you expected from the Guild of Mages, this isn’t quite it.
“This is weird, right?” Aeran says under his breath. “It’s not just me?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s not just you.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 06
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe his magic has an affinity for
plants?”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 06 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I like it.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 06
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
take a shallow breath. The air feels… off.
You catch a flicker of movement in the corner of your eye and whirl
around, hand on your sword—
It’s a plant. The vine is… pulsing.
“Let’s find Aegineta and get out of here,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
grimaces. “Pretty sure ‘plant magic’ isn’t in the Arathian
classification, $firstname,” he says.
You roll your eyes. “Since when are you up-to-date on magic
classifications?”
He inhales sharply and a strange look crosses his face. “Never mind,” he
grunts. “Ask the Guild master what you want to ask him and let’s get
out of here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You’re
joking right?”
“No, I like it.” Though the air is hot and muggy and the plants are
definitely more than what they appear, you’re sure Aegineta must be
breaking a dozen Guild rules through his presentation alone.
And that is something you respect.
Aeran shrugs. “Suit yourself,” he grunts. “Ask the Guild master what you
want to ask him and let’s get out of here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>Casting
an eye across the dirty floor, you spot a fresh set of footprints
leading towards the back. You follow them.
A plant bristles as you pass it, its leaves waving back and forth. There
isn’t a hint of a breeze. Aeran mutters a curse. Though he’s trying to
mask it, you can hear his rapid, shallow breath behind you. His tension
is tangible, almost panicked. It’s rare to see him this unnerved, even
in the midst of combat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop and ask him if he’s all right.|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 08 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Push on. He can handle it. The
sooner you find Aegineta, the better.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 08
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw to a stop. “You okay?”
He brushes damp hair off his forehead. “Fine,” he grunts. “Let’s do what
we came here to do—”
“Aeran.”
He exhales, folding his arms tight across his chest and avoiding your
gaze. “I told you I didn’t want to come here—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop. You don’t have to be here. I’ll
handle it.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 09 AERAN APPROVES][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’ll be fast. I promise.”|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 09 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Shaking
your head, you push past him and continue on. Aeran has always
exhibited wariness around mages. Many Wayfarers do. Or did. The
historical tension between the two opposing orders is nearly impossible
to escape. But there have been times, even in recent history, where a
Wayfarer and a Guild mage have worked succinctly together. Even Aeran
has done so himself, on occasion.
But that was before the Spire was decimated.
“Come on,” you call.
He nods and follows without comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
nods and falls quiet. The floorboards creak underfoot in the silence.
The muggy air clings to you, and a trickle of sweat crawls down your
neck.
Aeran has always exhibited wariness around mages. Many Wayfarers do. Or
did. The historical tension between the two opposing orders is nearly
impossible to escape. But there have been times, even in recent history,
where a Wayfarer and a Guild mage have worked succinctly together. Even
Aeran has done so himself, on occasion.
But that was before the Spire was decimated.
“Fuck,” he breathes. “I’ll stay.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I’ll stay.” He smiles. “Thank you, $firstname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods and falls silent.
Aeran has always exhibited wariness around mages. Many Wayfarers do. Or
did. The historical tension between the two opposing orders is nearly
impossible to escape. But there have been times, even in recent history,
where a Wayfarer and a Guild mage have worked succinctly together. Even
Aeran has done so himself, on occasion.
But that was before the Spire was decimated.
“Come on,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
footprints lead you to a large door hidden behind two overgrown leafy
plants that are spilling out of their pots. Half of the leaves are a
bright blue, the other a blinding magenta. Part of you wants to know
what the hell Aegineta is doing with these plants, but you know from
experience that sometimes it’s better not to have the answers.
You slip your fingers into the handle and slide the door open. It
rattles on its track and pulls towards the far side. You let go and it
rolls all the way to the end and crashes into it.
“First you break my wards, and now you break my door. Fucking
Wayfarers.”
The room beyond is a long, narrow workspace. Most of the flooring has
been torn up in pieces, revealing the packed dirt beneath. A series of
long, low tables are pushed against the back wall, their surfaces
covered with a confusing jumble of objects. Great metal disks, narrow
wood reeds, an innocuous block of black marble, what looks like a flute
with one end distorted into long, trailing pieces of fabric… It makes
little sense to you.
Aegineta perches on a stool in the furthest corner. His long robes cover
his knees and feet, dangling down to the dirt floor. His pipe and staff
are discarded on the table. He barely acknowledges you as you step into
the room, focusing relentlessly on picking through the contents of a
large wooden box. Every so often he pulls out a curved crystal shard and
throws it haphazardly on the table.
“Your wards are fine,” you say. “May have stretched one or two, but I
doubt that makes a difference.”
The mage snorts and tosses out another crystal shard. “If you’re gonna
do it, do it already. It’s rude to keep the elderly waiting.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What are you talking about?”|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 11 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re not here to kill
you.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 11
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aegineta
chuckles hoarsely. An off-putting grin splits his wrinkled face and he
reaches into the box, tossing out more shards with gusto. “Knew old
Sabien would want me gone eventually,” he says. “Academics! First they
cut your funding, then they fire your staff, then they send you to the
ass-end of the continent, and then they cut your fucking head off.”
He throws a shard. It misses the table and bounces off the wall, slicing
Aegineta in the hand. He lets out a muffled scream and shoves the back
of his hand in his mouth, stopping the blood.
“I admit,” he continues, his words muffled by his hand, “I’m a little
offended he hired you. I thought I was worthy of a League assassin at
least—”
“Mages don’t hire us,” Aeran grunts.
Aegineta lowers his hand. “Disappointing,” he says. “That’s a good
twenty minutes I’ve wasted preparing myself to die.”
“Don’t push your luck,” Aeran snaps, pulling his bow from his back. “I
can still do something about that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Back off, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 12
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He’s not wrong.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
12 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 12 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aegineta
stares at you blankly, his lips splitting into an off-putting grin. He
chuckles hoarsely, but he can’t seem to control it. Soon enough, he is
in full-bodied laughter, howling mercilessly as he rocks back and forth
on the chair.
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs.
“Uh…”
Aegineta laughs. “And here… here I was—” He snorts and wipes his nose
with the back of his hand. “Here I was wasting twenty minutes of my
life, preparing for my untimely death!”
“Don’t push your luck,” Aeran grunts.
“I won’t push,” the mage continues, spinning around on his stool. He
seizes the box and turns it upside down, spilling shards across the
table. “Not even a shove. Or a poke. Or a—<i>ouch!” </i>
He slices his hand on a shard and a bright streak of blood wells up on
the back of his pale hand. He stuffs his hand into his mouth and turns
to you. His eyes brighten when he sees Aeran.
“Have to say,” Aegineta continues, his voice muffled by his hand. “Never
thought I’d see Avennor’s bow again. Thought His Imperial Stupidity had
it melted down.”
Aeran blinks. “…what?”
Aegineta removes his hand from his mouth. “Yeah, yeah. I know it’s a bad
epithet. Such a bad citizen, can’t even insult my own emperor right.
I’m working on it—”
“What do you know about Avennor?” Aeran snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD AVENNOR
BOW]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
bristles, a retort forming on his lips.
Aegineta swings around, eyes bright with interest. “Never thought I’d
see Avennor’s bow again,” he says, staring intently at Aeran. “Thought
His Imperial Stupidity had it melted down.”
Aeran blinks. “…what?”
Aegineta waves a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a bad
epithet. Such a bad citizen, can’t even insult my own emperor right. I’m
still working on it—”
“What do you know about Avennor?” Aeran snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD AVENNOR
BOW]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aegineta
throws back his head and howls with laughter. For a split moment, you
think he’s about to fall off his stool. Instead, he collapses forwards,
hands and arms splayed against the table, and turns his head towards
you.
His laughter dies. His raises his head, eyes shining bright with
interest as he stares intently at Aeran. “Never thought I’d see
Avennor’s bow again,” he says. “Thought His Imperial Stupidity had it
melted down.”
Aeran blinks. “…what?”
Aegineta waves a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a bad
epithet. Such a bad citizen, can’t even insult my own emperor right. I’m
still working on it—”
“What do you know about Avennor?” Aeran snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD AVENNOR
BOW]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Be
my guest,” Aegineta retorts, spreading his hands wide. “I’m sure
there’s a pretty penny in it. Be sure to go to Velantis and collect your
crowns, it’ll be a handful.” He chuckles to himself, but his laughter
is short-lived. He spins around on his stool and stares intently at
Aeran, eyes bright with interest.
“Never thought I’d see Avennor’s bow again,” he says. “Thought His
Imperial Stupidity had it melted down.”
Aeran blinks. “…what?”
Aegineta waves a hand in the air. “Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a bad
epithet. Such a bad citizen, can’t even insult my own emperor right. I’m
still working on it—”
“What do you know about Avennor?” Aeran snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD AVENNOR
BOW]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aegineta
pauses. He clicks his tongue against his teeth and brushes down his
robes, muttering under his breath. “It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t
matter, let’s not get into it…”
“What about Avennor?” Aeran repeats.
The mage groans. He rests his hands behind his neck and throws back his
head, pulling a long face as he stares at the ceiling. “You Wayfarers
and your ridiculous sense of legacy,” he says. “You’re as bad as the
Guild—oh look, a crack.”
You cast an eye at the ceiling. There is, indeed, a large crack spiking
across the wood slats.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Keep your focus. My friend doesn’t have a
lot of patience.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 13 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We don’t have time for this,
Aeran.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 13 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1,
5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$marciancodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Marcian Conspiracy<</notify>><i>“Ugh.”</i> The
mage spins around on his stool and faces you. His robes snag on his left
leg, bunching up to reveal something dark and scaly—
Aegineta sees you watching and rapidly readjusts, covering his leg. “I
was there, all right,” he says. “During the Marcian Conspiracy. You must
have been kids back then, you probably don’t remember. Whatever your
Order told you, it was bloody chaos. All the court mages were rounded
up, whether we liked it or not, and commanded to unleash hell when the
rebels breached the palace gates. It was a bloodbath on both sides.”
He pauses, chewing his lower lip absently, a dead look in his eyes. “I’m
a fucking researcher, not a battlemage, okay? I saw what Darius Avennor
did with that bow. Killed some very good friends of mine.” He shakes
himself and fixes Aeran with a piercing look. “I hope you’re living up
to it.”
Aeran pales. It’s not the kind of paleness that comes with horror or
alarm; it’s the one that comes with anger. White, hot virulent anger.
The mage cackles and nearly tips off his stool. His eyes flicker to you
and alight on your sword. “I hope your weapon’s history is not nearly so
fraught,” he says, smirking. “Or maybe it is? Your Order’s not a happy
one—”
Aeran snarls, his hand curling into a fist. He steps towards Aegineta
and you grab him by the arm, slowing him down before he does something
stupid.
Somewhere in the distance, the front door slams open and a girl’s voice
calls through the sea of plants.
“Aegineta, I—”
Alina enters the workroom, her mouth dropping open as she takes in the
situation. <<if $alinaice is true>>She clutches a piece of
ice wrapped in a strip of cloth to her nose.<<else>>Her
swollen nose is caked with blood.<</if>>
“What the hell?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
14]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$marciancodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Aeran
Disapproves<br>Codex Unlocked: Marcian
Conspiracy<</notify>>Aeran scowls and pulls away from you,
stepping towards Aegineta. He towers over him and for a moment the mage
seems like nothing more than a frail old man.
“You knew Avennor?” he asks, his voice low and dark.
Aegineta shrinks back and nearly slides off his stool. His robes snag on
his left leg, bunching up to reveal something dark and scaly. “I was
there!” he exclaims, rapidly readjusting to cover his leg. “I was there,
all right. During the Marcian Conspiracy. Dear gods, you must have been
kids back then, you probably don’t remember—”
“Don’t remember the event that had our entire Order exiled from the
Empire?” Aeran snaps. “No. But we remember the ramifications.”
“Whatever your Order told you, it was bloody chaos!” he squeaks,
flapping his hands in the air. “All the court mages were rounded up,
whether we liked it or not, and commanded to unleash hell when the
rebels breached the palace gates. It was a bloodbath on both sides. I’m a
fucking researcher, not a battlemage, okay? I saw what Darius Avennor
did with that bow. Killed some very good friends of mine.” He pauses,
sniffling quietly, and fixes Aeran and his bow with a piercing blue
stare. “I hope you’re living up to it.”
Aeran pales. It’s not the kind of paleness that comes with horror or
alarm; it’s the one that comes with anger. White, hot virulent anger.
The mage glances at you, his eyes landing on your sword. “I hope your
weapon’s history isn’t nearly so fraught,” he says. “Or maybe it is?
Your Order’s not a happy one—”
Aeran snarls, his hand curling into a fist. You grab him by the arm,
slowing him down before he does something stupid and pummels the mage.
Somewhere in the distance, the front door slams open and a girl’s voice
calls through the sea of plants.
“Aegineta, I—”
Alina enters the workroom, mouth dropping open as she takes in the
situation. <<if $alinaice is true>>She clutches a piece of
ice wrapped in a strip of cloth to her nose.<<else>>Her
swollen nose is caked with blood.<</if>>
“What the hell?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
14]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$alinaice is true>>“Nothing to worry about, my dear,” Aegineta
says. “Just a pleasant chat between friends. I’m sure you know all about
those, given the display outside today.” He frowns and squints at her.
“What have you got on your face?”
She lowers the cloth. “Ice.”
“What the hell are you doing with that? Come here.”
“No, it feels better—”
“Who the fuck puts ice on their head? Let me fix
that—”<<else>>“Nothing to worry about, my dear,” Aegineta
says. “Just a pleasant chat between friends. I’m sure you know all about
those, given the display outside today.” He frowns and squints at her.
“That’s a real mess you’ve got on your face.”
She grimaces. “It’s not that bad.”
“The fuck it is. Let me fix that—”<</if>>
The girl bristles. She pushes past you and Aeran and approaches
Aegineta, her face flushed and her shoulders slumped. The mage slides
off his stool, reaches up and puts his weathered hands on either side of
her face. He is very short compared to her, and you’re fairly certain
he is standing on his tiptoes.
He <i>tsks.</i> “What happened?” he says, gently checking
her broken nose and bruised face. You and Aeran are forgotten. “Did your
wards break or did you forget to cast them?”
She presses her lips together.
Aegineta snorts. “Both, I see,” he says. “You need to concentrate,
girl!”
“It makes me tired!” she protests. “It’s too much—”
“Effort?” he interrupts. “Dear gods, we have a revelation! Sustaining
magic with intention takes effort! Let me contact the Guild at this
marvelous discovery!”
The girl pulls away from Aegineta’s grasp<<if $alinaice is
true>> and presses the ice to her nose<</if>>. “I
think I look better with a broken nose,” she snaps.
The mage sighs and scratches the back of his head. “If it suits you,” he
says, stepping back and gesturing towards the open door. “Be my guest.”
She pauses, shifting her weight from foot to foot. <<if $alinaice
is true>>She stuffs the ice into her pocket, seizes Aegineta’s
hands and places them on her face.<<else>>She seizes
Aegineta’s hands and places them on her face.<</if>> “No,”
she says. “Fix it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
15]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
presses his hands gently into her skin. “Eventually you will learn to
do this yourself.”
“Who’s going to teach me? You?”
“I’ve gotten you this far.”
“Barely.”
“Word of advice, Alina. It’s bad taste to insult the man about to
transmogrify your nose.”
Something snaps. The girl howls in pain, tears leaking from her eyes,
and she jolts backwards. She leans over, hands covering her nose, and
sways back and forth. “You fucker,” she snarls. “That hurt!”
“But does it hurt less?”
She straightens and lowers her hands. Though dried blood is still
crusted to her skin, her nose is perfectly straight once more. She prods
it experimentally. “Yeah,” she says finally. “Still swollen, though.”
“Give it time.”
She makes a face. “Still don’t know why it hurts so much when you do it.
Unless you’re doing it on purpose—”
Aegineta throws his head back and lets out a long, exasperated sigh.
“Transmogrification and curative magic are not the same thing,” he says.
“I am a Dustforger. I am not healing you, I am transforming your nose
to push the broken bone back where it belongs. If you want to speed up
your body’s natural processes, you need a Brightwarden—which you are.”
He folds his arms. “Wards and curative magic are a part of your natural
state of being. You can learn to heal yourself without hurting—”
<i>“Ugh.”</i> Alina leans against the wall and throws her
head back. “Stop throwing those stupid names around, they don’t mean
anything.”
“Do you want to be a mage or not?”
“I don’t know!” She pushes off the wall. “Next time someone calls you a
two-faced Imperial rat, I won’t get involved. Fuck off.”
She backs away, giving him a rude gesture with both hands, and darts out
of the workroom. She disappears into the plants and, moments later, you
hear the door slam as she leaves the building.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re training her?”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 16
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She your kid or something?”|CHAPTER
1 DEADWOOD 16 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. It’s none of your business. Say
nothing.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 16
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aegineta
shrugs. “More like she’s training me,” he says, clambering back onto
his stool. “Alina came knocking on my door one day and I haven’t been
able to get rid of her since. Funny thing is that we’re all supposed to
teach. It’s Guild law to take at least one apprentice. I’ve dedicated
sixty years of my life to this buffoonery and never had a student. But
the moment they send me to this shithole… Nashira sure has a sense of
humour.”
He tuts, drumming his fingers on the nearby table. “It’s unsanctioned,
of course. I need the Grand Archsage’s permission to make her a
novitiate. And if I make her a novitiate, they will take her away to one
of the towers and prod and squeeze and berate her until they turn her
into just another mage.” He flashes you a cold smile. “Does that answer
your question?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
17]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Wha—”
Aegineta’s words dissolve into a fit of laughter. He shakes, clutching
at himself, and nearly falls off his stool. “What gave you a bloody idea
like that?”
You shrug. “The way you behave—”
“Do I look the type to have a kid? Hell and starfire, that is the
stupidest thing I’ve heard all day and I have to listen to myself talk.”
You fold your arms. “Enough, I get it.”
Aegineta snorts. “I’m training her,” he says, clambering back onto his
stool. “Alina came knocking on my door one day and I haven’t been able
to get rid of her since. Funny thing is that we’re all supposed to
teach. It’s Guild law to take at least one apprentice. I’ve dedicated
sixty years of my life to this buffoonery and never had a student. But
the moment they send me to this shithole… Nashira sure has a sense of
humour.”
He tuts, drumming his fingers on the nearby table. “It’s unsanctioned,
of course. I need the Grand Archsage’s permission to make her a
novitiate. And if I make her a novitiate, they will take her away to one
of the towers and prod and squeeze and berate her until they turn her
into just another mage. Does that answer your question?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
17]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
can explain that,” Aegineta says, clambering back onto his stool.
“That won’t be necessary—”
“I’m training Alina,” he continues. There’s a strange note of pride in
his voice. “She came knocking on my door one day and I haven’t been able
to get rid of her since.”
He tuts, shaking his head. “Funny thing is that we’re all supposed to
teach. It’s Guild law to take at least one apprentice. I’ve dedicated
sixty years of my life to this buffoonery and never had a student. But
the moment they send me to this shithole… Nashira sure has a sense of
humour.”
He drums his fingers on the nearby table. “It’s unsanctioned, of course.
I need the Grand Archsage’s permission to make her a novitiate. And if I
make her a novitiate, they will take her away to one of the towers and
prod and squeeze and berate her until they turn her into just another
mage.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
17]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
press your tongue to the back of your teeth, uncertain of what to say.
Though you’ve known Aegineta is an eccentric, this is a very different
picture of the Guild than you expected.
You glance at Aeran. His expression has softened since Alina’s arrival.
He stands still, holding his hands awkwardly at his sides, his anger
spent.
Aegineta picks up a crystal shard from the table and turns it over
absently. The sharp edges catch the light. “Do you know what this is?”
he asks quietly. “Communication orb. Broke it the day I got here.
Smashed it against the wall. You can still see the dent, if you know
where to look. I haven’t heard from the Guild proper in… must be five
years.” He tosses the shard back in the box. “I’m old. I’m insecure. I
spent decades on research only to be surpassed by younger mages, some of
whom will still be young by the time I’m dead. So I decided, why give a
fuck? The Guild doesn’t care.”
He laughs sourly and pushes the box to the back of the table. “Now, I’m
sure you came here for a reason,” he says. “Why don’t you tell me what
that is so you can get out of here and we can live our lives pretending
each other doesn’t exist?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if $mageguild is
true>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him about the fire
in Rat Alley.|CHAPTER 1 DEADOOD TELL ABOUT RAT ALLEY]] </div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is true>>[[2.
Follow up on Drakehand’s prompt and ask him about the chalice.|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD FOLLOW UP ON DRAKEHAND]]<<else>><s>2.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Follow up on Drakehand’s prompt and
ask him about the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD FOLLOW UP ON
DRAKEHAND]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“There’s
a fire,” you say.
Aegineta stares blankly at you.
“A magic fire?” you add. “In Rat Alley.”
The mage raises his eyebrows. “And? What do you expect me to do about
it?”
You grit your teeth. “I don’t know,” you say. “Send someone to put it
out.”
He smirks. “Ah yes,” he says, gesturing around the workroom. “As you can
see, I have many acolytes working for me, who I can send off at a
moment’s notice.”
Aeran exhales sharply. He seizes your arm and ushers you away from the
table. “I’ve had enough of him,” he says. “Let’s get out of here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Give me a moment.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 17
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You go on. I’ll finish
here.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 17 B AERAN APP][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you want to go, then
go.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 17 C AERAN DISAPP][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
haven’t heard anything about a magical chalice, have you?” you ask.
Aegineta balks. “You don’t mean the one the Count had on his hands and
then lost? How delightfully out of character of him.”
“How do you know about that?” Aeran grunts.
The mage rolls his eyes. “Gossip travels quickly and I have an ear for
it,” he says. “Or several, for that matter. Not the point. There are no
chalices here. I prefer to stay on the good side of the
hundreds-year-old Melusine who crawled out of the water one day and
decided to make Rona his personal little kingdom.”
<i>Great,</i> you think. <i>So much for
that.</i>
“Rona’s gonna go to shit soon anyway,” he adds unexpectedly. “Making the
best of it while it lasts means not pissing off the people who can kill
you.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. “What do you mean?”
Aegineta spreads his hands. “The Seven are getting nasty,” he says.
“Nastier than usual, that is. Maybe the rest of Rona doesn’t notice, but
Deadwood borders on the Grove and it won’t be long before the shit
that’s happening in there comes for the rest of us.”
<<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>This reminds you of what the
Viridian Lady said. “You mean Every being missing?”
“Yeah,” Aegineta says, surprised. His eyes narrow suspiciously. “You
didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
“No,” you and Aeran say immediately.
He raises his hands. “Okay, okay, point taken.” He scratches his head,
his fingers tugging through his thinning hair. “Every went missing and
things went to shit. Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the
usual pickpocketing, scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting
braver. Won’t hesitate to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You
exhale sharply. That matches Rayne’s story about her brother’s
death.<<else>>You exhale sharply. The Viridian Lady said
strange things were happening in the Grove, but this is more than
strange.<</if>>
“I think there’s a new power in the Grove,” Aegineta continues. “It
can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be someone new.
Untested. Hungry for change.”<<else>>Aeran raises his head.
“What’s happening in Flotsam Grove?”
“Oh, gods…” Aegineta scratches his head and tugs on his thinning hair.
“Samuel Every went missing. Proper missing, as in no one’s seen or heard
from him in months. My gut’s telling me his body’s floating around on
the bottom of the marsh. Ever since then, things went to shit.
Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the usual pickpocketing,
scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting braver. Won’t hesitate
to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
He pauses and pulls a long face. “I think there’s a new power in the
Grove. It can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be
someone new. Untested. Hungry for change.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s unsettling.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
23]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Weird.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
23]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
scowls at you, but remains where he is nonetheless. You give him a
quick nod in thanks and turn back to Aegineta.
“That fire started hours ago,” you say. “I came here because I wanted to
make sure it was dealt with properly.”
He snorts derisively. “Then why didn’t you put it out yourself?”
You rest a hand on your sword hilt and try not to think about Kane.
Conjured fire is difficult to manage. It spreads easily and quickly, and
is formed from hundreds upon hundreds of small sources. You could have
run around the alley, chasing down magical energies and disrupting them
one by one, but it would have been a challenge with Kane’s gang
breathing down your neck.
“Never mind, don’t answer that,” the mage says. He stretches his hands
high above his head and yawns. “Listen, Wayfarer, I don’t deal in
conjuration and containment. I transmogrify. But…” He winces and clasps
his hands together. “…because you haven’t run me through with that sword
yet, I’ll do you a favour and deal with it.”
“Thank you.”
“Rona’s gonna go to shit soon anyway, but might as well try to make the
best of it while it lasts,” Aegineta adds unexpectedly.
You pause. “What do you mean?”
He spreads his hands. “The Seven are getting nasty,” he says. “Nastier
than usual, that is. Maybe the rest of Rona doesn’t notice, but Deadwood
borders on the Grove and it won’t be long before the shit that’s
happening in there comes for the rest of us.”
<<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>You and Aeran exchange looks.
“You mean Every being missing?” you ask.
“Yeah,” Aegineta says, surprised. His eyes narrow suspiciously. “You
didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
“No,” you and Aeran say immediately.
He raises his hands. “Okay, okay, point taken.” He scratches his head,
his fingers tugging through his thinning hair. “Every went missing and
things went to shit. Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the
usual pickpocketing, scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting
braver. Won’t hesitate to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You
exhale sharply. That matches Rayne’s story about her brother’s
death.<<else>>You exhale sharply. The Viridian Lady said
strange things were happening in the Grove, but this is more than
strange.<</if>>
“I think there’s a new power in the Grove,” Aegineta continues. “It
can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be someone new.
Untested. Hungry for change.”<<else>>Aeran raises his head.
“What’s happening in Flotsam Grove?”
“Oh, gods…” Aegineta scratches his head and tugs on his thinning hair.
“Samuel Every went missing. Proper missing, as in no one’s seen or heard
from him in months. My gut’s telling me his body’s floating around on
the bottom of the marsh. Ever since then, things went to shit.
Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the usual pickpocketing,
scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting braver. Won’t hesitate
to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
He pauses and pulls a long face. “I think there’s a new power in the
Grove. It can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be
someone new. Untested. Hungry for change.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s unsettling.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
19]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Weird.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
19]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>A
look of relief crosses Aeran’s face. He places a hand on your shoulder
in thanks, then ducks out of the workroom, leaving you alone with
Aegineta.
“What’s his problem?” the mage sniggers.
“Not yours,” you snap.
He shrugs, unbothered by your tone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
20]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>A hurt look flashes across Aeran’s face. He
grimaces and stalks out of the workroom, muttering under his
breath.<<else>> Aeran scowls. He stalks out of the workroom
without another word.<</if>>
“What’s his problem?” Aegineta asks, smirking.
“Not yours,” you snap.
He shrugs, unbothered by your tone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
20]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$cove is true>>“Yeah,” the mage says. His eyes shine very bright.
“I can’t wait to see it.”
You pause. You’d like to get out of here, but you can’t shake
Drakehand’s suspicions about Aegineta. Seeing the man now, you’re fairly
sure he doesn’t have anything to do with the chalice, but you can never
be certain.
“One more thing,” you say. “You haven’t heard anything about a magical
chalice, have you?”
The mage grins. “You don’t mean the one the Count had on his hands and
then lost? How delightfully out of character of him.” He shakes his
head. “But no. No chalices here. I prefer to stay on the good side of
the hundreds-year-old melusine who crawled out of the water one day and
decided to make Rona his personal little kingdom.”
He falls silent and stares at you with unblinking eyes. With nothing
else to say, you awkwardly leave the mage to his shards and plants and
hurry out of the building.<<else>>“Yeah,” the mage says. His
eyes shine very bright. “I can’t wait to see it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LEAVE WITH
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo2 to true>>When you emerge outside, all traces of
the crowd have dispersed. The street is quiet, almost tranquil. For a
moment, Deadwood seems like an ordinary neighbourhood in an ordinary
town.
Aeran walks silently at your side, a strange expression on his face. He
draws to a stop, staring intently at the boardwalk where the planks fuse
into a dark, shining surface. He kneels next to it and places a hand on
the transformed boards, turning his head to follow them to the edge of
the boardwalk where the brawler sailed into the channel.
“Huh,” he says, pressing his hand into the board. The surface remains
unchanged. Whatever Aegineta did to it, he transformed it at such a
fundamental level that the effects are irreversible. Aeran cannot change
it back, because magic no longer clings to it. “He knows what he’s
doing.”
You tilt your head and frown, staring into the dark surface. It’s
reflective like glass, and you catch a warped glimpse of your face.
Tired $eyecolour eyes, haggard <<if $skintone is "light beige" or
$skintone is "warm beige" or $skintone is "cool
beige">>beige<<elseif $skintone is "light brown" or
$skintone is "warm brown" or $skintone is "dark
brown">>brown<<elseif $skintone is "warm black" or $skintone
is "deep black" or $skintone is "cool
black">>black<<else>>$skintone<</if>>
skin, <<if $hairlength neq "shaved">>framed by messy, dull
$haircolour hair.<<else>>… even your shaved scalp looks
sallow.<</if>> As much as you try to ignore it, Rona is
eating away at you.
“He’s a Guild mage,” you say. “And I get the feeling he was sent here
because someone wanted him out of the picture.”
“Not our problem…” he replies absently. He remains kneeling by the
transformed boards, uncharacteristically lost in thought.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. This is unlike him and it’s making you
worried. Check in with him.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 30 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Whatever he’s dealing with, he’ll
tell you when he’s ready. Tell him you need to move on.|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 30 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$cove isnot true and $vlvilla isnot true and $edgewater isnot
true>>“The fire started not too long ago,”<<else>>“The
fire started hours ago,”<</if>> you say before Aegineta can
mouth off again. “I came here because I wanted to make sure it was
dealt with properly.”
He snorts derisively. “Then why didn’t you put it out yourself?”
You rest a hand on your sword hilt and try not to think about Kane.
Conjured fire is difficult to manage. It spreads easily and quickly, and
is formed from hundreds upon hundreds of small sources. You could have
run around the alley, chasing down magical energies and disrupting them
one by one, but it would have been a challenge with Kane’s gang
breathing down your neck.
“Never mind, don’t answer that,” the mage says. He stretches his hands
high above his head and yawns. “Listen, Wayfarer, I don’t deal in
conjuration and containment. I transmogrify. But…” He winces and clasps
his hands together. “…because you haven’t run me through with that sword
yet, I’ll do you a favour and deal with it.”
“Thank you.”
“Rona’s gonna go to shit soon anyway, but might as well try to make the
best of it while it lasts,” Aegineta adds unexpectedly.
You pause. “What do you mean?”
He spreads his hands. “The Seven are getting nasty,” he says. “Nastier
than usual, that is. Maybe the rest of Rona doesn’t notice, but Deadwood
borders on the Grove and it won’t be long before the shit that’s
happening in there comes for the rest of us.”
<<if $greendriftinfo1 is true>>You grit your teeth, thinking
back to what the Viridian Lady said. “You mean Every going missing?”
“Yeah,” Aegineta says, surprised. His eyes narrow suspiciously. “You
didn’t have anything to do with that, did you?”
“No,” you say sharply.
He raises his hands. “Okay, okay, point taken.” He scratches his head,
his fingers tugging through his thinning hair. “Every went missing and
things went to shit. Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the
usual pickpocketing, scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting
braver. Won’t hesitate to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You
exhale sharply. That matches Rayne’s story about her brother’s
death.<<else>>You exhale sharply. The Viridian Lady said
strange things were happening in the Grove, but this is more than
strange.<</if>>
“I think there’s a new power in the Grove,” Aegineta continues. “It
can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be someone new.
Untested. Hungry for change.”<<else>>You frown. “What’s
happening in Flotsam Grove?”
“Oh, gods…” Aegineta scratches his head and tugs on his thinning hair.
“Samuel Every went missing. Proper missing, as in no one’s seen or heard
from him in months. My gut’s telling me his body’s floating around on
the bottom of the marsh. Ever since then, things went to shit.
Greendrifts are coming out of the marsh for the usual pickpocketing,
scamming, stealing, thieving… but they’re getting braver. Won’t hesitate
to stab and dump a body in the channel.”
He pauses and pulls a long face. “I think there’s a new power in the
Grove. It can’t be one of the Seven, doesn’t feel like them. Must be
someone new. Untested. Hungry for change.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s unsettling.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
21]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Weird.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
21]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$cove is true>>“Yeah,” the mage says. His eyes shine very bright.
“I can’t wait to see it.”
You pause. You’d like to get out of here, but you can’t shake
Drakehand’s suspicions about Aegineta. Seeing the man now, you’re fairly
sure he doesn’t have anything to do with the chalice, but you can never
be certain.
“One more thing,” you say. “You haven’t heard anything about a magical
chalice, have you?”
The mage grins. “You don’t mean the one the Count had on his hands and
then lost? How delightfully out of character of him.” He shakes his
head. “But no. No chalices here. I prefer to stay on the good side of
the hundreds-year-old melusine who crawled out of the water one day and
decided to make Rona his personal little kingdom.”
He falls silent and stares at you with unblinking eyes. With nothing
else to say, you awkwardly leave the mage to his shards and plants and
hurry out of the building.
<<else>>“Yeah,” the mage says. His eyes shine very bright.
“I can’t wait to see it.”
Aegineta falls silent and stares at you with unblinking eyes. With
nothing else to say, you awkwardly leave the mage to his shards and his
plants and hurry out of the building.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD AERAN NOT
THERE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$greendriftinfo2 to true>>When you emerge outside, all traces of
the crowd have dispersed. The street is quiet, almost tranquil. For a
moment, Deadwood seems like an ordinary neighbourhood in an ordinary
town.
Aeran leans against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed, a strange
expression on his face. You stand next to him and tap his shoulder.
“Hey,” you say. “You all right?”
He opens his eyes. “Yeah,” he says. “I just… needed a moment.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Do you want to tell me?”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
32 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Moment over. Let’s go.”|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 32 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
the mage says. His eyes shine very bright. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Aegineta falls silent and stares at you with unblinking eyes. With
nothing else to say, you awkwardly leave the mage to his shards and his
plants and hurry out of the building.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LEAVE WITH
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Hey…”
You crouch beside him and place a hand on the glasslike surface. It is
cool and smooth to the touch. “What’s going on?”
“Aegineta,” Aeran says quietly. “He reminds me of…” He trails off. He
turns his head, but he doesn’t meet your gaze, his eyes falling instead
to your sword. “Do you ever think about the Wayfarers who came before,
the previous owners of your weapon? Do you ever wonder how they lived,
what battles they fought… how they died…”
You swallow hard. The forging process of Alassar steel was lost hundreds
of years ago, blotted out by a Wayfarer grandmaster long before Sero’s
time. Every Alassar weapon is a reminder of the past and the line of
warriors who came before you. And like all history, each weapon’s
lineage carries events that many would rather forget.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This sword is mine. It doesn’t matter what
came before.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 31 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sometimes I wonder who used it for
good and who used it for evil, but that makes me wonder how to define
good and evil and once I fall down that hole, there’s no coming
back.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 31 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If I do think about it, I don’t let
it define me and what I’m doing now.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 31
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you say quietly. “We need to go.”
He glances over your shoulder, a relieved look in his eye. He gives you a
thankful nod and gets to his feet. Picking your way across the
transformed boards, you head down the road.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Thanks,
$nickname,” he says quietly. “Glad to know I can always count on you to
be delightfully blunt.”
You spread your hands. “Part of my charm.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>He meets your eyes. “There’s more to
you than that,” he says. “I can think of a few more things that are
much more flattering.”
The flush creeps, unbidden, across your cheeks. Before you can respond,
Aeran gets to his feet and pulls you up beside him.
“Shall we?” he asks, stepping carefully across the transformed
boards.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>He chuckles. “Don’t you
know it.”
You grin. With the momentary uneasiness diffused, you and Aeran get to
your feet and carefully step across the transformed
boards.<<else>>He smiles tightly. Getting to his feet, he
steps carefully across the transformed boards and waits for you to catch
up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Thanks,
$nickname,” he says quietly. There’s a hint of a smile on his lips.
“I’m probably overthinking it.”
“An easy thing to do.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Aeran gets to his feet and pulls you
up beside him. Together, you carefully step across the transformed
boards and make your way down the road.<<else>>Getting to
his feet, Aeran steps carefully across the transformed boards and waits
for you to catch up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
smiles. “Thanks, $firstname. I think that’s what I needed to hear.”
You nod.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Aeran gets to his feet and pulls you
up beside him. Together, you carefully step across the transformed
boards and make your way down the road.<<else>>Getting to
his feet, Aeran steps carefully across the transformed boards and waits
for you to catch up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsaramet to true>>You wind your way through Deadwood in
silence, one hand resting on your sword. The few people you pass barely
acknowledge you and stay out of your way. The channels ripple below the
boardwalks, the water flowing out to sea. A leaf bobs on the surface,
tumbling over itself as it is swept along. You watch it until it passes
out of your line of sight, carried away by the tide.
“$firstname,” Aeran says suddenly, drawing to a stop.
You look up.
A hooded figure cloaked in black stands ahead of you. They are the only
person there, as no one seems willing to go near them. You pause, a
shiver rolling down your spine. You recall the stranger watching you
this morning, in the town square…
“What do you want?” Aeran calls.
The stranger doesn’t answer.
“Who do you work for?” he shouts. “Which one of the Seven?”
“None of them,” the figure says. “I only wish to speak with you.”
Aeran steps forward, but the figure turns and walks away, heading out of
Deadwood. He curses and runs after them.
“Hey!” you shout. “Wait!”
Cursing under your breath, you follow and sprint to keep up with them.
Aeran and the stranger weave through Rona’s tangled streets, heading
back towards Marshwall and the town square. <<if $ratalleyfire is
true>>The smoke from Rat Alley hangs heavily in the sky, billowing
around the tops of the buildings. You grit your teeth. Hopefully
Aegineta will deal with it soon.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
35]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wind your way through Deadwood in silence, one hand resting on your
sword. The few people you pass barely acknowledge you and stay out of
your way. The channels ripple below the boardwalks, the water flowing
out to sea. A leaf bobs on the surface, tumbling over itself as it is
swept along. You watch it until it passes out of your line of sight,
carried away by the tide.
“Where to next?” Aeran asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $actionpoints
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST DEADWOOD EXPLORATION
MAP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO ACTION POINTS
LEFT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
shifts uncomfortably and avoids your gaze. “Aegineta,” he says after a
moment. “He reminds me of…” He trails off. He turns his head and looks
at you, his eyes falling to your sword. “Do you ever think about the
Wayfarers who came before, the previous owners of your weapon? Do you
ever wonder how they lived, what battles they fought… how they died…”
You swallow hard. The forging process of Alassar steel was lost hundreds
of years ago, blotted out by a Wayfarer grandmaster long before Sero’s
time. Every Alassar weapon is a reminder of the past and the line of
warriors who came before you. And like all history, each weapon’s
lineage carries events that many would rather forget.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This sword is mine. It doesn’t matter what
came before.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 33 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sometimes I wonder who used it for
good and who used it for evil, but that makes me wonder how to define
good and evil and once I fall down that hole, there’s no coming
back.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 33 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If I do think about it, I don’t let
it define me and what I’m doing now.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 33
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
relieved look flashes in his eyes. “Right,” he replies. “No point in
getting distracted.”
He steps away from the wall and heads down the road. You follow,
hurrying to keep pace with him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Thanks,
$nickname,” he says quietly. “Glad to know I can always count on you to
be delightfully blunt.”
You spread your hands. “Part of my charm.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>He meets your eyes. “There’s more to
you than that,” he says. “I can think of a few more things that are
much more flattering.”
The flush creeps, unbidden, across your cheeks. Before you can respond,
Aeran steps away from the wall and heads down the road.
“Shall we?” he calls.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>> He
chuckles. “Don’t you know it.”
You grin. With the momentary uneasiness diffused, Aeran steps away from
the wall and heads down the road.
“Shall we?” he calls.<<else>>He smiles tightly. He steps
away from the wall and heads down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Thanks,
$nickname,” he says quietly. There’s a hint of a smile on his lips.
“I’m probably overthinking it.”
“An easy thing to do.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>With the momentary uneasiness
diffused, Aeran steps away from the wall and heads down the road.
“Shall we?” he calls.<<else>>Without another word, Aeran
steps away from the wall and heads down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
smiles. “Thanks, $firstname. I think that’s what I needed to hear.”
You nod.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>With the momentary uneasiness
diffused, Aeran steps away from the wall and heads down the road.
“Shall we?” he calls.<<else>>Without another word, Aeran
steps away from the wall and heads down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $malsaramet is true or $zenaidarefused
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
EXIT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD MALSARA
EXIT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent"><<if $vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>The South
Isle<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$cove is true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>The
Cove<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>Edgewater<</if>></span></span>
<<if
$mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is true>><span
class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if $deadwood
is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>Deadwood<</if>></span></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq true>><area
alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as your destination"
data-passage="POST COVE VIRIDIAN LADY TRANSFER"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="POST BL COVE TRANSFER A"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="POST VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER A"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$vlvilla is true>><s>The South
Isle</s><<else>>[[The South Isle|POST COVE VIRIDIAN
LADY TRANSFER]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $cove is
true>><s>The Cove</s><<else>>[[The
Cove|POST BL COVE TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><s>Edgewater</s><<else>>[[Edgewater|POST
VL EDGEWATER TRANSFER A]]<</if>></span>
<<if $mageguild is true or $guildchapterlead is
true>><span class="record-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><s>Deadwood</s><<else>>[[Deadwood|POST
VL DEADWOOD TRANSFER
A]]<</if>></span><</if>></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>You
nearly catch up with them and spot the figure’s cloak flaring out
behind them as they duck down a nearby alley. Aeran hisses with
frustration and draws his bow, setting an arrow on the string. He dives
into the alley.
“You need not threaten me, Aeran Kellis,” the figure says. “I merely
wish to talk, no more, no less.”
The figure lowers their hood, revealing the face of a young human woman.
Her tawny face is long and oval, her brown eyes framed by straight
brows. Her hair is a pale ashen blonde, as if something has leached all
the colour away. She wears it swept back in an intricate half-braid
which is unravelling in the downpour. Her left ear is pierced with a
series of small bronze rings, from the top of her ear to her lobe.
“Then talk,” Aeran hisses. He does not lower his bow. “Who are you? What
do you want?”
The woman observes him coolly and raises her chin, unbothered by the
imminent threat of being shot. “I have observed you for several days on
behalf of the one I serve,” she replies. She has an Imperial accent, one
that reminds you of Erenvor. Whoever she is, she must have ties to the
Arathian capital. “The one I serve has—shall we say—an interest in your
specific capabilities. I wanted to ensure you posed no danger before we
approached you.”
Aeran curses under his breath.
“You’ve been watching us for days?” you say.
“Yes, $firstname $lastname.” The woman remains impassively cold and
still. “Three, to be precise.”
You glance at Aeran. His jaw is clenched, his eyes are dark. He is on
the verge of doing something stupid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him to stand down.|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
36 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere. There are enough
strange things happening today. Better keep your guard up.|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 36 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Aeran,”
you mutter. “Wait.”
He glances at you, his scowl deepening, but he lowers his bow and
carefully releases the tension on the string. The woman pauses, noting
the lowered bow, and continues as if nothing has happened.
“I know, for example,” she says, “that you reside in an apartment in
Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road.”
A chill runs down your spine. “What?”
The woman smiles. “I know you have been contracted by one of the seven
lords to retrieve a unique and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in
the shape of a chalice.”
She raises her chin, her amber eyes flickering from you to Aeran and
back again. “All this effort because you wish to leave Rona,” she says.
“Fortunately for you, my employer wishes to help you in that regard, in
exchange for your talents, of course. She can ensure your escape from
this rotten city before the Seven can trace your whereabouts. I would
consider it, if I were you. You are running short on time and your lord
plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail.”
You blink. “He… what? Plans on what?”
The woman raises an eyebrow. “Did he not threaten you with this?” she
asks.
“No,” you choke. “Basilisks never entered the equation—”
“You are welcome for the warning.”
Aeran scowls. “I don’t care about your warnings,” he hisses.
The woman meets his gaze. “You must come,” she says. “Your fate depends
on this, I assure you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t believe in fate.”|CHAPTER 1
DEADWOOD 37 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I already have a job – and I’d
rather not risk getting fed to a basilisk, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
37 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know, for example,” the woman continues, “that you reside in an
apartment in Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know you have
been contracted by one of the seven lords of this town to retrieve a
unique and arguably valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a
chalice—”
Aeran fires the arrow.
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air. The arrow shoots through the space she previously occupied and arcs
down, clattering uselessly onto the boardwalk. Light flares in your
peripheral vision and you spin around, sword drawn, to see the woman
appear several feet behind you, unruffled by Aeran’s attack.
<i>Great,</i> you think. <i>She’s a
Planeswalker.</i> Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to
affect time and space explains how she was able to follow you.
Aeran snarls and draws a second arrow.
The woman eyes him and sighs with barely disguised contempt. “Please,”
she says. “I am not your enemy. Rather, I represent an opportunity. The
kind you have been waiting for.”
“Then enough with the vague hints,” Aeran shouts, aiming at the woman.
“Who is your employer? What do they want?”
“You wish to leave Rona, do you not?” the woman says. “My employer
wishes to help you in that regard, in exchange for your talents, of
course. She can ensure your escape from this rotten city before the
Seven can trace your whereabouts—”
Aeran fires the arrow. The woman stops mid-sentence and vanishes, amber
light misting around the spot she occupied, and the arrow strikes the
ground, missing her by seconds. He turns, searching wildly for her, and
she re-appears, moments later, further down the road.
“We can do this all day, Aeran Kellis,” she calls, “but I am growing
weary of it. I see your brutish tendencies make it difficult to speak
plainly. A shame—I had hoped you would be more civilized, but what can
one expect from a Wayfarer?”
Aeran bristles, but this time he stays his hand.
“The one I serve will not be denied,” the woman continues. “We will meet
again.”
He rushes forward, hurtling down the road towards her. He reaches out—
And she vanishes.
Aeran skids to a stop, stumbling through the place she stood, cursing
under his breath. He looks up as you approach.
“Imperials in Rona,” he hisses. “Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing we can do about it now.
Best stay focused.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 40 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe if you hadn’t attacked her,
we could have found out more.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 40
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “Believe as you will. It cannot change facts. Now will
you come with me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will have wished
you came with me.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 38 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 38
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “And you could have a better one,” she says. “One that
does not force you to serve a madman who believes he is the height of
sophistication because he calls himself a count. Now will you come with
me or not?”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“What do you think?” you mutter.
“A strange menacing lady stalks us for three days and wants us to talk
to her employer?” he says. “I thought today was weird enough.”
“Do we go?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Without waiting for an answer, he rounds on the
woman. “Leave us be,” he spits. “Or I swear next time won’t turn out so
nicely for you.”
The ghost of a smile pulls at the woman’s lips. “By all means,” she
replies. “Continue muddling around this backwater town, risking your
life for the sake of a criminal. But know when things do not turn out
the way you want, when you are inevitably betrayed, you will wish you
came with me.” She tilts her head. “The one I serve cannot be denied. We
will meet again.”
A burst of amber light envelops the woman and she vanishes into thin
air.
<i>Planeswalker,</i> you think. <i>Great.</i>
Her ability to manipulate Dispersion magic to affect time and space
explains how she was able to follow you.
“Great,” Aeran echoes. “Imperials in Rona. Just our luck.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “We don’t know if she is
Imperial,” you say. “We don’t know anything about her.”
“We don’t <i>need</i> to,” he spits. “We don’t need any of
this.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should have listened to
her.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 38 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can’t worry about it now. Let’s
go.”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD 38
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
snorts. “Yeah, listen to the woman who’s spent three days stalking us,”
he says. “That’s a great idea, $firstname.”
“I’m just saying maybe she wasn’t intentionally malicious,” you reply,
crossing your arms.
Aeran rubs his forehead. “Yeah, sure. Right.” He pushes past you and
takes off down the road. “Come on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST DEADWOOD EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. He stares at the empty space where the woman
vanished. Amber mist swirls in the air, slowly dispersing around the
spot she occupied.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST DEADWOOD EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods, growing quiet. “Yeah,” he mutters. “You’re right.”
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST DEADWOOD EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
scowls. “Then maybe she should’ve been upfront from the beginning,” he
snaps. “If someone’s going to trail us all over the city, I’m not likely
to think they have the best intentions in mind—”
You sigh. “All right, all right, point taken.”
He grunts.
“Let’s go,” you say. “We have a chalice to find.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 POST DEADWOOD EXPLORATION
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Artificer's Shop</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Lockpicks</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Tools to open chests and
doors locked by non-magical means.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> <s>25</s>
$gold Crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT LOCKPICK
GAIN")>><<set $gold
-=$gold>><</button>></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Claw Traps</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Traps to entangle and
incapacitate your target.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> <s>25</s>
$gold Crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT CLAW TRAP
GAIN")>><<set $gold -=$gold>><<set $clawtraps
+=3>><</button>></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Creates a small explosion
when thrown. Handle with care.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> <s>25</s>
$gold Crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("CHAPTER 1 ARTIFICER DISCOUNT THUNDERSPHERE
GAIN")>><<set $gold -=$gold>><<set
$thunderspheres
+=3>><</button>></div></div>Your
time spent at home was well-used and you are feeling <span
class="specialtitle">Rested</span>. Agility and Perception are
increased by 2.
<center><<button 'Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>The
Lady smiles and smoothly rises to her feet, drawing herself to her
full, imposing height. She brushes her glossy hair over her shoulder and
takes a step towards you, her eyes glinting dangerously in the atrium
lights. <<if $height is "very tall">>Even though you match
her for height, the natural majesty she embodies makes you feel
insignificant in comparison.<<else>>She towers over you, her
natural majesty making you feel insignificant in
comparison.<</if>>
“That answer shall have to wait for another day,” she says coolly. “You
will have to sate yourself with the answers I have provided for I am no
longer keen to play the role of the willing respondent. Let us now turn
the tables—”
“Anselma,” Hera interrupts.
The Lady glances at her. She hesitates, then turns back to you and
Aeran, a strange smile on her lips. “The Chalice of Offering is a
powerful artefact,” she says. “And so, Wayfarers, my question is
this—what will you do if you find it? Would you attempt to break its
bindings and unravel its magic? Would it even be possible with an
artefact of such ancient potency? Or will you return it to Nalos,
intact, collect your reward and disappear into the horizon?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL LADY
INTERRUPTS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Double-click this passage to edit it.“Thank
you for your help,” you reply. “I appreciate that you were willing to
speak to me.”
The Lady arches an eyebrow. “No, Wayfarer,” she says. “You are fortunate
that you struck me with a rare bout of curiosity. It is not a common
occurrence. Anyone else seeking to enter my home without permission
finds themselves dead within minutes of crossing the boundary.”
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs.
<i>Yeah,</i> you think. <i>What else did I
expect?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VL 601
MAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head and stare at the grey sky. The rain is slowing down
now, turning into a light mist. The worst of the storm has passed and,
as the clouds clear, you spot the golden-red glow of the setting sun.
The day is almost gone and you, unfortunately, are almost out of time.
“This way,” you say, gesturing down the road.
Aeran follows and you lead him into a narrow, sheltered alley between
two tenements. You lean against the wall and let out a long, weary sigh.
Exhaustion pulls at your body and you want nothing more than to sit
down and rest your sore feet.
<<if $gold is 0>>“No chalice, no crowns, and an angry
Count<<else>>“No chalice, no way out of town, and an angry
Count<</if>> if we don’t figure this out,” you say. You
slide down the wall until you sit in a crouch, your back braced against
the smooth wood. A leafy vine pokes out between a gap in the boardwalk
and snakes along the planks. “Let’s put together what we know.”
Aeran stands opposite you, one knee bent and his foot pressed against
the opposite wall. “Where do you want to start?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 INVESTIGATION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Discuss Your Findings</span>
It is important to reflect on the information you’ve gathered. What do
you know?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS VL VILLA")>><s>1. Discuss what
you learned from the Viridian Lady.</s><<else>>[[1.
Discuss what you learned from the Viridian Lady.|CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS VL
VILLA]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You did not
investigate this location.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
COVE")>><s>2. Discuss what you learned from Lars
Drakehand.</s><<else>>[[2. Discuss what you learned
from Lars Drakehand.|CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
COVE]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. You did not
investigate this location.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $edgewater is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
EDGEWATER")>><s>3. Discuss what you learned in
Edgewater.</s><<else>>[[3. Discuss what you learned in
Edgewater.|CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
EDGEWATER]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. You did
not investigate this location.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
DEADWOOD")>><s>4. Discuss what you learned from
Aegineta.</s><<else>>[[4. Discuss what you learned
from Aegineta.|CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
DEADWOOD]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. You did not
investigate this location.</s><</if>> </div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS VL VILLA") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS COVE") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS
EDGEWATER") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DISCUSS DEADWOOD")>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $EdgewaterOutcome is
"C">>[[5. That’s all.|CONCLUSION D]]<<elseif
$EdgewaterOutcome is "A" and $VLOutcome is "A">>[[5. That’s
all.|CONCLUSION B]]<<elseif $EdgewaterOutcome is "A" and
$VLOutcome is "C">>[[5. That’s all.|CONCLUSION B]]<<elseif
$EdgewaterOutcome is "A" and $DeadwoodOutcome is "A">>[[5. That’s
all.|CONCLUSION B]]<<elseif $VLOutcome is "A" or $VLOutcome is "C"
or $DeadwoodOutcome is "A">>[[5. That’s all.|CONCLUSION
A]]<<else>>[[5. That’s all.|CONCLUSION
C]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true and $greendriftinfo1 is true>><<set
$VLOutcome to "A">>“Thanks to the Lady, we know what the Count
didn’t want to tell us,” you say. “The Chalice of Offering is uniquely
powerful and can transform anything edible into an elixir that heals any
wound.”
“Knowing what it does doesn’t help us find out where it
<i>is,”</i> Aeran grunts.
“No, but it tells us who may be interested in it,” you say.
You turn your head, eyes narrowed as you observe the wall opposite you. A
tiny slug is desperately crawling its way up the wall, its virulent
orange colour a blazing mark in the sea of rotting, dark wood.
“The Lady said Samwell Every is missing,” you say. “And something
strange is happening in the Grove.”
“That doesn’t give us much to go on,” he replies. “If there is even a
connection there.”
You pause, a small, strained smile tugging at your lips. “In your
experience, if there’s a powerful magical object from a bygone era
that’s gone missing, how likely is it to show up in a place where
strange things are happening?”
Aeran smirks. “Very likely.” He pauses and taps his fingers against the
wall. “But that is quite the leap, $firstname. I don’t know if it’s
enough to go on.”<<elseif $chaliceinfo1 is true and
$greendriftinfo1 is false>><<set $VLOutcome to
"B">>“Thanks to the Lady, we know what the Count didn’t want to
tell us,” you say. “The Chalice of Offering is uniquely powerful and can
transform anything edible into an elixir that heals any wound.”
“Knowing what it does doesn’t help us find out where it
<i>is,”</i> Aeran grunts.
“No, but it tells us who may be interested in it,” you say.
You turn your head, eyes narrowed as you observe the wall opposite you. A
tiny slug is desperately crawling its way up the wall, its virulent
orange colour a blazing mark in the sea of rotting, dark
wood.<<elseif $chaliceinfo1 is false and $greendriftinfo1 is
true>><<set $VLOutcome to "C">>“The Lady said Samwell
Every is missing,” you say. “And something strange is happening in the
Grove.”
“That doesn’t give us much to go on,” he replies. “If there is even a
connection there.”
You pause, a small, strained smile tugging at your lips. “In your
experience, if there’s a powerful magical object from a bygone era
that’s gone missing, how likely is it to show up in a place where
strange things are happening?”
Aeran smirks. “Very likely.” He pauses and taps his fingers against the
wall. “But that is quite the leap, $firstname. I don’t know if it’s
enough to go on.”
<<else>><<set $VLOutcome to "D">> Your eyes
narrow as you observe the wall opposite you. A tiny slug is desperately
crawling its way up the wall, its virulent orange colour a blazing mark
in the sea of rotting, dark wood.
“The Lady didn’t tell us anything worthwhile,” you say. “At least,
nothing we can use.”
“Maybe you didn’t ask the right questions,” Aeran replies.
You roll your eyes. “Yeah, thanks,” you retort. “I’ll just head back
there and politely ask for her to repeat everything she said and hope
she doesn’t kill me for it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 INVESTIGATION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Well,
we know Drakehand’s responsible for bringing the chalice into Rona in
the first place,” you say. “But aside from that, he’s not connected.”
Aeran nods in agreement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 INVESTIGATION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>><<if
$vlvilla neq true and $deadwood neq true>><<set
$EdgewaterOutcome to "C">>“Fisher made deliveries for the Seven,”
Aeran says. “Rayne thinks she saw something like the chalice before he
died.”
“Yeah, but is it enough to know that she thinks she saw it?” you
counter. “If we accept that Fisher was the one who stole the chalice…”
He plucks a stray leaf from the ground and fiddles with it. “His last
delivery was to Marshwall. That’s Flora Goldhorn’s district, right?
Maybe he was taking it to her?”
“Yeah, maybe…” You pause, rubbing your forehead. “But he was killed
before he got there. Ugh, this doesn’t make any sense! Why target him?”
“I don’t know,” Aeran says. “It’s the Seven. Wouldn’t put it past
Goldhorn to put a hit on her own man.”
“So, for all we know it could be in Marshwall now.”
Aeran grunts and falls silent, his brow creased in
thought.<<else>><<set $EdgewaterOutcome to
"A">>“Fisher made deliveries for the Seven,” Aeran says. “Rayne
thinks she saw something like the chalice before he died.”
“Yeah, but is it enough to know that she thinks she saw it?” you
counter. “If we accept that Fisher was the one who stole the chalice…”
He plucks a stray leaf from the ground and fiddles with it. “His last
delivery was to Marshwall and he was killed before he could make it.
Flora Goldhorn runs Marshwall, maybe he was taking it to her.”
“Then why kill him for it?” you ask, rubbing your forehead. “That
doesn’t make any sense…”
“Greendrifts killed him,” Aeran points out. “What member of the Seven
hires greendrifts to do their dirty work? Maybe the two incidents aren’t
connected.”
“So Fisher stole the chalice to deliver it to Goldhorn, but got knifed
by greendrifts before he could make it there?” you ask. “So where is it
now?”
Aeran grunts and falls silent, his brow creased in
thought.<</if>><<else>><<set
$EdgewaterOutcome to "B">>“Fisher’s dead,” Aeran says. “If he was
connected to this, we’ll never know.”
“Not unless you want to go back and fight Madam Grey and her crossbow,”
you point out, smirking.
He tilts his head back and closes his eyes. “I’d like to live a little
longer, thank you,” he says.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 INVESTIGATION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$DeadwoodOutcome to "A">>“He knows nothing about the chalice,”
you say. “But he thinks there’s a power shift happening in the Grove.”
“Samwell Every’s missing,” Aeran adds. “You don’t go missing in Rona,
you end up dead.”
<<if $servantinfo1 is false>>“What that means for Rona is
anyone’s guess.” You pause, chewing on your lower lip. “Think the
chalice is connected to that? It’s a powerful artefact, maybe it’s
helping them.”
“Greendrifts don’t go near the South Isle,” he says. “How would they
even get a hold of it?”
“True…”<<else>>“What that means for Rona is anyone’s guess.”
You pause, chewing on your lower lip. “Think the chalice is connected
to that? It’s a powerful artefact, maybe it’s helping
them.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 INVESTIGATION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip further down the wall and land on the boardwalk. You sit on the
rotten wood among fallen leaves and tangled vines, your legs stretched
out and your head tilted back. The grey sky is so very far above you.
<i>Fuck you.</i>
This is not where you hoped your investigation would put you. Maybe you
were too optimistic, but you were convinced you’d be able to wrangle out
the right information and track down the damn thing. But finding one
small object in a crowded town of hundreds of people and hostile
factions, where everyone is out for themselves feels damn near
impossible. If only you had more time…
As far as you’re concerned, you have two choices.
Take a risk and go to Flotsam Grove. You have no idea what’s happening
in there. You have no proof that the Grove has anything to do with the
chalice. It’s not even a lead, it’s an instinct. <<if $VLOutcome
is "A" or $VLOutcome is "C">>But if you discover exactly what is
going on in the Grove, maybe the Lady will be willing to protect you
from the Count.<<else>>But if you discover exactly what is
going on in the Grove, maybe you can use it as leverage against the
Count when you return and announce your failure.<</if>>
The other choice is just as risky, albeit in a different way. You can
return to the Count and admit you haven’t found the chalice. If you tell
him what you know, if you’re honest… Maybe he will let you live. You
won’t get paid, but at this point you’re happy if your heart keeps
beating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION A
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip further down the wall and land on the boardwalk. You sit on the
rotten wood among fallen leaves and tangled vines, your legs stretched
out and your head tilted back. The grey sky is so very far above you.
<i>Fuck you.</i>
This is not where you hoped your investigation would put you. Maybe you
were too optimistic, but you were convinced you’d be able to wrangle out
the right information and track down the damn thing. But finding one
small object in a crowded town of hundreds of people and hostile
factions, where everyone is out for themselves feels damn near
impossible. If only you had more time…
You have three choices.
The first choice is to take a risk and go to Flotsam Grove. While you
don’t have solid proof that the greendrifts stole the chalice when they
killed Fisher, they were the ones who interrupted his delivery. And if
this lead turns out to be false and you fail, knowing what is happening
in the Grove could give you leverage to use against the Count later.
<<if $VLOutcome is "A" or $VLOutcome is "C">>Barring that,
you could also use it to seek protection from the Viridian
Lady.<</if>>
The second choice is to continue your investigation. If Rayne is correct
about what she saw, Fisher stole the chalice from the Count. You know
he made deliveries for the Seven and that he was supposed to visit
Marshwall before he died. If you go to Marshwall and investigate Flora
Goldhorn, maybe you can unravel more of this puzzle.
The last choice is just as risky as the first two, albeit in a different
way. You can return to the Count and admit you haven’t found the
chalice. If you tell him what you know, if you’re honest… Maybe he will
let you live. You won’t get paid, but at this point you’re happy if your
heart keeps beating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip further down the wall and land on the boardwalk. You sit on the
rotten wood among fallen leaves and tangled vines, your legs stretched
out and your head tilted back. The grey sky is so very far above you.
<i>Fuck you. </i>
This is not where you hoped your investigation would put you. Maybe you
were too optimistic, but you were convinced you’d be able to wrangle out
the right information and track down the damn thing. But finding one
small object in a crowded town of hundreds of people and hostile
factions, where everyone is out for themselves feels damn near
impossible. If only you had more time…
You only have one choice.
You have to return to the Count. Admit you haven’t found the chalice. If
you tell him what you know, if you’re honest… Maybe he will let you
live. You won’t get paid, but at this point you’re happy if your heart
keeps beating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Undiscovered</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Undiscovered</span></span>
<br><span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Count’s Villa</span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map name="image-map">
<area target="" alt="South Isle" title="Select the CRIMSON COUNT’S
VILLA as your destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 THE COUNT'S VILLA
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shape="poly">
</map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<span class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<span class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Count's Villa">><<set
$chaliceStatus to "lost">><<set $ccvilla to
true>>Aeran nods. “All right,” he says, straightening up. He holds
out a hand and proffers it to you. “Let’s do this.”
You seize his hand and he lifts you up out of the muck. You slip out of
the alley and make your way through the twisting streets, heading for
the South Isle. A shiver runs down your spine.
It’s too late to have second thoughts now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Flotsam Grove</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Marshwall</span></span>
<br><span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Count’s Villa</span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map name="image-map"><area
target="" alt="Flotsam Grove" title="Select FLOTSAM GROVE as your
destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT"
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shape="poly">
<area target="" alt="Marshwall" title="Select MARSHWALL as your
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shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[Flotsam
Grove|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Marshwall|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
SELECT]]</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[Flotsam
Grove|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Marshwall|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
SELECT]]</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Flotsam Grove">><<set
$flotsamgrove to true>>Aeran nods. “All right,” he says,
straightening up. He holds out a hand and proffers it to you. “Let’s do
this.”
You seize his hand and he lifts you up out of the muck. You slip out of
the alley and make your way through the twisting streets, heading for
the Grove. A shiver runs down your spine.
It’s too late to have second thoughts now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Marshwall">><<set $chaliceStatus
to "lost">><<set $marshwall to true>>Aeran nods. “All
right,” he says, straightening up. He holds out a hand and proffers it
to you. “Let’s do this.”
You seize his hand and he lifts you up out of the muck. You slip out of
the alley and make your way through the twisting streets, heading for
Marshwall. A shiver runs down your spine.
It’s too late to have second thoughts now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<nobr>><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Flotsam Grove</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Undiscovered</span></span>
<br><span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Count’s Villa</span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map name="image-map"><area
target="" alt="Flotsam Grove" title="Select FLOTSAM GROVE as your
destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT"
coords="465,8,452,19,431,38,417,45,397,46,377,45,356,59,331,69,314,82,322,103,335,106,350,95,375,85,390,89,403,101,411,113,397,115,383,97,373,100,364,113,354,126,349,141,348,151,364,166,375,180,377,197,387,206,401,217,410,232,421,245,432,253,445,265,456,279,467,289,488,282,502,270,523,260,545,248,560,234,577,228,599,219,623,212,633,210,650,208,661,209,678,207,694,202,702,190,701,164,701,133,701,106,698,70,698,51,702,2,673,1,647,2,618,1,582,2,544,2,515,0,499,0,484,0,466,0"
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<area target="" alt="South Isle" title="Select the CRIMSON COUNT’S
VILLA as your destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 THE COUNT'S VILLA
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shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[Flotsam
Grove|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT]]</span>
<span class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>><</nobr>></div><div
class="mobile"><<nobr>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[Flotsam
Grove|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM GROVE SELECT]]</span>
<span class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</nobr>></div>Evening
falls as you head to Marshwall. Though the rain has mostly stopped, the
clouds have yet to clear and somehow the air feels even more
oppressively humid than before. The buildings loom over you, their walls
growing taller and broader in the dark as they press inwards on the
street. Maybe it’s your growing anticipation, maybe it’s your
exhaustion, but the closer you get to the district’s borders, the more
suffocating the city becomes.
You squeeze through an alley and emerge into the town square. It is a
far cry from the market day chaos that engulfed it this morning. The
shops are closed, the vendors and merchants having removed their goods
and collapsed their stalls hours ago. There are very few people about.
They clutch at their cloaks and scuttle across the pavement, barely
casting an eye in your direction as they rush by.
A shiver runs down your spine. In a city as crowded as Rona, true quiet
is nearly impossible to find. But instead of finding a rare moment of
peace, walking through the silent streets puts you on edge. You can’t
shake the feeling that someone is lurking in the shadows, waiting for
the right time to strike.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Like
most of the Seven, Flora Goldhorn—better known as the Saffron
Duchess—maintains a public residence. Her house lies several blocks away
from the square in a dimly lit cul-de-sac. The buildings are tall and
narrow, squeezed so tightly together you can barely tell where one
begins and the next ends. Twisted vines creep across the walls,
spreading from one house to the next like an incurable infection.
The houses showcase large, sweeping windows in their front facades,
though most have been boarded up. The front of each house is enclosed by
a fence and gate to create a small and rather pointless yard. The gates
are in various states of disrepair. Some swing forward on broken
hinges. Others have rusted away or collapsed inwards on themselves,
leaving behind nothing but a warped frame.
As you reach the end of the cul-de-sac, one house stands out from the
rest. The vines have been hacked away and the walls are recently
whitewashed. The gate and fence are well-tended and there are even a few
surprisingly controlled plants growing in the front yard. Unlike its
neighbours, the house’s windows aren’t boarded. You can make out the
faint outline of velvet drapes drawn across the glass, illuminated by
the lights glowing within.
“Someone’s home,” Aeran says, craning his neck as he looks up at the
house.
You fold your arms and follow his gaze. There is a light in every
window. Compared to the other buildings on the street, it’s a veritable
beacon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Something’s
not right. Take a closer look.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Something’s not right. Take a
closer look.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No sense in getting jumpy. Don’t let
your exhaustion from the day get the better of you.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
03 B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Something’s not right. Take a closer look.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Something’s not
right. Take a closer look.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No sense in getting jumpy. Don’t let
your exhaustion from the day get the better of you.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
03 B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
peer over the gate at the yard beyond.
The ground is covered with soft green turf to create an artificial lawn
in front of the house. A crushed stone path runs from the gate to the
veranda. Several bushy plants grow against the far wall, a number of
pink and yellow blossoms blooming amidst the dark green leaves. It’s
unconventional for a house in Marshwall to have a garden. Flora Goldhorn
may not have the impressive lodgings of the Crimson Count or the
Viridian Lady, but she still is a member of the Seven.
You press your lips together, searching for something—anything—that’s
out of place. There’s nothing unusual about the garden, but you do see
scuffs in the stone path where it has been worn away to the boards
beneath. Several sets of footprints lead up to the house.
Someone came through here recently.
You turn to point out your findings to Aeran. He leans against the
fence, his hands resting idly against the top. It takes you a moment to
realize what’s wrong.
There are no security spells.
Most houses in this area have at least one or two barriers to prevent
theft and keep out unwanted visitors. They may not be particularly
substantial enchantments, but unlike places like Edgewater, Marshwall’s
residents can afford them. But this house belongs to Flora Goldhorn. It
should be bedecked with multiple security spells, but there isn’t even
the bare minimum.
The hair raises on the back of your neck. Suddenly, the lights in the
house are looking a lot less friendly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
peer over the gate at the yard beyond.
The boards have been covered with soft green turf to create an
artificial lawn in front of the house. A crushed stone path runs from
the gate to the veranda. Several bushy plants grow against the far wall,
a number of pink and yellow blossoms blooming amidst the dark green
leaves. It’s unconventional for a house in Marshwall to have a garden.
Flora Goldhorn may not have the impressive lodgings of the Crimson Count
or the Viridian Lady, but she still is a member of the Seven.
You press your lips together, searching for something—anything—that’s
out of place, but there’s nothing unusual about the garden. Aside from
how brightly lit it is, there’s nothing unusual about the house.
Frowning to yourself, you place a hand on the gate and push it open. It
creaks hideously as it swings forwards, the unearthly sound shrieking in
your ears. Startled by the sound, Aeran spins around and reaches for
his bow. He catches sight of you by the gate and stops. He forces back a
chuckle and shakes his head.
You shrug and enter the yard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push the gate open. It creaks hideously as it swings forwards, the
unearthly sound shrieking in your ears. Startled by the sound, Aeran
spins around and reaches for his bow. He catches sight of you by the
gate and stops. He forces back a chuckle and shakes his head.
You shrug and enter the yard.
Your boots crunch along a crushed stone path that leads to the house’s
veranda. The yard is covered with soft green turf to create an
artificial lawn and, to your surprise, it looks fairly well-cared for.
Several bushy plants grow against the far wall, a number of pink and
yellow blossoms blooming amidst the dark green leaves. It’s
unconventional for houses in Marshwall to have gardens, but Flora
Goldhorn is one of the Seven. <<if $vlvilla is true>>She may
not have the excessive lodgings of the Crimson Count or the Viridian
Lady, but she is not against showing her own kind of
affluence.<<else>>Her status demands a certain amount of
visible affluence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you murmur, gesturing to the footprints.
He follows your gaze and nods. A grim expression crosses his face as he
comes to the same conclusion. “All right,” he says, pulling his bow from
his back. “Let’s check it out.”
You push the gate open. It creaks on its hinges as it swings forward,
the unearthly sound shrieking in your ears. You draw your sword and
slowly make your way up the path, keeping a close eye on the windows.
Though your view is blocked by the heavy drapes, you can see the glow of
the lights within. They fade in and out, pulsing intermittently.
Strange.
You climb the steps to the veranda. The door is shut tight, but
unlocked. Like the front enclosure, there are no tell-tale signs of
security spells anywhere. Either Goldhorn is particularly adept at
hidden spellwork, or her barriers have been disabled.
You exhale a sharp breath as anticipation bubbles in your gut. Your
sword slips in your clammy palm and you adjust your grasp, pressing your
fingers deep into the leather grip.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Got a plan?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 05
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t need to confer with Aeran.
Throw the door open.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 05
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
should go in first,” Aeran murmurs, fiddling with the arrows in his
quiver. His fingers hover on the shaft of a regular arrow, then passes
onto the next one. When he withdraws it, you catch the glint of an
Alassar arrowhead. “I can cover you from the back.”
“Right.”
You take a breath and quietly slide the door open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL IN
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$crash to true>>You throw the door open. It creaks horribly on
its hinges and slams into the wall with a thud.
Aeran sighs wearily behind you. You catch a glimmer of Alassar steel as
he draws an arrow from his quiver. “I’ll watch your back,” he says.
You shrug and enter the house.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL IN
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
floorboards creak underfoot as you enter the dark front foyer. The only
light cascades through open doors that lead further into the house. In
the dim glow, you can make out the shadows of a couple side tables and
decorative plants cluttering the hall.
The walls are paneled in a Faran style, but the intricate carvings are
almost completely blocked by a collection of garish paintings. The
subjects are painted in bright, clashing colours, their faces
disproportionate and crafted with an uncomfortable emphasis on the eyes.
A shiver runs down your spine. You pass by them without comment.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Suddenly, you freeze, your fingers
instinctively tightening on your sword hilt. There’s a strange, faint
ringing in your ears. It is barely perceptible, but there is a strange
melodious quality to it, like a musician playing in a wide, empty
chamber.
“Do you hear that?” you whisper.
Aeran frowns. “What is it?”
“I… don’t know.”
You tilt your head to the side and try to focus, but you can’t pinpoint
where the noise is coming from.
“Upstairs, maybe?” Aeran murmurs, pointing to a narrow staircase near
the back of the hall. The wood is dark, nearly black, illuminated by a
strip of flickering light from the landing
above.<<else>>“$firstname,” Aeran murmurs. He points towards
a narrow staircase that ascends to the next floor. The wood is dark,
nearly black, illuminated by a strip of flickering light from the
landing above.<</if>>
You pause and glance at the open doorways. Considering no one came
running when you opened the door, there is a good chance that the first
floor is empty. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION
PASS")>>Still… you can’t shake the feeling that something is
terribly wrong in the house. It may be worthwhile to check the rooms
before you proceed.<<elseif $ancestry is "aeda">>Still,
you’d like to know where that noise is coming from… you have a feeling
it’s the reason something is so off about the
house.<<else>>You could check the rooms before you proceed,
but it may be a waste of time.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
eye the windows as you approach the house, but you don’t see anything
out of the ordinary. You climb the steps to the veranda and pause
outside the door. The handle is loose and the door unlocked.
“$firstname,” Aeran says. “Wait—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What is it?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 07
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Should we invite ourselves
in?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 07 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Throw the door open.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 07 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Just…
be careful, all right?” he says wearily. He reaches into his quiver and
withdraws an arrow. You catch a flash of Alassar steel. “Don’t rush
into things.”
You nod. Drawing your sword, you carefully slide the door open and step
inside the house.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL IN
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
smiles faintly. He reaches into his quiver and withdraws an arrow. You
catch the glimmer of an Alassar steel arrowhead. “Be careful,” he says.
“I’ll watch your back.”
You nod. Drawing your sword, you carefully slide the door open and step
inside the house.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL IN
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$crash to true>>You throw the door open. It creaks horribly on
its hinges and slams into the wall with a thud.
Aeran sighs wearily behind you. You catch a glimmer of Alassar steel as
he draws an arrow from his quiver. “I’ll watch your back,” he says.
You shrug. Drawing your sword, you enter the house.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL IN
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Where
do you want to look?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM PASS") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM FAIL")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Check the first room on the right.</s><<elseif
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Check the
first room on the right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Check the first room on the
right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 2ND ROOM PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 2ND ROOM
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Check the first room on the
left.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Check the first room on the left.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL HOUSE 2ND ROOM PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION]
Check the first room on the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 2ND ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE THIRD ROOM")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Check the second
room on the right.</s><<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Check
the second room on the right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE THIRD
ROOM]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 4TH ROOM PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 4TH ROOM
FAIL")>><s>4. [PERCEPTION] Check the second room on the
left.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[4. [PERCEPTION] Check the second room on the left.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL HOUSE 4TH ROOM PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [PERCEPTION]
Check the second room on the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 4TH ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. Go up the stairs.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE STAIRS]]</div><<else>><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
1ST ROOM PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM
FAIL")>><s>1. Check the first room on the
right.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[1. Check the first room on the right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 1ST ROOM PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Check the first room on
the right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 1ST ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 2ND ROOM PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 2ND ROOM
FAIL")>><s>2. Check the first room on the
left.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[2. Check the first room on the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 2ND ROOM PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Check the first room on
the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 2ND ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE THIRD ROOM")>><s>3. Check the second room on the
right.</s><<else>>[[3. Check the second room on the
right.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE THIRD
ROOM]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 4TH ROOM PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 4TH ROOM
FAIL")>><s>4. Check the second room on the
left.</s><<elseif random(1,20) + $perception >=
18>>[[4. Check the second room on the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE 4TH ROOM PASS]]<<else>>[[4. Check the second room on
the left.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE 4TH ROOM
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. Go up the stairs.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
HOUSE
STAIRS]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>The
first open doorway leads into a drawing room. The polished floorboards
are covered by a red rug with fanciful embroidery around the edges.
Large settees upholstered in rich fabrics are arranged around a large
circular table in the centre. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
Conjured light shines within each individually set crystal, projecting
fractals on the walls and floor.
A porcelain tea set sits on the table, four cups half-filled. The tea is
dark and the sharp scent of mint lingers on the air. Bending over, you
press a finger to the side of the nearest cup. It’s lukewarm.
“Someone was here not too long ago,” you say quietly.
“Entertaining?” Aeran asks, eyes scanning the room for any other signs.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 03 PERCEPTION
PASS")>>“Judging from the footprints outside, Goldhorn had far
more than just four visitors,” you reply. “She must have been
interrupted.”<<else>>You shrug. This wouldn’t be the first
time someone left their tea unattended and forgot about
it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>The
first open doorway leads into a drawing room. The polished floorboards
are covered by a red rug with fanciful embroidery around the edges.
Large settees upholstered in rich fabrics are arranged around a large
circular table in the centre. A crystal chandelier hangs from the
ceiling. Conjured light shines within each individually set crystal,
projecting fractals on the walls and floor.
A porcelain tea set rests on the table, looking a little forlorn
surrounded by such large furniture.
You press your lips together. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
duck through the open door and step into a library. Dark bookshelves
line the walls from floor to ceiling, though the effect is somewhat
ruined by the chaos in the room. Some shelves are completely empty,
while others are jammed with books in no discernable order. Some books
are stacked on their sides, while others are shelved backwards with
their spines to the wall. Sheaves of paper are carelessly thrown around,
stuffed between books and journals or otherwise left loose on the
shelves.
The carcass of a large, heavy desk is pressed against the windows. It
has been stripped, its surface gored with a blade, its drawers pulled
out and its contents tossed around the room. A single lamp has survived.
It sits on the edge of the desk, its inner light sputtering and
flickering as its magic fails.
You crouch down in the centre of the room and look through the mess.
Paperweights, pens, quills… stacks of paper scrawled in an indiscernible
code. You find a heavy book and, on impulse, flip the cover open. The
pages are hollowed out and a thin chain lies in the centre. You pull it
out. Though the chain is intact, the bail at the end is broken. Someone
ripped or pried the pendant off.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
duck through the open door and step into a library. Dark bookshelves
line the walls from floor to ceiling, though the effect is somewhat
ruined by the chaos in the room. Some shelves are completely empty,
while others are jammed with books in no discernable order. Some books
are stacked on their sides, while others are shelved backwards with
their spines to the wall. Sheaves of paper are carelessly thrown around,
stuffed between books and journals or otherwise left loose on the
shelves.
The carcass of a large, heavy desk is pressed against the windows. It
has been stripped, its surface gored with a blade, its drawers pulled
out and its contents tossed around the room. A single lamp has survived.
It sits on the edge of the desk, its inner light sputtering and
flickering as its magic fails.
You crouch in the centre of the room and search through the mess, but
see nothing unusual. Whoever trashed the library must have found what
they were looking for.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>The
doorway leads into a narrow dining hall. There are no windows and dark
wood paneling covers the walls from floor to ceiling. As if to make up
for the lack of natural light, tall potted plants stand in the corners,
their large leaves overhanging the table and chairs. Small round
crystals lie in the soil, glowing with a green luminescence as their
magic works to sustain the plants. A long, empty table occupies the
centre of the room. Its green, upholstered chairs are pushed tight
against it, their spindly legs masking the floor beneath.
You hear a fizzing noise and spin around. Aeran stands next to one of
the plants, its large wide leaves poking him in the back and falling
over his shoulder. He holds one of the small green crystals between a
finger and thumb. Its light blinks rapidly, then dies with a faint pop.
You raise an eyebrow.
He shrugs and tosses it back into the pot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
pass through the door and enter a small alley kitchen. A dim light bobs
above your head and meanders slowly across the ceiling, flickering
unevenly as its magic struggles to work. The walls press in on you as
you squeeze through the narrow space. It is rife with the mess of a
recent dinner. The counters are cluttered with stacked plates and used
platters. Half-eaten meals wait to be stored away and a basin brimming
with lukewarm water is filled with utensils.
A door near the back opens out into a small herb garden. You slide it
open and take a quick look, but there’s nothing unusual.
Leaving the garden be, you turn around to leave the kitchen. A dark
shadow looms in the corner of your eye, something you didn’t notice
before. You wait as the light above winds its way across the ceiling. It
bumps into a corner and slowly illuminates a slumped figure sitting in a
chair.
Your fingers tighten around your sword hilt.
The cook’s pallid hands lie limply at their sides. Their chin rests on
their chest, their hollow eyes staring blankly at the floor. Dark blood
stains the front of their shirt, soaking deep into the fabric in
splotches. Cautiously, you move their beard to the side and confirm the
worst. Their throat has been cut.
“Fuck,” you whisper.
If whoever got here before you has killed Goldhorn’s staff, what else
will you find in the house?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
pass through the door and enter a small alley kitchen. A dim light bobs
above your head and meanders slowly across the ceiling, flickering
unevenly as its magic struggles to work. The walls press in on you as
you squeeze through the narrow space. It is rife with the mess of a
recent dinner. The counters are cluttered with stacked plates and used
platters. Half-eaten meals wait to be stored away and a basin brimming
with lukewarm water is filled with utensils.
A door near the back opens out into a small herb garden. You slide it
open and take a quick look, but there’s nothing unusual.
You leave the garden be and duck back out into the hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL HOUSE
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
staircase is so narrow there is only room for one. Taking the lead, you
put a foot on the first step. It creaks horribly under your weight, the
sound echoing through the empty house. Aeran taps your shoulder. You
glance at him and he spreads his hands, silently gesturing for you to be
careful.
<<if $aeranapp >= 40>>You give a reassuring nod—you’re
always careful, right?—and slowly ascend the
stairs.<<else>>Bristling with annoyance, you ignore him and
slowly ascend the stairs.<</if>> When you reach the landing,
the stairs twist sharply around to the left and climb steeply to the
next floor. A crystal chandelier hangs above, its lights flickering and
stuttering. Something is interfering with its magic and, for once, it’s
not you.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>The mysterious sound is growing
louder. You reach for the banister and your fingers touch gored
wood.<<else>>You reach for the banister and your fingers
touch gored wood.<</if>> You blink and lean in for a closer
look. A line of deep scratches tear through the banister, like someone
dragged a knife along it as they climbed. You drop your hand and clamber
quickly to the top.
The second floor hallway is a mess. Plants are knocked over, spilling
chunks of soil across the floor. The wall paneling is scored and
scratched. Paintings and wall decorations hang sideways from their
hooks, and the pieces of a shattered mirror are strewn across the floor.
The rug runner is pulled back, its edges slashed and shredded. The
unmistakable smear of blood is very dark against the yellow and orange
fabric.
“Shit,” Aeran murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL SECOND
FLOOR]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$acnestry is "aeda">>The sound rings in your ears, echoing from a
room down the hall. You break into a run, sprinting to the very end. It
grows louder with every step, turning into a distorted buzz. Discomfort
flashes in your ears and behind your eyes, and it takes every ounce of
self control not to slam your hands over your ears.
When you skid to a stop at the last door, the sound pounds so furiously
in your head you barely have a moment to register the pool of blood
creeping out from under the door.<<else>>You curse under
your breath and follow the trail of blood down the hall. The closer you
get to the end, the more violent the destruction becomes. You skid to a
stop as you reach the last door, your mouth slightly agape. A pool of
blood creeps out from under the door, sinking deep into the wood
floorboards.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Burst in.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 11
CRASH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Open the door carefully.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 11 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$crash to true>>You wrench the door open and it slams against the
wall.
The drapes are closed, the windows shut tight, sealing the room away
from the world outside. The acrid scent of blood lingers in the stuffy
air.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>The buzzing sound shrieks in your
ears, making your head pound.<<else>>A low humming noise
sounds through the room, emitted from an unknown source. There’s a
strange melodious quality to it, like a musician playing in a wide,
empty chamber.<</if>> The lights flicker chaotically,
pulsing on and off in repeated cycles as they cast a moving gleam over
the carnage in the centre.
Your mouth goes dry.
Four bodies are strewn about the room like broken dolls. One is bound to
a chair, the front of their tunic sodden with blood. Another lies
curled on the floor, blood pooling from a stomach wound, their hands and
arms bearing the slashes and cuts of defensive wounds. A third lies
crumpled against the drapes, their throat cut so deep the slash nearly
removed their head. The last hangs from rope hooked to the wall, their
feet dangling inches above the floor.
You glance at Aeran. He pales, fury in his eyes as he scans the room. He
exchanges looks with you, silently confirming your own thoughts. This
was a hit—and a messy one at that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
EXAMINE BODIES]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR SOURCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Get out.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
THE ROOM IMMEDIATE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
quietly open the door and step cautiously into the room.
The drapes are closed, the windows shut tight, sealing the room away
from the world outside. The acrid scent of blood lingers in the stuffy
air. <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>The buzzing sound hums and
pulses through your ears. Whatever the source is, it must be in
here.<<else>>A low humming noise sounds through the room,
emitted from an unknown source. There’s a strange melodious quality to
it, like a musician playing in a wide, empty chamber.<</if>>
The lights flicker chaotically, pulsing on and off in repeated cycles
as they cast a moving gleam over the carnage in the centre.
Your mouth goes dry.
Four bodies are strewn about the room like broken dolls. One is bound to
a chair, the front of their tunic sodden with blood. Another lies
curled on the floor, blood pooling from a stomach wound, their hands and
arms bearing the slashes and cuts of defensive wounds. A third lies
crumpled against the drapes, their throat cut so deep the slash nearly
removed their head. The last hangs from rope hooked to the wall, their
feet dangling inches above the floor.
You glance at Aeran. He pales, fury in his eyes as he scans the room. He
exchanges looks with you, silently confirming your own thoughts. This
was a hit—and a messy one at that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
EXAMINE BODIES]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR SOURCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Get out.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
THE ROOM IMMEDIATE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$investigatedBodies to true>>“Someone had it out for Goldhorn,”
you say, crouching beside the body on the floor. The lifeless face of an
older dwarf stares back at you, his expression contorted with pain and
fear. “Do you think this has anything to do with the chalice?”
Aeran doesn’t respond. He remains still and uncommonly quiet, his hand
curling into a fist.
You close the man’s glassy eyes and straighten, turning to the victim in
the chair. The elf’s head lolls forward, a shock of honey-blonde hair
cascading around their shoulders. You grit your teeth as you realize you
don’t really know what you’re looking for.
“Do you know what she looks like?” you ask. “Maybe she’s not here—”
“She’s here,” Aeran says. “That’s her.”
He stands below the hanging body, gazing up at it with a hardened look.
The dead woman’s body swings gently back and forth. Her long brown hair
frames her ashen face like a curtain. Her brown eyes are wide and
bulging, staring blankly at the horror in the room.
A horrifying realization dawns on you. Was she the last to die? Did her
attackers hang her here, forcing her to watch the bodies of her dead
friends while she was slowly strangled to death?
Cursing under his breath, Aeran draws a dagger and quickly cuts her
down. He lays her gently on the floor and steps away.
“We need to go,” he says.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR
SOURCE")>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. “Give me a moment. There’s something
else here.”</s>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $crash is true>>[[2.
“Yeah.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN ROOM]]<<else>>[[2.
“Yeah.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE THE
ROOM]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Give me a
moment. There’s something else here.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 15 AERAN
DISAPPROVES][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
THE
ROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL EXAMINE BODIES")>>You stalk
across the room, looking for the source of the
noise.<<else>>Ignoring the grisly scene in the centre of the
room, you stalk across to the far side and look for the source of the
noise.<</if>> The hum grows, prickling at your ears as you
search.
It doesn’t take you long. A silver cube sits innocuously on a corner
table. It is constructed from a metal framework that twists around
itself to create fantastical patterns. Through the gaps in the framework
you can see a small dark grey sphere hovering at its core. It spins
every few seconds, the intensity of the hum corresponding with each
turn.
You pick it up.
Your fingers brush an indent on its side and the sphere slowly stops
spinning. The hum drones to a stop. The lights flicker once, then
suddenly burst back to their full, uninterrupted strength.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Put it back.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL PUT BACK
CUBE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Take it.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL TAKE
CUBE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Together,
you and Aeran slip out of the room. The scent of blood lingers in the
air and you swear you can taste it in your mouth. Putting the grisly
scene behind you, you walk briskly down the hall, eager to get out of
the house.
You try not to think about the chalice. Though you were hopeful about
this lead, it’s turned into a horrendous dead end. Unless by some
miracle the chalice happens to be in the house, you have a reckoning
ahead of you when you return to the Count—
The door ahead of you bursts open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL ATTACKED IN
HALLWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“$firstname,”
he says urgently. “We work for the Count. If anyone traces us to this—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “How do we know he didn’t order this
hit?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 16 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How would they? Anyone could have
done this.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 16 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Give me a moment!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 16 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
strangled laugh escapes Aeran’s lips. “He’s a lot of things, but this…
This isn’t him, it’s too messy. And what reason would he have to
assassinate Goldhorn? Torturing and killing outright…” He glances at the
bodies, his expression turning to ice as his eyes pass over them. “This
was someone else.”
You grimace. “Then who?”
“Someone who needed Goldhorn out of the way.”
Your thoughts spin. There are two members of the Seven with enough drive
to attempt something like this. Leva Vane and Sayida Burn control
Deadwood. If they are attempting to consolidate enough power to counter
the Viridian Lady or the Crimson Count… then this is the beginning of a
territory war.
And that is not something you want to get involved in.
“Do what you need to do, $firstname,” Aeran says quietly. “Then we need
to get out.”
<<if $crash is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR
SOURCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
grimaces. “That’s not… that doesn’t matter,” he says. “We’re here to
finish a single contract for the Crimson Count, not get involved in a
territory war between the Seven!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Who said anything about a territory
war?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 17 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re not getting
involved.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 17 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Whatever, just give me a
moment.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 16 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
bristles at your words. He shakes his head and falls silent.
<<if $crash is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR
SOURCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Something crashes into the door.
Alerted by the sound, you spin around and raise your sword, dropping
into a defensive stance. A tall, large woman stands in the entryway,
looking from you to Aeran with wild bloodshot eyes. Her pupils are
constricted and a vein pulses in her neck.
She lurches forwards with enhanced speed and tackles Aeran to the floor.
Aeran struggles, his fingernails scratching deep red marks into the
woman’s ashen skin. She hisses and presses both hands to his throat.
Aeran chokes, gasping for breath, his hands fumbling at his side. He
draws a dagger and plunges it into the woman’s gut. She howls in pain
and falls off him. She staggers to the door, her hand gripping her side
and blood oozing between her fingers. She grabs the doorframe to steady
herself, leaving a bloody handprint behind as she stumbles forwards and
reels down the hallway.
“You all right?” you ask.
Aeran coughs and pushes himself up. “Fine!” he calls.
You duck through the door and chase after the woman.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The hallway is empty.
<i>What the hell?</i>
You skid to a stop, your breath caught in your throat. You pace down the
hall, looking ahead and behind, searching for a sign. Did she disappear
into another room? Or did she make it down the staircase and onto the
ground floor?
You grit your teeth, wavering in the hallway. Where the hell did she
come from? If she’s one of Goldhorn’s attackers, how long has she been
in the house? Was she watching you this entire time? Why did she wait
until now to attack you?
You shake your head, trying to clear your mind. The woman is wounded and
Aeran seems to have scared her off. You could continue to look for her,
but chances are she’s out of the house and made a run for it—
A door slams open.
<i>Shit!</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|MARSHWALL ROOM INJURY][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“This
was a powerplay,” Aeran says flatly. “Someone needed Goldhorn out of
the way. Either they want to become the next member of the Seven, or
they want Marshwall under their control.”
You grimace. “So you think one of the Seven did this?”
“I don’t know.” He rubs his forehead. “If Leva Vane and Sayida Burn are
trying to consolidate their power to counter the Viridian Lady or the
Crimson Count, then maybe. But something’s not right about that, it’s
too messy, even for them. This was chaotic. Vengeful. Maybe hired
amateurs who let it get out of control, or someone who tried to do it
themselves—”
“I thought you said you didn’t want to get involved?” you point out.
He looks away. “Just… do what you need to do, $firstname.”
<<if $crash is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR
SOURCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“We’re
already here. That makes us involved whether we like it or not—”
“And it won’t matter when Rona’s far behind us.”
Aeran fixes you with a cold stare. “The chalice isn’t here, $firstname.
You think the Count is going to let us go after this mess?”
You grit your teeth.
“Just do what you need to do.”
<<if $crash is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><s>1. Examine
the bodies.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look for the source of the
noise.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL LOOK FOR
SOURCE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>A
shiver runs down your spine. The longer you hold this thing, the more
uncomfortable you become. You know it can’t hurt you—no magic can—but it
clearly has enough power to spread across the entire house. If you take
it with you, who knows what it will do to others around you?
This is not something you want to mess with. Not without more
information.
“What is that?” Aeran asks.
You put it back. “Leave it.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL EXAMINE
BODIES")>>Silently, you stalk across the room and head for the
hallway.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $crash is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE THE
ROOM]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>
<<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if $crash is true>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL
ATTACKED IN ROOM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for the source of the
noise.</s></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
EXAMINE BODIES]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for the source of the
noise.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>>+ Unidentified Silver
Cube<</notify>><<pickup '$packInv' 'Unidentified
silver cube'>>You place the cube in the palm of your hand and hold
it out to Aeran. “What do you think it is?”
He frowns. “I don’t know, $firstname, can we deal with it later? We need
to get out of here—”
“I <i>know.”</i> <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
EXAMINE BODIES")>>You slip the cube into your pocket and stalk
across the room, heading for the hallway.<<else>>You slip
the cube into your pocket.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL EXAMINE
BODIES")>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $crash is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN
ROOM]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE THE
ROOM]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$crash is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the
bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALLL ATTACKED IN ROOM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for the source of the
noise.</s></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Examine the
bodies.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL EXAMINE BODIES]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Look for the source of the
noise.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Something
large and heavy slams into you, knocking you to the ground. Scrabbling
hands press against your throat and squeeze tight. You jerk your chin up
and stare straight into the face of your attacker. The woman snarls at
you. Her eyes are wild and bloodshot, her pupils constricted. A vein
pulses in her neck, sharp blue against her pallid, sickly skin.
Aeran tackles her from behind and wrenches her away. You gasp for
breath, coughing as you roll over, one hand pressed to the hollow of
your throat. You push yourself up and stumble away.
Behind you, Aeran grapples with the woman. She elbows him in the gut and
he stumbles. He grunts in pain and his grip loosens. She grabs him by
the back of his tunic and throws him into the wall. He hits a door,
knocking it open, and crumples to the floor in a dazed heap.
“Aeran—”
Alerted by your voice, the woman wheels around and stalks towards you
instead. You scramble to your feet and reach for your sword. The woman
smiles and shakes herself, damp hair falling in front of her eyes. A
strange laugh bubbles across her lips.
She draws a dagger. The blade shines in the uneven light as she stalks
towards you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack
her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Attack her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Wait and dodge her attack.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
40 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Wait and dodge her
attack.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40 AGILIITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Wait and dodge her attack.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 40 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Wait and dodge her attack.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 40 AGILIITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>Heart
pounding in your chest, you turn and push your way back into the
hallway. Your gut clenches with a sickening twist. You’ve seen many
things in your line of work, but that… There’s a brutality to the
grisliness in that room that you cannot handle. Whatever madness you’ve
stumbled upon, it’s best that you leave it alone.
It’s not your business.
It’s not your problem.
You are not getting involved.
You need to get out of Rona.
You close the door. The scent of blood lingers in the air and you swear
you can taste it in your mouth. You try to put the grisly scene out of
your mind as you walk briskly down the hall, eager to get out of the
house.
Thoughts of the chalice lurk in your mind. Though you were hopeful about
this lead, it’s turned into a horrendous dead end. Unless by some
miracle the chalice happens to be in the house, you have a reckoning
ahead of you when you return to the Count—
The door ahead of you bursts open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL ATTACKED IN
HALLWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>The woman barrels
into you. She grips you by the back of the neck and slams you,
head-first, into the wall. Pain bursts behind your eyes and you stagger
back, dropping your sword. Your vision blurs and tears well from your
eyes.
She catches you by the throat. You choke and try desperately to push
through the fog in your mind, but all you can feel is the constricting
pressure around your neck. You struggle, lashing out weakly with your
hands, fingernails scraping against skin and fabric.
<i>Twang. </i>
The hands leave your throat and you collapse on the floor. Aeran appears
at the end of the hall, bow in hand as he stares down the woman. She
stumbles back, an arrow sprouting from her shoulder, and stands still,
arms hanging limply at her sides. Damp hair falls in front of her eyes
and a strange laugh bubbles across her lips.
Aeran reaches for a second arrow.
The woman throws her head back, laughter shaking her entire body, and
she lurches forwards in a blur of movement. An arrow strikes her in the
left shoulder, but she barely slows at all. Aeran backs away, hurtling
down the hall as he nocks another arrow. She grabs him by the back of
his tunic and throws him to the side. He drops his bow and crashes to
the ground, grunting in pain as he rolls across the floor.
You shake your head, but you’re too dazed to get to your feet. The woman
looms over Aeran as he crawls down the hallway, desperately trying to
put distance between them. She sneers, a wide, wild smile curling her
lips as she walks leisurely towards him, unbothered by the arrow shafts
sticking out of her chest. Spots of dark blood soak her grey tunic.
<i>Get up.</i>
You groan and push yourself onto unsteady feet. You grab your sword from
the floor and stagger into the middle of the hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Leave… him alone!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fight… me!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You can’t do words. Yell at
her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 20
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman’s head turns slowly around and she fixes you with an eerie gaze.
Her uneasy grin sends a shiver spiralling down your spine. She draws a
dagger and flips it in her hand, the blade shining in the uneven light.
She lumbers towards you.
Then you blink and suddenly she’s halfway down the hall. You shout at
your dazed mind, your survival instincts screaming at you to do
something. Anything.
<i>Come on, $firstname, get it together!</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Strike her with
your sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1 [STRENGTH] Strike her with your
sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Strike her with your sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Strike her with your
sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
don’t know what comes out of your mouth, but it gets her attention. She
turns the uneasy grin on you and lumbers towards you.
Then you blink and suddenly she’s halfway down the hall. You shout at
your dazed mind, your survival instincts screaming at you to do
something. Anything.
<i>Come on, $firstname, get it together!</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Strike her with
your sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1 [STRENGTH] Strike her with your
sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Strike her with your sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21
STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Strike her with your
sword.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Trick her.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 21 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>The
woman charges towards you. She barrels into you, her dagger slashing at
your throat, but you spin out of the way and plunge your sword into her
gut.
She gasps and lets go, staggering away. She doubles over, her hands
clasped to her side, and raises her head. Blood drips from her lips. She
spits, sneering through bloodied teeth and takes a faltering step
towards you.
She collapses on the floor and stops moving.
You exhale a long breath. You lean against the wall and let the
intensity of the fight subside. Aeran joins you, his bow still in hand,
his eyes glued to the dead woman as he makes his way down the hall.
“Looks like we found our killer,” he mutters. “Think there’s more of
them?”
You close your eyes. “I don’t know.”
He nods. “Hopefully she was the only one left in the house—”
“Let’s get out of here,” you interrupt. You don’t want to think about
it. You’re too tired for another fight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 22
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<if
$ancestry neq "dwarven">><<set $activepoison to
true>><</if>>The woman charges towards you. She
barrels into you, slashing her dagger at your throat. You spin away,
your blade scraping at her side and drawing blood. She hisses, a cold
laugh bubbling past her lips.
You feel the sting of a fresh cut on your collar bone. She nicked you.
You step back and raise your sword. The woman paces back and forth,
hissing with frustration and impatience as she looks for an opening.
Finally, she gives up on any possible strategy and leaps at you, dagger
pointed at your throat.
An arrow strikes her in the chest, piercing her heart. She stumbles
forwards, eyes wide with shock, and crashes into you. She doubles over,
blood dripping past her lips, and turns her head. She spits at you,
sneering through bloodied teeth, and collapses on the floor.
She stops moving.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 22
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>The
woman charges towards you. You stand your ground, fully intending to
strike at her with your blade. She sneers as she runs, as if your
attempt to fight back is pitiful.
At the last minute, you throw yourself out of the way.
You slam against the wall and watch as the woman thunders past. Unable
to slow her momentum, she hits the top of the stairs and slides over the
edge. The staircase thuds and shakes as she tumbles down and—moments
later—silence settles over the house.
You approach the edge of the stairs and peer down.
Nothing. She must have tumbled past the landing and fallen to the ground
floor.
You exhale a long breath and hover at the edge, waiting for her to round
the corner and clamber back up the stairs. Aeran drags himself to the
end of the hall and stands beside you, ready to nock an arrow at a
moment’s notice.
But the longer you wait, the more silent the house becomes. Finally, you
exchange looks with Aeran and slowly descend the stairs.
You round the corner at the landing. The woman’s body lies limply at the
bottom of the stairs, her head twisted at an odd angle. As you
suspected, the fall must have broken her neck. You exhale a sigh of
relief and take another step.
The stairs creak.
Your relief evaporates.
“Hello, Kellis,” a tall half-melusine man calls. A company of at least a
dozen mercenaries fan out behind him, crowding the narrow hallway.
“Busy night?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL RHODARTH AT
STAIRS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<if
$ancestry neq "dwarven">><<set $activepoison to
true>><</if>>The woman charges towards you. You stand
your ground, falling into a defensive position with the full intention
to strike at her. She sneers as she runs, as if your attempt to defend
yourself is pitiful.
At the last minute, you throw yourself out of the way.
You’re not fast enough. The woman skids to a stop and spins around,
slashing at you with her dagger. You feel a sharp sting on your
collarbone and stagger back, one hand pressed to your neck. The cut is
shallow—she barely nicked you.
You step back and raise your sword. The woman paces back and forth,
hissing with frustration and impatience as she looks for an opening.
Finally, she gives up on any possible strategy and leaps at you, dagger
pointed at your throat.
An arrow strikes her in the chest, piercing her heart. She stumbles
forwards, eyes wide with shock, and crashes into you. She doubles over,
blood dripping past her lips, and turns her head. She spits at you,
sneering through bloodied teeth, and collapses on the floor.
She stops moving.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 22
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
trod down the stairs in silence. Thoughts of the chalice lurk in your
mind. Though you were hopeful about this lead, it’s turned into a
horrendous dead end. Unless by some miracle the chalice happens to be in
the house, you have a reckoning ahead of you when you return to the
Count…
You round the corner on the landing. The stairs creak.
“Hello, Kellis,” a tall half-melusine man calls from the bottom of the
stairs. A company of at least a dozen mercenaries fan out behind him,
crowding the narrow hallway. “Busy night?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL RHODARTH AT
STAIRS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs wearily behind you. He squeezes past, roughly pushing you against
the wall as he slips by, and trudges down the stairs. “Rhodarth,” he
says. “What the hell are you doing here?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43 BRIGHTBLADES")>>Your eyes
widen in surprise as you recall the conversation you and Aeran had
outside Runes & Relics. So this is Rhodarth. The former Brightblade
who carries out the Count’s dirty work and scared the shit out of
Drakehand. And who has some undetermined history with Aeran.
You had a feeling he was going to show up sooner or
later.<<else>>Your eyes widen in surprise at their tone of
familiarity. Whatever history is between Aeran and this mercenary
captain doesn’t bode well from you. From the mercenary’s tone, you have a
feeling Aeran has pissed him off at one point or
another.<</if>>
“Call it insurance,” Rhodarth says. “Rona’s a dangerous place.”
Aeran snorts. “So you’ve been stalking us across the city? You should
have said something, Rho. I’m touched. Didn’t know you still felt that
way.”
Rhodarth’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Spare me the wisecracks,” he says
coldly. “I’m doing my job—”
“And I’m trying to do mine—”
“Barely, from the looks of it—”
“So how about you get out of the way?”
Rhodarth’s lip curls back into a strange smile. “If only I could,” he
says. “But the Count hates to see his assets ruined.”
Your eyes flicker to the company behind him. The tell-tale red kerchiefs
stand out against their black uniforms.
“We’re not an asset,” Aeran replies darkly. “We agreed to one contract.
One. Singular. Then we’re done with Rona and with the Count.”
Rhodarth fixes him with a piercing stare. His features are striking even
in the foyer’s dim light—high cheekbones, a deep sea green complexion,
long dark hair swept back in a high tail, and brilliant yellow eyes.
“You have it then?” he asks.
You push your way down the stairs and stand next to Aeran. <<if
$activepoison is true>>The cut on your collarbone stings like fire
searing your skin. You press a hand against it and block out the
pain.<</if>>
There’s no question as to what //it// is.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him you
don’t have the chalice. If you’re straightforward with him, maybe you
can get him to leave you be.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Lie. Tell him you found the chalice
and that he has no busines here.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 B PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Lie. Tell him you found the
chalice.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 C PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him you
don’t have the chalice. If you’re straightforward with him, maybe you
can get him to leave you be.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. Lie. Tell him you found the chalice and that he has
no busines here.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 B PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Lie. Tell him you found the
chalice.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 30 C PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
press your back against the wall and exhale a long breath. Your sword
lies heavy in your hand. Aeran joins you, bow still in hand, his eyes
glued to the dead woman as he makes his way down the hall.
“Thanks,” you say quietly. <<if $ancestry neq
"dwarven">>Your shoulders shake. The intensity of the fight
refuses to fade.<</if>>
He nods and crouches next to the dead body. “Looks like we found our
killer,” he says. “Think there’s more of them?”
You close your eyes and press a hand against your collarbone. “I don’t
know.”
“Hopefully she was the only one left in the house—”
“Let’s get out of here,” you grunt. You don’t want to think about it.
You’re too tired for another fight. <<if $ancestry is
"dwarven">>The cut stings. It’s not much of a wound, but you can
feel your body fighting it. You wonder whether there was poison on the
blade.<<else>>The cut is stinging. A feverish chill runs
down your spine. It’s probably nothing—just exhaustion from the
fight.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 22
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
press your back against the wall and exhale a long breath. Your sword
lies heavy in your hand. Aeran joins you, bow still in hand, his eyes
glued to the dead woman as he makes his way down the hall.
“Thanks,” you say quietly. <<if $ancestry neq
"dwarven">>Your shoulders shake. The intensity of the fight
refuses to fade.<</if>>
He nods and crouches next to the dead body. “Looks like we found our
killer,” he says. “Think there’s more of them?”
You close your eyes and press a hand against your collarbone. “I don’t
know.”
“Hopefully she was the only one left in the house—”
“Let’s get out of here,” you grunt. You don’t want to think about it.
You’re too tired for another fight. <<if $ancestry is
"dwarven">>The cut stings. It’s not much of a wound, but you can
feel your body fighting it. You wonder whether there was poison on the
blade.<<else>>The cut is stinging. A feverish chill runs
down your spine. It’s probably nothing—just exhaustion from the
fight.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 22
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
yet,” you say, cutting in.
Aeran stirs beside you, but doesn’t interrupt. You know from the way
he’s tensing that he must have the same thought as you: the Count has
grown impatient and sent Rhodarth to collect you. Even if you lied about
the chalice, you can’t change the fact that your time is up.
Rhodarth’s yellow eyes flicker to you.
“But we’re close,” you continue. “Took a bad lead, but there may be—”
“This isn’t the time for errors, $lastname,” he says. There’s no
harshness to his words, no hidden taunt. He speaks plainly, and somehow
the matter-of-fact tone makes it worse.
“We’re close. I know we are.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“The Count gave us an impossible timeline,” you say, trying to hide the
desperation in your voice. “There may be room for negotiation. If he
wants to see that chalice again, he will need to rethink the terms of
the contract.”
His eyes gleam and he shakes his head, laughing unexpectedly. “You live
up to your reputation, $lastname,” he says. “Kellis always said you
liked a good gamble—”
Aeran mutters something under his breath. He flushes and turns away from
you.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“You clearly are no fool.”<</if>>
“I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement, Rho,” Aeran
interrupts sharply. He pushes his way through the crowd and stalks
towards the door. “Maybe you can tell $himher more while you escort us
to our untimely deaths.”
Rhodarth falls silent as he watches Aeran’s retreating back. “For what
it’s worth,” he says, “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$rhodarthMW to true>>“We have it.”
Aeran stirs beside you. From the way he’s tensing up, you have a feeling
he doesn’t approve, but he lets you take this one. It has occurred to
you that Rhodarth’s unexpected arrival here means the Count has grown
impatient and sent him to collect you. If you can spin this and make it
work for you, you may buy yourself a little more time.
And a little is more than nothing at this point.
Rhodarth’s eyes flicker to you and a strange look of relief washes over
his face. “Good,” he says. “The Count is waiting.”
You glance at the mercenaries shadowing Rhodarth. They have watched this
exchange quietly, eyeing you and Aeran with wary looks and occasionally
muttering to each other. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>These are not thugs like Kane.<</if>> From
the way they carry themselves, you can tell they are seasoned
professionals. After the day you’ve had, you’d rather not get on their
bad side.
“I hope you’re not intending to drag us there,” you say. “We don’t want a
fight, we just want to get paid.”
“We have no cause to fight you,” he replies. “Unless you don’t have the
chalice and must be taken back by force. But that is not the case now,
is it?”
You swallow hard. “No.”
“Good,” Rhodarth says. “It’s a long walk back to the villa. I’m sure you
could use the company. Kellis’ idea of a good conversation grows
bothersome very quickly.”
Aeran flushes and glares at Rhodarth, his jaw clenched tight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Might not want to say much, then. I’m the
same kind of bothersome.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 31 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Trust me, I know that better than
anyone.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 31 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re not going to respond to
that.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 31
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Yeah,
we have the chalice,” you say sharply.
Aeran stirs beside you. From the way he’s tensing up, you have a feeling
he doesn’t approve, but he lets you take this one. It has occurred to
you that Rhodarth’s unexpected arrival here means the Count has grown
impatient and sent him to collect you. If you can spin this and make it
work for you, you may buy yourself a little more time.
And a little is more than nothing at this point.
Rhodarth frowns, his brows knitting together in a dark scowl. “You
don’t.”
You grit your teeth. “We have it—”
“Don’t waste your breath on a foolish attempt to buy yourself more
time,” he snaps. “The Count grows impatient and we were ordered to find
and escort you. Don’t make us take you by force.”
You glance at the mercenaries shadowing him. They have watched this
exchange quietly, eyeing you and Aeran with wary looks and occasionally
muttering to each other. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>These are not thugs like Kane.<</if>> From
the way they carry themselves, you can tell they are seasoned
professionals. After the day you’ve had, you’d rather not get on their
bad side.
“I’m not looking for a fight,” you say.
“Then I hope you won’t do anything foolish.”
You swallow hard. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Rhodarth steps back and gestures towards the front door. You walk ahead
with your head held high, trying to ignore the twisted feeling in your
gut. You have no choice but to face the Count now. Might as well do it
gracefully.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>It’s
raining again when you leave the house. Rhodarth’s company crowds
around you, casting lights to illuminate the road ahead. The artificial
gleam pierces the dark, highlighting the swirling mist that clings to
the nearby buildings.
You walk in the centre of the company, Aeran at your side. You bristle
slightly at the implication that you need to be carefully guarded, but
the company has no reason to trust you. Rhodarth has given you the
benefit of the doubt by letting you keep your weapons, but he isn’t
about to let you run off on him.
An unfortunate part of you understands their wariness. You would do the
same, if you were in their position.
An eerie silent settles over Marshwall as you make your way through the
streets. You catch a few curious glances from passersby, but they all
scurry away when they spot the company’s kerchiefs. No one wants to
become entangled with the Count’s mercenaries.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
50]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
smirks.
Rhodarth frowns. “I don’t doubt it,” he says coldly.
He steps back and gestures towards the front door. You walk ahead with
your head held high, trying to ignore the twisted feeling in your gut.
You have no choice but to face the Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
scowls.
Rhodarth chuckles. “I’m sure.”
He steps back and gestures towards the front door. You walk ahead with
your head held high, trying to ignore the twisted feeling in your gut.
You have no choice but to face the Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rolling
your eyes, you push your way through the mercenaries and head for the
door. You try your best to ignore the twisted feeling in your gut.
You can try to run, but Rhodarth and his company outnumber you. You have
no choice now but to face the Count. Might as well do it gracefully.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
lunge at her.
Your blade strikes her in the side, slashing a deep red cut through her
tunic. She throws her head back and howls in pain. She turns and flees,
crashing into the walls as she staggers down the hallway.
You glance over your shoulder. Aeran raises his head and stares at you,
his eyes still a little dazed. He gestures at you, silently
communicating that he will be fine. You nod and take off, chasing down
your attacker.
The woman charges down the hallway, the dagger glinting in her hand. She
skids to a stop by the landing and glances behind her, eyes red with
rage. She spots you and hovers at the top of the stairs, flipping the
dagger over in her hand, wracked with indecision.
She drops the dagger and barrels into you, hands reaching for your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL FIGHT
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<if
$ancestry neq "dwarven">><<set $activepoison to
true>><</if>>You lunge at her.
Your blade strikes her side, slashing a rip through her tunic. She spins
away, a terrible smirk on her face and slashes at you with her dagger.
You skip back, dodging the blow. You feel a sharp sting on your
collarbone. You press a hand to your neck and feel sticky blood. The cut
is shallow. She barely nicked you.
The woman snarls and her eyes flicker to your throat. Suddenly, she
turns and flees, pelting down the hallway towards the stairs.
<i>Shit.</i>
You glance over your shoulder. Aeran raises his head and stares at you,
his eyes still a little dazed. He gestures at you, silently
communicating that he will be fine. You nod and take off, chasing her
down.
The woman skids to a stop by the landing. She hovers at the top of the
stairs, flipping the dagger in her hand, wracked with indecision. She
wheels around, her eyes gleaming red with rage, and stares directly at
you.
She drops the dagger and barrels into you, hands reaching for your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL FIGHT
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
tighten your fingers around the hilt of your sword and wait for her to
strike. She approaches slowly, her eerie grin widening with every step.
Then she lunges at you, slashing out with the dagger.
You spin away, dodging the blow, and your blade slashes a deep red cut
through her tunic. She throws her head back and howls in pain. She turns
and unexpectedly flees, crashing into the walls as she staggers down
the hallway.
You glance over your shoulder. Aeran raises his head and stares at you,
his eyes still a little dazed. He gestures at you, silently
communicating that he will be fine. You nod and take off, chasing down
your attacker.
The woman charges down the hallway, the dagger glinting in her hand. She
skids to a stop by the landing and glances behind her, eyes red with
rage. She hovers at the top of the stairs, flipping the dagger over in
her hand, wracked with indecision.
She drops the dagger and barrels into you, hands reaching for your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL FIGHT
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<if
$ancestry neq "dwarven">><<set $activepoison to
true>><</if>>You tighten your fingers around the hilt
of your sword and wait for her to strike. She approaches slowly, her
eerie grin widening with every step. Then she lunges at you, slashing
out with the dagger.
You spin away, but you’re not fast enough. Her blade slices your
collarbone and you jerk back, grimacing at the stinging wound. You press
a hand to your neck and feel sticky blood. The cut is shallow. She
barely nicked you.
The woman snarls and her eyes flicker to your throat. Suddenly, she
turns and flees, pelting down the hallway towards the stairs.
<i>Shit.</i>
You glance over your shoulder. Aeran raises his head and stares at you,
his eyes still a little dazed. He gestures at you, silently
communicating that he will be fine. You nod and take off, chasing her
down.
The woman skids to a stop by the landing. She hovers at the top of the
stairs, flipping the dagger in her hand, wracked with indecision. She
glances over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming red with rage, and stares
directly at you.
She drops the dagger and barrels into you, hands reaching for your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL FIGHT
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Caught
off-guard by the ferocity of her movements, you feel her fingernails
scratch the back of your neck as she grabs you and slams you,
head-first, into the wall. Pain bursts behind your eyes. You stagger
back and drop your sword.
She catches you by the throat and presses you up against the wall. You
choke and struggle against her, lashing out weakly with your hands. Your
fingernails scrape against fabric and exposed skin.
Suddenly, she drops you and throws you to the ground. You land painfully
on the floor and roll across the rug. You groan and push yourself up
onto your hands and knees, looking around desperately for your sword.
<i>There.</i>
The blade lies several feet away, just out of reach.
The woman looms above you, fixing you with an eerie gaze. Her uneasy
grin sends a shiver spiralling down your spine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL FIGHT
42]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
bloody spear tip bursts from her chest. The woman gasps and her eyes go
wide. She raises trembling hands to her face and looks down in shock.
Then the spear tip disappears and she topples forward, blood bubbles
past her lips, and collapses face-down on the floor.
A tall mercenary stands behind her on the landing, grasping a silver
spear in one hand. His half-melusine features are striking <<if
$packInv.has('Unidentified silver cube')>>in the gleam of the
hallway’s lights—high cheekbones, a deep sea green complexion, and long
dark hair swept back in a high tail.<<else>>even in the
sputtering gleam of the hallway’s broken lights—high cheekbones, a deep
sea green complexion, and long dark hair swept back in a high
tail.<</if>>
His brilliant yellow eyes sweep the hall and land on you. You lie frozen
on the floor, your hand inches from your sword, and he fixes you with a
piercing gaze.
“$firstname $lastname, I presume?” he says.
You grit your teeth. Your eyes flicker to the red kerchief tied around
his upper arm. So that’s how he knows—he works for the Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Thanks for the… well. That.”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 43 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah. That’s me.”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL 43 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 43
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods. His expression remains stoically unchanged and he watches you
with those bright yellow eyes. You swear he hasn’t blinked.
“Rhodarth,” Aeran’s voices echoes from down the hall. “What the hell are
you doing here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
44]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “I have heard much about you,” he
says. “It’s… interesting to finally put a face to the name.”
<i>Interesting? What the hell does he mean by that?</i>
“I’d rather not hear what the Count has been saying about me,” you reply
quickly. “Whatever it is, I have a feeling it’s not—”
He chuckles. “The Count? No. He has nothing to say of you. Kellis, on
the other hand…”
“Rhodarth,” Aeran’s voice echoes from down the hall. “What the hell are
you doing here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
44]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grimace. The man is unbothered by your silence. His expression remains
stoically unchanged as he continues to watch you with those bright
yellow eyes. You swear he hasn’t blinked.
“Rhodarth,” Aeran’s voices echoes from down the hall. “What the hell are
you doing here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
44]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43 BRIGHTBLADES")>>Your eyes widen in
surprise as you recall the conversation you and Aeran had outside Runes
& Relics.
So this is Rhodarth. The former Brightblade who carries out the Count’s
dirty work and scared the shit out of Drakehand. And who has some
undetermined history with Aeran.
You had a feeling he was going to show up sooner or
later.<<else>>Your eyes widen in surprise at their tone of
familiarity. Whatever history is between Aeran and this mercenary
doesn’t bode well for you. From his tone, you have a feeling Aeran has
pissed him off at one point or another.<</if>>
“Call it insurance,” Rhodarth says. “Rona’s a dangerous place. As I’m
sure you’re aware, considering your situation only a few minutes ago.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Aeran grunts. “We were handling it.”
“I was handling it,” you cut in. <<if $activepoison is
true>>You grimace and press a hand against the cut on your
collarbone. The flesh stings, as if seared by a hot
iron.<</if>>
“Of course,” Rhodarth says smoothly. He glances at the dead woman at his
feet. “Do you know who she was?”
“No idea,” you say, rising to your feet. You collect your sword and
sheathe it. “And Flora Goldhorn’s dead.”
He turns to you, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Your work?”
“No,” Aeran says sharply. “Someone put a hit on her, and it’s messy.
Unprofessional. This city’s going to have more problems than the Count
throwing a fit over a missing cup.”
Rhodarth’s long fingers curl around the silver spear. “You didn’t find
it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [PERSUASION]
“No, we found it.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 45 PERSUASION NIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yet. Haven’t found it yet.”|CHAPTER
1 MARSHWALL 45 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod. You’d rather not get into how
bad this lead turned out.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 45
C]]</div><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“No, we found it.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 45 PERSUASION NIL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yet. Haven’t found it yet.”|CHAPTER
1 MARSHWALL 45 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod. You’d rather not get into how
bad this lead turned out.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 45
C]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>Rhodarth
fixes you with a cold, unblinking stare.
You sigh bitterly. “Yeah, yeah,” you say. “It was worth a try.”
He frowns, clearly not impressed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
46]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rhodarth
fixes you with a cold, unblinking stare. “Thank you for the
correction,” he says drily. “An important difference that will endear
you to the Count, I’m sure.”
You shrug.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
46]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent. Rhodarth’s eyes pass over you again, searching for some
kind of reaction, but you remain still. He will have to live with
disappointment.
You’re not going to give him one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
46]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“What now, Rho?” Aeran asks.
“I’m guessing the Count ordered you to stalk us across the city.”
Rhodarth frowns, a flicker of annoyance passing across his face.
Aeran grins. “Unless he didn’t. In that case, you should have said
something. I’m touched. Didn’t know you still felt that way—”
The mercenary’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Spare me the wisecracks. I’m
doing my job—”
“And I’m trying to do mine—”
“Barely, from the looks of it—”
“So how about you get out of the way? You’re keeping us from our
treasure hunt.”
Rhodarth’s lip curls back into a strange smile. “If only I could,” he
says quietly. “But be warned. My company is downstairs and we are under
orders to return you to the Count. I suggest you don’t make this more
difficult for yourselves.”
Your mouth goes dry. “Rhodarth,” you cut in, trying to hide your
desperation. “We took a bad lead, but there may be—”
“This isn’t the time for errors, $lastname,” he says. There’s no
harshness to his words, no hidden taunt. He speaks plainly, and somehow
the matter-of-fact tone makes it worse.
“We’re close. I know we are.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“The Count gave us an impossible timeline,” you say. “There may be room
for negotiation. If he wants to see that chalice again, he will need to
rethink the terms of the contract.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Rhodarth pauses, his eyes gleaming. Then he breaks into
unexpected laughter, an uncharacteristic grin flashing across his face.
“You live up to your reputation, $lastname,” he says. “Kellis always
said you liked a good gamble—”
Aeran mutters something under his breath. He flushes and turns away from
you.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“You clearly are no fool.”<</if>>
“I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement, Rho,” Aeran
interrupts sharply. “Maybe you can tell $himher more while you escort us
to our untimely deaths.”
Rhodarth falls silent and steps aside, gesturing to the landing with his
spear. “For what it’s worth,” he says as he ushers you and Aeran down
the stairs, “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You reach the ground floor and, true to his word, find
Rhodarth’s company in the hall. A dozen or so mercenaries crowd the
narrow hall, eyeing you and Aeran with wary looks as you push your way
through to the door.
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>These are not thugs like
Kane.<</if>> From the way they carry themselves, you can
tell they are seasoned professionals. After the day you’ve had, you’d
rather not get on their bad side.
You try to ignore the twisted feeling in your gut. You have no choice
but to face the Count now. Might as well do it gracefully.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LEAVE
HOUSE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$activepoison is true>>Your skin prickles, a terrible itchiness
washing over the cut on your collarbone. You press a hand to it and
scratch vigorously. Pain flares across your skin.
Aeran shoots you a concerned look.
“It’s nothing,” you mutter.
He shrugs.
“You’re strangely quiet, Aeran,” Rhodarth
calls.<<else>>“You’re strangely quiet, Aeran,” Rhodarth
says.<</if>>
You glance over your shoulder. The mercenary captain is several paces
behind, doggedly taking up the rear. He carries a long silver spear in
one hand; the weapon tip glistens with rain in the cool light.
Aeran throws a dark look behind him. His lips move furiously as he
begins a retort, but he cuts himself off abruptly.
“I wondered what happened to you,” Rhodarth continues. “After Nemain.
It’s not easy to disappear that quickly or that thoroughly. Iaera was
certain you were either dead or on another continent. Imagine my
surprise when you showed up here—”
“I’ve got just one question for you, Rho,” he says. “How the hell does a
Corsida Brightblade end up in Rona? What did you do—piss off the
overseers?”
Rhodarth grimaces and his fingers tighten their grip on his spear. “Keep
walking, Kellis.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43
BRIGHTBLADES")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
51]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
BRIGHTBLADES]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$brightbladecodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Brightblades<</notify>>“Mind telling me what’s
going on here?” you mutter after a moment.
Aeran eyes the mercenaries closely, sizing up their numbers and their
weapons. “Rhodarth and I have… crossed paths a few times, in a few
places,” he says, keeping his voice low. “He’s a Brightblade.”
<i>Great.</i>
Brightblades are an established warrior order from the island of
Corsida. They only accept bloodbinders into their fold, ensuring their
ranks are composed of the most dangerously resilient individuals in the
world. Bloodbinders are rare. Their powerful regenerative abilities make
them particularly valuable fighters, allowing them to draw on their
magic to heal any wound in an instant.
“But Brightblades aren’t supposed to leave the Lotharic Sea,” Aeran
continues. “They aren’t allowed to form companies that aren’t sanctioned
by their overseers. It’s part of their creed. Whatever he’s doing
here…” He trails off. “Not our problem.”
You grimace. He falls silent again, occasionally glancing over his
shoulder at Rhodarth. Despite saying that it’s not your concern, he is
clearly distracted by it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, I get that he’s gorgeous, but don’t
we have something else to focus on?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 52
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Nemain? What is he
talking about?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 52
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
were really light on the details earlier, Aeran,” you mutter after a
moment. “You should have said more about him.”
Aeran eyes the mercenaries closely, sizing up their numbers and their
weapons. “What else do you need to know? I told you what was important.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You could have mentioned that he’s
gorgeous.”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 52 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Nemain? What is he
talking about?”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL 52
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gender is "female">>He flushes, his cheeks burning red.
“$firstname…” he mutters warningly.
You shrug. The opportunity was there, how could you not mention it?
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“If that’s where your mind is going,
keep it to yourself,” he says. “He’s not interested in women.”
“That’s not what I was thinking at all,” you reply. “Not when someone
else is on my mind.”<<else>>“If that’s where your mind is
going, keep it to yourself,” he says. “He’s not interested in
women.”<</if>>
<<if $activepoison is true>>Searing pain flares across your
neck. A chill runs down your spine and your shoulders shake. Your
stomach lurches.
You feel… ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL MC
POISON]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL
WALKING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>>He
flushes, his cheeks burning red. “$firstname…” he mutters warningly.
You shrug. The opportunity was there, how could you not mention it?
“If that’s where your mind is going, he’s not… well…” He trails off.
“Just take it from me. He’s not worth it.”
You exhale a long breath. “Okay, well, that escalated quickly.”
“You brought it up.”
“I just said that I appreciate his—”
“Can we stop talking about this now?”
<<if $activepoison is true>>You chuckle, but your laughter
is short-lived. Searing pain flares across your neck and a chill runs
down your spine. Your stomach lurches.
You feel… ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL MC
POISON]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL
WALKING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
brushes damp hair off his forehead and scowls. “We’re not going to talk
about that now.”
“But eventually?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He sighs wearily. “Maybe. We’ll
see.”<<else>>“No.”<</if>>
<<if $activepoison is true>>Your words fade as searing pain
flares across your neck. A chill runs down your spine and your shoulders
shake. Your stomach lurches.
You feel… ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL MC
POISON]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL
WALKING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<run
Dialog.setup("Poisoned");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poisoned Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<poisonedOn>><<set
$activepoison to false>>Your breath catches in your throat and you
try not to panic.
Aeran touches your arm. “Everything all right?” he murmurs.
You swallow hard and fight the urge to vomit. “I think… I think there
was something on that dagger,” you say. You press a hand to your
forehead. Your skin is clammy.
He exhales sharply. “…shit.”
A hollow laugh echoes in the back of your throat. It’s not an uncommon
practice to coat weapons in all manners of toxins. In your experience,
such poisons don’t typically result in the death of the victim, but
rather work to incapacitate them.
“Can you manage?” Aeran whispers.
You give him a strained smile. “Don’t really have a choice, do I?”
This isn’t the first time your work has put you in a situation like
this. You’re fairly hardy, but without knowing what the toxin is, you
have no choice but to fight through it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
WALKING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Rhodarth
Nairan<</notify>><<set $rhodarthcodex to
true>>The rain has mostly stopped by the time you cross the bridge
into the South Isle. At night, the Isle becomes a black swath of bluffs
and trees dotted with lights, the villas of the wealthy twinkling in
the dark like stars splashed across the night sky. The channels are
black swaths of rippling water, cutting their way through to the sea.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>Somewhere high above, on the furthest
bluff, is the Viridian Lady. Though it was only earlier today, it feels
like it was a year ago that you went to her villa. You’re on the same
path you took then, but instead of climbing the bluffs, you turn sharply
and follow the promenade down the coast.<<else>>The South
Isle is home to Rona’s most powerful residents. Though the years have
consumed most traces of the city’s Imperial heritage, the touch of the
Arathian Empire has never quite faded. The isle is cultivated in a way
that cannot be replicated further into shore. Land was raised,
vegetation uprooted and replaced, roads paved and mansions built.
Heavily transformed, the South Isle remains an anomaly compared to the
rest of the city. Though Imperial nobles no longer occupy the elegant
villas, those who hold themselves in a similar regard do.
The bridge takes you across to a wide promenade that soon forks in
opposite directions. One leads up the bluffs, winding its way through
the villas. The Viridian Lady resides at the top, her residence towering
over the rest of the isle in a show of status. The other path leads
east, following the coast. The Count’s villa lies beyond, perched at the
far end of the isle on its own peninsula. It’s indicative, perhaps, of
the nature of these two wealthy, powerful rivals: one an ancient
melusine, preferring to stay close to the sea, the other an upstart aeda
preferring to stay open to the skies. Either way, they know their power
and they know how to showcase it.
The mercenaries lead you down the road. The sea roars in your ears as
waves crash against the coast. The brine is sharp and the air cool, the
breeze blowing away the stench of rotting wood.<</if>>
Finally, you reach a walled complex perched on an artificial cliff.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>Though it’s not as high as the
Viridian Lady’s villa, it is equally impressive in size and
architecture, albeit of a different style.<</if>> The white
walls are smooth and shimmer with the tell-tale glow of dozens of
security enchantments. They meet in the centre around a circular gate
that leads into the centre of the complex. You can hear rushing water in
the distance, like a waterfall tumbling down into the waves below.
Rhodarth steps up to the gate and presses a hand against it. A small gap
appears in the centre and ripples outwards, disabling the barrier. He
steps back and the gate slowly opens, revealing a long white path of
crushed stone that leads into the void of a dark garden.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your shoulders shake and you try to
ignore the clammy, feverish chill that is taking over your
body.<<else>>You exhale a long, weary breath. It’s been a
long, difficult day.<</if>>
“Let’s get this over with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<run
Dialog.setup("Tenacious");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Tenacious Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<tenaciousOn>>Evening falls as you
head to the South Isle. Though the rain has mostly stopped by now, the
clouds have yet to clear and somehow the air feels even more
oppressively humid than before. The buildings loom over you, their walls
growing taller and broader in the dark, pressing inward on the street
in a stranglehold. Lamps flicker in the windows and conjured lights bob
up and down the main roads, guiding late night travellers through the
city. Mist swirls around the light sources, pooling on the boardwalks
like it has a life of its own.
Maybe it’s your growing anticipation, maybe it’s your exhaustion, but
the closer you get to the Isle, the more suffocating the city becomes.
You reach a bridge and the sharp scent of brine washes over you. The
dark waters of the channel below ripples as it rushes out to sea. Beyond
the bridge, the Isle rises up above you, a black swath of artificial
bluffs dotted with sparkling light. The villas of the wealthy twinkle in
the dark like stars splashed across the night sky.
<<if $heramet is true>>High above, on the furthest bluff, is
the Viridian Lady. You think back to Hera and her curious demand to
double-cross the Count. She swore that if you brought her the chalice,
she could protect you from his wrath and find you a way out of Rona.
Would she have stayed true to her word? You’ll never know now. But maybe
it’s easier this way. Maybe the chalice is more trouble than its worth.
It doesn’t matter who controls it, in the end.
Sighing wearily, you turn down the promenade and follow it along the
coast.<<elseif $vlvilla is true>>Somewhere high above, on
the furthest bluff, is the Viridian Lady. You sigh wearily, your
shoulders sagging with exhaustion. Though it was only earlier today, it
feels like it was a year ago that you went to her villa. You’re on the
same path you took then, but instead of climbing the bluffs, you turn
sharply and follow the promenade down the coast towards the Count’s
residence.<<else>>The isle is home to Rona’s most powerful
residents. Though the years have consumed most traces of the city’s
Imperial heritage, the touch of the Arathian Empire has never quite
faded. The isle is cultivated in a way that cannot be replicated further
into shore. Land was raised, vegetation uprooted and replaced, roads
paved and mansions built. Heavily transformed, the South Isle remains an
anomaly compared to the rest of the city. Though Imperial nobles no
longer occupy the elegant villas, those who hold themselves in a similar
regard do.
The bridge takes you across to a wide promenade that soon forks in
opposite directions. One leads up the bluffs, winding its way through
the villas. The Viridian Lady resides at the top, her residence towering
over the rest of the isle in a show of status. The other path leads
east, following the coast. The Count’s villa lies beyond, perched at the
far end of the isle on its own peninsula. It’s indicative, perhaps, of
the nature of these two wealthy, powerful rivals: one an ancient
melusine, preferring to stay close to the sea, the other an upstart aeda
preferring to stay open to the skies. Either way, they know their power
and they know how to showcase it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
shiver creeps down your spine and your pace slows to a crawl. What you
would give to avoid going back to the Count…
You stop walking. The air is lighter here, the breeze blowing away the
stench of the city. The sea roars in the distance.
“What’s your plan, $firstname?” Aeran asks, drawing to a halt beside
you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Use my charming personality and wits to
smooth this over?”|CHAPTER 1 CV 03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just be honest. I’m sure the Count
can be reasonable.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I… don’t have one.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 03
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>[[4. “I don’t know, Aeran. Maybe we should have taken
Zenaida’s contract.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 04 D]]<<else>><s>4.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
snorts with laughter. “Right.”
“Thanks for having so much faith in me,” you say, fighting back a smile.
“I do my best.” He pauses. “I suppose I shouldn’t ask exactly how you
intend to use that sparkling charm and wit?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Haven’t thought that far. Seduction is
always a possibility.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 04 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t ask that. If I think about it
too much, it’s all going to fall apart.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 04
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “So it’s sparkling now?
Interesting.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 04
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you, incredulity marring his face. “The Count be reasonable?”
he scoffs. “We are talking about the same count, right?”
You shrug. “There must be a way to negotiate with him—”
“He has most of the mercenary companies in his pocket,” Aeran says
flatly. “He’s older than the city’s foundations, half of Rona is
terrified of him and he barely needs to lift a finger to threaten the
other half into submission. He won’t be reasonable because he has no
reason to be.”
You grimace. The pessimistic outlook isn’t helping.
Noticing your dark look, Aeran sighs wearily and tilts his head back to
look upwards. A few stars shine brilliantly above, peeking out through
pockets in the clouds.
“I’m sorry,” he says after a moment. “I’m just…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Reach out for him. You get it. Your backs
are against the wall and the tensions of the day has led you to a
breaking point.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH OUT TO HIM][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re both tired. Get it
together.”|CHAPTER 1 CV GET IT
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out in a muttered slur. You clench your jaw and avoid his
gaze. You don’t like admitting that you don’t have a plan, but you’re
too tired to pretend otherwise. Your exhaustion is getting the better of
you and the thought of relying on your gut instinct is growing more
appealing with every step.
Besides, your instincts have never gotten you into too much trouble over
the years.
Right…?
“I guess it’s too late to consider running,” Aeran says quietly.
Your mouth has gone dry. “Yeah.”
“He’d probably think we stole the chalice and hunt us down.”
“Yeah.”
He falls silent and tilts his head back, eyes scanning the dark sky
above. A few stars shine brilliantly, peeking out through pockets in the
clouds.
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=20>>Aeran slips
his hand into yours and squeezes it tight, a faint smile on his
lips.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>He presses a hand to your
shoulder and smiles faintly.<<else>>He nods briefly, a faint
smile on his lips.<</if>> You don’t need words to know what
the gesture means. No matter what happens when you meet the Count,
you’re in this together and will see it through to the bitter end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
exhales sharply. “Too late now.”
You glance at him, an idea forming in your mind. You could turn around
and head for the docks. With the weather barely improved, chances are
Zenaida’s ship is still in the harbour—
“Stop it,” Aeran says gruffly.
Your eyes narrow. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You want to go back to Zenaida.”
“I didn’t say that—”
“We took her money and walked out on her. How happy do you think she’ll
be if we come crawling back to her and beg her to take us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Very happy. She’s the one who approached
us, remember?”|CHAPTER 1 CV 10 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “‘Crawling back’ is a bit of an
exaggeration, don’t you think?”|CHAPTER 1 CV 10 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…I see your point.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 10
C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chokes and covers a cough with the back of his hand. “$firstname,” he
says, “I really don’t want to know whether you’re being serious or not.”
“Dire straits call for dire methods, Aeran.”
“Oh, gods…”
“I am fully prepared to do whatever is necessary.”
His lips twitch as he fights back a smile. “If that’s what it comes down
to, then I will honour your sacrifice.”
You snort with laughter. Though the playful banter lifts your spirits
for a few paces, it is not enough to stave off the twisted uneasiness
growing in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “I see. So your plan is to talk.”
“Yeah.”
“And hope you say the right thing.”
“Uh-huh.”
He exhales a long breath. “This is going to go over well.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah…”|CHAPTER 1 CV 05 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “At least I’m trying to think of
something!”|CHAPTER 1 CV 05
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=20>>Aeran chuckles, a slight
flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a hand through his hair and
scratches the back of his neck. “I always do enjoy listening to you
talk.”
Your eyes narrow suspiciously. “Why do I feel like you’re about to make
fun of me?”
“Would I do that?”
“Yes.”
He laughs. You smile and chuckle quietly. The playful banter has lifted
your spirits, but the effect is short-lived. No matter what you and
Aeran say to each other now, it is not enough to stave off the twisted
uneasiness growing in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Yeah,
well…” He glances at you and grins. “One of us has to be the
interesting one.”
You snort with laughter. “And it’s me?”
“Naturally.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t think so.”|CHAPTER 1 CV
05]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ll take it.”|CHAPTER 1 CV
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
round a final bend in the road and come to a halt. Ahead of you lies a
walled complex perched on an artificial cliff.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>Though it’s not as high as the
Viridian Lady’s villa, it is equally impressive in size and
architecture, albeit of a different style.<</if>> The white
walls are smooth and shimmer with the tell-tale glow of dozens of
security enchantments. They meet in the centre around a circular gate
that leads into the centre of the complex. You can hear rushing water in
the distance, like a waterfall tumbling down into the sea below.
You exhale a weary breath. It’s been a long, difficult day.
“Let’s get this over with,” you say.
As if prompted by your words, a small gap appears in the centre of the
security barrier and ripples outwards. You hear the tell-tale grind of
gears and the gate slowly opens, pulling back to reveal a long white
path of crushed stone that leads into the void of a dark garden.
A company of about a dozen mercenaries fan before you, all dressed in
black with the tell-tale red kerchiefs wrapped around their upper arms. A
tall half-melusine man stands in the centre, leaning casually on a
silver spear. His piercing yellow eyes sweep past you and settle on
Aeran.
“Kellis.”
“Rhodarth.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43
BRIGHTBLADES")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV ALREADY
KNOW]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV
BRIGHTBLADES]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily and meet Aeran’s eyes.
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=20>>He slips his
hand into yours and squeezes it tight, a faint smile on his
lips.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>He presses a hand to your
shoulder and smiles faintly.<<else>>He nods briefly, a faint
smile on his lips.<</if>> You don’t need words to know what
the gesture means. No matter what happens when you meet the Count,
you’re in this together and will see it through to the bitter end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shoot a glare at Aeran and push roughly past him, striding down the
road. You haven’t formulated much of a plan, true, but you’re at a point
where your exhaustion is getting the better of you. You will have to
rely on your gut instincts.
Historically, that’s never gotten you into too much trouble.
Right…?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles.
You look away, smiling faintly. The playful banter has lifted your
spirits, but the effect is short-lived. No matter what you and Aeran say
to each other now, it is not enough to stave off the twisted uneasiness
growing in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
place a hand on his arm and meet his eyes in silence. He looks back at
you, exhaustion marking his weary face.
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=20>>He slips his
hand into yours and squeezes it tight, a faint smile on his
lips.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>He covers your hand with
his and smiles faintly.<<else>>He pulls away, nodding
briefly, a faint smile on his lips.<</if>> You don’t need
words to know what the gesture means. No matter what happens when you
meet the Count, you’re in this together and will see it through to the
bitter end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push past him and stalk down the road. Aeran sighs wearily, but he
nods, accepting your brusque advice without complaint.
Neither of you can afford to lose your will now. Whatever happens when
you meet the Count, you’re in this together.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Oh
great,” he snaps. “Glad to know you’d rather trust a Guild mage than
someone like the Count.”
You grit your teeth. “At least she’s not intending to make us suffer the
consequences for failing—”
“There’ll be enough consequences the moment you step foot in Velantis,”
he snaps. “Go on, then! Run off to the Guild mage, if that makes you
happy. I’ll deal with the Count myself.”
He strides away from you and heads down the promenade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’ll do anything to avoid working with
the Guild! Even something as stupid as this!”|CHAPTER 1 CV 11
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Run after him. You won’t let him
show up at the Count’s villa alone.|CHAPTER 1 CV 11
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
glowers at you. “No,” he says. “I think that’s pretty accurate.”
“Good thing I don’t put much stock in personal pride,” you retort.
He rolls his eyes and strides away from you, heading down the promenade.
Mist swirls around him in the dim light, pooling at his feet. “Go on,
then!” he calls. “Run off to the Guild mage, if that makes you happy.
I’ll deal with the Count myself.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’ll do anything to avoid working with
the Guild! Even something as stupid as this!”|CHAPTER 1 CV 11
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Run after him. You won’t let him
show up at the Count’s villa alone.|CHAPTER 1 CV 11
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
clench your jaw. You took Zenaida’s money happily and blew her off. Of
course, she did say the crowns were for agreeing to see her, but no one
is that generous. She tried to lure you in with the promise of wealth
and the crowns she gave you were a ploy to legitimize that promise.
You’ve known aristocrats like her. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Your childhood was filled with their petty
schemes.<</if>> If Zenaida Anaxas is anything like them, she
will be thoroughly displeased. And facing a scorned Guild mage is just
as bad as facing the Count.
You sigh wearily and meet Aeran’s eyes. <<if $aeranrom >=10 and
$aeranapp >=20>> He slips his hand into yours and squeezes it
tight, a faint smile on his lips.<<elseif $aeranapp
>=40>>He presses a hand to your shoulder and smiles
faintly.<<else>>He nods briefly, a faint smile on his
lips.<</if>> You don’t need words to know what the gesture
means. No matter what happens when you meet the Count, you’re in this
together and will see it through to the bitter end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
know him too well. You know exactly what to say to get under his skin,
and the Guild has been a sore spot for years. Using that against him
strikes a raw nerve.
Aeran slows to a halt. He glances over his shoulder, dark anger gleaming
in his eyes, a retort on his lips. You wait for him to snap back at
you, but it never comes. Instead, he lets out an irritated sigh and
spins around. He pushes onward, pointedly refusing to let you get a rise
out of him.
You grit your teeth and follow him. As much as you’d like to turn around
and return to the city, you can’t let Aeran go to the Count alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>Cursing
under your breath, you sprint down the promenade. Aeran glances at you
as you catch up with him, a grateful look on his face. He sighs wearily
and tilts his head back, eyes scanning the dark sky above. A few stars
shine brilliantly, peeking out through pockets in the clouds.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs after a moment. “I’m just…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Reach out for him. You get it. Your backs
are against the wall and the tensions of the day has led you to a
breaking point.|CHAPTER 1 CV REACH OUT TO HIM][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re both tired. Get it
together.”|CHAPTER 1 CV GET IT
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
eyes widen in surprise as you recall the conversation you and Aeran had
outside Runes & Relics. So this is Rhodarth. The former Brightblade
who carries out the Count’s dirty work and scared the shit out of
Drakehand. And who has some undetermined history with Aeran.
You had a feeling he was going to show up sooner or later.
“Didn’t expect you to return voluntarily,” Rhodarth says. “Or so early.”
Aeran snorts. “Save me the contempt. Where’s the Count?”
“You’ll see him soon enough.”
“Glad to know we’re so beneath him he sends you to be a glorified
gatekeeper,” Aeran says scathingly. He glances at the mercenary company.
“I take it they’re not Brightblades?”
Rhodarth’s eyes gleam dangerously, anger flashing across his face. Aeran
is very close to crossing a line.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran continues. “What did you
do—piss off the overseers?”
“Oh, I can tell you,” Rhodarth says sharply. “Or rather, I will the
moment you tell me what happened to you after Nemain. It’s not easy to
disappear that quickly or so thoroughly—”
Aeran scowls. “Don’t.”
The mercenary captain chuckles hollowly. His long fingers tighten around
his spear as his gaze moves from Aeran to you. Despite his threatening
posture, there is a striking beauty about him in the stark light—high
cheekbones, a deep sea green complexion and long dark hair swept back
into a high tail. “Do you have the artefact?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 20 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re not about to tell you that.
Where’s the Count?”|CHAPTER 1 CV 20
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$brightbladecodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Brightblades<</notify>>Your eyes widen in surprise
at their tone of familiarity. Whatever history is between Aeran and the
captain of the Count’s mercenaries doesn’t bode well for you. From the
way they are sizing each other up, you have a feeling Aeran has pissed
him off at one point or another.
“Didn’t expect you to return voluntarily,” Rhodarth says. “Or so early.”
Aeran snorts. “Save me the contempt. Where’s the Count?”
“You’ll see him soon enough.”
“Glad to know we’re so beneath him he sends you to be a glorified
gatekeeper,” Aeran says scathingly. He glances at the company behind
Rhodarth. “I take it they’re not Brightblades?”
Rhodarth’s eyes gleam dangerously, anger flashing across his face. Aeran
is very close to crossing a line.
You clench your jaw, your thoughts whirling. You have so many questions,
but there’s no time to ask them. You know what Brightblades are—if
Rhodarth is one of them, then it bodes ill for you. The warrior order
only accepts bloodbinders into their fold, ensuring their ranks are
composed of the most dangerously resilient individuals in the world.
Bloodbinders are rare. Their powerful regenerative abilities make them
particularly valuable fighters, allowing them to draw on their magic to
heal any wound in an instant.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran continues. “What did you
do—piss off the overseers?”
“Oh, I can tell you,” Rhodarth says sharply. “Or rather, I will the
moment you tell me what happened to you after Nemain. It’s not easy to
disappear that quickly or so thoroughly—”
Aeran scowls. “Don’t.”
The mercenary captain chuckles hollowly. His long fingers tighten around
his spear as his gaze moves from Aeran to you. Despite his threatening
posture, there is a striking beauty about him in the stark light—high
cheekbones, a deep sea green complexion and long dark hair swept back
into a high tail. “Do you have the artefact?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 1 CV 20 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’re not about to tell you that.
Where’s the Count?”|CHAPTER 1 CV 20
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Rhodarth
Nairan<</notify>><<set $rhodarthcodex to true>>A
troubled look flashes across Rhodarth’s face, but it is gone in an
instant. “Unfortunate,” he says. “You are brave to come here. The Count
will make you pay dearly for your failure.”
Aeran recoils. His hand curls into a fist.
“We came to talk,” you say quickly. “That’s all.”
Rhodarth raises an eyebrow.
“The Count gave us an impossible timeline,” you continue. “If he wants
to see that chalice again, he will need to rethink the terms of the
contract.”
“So you know where it is, but were unable to retrieve it?” he asks.
You smile coldly. He doesn’t need the details of your failure.
Rhodarth’s eyes gleam. His upper lip curls back and he shakes his head,
chortling unexpectedly. “You live up to your reputation, $lastname,” he
says. “Kellis always said you liked a good gamble—”
Aeran flushes and looks away from you, avoiding your gaze.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“You clearly are no fool.”<</if>>
“While I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement,” Aeran
interrupts, “would you mind getting out of the way? We have business to
finish.”
“By all means,” Rhodarth replies. He steps to the side and gestures for
you to enter. “I’m sure Cere Nalos will be quite interested to hear what
you have to say.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. Together, you enter the villa and the
gate closes behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Rhodarth
Nairan<</notify>><<set $rhodarthcodex to
true>>“I take it you failed to retrieve it, then,” he says flatly.
“Unfortunate. You are very brave to come here.”
“We came to talk,” you counter. “That’s all. The Count gave us an
impossible timeline and he knows that. If he wants to see the chalice
again, he will need to rethink the terms of the contract.”
A slow chuckle escapes the mercenary captain’s lips. His piercing eyes
rake over you and he smiles coldly. “You live up to your reputation,
$lastname,” he says. “Kellis always said you liked a good gamble—”
Aeran grunts. He flushes and turns away from you.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“You clearly are no fool.”<</if>>
“While I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement,” Aeran
interrupts, “would you mind getting out of the way? We have business to
finish.”
“By all means,” Rhodarth replies. He steps to the side and gestures for
you to enter. “I’m sure Cere Nalos will be quite interested to hear what
you have to say.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. Together, you enter the villa and the
gate closes behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
streets grow dark as you head for Flotsam Grove. Though the rain has
mostly stopped, the clouds have yet to clear and somehow the air feels
even more oppressive than before. Maybe it’s your growing anticipation,
maybe it’s your exhaustion, but the closer you get to the Grove’s
borders, the more suffocating it becomes.
For six months you’ve lived in Rona and you have never set foot in the
Grove. It is a shadow on the border, always present, but never spoken
of. When it is mentioned in passing, it is always with the heavy
implication that it is better left alone.
There are two routes into the Grove. One is by water. If you take a boat
from the Edgewater docks, you can theoretically make your way across
the inlet, through Deadfall Marsh and into the Grove. In practice, the
route is so overgrown and labyrinthine that only those who know the way
can make it through.
The other route is by a footpath on the Deadwood border. There’s a place
in northern Deadwood where the tenements stop and the boardwalks
disappear and the district turns abruptly from a bustling neighbourhood
to a dark and tangled woods. You’re hopeful that the path will lead you
to the Grove’s center… and whatever waits within.
“What do you think we’ll find?” Aeran says as you slip down a dark
alley. He walks a few paces ahead of you, picking his way over broken
boards and tangled roots. The curve of his Alassar bow gleams in the dim
light.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “The chalice, hopefully.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “People who will want to kill us for
trespassing, probably.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 02 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “No idea.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 02
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
snorts with laughter. “Yeah,” he replies. “I’m trying not to think
about that…”
You catch up with him, your boots squelching through a clump of mud and
fallen leaves. The boards sag under your weight and you hear the
unmistakable sound of flowing water below. You must be getting close to
the border.
<i>Fuck,</i> you curse silently.
<<if $health neq "full">>The sun is setting, you’re drenched
from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from running all over the
city, your shoulder aches from your injury, and the consequences of
failing the Count are looming over you.<<else>>The sun is
setting, you’re drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from
running all over the city, and the consequences of failing the Count are
looming over you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Helpful,
$firstname,” he replies gruffly. “Very helpful.”
“Just being honest,” you mutter and quicken your pace. You catch up with
him, your boots squelching through a clump of mud and fallen leaves.
The boards sag under your weight and you hear the unmistakable sound of
flowing water below. You must be getting close to the border.
<i>Fuck,</i> you curse silently.
<<if $health neq "full">>The sun is setting, you’re drenched
from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from running all over the
city, your shoulder aches from your injury, and the consequences of
failing the Count are looming over you.<<else>>The sun is
setting, you’re drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from
running all over the city, and the consequences of failing the Count are
looming over you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
glances over his shoulder. “And if it’s not?” he asks, slowing to a
halt.
You catch up with him, your boots squelching through a clump of mud and
fallen leaves. The boards sag under your weight and you hear the
unmistakable sound of flowing water below. You must be getting close to
the border.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It will be there.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 03
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Then we’ll figure it out.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t know.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 03
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
force the words out, even though you only half-believe them yourself.
<<if $health neq "full">>The sun is setting, you’re drenched
from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from running all over the
city, your shoulder aches from your injury, and the consequences of
failing the Count are looming over you.<<else>>The sun is
setting, you’re drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from
running all over the city, and the consequences of failing the Count are
looming over you.<</if>> Maybe there is something to be
said for the power of forced optimism. At this point, it’s the only
thing you’ve got left.
Aeran glances at you, a concerned look on his face. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>He shakes his head and carries on in
silence.<<else>>Whether it’s concern for you or your ideas
or both, you’re not sure. But you are certain of one thing: if things go
wrong, you know exactly who he’s going to blame.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out forcefully, in a rush.
<<if $health neq "full">>The sun is setting, you’re drenched
from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from running all over the
city, your shoulder aches from your injury, and the consequences of
failing the Count are looming over you.<<else>>The sun is
setting, you’re drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from
running all over the city, and the consequences of failing the Count are
looming over you.<</if>> The longer your day gets, the
thinner your patience becomes. Aeran can voice his doubts all he wants,
but you don’t have the patience to think through all the things that
could go wrong tonight. You’re far too tired for that.
You’ll deal with them as they come.
Aeran glances at you, a concerned look on his face. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>He shakes his head and carries on in
silence.<<else>>Whether it’s concern for you or your ideas
or both, you’re not sure. But you are certain of one thing: if things go
wrong, you know exactly who he’s going to blame.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
press your tongue against the back of your teeth and fall silent. Your
shoulders sag, the weight and exhaustion of the day catching up with
you. <<if $health neq "full">>The sun is setting, you’re
drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from running all over
the city, your shoulder aches from your injury, and the consequences of
failing the Count are looming over you.<<else>>The sun is
setting, you’re drenched from a day in the rain, you’re exhausted from
running all over the city, and the consequences of failing the Count are
looming over you.<</if>>
$master once told you that you have an uncanny way of managing the
impossible in the face of adversity. You can only hope that this is one
of those times.
Aeran glances at you, a concerned look on his face. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>He shakes his head and carries on in
silence.<<else>>Whether it’s concern for you or your ideas
or both, you’re not sure. But you are certain of one thing: if things go
wrong, you know exactly who he’s going to blame.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
should never have gotten involved with the Count,” Aeran says after a
moment. His tone is low and strained, barely able to mask the pent-up
frustration and anger at your circumstances.
“We should never have come to Rona,” you counter. “No Rona, no Count.”
“It wasn’t my idea to come here, $firstname,” he grunts. “You—”
“Don’t you dare put this on me—”
“I’m not blaming you—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Snap back at him. You don’t have the
patience for this.|CHAPTER 1 FG 05 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Diffuse the situation. You don’t
want to argue with him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 05
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Sounds
an awful lot like you are,” you snap. “But if I remember it right, we
came to those decisions together, Aeran. Because we work together.”
He glares at you silently, his jaw clenched, a dark look in his eye.
“Right,” you say. “Glad to know you trust me so much.” You push him
roughly out of the way and continue down the alley.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>“You’re being fucking petty,
$firstname,” he calls.
“Am I?” you reply. “Unbelievable.”
“You should know how to take responsibility for your own actions by
now.” You hear him slip through the muck as he follows you down the
alley. He curses under his breath. “I’ve been trying my damn hardest to
get us out of here and you—”
“And I haven’t?” you shout. “I’ve been getting my ass kicked out here—”
<<if $health neq "full">>He laughs coldly. “I know,” he says
scathingly. “Because I’ve been doing my best to keep you alive.”
You flush and fall silent, your shoulder twinging as you think back to
Rat Alley. Aeran’s not wrong; if he hadn’t found you when he did, you
likely would have died. “Yeah,” you say finally, rounding on him. “You
have. And when this is over, you won’t have to
anymore.”<<else>>He laughs coldly. “I’ll be waiting,” he
says. “Can’t wait to see the next time you fuck up.”
You flush and fall silent, a muscle twitching in your jaw. Anger roils
deep in your gut. “Same to you,” you
snap.<</if>><<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>Aeran
curses under his breath. “I’ve been trying my damn hardest to get us out
of here and you—”
“And I haven’t?” you shout. “I’ve been getting my ass kicked out here!”
<<if $health neq "full">>He hesitates. “And I’ve been trying
to keep you alive,” he says quietly after a moment.
You flush and fall silent, your shoulder twinging as you think back to
Rat Alley. “Yeah,” you say, pressing a hand to your shoulder. “I know.”
He groans and leans against the wall. “I’m sorry, $firstname. I don’t… I
don’t want to fight with you.”<<else>>He pauses and sighs
deeply. “I’m sorry, $firstname. I don’t… I don’t want to fight with
you.”<</if>>
You nod, but his earlier words still cut deep. “This day is the worst,”
you say wearily.
He chuckles and brushes his hair out of his eyes. “Yeah,” he replies, a
relieved look crossing his face. “It is.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG ACCESS
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know you’re not,” you say wearily. “We’re tired and hungry and it won’t
take much for things to go from bad to worse. I don’t want to fight
with you.”
He exhales a long breath and leans against the wall, eyes cast at the
ground. “Yeah.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Promise me this is the
last time we let ourselves become professional treasure hunters,” you
add. “I don’t think we’re good at it.”
He chuckles, but his laughter is short lived. He glances up at you, a
forced smile on his face. “Now that you put it like
that…”<<else>>“I hate to say it,” you continue, “but maybe
we should have taken Zenaida’s contract.”
Aeran grimaces.
“At least we would have been free of this mess,” you add.
“And headed into a worse one,” he replies, smiling bitterly. “You don’t
know the Guild, $nickname. What they’re capable of. I don’t want to be
within ten leagues of whatever’s happening in Velantis.”
“You’d rather deal with the Count?”
He falls silent.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG ACCESS
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip out of the alley and a wall of dark, snarled trees and vines rise
up to meet you. To your left and to your right lies a final boardwalk,
running the length of Deadwood. It forms a clear demarcation between
Deadwood and the Grove. On one side is a row of well-kept tenements, lit
with glowing conjured lights. On the other is a looming, inescapable
darkness.
“Woah,” Aeran breathes. He steps to the edge of the boardwalk, where the
wood gives way to giant leaves and snaking vines.
You follow his gaze, one hand resting reflexively on your sword hilt.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>The path should be somewhere
nearby… <<else>>The path should be somewhere nearby. It’ll
be difficult to spot in this darkness…<</if>>
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>“Here,” Aeran calls, moving
further down the line. He pushes a large leaf out of the way, revealing a
hole in the centre of the trees. You spot footprints in the mud,
leading deeper into the forest.
“That’s it?” you ask, stepping up to it. You peer into the darkness at a
winding path that soon loses its way between the sprawling trees.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the lead.|CHAPTER 1 FG 06 ELF YOU
LEAD]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran lead.|CHAPTER 1 FG 06 ELF
AERAN
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Here,”
Aeran calls, moving further down the line. He pushes a large leaf out
of the way, revealing a hole in the centre of the trees. You peer at the
gap, but you see nothing unusual about it.
“That’s it?” you ask, unconvinced.
He nods. “Maybe I should lead,” he says carefully. You hear the hidden
implication—he’s an elf. He can see in the dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Absolutely not.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 06 NOT ELF
YOU LEAD][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sure.”|CHAPYTER 1 FG 06 NOT ELF
AERAN
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“I’ll
scout ahead,” you say and quickly duck through the gap before Aeran can
protest. Your boots squelch through the muck and you carefully pick
your way over a tangle of large tree roots. The terrain will be more
treacherous than you thought.
Sighing wearily, Aeran follows you into the dark and together you take
off into the woods.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MC
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
should go ahead,” you say, gesturing towards the gap in the trees.
“You’re the better scout.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40 and $perception >=8>>He smiles.
“I’m not sure about that.”
You shake your head. “Save the compliments,” you say. “We’ve got a job
to do.”
He nods and ducks through the trees. You follow, keeping several paces
behind.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40 and $perception <=6>>He
smiles. “True, but you can manage when you—”
“Take the lead, Aeran, and let’s go,” you interrupt.
He nods and ducks through the trees. You follow, keeping several paces
behind.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39 and $perception >=8>>He
stares at you impassively. “If you say so,” he says and ducks through
the trees before you can answer.<<else>>“Some self-awareness
at last,” he mutters and ducks through the trees before you can
answer.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
draw your sword and duck through the hole. Your boots sink several
inches into the muck and your toe collides with a root. You grunt and
raise your sword, turning the blade to direct its gleam towards the
path. It’s not very bright and you can’t see far ahead, but it will keep
you from tripping over your own feet.
“Um, $firstname,” Aeran calls from behind you.
“Let’s go,” you interrupt and take off into the woods.
He sighs wearily and follows without comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MC
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
flashes you a quick smile. He ducks down the path, his boots sinking
into the mud, and enters the woods. You follow, squelching through the
muck a few paces behind. The darkness envelops you. The only light that
remains is Aeran’s bow.
Your foot hits a root and you stumble forwards. He catches you by the
arm, steadying you.
“All right?” he asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m fine.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 07 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Leave me alone.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
wood seals you in completely. The undergrowth presses in on you,
blocking out the sky. Invisible spiderwebs stick to your face and arms
and you quickly brush them away. The air is humid and thick with the
scent of rotting vegetation. Within minutes you are drenched with sweat.
Your skin grows clammy and a feverish chill runs down your spine.
You’ve barely stepped foot in the Grove and already it is trying to
suffocate you.
The path ahead fades into a tangled thicket. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>You narrow your eyes and peer through the
dark.<<else>>You raise your sword high, tilting the blade as
you peer through the dark.<</if>> You see nothing but a
wall of trees, their thick trunks merged together, their branches
hanging like vines with protruding leaves that are as long as your arm.
“Fuck.”
Aeran steps up beside you. He glances at you, his eyes shining in the
dark. “Let me scout, $firstname,” he says.
You grimace. Maybe it’s your stubbornness showing its ugly head, but you
don’t want to give into him. Not after you were so certain that you
should lead. He’ll never let this one go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>[[1. [AEDA] You don’t need to see in the dark
to find a way through. Listen closely. You may find something even
Aeran can’t see.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 AEDA
PASS]]<<else>><s>1. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"elven">>[[2. [ELVEN] Slow down and look for another way.|CHAPTER 1
FG 10 ELVEN PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Slow down and
look for another way. May be difficult, given you can’t see in the
dark.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 PERCEPTION FAIL 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You have a sword. Hack your way
through the thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[1. [AEDA]
You don’t need to see in the dark to find a way through. Listen
closely. You may find something even Aeran can’t see.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10
AEDA PASS]]<<else>><s>1. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement
has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"elven">>[[2. [ELVEN] Slow down and look for another way.|CHAPTER 1
FG 10 ELVEN PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Slow down and look for
another way. May be difficult, given you can’t see in the dark.|CHAPTER 1
FG 10 PERCEPTION FAIL 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You have a sword. Hack your way
through the thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>The
wood seals you in completely. The undergrowth presses in on you,
blocking out the sky. The air is humid and thick with the scent of
rotting vegetation. Within minutes you are drenched with sweat. Your
skin grows clammy and a feverish chill runs down your spine. You’ve
barely stepped foot in the Grove and already it is trying to suffocate
you.
The path ahead fades into a tangled thicket. Aeran draws to a halt,
muttering to himself as he considers the lack of a clear route through.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>You narrow your eyes and peer
through the dark.<<else>>You raise your sword high, tilting
the blade as you peer through the dark.<</if>> You see
nothing but a wall of trees, their thick trunks merged together, their
branches hanging like vines with protruding leaves that are as long as
your arm.
“Shit,” you say.
“Yeah,” Aeran replies. “Stay here, I’ll scout ahead.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>[[1. [AEDA] You don’t need to see in the dark
to find a way through. Listen closely. You may find something even
Aeran can’t see.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 AEDA
PASS]]<<else>><s>1. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"elven">>[[2. [ELVEN] “Take a break. I’ll go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 20
PERC ELVEN PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] “Take a break.
I’ll go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 20 PERC NIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You have a sword. Hack your way
through the thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let Aeran go.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[1. [AEDA]
You don’t need to see in the dark to find a way through. Listen
closely. You may find something even Aeran can’t see.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10
AEDA PASS]]<<else>><s>1. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement
has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"elven">>[[2. [ELVEN] “Take a break. I’ll go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 20
PERC ELVEN PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Take a break. I’ll
go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 20 PERC NIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You have a sword. Hack your way
through the thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let Aeran go.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>He
nods and lets you go. As he takes off down the path, you draw your
sword and angle the blade towards your feet. The gleam doesn’t offer
much light, but it’s enough to ensure you don’t trip over your own feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull your arm away from his grasp. Aeran murmurs something
unintelligible under his breath and takes off down the path. You follow,
drawing your sword and angling the blade towards your feet. The gleam
doesn’t offer much light, but it’s enough to ensure you don’t trip over
your own feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
LEADS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Wait,”
you hiss. Even though the darkness makes it unnecessary, you close your
eyes. The woods come alive around you, humming with the sounds of a
hundred animals. Small rodents pattering through the underbrush, snakes
coiling their long bodies around branches, birds chirping and hooting
high in the trees. Insects buzz and whir in the humid air, drawn out by
the encroaching night. The slightest breeze flows through the thicket,
rustling the leaves. And behind it…
You hear rippling water. Water that will lead you further into the
Grove.
You open your eyes.
“This way,” you say, crossing in front of Aeran and heading to your
right. You follow the thicket and reach a steep incline. Not wanting to
trip and fall on your own sword, you sheathe your blade and carefully
descend the slope.
Roots burst out of the mud and snake their way across your path. You
climb over them and press your hands into the muddy wood to keep
yourself balanced. Prickly bushes claw at your feet, their thorns
digging into your boots. You pull a foot free and slide down the rest of
the incline, stumbling out onto the edge of a channel.
The muddy water cuts through the woods, reflecting a rising moon and a
scattering of stars above. With the onset of night, the storm has
finally cleared.
You glance over your shoulder at Aeran and flash him a grin. “See?” you
say.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He chuckles.<<else>>He
grunts, unimpressed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
exhale a long breath, grounding yourself. No need to let panic or
frustration cloud your judgement.
“Going on ahead,” you call to Aeran and step off the path. You follow
the thicket for a little while, carefully stepping over clusters of
roots and pushing through hanging branches as you search for a clear
path through.
After several minutes, you find yourself on an incline. Pushing a branch
out of the way, you peer through the trees and spot a dark, flat swath
at the bottom. It must be a channel. And if there’s a channel, it likely
leads to the heart of the Grove.
“This way!” you call and head down the incline.
Roots burst out of the mud and snake their way across your path. You
climb over them and press your hands into the muddy wood to keep
yourself balanced. Prickly bushes claw at your feet, their thorns
digging into your boots. You pull a foot free and slide down the rest of
the incline, stumbling out onto the edge of the channel.
The muddy water cuts through the woods, reflecting a rising moon and a
scattering of stars above. With the onset of night, the storm has
finally cleared.
You glance over your shoulder at Aeran and flash him a grin. “See?” you
say as he climbs down next to you.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He chuckles.<<else>>He
grunts, unimpressed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
exhale a long breath, grounding yourself. No need to let panic or
frustration cloud your judgement.
“Going on ahead,” you call to Aeran and step off the path. You follow
the thicket for a little while, carefully stepping over clusters of
roots and pushing through hanging branches as you search for a clear
path through.
After several minutes, you find nothing. Cursing to yourself, you return
to where you started. Aeran waits expectantly for your report.
“Nothing that way,” you say.
He raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Yeah,” you grunt. “I’m
sure.”<<else>>“Of course I’m sure,” you
snap.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You have a sword. Hack your way through the
thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Ignoring
Aeran, you turn to the thicket, draw your arm back and slash at the
thicket. Your blade slices through cleanly and a clump of gnarled
branches fall to the ground. You push through the gap to find more
overgrowth blocking your way.
Cursing under your breath and wiping sweat from your brow, you get to
work.
After a few minutes of desperate hacking, you’ve progressed a little
further into the thicket. <<if $strength <=7>>You pause
and drop your arms to your sides, pain and exhaustion flaring through
your shoulders and upper back. You aren’t exactly equipped for this kind
of labour, but you have no choice but to keep going.<<elseif
$strength >=8>>You pause and drop your arms to your sides,
exhaustion pulling at your muscles. It’s hard work, but you have no
choice but to keep going.<</if>>
You raise your sword.
“I don’t think that’s the way,” Aeran calls behind you.
You grit your teeth. “Don’t care,” you hiss, hacking away at another
tree limb. It falls to the ground and you push your way through the gap,
heading further into the thicket.
“$firstname—”
Your feet slide out from under you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG RAVINE
INJURED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=39>>“Fine,” you grunt. “Go ahead.”
He shoulders by you roughly and without comment. You wait while he
investigates the thicket and surrounding area, trying to ignore the
sticky air and the suffocating darkness.
Insects buzz in your ears. You swat at them, but they always find their
way back to you. Maybe coming to the Grove was a bad idea. At this
point, you’d almost rather deal with the Count’s punishment than stay
another minute in this suffocating woods.
Almost.<<else>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG 10
PERCEPTION FAIL 2") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG 10 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>>“See what you can find,” you say, wiping sweat from your
brow. “I’m done.”<<else>>“See what you can find,” you say.
He passes you and disappears into the darkness. You wait, the sticky air
clinging to your neck and back. Insects buzz in your ears. You swat at
them, but they always find their way back to you. Maybe coming to the
Grove was a bad idea. At this point, you’d almost rather deal with the
Count’s punishment than stay another minute in this suffocating woods.
Almost.<</if>><</if>>
Aeran emerges from a nearby tree. “This way,” he says, clambering over a
knot of roots. “There’s a channel at the bottom of the slope. If we
follow it, it should get us around the thicket.”
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>You grunt noncommittally and follow
him.<<else>>You nod and follow him, relieved to be moving
again.<</if>>
Roots burst out of the mud and snake their way across your path. You
climb over them and press your hands into the muddy wood to keep
yourself balanced. Prickly bushes claw at your feet, their thorns
digging into your boots. You pull a foot free and slide down the rest of
the incline, stumbling out onto the edge of the channel.
The muddy water cuts through the woods, reflecting a rising moon and a
scattering of stars above. With the onset of night, the storm has
finally cleared.
Aeran flashes you a grin. “See?” he says. “This isn’t so bad.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
exhale a long breath, grounding yourself. No need to let panic or
frustration cloud your judgement.
“Going on ahead,” you call to Aeran and step off the path. You follow
the thicket for a little while, carefully stepping over clusters of
roots and pushing through hanging branches as you search for a clear
path through.
You can’t see a damn thing. Your blade does little to cut through the
darkness and the longer you stand here, the more it feels like the
Grove’s vegetation is about to consume you.
Cursing to yourself, you stumble back to where you started.
“Nothing that way,” you say.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He doesn’t say anything and you’re
grateful for it. You know you must be making a bumbling fool of yourself
stumbling around in the dark like this, but at least he has the decency
not to comment on it.<<elseif $aeranapp <=39>>He doesn’t
say anything, but you can almost feel the irritation radiating off of
him, as if he’s silently saying <i>“Of course there’s nothing
there. You’re an idiot for looking.”</i><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You have a sword. Hack your way through the
thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You pick your way along the
shore, pushing through reeds and muck as you head deeper into the Grove.
With the moon shining bright above, the channel stretches out ahead of
you, its surface black and rippling in the dark. Insects hum in your
ears, buzzing unwantedly around your head.
The further you go, the wider the channel becomes and soon you’re wading
through knee-deep water. The murky bottom sticks to your waterlogged
boots, nearly pulling them off with every step. You struggle through the
reeds, swatting at bugs as they land on the back of your neck and
prickle your skin.
You and Aeran travel in silence, too tired to speak to one another.
Following the shoreline is more difficult than you expected. Keep too
far to the left and you’ll be batting branches out of the way and
scraping through overgrowth. Step too far to the right and you’ll be
submerged in the muddy waters.
<<if $height is "short" or $height is "very short">>The
channel drops off faster than expected and you don’t have the advantage
of Aeran’s height. If you’re not careful, you’ll go for an unexpected
swim.<<elseif $height is "tall" or $height is "very
tall">>The channel drops off faster than expected. Though your
height plays to your advantage, you’d rather not find out how deep it
gets until absolutely necessary.<<else>>The channel drops
off faster than expected. You’d rather not find out how deep it gets
until absolutely necessary.<</if>>
Ahead of you, Aeran sloshes unexpectedly to a stop. <<if $ancestry
is "elven">>You stop a few spaces behind him. You can feel the
disturbed sediment swirling around your boots and drifting to the
bottom.<<else>>Distracted by your trek and unable to make
out much in the moonlight, you bump into him and stumble back a few
paces. The disturbed sediment swirls around your boots, drifting to the
bottom.<</if>>
“What—<i>ugh!”</i> A sharp pain bites into your neck. You
slap your hand against your skin, squashing the bug that bit you. You
wipe your palm on your trousers. “What is it?”
“Lights through the trees,” he murmurs. “We’re here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You splash through the water and draw up next to him.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>The channel curves inward,
flowing through a dense tangle of trees and overgrowth. But the trees
thin out the further up they go and as you tilt your head back, you spot
the unmistakable glow of firelight in the distance.
Unfortunately, you can’t see a way through the
trees.<<else>>There’s nothing but darkness ahead: a dark
channel that disappears into a void that you assume is another tangle of
trees and overgrowth.
“What lights?” you grunt, exasperated.
Aeran points upwards. Peering through the tops of the trees, you spot
the unmistakable glow of firelight dancing in the
distance.<</if>>
“Great,” you mutter sourly and wave a hand around your face. You’ve
attracted another bug and you won’t give it the opportunity to bite you.
“That doesn’t help us get from here to there.”
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>“Complaining about it doesn’t
fucking help either,” Aeran snaps.
You grunt, too exhausted to fight. The trek into the Grove is trying
your patience with him.<<else>>“We’ll think of something,”
Aeran says, though he seems unconvinced of his own reassurance.
Exhaustion from the day is getting to him as much as it’s getting to
you.<</if>>
You fall silent and try to ignore the sticky sweat clinging
uncomfortably to your skin.
“How do you want to handle this?” Aeran asks after a moment. “After we
get through, I mean. I can’t imagine the Grove will be happy if we start
trespassing and demanding they hand over the chalice… if they even have
it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You grimace. You probably should have discussed a plan earlier,
but you were too preoccupied with forcing your way through the trees
and muck. Your fatigue from the day is getting the better of you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You don’t know what to expect from the
Grove. Keep to the shadows, do some reconnaissance and don’t reveal
yourself until the time is right.|CHAPTER 1 FG 30 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You can handle the Grove. Get in,
get out, done.|CHAPTER 1 FG 30 B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You spin wildly to
the side, desperately reaching for something to steady yourself.
<<if $agility >=8>>You grab a branch, but it snaps
moments later. You stumble forwards and tumble down an unseen
incline.<<else>>You miss and stumble forwards, tumbling down
a hidden incline.<</if>>
The world becomes a dark blur of roots and vines and mud. A branch
lashes you in the face and you drop your sword. You land in a heap at
the bottom of the slope, crashing into a foot of murky swamp.
You hear someone call your name, but you can barely make out their
voice. Pain flares through your body and you collapse back into the
reeds and muck. Glimmering lights dance across your vision, growing
larger and larger as the minutes pass.
The light washes over you and the glowing brilliance feels like a
hundred knives stabbing into your eyes. You blink, squinting, and feel
tears run down your cheeks. Someone grabs your arm and pulls you
forcefully out of the muck. Your body resists and you fall, splashing
back into the reeds.
You’re dazed. You can’t think. None of this makes sense.
The light hurts.
You close your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PREMAREA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“…Marea! The cup!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Bring us the cup, Marea!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Marea!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG CAPTURED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>><<notify
3000>>Sword Lost<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>>The ground feels
like it’s about to fall out from under you. Something hard is pressing
into your back. You can feel the familiar coarseness of rope binding
your hands together. Your skin itches. Your wrists are scratched raw.
You groan, your head lolling back, eyes squeezed shut. You can see the
faint glow of light through your eyelids.
“Hey,” Aeran murmurs.
“Hey,” you reply, blinking dazedly. Your face scrunches up as torchlight
stabs your sensitive eyes. “How long was I out?”
“Not long,” he whispers. “Maybe ten minutes.”
You slowly sit up. Your head is pounding. “…where are we?”
“The Grove,” he says, his voice low. “$nickname, we’re so fucked.”
You open your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
48]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>He
glances at you. “I’ll wait here.”
Leaving Aeran on the path, you follow the edge of the thicket. You climb
carefully over clusters of roots and push your way through hanging
branches. After several minutes of searching, you find nothing. Cursing
to yourself, you return to where you started. Aeran waits expectantly
for your report.
“Nothing that way,” you say.
He raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Yeah,” you grunt. “I’m
sure.”<<else>>“Of course I’m sure,” you
snap.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[3. You have a sword. Hack your way through the
thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionInef>>He
glances at you. “I… don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I can see fine,” you snap. You raise your sword and tilt its blade
towards the ground, using its dull gleam to illuminate the muddy,
overgrown terrain. Leaving Aeran on the path, you follow the edge of the
thicket. Your blade does little to cut through the darkness and the
longer you’re out here, the more it feels like the Grove’s vegetation is
about to consume you.
Unable to find a clear path, you stumble back to where you started,
cursing under your breath.
“Nothing that way,” you say.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He doesn’t say anything, but you can
almost feel the irritation radiating off of him, as if he’s silently
saying, <i>Of course there’s nothing there. You’re an idiot for
looking.</i><<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>He doesn’t say
anything and you’re grateful for it. You know you must be making a
bumbling fool of yourself stumbling around in the dark like this, but at
least he has the decency not to comment on it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You have a sword. Hack your way through the
thicket.|CHAPTER 1 FG 10 HACK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran scout.|CHAPTER 1 FG AERAN
SCOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
glances at you. “Okay,” he says. “I’ll wait here.”
Leaving Aeran on the path, you follow the edge of the thicket. You climb
carefully over clusters of roots and push your way through hanging
branches. After several minutes, you find yourself on an incline.
Shoving a branch out of the way, you peer through the trees and spot a
dark, flat swath at the bottom. It must be a channel. And if there’s a
channel, it likely leads to the heart of the Grove.
“This way!” you call and head down the incline.
Roots burst out of the mud and snake their way across your path. You
climb over them and press your hands into the muddy wood to keep
yourself balanced. Prickly bushes claw at your feet, their thorns
digging into your boots. You pull a foot free and slide down the rest of
the incline, stumbling out onto the edge of the channel.
The muddy water cuts through the woods, reflecting a rising moon and a
scattering of stars above. With the onset of night, the storm has
finally cleared.
You glance over your shoulder at Aeran and flash him a grin. “See?” you
say as he climbs down next to you.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He chuckles.<<else>>He
grunts, unimpressed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
WATER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Then
we do this quietly,” you say. “Stay low until we can assess what’s
going on, then take it from there.”
Aeran nods. “Good idea. If the chalice is here, chances are they won’t
keep it out in the open.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’ll find it.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 31
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It will be there.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 31
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We’re
wasting time,” you mutter and head for the shore.
You wade out of the channel, pushing your way through the reeds that
cluster along the water’s edge. Insects buzz around your head, but you
ignore them. When you reach the thicket, you draw your sword and step
towards the trees.
“$firstname, wait,” Aeran calls. “Here.”
He crouches down, pointing at a small gap in the trees. You catch the
flash of a grin in the moonlight and then he disappears into the
thicket. Sheathing your sword, you crouch down and push your way through
the thicket.
The branches scrape at your cheeks and hands. The path narrows even
further into a tunnel created from logs and mud. Aeran kneels down and
shimmies through, disappearing ahead of you. Cursing to yourself, you
follow and drag yourself through the muck.
After several minutes of slipping through mud, you emerge out of the
tunnel. The thicket opens up, revealing cut back trees and undergrowth.
Aeran grabs you and together you scramble into the trees and crouch
down. Keeping low, you look into the heart of Flotsam Grove.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG ENTER THICKET
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
glances at you, the ghost of a smile on his lips. “I hope so,
$nickname,” he says quietly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
32]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “Thanks for the determination, $firstname,” he says. “I could
use some of that right now.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
32]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wade forwards and approach the wall of trees. From what you’ve seen,
the Grove’s residents usually use boats to get in and out. You wouldn’t
be surprised if the entire area is blocked by overgrowth, like a natural
wall to protect them from outsiders.
Cutting your way through the thicket and bursting out into the Grove
will draw attention, even in the dark. Forcing your way through isn’t
ideal, but there is no other way to reach those lights.
Unless…
Water surges around your legs, flowing into the thicket. If you had to
guess, this channel must connect to Deadfall Marsh, in the heart of the
Grove…
An idea sparks in your mind. You might not have a boat, but that doesn’t
make the water inaccessible. An easy way around the trees that would
keep you hidden until the right time… <<if $ancestry neq
"melusine">>The drawback? You don’t know what’s in the water. You
could drown if you’re not careful.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Swim into the Grove.|CHAPTER 1 FG
SWIM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Force your way through the
trees.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
hollow spreads out before you. A lake lies at its centre, its dark
waters splitting off into many smaller channels that flow out into the
wetlands. Tangled trees cluster around the shore, growing at odd angles.
Small, run-down huts cling to the shoreline, precariously balanced on
stilts to keep them from sinking into the marsh. Boards propped on posts
create a makeshift network of walkways across the water and around the
Grove. There are no railings and many of the boards are rotting and
falling apart. Lamps and candles gleam in the windows, giving off the
warm, flickering glow of non-magical light.
The hollow is overshadowed by a trio of ancient ruins that rise out of
the lake. The structures are oblong, created by a series of ridged
levels stacked one on top of the other until they smooth out at the top.
At one point the ridges must have been richly carved, but now the
stonework is so weathered the details have been smoothed away. The
entryways into the lower levels are submerged, but you can still make
out the remains of the intricate masonry that marks them.
To your surprise, the ruins are completely devoid of magic. Any
protective barriers must have worn away long ago. You can only guess as
to how old these structures are.
The upper levels of the ruins are connected by rough bridges strung
together with wood and twine. Flaming torches rest in the corners,
casting a reddish light on the waters below. These must be the lights
you saw through the thicket. A floating platform rests in between the
two nearest structures, anchored to an upper level entryway by a
makeshift ladder. Two torches light the entryway, flickering in the
breeze.
You wonder who lives in there. Samwell Every’s murderer? The new ruler
of Flotsam Grove?
You exchange looks with Aeran. He looks as confused as you are.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
30]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>><<notify
3000>>Lost Sword<br><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<if $luthaiscloak is
true>>Confident in your decision, you unbuckle your sword and toss
it at Aeran.
He catches it. “What are you doing?” he demands, staring at you like
you’re out of your mind.
“I’ll check things out. You stay here.”
“Splitting up isn’t a good idea.”<<else>><<set $cloak
to false>>Confident in your decision, you pull your cloak free and
toss it unceremoniously at the shore. It lands on a tree and dangles
precariously from the branches, hanging inches from the water’s surface.
“What are you doing?” Aeran asks, turning on you.
You unbuckle your sword. “I’ll check things out,” you say and toss it to
him.
He catches it and holds it uncertainly in the air, staring at you like
you’re out of your mind. “Splitting up isn’t a good
idea.”<</if>>
You shrug, briefly wondering whether you should remove your boots as
well; the extra weight could prove troublesome. Deciding that they’re
wet enough already and you’ll probably be fine, you wade into the
channel.
“It’s the best I’ve got,” you say, splashing him by accident as you
pass. The riverbed falls away and you sink up to your mid-chest. The
water is dank and bits of slimy reeds and algae brush your hands and
arms as they flow down the channel, pulled by the current.
You push off the soft bottom and float to the centre of the channel.
Water laps around you and gets into your mouth. You spit. Your mouth
tastes like swamp.
Treading water, you turn around and find Aeran on the shore. “Do you
trust me?” you call.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He answers without hesitation.
“Yes.”
“Good,” you say, grinning. “Look after my sword. I’ll be back in a
moment.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=40 && $aeranapp
<=59>>He pauses. “Yes,” he says after a moment.
You try not think too much into his hesitation. “Look after my sword,”
you say. “I’ll be back.”<<else>>He doesn’t answer. Grimacing
at his silence, you cut through the water and head towards the thicket.
If Aeran doesn’t trust you to do simple reconnaissance, however
unorthodox, then you’ll simply have to prove him
wrong.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
40]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You grimace. Trying to find a
route through the water is a terrible idea. <<if $ancestry is
"melusine" or $origin is "merchant">>Even though you have an
affinity for water and are a strong swimmer, splitting from Aeran now
would be a bad move.<<else>>You’re a decent swimmer, but
splitting from Aeran now is a bad idea.<</if>> You don’t
know anything about the Grove. If you’re going to successfully retrieve
the chalice, you’re going to have to stick together.
“Something funny?” Aeran asks.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Something like that,” you reply,
grinning. “Let’s go.”<<else>>“No,” you grunt. “Let’s
go.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You wade out of the channel, pushing your way through the reeds
that cluster along the water’s edge. Insects buzz around your head, but
you ignore them. When you reach the thicket, you draw your sword and
step towards the trees.
“$firstname, wait,” Aeran calls. “Here.”
He crouches down, pointing at a small gap in the trees. You catch the
flash of a grin in the moonlight and then he disappears into the
thicket. Sheathing your sword, you crouch down and push your way through
the thicket.
The branches scrape at your cheeks and hands. The path narrows even
further into a tunnel created from logs and mud. Aeran kneels down and
shimmies through, disappearing ahead of you. Cursing to yourself, you
follow and drag yourself through the muck.
After several minutes of slipping through mud, you emerge out of the
tunnel. The thicket opens up, revealing cut back trees and undergrowth.
Aeran grabs you and together you scramble into the trees and crouch
down. Keeping low, you look into the heart of Flotsam Grove.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG ENTER THICKET
TOGETHER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
follow the pull of the water and head towards the thicket. Water swirls
around you, tugging at your clothes. Though the weight drags you down,
you keep yourself afloat.
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>You’ve always been a strong
swimmer, as at home in the water as you are on land. Your melusine
heritage sees to that.<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>Like
all Coveran citizens, you’ve always been a strong swimmer. You don’t
grow up on the seas without becoming as at home in the water as you are
on land.<<elseif $agility <=7>>You consider yourself a
decent swimmer. $master saw it as an essential skill. After all, you
never know what kind of terrain you will encounter in your line of
work.<<else>>You consider yourself a strong swimmer. $master
saw it as an essential skill. After all, you never know what kind of
terrain you will encounter in your line of work.<</if>>
The channel leads you deep into the thicket. Thick branches arc
overhead, their leaves dangling mere inches above the surface. Fallen
trees cling to the shoreline, their trunks jutting into the water like
knives. Your legs brush ancient logs that tumbled to the depths of the
channel long ago. Weeds tangle themselves around your legs and arms, and
your skin shivers as something slimy brushes your hand and swims away.
A spindly, spikey stick jabs into your shoulder. You pause, treading
water as you push yourself away. A tight jumble of branches, sticks and
logs stretches across the channel, blocking your way. You reach out and
grip the nearest branch, pulling on it with all your might.
It doesn’t move.
You let go and push away from the nest. Water laps around you, smacking
you in the face. You spit out a mouthful, grimacing at the foul taste,
and try to think. No doubt this barrier was placed here—either by the
greendrifts or Samwell Every himself—to keep out unwanted visitors. But
the channel leads all the way to Deadwood and beyond; if their boats
pass through here, then there must be a way to move it or to portage
around it. And the barrier hasn’t created a dam, so the water flows
through unimpeded…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>[[1. [MELUSINE] Swim down. There must be a
way through below the surface.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Swim down. There must be a way through below
the surface.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[AGILITY] Swim down. There must be a way through below the
surface.|CHAPTER 1 41 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Swim back to Aeran. If you’re forced
to trek through the thicket, you should do it with him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41
RETURN]]</div><<else>><<if $ancestry is
"melusine">><div class="choice-item">[[1. [MELUSINE] Swim
down. There must be a way through below the surface.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $agility
>= 18>>[[1. Swim down. There must be a way through below the
surface.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Swim
down. There must be a way through below the surface.|CHAPTER 1 41
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Swim back to Aeran. If you’re forced
to trek through the thicket, you should do it with him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41
RETURN]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
$ancestry neq
"melusine">><<agilityPass>><</if>>You take
a deep breath and sink below the surface.
The water is thick and murky, leaving you blind. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>Even your keen eyesight, adapted for the dark, can’t see
through the muck.<</if>> Squeezing your eyes shut to
prevent discomfort, you push towards the riverbed and reach out
tentatively with a hand.
Your fingers scrape against the tangled branches. The wood is soft and
slimy, algae and weeds clinging to the edges. Grimacing at the
unpleasant sensation, you press forwards, feeling for a gap or a break,
something wide enough for you to slip through.
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>You push against the
wood.<<else>>You ignore your protesting lungs and push
against the wood.<</if>> After several attempts, something
breaks, sending a strange, hollow echo through the water. Your heart
leaps and you hold back a grin, pushing yourself through the gap. A
branch catches on your tunic, but you pull yourself free and launch
yourself towards the surface.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWIM
SUCCESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
take a deep breath and sink below the surface.
The water is thick and murky, leaving you blind. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>Even your keen eyesight, adapted for the dark, can’t see
through the muck.<</if>> Squeezing your eyes shut to
prevent discomfort, you push towards the riverbed and reach out
tentatively with a hand.
Your fingers scrape against the tangled branches. The wood is soft and
slimy, algae and weeds clinging to the edges. Grimacing at the
unpleasant sensation, you press forwards, feeling for a gap or a break,
something wide enough for you to slip through.
You ignore your protesting lungs and push against the wood, but the
barrier holds. Cursing silently, you run your fingers along the barrier,
searching for a weak point you can pull apart, a gap where you can slip
through, but you find nothing.
You push forcefully off the bottom and surface, gasping in deep breaths
of air.
“Fuck you,” you pant at the tangled nest of branches and dive back down.
The second trip proves to be as unfruitful as the first. With
frustration simmering deep inside you, you give up and swim back to
shore.
Aeran won’t let you live this one down.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 42 SWIM
BACK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fuck
you,” you pant at the tangled nest of branches.
Frustration simmers deep within you, but you know you need to turn back.
Aeran may not let you live this one down, but it’s better than drowning
yourself trying to find a way through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 42 SWIM
BACK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
break through the water and suck in air. Blinking water out of your
eyes, you run a hand across your face and clear your vision. You are
breathing heavily from your swim. You tread water, your head bobbing
above the surface, as you look around and take in your surroundings.
You are in a wide lake surrounded by dense trees, thickets and
overgrowth. The dark waters are still and quietly lap at the shoreline,
which is dotted with flickering torchlight. In the dim light, you can
make out a line of small, run-down huts and cabins that cling to the
shore. They are built precariously on top of stilts to keep them from
sinking into the water. More posts dot the water, propping up a
makeshift network of walkways that spread across the lake. There are no
railings and many of the boards are rotting and falling apart.
The walkways all point to a single central platform that floats in the
middle of a ruin.
The ruin is ancient. A trio of stone structures jut sharply out of the
water. They are oblong in shape, created by a series of ridged levels
stacked one on top of the other until they smooth out at the top. At one
point, the ridges must have been richly carved, but time has worn the
details away. The entryways to the lower levels are submerged, but you
can still make out the remains of the intricate masonry that marks them.
To your surprise, the ruins are completely devoid of magic. Any
protective barriers must have worn away long ago. You can only guess as
to how old these structures are.
The upper levels are connected by rough bridges strung together with
wood and twine. Flaming torches rest in the corners, casting a reddish
light on the waters below. These must be the lights you saw through the
thicket. A floating platform rests in between the two nearest
structures, anchored to an upper level entryway by a makeshift ladder.
Two torches light the entryway, flickering in the breeze.
You wonder who lives in there. The ruler of Flotsam Grove?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
47]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The moon reflects sharply off
the surface as you glide through the black waters. You emerge from the
thicket and swim towards the shoreline, looking for Aeran. You don’t see
him, but anyone standing on the shore would blend into the trees in
this dark.
As you draw closer, you begin to wonder whether you misjudged the
distance. Your feet find the murky bottom and you stand up, pushing your
way through the reeds as you wade out of the channel.
<<if $luthaiscloak is true>>This looks like the same area
you left. So where is Aeran…?
He’s impatient, but it’s not like him to move on without telling you
exactly what he’s doing. He likes to have a
plan.<<else>><<set $cloak to true>>You spot your
cloak hanging on a nearby tree branch. So where is Aeran…?
You collect your cloak and sling it around your shoulders. Did he go on
without you? He’s impatient, but it’s not like him to move on without
telling you exactly what he’s doing. He likes to have a
plan.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
shiver runs down your spine. Something’s not right.
You quickly search the area. The reeds near the channel are unnaturally
flattened, as if some kind of scuffle took place here. You follow the
flattened reeds in a narrow line towards the thicket. Branches are
pulled apart and a low, narrow gap leads through the dense overgrowth.
You suspect that Aeran didn’t leave on his own. Or willingly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Cursing to yourself, you crouch down and push your way through
the thicket. The branches scrape at your cheeks and hands. The path
narrows even further into a tunnel created from logs and mud. You kneel
down to shimmy through, dragging yourself through the muck.
After several minutes of slipping through mud, you emerge out of the
tunnel. The thicket opens up, revealing cut back trees and undergrowth.
You scramble into the trees and crouch down, keeping low as you look
into the heart of Flotsam Grove.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG ENTER THICKET
ALONE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>A
hollow spreads out before you. A lake lies at its centre, dark waters
splitting off into many smaller channels that flow out into the
wetlands. Tangled trees cluster around the shore, growing at odd angles.
Small, run-down huts cling to the shoreline, precariously balanced on
stilts to keep them from sinking into the marsh. Boards propped on posts
create a makeshift network of walkways across the water and around the
Grove. There are no railings and many of the boards are rotting or
falling apart. Lamps and candles gleam in the windows, giving off the
warm, flickering glow of non-magical light.
A crowd has gathered on the walkways, the Grove’s residents pushing and
jostling as they watch a central platform floating between a trio of
ancient ruins. The ruins rise out of the water, overshadowing the lake
and everything around it. The structures are oblong in shape, composed
of a series of ridged levels stacked one on top of the other until they
smooth out at the top. The ridges must have been richly carved at one
point, but now the stonework is so worn all detail has been smoothed
away.
The entryways into the lower levels are submerged, but you can still
make out the remains of the intricate masonry that marks them. To your
surprise, the ruins are completely devoid of magic. Any protective
barriers must have worn away long ago. You can only guess as to how old
these structures are.
The upper levels are connected by rough bridges strung together with
wood and twine. Flaming torches rest in the corners, casting a reddish
light on the waters and illuminating the platform below.
You purse your lips, eyes narrowing as you watch the crowd. They are
gathered in a semi-circle, looking towards something or someone lying
near the edge of the platform. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>Their voices echo disharmoniously across the water.
Despite your enhanced hearing, you can’t make any sense of the jumbled
words.<<else>>Their voices echo disharmoniously across the
water; you can’t make any sense of the jumbled words.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
41]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You look away, shifting your
weight as you alleviate the cramp growing in your calf. Aeran taps your
shoulder urgently and you follow his pointing finger. A group of
children have emerged out of a dilapidated cabin. They drop over the
edge and land on the walkway below, running quickly along it to the
central, floating platform. They gather in a huddle, arguing fiercely.
The leader—you assume they are the leader, judging from the way the rest
of the group turns to him—is a gangly, dark-haired elven kid who stands
a few inches taller than the rest. He steps back, waving his arms as he
gestures emphatically.
You blink. There’s something familiar about the kid…
Aeran grabs your arm. “Where are you going?” he hisses.
“I need a closer look,” you whisper and wrench your arm free. Crouching
low, you skirt the edge of the thicket and slide quietly down the slope
towards the water. You skid to a stop half-way down, bracing yourself
against a fallen log. From here, you have a better view of the platform
and the children.
“Marea said to stay here—”
The leader throws his hands in the air. “I don’t care what she says,
Tarff!” He turns, illuminated briefly in the flickering torchlight, and
your suspicions click into place.
Black hair. Golden eyes. Mottled bruises spread across the face and
arms.
<<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais.<<else>>The kid from the town
square.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Shit.”
Aeran slides carefully down beside you. “What is it?” he asks, his voice
low.
“It’s the kid from this morning,” you mutter.
<<if $luthaisstole is true or $luthaisstole is false>>He
raises an eyebrow. “The one who mugged you?”
“He didn’t mug me, he—” You break off, shaking your head. “Never
mind.”<<else>>He looks at you blankly. “What kid?”
You shrug. You can’t remember whether you told him or not, and you’d
rather not get into it now. “I ran into him in the town square,” you
say. “Never mind how.”<</if>>
“What’s so important about this kid?” Aeran asks.
<<if $luthaisfriend is true>>You swallow hard. “I felt bad
for him, all right?” you mutter. “And I don’t want him to be involved in
all… this.”<<else>>You shrug. “He’s an annoying little
brat,” you mutter.<</if>><<else>>“Shit.”
Aeran slides carefully down beside you. “What is it?” he asks, his voice
low.
“It’s the kid from this morning,” you mutter. “Never mind, it’s not
important.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You turn away, eyes glued to the platform.
“Luthais,” a young dwarven boy says, “I don’t think—”
“She should give it to us,” Luthais snaps, pacing back and forth, hands
waving with pent-up energy. “Everyone else gets it!”
A girl with thin, patchy hair pushes her way towards him. “Marea says
it’s dangerous for—”
<i>“Ugh.”</i> He groans, placing his hands on either side of
his head. “Shut up, shut up, shut up—”
The children continue to squabble, their voices echoing across the
water. There is no sign of the Grove’s other residents, though someone
must have lit all those torches and lamps. Is everyone inside their
cabins or have they gone somewhere else?
You shiver. It’s hard to tell whether it’s from anticipation or the
sweat trickling down your spine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Torchlight bursts across the far side of the lake. The children
fall silent and scramble back to the edge of the platform, clustering
together in a clump. A half-dozen boats emerge out of the darkness,
cutting silently through the water, each guided by a single torch
strapped to the bow.
The girl with the patchy hair takes off down the walkway, her feet
pattering loudly on the boards. “They’re back!” she yells, charging
towards the huts. “Atral is back!”
Cabin doors slide open and people slowly emerge from their homes,
flooding out onto the boardwalk to observe the platform below. Some
excitedly rush down the walkways to have a closer look while others hang
back, shaking their heads with disapproving looks. Others still take
one look at the returning boats and disappear back into their huts.
The boats reach the platform and a handful of greendrifts clamber out.
Their clothing is ragged and torn, and their arms and faces are caked
with mud. Some are bloodied, though it is impossible to know whether it
is their blood or someone else’s. They pay the children little attention
as they collapse on the platform, haggard and exhausted.
Two of the bulkier men pause at the edge, then reach down into the
nearest boat. Heaving with effort, they pull a wounded man out of the
boat and gently place him in the centre of the platform, propping him
up. Ribbons of dark blood stain his cheeks. A dark shadow appears where
his left eye should be, a mess of blood and torn flesh. He stares
dazedly at his surroundings, his head lolling back and forth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Aeran nudges you. He nods at the slope, indicating that you
should return to the thicket where the shadows will protect you from
view. You shake your head. The greendrifts’ focus is on the platform; no
one is looking in your direction. If you go now, your movement may
catch their attention.
The gathering crowd murmurs, some in excitement, some in anticipation.
They turn towards the nearest ruin, watching the entryway framed by
torches.
“Marea!” a man on the platform bellows. “Bring us the cup!”
The torchlight flickers, but there is no answer. Aeran grips your
shoulder. Tension and excitement radiates off him. You feel it, too—your
heart is beating rapidly in your chest. Cup is a good word to hear. A
very good word.
“Marea!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>Slowly, a shadow emerges from the entryway and the crowd falls
silent. An elven woman dressed in dark, patched clothing quietly makes
her way out of the ruin. She climbs down the ladder, touching bare feet
to the rough wood of the platform without complaint. <<if $height
is "very short">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little taller
than you, but not by much.<<elseif $height is "short">>She’s
small and slender, around the same height as you.<<elseif $height
is "average">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little shorter
than you.<<else>>She’s small and slender; you have no doubt
you would tower over her if you stood next to her.<</if>>
Her straight black hair is cropped at her chin and she wears it tucked
neatly behind her ears. She raises her chin, observing the platform with
piercing golden eyes.
She walks silently towards the wounded man on the platform and kneels
beside the injured man. The crowd holds its breath. People near the
cabins press against the edge of the walkway, nearly falling off as they
jostle for a better view. The children sit on the platform, some on
their hands and knees as they stare at the injured man. Luthais folds
his arms and looks away.
A cloud passes above and the moon breaks through, illuminating Marea and
the injured man in bright, silvery light. Slowly and without ceremony,
she withdraws a cup and sets it on the platform. It is a small, simple
goblet. Its base is about as wide as the span of her palm, and its
coppery sheen shines dark in the moonlight.
Marea withdraws a handful of leaves from a pouch at her waist. With
great care, she drops them into the cup and passes a hand over the
surface. A moment later, the cup fizzes and a bright liquid bursts
forth, bubbling over the sides like water boiling in a pot. She raises
the cup, gently tilts the wounded man’s head back, and pours the cup’s
contents down his throat.
Silence settles over the lake, the crowd waiting with bated breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>>The man’s wounds heal.
There is no burst of light, no sheen, no glimmer, none of the usual
marks of magic. His skin knits together, his eye reforms, and the blood
fades from his face. The effect is instantaneous. He bolts upright, no
longer dazed, and clasps Marea’s hands with his own. He bows his head,
murmuring his thanks.
Marea smiles and kisses his brow and rises to her feet.
The silence breaks. Some shout her name, chanting it like an
incantation, hands reaching out to her. Others whisper among themselves,
hesitant to show such blind support. Marea tucks the cup into a pouch
at her waist. She walks silently across the platform and onto the
walkway, passing through the crowd with her head raised, a quiet smile
on her lips. Onlookers reach out to her, their hands and fingers
brushing her shoulders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
8>>“Fuck,” Aeran mutters under his breath. “That’s it, isn’t it?”
Your mouth has gone dry. “Yeah,” you murmur. “That’s it.” <<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>There’s no doubt about what you just saw.
Marea has the Chalice of Offering.<<else>>There’s no doubt
about it. The cup contains powerful magic; it must be the
chalice.<</if>>
“Marea!” a woman calls. “Bless you!”
You glance at the walkway. Marea clasps hands with a grey-haired woman,
murmuring words of comfort.
“This isn’t good,” Aeran hisses. “She’s being hailed as some kind of…”
“Saviour?” you prompt.
He grunts. “We have to get it back from her.”
You shift your weight, shaking out a cramp in your leg, and lean your
back against the nearby log. You watch Marea make her way across the
boardwalks, speaking gently to the greendrifts clustering around her.
Back on the platform, Luthais folds his arms, watching Marea’s
procession with a dark look.
You chew the inside of your cheek. If they can use the chalice to heal
their wounded, why has Luthais not been treated? Is there a reason he
cannot drink from the cup? Or will Marea not let him?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
9>>Your thoughts whirl. You could reveal yourself now and threaten
Marea until she releases the chalice. You’d turn the entire Grove
against you, but you and Aeran are armed. If it comes down to a fight,
it’s a fight you can manage.
You could keep watching. Wait for the right time to corner Marea and
force her to give up the chalice without prompting the wrath of the
Grove.
Either way, this isn’t the easy situation you were hoping for.
“$firstname,” Aeran mutters, drawing your attention.
You follow his gaze. Luthais has left the platform and is marching
across the walkways, his posse trailing after him. He leaps over the
edge, falling several feet into the water and sloshes his way to shore.
You and Aeran scramble back up the slope and skid into the thicket.
Luthais continues his march in your direction, complaining loudly to his
friends. Though he is headed in your direction, he hasn’t noticed
you—he is far too distracted by his own anger and frustration.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
10>>“She always does this,” he hisses. “Making a big thing out of
it when it’s really nothing—”
The girl with the patchy hair rolls her eyes, then nods in false
agreement.
“Why is she the only one who gets to use it?” Luthais continues. He
kicks at the slope and dislodges a clump of mud and weeds. “We’re the
ones who found it…”
The children draw close, headed for the tunnel. They will have to pass
by you to access it; there’s no way they won’t see you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Approach Luthais calmly and tell him why
you’re here.|CHAPTEER 1 FG 30 LUTHAIS CALM][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Threaten Luthais. Use him as a
hostage to get to Marea.|CHAPTER 1 FG 30 LUTHAIS THREATEN][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 90),$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You step out the shadows.
“Luthais.”
The boy steps back and throws out an arm to halt the group’s climb. He
looks at you with widened eyes, his mouth slightly agape; he’s caught
somewhere between the shock of seeing you and the need to stay composed
in front of his little band.
“You,” he breathes.
You raise your hands calmly. “All I want to do is talk.”
“Oh, yeah?” the girl sneers, drawing a knife. “Get out, outsider!”
She lurches forwards, holding the blade inexpertly in her hands. Luthais
grabs her around the middle and hauls her back. She shrieks, legs
thrashing in the air.
“Stop it, Vi!” he shouts.
“Fuck off!” she snarls.
He sets her down and she wrenches herself free. She snarls and makes
another attempt to rush you, but two of the youths grab the back of her
tunic. Her arms flail wildly as she tries to drag herself and her
assailants up the slope, but she slips in the mud and drops the
knife—and then they all go crashing down. They lie still, groaning in
the mud.
Sighing, you kneel down and pick up the knife. Vi glares up at you,
green eyes shining malevolently in the dark.
“I’ll give this back when you’re feeling a little less murderous,” you
say.
She spits at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $luthaisfriend is true>>You get to your feet
and turn to Luthais. He looks away, shifting awkwardly from foot to
foot.
“I’m glad Kane didn’t kill you,” he says. He hangs his head, avoiding
your gaze.
“Takes a little more than that to kill me,” you reply. <<if
$health neq "full">>Your shoulder wound aches, your body’s
reminder that the events in Rat Alley didn’t quite turn out for the
best.<</if>> “I’m glad he didn’t hurt you.”
“What… what happened to him?” Luthais asks quietly.
<<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is true or $ladykilledkane is
true>>“He’s dead.” You leave it at that. No child needs to know
the details.
“Good,” Luthais mutters.<<else>>“He’s still alive,” you
reply. “But I think he’s learned a lesson.”
Luthais falls still. He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into
fists. “Right,” he says after a
moment.<</if>><<else>>You get to your feet and
turn to Luthais. He looks away, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot.
“What do you want?” he asks.
“I don’t care about what happened this morning,” you say. “If that’s
what you’re worried about.”
He glances at you. “But Kane—”
<<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is true or $ladykilledkane is
true>>“Kane’s not a problem anymore,” you interrupt. “He’s dead.”
Luthais pauses. “Good,” he mutters savagely.<<else>>“Don’t
worry about him, he’s not a problem,” you interrupt.
Luthais falls still. He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into
fists. “Right…”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He nods, silently indicating for
you to continue taking the lead. Luthais follows your gaze, watching
Aeran carefully. He looks like he’s very close to bolting.
“Luthais,” you say carefully. “This is my friend, Aeran. We’re not here
to cause trouble in the Grove. Can you tell us what’s going on with that
fancy cup? It’s important.”
Vi sits up, caked in mud, and snarls under her breath. “I said this
would happen,” she snarls. “I said someone would come looking for it—”
“Don’t look at me, I wanted to throw it in the marsh!”
“It’s no good to us anyway since Marea took it—”
“Ugh, you’re so fucking stupid! We should have just hidden it!”
<<if $luthaisfriend is true>>“Shut up!” Luthais shouts and
they fall silent. He looks cautiously from you to Aeran, his golden eyes
narrowed. Finally, he turns and heads back down the slope. “You want to
know more?” he grunts. “You need to talk to my
mother.”<<else>>“Enough!” you interrupt.
“You want to know more?” Luthais shouts, taking off down the slope.
“Then you need to talk to my mother.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Led by Luthais and surrounded by his foul-mouthed little band,
you and Aeran are unceremoniously ushered to the network of boardwalks.
The crowd dispersed some time ago, most of the Grove’s residents
returning to their homes for the night. The few that remain outside
watch you with suspicion, but Luthais diverts their attention by waving
at them cheerfully, a lopsided grin plastered on his face as he marches
you towards the floating platform.
“Atral’s gonna hate this,” Vi says darkly. “Walking in here with two
outsiders—”
“Fuck off, Vi,” a dwarven boy puffs from behind you. His short legs have
trouble keeping up with your pace and he breaks into a run every few
paces to catch up. “$HeShe said $heshe would give you back your knife
later.”
“Shut up about the knife, Tarff—”
“You shut up!”
You arrive on the platform. The ruins tower over you, their ghostly
remains shining bright in the moonlight and casting deep shadows over
the marsh. Luthais springs up the ladder and disappears through the
entrance.
“I hope Marea guts you,” Vi hisses as you climb the ladder.
You ignore her and follow Luthais into the ruin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>The inner corridor is roughhewn stone with none of the
intricate details that decorate the outside. Torches flare from brackets
along the walls. Their placement is uneven, leading to dark patches and
corners as the corridor twists its way around the ruin.
Finally, you emerge into a small hollowed-out, circular room. There are
no windows and the walls are unnaturally smooth. Faded red paint clings
to the stone, depicting intricate geometric patterns. Conjured lights
float in a cluster at the top of the concave ceiling, casting brilliant
white light to the edges of the room. The stone floor is covered with a
large worn rug and a miscellaneous collection of frayed blankets and
pillows.
Marea sits calmly in the centre, hands folded in her lap. She looks up
as you enter, her expression impassive as she looks from you to Aeran
without comment.
“Friends of yours, Luthais?” she asks.
His shoulders slump. “Something like that,” he mumbles.
Marea pauses, a strange smile on her lips. There’s something unnerving
about her unblinking stare. “Then you are welcome here,” she says
finally. “It’s unusual for the Grove to enjoy the company of outsiders,
but what mother would I be if I did not trust my son?”
Luthais groans. He fidgets, shifting his weight from one foot to the
other. “Just… talk to them, mum,” he says. “That’s all.”
“I fully intend to.” She tilts her chin, sizing you up. “You’re here for
the cup.”
“Maybe.”
She gestures to the rug in front of her. “Then why don’t you sit,” she
says. “Luthais—leave us. I’ll handle things from here.”
“Mum…”
“Leave us,” she repeats firmly.
Luthais nods and ducks out of the room, his footsteps pattering against
the stone as he runs away through the corridors.
Marea turns to face you. “Now, then,” she says. “You want to talk? Let
us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$luthaisHostage to true>>You step out of the shadows. “Luthais.”
The boy steps back and throws out an arm to halt the group’s climb. He
looks at you with widened eyes, his mouth slightly agape; he’s caught
somewhere between the shock of seeing you and the need to stay composed
in front of his little band.
“You,” he breathes.
You draw your sword. Seizing him by the tunic, you wrench him towards
you and press your blade to his throat.
The girl screams and lurches forwards, holding a dagger inexpertly in
her hands. As she lurches up the slope towards you, her feet slip out
from under her and she falls flat on her face, dropping the knife.
<<if $luthaisfriend is true>>In the silence that follows,
you hear Luthais sniff, holding back tears. He trembles uncontrollably.
“I thought we were…” He trails off.
“Friends?” you supply. “That was before you sold me out to Kane.”
“I didn’t want to, he—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you say witheringly. “I’m not going to hurt you,
Luthais. Take me and my friend here to Marea and we’re not going to have
any problems, understand?”<<else>>In the silence that
follows, you hear Luthais sniff, holding back tears. He trembles
uncontrollably.
“Oh, stop it, kid,” you say witheringly. “I’m not going to hurt you.
Take me and my friend here to Marea and we’re not going to have a
problem.”
He nods. “… all right.”
“Luthais,” the girl starts, spitting out a mouthful of mud. “Don’t—”
“It’s fine, Vi.”
“Atral’s gonna—”
“It’s fine.” His shoulders slump. “I had it coming.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
31]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sit, folding your legs beneath you and resting your hands on your
knees. Despite Marea’s innocuous invitation, you’re not about to drop
your guard. She may want a private conversation, but in your experience
those are the ones that are most likely to go wrong.
Aeran rests quietly beside you, his expression as still as stone.
Your eyes scan the room again, searching for any details that will give
you a better understanding of this woman. The frayed blankets and
pillows are richly embroidered and must have once been brightly
coloured. There is an eclectic mix of pottery scattered about the room;
some pieces, though broken, look like they are quite valuable. Candles
rest in the corner, burned down to stubs. They give off an unfamiliar
scent that is surprisingly pleasant.
<<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>You glance back at Marea
and she meets your eyes with a steady gaze. She is playing a risky game
by talking to you alone and she knows it. Exhausted though you are, you
could easily overpower her at any moment and seize the chalice. She is
gambling on your moral standards, trusting that you are more willing to
sit here and speak with her than you are to take the chalice and
run.<<else>>You spot a familiar scabbard resting among the
blankets, the dark swath of leather harsh against the colourful fabrics.
Beside it lies a gleaming bow and a quiver of arrows. Someone brought
your weapons here.
Marea follows your gaze. “Don’t concern yourself, Wayfarer,” she says.
“I’ll return your weapons soon enough.”
“I could take them now.”
“And stop our conversation before it begins? I don’t think so.”
You clench your teeth. She is playing a risky game by talking to you
alone and she knows it. <<if $health neq
"full">>Injured<<else>>Exhausted<</if>>
though you are, you could easily overpower her at any moment and seize
the chalice. She is gambling on your moral standards, trusting that you
are more willing to sit here and speak with her than you are to take the
chalice and run.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So you lead the Grove.”|CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[2.
“I’m not interested in talking in circles. You want something from
us.”|CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH 2]]<<else>>[[2. “I’m not interested
in talking in circles. You want something from me.”|CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH
2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Show me the chalice
already.”|CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>With Luthais at sword point, you
push past his foul-mouthed little band and leave them in the dirt. You
can feel Aeran’s eyes on you as you head for the walkways, his dark
expression barely visible in the moonlight. He doesn’t stop you, but you
know threatening the kid is crossing a line.
At this point, you’re not sure how many lines you care about.
You clamber up onto the boardwalk and find the paths deserted. The crowd
dispersed some time ago, most of the Grove’s residents returned to
their homes for the night. The few that remain outside spot you as you
walk towards the floating platform. Luthais gestures wildly at them, a
lopsided grin plastered on his face, diverting their attention from the
sword at his back.
You arrive on the platform. The ruins tower over you, their ghostly
remains shining bright in the moonlight and casting deep shadows over
the marsh.
“Up the ladder,” Luthais says.
“You first,” you prompt.
He hangs his head and springs up the ladder, disappearing through the
entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
maze of corridors wait for you within the ruin. They are carved from
roughhewn stone with none of the intricate details that decorate the
outside. Torches flare from brackets along the walls. Their placement is
uneven, leading to dark patches and corners as the corridor twists its
way around the ruin.
Finally, you emerge into a small hollowed-out, circular room. There are
no windows and the walls are unnaturally smooth. Faded red paint clings
to the stone, depicting intricate geometric patterns. Conjured lights
float in a cluster at the top of the concave ceiling, casting brilliant
white light to the edges of the room. The stone floor is covered with a
large worn rug and a miscellaneous collection of frayed blankets and
pillows.
Marea sits calmly in the centre, hands folded in her lap. She looks up
as you enter, her expression impassive as she looks from you to Aeran
without comment.
“Friends of yours, Luthais?” she asks.
“Not quite,” you say and push the boy forwards at sword point.
She pauses, observing the gleaming Alassar steel with caution. “There’s
no need to threaten my son, Wayfarer,” she says coldly. “What do you
want?”
“Answers,” you say.
She raises her chin defiantly. “You’re here for the cup.”
“Maybe.”
“Then let my son go and we can talk.”
Slowly, you lower your sword and sheathe it. Luthais stumbles away from
you, desperate to put distance between you and your sword. He glances at
his mother and, after she gives him a nod, he bolts. His footsteps
patter against the stone as he runs away, disappearing into the maze.
Marea turns to face you. “Now then,” she says, gesturing to the rug in
front of her. “You want to talk? Let us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Crouching low, you skirt the
edge of the thicket and slide quietly down the slope towards the water.
You skid to a stop half-way down, bracing yourself against a fallen log.
From here, you have a better view of the platform and the crowd.
The people here are dressed in ragged, patched clothes. A wounded man
lies in the centre of the platform, propped up by the others. Ribbons of
dark blood stain his cheeks. A dark shadow appears where his left eye
should be, a mess of blood and torn flesh. He stares dazedly at his
surroundings, his head lolling back and forth.
You squint, peering through the crowd. Aeran sits on the platform, his
back pressed against the nearby ruin. His hands and ankles are tightly
bound. With the exception of a bright gash on his forehead, he seems
fine. He watches the cavalier discussion about his fate with an
unmistakeably annoyed look.
A small band of children gather around him. They stand tall, triumph
shining in their eyes. A small girl with patchy hair holds onto his
shoulder, looking pleased with herself. At her side stands an elven boy
with dark hair. He remains silent as the others murmur to each other,
occasionally glancing at him as if waiting for his validation.
Your eyes narrow. There’s something familiar about his face…
“Marea!” a man on the platform bellows, his voice ringing in your ears.
“Bring us the cup!”
The torchlight flickers, but there is no answer. Your heart pounds in
your chest. <i>Cup</i> is a good word to hear.
“Marea!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Slowly, a shadow emerges from the entryway and the crowd falls
silent. An elven woman dressed in dark, patched clothing quietly makes
her way out of the ruin. She climbs down the ladder, touching bare feet
to the rough wood of the platform without complaint. <<if $height
is "very short">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little taller
than you, but not by much.<<elseif $height is "short">>She’s
small and slender, around the same height as you.<<elseif $height
is "average">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little shorter
than you.<<else>>She’s small and slender; you have no doubt
you would tower over her if you stood next to her.<</if>>
Her straight black hair is cropped at her chin and she wears it tucked
neatly behind her ears.
She walks silently past Aeran, pushing her way towards the wounded man.
The crowd holds its breath. People near the cabins press against the
edge of the walkway, nearly falling off as they jostle for a better
view.
A cloud passes above and the moon breaks through, illuminating Marea and
the injured man in bright, silvery light. Slowly and without ceremony,
she withdraws a cup and sets it on the platform. It is a small, simple
goblet. Its base is about as wide as the span of her palm, and its
coppery sheen shines dark in the moonlight.
Marea withdraws a handful of leaves from a pouch at her waist. With
great care, she drops them into the cup and passes a hand over the
surface. A moment later, the cup fizzes and a bright liquid bursts
forth, bubbling over the sides like water boiling in a pot. She raises
the cup, gently tilts the wounded man’s head back, and pours the cup’s
contents down his throat.
Silence settles over the lake, the crowd waiting with bated breath.
The man’s wounds heal.
There is no burst of light, no sheen, no glimmer, none of the usual
marks of magic. His skin knits together, his eye reforms, and the blood
fades from his face. The effect is instantaneous. He bolts upright, no
longer dazed, and clasps Marea’s hands with his own. He bows his head,
murmuring his thanks.
Marea smiles and kisses his brow and rises to her feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The silence breaks. Some shout her name, chanting it like an
incantation, hands reaching out to her. Others whisper among themselves,
hesitant to show such blind support. Marea tucks the cup into a pouch
at her waist. She walks silently to the edge of the platform and raises a
hand, a quiet smile on her lips.
Then she turns and addresses a large muscular man standing at the centre
of the platform. “Now, what were you saying about this visitor, Atral?”
she asks, glancing at Aeran.
“I said we should kill him,” the man hisses. “Show Rona where we stand!”
A rough murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd.
“He is an outsider!” Atral continues. “Here to destroy our homes and
burn the Grove to the ground!”
The crowd murmurs. Marea waits for their response to die, then shakes
her head. “Perhaps,” she says coolly. “Perhaps not. Regardless, there
will be no killing. I will speak with him first—alone.”
He sneers. “We haven’t forgotten Kane and what he’s done here.”
“This man is not Merrick Kane,” she replies flatly. She looks at Aeran,
observing him with a calculating look. “He has harmed no one.”
Atral hisses. The crowd parts hastily, rushing back to the edge of the
platform as he strides towards her. “You think because you control that
blasted cup, you can govern us like Samwell Every?” he sneers. “You’re
not the Grove’s liberator, Marea—”
She steps in front of him. Next to him, she looks very small and very
frail, but she holds herself with such poise that he backs away. “A
month ago you were a weakling, Atral,” she says coldly. “Ill near to the
point of death. Remember who granted you the elixir that saved your
life.”
<<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>You raise your head, your heart
pounding in your throat. An elixir…
Atral flushes red, silenced by her words. Marea sweeps past him, kneels
beside Aeran and withdraws a knife. She quickly cuts his bonds and rises
to her feet.<<else>>Atral flushes red, silenced by her
words. Marea sweeps past him, kneels beside Aeran and withdraws a knife.
She quickly cuts his bonds and rises to her feet.<</if>>
“We must speak,” she says. “Come.”
She climbs swiftly up the ladder and disappears into the ruin. Aeran,
bemused, follows her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You shift your weight, relieving the cramp growing in the calf,
and press your back into the nearby log. Aeran’s gone, in the hands of
the woman who seems to be the new leader of the Grove. Though you feel
he is safe for the immediate moment, it may not be for long; there are
greendrifts who would very much like to slit his throat.
<<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>Atral mentioned a cup and Marea,
an elixir. The chalice must be here.<<else>>Atral mentioned
a cup… it must be the chalice. You would bet good money on
it.<</if>>
You need to get inside that ruin.
Forcing your way in isn’t an option. Not only would you endanger Aeran,
but without your sword you have little chance of getting through the
crowd. The Grove may not have professionally trained warriors, but there
are many of them. Training matters little when you are so desperately
outmatched by numbers. You will have to take a quieter approach.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Though you are itching to get away from the slope, you hunker
down and wait. The platform slowly clears, the milling crowd returning
to their cabins along the shore. Soon, there is no one left save for
Atral and the band of children. He attempts to run them out, but they
stubbornly dance around him, shouting obscenities until he relents. They
gather on the other side of the platform, sticking their legs in the
water and kicking them back and forth.
Their leader stands beside them, arms folded, a dark look on his face.
Now you have a clearer view of him in the flickering torchlight, your
suspicions click into place.
Black hair. Golden eyes. Mottled bruises spread across the face and
arms.
<<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais.<<else>>The kid from the town
square.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>><i>Shit.</i>
His presence here doesn’t change things. Maybe you can use it to your
advantage. <<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>If you
approach Luthais directly, maybe you can convince him to let you slip by
and enter the ruin.<<else>>If you approach the children,
maybe you can convince them to let you slip by and enter the
ruin.<</if>>
Or you could take one hostage and use them to get past Atral.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>>Not wanting to be spotted on the walkways, you slide down the
rest of the slope and wade into the lake. The shore is dark here and
your movement thankfully goes unnoticed. Atral is preoccupied pacing
back and forth on the platform. The children chatter amongst themselves,
their voices echoing chaotically across the water.
You curse under your breath and push off the bottom. You quietly swim
towards the platform, passing by rotting posts and beneath broken
boards. It’s a miracle the whole thing hasn’t fallen into the marsh.
You drift towards the edge of the ruins, keeping to the shadows. The
platform is only a few paces away. The girl with the patchy hair kicks
her leg out, spraying the others with water.
“Vi!” <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais<<else>>the dark-haired
boy<</if>> exclaims.
She blows a raspberry. “I hope Marea guts him,” she says viciously.
“Dirty outsider—”
“She won’t,” he snaps. “She’s not like that—”
Vi rolls her eyes. “I’d gut him.” She links her fingers together, rests
her hands behind her neck and stares up at the dark sky. “Maybe she’ll
heal him. After she guts him, I mean. And then you do it again and again
and again until they fucking learn to leave us the fuck alone—”
<<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais<<else>>The boy<</if>>
pushes her off the platform. She yelps as she falls in, water splashing
up and over the edge of the platform, drenching the others. She
surfaces, spitting and spluttering, and grasps at the ledge. “Luthais!”
she screeches. “Help me out!”
A dwarven boy reaches for her hand.
“Fuck off, Tarff!” she grumbles.
Tarff grabs her hand anyway and pulls her out of the water. She scrapes
across the platform in a jumble of arms and legs. He lets go and she
lies still, breathing heavily. Behind her, Atral stops pacing and
crouches down in the shadows of the ruins, his back to them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Call Luthais’ name and approach calmly and
quietly.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 CALM][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Pull yourself out of the water and
take Luthais hostage.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 OTHER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Luthais,”
you murmur.
He turns, staring out into the water, eyes narrowed as he watches the
dark surface. You swim a little closer. “Down here!”
His eyes widen as he spots you. His mouth hangs slightly agape; he’s
caught somewhere between the shock of seeing you and a need to stay
composed in front of the others.
“You,” he breathes.
You press a finger to your lips. “I’m here for my friend. That’s all.”
Vi sits up, her expression hardening as she crawls to the edge of the
platform. Spotting you, her lips curve into a foul smile and she lets
out a string of curses. Luthais rapidly clasps a hand over her mouth.
They struggle for a moment, teetering on the edge.
“Shut <i>up,</i> Vi,” he hisses, “or I’ll push you back in
the water.”
She pulls away, spluttering. “Fuck off.”
“Enough!” you hiss. You peer across the platform towards Atral. The
large man hasn’t stirred. You imagine he must be used to the kids
scuffling and fighting amongst themselves. “I’m not here for the Grove,”
you continue quickly. “You’ve taken my friend. I want him back.”
“The outsider?” Luthais whispers.
You nod. “He’s a Wayfarer, like me.”
Luthais frowns. He kneels down and leans out over the water, his hands
pressing into the platform’s boards. “What are you doing here?”
Tarff and Vi hover behind him, jostling with each other for the best
view. Vi glares daggers at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisfriend is true>>[[1.
“It’s part of a job. Listen, Luthais, can you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 42
A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Does it matter? Look, kid, you owe
me after this morning.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 42
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$luthaisHostage to true>>You draw your dagger and surge forwards,
cutting through the water. Gripping the edge of the platform, you pull
yourself up and roll over the boards. Luthais yelps in surprise and
stumbles back. He trips over Vi and falls flat on his rear.
Alerted by Luthais’ shout, Atral spins around and spots you. He roars
and charges forwards, hands reaching for you. You seize Luthais by the
tunic and pull him up, pressing your dagger to his throat.
“Stop!” you call.
Atral freezes and backs away. For all his brute strength, he is helpless
in a hostage situation. Vi and Tarff stay still, kneeling on the
platform, mouths agape. Luthais sniffles and trembles in the silence.
“I’m going into the ruin,” you say. “Come after me and I’ll slit the
kid’s throat.”
Luthais shakes.
Vi bolts, her feet pounding on the wood boards as she escapes across the
platform and onto the walkway, pelting towards the huts.
A deep laugh bubbles past Atral’s lips. He bends over, hands on his
knees as he wheezes with laughter, a look of deep scorn etched onto his
face. “Do what you want, outsider,” he says. “Kill the kid for all I
care. Marea’s got it coming to her.”
Luthais pales. He stops shaking and glares at Atral, anger blazing in
his eyes.
You grunt. Whatever tensions are growing between Atral and Marea matter
little to you. You’ve had enough meddling in other people’s business for
one day.
Keeping a firm eye on Atral, you push Luthais towards the ladder and
clamber up to the ruin’s entrance. Ducking through the entryway, you
find yourself in a long corridor. The walls, floors and ceiling are made
of roughhewn stone with none of the intricate details that decorate the
outside. Torches flare from brackets along the walls. Their placement
is uneven, leading to dark patches and corners as the corridor twists
its way around the ruin.
“They took my friend in here,” you murmur as you walk Luthais down the
corridor. More corridors break off, winding away into darkness. “Where
did they go?”
“I can show you,” he stammers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
44]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He rubs his nose with the back
of his hand. “No,” he says. “But I think I owe you after this morning.”
He hangs his head, a guilty flush on his cheeks. “You promise you’re not
going to do anything… stupid?”
You smile. “I’m not sure about stupid, but I’m not going to hurt
anyone.”
He smiles back cautiously. “I’m glad Kane didn’t kill you.”
“Takes a little more than that to kill me,” you reply. <<if
$health neq "full">>Your shoulder wound aches, your body’s
reminder that the events in Rat Alley didn’t quite turn out for the
best. “I’m glad he didn’t hurt you.”<<else>>“I’m glad he
didn’t hurt you.”<</if>>
“What… what happened to him?”
<<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is true or $ladykilledkane is
true>>“He’s dead.” You’ll leave it at that. No child needs to
know the details.
Luthais nods. “Good,” he mutters.<<else>>“He’s still alive,”
you reply. “But I think he’s learned a lesson.”
Luthais falls still. “Right…”<</if>>
He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into fists. He pauses and
glances over his shoulder, searching for the others.
“Tarff, Vi… Go distract Atral.”
Vi makes a face. “But—”
“We’re helping $himher,” he hisses. “You’re good at being a pest, so go
distract Atral!”
Vi mutters a string of curses under her breath. She catches Tarff by the
elbow and strides across the platform, dragging him along with her.
Moments later, you hear their voices echoing loudly across the water as
they launch a volley of questions at Atral, each more absurd than the
last. He grunts and shoos them away, but Vi stands her ground and
refuses to budge.
Gripping the edge of the platform, you pull yourself up and out of the
water and roll across the boards. Moving as quickly and quietly as you
can, you follow Luthais towards the ruin and clamber up the ladder. With
Atral well distracted, you are free to duck through the shadowed
entryway and head into the ruin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Luthais leads you through a maze of corridors. The walls,
floors and ceilings are made of roughhewn stone with none of the
intricate details that decorate the outside. Torches flare from brackets
along the walls. Their placement is uneven, leading to dark patches and
corners as the corridor twists its way around the ruin.
Finally, you emerge into a small hollowed-out, circular room. There are
no windows and the walls are unnaturally smooth. Faded red paint clings
to the stone, depicting intricate geometric patterns. Conjured lights
float in a cluster at the top of the concave ceiling, casting brilliant
white light to the edges of the room. The stone floor is covered with a
large worn rug and a miscellaneous collection of frayed blankets and
pillows.
Marea sits cross-legged on the rug, hands folded in her lap. Aeran sits
across from her, shoulders slumped with exhaustion. The blood on his
forehead is stark against his ashen skin.
“A friend of yours, Luthais?” Marea asks, looking up as you enter.
“Something like that,” he mumbles.
She smiles, tilting her chin as she sizes you up. There’s something
unnerving about her unblinking, golden stare. “I suppose you are this
one’s companion,” she says.
Aeran’s eyes flash darkly. “I didn’t say I had anyone with me.”
“You didn’t have to,” Marea says coldly. “Your kind always comes in
pairs. Where there’s one, the other will surely follow.” She turns to
you. “You’re here for the cup, aren’t you?”
“Maybe.”
“Then why don’t you sit,” she says, gesturing in front of her. “It seems
there is much to talk about.” Her eyes flicker to her son. “Leave us,
Luthais. Thank you for bringing $himher to me. I’ll handle things from
here.”
He pauses, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Mum…”
“Leave us,” she repeats firmly.
Luthais nods and ducks out of the room, his footsteps pattering against
the stone as he runs away through the corridors.
Marea turns to face you. “Now, then,” she says. “You want to talk? Let
us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He rubs his nose with the back
of his hand. “You… you promise you’re not going to do anything stupid?”
he asks quietly. He hangs his head and avoids your gaze, a guilty flush
on his cheeks.
“Hopefully not, but no promises.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>Luthais grimaces. He
glances at you and quickly looks away. “What happened to Kane?”
<<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is true or $ladykilledkane is
true>>“He’s dead.” You’ll leave it at that. No child needs to
know the details.
“Good,” he mutters.<<else>>“He’s still alive,” you reply.
“But I think he’s learned a lesson.”
He falls still, breathing in sharply as his hands curl into fists.
“Right,” he says after a
moment.<</if>><<else>><<if $heramet neq
true>>Luthais grimaces. He glances at you and quickly looks away.
“Do you… do you know a man named Kane?”
<<if $ladykilledkane is true>>You frown. Wasn’t that the
name of the man at the Viridian Lady’s villa? The one she killed?
“Not really,” you shrug. “He’s dead.”
Luthais nods, a keen look burning in his eyes. “Good,” he
mutters.<<else>>You frown. Wasn’t that the name of the man
at the Viridian Lady’s villa?
“Not really,” you say.
He falls still, breathing in sharply as his hands curls into fists.
“Right,” he says after a
moment.<</if>><<else>>Luthais grimaces. He
glances at you and quickly looks away. “Do you… do you know a man named
Kane?”
“No,” you say. Why the hell did he ask you that?
He falls still, breathing in sharply as his hands curls into fists.
“Right,” he says after a moment.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Luthais draws back and glances over his shoulder at the others.
“Tarff, Vi,” he says. “Go distract Atral.”
Vi makes a face. “But—”
“We’re helping $himher,” he hisses. “You’re good at being a pest, so go
distract Atral!”
Vi mutters a string of curses under her breath. Catching Tarff by the
elbow, she strides across the platform, dragging him along with her.
Moments later, you hear their voices echoing loudly across the water as
they launch a volley of questions at Atral, each more absurd than the
last. He grunts and shoos them away, but Vi stands her ground and
refuses to budge.
Gripping the edge of the platform, you pull yourself up and out of the
water and roll across the boards. Moving as quickly and quietly as you
can, you follow Luthais towards the ruin and clamber up the ladder. With
Atral well distracted, you are free to duck through the shadowed
entryway and head into the ruin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Luthais leads you through a maze of corridors. The walls,
floors and ceilings are made of roughhewn stone with none of the
intricate details that decorate the outside. Torches flare from brackets
along the walls. Their placement is uneven, leading to dark patches and
corners as the corridor twists its way around the ruin.
Finally, you emerge into a small hollowed-out, circular room. There are
no windows and the walls are unnaturally smooth. Faded red paint clings
to the stone, depicting intricate geometric patterns. Conjured lights
float in a cluster at the top of the concave ceiling, casting brilliant
white light to the edges of the room. The stone floor is covered with a
large worn rug and a miscellaneous collection of frayed blankets and
pillows.
Marea sits cross-legged on the rug, hands folded in her lap. Aeran sits
across from her, shoulders slumped with exhaustion. The blood on his
forehead is stark against his ashen skin.
“A friend of yours, Luthais?” Marea asks, looking up as you enter.
“Something like that,” he mumbles.
She smiles, tilting her chin as she sizes you up. There’s something
unnerving about her unblinking, golden stare. “I suppose you are this
one’s companion,” she says.
Aeran’s eyes flash darkly. “I didn’t say I had anyone with me.”
“You didn’t have to,” Marea says coldly. “Your kind always comes in
pairs. Where there’s one, the other will surely follow.” She turns to
you. “You’re here for the cup, aren’t you?”
“Maybe.”
“Then why don’t you sit,” she says, gesturing in front of her. “It seems
there is much to talk about.” Her eyes flicker to her son. “Leave us,
Luthais. Thank you for bringing $himher to me. I’ll handle things from
here.”
He pauses, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Mum…”
“Leave us,” she repeats firmly.
Luthais nods and ducks out of the room, his footsteps pattering against
the stone as he runs away through the corridors.
Marea turns to face you. “Now, then,” she says. “You want to talk? Let
us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Luthais
leads you through the maze of corridors in silence. Tears well in his
eyes, but he doesn’t break. He simply walks on, back straight, head held
high, and leads you through the dark.
“Is this because of this morning?” he asks quietly. “Because I marked
you?”
“No,” you grunt. “You’re not that special, kid. You were there at the
wrong time.”
“Oh.” He falls silent for a moment. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>“What happened to Kane?”
<<if $aerankane is true or $kanedead is true or $ladykilledkane is
true>>“He’s dead.” You’ll leave it at that. No sense in getting
into the details.
“Good,” he mutters with unexpected fierceness.<<else>>“He’s
still alive,” you reply. “But I think he’s learned a lesson.”
He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into fists.
“Right.”<</if>><<else>><<if $heramet neq
true>>“Do you… do you know a man named Kane?”
<<if $ladykilledkane is true>>You frown. Wasn’t that the
name of the man at the Viridian Lady’s villa? The one she killed?
“Not really,” you shrug. “He’s dead.”
“Good,” he mutters with unexpected fierceness.<<else>>You
frown. Wasn’t that the name of the man at the Viridian Lady’s villa?
“Not really,” you say.
He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into fists.
“Right.”<</if>><<else>>“Do you… do you know a
man named Kane?”
“No,” you say. Why the hell did he ask you that?
He breathes in sharply, his hands curling into fists.
“Right.”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
45]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn a corner and emerge out into a small hollowed-out, circular room.
There are no windows and the walls are unnaturally smooth. Faded red
paint clings to the stone, depicting intricate geometric patterns.
Conjured lights float in a cluster at the top of the concave ceiling,
casting brilliant white light to the edges of the room. The stone floor
is covered with a large worn rug and a miscellaneous collection of
frayed blankets and pillows.
The dark haired woman, Marea, sits cross-legged on the rug, hands folded
in her lap. Aeran sits across from her, shoulders slumped with
exhaustion. The blood on his forehead is stark against his ashen skin.
Marea looks up as you enter, mouth open in shock. Her eyes harden as she
spots the dagger at Luthais’ throat. “I suppose you’re this one’s
companion,” she says coldly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 46][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
glances over his shoulder. He spots you and Luthais, his eyes coming to
rest on your dagger. He glances at you, a dark look in his eye. You
know threatening a kid is crossing a line, but at this point, you’re not
sure how many lines you care about.
“There’s no need to threaten my son, Wayfarer,” Marea continues.
“You took my friend.”
“And as you can see, he’s perfectly fine.” Her golden eyes narrow.
“You’re here for another reason. You want the cup.”
You grit your teeth. “Maybe.”
“Then let my son go and we can talk.”
Slowly, you withdraw your dagger from Luthais’ throat and sheathe it. He
stumbles away from you, desperate to put distance between him and your
dagger. He glances at his mother and, after she gives him a nod, he
bolts. His footsteps patter against the stone as he runs away,
disappearing into the maze.
Marea turns to face you. “Now then,” she says, gesturing to the rug in
front of her. “You want to talk? Let us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
TALK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Swimming closer, you float
silently through the dark waters towards the platform. You catch
movement out of the corner of your eye and you stop, spinning around
towards the line of huts. A group of children run away from a
dilapidated cabin. They drop over the edge and land on a walkway below,
dashing along it to the central platform. They skid to a top, pulling
each other into a huddle and put their heads together, arguing fiercely.
The leader—you assume they are the leader, judging from the way the rest
of the group turns to him—is a gangly, dark-haired elven boy who stands
a few inches taller than the rest. He pulls away from the group,
shouting as he waves his arms and gestures empathetically.
You blink. There’s something familiar about the kid…
Not wanting to be spotted in the lake, you swim under a walkway and
tread water under a post. An insect buzzes relentlessly around your
head. You brush it away.
“Marea said to stay here—”
“I don’t care what she says, Tarff!”
Pain pricks into your skin and you slap a hand against the back of your
neck. Your sudden splashing in the water draws the children’s attention
and they fall silent. The leader walks to the edge and peers out, his
golden eyes scanning the lake.
“That came from the shore,” he calls and scampers down the walkway.
The others follow, running directly over your head as they follow the
path back to the shore. They leap off the walkway and land in the water.
Their voices echo through the hollow as they wade towards the shore and
disappear into the thicket.
You exhale a slow breath.
Your skin prickles. You rub your arms, shivering. You’re not sure how
long you’ve been in the water, but you are getting cold and the tips of
your fingers are starting to prune. Best get back to Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You push off a nearby stilt, propelling yourself through and
back the way you came. Suddenly, torchlight bursts across the far side
of the lake. Cursing quietly, you dive under a walkway and hide beneath
the planks. You cling to a post, your fingers slipping in the slime as
you float, relieving the growing ache in your arms.
A half-dozen boats emerge out of the darkness, cutting silently across
the water, each guided by a single torch strapped to the bow. They reach
the central platform and a handful of greendrifts clamber out. Their
clothing is ragged and torn, and their arms and faces are caked with
mud. Some are bloodied, though it is impossible to know from this
distance whether it is their blood or someone else’s. They collapse on
the platform, haggard and exhausted.
Two of the bulkier men pause at the edge, then reach down into the
nearest boat. Heaving with effort, they pull a wounded man out of the
boat and gently place him in the centre of the platform, propping him
up. Ribbons of dark blood stain his cheeks. A dark shadow appears where
his left eye should be, a mess of blood and torn flesh. He stares
dazedly at his surroundings, his head lolling back and forth.
“Marea!” a man on the platform bellows, his voice ringing through the
hollow. “Bring us the cup!”
The torchlight flickers, but there is no answer. You adjust your grip on
the stilt, waiting with bated breath. Your heart beats rapidly in your
chest. Cup is a good word to hear. A very good word.
“Marea!” the man calls again. “The cup!”
Cabin doors slide open and the Grove’s residents slowly emerge from
their homes, flooding out onto the boardwalk to observe the central
platform. Some excitedly rush down the walkways to have a closer look
while others hang back, shaking their heads with disapproving looks.
Others take a look at the returned boats and disappear back into their
huts.
“Marea!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>“I
am here, Atral,” a cool voice says.
An elven woman dressed in dark, patched clothing emerges from the ruin.
She climbs down the ladder, touching bare feet to the rough wood of the
platform without complaint. <<if $height is "very
short">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little taller than you,
but not by much.<<elseif $height is "short">>She’s small
and slender, around the same height as you.<<elseif $height is
"average">>She’s small and slender, perhaps a little shorter than
you.<<else>>She’s small and slender; you have no doubt you
would tower over her if you stood next to her.<</if>> Her
straight black hair is cropped at her chin and she wears it tucked
neatly behind her ears. She raises her chin, observing the platform with
piercing golden eyes.
She walks silently towards the wounded man on the platform and kneels
beside the injured man. The crowd holds its breath. People near the
cabins press against the edge of the walkway, nearly falling off as they
jostle for a better view.
A cloud passes above and the moon breaks through, illuminating Marea and
the injured man in bright, silvery light. Slowly and without ceremony,
she withdraws a cup and sets it on the platform. It is a small, simple
goblet. Its base is about as wide as the span of her palm, and its
coppery sheen shines dark in the moonlight.
Marea withdraws a handful of leaves from a pouch at her waist. With
great care, she drops them into the cup and passes a hand over the
surface. A moment later, the cup fizzes and a bright liquid bursts
forth, bubbling over the sides like water boiling in a pot. She raises
the cup, gently tilts the wounded man’s head back, and pours the cup’s
contents down his throat.
Silence settles over the lake, the crowd waiting with bated breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>The man’s wounds heal.
There is no burst of light, no sheen, no glimmer, none of the usual
marks of magic. His skin knits together, his eye reforms, and the blood
fades from his face. The effect is instantaneous. He bolts upright, no
longer dazed, and clasps Marea’s hands with his own. He bows his head,
murmuring his thanks.
Marea smiles and kisses his brow and rises to her feet.
The silence breaks. Some shout her name, chanting it like an
incantation, hands reaching out to her. Others whisper among themselves,
hesitant to show such blind support. Marea tucks the cup back within
her clothing and walks silently across the platform and onto the
walkway. She passes through the crowd, head raised, a silent smile on
her lips. Onlookers reach out to her, their hands and fingers brushing
her shoulders.
<i>Fuck.</i>
Your fingers slip and your hand splashes into the water. <<if
$chaliceinfo1 is true>>There’s no doubt about what you just saw.
Marea has the Chalice of Offering.<<else>>There’s no doubt
about it. The cup contains powerful magic; it must be the
chalice.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“Marea!” a woman calls. “Bless you!”
Marea clasps hands with a grey-haired woman, murmuring words of comfort.
She makes her way across the boardwalks, speaking gently to the
greendrifts clustering around her.
Your mind whirls. You could reveal yourself now and threaten Marea until
she releases the chalice. But you are unarmed and Aeran isn’t here…
This is not the time to make a move.
You need to get back to Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 6>>A
shout echoes through the Grove. Marea spins around, still holding the
old woman’s hands as she searches for the source of the sound. The
greendrifts on the platform rush to the edge, peering through the
darkness.
Movement near the shore catches your eye. The band of children emerge
from the thicket, a tall, cloaked figure jostled between them. A girl
with patchy hair leads them in a triumphant march. Her face shines pale
in the dark, illuminated by the gleam of a familiar sword.
Your sword.
“Atral!” the girl calls, throwing your sword and scabbard onto the
walkway. “Atral, we caught an outsider!”
Standing on her tip-toes, she grips the edge of the boards and tries to
hoist herself onto the walkway. After several unsuccessfully attempts,
she manages to awkwardly swing herself up and rolls awkwardly across the
boards. She scrambles to her feet, grabs your sword and marches towards
the platform. “Atral!”
Marea pushes her way to the front of the crowd. “Enough, Vi!” she calls.
“Who is this outsider?”
The girl points towards her friends with the tip of your sword. A
dark-haired elf—the one who seems familiar—and a dwarven boy clutch
Aeran between them, making a concerted effort to drag him towards the
walkway.
Aeran stumbles forwards, sloshing through the water, his bound hands
raised in front of him. You catch a glimpse of his expression in the
flickering torchlight. He seems caught between amusement at the
absurdity of his situation and annoyance that he’s being strongarmed by
children.
“He was on the border!” Vi announces fiercely. “I think he’s a spy?”
“Not a spy,” Aeran calls wearily as the children push him forwards. “I’m
just here to talk—”
“Liar!” Vi spits.
Chaos erupts. You lose sight of Aeran as the children yank him onto the
walkway. The crowd jeers and yells, grabbing at him as he’s pushed
towards the central platform. Marea calls for silence, but her words are
lost in the cacophony.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>>Cursing to yourself, you clutch the rotting stilt and look up
at the walkway above. The boards creak overhead as dozens of people
tread down the path, their jeers echoing across the water. Torches
flare, shining bright against the black surface of the lake, the
unexpected light nearly blinding your eyes.
Heart pounding in your chest and hoping that the greendrifts are too
distracted to spot a lone Wayfarer clinging to rotting wood, you take a
deep breath and dive down, cutting through the water towards the ruins.
Your fingers brush against stone and you turn yourself upwards and head
for the surface.
When you emerge, the pandemonium has calmed. Aeran sits on the platform,
his back pressed against the stonework of the opposite ruin, his hands
and ankles tightly bound. With the exception of a bright gash on his
forehead, he seems fine, albeit very annoyed. The children gather around
him, the girl with the patchy hair looking thoroughly pleased with
herself. She no longer has your sword.
Marea and Atral stand in the centre of the platform, arguing fiercely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
8>>“Enough, Atral!” she shouts, eyes gleaming. She looks so small
and frail next to his bulk and height, but there is an unmistakable
ferocity about the way she carries herself. You have a feeling she is
used to getting her way. “Before you decide to play executioner, I will
speak to him. Alone.”
“Not a visitor,” Atral shouts. “An outsider! Here to destroy our homes
and burn it all to the ground!”
A murmur ripples through the crowd.
“Perhaps,” the woman replies coolly. “But perhaps not.”
He sneers. “We haven’t forgotten Kane and what he’s done here.”
“This man is not Merrick Kane,” she replies flatly. She turns to Aeran,
observing him with a calculating look. “He has harmed no one. I will
speak to him.”
“You think because you control that blasted cup, you can govern us like
Samwell Every?” he sneers. “You are not the Grove’s liberator, Marea—”
“A month ago you were a weakling, Atral,” she says coldly. “Ill near to
the point of death. Remember who granted you the elixir that saved your
life.”
Atral flushes red, silenced by her words. Marea sweeps past him, kneels
beside Aeran and withdraws a knife. She quickly cuts his bonds and rises
to her feet.
“We must speak,” she says. “Come.”
She climbs swiftly up the ladder and disappears into the ruin. Aeran,
bemused, follows her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
9>>You tread water and chew on the inside of your cheek as you
consider your situation. Aeran’s gone, in the hands of the Grove’s
leader. Though you feel he is safe for the immediate moment, it may not
be for long; there are greendrifts who would very much like to slit his
throat.
What’s more, Marea has the chalice. You need to get inside that ruin.
Forcing your way in isn’t an option. Not only would you endanger Aeran,
but without your sword you have little chance of getting through the
crowd. The Grove may not have professionally trained warriors, but there
are many of them. Training matters little when you are so desperately
outmatched by numbers.
You will have to take a quieter approach.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
10>>You wait, your skin prickling with cold as you float in the
water, clinging to the ruin. The platform slowly clears, the milling
crowd returning to their cabins along the shore. Soon, there is no one
left save for Atral and the band of children. He attempts to run them
out, but they stubbornly dance around him, shouting obscenities until he
relents. They gather on the side nearest to you and stick their legs in
the water, kicking them back and forth.
Their leader stands beside them, arms folded, a dark look on his face.
Now you have a clearer view of him in the flickering torchlight, your
suspicions click into place.
Black hair. Golden eyes. Mottled bruises spread across the face and
arms.
<<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais.<<else>>The kid from the town
square.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
11>><i>Shit.</i>
His presence here doesn’t change things. Maybe you can use it to your
advantage. <<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>If you
approach Luthais directly, maybe you can convince him to let you slip by
and enter the ruin.<<else>>If you approach the children,
maybe you can convince them to let you slip by and enter the
ruin.<</if>>
Or you could take one hostage and use them to get past Atral.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
12>>You force yourself to remain still and wait for the right
moment to move. Atral is preoccupied pacing back and forth on the
platform. His face is flushed and he mutters angrily to himself. You
wonder how desperate he is to disobey Marea’s orders and enter the ruin
to confront Aeran himself.
The children chatter amongst themselves, their voices echoing
chaotically across the water. Vi kicks her legs out again and again,
spraying the others with water.
“Vi!” <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais<<else>>the dark-haired
boy<</if>> exclaims.
She blows a raspberry. “I hope Marea guts him,” she says viciously.
“Dirty outsider—”
“She won’t,” he snaps. “She’s not like that—”
Vi rolls her eyes. “I’d gut him.” She links her fingers together, rests
her hands behind her neck and stares up at the dark sky. “Maybe she’ll
heal him. After she guts him, I mean. And then you do it again and again
and again until they fucking learn to leave us the fuck alone—”
<<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Luthais<<else>>The boy<</if>>
pushes her off the platform. She yelps as she falls in, water splashing
up and over the edge of the platform, drenching the others. She
surfaces, spitting and spluttering, and grasps at the ledge. “Luthais!”
she screeches. “Help me out!”
A dwarven boy reaches for her hand.
“Fuck off, Tarff!” she grumbles.
Tarff grabs her hand anyway and pulls her out of the water. She scrapes
across the platform in a jumble of arms and legs. He lets go and she
lies still, breathing heavily. Behind her, Atral stops pacing and
crouches down in the shadows of the ruins, his back to them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Call Luthais’ name and approach calmly and
quietly.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 CALM][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Pull yourself out of the water and
take Luthais hostage.|CHAPTER 1 FG 41 OTHER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You and Aeran are sitting on a
platform in the middle of a lake, your backs pressed against the
roughhewn stone. The platform rests between three giant structures that
jut out of the water to overshadow everything below. The ruins are
oblong, created by a series of ridged levels stacked one on top of the
other until they smooth out at the top. At one point, the ridges must
have been richly carved, but now the stonework is so old all detail has
been smoothed away. The entryways to the lower levels are submerged, but
you can still make out the remains of the intricate masonry that marks
them.
To your surprise, the ruins are completely devoid of magic. Any
protective barriers must have worn away long ago. You can only guess as
to how old these structures are.
The upper levels are connected by rough bridges strung together with
wood and twine. Flaming torches rest in the corners, casting a reddish
light on the waters below, illuminating a network of boardwalks that fan
out from the central platform, criss-crossing their way towards the
shore. There are no railings and many of the boards are rotting and
falling apart. Small, run-down huts cling to the shoreline, precariously
balanced on stilts to keep them from sinking into the marsh. Lamps and
candles gleam in the windows, giving off the warm, flickering glow of
non-magical light.
A crowd has gathered, spilling out of the cabins and onto the walkways,
jostling each other as they push towards the central platform.
Strangely, a group of children stand at the front of the crowd. A girl
with patchy hair looks on with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. Standing
next to her is a dark-haired elven boy with mottled bruises on his face.
You frown… it’s hard to tell in the torchlight, but you swear there’s
something familiar about him…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
dozen or so exhausted and wounded greendrifts are gathered in the centre
of the platform. They prop up the body of a wounded man. He is barely
conscious; ribbons of dark blood stain his cheeks. A dark shadow appears
where his left eye should be, a mess of blood and torn flesh. He stares
dazedly at his surroundings, his head lolling back and forth.
An elven woman kneels beside him in a pool of silvery moonlight. She is
small, barefoot, her dark clothing worn and patched. Her straight black
hair is cropped at her chin and she wears it tucked neatly behind her
ears. She raises her head high and observes the crowd below with
piercing gold eyes.
Slowly and without ceremony, she withdraws a cup and sets it on the
platform. It is a small, simple goblet. Its base is about as wide as the
span of her palm, and its coppery sheen shines dark in the moonlight.
She withdraws a handful of leaves from a pouch at her waist. With great
care, she drops them into the cup and passes a hand over the surface. A
moment later, the cup fizzes and a bright liquid bursts forth, bubbling
over the sides like water boiling in a pot. She raises the cup, gently
tilts the wounded man’s head back, and pours the cup’s contents down his
throat.
Silence settles over the lake, the crowd waiting with bated breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The man’s wounds heal.
There is no burst of light, no sheen, no glimmer, none of the usual
marks of magic. His skin knits together, his eye reforms, and the blood
fades from his face. The effect is instantaneous. He bolts upright, no
longer dazed, and clasps the woman’s hands with his own. He bows his
head, murmuring his thanks.
She smiles and kisses his brow.
“Marea!”
“Bless you, Marea!”
Some in the crowd shout her name, chanting it like an incantation, hands
reaching out to her. Others whisper among themselves, hesitant to show
such blind support. You glance at Aeran, exchanging dark looks.
<i>The chalice?</i> he mouths.
You nod, your heart pounding in your chest. You finally have the blasted
thing within reach and you’re trapped, here, disarmed and tied up.
Such is your luck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Marea tucks the cup back within her clothing and rises to her
feet. She raises a hand, bidding the crowd to settle.
“Go back to your homes,” she bids the crowd. Her eyes flicker to you.
“It seems I have other duties to attend to tonight.”
“There’s nothing to attend to,” a large man grunts, pushing his way
towards her. “They’re intruders. Kill them.”
A murmur ripples through the crowd. The girl with the patchy hair
sneers, her eyes gleaming in the dark.
“No,” Marea says. “It’s unwise to act so rashly, Atral—”
“It’s rash to let them live!” he bellows. “They’re outsiders! Do you
remember Kane and what he’s done here?”
“They are not Merrick Kane,” she interrupts, unruffled by his anger.
“They have trespassed, yes, but they haven’t harmed us. I will speak
with them. Alone.”
Atral hisses. “You think because you control that blasted cup, you can
govern us like Samwell Every?” he sneers. “You are not the Grove’s
liberator, Marea—”
She rounds on him. Next to his bulk, she looks very small and very
frail, but she holds herself with such poise that he takes a step back.
“A month ago you were a weakling, Atral,” she says coldly. “Ill to the
point of death. Remember who granted you the elixir that saved your
life.”
The large man flushes red, silenced by her words. Marea sweeps past him
and kneels beside you and Aeran. She withdraws a knife and quickly cuts
your bonds.
“We must speak,” she says, rising to her feet. “Come.”
Without waiting for you to reply, she crosses the platform and climbs a
rickety ladder anchored to an entrance that leads into the nearby ruin.
You follow her, watched by the crowd’s suspicious eyes, and enter the
darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Marea leads you through a maze of corridors. The walls, floors
and ceilings are carved from roughhewn stone with none of the intricate
details that decorate the outside. Torches flare from brackets along the
walls. Their placement is uneven, leading to dark patches in the
corners as the corridor twists its way around the ruin.
“I trust you not to act rashly,” Marea says as she leads you further
into the ruin. “I am no warrior. You could easily kill me or take me
hostage, even without your weapons.”
“We could,” Aeran says darkly.
She stops and turns around, a strange smile on her lips. Her eyes glint
in the low light. “And you won’t,” she answers. “You are different from
the others who force their way into the Grove. I take it you did not
intend to fall down the ravine?”
You press your lips together, your cheeks flushing. You’d rather not
focus on that little mishap.
Marea chuckles. “It was my son who found you,” she says, continuing down
the corridor. “You have him to thank for your lives. Any of the others
would have killed you on the spot.”
“Your son?” Aeran asks.
“Luthais,” she replies. She glances over her shoulder at you. “I believe
the two of you have met.”
<<if $luthaisfriend is true>>You swallow hard and your
suspicions click into place. “Yeah. Something like
that.”<<else>>You swallow hard and your suspicions click
into place. The elven boy was the kid from this morning. You knew you
recognized him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>Finally, Marea leads you out into a small hollowed-out,
circular room. There are no windows and the walls are unnaturally
smooth. Faded red paint clings to the stone, depicting intricate
geometric patterns. Conjured lights float in a cluster at the top of the
concave ceiling, casting brilliant white light to the edges of the
room. The stone floor is covered with a large worn rug and a
miscellaneous collection of frayed blankets and pillows.
Marea settles down on the rug, crossing her legs and folding her hands
in her lap. “I know what has drawn you here, Wayfarer,” she says. “You
want the cup.”
You press your lips together. “Maybe.”
She smiles and gestures for you to sit. “We will have quiet here for
some time,” she says. “The others will not bother us. Let us talk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA TALK][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Yes,”
Marea says. “In part, though the actuality is far more complicated than
that. We have always led ourselves. We are not Rona.”
You nod. Somehow the intensity of her words is not surprising. Growing
uncomfortable kneeling on the hard floor, you shift your weight and take
care not to make too much movement. She is watching you closely with
those piercing golden eyes. <<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>She will no doubt enact some failsafe the moment you draw
your sword.<<else>>She no doubt will enact some failsafe
the moment you go for your sword.<</if>>
“The Seven have exerted their control over the Grove for years,” Marea
continues. “Their last attempt…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Samwell Every?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 51
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The Ebony Marquis?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 51
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. Let her keep
talking until you decide how best to handle this situation.|CHAPTER 1 FG
55 LET HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
raises an eyebrow. “And deprive me of my trump card so soon? Absolutely
not.”
“You must know what it does,” you say. “How powerful it is—”
“Is this the point where you tell me that someone like me can’t control
it?” she interrupts, fixing you with a piercing gaze. “Save your breath.
You mean that someone like me doesn’t deserve it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not what I said.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 80
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You don’t deserve it.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 80 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
raises her chin and fixes you with a piercing stare. “You don’t have
much patience,” she says.
“Depends on the day,” Aeran mutters. <<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>He stirs restlessly beside you, his scowl
deepening.<<else>>He stirs restlessly beside you and glances
at his bow and quiver. His scowl deepens.<</if>>
“Then tell me who you represent,” she continues. “No one comes to the
Grove by accident. One of the Seven must have hired you. Who was it?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the
truth.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her you’re
working on your own.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 PERC INEFFECTIVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her you weren’t hired by the Seven, but by Hera
Ambrose.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 HERA PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her you weren’t hired by the Seven, but by Hera
Ambrose.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 HERA
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70
TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] Tell her you’re working on
your own.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 PERC INEFFECTIVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[3.
[LIE] Tell her you weren’t hired by the Seven, but by Hera
Ambrose.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70 HERA PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] Tell
her you weren’t hired by the Seven, but by Hera Ambrose.|CHAPTER 1 FG 70
HERA FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>She
turns away, a dead look in her eyes. “Yes.”
You hesitate. There’s something about the way she says it that leaves
you with a dark implication. You doubt that getting her hands on the
chalice was enough to propel her into leadership, not when she has
others like Atral to contend with. She must have made a mark on the
community sometime before then…
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You killed him?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 52
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not partaking in a murder
inquiry. Every’s death is not important.|CHAPTER 1 FG 52
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
snorts with hollow laughter, her whole body shaking. “Don’t indulge
their ridiculous titles,” she says. “They are no nobility.”
“Glad I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a stupid convention,” Aeran
mutters.
You ignore him. “Most aristocrats aren’t a far cry from crime lords,”
you point out darkly. “It’s never about blood or family. It’s about who
has the power.” <<if $origin is "noble">>This is something
you’re far too aware of, considering you have noble family
yourself.<<elseif $master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you
came to long ago, during your training after Varyn took you on one too
many diplomatic missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen
many times, in many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
Marea shrugs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55
LET HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
raises her head and fixes you with a piercing gaze. “Do the Seven seek
revenge?” she asks. “Will you carry it out?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That doesn’t answer the question.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 53 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not an advocate for the Seven. I
don’t care about their petty conflicts.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 53
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[3.
“Not revenge, no. But the Viridian Lady is concerned about the
Grove.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 53 C]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t care about Samwell Every,” you say. <<if $vlvilla is
true>>“But you must be aware that the Viridian Lady is concerned
about the Grove. It won’t be long before she sends her people here to
investigate.”<<else>>“But he was one of the Seven. You must
know that it won’t be long before they send someone to
investigate.”<</if>>
“And that would be my problem, not yours,” she replies, a warning in her
voice. “I was born in the Grove. It’s my home. I have spent years
living under the threat of the Seven, I know what they are capable of.
Don’t be fooled by the funny little titles they give themselves. They’re
the furthest thing from nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareaReason to true>>She draws back, her lips pursed together in
a narrow smile. “Samwell Every is floating at the bottom of the marsh,”
she says starkly. “Believe me when I say becoming a feast for fish was
too good a fate for him. Does that answer your question?”
“Good enough,” Aeran interrupts. He glances at you, a warning look in
his eye. Pushing her for more information about Every doesn’t serve a
purpose. You should let it go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your curiosity is getting the better of you.
Ask her why she killed Every.|CHAPTER 1 FG 54 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG 54
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
would call this petty?” Marea says coldly. Her hands curl into a fist
and her shoulders are shaking as she forces herself to remain composed.
“I was born in the Grove. This is my home. I have spent years living
under the threat of the Seven, I know what they are capable of.”
You glance at Aeran. He draws back in silence, an uncomfortable
expression on his face.
“You walk so easily into the lives of others,” she continues. “You don’t
care what happens after you leave, so long as you finish your work.
It’s despicable.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refute her.|CHAPTER 1 FG 56 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay silent.|CHAPTER 1 FG 56
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
scoffs. “The Lady would see the Grove destroyed,” she says acidly. “As
far as she’s concerned, we’re an ugly parasite leeching off Rona.”
She presses her lips together and her hand curls into a fist. “I was
born here. This is my home. I have spent years living under the threat
of the Seven. Believe me, they—and those who aspire to take their
place—are among the most wretched people you will find in Rona. Don’t be
fooled by the funny little titles they give themselves. They’re the
furthest thing from nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“I
never knew Every,” you say. “I have no idea what kind of man he was.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>But the Viridian Lady is concerned
about the Grove and it won’t be long before she sends her people here to
investigate.<<else>>But he was one of the Seven and I
imagine it won’t be long before they send someone to
investigate.<</if>> Why did you kill him?”
Marea falls silent, her face paling. “I was his wife,” she says flatly.
“And not by choice.”
The implication hangs heavy in the air.
“Are you so surprised?” she continues. “You must know what the Seven are
capable of. Don’t be fooled by the funny little titles they give
themselves. They’re the furthest thing from nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t care about Every,” you say. <<if $vlvilla is
true>>“But you must be aware that the Viridian Lady is concerned
about the Grove. It won’t be long before she sends her people here to
investigate.”<<else>>“But he was one of the Seven. You must
know that it won’t be long before they send someone to
investigate.”<</if>>
“And that would be my problem, not yours,” she replies, a warning in her
voice. “I was born in the Grove. This is my home and I have spent years
living under the threat of the Seven. Don’t be fooled by the funny
little titles they give themselves. They’re the furthest thing from
nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Hardly,”
Marea replies. “Don’t mistake respect for power. Many in the Grove look
to Atral for leadership as much as they look to me.”
“But you’re the one with the chalice.”
She pauses. “I am.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “A powerful magical artefact like that
changes everything.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 58 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I heard what you said to Atral.
You’re using it to keep him in line.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 58
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
cup has changed everything,” she says. “Before, we were weak. Those we
did not lose to illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless.
Gangs from Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to
threaten us on a whim, like some twisted rite of passage.”
A lock of dark hair falls across her face. “And then Luthais found the
cup.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Luthais found it?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
don’t know me, Marea,” you retort angrily. “Save your judgement—”
She scoffs. “You may be the first Wayfarer to find the Grove, but you’re
far from the first trespasser,” she interrupts. “Do you know what
happened to the others?”
“Sunk to the bottom of the marsh, I imagine,” Aeran says quietly.
Marea glances at him. “Rona will never control the Grove,” she continues
after a moment. “The Seven and those who aspire to take their place are
the most wretched people you will find in Rona. Don’t be fooled by the
funny little titles they give themselves. They’re the furthest thing
from nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent. Marea watches you carefully, clearly expecting you to take
the bait. You shrug and wait patiently for her to continue.
“Rona will never control the Grove,” she says finally, her voice tinged
with annoyance. “The Seven and those who aspire to take their place are
the most wretched people you will find in Rona. Don’t be fooled by the
funny little titles they give themselves. They’re the furthest thing
from nobility.”
“You’ll find they’re more similar to aristocrats than you think,” you
say. “It’s never about nobility or family or blood. It’s about who has
the power.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>This is something you’re far too
aware of, considering you have noble family yourself.<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>It’s a conclusion you came to long ago, during
your training after Varyn took you on one too many diplomatic
missions.<<else>>It’s something you’ve seen many times, in
many cities, in many countries. Different place, same
story.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And it seems to me you’re the one with the
power here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 ONE WITH THE POWER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her speak.|CHAPTER 1 FG 55 LET
HER SPEAK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Of
course it does!” she says fiercely. “Before the cup, we were weak.
Those we did not lose to illness, we lost to starvation. We were
defenseless. Gangs from Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the
Grove to threaten us on a whim, like some twisted rite of passage.”
A lock of dark hair falls across her face. “And then Luthais found the
cup.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Luthais found it?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Atral
is a bonehead,” Marea says shortly. “He may be quick to act, but he
also tends to act rashly. I have no patience for it.”
A lock of dark hair falls across her face. “Before the cup, we were
weak. Those we did not lose to illness, we lost to starvation. We were
defenseless. Gangs from Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the
Grove to threaten us on a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. And
then Luthais found the cup.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Luthais found it?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 59
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“He
and his friends are never content to remain in the Grove,” Marea
replies. “They’re fascinated by the city and its people. They’ve become
quite the pickpockets.” There’s an unmistakable note of pride in her
voice. “Going out into the city draws more attention than I would like.
Luthais is… prone to running afoul of the Seven’s hired thugs.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>You grimace, thinking
back to the incident in Rat Alley, and shift uncomfortably on the
floor.<<else>>You grimace, shifting uncomfortably on the
floor.<</if>> There’s more going on here than you expected.
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>If
Luthais brought the cup to the Grove, then that means he and his little
band are the ones who attacked Fisher.
<i>Fuck.</i><<else>>You’re missing a piece of
the puzzle. You’ll never know how the chalice got from the Count’s villa
and into Luthais’ hands, but it doesn’t matter. Marea has it
now.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
60]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>You shift
uncomfortably on the floor, your mind whirling. If Luthais brought the
cup to the Grove, then that means he and his little band are the ones
who mugged Fisher.
<i>Fuck.</i><<else>>You shift uncomfortably on
the floor. You’re missing a piece of the puzzle here. You’ll never know
how the chalice got from the Count’s villa and into Luthais’ hands, but
it doesn’t matter. Marea has it now.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
60]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
didn’t understand it,” Marea continues. “Not at first. We thought it
was a worn-out cup, a trinket useful for trade and not much else.”
“Unfortunate that didn’t last,” Aeran mutters. He stirs restlessly
beside you, his scowl deepening.
Marea turns to him. “The cup saved us,” she says coolly. “Cured our sick
and healed our wounded. It has changed everything about our lives. The
Grove has a chance now, to withstand Rona and the Seven.”
You clench your teeth and pass a hand over your face. Why can it never
be simple?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You don’t need an artefact to do that,
Marea.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Doesn’t matter. The Count will
never stop searching for the chalice. Keep it here and the Grove will be
overrun one day.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>>[[3. “A man is dead because of that cup.
Did you know your son is responsible?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61
C]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements have
not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>She
laughs hollowly. “Don’t patronize me,” she snaps. “There is nothing you
can say that will convince me to hand over the cup. The Grove needs it
to survive. Will you take that away from us?”
“I don’t know if I have a choice,” you reply. “The Count wants it back.”
<i>“Tsch.”</i> She shakes her head. “So Cere Nalos is the
one you work for.”
“Not willingly,” you mutter. “If that matters at all.”
“It doesn’t.”
You fall silent, your heart pounding in your chest as you try to make
sense of what you should do.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Tsch.”</i>
Marea’s eyes gleam. “So Cere Nalos is the one you work for.”
You grit your teeth. “The Count has no interest in the Grove. He wants
the chalice.”
“Then he can come here and take it from me himself!” she snaps.
You clench your teeth. Your heart pounding in your chest as you try to
make sense of what you should do.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
raises her head and meets your eyes. “Yes,” she says evenly. “An
accident, as I understand it. The Grove’s children have many things to
be angry about. Luthais, Vi, Tarff… they are angry. And sometimes their
anger has unexpected consequences.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re awfully calm about this.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 62 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No child should have to fight in
the streets.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 62
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Silence
falls over the room. Your heart pounds in your chest, so rapidly and so
loudly you’re certain the others can hear it.
Marea draws back, twisting her fingers in her lap as she looks from you
to Aeran. <<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>He avoids her
gaze and scratches the back of his neck restlessly. One hand rests at
his quiver, fiddling with an arrow shaft.<<else>>He avoids
her gaze, shifting restlessly as he glances at your
weapons.<</if>>
It does not go unnoticed.
“You’re not going to attack me,” she declares, a triumphant gleam in her
eyes. “You won’t take the cup.”
“Is that right?” Aeran says darkly.
<<if $health neq "full">>“If you were going to, you would
have taken it by now,” she replies. “And your friend is injured. You may
overpower me, but you cannot contend with the entire Grove when $heshe
can barely stand up straight.”
You grimace and bite back an objection. You’re exhausted and sore and
your head hurts, but you’ve been through worse.<<else>>“If
you were going to, you would have taken it by now,” she replies
calmly.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re done listening to her. Take the
chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1 FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Keep talking to her. The chalice
can’t stay here, but you can convince her to give it up
willingly.|CHAPTER 1 FG CONVINCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. She’s right. Knowing what you know
now, you can’t take it away from her.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Rona
hates the Grove,” she replies. “I’m glad they can protect themselves.”
Aeran mutters something under his breath, a dark look in his eyes. His
anger, while silent, is simmering. It won’t be long before Marea says
something that causes him to snap.
“Regardless,” Marea continues, ignoring him, “the cup is in our hands
now. I am grateful for it—”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is
true>>“Grateful?” you interrupt. “Try telling that to the woman
whose brother that kid killed.”<<else>>“Grateful?” you
interrupt. “I doubt the dead man’s family would see it that
way.”<</if>>
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>“I
don’t know her,” she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me
than a single woman in Rona.”<<else>>“I don’t know them,”
she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me than a single person
in Rona.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You don’t need an artefact like this to
survive, Marea. You can do it on your own.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you keep the chalice, the Grove
will be overrun one day. The Count will never stop searching for
it.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea’s
eyes flicker over you, appraising you. “You speak from experience?” she
asks.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>“Too much,” you
grunt.<<else>>“Something like that,” you
grunt.<</if>>
She nods in respect and doesn’t press for more. Aeran mutters something
under his breath. His anger, while silent, is simmering. It won’t be
long before Marea says something that causes him to snap.
“Regardless,” Marea continues after a moment, “the cup is in our hands
now. I am grateful for it—”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is
true>>“Grateful?” you interrupt. “Try telling that to the woman
whose brother that kid killed.”<<else>>“Grateful?” you
interrupt. “I doubt the dead man’s family would see it that
way.”<</if>>
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>“I
don’t know her,” she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me
than a single woman in Rona.”<<else>>“I don’t know them,”
she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me than a single person
in Rona.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You don’t need an artefact like this to
survive, Marea. You can do it on your own.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you keep the chalice, the Grove
will be overrun one day. The Count will never stop searching for
it.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 61 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
Count,” you say wearily.
<i>“Tsch.</i> Of course…” She turns, her piercing eyes
seeking out yours. “What does Cere Nalos want with the Grove?”
“It’s not about the Grove,” you reply. “He only wants the chalice back.
It’s by sheer accident that it found its way to you.”
She scowls. “It was no accident—”
“You must know what it does,” you say. “How powerful it is—”
“And this is where you say someone like me can’t control it?” she
interrupts with a hollow laugh. “Save your breath. You mean someone like
me doesn’t deserve it.”
You pause and press your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not what I said.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 71
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You don’t deserve it.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 71 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>“We
don’t work for the Seven,” you say quickly. “We’re here on our own—”
“Stop lying,” Marea snaps, paling in anger. “No one with your skillset
can escape the Seven. Who do you work for?”
You curse softly to yourself. Of course she wouldn’t be convinced.
“The Count,” Aeran cuts in quickly. “And not by choice.”
Marea snorts. “Of course,” she says bitingly. “Of course it would be
Cere Nalos.”
You grit your teeth. “The Count has no interest in the Grove. He wants
the chalice.”
“Then he can come take it himself!” she shouts, rounding on you.
You pause, glancing at Aeran. He grimaces and spreads his hands, his
patience nearly spent.
“You must know what it does,” you say. “How powerful it is—”
“And this is where you say someone like me can’t control it?” she
interrupts with a hollow laugh. “Save your breath. You mean someone like
me doesn’t <i>deserve</i> it.”
You pause and press your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not what I said.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 71
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You don’t deserve it.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 71 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>You
grimace, your thoughts racing. Your gut instinct says that mentioning
the Count by name is a bad idea. You’re not familiar enough with the
other members of the Seven to risk claiming to work for one of them. And
Marea clearly has no love for them.
But Hera Ambrose… That is a lie you could spin. She did ask you to
double-cross the Count and bring her the chalice.
“None of them,” you say finally. “We were hired by Hera Ambrose.”
She frowns, her brow knitting together. “Why is she interested in the
Grove?” she asks, tugging on a loose lock of hair.
“She’s not,” Aeran says, quickly catching on. “She doesn’t care what
happens here. Rona’s politics aren’t her concern. She wants the
chalice.”
Marea freezes, a deep scowl marring her face. She falls silent and tugs
on her hair, tucking it roughly behind her ears.
“You must know what it does,” you say. “How powerful it is—”
“And this is where you say someone like me can’t control it?” she
interrupts with a hollow laugh. “Save your breath. You mean someone like
me doesn’t deserve it.”
You pause and press your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not what I said.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 72
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You don’t deserve it.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 72 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>You
grimace, your thoughts racing. Your gut instinct says that mentioning
the Count by name is a bad idea. You’re not familiar enough with the
other members of the Seven to risk claiming to work for one of them. And
Marea clearly has no love for them.
But Hera Ambrose… That is a lie you could spin. She did ask you to
double-cross the Count and bring her the chalice.
“We were hired by a woman named Hera,” you say. “Hera Ambrose. She—”
Marea snorts with laughter. “Don’t lie to me, Wayfarer,” she says. “Hera
Ambrose is Arathian, she has no interest in Rona. Anselma Malley holds
all the power in that marriage—”
“True,” Aeran says quickly, catching on. “Hera doesn’t care about the
Grove. She wants the chalice.”
Marea freezes, a deep scowl marring her face. She falls silent and tugs
on her hair, tucking it roughly behind her ears.
“You must know what it does,” you say. “How powerful it is—”
“And this is where you say someone like me can’t control it?” she
interrupts with a hollow laugh. “Save your breath. You mean someone like
me doesn’t deserve it.”
You pause and press your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not what I said.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 71
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You don’t deserve it.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 71 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
golden eyes gleam. “Then tell me, Wayfarer,” she says. “Is it right to
take away a remarkable tool that can help so many? All for the sake of
Cere Nalos’ vanity and greed?”
You shift uncomfortably on the floor and exchange looks with Aeran.
There’s a silent thought neither of you have spoken. You don’t care
about the Count. But you do care about your own life, and if you don’t
return the chalice… he will kill you.
“Before the cup, we were weak,” Marea continues. “Those we did not lose
to illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from
Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on
a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect
ourselves. We’re stronger now. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
DEMAND]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Tsch.”
She sits back, hands resting on the floor, her lip curling in a dark
smile. “So you think it’s right to take away a remarkable tool that can
help so many? All for the sake of Cere Nalos’ vanity?”
You shift uncomfortably on the floor and exchange looks with Aeran.
There’s a silent thought neither of you have spoken. You don’t care
about the Count. But you do care about your own life, and if you don’t
return the chalice… he will kill you.
“Before the cup, we were weak,” Marea continues. “Those we did not lose
to illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from
Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on
a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect
ourselves. We’re stronger now. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
DEMAND]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
golden eyes gleam. “Then tell me, Wayfarer,” she says. “Why would you
take away a remarkable tool that can help so many and give it to the
wealthy daughter of an Arathian magistrate who doesn’t need it?”
You shift uncomfortably on the floor and exchange looks with Aeran.
“Before the cup, we were weak,” Marea continues. “Those we did not lose
to illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from
Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on
a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect
ourselves. We’re stronger now. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
DEMAND]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Tsch.”
She sits back, hands resting on the floor, her lip curling in a dark
smile. “So you would take away a tool that has done so much good, all so
you can hand it over to the wealthy daughter of an Arathian magistrate?
What do you think Hera Ambrose can do with it that we cannot?”
<i>Experiments, most likely,</i> you think.
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“Before the cup, we were weak,” Marea continues. “Those we did not lose
to illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from
Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on
a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect
ourselves. We’re stronger now. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
DEMAND]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareademand to true>>You exhale a long breath. “Then tell us
what you want, Marea,” you say finally. “You know we can take the
chalice from you and there’s little you can do to stop us—”
“I want you to act as a messenger,” she says, cutting across you. She
sits up with a straight back, holding herself tall and proud, unwilling
to be threatened. “Inform the Seven that they have no power over Flotsam
Grove. We will not be commanded by them and we will not be cowed by
them.”
“Bold ask,” Aeran says. “What will you give us in return?”
Marea purses her lips and falls silent.
“You can’t ask us to double-cross our employer for nothing,” he
continues. “I’m not risking my life for you—”
“Then take the blasted cup,” she hisses. “I can’t stop you—but the Grove
can.”
You swallow hard, your heart pounding in your chest as you try to make
sense of what you should do.
Why can’t everything be simple, just for once?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her golden eyes gleam. “Isn’t it?” she says. “When you arrived in the Grove, what did you expect to find?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “A slum.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 81 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know, I didn’t think that far.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 81 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not… this.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 81 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
laughs hollowly. “What makes the Grove so less deserving, Wayfarer?”
she asks. “Is it because we’re Rona’s hidden secret? A parasite leeching
off our betters in Deadwood and Edgewater? That’s what the Seven would
have you believe.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This isn’t about you.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The chalice is a piece of history,
not a plaything.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Because I don’t want to
die!”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
smiles coldly. “Flotsam Grove is Rona’s secret,” she says. “The lengths
the Seven go to keep us hidden. As far as Rona is concerned, we’re
parasites on the border, leeching off our betters in Deadwood and
Edgewater. But we have our own lives here. What about us makes us so
less deserving?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This isn’t about you.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The chalice is a piece of history,
not a plaything.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Because I don’t want to
die!”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
smiles coldly. “Of course not,” she says. “You blundered in here,
expecting to rush through and get exactly what you wanted.”
You shift uncomfortably on the floor.
“The Seven go to great lengths to keep us hidden,” she says. “As far as
Rona is concerned, we’re parasites on the border, leeching off our
betters in Deadwood and Edgewater. But we have our own lives and we
deserve to live them. Why shouldn’t we have the cup?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This isn’t about you.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The chalice is a piece of history,
not a plaything.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Because I don’t want to
die!”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
snorts. “What is… ‘this?’ You think less of us because of where we
live? Rona thinks we’re a parasite, leeching off our betters in Deadwood
and Edgewater. But we have our own lives and we deserve to live them.
Why shouldn’t we have the cup?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This isn’t about you.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The chalice is a piece of history,
not a plaything.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Because I don’t want to
die!”|CHAPTER 1 FG 82 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Of
course it is,” Marea snaps, her eyes flashing. “It did the moment my
son brought it home to us.”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>You grit your teeth,
thinking back to the incident in Rat Alley, and shift uncomfortably on
the floor.<<else>>You grimace, shifting uncomfortably on the
floor.<</if>> There’s more going on here than you expected.
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>If
Luthais brought the cup to the Grove, then that means he and his little
band are the ones who mugged Fisher.
<i>Fuck.</i><<else>>You’re missing a piece of
the puzzle. You’ll never know how the chalice got from the Count’s villa
and into Luthais’ hands, but it doesn’t matter. Marea has it
now.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2
is true>>[[1. “A man is dead because of that cup. Did you know
your son is responsible?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 83
A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You can’t keep the chalice,
Marea.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 83 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareaReason to true>>You spit the words out, barely hanging onto
your boiling frustration.
<<if $heramet is true>>The Chalice of Offering is an object
of terrifying power. Whatever Marea has learned by trial and error is
only the beginning. Maybe it should be in the hands of someone like
Hera…<<elseif $chaliceinfo1 is true>>The Chalice of Offering
is an object of terrifying power. What Marea has learned by trial and
error is only the beginning. Leaving it here to her—someone who doesn’t
understand it—could have unexpected consequences…<<else>>the
chalice is an object of terrifying power. What Marea has learned by
trial and error is only the beginning. Leaving it here to her—someone
who doesn’t understand it—could have unexpected
consequences…<</if>>
“You think we’re children, too naïve to understand the consequences of
our actions.”
Marea’s cheeks are flushed and her eyes are very wide and bright. She is
no longer trying to mask her anger. “The cup has changed our lives.
Before, we were weak. Those we did not lose to illness, we lost to
starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from Edgewater and Deadwood
forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on a whim, like some
twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect ourselves. Our
home will no longer be Rona’s plaything.”
“You don’t need the chalice for that!” you shout.
Marea laughs, her shoulders shaking. She brushes loose hair away from
her face and tucks it sharply behind her ears. “Samwell Every is dead
and we will show the Seven the same swift justice we gave to him.
Without the chalice, how will we defend ourselves against them? How will
we heal our wounded?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You killed Every?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 85
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not partaking in a murder
inquiry. Every’s not important here.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareaReason to true>>The words burst out, ringing across the
room.
Marea pauses in the silence. She leans back, hands on her knees, a
satisfied smile on her lips. “And there’s the truth of it,” she says.
“It’s your life against ours. Which of the Seven hired you?”
Your throat has gone dry. “The Count. Not willingly, if that matters at
all.”
“It doesn’t.”
“Then you know he won’t stop until the chalice is returned to him,” you
press. “We’re just the first. If you don’t give it to us, there will be
others—”
“And?” Marea snaps. “The Seven can come for the Grove all they want, we
will show them the same swift justice we gave to Samwell Every.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You killed Every?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 85
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not partaking in a murder
inquiry. Every’s not important here.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
raises her head and meets your eyes. “Yes,” she says evenly. “An
accident, as I understand it. The Grove’s children have many things to
be angry about. Luthais, Vi, Tarff… they are angry. And sometimes their
anger has unexpected consequences.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re awfully calm about this.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 84 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No child should have to fight in
the streets.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 84
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareaReason to true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG 84 B")
or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG 84 A")>>“You can’t keep the chalice,
Marea,” you say.
She laughs hollowly. “It saved us!” she shouts, rounding on you. “It has
changed our lives. Before, we were weak. Those we did not lose to
illness, we lost to starvation. We were defenseless. Gangs from
Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the Grove to threaten us on
a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With the cup, we can protect
ourselves. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”<<else>>She laughs hollowly. “It saved us!” she
shouts, rounding on you. “It has changed our lives. Before, we were
weak. Those we did not lose to illness, we lost to starvation. We were
defenseless. Gangs from Edgewater and Deadwood forced their way into the
Grove to threaten us on a whim, like some twisted rite of passage. With
the cup, we can protect ourselves. Our home will no longer be Rona’s
plaything.”<</if>>
“You don’t need the chalice for that,” you grunt.
Marea laughs, her shoulders shaking. She brushes loose hair away from
her face and tucks it sharply behind her ears. “Samwell Every is dead
and we will show the Seven the same swift justice we gave to him.
Without the chalice, how will we defend ourselves against them? How will
we heal our wounded?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You killed Every?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 85
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not partaking in a murder
inquiry. Every’s not important here.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Rona
hates the Grove,” she replies, shrugging. “I’m glad they can protect
themselves.”
Aeran mutters something under his breath, a dark look in his eyes. His
anger, while silent, is simmering. It won’t be long before Marea says
something that causes him to snap.
“Regardless,” Marea continues, ignoring him, “the cup is in our hands
now. I am grateful for it—”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is
true>>“Grateful?” you interrupt. “Try telling that to the woman
whose brother that kid killed.”<<else>>“Grateful?” you
interrupt. “I doubt the dead man’s family would see it that
way.”<</if>>
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>“I
don’t know her,” she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me
than a single woman in Rona.”<<else>>“I don’t know them,”
she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me than a single person
in Rona.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 83
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea’s
eyes flicker over you, appraising you. “You speak from experience?” she
asks.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>“Too much,” you
grunt.<<else>>“Something like that,” you
grunt.<</if>>
She nods in respect and doesn’t press for more. Aeran mutters something
under his breath. His anger, while silent, is simmering. It won’t be
long before Marea says something that causes him to snap.
“Regardless,” she continues after a moment, “the cup is in our hands
now. I am grateful for it—”
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is
true>>“Grateful?” you interrupt. “Try telling that to the woman
whose brother that kid killed.”<<else>>“Grateful?” you
interrupt. “I doubt the dead man’s family would see it that
way.”<</if>>
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>“I
don’t know her,” she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me
than a single woman in Rona.”<<else>>“I don’t know them,”
she replies, shrugging. “The Grove means more to me than a single person
in Rona.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 83
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
raises her chin, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. “Yes,” she says
starkly. “Samwell Every is floating at the bottom of the marsh. Believe
me when I say becoming a feast for fish was too good a fate for him.”
You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Every has never been the focus of
your investigation, but since learning of his disappearance, you have
wondered how he was connected to all of this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Why?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 90 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. Pushing her for answers
won’t help you get the chalice back.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Marea
falls silent. “I was his wife,” she says after a long moment. “And not
by choice.”
The implication hangs heavy in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MAREA
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
close your eyes and exhale a long breath. “The chalice isn’t the
blessing you think it is—”
“Save your breath,” Marea interrupts. “You won’t take it from me.”
You grit your teeth as frustration flares in the pit of your stomach.
She is obstinate, convinced that the chalice is the only way to protect
Flotsam Grove from Rona and secure its independence. It will be
difficult to break through such resolute belief. What can you say to get
through to her?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>[[1. Play
to her lack of knowledge. What she knows about the chalice comes from
trial and error. How can she be certain she isn’t doing more harm than
good?|CHAPTER 1 FG 120 A]]<<else>>[[1. Play to her lack of
knowledge. What she knows about the chalice comes from trial and error.
How can she be certain she isn’t doing more harm than good?|CHAPTER 1 FG
120 A2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Be realistic. The harsh truth is
that if she keeps the chalice, the Count will eventually assault the
Grove to retrieve it. No matter how strong its healing powers are, the
Grove can’t stand against the Count’s mercenaries.|CHAPTER 1 FG 120
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. She may lead the Grove now, but the
chalice is clearly causing tension among the others. How long will it be
before Atral decides he should be the one in charge?|CHAPTER 1 FG 120
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>You close your eyes and exhale a
long breath.
<<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>Slowly, you push
yourself up and get to your feet. Your hand absently drifts to your
sword and rests on the hilt. The familiar leather grip is somehow
comforting beneath your fingers. Marea scrambles to her feet, eyes glued
to your blade, her whole body tensing, preparing to
flee.<<else>>Slowly, you push yourself to your feet and face
Marea. She scrambles up, her whole body tensing. She glances at your
weapons on the floor and for a moment it seems like she is caught
between the desire to seize them and run or flee directly from the
ruin.<</if>>
“Keep it,” you say.
Her eyes widen in shock and she steps back, her bare feet nearly
tripping over the frayed blankets. Aeran glares at you, disapproval
etched on his face. His hand clenches into a fist, his arms shaking with
tension.
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>To your surprise, he doesn’t say a
word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 130
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
FG 130
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
round on her.
Marea stares at you blankly as you approach. For a moment she seems
oblivious to your threatening pace, convinced that it’s a bluff. Then
the realization clicks into place and her eyes widen with horror. She
stands rooted to the spot, chin raised in defiance.
“The Grove won’t suffer this,” she spits.
“I don’t care,” you grunt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Seize
her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>[[2. Draw your sword and threaten her.|CHAPTER 1 SWORD
THREAT]]<<else>>[[2. Draw your dagger and threaten
her.|CHAPTER 1 DAGGER
THREAT]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>[[2. Draw your sword and threaten her.|CHAPTER 1 SWORD
THREAT]]<<else>>[[2. Draw your dagger and threaten
her.|CHAPTER 1 DAGGER
THREAT]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
seize her. She struggles against you, desperately trying to slip free
from your grasp. Her foot lashes out and kicks you in the shins. You
grunt from the pain but hold her tight, crushing her arms against her
body.
She makes several more attempts to pull herself free, each weaker than
the last, then finally gives in and stands still. Her shoulders slump,
her chin dropping to her chest, her spirit worn thin.
“Take it,” she whispers.
You reach for her pouch and withdraw the chalice.
It is smaller than you expect. There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no
outward sign of its tremendous power, nor does it react to your touch.
Its bindings are too ancient, folded into the metal so many years ago by
long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in your hands that, for a
moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
You let Marea go and she pushes herself away from you. She stumbles
across the room and sinks to her knees, her whole body trembling. “Go,”
she says, her voice breaking. “Just… go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
100]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
seize her. She struggles against you, desperately trying to slip free
from your grasp. Her foot lashes out and kicks you in the shins. You
grunt from the pain and hold her tight. She writhes, spitting and
spluttering, her fingernails scraping your arms, and wrenches herself
free.
Cursing under your breath, you throw yourself at her and grab her arm,
dragging her back. She shouts, panicked as she slides across the floor.
She pulls free again and you throw yourself at her, ramming your palm
sharply into her shoulder.
Her eyes go wide with shock and she falls back—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE
101]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw your sword. The blade gleams in the low light, reflecting the glow
of the conjured lights above.
Marea watches the blade carefully and a flicker of fear flashes in her
eyes.
“Give me the chalice, Marea,” you say.
Her lips purse together in a thin line. She lowers her head and her hair
falls across her face in a dark curtain. A pale hand hovers at her
waist, brushing a pouch attached to her belt.
“The chalice,” you repeat.
Her hand drops. She raises her head, an unwavering gleam in her eye, and
lunges forward. You pull your sword back instinctively and she skids to
a stop in front of you. The tip of your blade rests at the base of her
throat.
“Then take it,” she whispers. “My life for the chalice.”
Your fingers tighten around the hilt. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck and your palms are clammy. You have no response; her gamble
has taken you by surprise.
Emboldened by your silence, Marea takes a step forwards. The blade
presses into her skin, drawing a faint line of blood.
“Do you understand what it is worth to me now?” she hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Get the chalice
from her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY] Get the chalice from
her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Enough of this. She is pissing you
off. Take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG TAKE IT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO")>><s>3. Back off. You’re not going to hurt her to get
the chalice.</s><<else>>[[3. Back off. You’re not
going to hurt her to get the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD BACK
OFF]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Get the chalice from her—before you hurt her or she hurts
herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Get
the chalice from her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1
FG SWORD AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Enough of this. She is pissing you
off. Take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG TAKE IT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO")>><s>3. Back off. You’re not going to hurt her to get
the chalice.</s><<else>>[[3. Back off. You’re not
going to hurt her to get the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD BACK
OFF]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
unsheathe your dagger and flip it in your hand, pressing your fingers
into the hard leather grip.
Marea watches the blade carefully and a flicker of fear flashes in her
eyes.
“Give me the chalice, Marea,” you say.
Her lips purse together in a thin line. She lowers her head and her hair
falls across her face in a dark curtain. A pale hand hovers at her
waist, brushing a pouch attached to her belt.
“The chalice,” you repeat. You step towards her, dagger raised.
Her hand drops. She raises her head, an unwavering gleam in her eye, and
lunges forward. Caught by surprise, you move instinctively out of the
way. She catches your wrist and twists it, pressing the dagger to her
throat.
“Then take it,” she whispers. “My life for the chalice.”
Your fingers tighten around the grip. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck. Your palms are uncomfortably clammy. You have no response;
your throat has gone dry.
Emboldened by your silence, Marea takes a step forwards. The dagger
presses into her skin, drawing a faint line of blood.
“Do you understand what it is worth to me now?” she hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Get the chalice
from her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY] Get the chalice from
her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Enough of this. She is pissing you
off. Take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG TAKE IT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO")>><s>3. Back off. You’re not going to hurt her to get
the chalice.</s><<else>>[[3. Back off. You’re not
going to hurt her to get the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD BACK
OFF]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[1. Get the chalice from her—before you hurt her or she hurts
herself.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Get
the chalice from her—before you hurt her or she hurts herself.|CHAPTER 1
FG SWORD AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Enough of this. She is pissing you
off. Take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG TAKE IT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO")>><s>3. Back off. You’re not going to hurt her to get
the chalice.</s><<else>>[[3. Back off. You’re not
going to hurt her to get the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG SWORD BACK
OFF]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>You leave the room. Aeran
walks in silence at your side as you pick your way through the roughhewn
corridors.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<br>+ Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>You quickly gather your missing weapons and make
your way from the room. Aeran walks in silence at your side as you pick
your way through the roughhewn corridors.<</if>>
The chalice sits in your pack, resting uncomfortably against your hip.
You’ve finally found the bloody thing, but somehow this doesn’t feel
like a victory.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>><<else>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"marea">><</if>><<if $mareadead is
true>>“And just like that, she lets you go.”
Atral looms in front of the entrance as you emerge back out into the
night. The late night air has blown clouds across the sky, blotting out
the moon and stars. Darkness enshrouds the ruins, staved off by
torchlight.
You halt by the ladder. “Our business is finished,” you say and reach
for the ladder.
Atral lunges for it and places his hands on either side. Violence gleams
in his eyes as he stares up at you. “Or did you kill her?”
You freeze.
“What are we going to find in there?” he sneers. “Two mercenaries go in,
but she doesn’t come out. Doesn’t take much to imagine what happened—”
A blur of movement catches your eye and suddenly Atral is backing away,
hands raised. Aeran stares him down, his bow drawn, an arrow pointed at
his chest.
“Shut up,” he spits. “We’re leaving.”
Atral reddens. He watches wordlessly as you drop down to the platform
and walk briskly to the edge. He hesitates, torn between running to the
ruin and chasing after you.
“This isn’t the end, outsider!” he calls to your retreating backs. “I
remember your face! I remember you! You won’t leave Rona alive!”
Your spine prickles, tension flooding your body. As you pick your way
across the boardwalks, you half expect Atral to rush you and stab you in
the back. But nothing happens. The Grove is silent, gloomy with
darkness and the smell of imminent rain.
<<if $luthaisHostage is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<elseif
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering') or $aeranchalice is
true>>“And just like that, she lets you go.”
Atral looms in front of the entrance as you emerge back out into the
night. The late night air has blown clouds across the sky, blotting out
the moon and stars. Darkness enshrouds the ruins, staved off by
torchlight.
You halt by the ladder. “Our business is finished,” you say and reach
for the ladder.
Atral lunges for it and places his hands on either side. Violence gleams
in his eyes as he stares up at you. “Or did you kill her?” he hisses.
“What are we going to find in there?”
“We’re leaving,” you say shortly. You try to step around him and jump
down to the platform below, but he leaps in front of you and blocks your
way.
“No outsider leaves the Grove,” he grunts. His arms flex, the muscles
bulging.
Irritation twists in your gut. After everything that has happened today,
Atral is the last person you want to deal with. <<if
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering')>>He is not going to stop you
from getting the chalice out of the Grove.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Draw your sword and tell him to get out of
the way.|CHAPTER 1 FG 200 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Jump down to the platform below and
push your way past him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 200
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“And
just like that, she lets you go.”
Atral looms in front of the entrance as you emerge back out into the
night. The late night air has blown clouds across the sky, blotting out
the moon and stars. Darkness enshrouds the ruins, staved off by
torchlight.
You halt by the ladder, a retort on your lips. Aeran hisses and draws
his bow, an arrow pointed at Atral’s chest. “Believe me, Atral,” he
says, his voice dangerously low, “you don’t want to become my final
problem today.”
Atral glances at the ruin’s upper levels. “What are we going to find in
there?” he sneers. “Two mercenaries go in and she doesn’t come out?
Doesn’t take much to imagine what happened—”
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow flies across the platform and strikes Atral in the centre of
his palm. He howls in pain, doubling over as he stumbles across the
boards. Aeran leaps down and strides past the wounded man, striding
towards the tangled shoreline. You rush after him, Atral’s shrieks
echoing in your ears. The scent of imminent rain rests on your tongue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Why the hell did you do that?”|CHAPTER 1 FG
201 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisHostage is
true>>[[2. Say nothing. Atral was in the way and, frankly, you’re
thankful you don’t have to deal with him. You have bigger problems
looming on the horizon.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]<<else>>[[2. Say nothing. Atral was in the way and,
frankly, you’re thankful you don’t have to deal with him. You have
bigger problems looming on the horizon.|CHAPTER 1 FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$mareadead to true>>A dull crack echoes through the room as Marea
lands sharply on the ground and falls still. She lies on her side, her
neck twisted at an odd angle.
“Fuck,” Aeran says.
“Fuck,” you repeat.
The silence in the room is hollow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE
102]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>For a moment, neither of you
can move, too shocked by the turn of events. You glance at Aeran. You’re
not even sure what you’re seeking from him—confirmation that it was an
accident? Something to force you to move on? A cold hard statement that
this woman’s life doesn’t matter now that you have the chalice?
…the fucking chalice.
Aeran quietly approaches Marea’s body. Kneeling beside her, he gently
rolls her over and closes her eyes. Then he exhales a long, sharp breath
and quietly searches her, withdrawing the chalice from the pouch at her
waist.
It’s smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to his touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in Aeran’s hands that, for
a moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
He tosses it to you. “Let’s go,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE 103 RETURNED
WEAPONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>You nod and duck through the
entryway, winding your way through the roughhewn corridors in
silence.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Gathering your weapons from across the room, you
quietly duck through the entryway and make your way through the
roughhewn corridors in silence.<</if>>
The chalice sits in your pack, resting uncomfortably against your hip.
You’ve finally found the bloody thing, but this doesn’t feel like a
victory.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DAGGER THREAT")>>You move without thinking,
following instincts honed from years of training. You turn the dagger
outwards and pull her into you. The movement is too quick and the blade
lightly nicks her flesh, but she is otherwise
unharmed.<<else>>You move without thinking, following
instincts honed from years of training. You turn your blade away in an
arc, reach out, and pull her into you. The movement was too quick and
you lightly graze the hollow of her throat, but she is otherwise
unharmed.<</if>>
<<if $height is "short" or $height is "very short">>You are
fortunate she is roughly the same height as you, otherwise grappling her
would be much more difficult. You pin her arms to her
body.<<else>>Using your height and reflexes against her, you
pin her arms against her body.<</if>> She struggles weakly
against you, but quickly becomes resigned to her defeat. After a moment,
she falls still. You reach for the pouch and withdraw the chalice.
It’s smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to your touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in your hands that, for a
moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
Marea pushes herself away from you and stumbles across the room. She
sinks to her knees, her whole body trembling as horror spreads across
her face. “Go,” she whispers. “Just… <i>go.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
103]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<set
$mareadead to true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DAGGER
THREAT")>>You move without thinking, following instincts honed
from years of training. You turn the dagger outwards and pull her into
you—
The movement is too quick. She slips in your grasp and your dagger cuts
into her throat.<<else>>You move without thinking, following
instincts honed from years of training. You turn your blade away and
pull her into you—
The movement is too quick and your blade slashes her
throat.<</if>>
Blood splatters your hands.
Marea gasps, her breath ragged and wheezing. Her shoulders heave and her
hands clutch her throat, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood.
She staggers and collapses face-down on the floor, her blood soaking the
faded blankets.
“Fuck,” Aeran says.
“Fuck,” you repeat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
105]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mareadead to true>>Rage boils in your gut.
Anger at Aeran for agreeing to come to Rona, all those long months ago.
Fury at Rona and its poisonous toleration of you, bleeding you dry.
Anger at the Count, for taking advantage of you and setting you on an
impossible task with an impossible deadline. Rage at Marea, for daring
to be one final obstacle in your way.
You can’t think anymore. You can only act.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DAGGER THREAT")>>Your dagger
slashes out. Blood splatters your hands.<<else>>Your sword
slashes out. Blood splatters your hands.<</if>>
Marea gasps, her breath ragged and wheezing, and raises her hands to her
throat. Blood flows between her fingers, staining her pale skin. She
staggers, her mouth moving silently, and collapses face-down on the
floor. Her blood soaks through the faded blankets.
“Fuck,” Aeran whispers.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DAGGER THREAT")>>You lower your
dagger.<<else>>You lower your sword.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 107][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceGrove to true>>You draw away, treading several paces back
across the room and sheathe your <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
DAGGER
THREAT")>>dagger<<else>>sword<</if>>. “I
won’t kill you to take it,” you say. “Keep it.”
You glance at Aeran, hoping to find agreement. His jaw is clenched and
anger mars his expression, but he silently nods. After all this, neither
of you can bring yourselves to take it from her.
Marea smiles faintly. A victorious gleam shines in her eyes. Her gamble
has paid off.
<<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>Sighing wearily, you
leave the room and make your way back through the roughhewn corridors in
silence. Growing dread twists in the pit of your
stomach.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>You quickly gather your missing weapons from
across the room and make your way out. As you walk through the roughhewn
corridors in silence, a growing dread twists in the pit of your
stomach.<</if>>
You can’t change it now. You’ve condemned yourself to failing the
Count—and whatever punishment that holds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>You leave the room. Aeran
walks in silence at your side as you pick your way through the roughhewn
corridors.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<br>+ Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>You quickly gather your missing weapons and make
your way from the room. Aeran walks in silence at your side as you pick
your way through the roughhewn corridors.<</if>>
The chalice sits in your pack, resting uncomfortably against your hip.
You’ve finally found the bloody thing, but somehow this doesn’t feel
like a victory.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>The silence in the room is
hollow.
For a moment, neither of you can move, too shocked by the turn of
events. You glance at Aeran. You’re not even sure what you’re seeking
from him—confirmation that it was an accident? Something to force you to
move on? A cold hard statement that this woman’s life doesn’t matter
now that you have the chalice?
The fucking chalice.
Aeran quietly approaches Marea’s body. Kneeling beside her, he gently
rolls her over and closes her eyes. Then he exhales a long, sharp breath
and quietly searches her, withdrawing the chalice from the pouch at her
waist.
It’s smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to his touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in Aeran’s hands that, for
a moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
He tosses it to you. “Let’s go,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE 103 RETURNED
WEAPONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
stand still, feet rooted to the ground, and stare blankly at the body
before you. Marea’s blood stains the surrounding blankets and pillows,
so bright against the faded fabric. You’re dimly aware of Aeran calling
your name, but you can’t answer him. You can only stare at her. This
elven woman who refused to let you have your way.
Aeran shoulders past you and kneels beside her body. Kneeling beside
her, he gently rolls her over and closes her eyes. Then he exhales a
long, sharp breath and quietly searches her, withdrawing the chalice
from the pouch at her waist.
It’s smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to his touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in Aeran’s hands that, for
a moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
108]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>He tosses it to you. You meet
his gaze and all you can see is anger.
You duck through the entryway and leave the room, winding your way
through the roughhewn corridors in
silence.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<br>+ Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>He tosses it to you. You meet his gaze and all
you can see is anger.
Gathering your weapons from across the room, you quietly duck through
the entryway and make your way through the roughhewn corridors in
silence.<</if>>
The chalice sits in your pack, resting uncomfortably against your hip.
You’ve finally found the bloody thing, but it doesn’t feel like a
victory.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It’s
called the Chalice of Offering,” you say.
Marea stares at you blankly.
<<if $heramet is true>>“That’s the name scholars gave it,”
you continue, speaking slowly as you desperately try to recall what Hera
told you. It feels like a year has passed since the meeting in her
library.<<else>>“That’s what they call it,” you continue,
speaking slowly as you desperately try to recall what the Viridian Lady
told you. It feels like a year has passed since the encounter in her
villa.<</if>> “You’ve experienced its curative properties
firsthand, but do you know where it comes from? It’s ancient. From
before the Astrandium. One of the few artefacts left from that time.”
“And?” she asks. “I don’t care where it comes from, its history won’t
help me—”
“That’s my point,” you interrupt. “It does matter. That thing is
thousands of years old. There are no consistent records with magic that
ancient, you don’t know the full extent of what it is or what it was
made to do. Artefacts like that can have unexpected effects from
proximity alone, let alone ingesting something it creates. You can cure
your people, sure. You can heal them. But did you ever stop to consider
what else you are doing to them?”
Her eyes narrow. She presses her lips together and says nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Think about it, Marea. You must have some
doubts. Otherwise why haven’t you given the elixir to Luthais?”|CHAPTER 1
FG 121 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How long do you want to keep this
up before something goes irreversibly bad?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 121
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Look,”
you say sharply. “I may not be able to divine the future like some
Guild mages, but I have a pretty good idea of what’s going to happen if
you don’t give up that chalice. There are a few possibilities—do you
want to hear them?”
Her eyes narrow, glinting dangerously.
“If you don’t give it to us,” you plow on, the words tumbling out at
such a rapid pace you’re nearly spitting on the ground, “we’ll have no
choice but to go back and tell the Count exactly where it is. Maybe
you’ll try to stop us. Maybe you’ll have Atral attack us. Maybe he’ll
win.”
Aeran grunts. You can feel him throwing you a side-eye, but you can’t
look at him. You’re this far into it, you might as well push it for all
you’ve got.
“Let’s say he does and you show us the same mercy you showed Samwell
Every,” you say. “Great. Now we’re floating on the bottom of the marsh. I
don’t like being dead, but what can you do. It’s your problem now.
Because the Count is going to wonder what happened to us, and he’s
eventually going to find his way here. What will the Grove do when he
sends a whole mercenary band?”
Marea’s hand curls into a fist.
“Not convinced yet?” you continue. “Say Atral doesn’t kill us. As soon
as we get out of here, we will inform the Count that the chalice is
here. We have no incentive not to—our lives are on the line and I won’t
hesitate to sell you out if it means we get to keep breathing. And now
you have a whole mercenary company on your borders—”
“Stop—”
“And the same thing will happen—”
<i>“Stop it—”</i>
“Your people aren’t warriors, Marea,” you finish. “No matter how much
curative elixir you make, you won’t stand a chance against a mercenary
company. Not one in service to the Count. They will cut you down and set
your homes on fire, without question.”
She looks away, anger and fear contorting her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH 2") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH
3")>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Now do you understand why keeping it only
puts you and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125 PERS
FAIL]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Now do you understand why keeping it only
puts you and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Now do you understand why
keeping it only puts you and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You wouldn’t want your son to die
like that, would you?”|CHAPTER 1 125 AB]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “The Count always gets what he
wants. There’s no point fighting it.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125
B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH 2") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH 3")>>[[1. “Now do you understand
why keeping it only puts you and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125
PERS FAIL]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[1. “Now do you understand why keeping it only puts you
and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Now do you understand why keeping it
only puts you and the Grove in danger?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You wouldn’t want your son to die
like that, would you?”|CHAPTER 1 125 AB]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “The Count always gets what he
wants. There’s no point fighting it.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 125
B]]<</if>></div><</nobr>>“How
long do you think you can keep this up, Marea?” you ask. “You must know
there’s dissent in the Grove.”
Her eyes flash. “I can handle Atral.”
“And when he gets tired of taking orders from you?” you counter. “That’s
the problem with leadership, Marea. Someone is always waiting to take
your place.”
“That is not the case here.”
“Samwell Every governed the Grove. Now he doesn’t.”
Her lips press together in a fine line. “Is that a threat?”
“A warning.”
“Consider it heard. But if Atral wants to lead the Grove, giving up the
cup won’t stop him.” She shakes her head and a dark look crosses her
face. “You can’t convince me to hand over the cup, Wayfarer. If you want
it, you’ll have to take it by force.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It’s
an ancient artefact, Marea,” you say. “Who knows what it’s true purpose
is? What it’s really capable of—”
She throws back her head and laughs, her whole body shaking. “Don’t take
me for a fool,” she says. “I’m the one who has lived with it. I’m the
one who has used it. You’re a Wayfarer. You can’t use magic. You don’t
know the first thing about artefacts of this kind.”
Your jaw clenches, the muscles tight with tension. It doesn’t matter
what you say now, you can’t talk your way through her obstinance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
flinches and looks away, unable to meet your gaze. She folds her hands
in her lap, twisting her fingers together over and over.
You wait quietly, your apprehension growing with every passing second.
Calling out her relationship with her son is a risk. You don’t know
their relationship or their history. But it strikes you as strange that
Marea is so willing to give the healing elixir to everyone who needs it,
except her son. There must be a reason Luthais has been excluded. Your
gut is telling you she fears unexpected consequences.
“We don’t give it to the children,” Marea murmurs quietly. “Those who
take it do so willingly, with the understanding that it could harm them.
Luthais and the others… they don’t understand. They think I’ve
forbidden it from them because I don’t trust them, but in truth…” She
sighs wearily and tucks her hair behind her ears. Tears shine in the
corners of her eyes. “It’s because I don’t want it to hurt them.”
You glance at Aeran. He nods in silent support.
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$luthaisHostage is true>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Then you have to let
it go. For Luthais’ sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS NIL]]<<elseif
$luthaisfriend is true>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Then you have to let it
go. For Luthais’ sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS
PASS]]<<else>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Then you have to let it go. For Luthais’
sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION]
“Then you have to let it go. For Luthais’ sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “You can’t keep using
something you don’t understand. You have to give it up, Marea.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 122 PERS
NIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$luthaisHostage is true>>[[1. “Then you have to let it go. For
Luthais’ sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS NIL]]<<elseif $luthaisfriend
is true>>[[1. “Then you have to let it go. For Luthais’
sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS PASS]]<<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Then you have to let it
go. For Luthais’ sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Then you have to let it go. For Luthais’
sake.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You can’t keep using something you
don’t understand. You have to give it up, Marea.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 122 PERS
NIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Her
eyes flash dangerously. “I’m not a fool,” she snaps. “We know the risks
and we have decided they are more than worth it. But you…” Her mouth
works furiously and her shoulders shake with anger. “To assume you know
enough because you’ve heard one story or another? I’m the one who has
lived with it. I’m the one who has used it. And I will not trade what I
know from experience for a Wayfarer’s word. You can’t use magic. You
have no power over it.”
Your jaw clenches, the muscles tight with tension. It doesn’t matter
what you say now, you can’t talk your way through her obstinance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Her
eyes flash dangerously. “My son does not concern you,” she snaps. “The
Grove doesn’t concern you, either. You’re an outsider, Wayfarer. Maybe
the cup, this… Chalice of Offering could harm us. But it hasn’t. I
believe it will not. It has made us stronger, strong enough to stand
against the Seven. I won’t let you take it from us.”
Your jaw clenches, the muscles tight with tension. It doesn’t matter
what you say now, you can’t talk your way through her obstinance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<if
$luthaisfriend is true>>She nods and presses a hand to her lips.
“He mentioned you,” she says. “Said you weren’t like his other marks in
Rona.” A faint smile tugs at her lips. “I knew someone would come for
the cup… for the chalice, eventually. What a surprise when it turned out
to be you.”
“I’m lucky like that, I guess.”
Marea chuckles, but her laughter is melancholic and short-lived. She
reaches into the pouch at her waist and withdraws the chalice. She
places it on the floor in front of you and leans back, hands clasped in
her lap.<<else>>She nods and presses a hand to her lips. Her
shoulders shake and tears shine in the corners of her eyes. For a
moment, it looks like she’s going to break down sobbing, but instead she
reaches for the pouch at her waist. Her fingers fumble with the clasp
and she withdraws the chalice.
She sets it on the floor in front of you and pushes herself back. Tears
stain her cheeks.<</if>>
“Take it,” she murmurs.
A chill runs down your spine. You reach for the cup, half expecting her
to grab your hand or bat it away, but she remains where she is, calmly
observing as you pick it up. The chalice is smaller than you expected,
its copper colour dull and weathered. There is no tell-tale gleam of
magic, no outwards sign of its tremendous power. It doesn’t react to
your touch. Its bindings are too ancient, folded into the metal so many
years ago by long-forgotten methods.
It looks so insignificant in your hands that, for a moment, you wonder
how the hell this is the object that has caused so much strife.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
123]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>Her
eyes flash dangerously. “You think you know more than I do?” she snaps.
“You can memorize and spout off random facts all you want, I’m the one
who has lived with it. I’m the one who has used it. And I will not trade
what I know from experience for a Wayfarer’s word. You can’t use magic.
You have no power over it.”
Your jaw clenches, the muscles tight with tension. It doesn’t matter
what you say now, you can’t talk your way through her obstinance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>“Thank you,” you murmur.
“You should go,” Marea replies quietly. “It’s a long walk back to Rona.”
You get to your feet and quietly leave the room. As you and Aeran wind
your way through the roughhewn corridors, relief floods through
you.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<br>+ Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>“Thank you,” you murmur.
“You should go,” Marea replies quietly. “It’s a long walk back to Rona.”
You gather your missing weapons from across the room and quietly make
your way out of the room. Relief washes through you.<</if>>
You have the chalice.
You’re safe now.
You’re getting out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
chuckles hollowly. Leaning forwards, she presses a hand to her
forehead, her shoulders shaking as her desperate laughter slowly takes
hold.
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs, a confused look on his face as he
watches Marea dissolve into a fit of laughter. Tears shine brilliantly
in her eyes as she rises to her feet. She pulls the strings of the pouch
at her waist, withdraws the chalice and throws it at you. It hits the
floor and rolls unceremoniously across the rough stone.
“Take it!” she cries. “Take it and get out!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
126]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
laughs hollowly. “Is that a threat or a piece of advice?”
You shrug.
“I won’t give you the cup, Wayfarer,” she sneers. “If you want it so
badly, come. Take it from me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH 2") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG BRANCH
3")>><<persuasionInef>><<else>><<persuasionFail>><</if>>She
laughs hollowly. “Keep your bizarre fantasies to yourself, Wayfarer,”
she snaps. “You’re desperate. You will say anything to convince me to
hand over the cup. If you want it, you’ll have to take it by force.”
Your jaw clenches, the muscles tight with tension. It doesn’t matter
what you say now, you can’t talk your way through her obstinance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take the chalice from her by force.|CHAPTER 1
FG TAKE BY FORCE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 FG LET
GO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<notify 3000>>+
Chalice of Offering<</notify>>You scoop up the chalice. It
is smaller than you expect and its copper colour is dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to your touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
You shove it into your pack and quickly duck out of the room, winding
your way through the roughhewn corridors. As soon as Marea is out of
sight, a flood of relief washes over you. You shiver with
anticipation.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<br>+ Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>You scoop up the chalice. It is smaller than you
expect and its copper colour dull and weathered. There is no tell-tale
gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous power. Nor does it
react to your touch. Its bindings are too ancient, folded into the metal
so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
You shove it into your pack. Aeran grabs your weapons from across the
room and you stride out the door, quickly winding your way through the
roughhewn corridors.<</if>>
You have the chalice.
You’re safe now.
You’re getting out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceGrove to true>><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>Firm in your decision and trying desperately not to think
about what’s coming after, you leave Marea and wind your way back
through the ruin.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Leaving Aeran be, you cross the room and collect
your weapons. Firm in your decision and trying desperately not to think
about what’s coming after, you leave Marea and wind your way back
through the ruin.<</if>>
Aeran walks in silence beside you, simmering with anger at the
situation. You fight the urge to shout at him; at least he was willing
to listen to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname,”
he says. The warning in his tone is clear.
You can leave without the chalice, but he won’t.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I can’t take it from her. It’s not
right.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 131 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We can handle the Count.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 131 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>His
eyes flicker to Marea. She stands, frozen in place, carefully watching
the two of you.
“Doesn’t matter,” he grunts. “The chalice is the only way we get out of
Rona.”
“Then we find another way,” you snap.
“There isn’t one!”
“We’re not taking it!”
Aeran curses and rounds on Marea.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG 132 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
closes his eyes and grimaces. “No, $firstname. We can’t.”
You clear your throat. “Hey,” you say. “A little optimism here?”
“We can’t fight Cere Nalos,” Aeran says. “We aren’t a match for him or
his mercenaries or whatever else he’s hiding in that villa of his. If we
don’t bring him the chalice, we’re dead.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$aeranapp >=60>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1
FG 140 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Do you
trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is, unfortunately, right. If you
want to live, you have to take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG 140
B]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Do you trust
me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Do you trust
me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[1. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 140
PERS FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is, unfortunately, right. If you
want to live, you have to take the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 FG 140
B]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 FG 133
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop
him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1
FG 133 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you
trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1
FG 133 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Do you
trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Do you trust me?”|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Let him go.|CHAPTER 1 FG
133
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$chaliceGrove to true>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You lunge
forwards and ram into him. He stumbles back in shock, confusion briefly
flashing across his face. Taking the opening, you grapple him. He curses
and struggles against you, but you hold firm. He grunts and lashes out
with a foot, his boot connecting sharply with your ankle.
Hissing in pain, you spin around and ram a fist into his side. He
staggers, collapsing to one knee and holds up a hand. “Fine,” he spits,
wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Anger flashes in his eyes.
“Do what you want.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
134]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<set
$aeranchalice to true>>You lunge forwards and ram into him. He
stumbles back in shock, confusion briefly flashing across his face, but
quickly recovers. You spin around and grab his arm, but he pulls free
and seizes you from behind. He throws you to the ground.
You hit the floor. Pain flares across your back as you roll across the
stone.
Wheezing in pain, you turn over to see Aeran striding towards Marea. She
stands her ground, her head raised defiantly. She barely moves as he
roughly searches her, her face contorted with pale anger.
After a moment, he withdraws the chalice and steps away. In his hands,
it looks so minute and insignificant that for a moment your dazed mind
can’t understand why it’s caused so much trouble.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
135]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$chaliceGrove to true>>Your voice echoes desperately through the
room.
Aeran freezes. He stands still for a moment, unable to look at you or
Marea. “Fuck,” he mutters, passing a hand across his face. “Yeah. I
guess I do.”
You swallow hard. Your throat is dry and scratchy and you shake as a
shiver runs down your spine. Whether it’s relief that Aeran is standing
down or stress from the situation, you cannot tell.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
137]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>><<set
$aeranchalice to true>>Aeran laughs hollowly. “Funny you feel the
need to ask that,” he says darkly.
<i>Fuck.</i>
He seizes Marea. She stands her ground, her head raised defiantly,
barely moving as he roughly searches her. Her face is contorted with
pale anger as he withdraws the chalice and steps away.
It is smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to his touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in Aeran’s hands that, for
a moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
138]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranchalice to true>><i>Fuck.</i>
You freeze, unable to move.
Aeran seizes Marea. She stands her ground, her head raised defiantly,
barely moving as he roughly searches her. Her face is contorted with
pale anger as he withdraws the chalice and steps away.
It is smaller than you expect, its copper colour dull and weathered.
There is no tell-tale gleam of magic, no outward sign of its tremendous
power. Nor does it react to his touch. Its bindings are too ancient,
folded into the metal so many years ago by long-forgotten methods.
The chalice looks so minute and insignificant in Aeran’s hands that, for
a moment, you wonder how the hell this is the object that has caused so
much strife.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
138]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>He rises shakily to his feet and
stalks out of the room. You follow, your boots pounding against the
roughhewn stone as you make your way out of the
ruin.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Rising shakily to his feet, he collects his bow
and quiver and stalks out of the room.
You retrieve your sword and rush after him, your boots pounding against
the roughhewn stone as you make your way out of the
ruin.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>“Let’s go,” Aeran calls, striding
across the room. He disappears through the entryway.
You slowly get to your feet, your whole body aching. A little ways away,
Marea sits on the floor, trembling with quiet anger. She is unable to
meet your eyes.
Your gut twists. Sighing wearily, you leave the
room.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Aeran crosses the room, stooping to collect his
bow and quiver. He grabs your sword and drops it by your head.
“Let’s go,” he grunts and disappears through the entryway.
You slowly get to your feet, your whole body aching, and strap your
scabbard to your side. Marea sits quietly on the other side, trembling
with anger. She is unable to meet your eyes.
Cursing quietly to yourself, you leave the room.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>Firm in your decision and trying
desperately not to think about what’s coming after, you leave Marea and
wind your way back through the ruin.
Aeran walks in silence beside you, simmering with anger at the
situation. You fight the urge to shout at him; at least he was willing
to listen to you.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Quietly, you cross the room and collect your
weapons. Firm in your decision and trying desperately not to think about
what’s coming after, you leave Marea and wind your way back through the
ruin.
Aeran walks in silence beside you, simmering with anger at the
situation. You fight the urge to shout at him; at least he was willing
to listen to you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>“Let’s go,” Aeran calls, striding
across the room. He disappears through the entryway.
You curse quietly to yourself and glance at Marea. She lowers herself to
the floor, trembling with quiet anger. She is unable to meet your
eyes.<<else>><<notify 3000>>Sword
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Aeran crosses the room, stooping to collect his
bow and quiver. He grabs your sword and roughly pushes it into your
hands.
“Let’s go,” he grunts and disappears through the entryway.
Cursing quietly to yourself, you grab your sword and strap its scabbard
to your side. Marea sits quietly on the other side, trembling with
anger. She is unable to meet your eyes.<</if>>
Your gut twists. Sighing wearily, you leave the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT
RUIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceGrove to true>><<persuasionPass>>“Fuck,”
Aeran mutters. He passes a hand across his face, pressing his fingers to
his forehead. “Yeah. I guess so.”
You swallow hard. Your throat is dry and scratchy and you shake as a
shiver runs down your spine. Whether it’s relief that Aeran is standing
down or stress from the situation, you cannot tell.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
137]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)>>Aeran laughs
hollowly. “Funny you feel the need to ask that,” he says darkly.
<i>Fuck.</i>
He rounds on Marea.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG TIMED CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fuck,”
you mutter.
You round on Marea.
She scrambles back, one hand clutching at her tunic. “You’re not taking
it,” she says as you advance towards her. “You’re not—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Seize
her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>[[2. Draw your sword and threaten her.|CHAPTER 1 SWORD
THREAT]]<<else>>[[2. Draw your dagger and threaten
her.|CHAPTER 1 DAGGER
THREAT]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Seize her.|CHAPTER 1 FG FORCE STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>>[[2. Draw your sword and threaten her.|CHAPTER 1 SWORD
THREAT]]<<else>>[[2. Draw your dagger and threaten
her.|CHAPTER 1 DAGGER
THREAT]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><div
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</div>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 FG 133
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop
him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Convince him to stand
down.</s></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Convince him to stand
down.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Convince him to stand
down.</s></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him.|CHAPTER 1 FG 133 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. Convince him to stand
down.</s></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Let him go.|CHAPTER 1 FG
133
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
draw your blade and point it down, pressing the tip to Atral’s chest.
The Alassar steel gleams bright, reflecting the flickering torchlight.
“Move,” you order.
Atral’s mouth opens. He pauses and looks down at the sword hovering at
his chest, something in him unwilling to believe that you are
threatening him. He raises his hands and backs away.
“This isn’t the end, outsider,” he calls as you climb down the ladder
and head for the edge of the platform. “I remember your face. I remember
you. You won’t leave Rona alive!”
“Yeah,” you mutter. “Fuck off to you, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>Aeran snorts with laughter. You know
you can’t look at him without bursting into helpless laughter, so you
continue on, picking your way across the boardwalks towards the
tree-tangled shore.<<else>>Aeran sighs. You don’t look at
him, but you swear you can feel him roll his eyes. You ignore him and
walk on, picking your way across the boardwalks towards the tree-tangled
shore.<</if>> Despite the darkness and the smell of
imminent rain, the air feels unusually fresh.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisHostage is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and leap to the platform below. It’s a longer drop than
you anticipated and your knees jar from the impact.
Atral seizes your arm, pulling you back. <<if $height is "very
tall">> Though you’re matched in height, he is still a very large
man. He looms in front of you, violence gleaming in his eyes. His lip
curls back in a sneer.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Despite
your height, he’s still taller and larger than you. He looms in front of
you, violence gleaming in his eyes. His lip curls back in a
sneer.<<else>>He looms over you, violence gleaming in his
eyes. His lip curls back in sneer.<</if>>
You wrench your arm free and shove him back, sending him stumbling
towards the edge of the platform. He growls and spins around, only to
find Aeran pointing an arrow directly at his chest.
He freezes.
“We’ll be going now,” Aeran says.
Atral grunts, dark eyes gleaming.
Keeping a watchful eye on the large man, Aeran carefully releases the
tension on the string and lowers the bow. He slips the arrow back into
his quiver, jumps down and joins you. You head for the edge of the
platform.
“This isn’t the end, outsider,” Atral shouts at your retreating backs.
“I remember your face! I remember you! You won’t leave Rona alive!”
“Yeah,” you mutter. “Fuck off to you, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>Aeran snorts with laughter. You know
you can’t look at him without bursting into helpless laughter, so you
continue on, picking your way across the boardwalks towards the
tree-tangled shore.<<else>>Aeran sighs. You don’t look at
him, but you swear you can feel him roll his eyes. You ignore him and
walk on, picking your way across the boardwalks towards the tree-tangled
shore.<</if>> Despite the darkness and the smell of
imminent rain, the air feels unusually fresh.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisHostage is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
step off the boardwalks and follow a narrow path trampled in the mud.
It winds its way south, heading up a small slope and into the tangled
trees. <<if $questInv.has('Chalice of Offering') or $aeranchalice
is true>>Though the trek back to Deadwood is long and far from
pleasant, you feel buoyed by the knowledge that everything will be over
soon.<<else>>The trek back to Deadwood is long and
unpleasant. The knowledge that you have condemned yourself to the
Count’s wrath twists in your gut.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
step off the boardwalks and follow a narrow path trampled in the mud.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 FG CAPTURED") or $chapter1route is
"docks">>It winds its way south, heading up a small slope and into
the tangled trees. <<if $questInv.has('Chalice of Offering') or
$aeranchalice is true>>Though the trek back to Deadwood is long
and far from pleasant, you feel buoyed by the knowledge that everything
will be over soon.<<else>>The trek back to Deadwood is long
and unpleasant. The knowledge that you have condemned yourself to the
Count’s wrath twists in your gut.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>It
winds its way south, heading up a small slope and into the tangled
trees. You haven’t gone far when a small figure steps out from the trees
in front of you. Aeran hisses in surprise, reaching for his bow, but
you grab his wrist and still his hand.
“Luthais?” you murmur. “What are you doing here?”
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer
pendant')>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG NO
STEAL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
FG WAYFARER
PENDANT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
glances at you, his blue eyes piercing through the darkness. “He was in
the way,” he snaps. “And now that you’ve given up the chalice, we have
bigger things to worry about.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We can deal with the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FG
202 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We’ll find a way out. The Count
doesn’t need to know what happened here.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 202 B][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Keep
telling yourself that, $firstname,” he grunts. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll
be right.”
You grit your teeth. “Aeran, look—”
“You know what? Just shut up already, I can barely hear myself think.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisHostage is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Harsh
laughter bubbles past his lips. “Know what, $firstname?” he says. “That
we double-crossed him?”
You glare at him. “This isn’t a double-cross—”
“Oh, gods. You know what? Just shut up, I can barely hear myself think.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $luthaisHostage is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG EXIT GROVE NO
LUTH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG MEET
LUTHAIS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You’re
not sure how long it takes for you to make your way out of the Grove,
but your journey out is decidedly easier than your journey in. You and
Aeran clamber over roots and rocks, forcing your way through the dense
overgrowth in a general southern direction. Exhausted from the day, your
silence is broken only by occasional cussing at the terrain.
Slowly, the trees begin to thin out and you hear the distant sounds of
foot traffic. Pushing through the final cluster of trees, you stumble
out onto a boardwalk. People in cloaks scurry up and down the road,
clutching their cloaks and raising their hoods as a light rain begins to
fall. It is surprisingly busy for the hour and you wonder how many are
returning from their late night entertainments in the Cove.
You attract some attention as you brush leaves and twigs off your
shoulders, but anyone who stares for more than a few seconds quickly
notes your weapons and scampers away. Two armed warriors emerging from
the woods to Flotsam Grove sends a clear message: you are not to be
messed with.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mareadead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MAREA DEAD TALK]]<<elseif
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering') or $aeranchalice is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$packInv' 'Wayfarer pendant'>><<notify
3000>>+ Wayfarer Pendant<</notify>>The boy steps
towards you, his feet sliding in the muck. “I have something,” he says
quietly, shifting his weight nervously from foot to foot. “Here.”
He shoves something cold and hard into your hand.
You recognize it immediately. The smooth edges of the ornament that fits
perfectly in your palm. The long chain with a clasp that has broken
more times than you can count.
Your Wayfarer pendant.
“Thank you,” you say and quickly clasp it around your neck. Maybe now
you won’t lose it the next time a pickpocket manages to get the better
of you.
<<if $cove is true>>“I… I tried to sell it,” Luthais says.
He hangs his head and kicks at the slope, unearthing a clod of mud. “But
no one would take it. I thought the dwarf in the Cove might, but he was
so scared when he saw it that he threw it across the street.”
<i>Drakehand,</i> you think. Must have been after we saw
him.<<else>>“I… wanted to sell it,” Luthais says. He hangs
his head and kicks at the slope, unearthing a clod of mud. “But I felt
bad. Stealing from you. And then Kane…”
He falls silent. You’re not sure what to say. Something comforting?
Something else? Your mind blanks.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mareadead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG LUTH M
DEAD]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG LUTH ST M NOT
DEAD]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mareadead is true>>The boy steps towards you, his feet sliding
in the muck. “Did you talk to my mother?” he blurts.
Your mouth goes dry. Aeran stirs silently beside you.
“Yeah,” you say after a moment.
Luthais looks at you expectantly, waiting for more. But you don’t have
more to say. How can you tell him, this fourteen-year-old boy who has
already lived through too many hardships, that his mother is dead? That
you killed her?
Your hand curls into a fist at your side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You… you should go to her.”|CHAPTER 1 FG
210 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I need to go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 210
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
boy steps towards you, his feet sliding in the muck. “Did you talk to my
mother?” he blurts.
“Luthais,” you say. “I don’t have—”
His eyes gleam in the dark. “What did she say?” he presses. “About the
cup?”
You groan inwardly. You’re exhausted after meeting Marea. <<if
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering')>>You don’t have it in you to
tell Luthais that you forced his mother to give up the most valuable
thing in Flotsam Grove.<<elseif $aeranchalice is
true>>Considering how things went with Aeran… you don’t have it in
you to tell Luthais that he forcibly took away the most valuable thing
in Flotsam Grove.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You should talk to her, not me.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 212 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I need to go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 212
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Did
you talk to my mother?” he blurts.
Your mouth goes dry. Aeran stirs silently beside you.
“Yeah,” you say after a moment.
Luthais looks at you expectantly, waiting for more. But you don’t have
more to say. How can you tell him, this fourteen-year-old boy who has
already lived through too many hardships, that his mother is dead? That
you killed her?
Your hand curls into a fist at your side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You… you should go to her.”|CHAPTER 1 FG
210 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I need to go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 210
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Did
you talk to my mother?” he blurts.
“Luthais,” you say. “I don’t have—”
His eyes gleam in the dark. “What did she say?” he presses. “About the
cup?”
You groan inwardly. You’re exhausted after meeting Marea. <<if
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering')>>You don’t have it in you to
tell Luthais that you forced his mother to give up the most valuable
thing in Flotsam Grove.<<elseif $aeranchalice is
true>>Considering how things went with Aeran… you don’t have it in
you to tell Luthais that he forcibly took away the most valuable thing
in Flotsam Grove.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You should talk to her, not me.”|CHAPTER 1
FG 212 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I need to go.”|CHAPTER 1 FG 212
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you, golden eyes gleaming in the dark as he tries to make
sense of what you’re saying. And then he bolts, slipping through the
mud, nearly falling face-first into the water as he charges along the
shore and pulls himself up onto the boardwalks. He runs for the ruin.
You close your eyes. <i>What’s done is done. Get over
it.</i>
You push your way into the thicket and start the long walk back to
Deadwood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push roughly past him and head for the thicket. Luthais stares at you,
mouth open, hurt flushing his cheeks as he watches you and Aeran
disappear into the woods without another word.
You grit your teeth. <i>What’s done is done. Get over
it.</i>
It’s a long walk back to Deadwood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t want to talk to her!” he exclaims.
You sigh wearily and clamber further up the slope. Luthais follows,
dogging your heels.
“I want to get out of here,” he continues desperately. His feet slip and
he nearly falls face-first into the mud. “Please. You can help me,
can’t you? How do you leave Rona?”
“Still asking myself that, kid,” Aeran grunts.
“But—”
You come to a halt by the edge of the trees. “I can’t help you,
Luthais,” you say, turning to him. “I’m sorry.”
Luthais stares at you, mouth open, hurt flushing his cheeks. He stands
silently as he watches you and Aeran disappear into the woods without
another word.
It’s a long walk back to Deadwood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Shaking
your head, you turn around and clamber further up the slope. Luthais
pauses, watching you walk away, then chases after you, dogging your
heels.
“I want to get out of here,” he continues desperately. His feet slip and
he nearly falls face-first into the mud. “Please. You can help me,
can’t you? How do you leave Rona?”
“Still asking myself that, kid,” Aeran grunts.
“But—”
You come to a halt by the edge of the trees. “I can’t help you,
Luthais,” you say, turning to him. “I’m sorry.”
Luthais stares at you, mouth open, hurt flushing his cheeks. He stands
silently as he watches you and Aeran disappear into the woods without
another word.
It’s a long walk back to Deadwood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXIT
GROVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname,”
Aeran calls.
You turn. He lingers several paces away at the edge of the boardwalk. He
is fighting to hide his anger, but you know him too well. The way he’s
standing, the way he looks at you… The way every muscle is tensed, like
he’s about to get into a fistfight.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You’ve seen this many times before,
but it has never been directed at you.<<elseif $aeranapp
>=40>>You’ve seen this many times before, but it has been so
rarely directed at you.<<else>>You’ve seen this many times
before, usually towards others. But this isn’t the first time Aeran has
been close to snapping at you.<</if>>
“She didn’t have to die for us to take the chalice,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It was an accident.”|CHAPTER 1 MD 01
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It doesn’t matter.”|CHAPTER 1 MD 01
B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I know. This is my fault.”|CHAPTER 1
MD 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<run
Dialog.setup("Fatigued");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Fatigued Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<fatiguedOn>><<restedOff>>The
rain falls on Deadwood, pooling on the boardwalks and pattering against
the rooftops. The channels ripple underfoot as the water rushes towards
the sea. Mist swirls around light sources, both magical and
non-magical. Lamps and torches flicker in the windows, conjured lights
bob up and down the streets, guiding the way further into Rona.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>You draw to a stop near the edge and
look out at the view before you. At night, the Isle becomes a black
swath of bluffs and trees dotted with lights. The villas of the wealthy
twinkle in the dark like stars splashed across a night
sky.<<else>>You reach a bridge that stretches over the
river, leading into the South Isle. This district is home to Rona’s most
powerful residents. Though the years have consumed most traces of the
city’s Imperial heritage, the touch of the Arathian Empire has never
quite faded. The isle is cultivated in a way that cannot be replicated
further into shore. Land was raised, vegetation uprooted and replaced,
roads paved and mansions built. Heavily transformed, the South Isle
remains an anomaly compared to the rest of the city. Though Imperial
nobles no longer occupy the elegant villas, those who hold themselves in
a similar regard do.
You draw to a stop near the edge and look out at the view before you. At
night, the Isle becomes a black swath of bluffs and trees dotted with
lights. The villas of the wealthy twinkle in the dark like stars
splashed across a night sky.<</if>>
<<if $heramet is true and $aeranchalice is true>>High above,
on the furthest bluff, is the Viridian Lady. You think back to Hera and
her curious demand to double-cross the Count. She swore that if you
brought her the chalice, she could protect you from his wrath and find
you a way out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It was too good an offer. You can’t risk it.
Stay on course and take the chalice to the Count.|CHAPTER 1 DC 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. After all you’ve been through today,
you can say outright that the Count doesn’t deserve to have it. Tell
Aeran you should take it to Hera. At least in her hands it may do some
good.|CHAPTER 1 DC 20C ALT][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$heramet is true>>High above, on the furthest bluff, is the
Viridian Lady. You think back to Hera and her curious demand to
double-cross the Count. She swore that if you brought her the chalice,
she could protect you from his wrath and find you a way out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It was too good an offer. You can’t risk it.
Stay on course and take the chalice to the Count.|CHAPTER 1 DC 20
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. After all you’ve been through today,
you can say outright that the Count doesn’t deserve to have it. Take it
to Hera. At least in her hands it may do some good.|CHAPTER 1 DC 20
B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
turn away from the bluff and look towards the sea. The Count’s villa
sits near the shore, waiting for your return.
“I wonder what he’ll say when we show up with the chalice,” you murmur.
“I don’t want him to say anything,” Aeran says. “I want him to give us
our money and let us go.”
“Let’s hope it’s as easy as that.”
You pause and fall silent. The lights across the river dance. There is
something strangely beautiful about them. It’s a rare moment of peace in
a city that has tried very hard to kill you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We could just take it and go. Have you
considered that?”|CHAPTER 1 DC 30 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Time to move on.|CHAPTER 1 DC 30
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<run
Dialog.setup("Fatigued");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Fatigued Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<fatiguedOn>><<restedOff>>The
rain falls on Deadwood, pooling on the boardwalks and pattering against
the rooftops. The channels ripple underfoot as the water rushes towards
the sea. Mist swirls around light sources, both magical and
non-magical. Lamps and torches flicker in the windows, conjured lights
bob up and down the streets, guiding the way further into Rona.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>You draw to a stop near the edge and
look out at the view before you. At night, the Isle becomes a black
swath of bluffs and trees dotted with lights. The villas of the wealthy
twinkle in the dark like stars splashed across a night
sky.<<else>>You reach a bridge that stretches over the
river, leading into the South Isle. This district is home to Rona’s most
powerful residents. Though the years have consumed most traces of the
city’s Imperial heritage, the touch of the Arathian Empire has never
quite faded. The isle is cultivated in a way that cannot be replicated
further into shore. Land was raised, vegetation uprooted and replaced,
roads paved and mansions built. Heavily transformed, the South Isle
remains an anomaly compared to the rest of the city. Though Imperial
nobles no longer occupy the elegant villas, those who hold themselves in
a similar regard do.
You draw to a stop near the edge and look out at the view before you. At
night, the Isle becomes a black swath of bluffs and trees dotted with
lights. The villas of the wealthy twinkle in the dark like stars
splashed across a night sky.<</if>>
You turn away from the bluff and look towards the sea. The Count’s villa
sits near the shore, waiting for your return.
“He’s going to kill us,” you say. “Isn’t he?”
Aeran grunts.
“Fuck.”
He nods.
You pause and fall silent. The lights across the river dance. There is
something strangely beautiful about them. It’s a rare moment of peace in
a city that has tried very hard to kill you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Maybe we should run.”|CHAPTER 1 DC
40A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Time to move on.|CHAPTER 1 DC
40B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
breathes out slowly. “It doesn’t matter,” he says, his voice shaking.
“It shouldn’t have happened. You were far too forceful. What was she
supposed to do?”
“I was threatening her! She wasn’t supposed to—”
“To what? Resist?” He closes his eyes and wrenches a hand through his
hair. “You’re talking like we’re back at the Spire. <<if $master
is "Varyn">>Have you forgotten everything Varyn taught
us?”<<else>>Have you forgotten everything $master taught
you?”<</if>>
Heat flushes your face and neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “At least we have the chalice.”|CHAPTER 1 MD
02 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Shut up. Let’s go.”|CHAPTER 1 MD 02
B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|chapter 1 md 02
c]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Doesn’t
matter—” He catches himself, his face flushing red with anger. “You’re
unbelievable. What happened back there is entirely on your head—”
You turn and walk away.
“She wasn’t armed!” he shouts, striding after you. “She was untrained!
You were far too forceful—”
“I was <i>threatening</i> her—”
“You fucked up, $firstname. Is it too much for you to admit that?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I got the chalice. That’s the only thing
that matters.”|CHAPTER 1 MD 05 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5,
5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Fall silent. He’s right. And it
hurts.|CHAPTER 1 MD 05 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
breathes out slowly and stares at the ground.
“I was… too forceful,” you say. “I… I don’t know what else you want me
to say.”
“That’s all,” he replies. “All today you’ve been acting like we’re back
at the Spire. <<if $master is "Varyn">>Like you’ve forgotten
everything Varyn taught us.<<else>>Like you’ve forgotten
everything $master taught you.<</if>> I just wanted… I
needed to know where you stood with this. Because if this is how you’re
going to be, I don’t know if I can keep working with you.”
Your mouth goes dry. “…yeah.”
You continue down the street in silence. You don’t mind. You could use
the quiet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>The
words burst out of you before you have a moment to think.
Aeran fall silent and turns away, unable to look you in the eye. “Yeah,”
he answers gruffly and pushes onwards. “At least.”
“Aeran—”
He strides down the street, leaving you behind. You hurry to catch up
with him. When you do, he angrily slows down and matches your pace, but
refuses to say anything more.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>The
words burst out of you in a rush. You turn, spinning on your heel and
striding down the street.
Aeran curses under his breath and hurries to catch up. He falls in line
with you, matching your pace, and refuses to say anything more.
You’re fine with that. You could use the quiet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
look away. You can’t have this fight with him, not now. Not when you
have unfinished business to deal with.
You stride down the street at a furious pace. Aeran curses under his
breath and hurries to catch up. He falls in line with you, matching your
pace, but refuses to say anything more.
You’re fine with that. You could use the quiet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
band of mercenaries gather at the end of the bridge. Mist swirls around
them in the gleam of conjured light, clinging to their cloaks and gear.
Some stand on high alert, their hands on their weapons as they watch
the road in both directions. Others are more relaxed, leaning against
the railings as they talk quietly with their companions or watch the
flowing river below. Though the band boasts many people of different
ancestries, there is an unexpected uniformity to their numbers: all
tall, all burly and dressed in black… with red kerchiefs tied around
their upper arms.
The tell-tale sign of those in service to the Count.
The tallest among them looks up as you approach. He leans idly with his
back to the railing, his bare arms folded across his chest. His
half-melusine features are striking in the stark light—high cheekbones, a
deep sea green complexion and long dark hair swept back into a high
tail. His brilliant yellow eyes sweep over you and settle on Aeran, the
pupils narrowing to slits.
Slowly, he straightens, drawing himself up to his full, imposing height.
“Kellis.”
“Rhodarth.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43 BRIGHTBLADES")>>Your eyes
widen in surprise as you recall the conversation you and Aeran had
outside Runes & Relics. So this is Rhodarth. The former Brightblade
who carries out the Count’s dirty work and scared the shit out of
Drakehand. And who has some undetermined history with Aeran.
You had a feeling he was going to show up sooner or
later.<<else>>Your eyes widen in surprise at their tone of
familiarity. Whatever history is between Aeran and the captain of the
Count’s mercenaries doesn’t bode well for you. From your gut instinct
and the way they are sizing each other up, you have a feeling Aeran has
pissed him off at one point or another.<</if>>
Silence settles over the bridge, broken only by the hollow patter of
rain. Rhodarth’s expression tightens, his lips pressing into a thin line
as he observes Aeran through unblinking yellow eyes. “Took your time, I
see,” he says. “Some things don’t change. Do you have the artefact?”
“Straight to the point,” Aeran mutters. “What were you saying about
things not changing?”
“Spare me the wisecracks. I’m not in the mood—”
“Not a wisecrack, just pointing it out.”
Rhodarth’s scowl darkens and his luminous eyes flicker to you. “The
Count isn’t known for his patience,” he says. “Do you have it?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DC 20
B")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD CONSIDERED HERA]]<<elseif
$aeranchalice is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD AERAN
HAS]]<<elseif $chaliceGrove is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
RD NO CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD MC
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
slow to a halt in the middle of the street and turn to face him. He
stares at you in silence, his mouth working furiously as he tries to
decide what to say to you.
Finally, you grow tired of waiting for his answer.
“We’re going to live,” you say. “We can say fuck you to the Count and
get out of Rona. Just remember that I’m the one who got us there.”
You walk on in silence. Aeran keeps pace with you and refuses to say
anything else.
You’re fine with that. You could use the quiet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
Aeran says coldly. “Yeah, I thought so.”
You grit your teeth.
He breathes out slowly. “You know what?” he says, his voice shaking.
“All today you’ve been acting like we’re back at the Spire. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Like you’ve forgotten everything Varyn taught
us.”<<else>>Like you’ve forgotten everything $master taught
you.”<</if>>
Heat flushes your face and neck. Whether from guilt or shame or just
plain anger, you don’t know.
“If this is how you’re going to do things, $firstname, I don’t know if I
can work with you.”
He pushes past you. You turn, rooted to the spot, and watch him go. You
run after him, quickly catching up and matching his pace. He doesn’t
pull away, but he does walk on in silence.
You’re fine with that. You could use the quiet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DECIDE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn away from the bluff and look towards the sea. The Count’s villa
sits near the shore, waiting for your return.
“I wonder what he’ll say when we show up with the chalice,” you murmur.
“I don’t want him to say anything,” Aeran says. “I want him to give us
our money and let us go.”
“Let’s hope it’s as easy as that—”
He touches your shoulder, nodding towards the far side of the bridge.
You peer through the rain and your heart jumps, hammering against the
hollow of your throat.
<i>Why now? Why does there always have to be something
else?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“We
can’t take it to the Count.”
Aeran rounds on you. “$firstname—”
“We can’t,” you interrupt. “Not after everything we’ve done to get
here.”
“You want to give it to Hera.”
“Better her than the Count.”
He clenches his jaw, furious eyes seeking you out. “Don’t be stupid—”
“I’m not,” you snap. “This is a calculated choice. The Count doesn’t
play fair. If we bring it to him, who says he will pay us? Who says he
won’t use it to coerce us into another contract? Once you start working
for the Count, it’s very hard to stop. I doubt we will be the
exception.”
He throws his hands in the air. “Fine! You’re the one who has it! But if
we die because of this, just know I’m blaming you.”
“I can live with that.”
He curses under his breath, walks onto the bridge and skids to a stop.
His body tenses and he freezes, rooted to the spot. Curious at what has
seized his attention, you follow him and peer through the rain.
Your heart jumps, hammering rapidly against the hollow of your throat.
<i>Why now? Why does there always have to be something
else?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
chuckles.
<<if $mareadead is true and $aeranapp >=40>>It’s nice to
hear his laughter, even though you know he’s angry with
you.<<elseif $mareadead is true and $aeranapp <=39>>It’s
strange to hear his laughter now after what happened in the
Grove.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>It’s nice to hear his
laughter. There’s something reassuring about it, when you’ve come this
far and are so close to your goal.<<else>>It’s strange to
hear his laughter, but you admit it’s nice that you can still find
humour even after a day like today.<</if>>
But the moment is short-lived.
He freezes, the laughter dying on his lips as he looks out across the
bridge. You peer through the rain and your heart jumps, hammering
against the hollow of your throat.
<i>Why now? Why does there always have to be something
else?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
freezes. He touches your shoulder and nods towards the far side of the
bridge. You peer through the rain and your heart jumps, hammering
against the hollow of your throat.
<i>Why now? Why does there always have to be something
else?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“We
can’t take it to the Count.”
Aeran rounds on you. “$firstname—”
“We can’t,” you interrupt. “Not after everything we’ve done to get
here.”
“You want to give it to Hera.”
“Better her than the Count.”
He clenches his jaw, furious eyes seeking you out. “Don’t be stupid—”
“I’m not,” you snap. “This is a calculated choice. The Count doesn’t
play fair. If we bring it to him, who says he will pay us? Who says he
won’t use it to coerce us into another contract? Once you start working
for the Count, it’s very hard to stop. I doubt we will be the
exception.”
“No,” he says. “I have the chalice and I am taking it to the Count.”
Anger flares in your gut. He strides past you and you seize him by the
arm, slowing him down. He turns angrily on you—and stops. He slowly
looks over his shoulder and stares down the bridge.
He curses under his breath.
Curious at what has seized his attention, you step forwards and peer
through the rain. Your heart jumps, hammering rapidly against the hollow
of your throat. <i>Why now? Why does there always have to be
something else?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Too
late now,” Aeran says. “Look.”
He gestures towards the far side of the bridge. You peer through the
rain and your heart jumps, hammering against the hollow of your throat.
<i>Too late now,</i> your thoughts echo.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
take a step forwards, but Aeran grabs your shoulder and gestures
towards the far side of the bridge. You peer through the rain and your
heart jumps, hammering against the hollow of your throat.
There’s always another problem.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grit your teeth and meet his gaze. Behind him, you can make out the
glittering lights at the top of the bluff.
There are twelve mercenaries in Rhodarth’s band. You knew from the
moment they appeared on the bridge you wouldn’t have a chance at
outrunning or outfighting them. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>This won’t be some back alley scrap, like fighting
Kane.<<else>>This won’t be some back alley
scrap.<</if>> And even if you’re miraculously lucky, it’s
still a long way to the Viridian Lady’s villa.
So much for getting it to Hera…
It’s too risky to run. But if you want to get the chalice to her, you
could bluff your way through. Pretend you don’t have the chalice, demand
that you need more time… and once you’re free, make your way to the
villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Lie. Tell
him you don’t have the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 RD 01 PERS PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION]
Lie. Tell him you don’t have the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 RD 01 PERS
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up on getting the chalice to
Hera. Tell him you have it.|CHAPTER 1 RD 001
C]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. Lie. Tell him you don’t have the chalice.|CHAPTER 1 RD 01
PERS PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[1. Lie. Tell him you don’t have the
chalice.|CHAPTER 1 RD 01 PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up on getting the chalice to
Hera. Tell him you have it.|CHAPTER 1 RD 001
C]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“I
have it,” Aeran says brusquely.
Rhodarth fixes him with an unblinking yellow stare. “Do you?”
“You’ll have to take my word for it, Rho—”
“Hardly. Not when it’s easy enough for you to prove it—”
“So you can take it and get the credit yourself?” Aeran laughs coldly.
“I want to be paid, Rhodarth. I want to get out of this fucking city.
You’re not getting in the way of that.”
The mercenary captain blinks. “Why do you think I would…?” He looks away
and sighs, his upper lip curling back into a bitter smile. “The Count
sent us to ensure you wouldn’t get any interesting ideas once you found
the chalice. As that is not the case, you have little to worry about. I
hope I won’t be too much of a thorn in your side while you collect your
payment.”
He stalks away down the bridge and rejoins his company. Aeran pushes
ahead in silence, walking at a ferocious pace. He’s caught somewhere
between fury at how events have unfolded and the desperate need to get
this over with.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
don’t.”
Aeran tenses next to you, scowling in open disapproval. He hates what
you’ve done and he’s not even bothering to hide it now.
Rhodarth blinks. “The Count will make you pay dearly for your failure.
You’d have a better chance if you disappeared into the marsh.”
“Yeah, well…” You shrug. “I had considered that, but then you showed up.
Is it too much to hope that you’ll let us go?”
“Yes.” He pauses and glances at Aeran. “Even so, you are brave to come
here.”
Aeran flinches. His hand curls into a fist.
“The Count gave us an impossible timeline,” you say. “There may be room
for negotiation. If he wants to see that chalice again, he will need to
rethink the terms of the contract.”
Rhodarth raises an eyebrow. “So you know where it is, but were unable to
retrieve it?”
You smile coldly. “Close.”
His eyes gleam. His upper lip curls back and he shakes his head,
chortling unexpectedly. “You live up to your reputation, $lastname,” he
says. “Kellis always said you liked a good gamble—”
Aeran grunts. He flushes and turns away from you, folding his arms
tightly across his chest.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“Consider me corrected. You are no
fool.”<</if>>
“While I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement,” Aeran
interrupts, “would you mind getting out of the way? We have business to
finish.”
The mercenary captain draws back and gestures to the end of the bridge.
“By all means,” he says with a cold smile. “Go ahead. But the Count has
insisted that we escort you to his villa. He was concerned that you may
have had interesting ideas once you found the chalice.”
“Don’t need the threat, Rho,” Aeran answers bluntly. He pushes forward
and stalks across the bridge.
Rhodarth frowns and watches his retreating back. His eyes are narrowed,
his expression unreadable. You can’t tell whether he wants to ignore it
and let it go, or punch Aeran in the face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
have it.”
Rhodarth steps back, a strange look of relief washing across his face.
“Good,” he says, his eyes flickering to Aeran.
Aeran looks away. His jaw clenches and his previous inclination to
gleeful banter evaporates.
“What now?” you say, cutting through the growing awkward silence. You
glance at the mercenaries shadowing Rhodarth. <<if $chapter1route
is "ratalley">>These are not thugs like Kane.<</if>>
From the way they carry themselves, you can tell they are seasoned
professionals. After the day you’ve had, you’d rather not get on their
bad side. “We’re not looking for a fight, we just want to get paid.”
“We’re here as an escort,” Rhodarth says. “The Count was concerned you
would have… interesting ideas once you found the chalice. We’re here to
prevent that.”
You snort. “Don’t worry. I’m far too boring for interesting ideas.”
Rhodarth chuckles.
“Like I said,” you finish. “I just want to get paid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$rhodarthFG to true>>“We don’t.”
Aeran tenses next to you, working furiously to hide his disapproval from
Rhodarth. Even though he hates this plan of yours, he’s resigned
himself to seeing it through.
Rhodarth blinks. <i>“Tsch,”</i> he says. “The Count will
make you pay dearly for your failure. You’d have a better chance if you
disappeared into the marsh.”
“I don’t like to leave things unfinished,” you counter. You try not to
think about the chalice in your pack. It feels uncommonly heavy right
now. “He gave us an impossible timeline. If he wants to see that chalice
again, he will need to rethink the terms of our contract.”
Rhodarth’s eyes gleam. His upper lip curls back and he shakes his head,
chortling unexpectedly. “You live up to your reputation, $lastname,” he
says. “Kellis always said you liked a good gamble—”
Aeran grunts. He flushes and looks away from you.
“I’m glad it was no lie,” Rhodarth finishes. <<if $gender is
"male">>“I hate when attractive, intelligent men insist on playing
the fool.”<<elseif $gender is "nb">>“I hate when
attractive, intelligent people insist on playing the
fool.”<<else>>“Consider me corrected. You are no
fool.”<</if>>
“While I’m sure $firstname appreciates the shining endorsement,” Aeran
interrupts, “would you mind getting out of the way? We have business to
finish.”
The mercenary captain draws back and gestures to the end of the bridge.
“By all means,” he says with a cold smile. “Go ahead. But the Count has
insisted that we escort you to his villa. He was concerned that you may
have had interesting ideas once you found the chalice.”
“Don’t need the threat, Rho,” Aeran answers bluntly. He pushes forward
and stalks across the bridge.
Rhodarth frowns and watches his retreating back. His eyes are narrowed,
his expression unreadable. You can’t tell whether he wants to ignore it
and let it go, or punch Aeran in the face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>“We don’t.”
Aeran tenses next to you, working furiously to hide his disapproval from
Rhodarth. Even though he hates this plan of yours, he’s resigned
himself to seeing it through.
Rhodarth blinks. “Tsch,” he says. “The Count will make you pay dearly
for your failure. You’d have a better chance if you disappeared into the
marsh.”
“Yeah, well…” You shrug. “I’ve never had a good sense of
self-preservation. I’m just a bit of a… bumbling fool, you know.”
He frowns, his brows knitting together in a dark scowl. “You’re a liar.”
“Thanks, but no,” you say, laughing cautiously. “Self-deprecation aside,
I think I know when—”
“Stop talking,” Rhodarth hisses. “You’re bluffing.”
You swallow hard. “I’m not.”
He chuckles and stalks towards you, his eyes gleaming dangerously. “You
have the chalice,” he says. <<if $height neq "very
tall">>The closer he gets, the more alarmingly tall he
becomes.<</if>> “You are willing to face the Count and
pretend you never found it. My question is—who do you plan to give it
to? Who is so important that you would do something so
<i>stupid?”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Reach for your sword. He’s not taking the
chalice from you.|CHAPTER 1 RD 02 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay still.|CHAPTER 1 RD 02
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
have it.”
Rhodarth steps back, a strange look of relief washing across his face.
His eyes flicker to Aeran. “Good,” he says.
“And in that case,” Aeran says, “would you mind getting out of the way?
We have business to finish.”
Rhodarth draws back and gestures to the end of the bridge. “By all
means,” he says with a cold smile. “But the Count has insisted that we
escort you to the villa. He was concerned you may have had…
interesting... ideas once you found the chalice.”
“Then he’s lucky $firstname is having an off-day,” Aeran retorts. “No
interesting ideas here. We just want to get paid.”
You flush at the jab. He’s still bristling at the fact that you wanted
to give the chalice to Hera. He’s not above being petty to make sure you
know it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
rain slowly lets up and dissolves into a light mist, though the clouds
stubbornly refuse to move on. The artificial gleam of the company’s
conjured lights pierce through the dark, casting a cool light on the
path ahead. You walk in silence beside Aeran, Rhodarth’s mercenaries
crowding around you on all sides. You bristle at the implication that
you need to be carefully watched. Even though you are technically on the
same side, they have no reason to trust you. They’ve given you the
benefit of the doubt by letting you keep your weapons, but they won’t go
further than that.
An unfortunate part of you understands their wariness. You would do the
same, if you were in their position.
“You’re strangely quiet, Aeran,” Rhodarth says.
You glance over your shoulder. The mercenary captain is several paces
behind, doggedly taking up the rear. He carries a long silver spear in
one hand; the weapon tip glistens with rain in the cool light.
Aeran throws a dark look behind him. His lips move furiously as he
begins a retort, but he cuts himself off abruptly.
“I wondered what happened to you,” Rhodarth continues. “After Nemain.
It’s not easy to disappear that quickly or that thoroughly. Iaera was
certain you were either dead or on another continent. Imagine my
surprise when you showed up here—”
“I’ve got just one question for you, Rho,” he says. “How the hell does a
Corsida Brightblade end up in Rona? What did you do—piss off the
overseers?”
Rhodarth grimaces and tightens his grip on the spear. “Keep walking,
Kellis.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COVE 43
BRIGHTBLADES")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD
10]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD 10
BRIGHTBLADES]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>- Chalice of Offering<</notify>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $rhodarthchalice to
true>>You reach for your sword hilt. Your blade is barely drawn
from its sheathe when Rhodarth lunges for you, grasping your wrist and
twisting it away. You grunt in pain as his sharp fingernails dig into
your skin.
“The Count was concerned you would have interesting ideas once you found
it,” he says as he roughly searches you. “I see he was right.” He pulls
the chalice from your pack and let’s go.
You stumble back, rubbing your wrist. The pain slowly fades.
“Then take it to him,” you spit. “We’re done here.”
“We are not.” Rhodarth’s eyes flash dangerously and he turns, gesturing
to the end of the bridge. “You have many things to answer for. I suggest
you move, $lastname. Resistance will only make this worse.”
“Don’t need the threat, Rho,” Aeran interrupts bluntly. “We’re going.”
He grabs you and pushes forwards, stalking across the bridge. He walks
at a ferocious pace, caught somewhere between fury at the situation and
the desperate, aching need to get this over with.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>- Chalice of Offering<</notify>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $rhodarthchalice to
true>>Rhodarth holds out a hand, waiting expectantly. Your gut
twists, your teeth clenched as you curse silently. You hate having your
back against the wall, but what can you do now? He called your bluff.
It’s over.
You reach into your pack and withdraw the chalice. Rain clinks against
the weathered copper as you hold it out to him.
He seizes it.
“Take it to him,” you say. “We’re done.”
“We are not.” Rhodarth’s eyes flash dangerously and he turns, gesturing
to the end of the bridge. “You have many things to answer for. I suggest
you move, $lastname. Resistance will only make this worse.”
“Don’t need the threat, Rho,” Aeran interrupts bluntly. “We’re going.”
He grabs you and pushes forwards, stalking across the bridge. He walks
at a ferocious pace, caught somewhere between fury at the situation and
the desperate, aching need to get this over with.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 WALK TO
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
were really light on the details earlier, Aeran,” you mutter after a
moment. “You should have said more about him.”
Aeran eyes the mercenaries closely, sizing up their numbers and their
weapons. “What else do you need to know? I told you what was important.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You could have mentioned that he’s
gorgeous.”|CHAPTER 1 RD 11 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Nemain? What is he
talking about?”|CHAPTER 1 RD 11
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$brightbladecodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Brightblades<</notify>>“Mind telling me what’s
going on here?” you mutter after a moment.
Aeran eyes the mercenaries closely, sizing up their numbers and their
weapons. “Rhodarth and I have… crossed paths a few times, in a few
places,” he says, keeping his voice low. “He’s a Brightblade.”
<i>Great.</i>
Brightblades are an established warrior order from the island of
Corsida. They only accept bloodbinders into their fold, ensuring their
ranks are composed of the most dangerously resilient individuals in the
world. Bloodbinders are rare. Their powerful regenerative abilities make
them particularly valuable fighters, allowing them to draw on their
magic to heal any wound in an instant.
“But Brightblades aren’t supposed to leave the Lotharic Sea,” Aeran
continues. “They aren’t supposed to form companies that aren’t
sanctioned by their overseers. It’s part of their creed. Whatever he’s
doing here…” He trails off. “Not our problem.”
You grimace. He falls silent again, occasionally glancing over his
shoulder at Rhodarth. Despite saying that it’s not your concern, he is
clearly distracted by it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, I get that he’s gorgeous, but don’t
we have something else to focus on?”|CHAPTER 1 RD 11 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Nemain? What is he
talking about?”|CHAPTER 1 RD 11
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gender is "female">>He flushes, his cheeks burning red.
“$firstname…” he mutters warningly.
You shrug. The opportunity was there, how could you not mention it?
“If that’s where your mind is going, keep it to yourself,” he says.
“He’s not interested in women.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“That’s not what I was thinking at
all,” you reply. “There’s someone else on my mind.”
He flushes and looks away, falling silent.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD
12]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
RD
12]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>>He
flushes, his cheeks burning red. “$firstname…” he mutters warningly.
You shrug. The opportunity was there, how could you not mention it?
“If that’s where your mind is going, he’s not… well…” He trails off.
“Just take it from me. He’s not worth it.”
You let out a long, slow breath. “Okay, well, that escalated quickly.”
“You brought it up.”
“I just said that I appreciate his—”
“Can we stop talking about this now?”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“Fine by me,” you say. “Besides,
that wasn’t what I was thinking at all. There’s someone else on my
mind.”
He flushes and looks away, falling silent.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD
12]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
RD
12]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
brushes damp hair off his forehead and scowls. “We’re not going to talk
about that now.”
“But eventually?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He sighs wearily. “Maybe. We’ll
see.”<<else>>“No.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RD
12]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Rhodarth
Nairan<</notify>><<set $rhodarthcodex to
true>>You round a final bend in the road and come to a halt. The
sea roars in your ears as waves crash against the coast. The brine is
sharp and the air cool, the breeze blowing away the stench of rotting
wood. Ahead of you lies a walled complex perched on an artificial cliff.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>Though it’s not as high as the
Viridian Lady’s villa, it is equally impressive in size and
architecture, albeit of a different style.<</if>> The white
walls are smooth and shimmer with the tell-tale glow of dozens of
security enchantments. They meet in the centre around a circular gate
that leads into the centre of the complex. You can hear rushing water in
the distance, like a waterfall tumbling down into the waves below.
Rhodarth steps up to the gate and presses a hand against it. A small gap
appears in the centre and ripples outwards, disabling the barrier. He
steps back and the gate slowly opens, revealing a long white path of
crushed stone that leads into the void of a dark garden.
You exhale a long, weary breath. It’s been a long, difficult day.
“Let’s get this over with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Marea
rises to her feet. “Leave Luthais be,” she shouts.
“I’m only asking you to think about the consequences,” you say coldly.
“The Count will come for the chalice, one way or another. If you keep
it, Luthais—along with everyone else—will die.”
She curses, pacing wildly back and forth, one hand tugging at her hair.
Suddenly, she rounds on you. She pulls the chalice from a pouch at her
waist and throws it at you. It hits the floor and rolls unceremoniously
across the rough stone.
“Take it!” she cries. “Take it and get out!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG
126]]</div></div><</nobr>>Once
you make a decision, you will not have time to change your mind.
Are you certain you wish to proceed to Flotsam Grove?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM] Yes.|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM
GROVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
CONCLUSION A MAP")>>[[2. [BACK] No. You need to rethink your
options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION A MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D
MAP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Returning
to the Count immediately will prevent you from pursuing any further
investigations.
Are you certain you wish to proceed to the Count’s villa?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM] Yes.|CHAPTER 1 THE COUNT'S
VILLA]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
CONCLUSION A MAP")>>[[2. [BACK] No. You need to rethink your
options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION A MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D
MAP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Once
you make a decision, you will not have time to change your mind.
Are you certain you wish to proceed to Marshwall?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM] Yes.|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
CONCLUSION A MAP")>>[[2. [BACK] No. You need to rethink your
options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION A MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION B
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION C
MAP]]
<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D MAP")>>[[2.
[BACK] No. You need to rethink your options.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D
MAP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
slip further down the wall and land on the boardwalk. You sit on the
rotten wood among fallen leaves and tangled vines, your legs stretched
out and your head tilted back. The grey sky is so very far above you.
<i>Fuck you.</i>
This is not where you hoped your investigation would put you. Maybe you
were too optimistic, but you were convinced you’d be able to wrangle out
the right information and track down the damn thing. But finding one
small object in a crowded town of hundreds of people and hostile
factions, where everyone is out for themselves feels damn near
impossible. If only you had more time…
You have two choices.
The first is to continue your investigation. If Rayne is correct about
what she saw, Fisher stole the chalice from the Count. You know he made
deliveries for the Seven and that he was supposed to visit Marshwall
before he died. If you go to Marshwall and investigate Flora Goldhorn,
maybe you can unravel more of this puzzle.
The other is just as risky, albeit in a different way. You can return to
the Count and admit you haven’t found the chalice. If you tell him what
you know, if you’re honest… Maybe he will let you live. You won’t get
paid, but at this point you’re happy if your heart keeps beating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CONCLUSION D
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Undiscovered</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Marshwall</span></span>
<br><span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Count’s Villa</span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map name="image-map"><area
target="" alt="South Isle" title="Select the CRIMSON COUNT’S VILLA as
your destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT"
coords="470,419,456,422,449,434,434,443,419,452,395,444,404,473,418,493,432,513,435,525,438,538,447,545,455,552,465,554,475,563,480,570,475,575,467,583,467,593,479,604,486,611,495,615,505,617,505,604,515,599,522,607,525,614,528,625,538,627,546,631,557,628,553,614,560,605,561,593,556,577,551,567,556,560,552,544,540,540,518,540,511,549,508,559,499,563,491,554,489,542,485,533,472,528,484,525,493,528,507,529,520,531,531,529,536,520,536,506,524,486,518,474,505,474,491,468,489,452,482,428,460,414"
shape="poly">
<area target="" alt="Marshwall" title="Select MARSHWALL as your
destination" data-passage="CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL SELECT"
coords="403,451,419,455,434,441,452,431,458,412,458,394,455,372,450,352,455,334,452,316,449,294,443,279,433,266,420,261,410,248,403,239,395,232,385,229,368,229,342,231,322,242,303,245,285,247,260,251,236,265,223,294,218,301,220,319,218,328,217,346,226,365,227,382,227,397,236,406,246,420,255,427,267,434,283,440,294,447,310,449,324,435,342,430,359,430,378,439,391,445,411,453"
shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Marshwall|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
SELECT]]</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Undiscovered</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Marshwall|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL
SELECT]]</span>
<br><span class="record-item">[[The Count’s Villa|CHAPTER 1
THE COUNT'S VILLA SELECT]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading"><center>Fatigued</center></span>
Your time in Flotsam Grove has left you exhausted and you are feeling
<span class="specialtitle">Fatigued</span>. Strength and
Persuasion skills are decreased by 2.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading"><center>Poisoned</center></span>
You were <span class="specialtitle">Poisoned</span> during
the fight in Flora Goldhorn's house. All skills are decreased by
2.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading"><center>Tenacious</center></span>
With your meeting with the Crimson Count looming ahead, you are feeling
<span class="accent">tenacious.</span> Strength and Agility
skills are increased by 2.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Count's Villa">><<set
$countapp to 0>>Small lights lining the path burst to life as
Rhodarth escorts you through the courtyard. <<if $vlvilla is
true>>The landscaping is elegant and well-tended, outshining even
the Viridian Lady’s elaborate grounds.<<else>>The
landscaping is elegant and well-tended.<</if>> Tiers of
gardens slope delicately towards the gate, the dark soil bursting with
leafy plants and colourful flowers. A curved white stone bridge arcs
over a broad pool that cuts through the centre of the complex. Its water
flows towards the western wall, gushing through a gap and cascading
into the sea.
A mansion sits at the back of the complex, shining like a beacon against
the black sky. Its stone façade is embedded with hundreds of conjured
lights. Large arcing windows and doors open onto balconies that run the
perimeter of the upper levels. Their frames are hung with soft,
translucent curtains that ripple in the wind. Where there should be a
door is a circular threshold that leads further into the manor.
You reach the bridge. Rushes, water lilies, and ornamental aquatic
plants cluster along the edge of the pool. The water is oddly still, the
dark surface broken by a single stream of bubbles rising from the
depths.
“And so my intrepid Wayfarers return.”
A melusine appears in the threshold. He is tall and lean, and dressed in
loose-fitting trousers and a sheer purple robe left open at the chest
to show the intricate tattoos inscribed on his bright crimson skin. His
sharp and angular face radiates a dangerous agelessness. Waist-length
dark red hair is loosely gathered from his forehead, revealing pointed
ears studded with gold earrings that match the glittering scales that
wind from his wrists to his shoulders. He carries himself with an
unearthly poise and flowing elegance, moving as though the air were
water.
Cere Nalos.
The Crimson Count.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $marshwall is true or $flotsamgrove is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG
01]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV
01]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Do
I dare hope success is in your hands?” he continues. “After all, it
would be the ideal explanation for your tardiness. Anything less would
be a—shall we say—lamentable turn of events.”
The hair raises on the back of your neck. Your muscles tense, years of
experience telling you to run, to leave, to get as far away from here as
possible. There’s an inherent sense of malice that clings to the Count
like a scent.
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley" and $flotsamgrove is
true>>Unlike mercenaries like Kane or thugs like Atral, the Count
doesn’t seek violence out of rage or desperation.<<elseif
$chapter1route is "ratalley" and $marshwall is true>>Unlike thugs
like Kane, the Count doesn’t seek violence out of desperation or
insecurity.<<elseif $chapter1route is "docks" and $flotsamgrove is
true>>Unlike thugs like Atral, the Count doesn’t seek violence
out of rage.<</if>> He seeks it for gratification and
pleasure—and simply because he can.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah, well… Rona’s a bit bigger than you
think. There’s a lot of walking.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 02 A][$countapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Wouldn’t want things to be
lamentable. The horror.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 02 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[3. “Are you finished? Do you want the chalice or
not?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 02 C][$countapp
-=1]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Let him continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
MWFG 02 D]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
return so early,” he says. “I admit I am surprised. You were so
blundering in your early investigation, so insistent on using the full
amount of time I gave you, I find your imminent success difficult to
believe. Dare I hope you will prove me wrong?”
You grit your teeth and a flush colours your cheeks.
He chuckles coldly and his eyes sweep over you as he takes in your
silence. The hair raises on the back of your neck. Your muscles tense,
years of experience telling you to run, to leave, to get as far away
from here as possible. There’s an inherent sense of malice and simmering
violence that clings to the Count like a scent. <<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>Unlike mercenaries like Kane, he
doesn’t seek violence out of rage or desperation. He seeks it for
gratification and pleasure—and simply because he
can.<<else>>He doesn’t seek violence out of rage or
desperation. He seeks it for gratification and pleasure—and simply
because he can.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re right. We don’t have it.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CV 02 A][$countapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Unfortunately, I’m a chronic
disappointment to everyone around me. You’re no exception.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CV 02 B][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. The more you talk, the
more likely you are to incur his wrath.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 02
C][$countapp -=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out more scathingly than you expect. Rhodarth glances at
you, a startled look flickering across his face. He grimaces. Aeran
shoots you a warning glare, but says nothing.
Running your mouth in front of the Count is probably not a good idea,
but at this point you care very little.
<<if $questInv.has('Chalice of Offering')>>You have the
chalice. Your way out of Rona is secure. You can afford to give a little
lip to the person who would kill you for failing.<<elseif
$aeranchalice is true>>Aeran has the chalice. Your way out of Rona
is secure. You can afford to give a little lip to the person who would
kill you for failing.<<elseif $rhodarthchalice is true>>You
found the chalice. Your way out of Rona is secure. You can afford to
give a little lip to the person who would kill you for
failing.<<else>>You’ve already failed to retrieve the
chalice. You doubt whatever you say will do much to change the
situation.<</if>>
<<if $vlvilla is true and $cove is true and $deadwood is true and
$edgewater is true>>The Count arches an eyebrow. “Your industrious
approach is to be commended,” he continues silkily. His red eyes gleam
as he fixes you with an unblinking stare. <<if $ancestry is
"human" or $ancestry is "dwarven">>“You have journeyed the span of
Rona so many times, you could have trekked to Maribor. Not that it
would have been a fruitful voyage, considering your lack of Eleneid
blood.”<<else>>“You have journeyed the span of Rona so many
times, you could have trekked to Maribor.”<</if>>
You clench your jaw. “Just trying to get a job done.”
“Indeed,” he says. “It is fascinating, is it not? The results that
occur, the decisions that are made, when but a little pressure is
applied. I’ve heard it said that it is best to stay true to one’s
instincts when such measures are in effect. But not all instincts are
made equal and I do say, you fare better than others.”
You frown, uncertain how to process the barbed compliment. Aeran grips
your arm, his fingers digging into your skin.<<else>>The
Count arches an eyebrow. “Such an industrious approach is to be
commended,” he continues silkily. His red eyes gleam as he fixes you
with an unblinking stare. “Though, of course, I would have expected you
to make greater use of your limited time.”
“You’d be surprised.”
“Hardly.”
You clench your jaw. “Don’t underestimate—”
“It is fascinating, is it not?” he continues, speaking smoothly over
your interruption. “The results that occur, the decisions that are made
when a little pressure is applied. I’ve heard it said that it is best to
stay true to one’s instincts when such measures are in effect. But not
all instincts are made equal, and I do say you have some of the worst.”
You bristle at the barbed insult. Aeran grips your arms, his fingers
digging into your skin.<</if>>
The Count’s eyes flicker over you. He smirks, his teeth shining white in
the villa’s light. They are very sharp and very pointed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $zenaidarefused is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 03 ZENAIDA]]<<elseif
$vlvilla is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 03
VILVLLA]]<<elseif $edgewater is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT MWFG 03 EDGEWATER]]<<elseif $cove is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 04
COVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count tilts his head. His red eyes burn bright as he fixes you with a
piercing stare. “Do you find something amusing, $lastname?” he says
coolly. “Perhaps it’s commonplace <<if $origin is
"nomad">>in the backward wasteland you once called
home<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>in the backward
hinterlands you once called home<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>in the backward farmland you once called
home<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>in the rotten streets you
once called home<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>on the
rotting ship you once called home<<elseif $origin is
"noble">>in the stagnant metropolis you once called
home<</if>> to make gibes at those who hold your life in
their hand. Take care. My patience is already limited.”
Your mouth goes dry. How did he know where you were from? Though you
retain pieces of your homeland’s accent, not many can place it and
certainly not that well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Good thing I’m always careful.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT MWFG 04 A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He’s trying to get a rise out of
you. Ignore him.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 04
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Tsch.”</i>
The Count’s expression goes cold. He tilts his chin and observes you
with a flat gaze. “To business, then,” he says, extending a hand. His
vibrant purple sleeves swirl around him, the fabric shimmering in the
villa’s golden light. “Come. Bring it to me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pauses, clearly expecting some kind of retort. When you do not reply,
he lets out a small <i>tsk</i> and smirks at you.
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“Tell me, $lastname,” he says.
“How is the Anaxas brat?”
Your stomach drops.
His lip curls back into a cold smile. “You thought I wouldn’t know?” he
says. “I have eyes in every inch of this city. Imagine my surprise when I
was informed the two Wayfarers in my employ almost sold their paltry
services to the first available bidder. I would have sent Rhodarth to
collect you immediately, but it seems there is a spark of intelligence
in that slow mind of yours.”
He tilts his head and his red eyes sweep over you. “Or perhaps it was
self-preservation,” he continues. “You must know that when I purchase a
service, I intend to be its sole beneficiary. Perhaps I should be
grateful you do not have enough gall to even think about double-crossing
me.”
A chill runs down your spine. The Count is remarkably well-informed
about where you’ve been. If he’s been tracking your movements, what else
does he know?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I would rather work for you than a Guild
mage. That says something, don’t you think?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 02d
ZENAIDA A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing. He can talk himself
out, for all you care.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 02D ZENAIDA
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$edgewaterhome is true>>“Tell me, $lastname,” he says. “As you
were wriggling about the city like a lost rat, did you enjoy your visit
home? Edgewater is so charming, particularly its residents. Oleander
comes to mind. Was there something in that tenement that provided great
insight into the burglary on my estate?”<<elseif $edgewatergrey is
true>>“Tell me, $lastname,” he says. “As you were wriggling about
the city like a lost rat, how did you find Madam Grey? Did you know she
obtained her crossbow from a Faran wreck on the bottom of the Cobalt
Sea? For someone who is only a mere hundred years, she has the most
curious plans. I have yet to decide whether I can allow her to continue.
I do not enjoy competition from my kind.”<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>“Tell me, $lastname,” he says. “As you were wriggling about
the city like a lost rat, how did you find Drakehand? Such a delightful
fellow. Very helpful. It was he who brought the chalice to our shores,
though of course he had no understanding of what was in his hands. I had
no choice but to relieve him of it. The chalice should only be in the
hands of those who can wield it properly.”<<elseif $vlvillafirst
is true>>“Tell me, $lastname,” he says. “As you were wriggling
about the city like a lost rat, how did you find Anselma? She cared
little for the chalice, did she not? While I appreciate your
thoroughness in investigating her, I already knew none of the Seven are
responsible. Every is dead, Rack is dying of dreamweed poisoning, and
Goldhorn, Vane and Burn are at each other’s throats. A matter I could
have revealed to you, had I cared to inform you of it. Fascinating that
you thought it wise to visit her villa… and even more so that you left
it alive.”<<elseif $deadwoodfirst is true>>“Tell me,
$lastname,” he says. “As you were wriggling about the city like a lost
rat, how did you find Aegineta? I would prefer not to suffer a Guild
mage on Rona soil, but the fool is so incompetent, I’m curious to see
what his fate will become. I hear the Grand Archsage Quirinus wants him
dead. A fight to the death between two Guild mages would be an
interesting sight to behold, would it not?”<</if>>
A chill runs down your spine. The Count is remarkably well-informed
about where you’ve been. If he’s been tracking your movements, what else
does he know?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Sounds like you’ve been busy. Almost as if
you could have done my job for me.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 05 A][$countapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing. He can talk himself
out, for all you care.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT MWFG 05
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Tell
me,” he says, “how is the Anaxas brat?”
Your stomach drops.
He chuckles. “You thought I wouldn’t know?” he says. “I have eyes in
every inch of this city. Imagine my surprise when I was informed the two
Wayfarers in my employ almost sold their paltry services to the first
available bidder. I would have sent Rhodarth to collect you immediately,
but it seems there is a spark of intelligence in that slow mind of
yours.”
He tilts his head and his lip curls back into a cold smile. “Or perhaps
it was self-preservation,” he continues. “You must know that when I
purchase a service, I intend to be its sole beneficiary. Perhaps I
should be grateful you do not have enough gall to even
<i>think</i> about double-crossing me.”
A chill runs down your spine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Tell
me,” he says, “how is Anselma? Is she fairing well?”
You swallow hard. “She’s fine.”
“And Hera?”
<<if $heramet is true>>“Fine as well.” Your eyes narrow and
you press your tongue against the back of your teeth. He’s fishing for
something, some kind of reaction, but you can’t fathom what or
why.<<else>>You frown. The name is not familiar. “Don’t know
who you’re talking about,” you say carefully. He’s fishing for
something, some kind of reaction, but you can’t fathom what or
why.<</if>>
“Delightful though it is that you spoke with my esteemed <<if
$heramet is
true>>colleagues<<else>>colleague<</if>>,
it was a poor use of your time,” he says. “The likes of Anselma Malley
doesn’t care for the chalice. I know none of the Seven are responsible
for its seizure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Could have mentioned that earlier.”|CHAPTER
1 COUNT 03 VLVILLA A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He’s trying to get a rise out of
you. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT 03 VLVILLA
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$edgewaterhome is true>>“Tell me, did you enjoy your visit home?”
he says. “Edgewater is so charming, particularly its residents.
Oleander comes to mind. Was there something in that tenement that
provided great insight into the burglary on my estate?”
A chill runs down your spine.<<else>>“Tell me, how is Madam
Grey?” he says. “Did you know she obtained her crossbow from a Faran
wreck on the bottom of the Cobalt Sea? For someone who is only a mere
hundred years, she has the most curious plans. I have yet to decide
whether I can allow her to continue. I do not enjoy competition from my
kind.”
A chill runs down your spine.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Tell
me, how is Drakehand?” he says. “Such a delightful fellow. Very
helpful. It was he who brought the chalice to our shores, though of
course he had no understanding of what was in his hands. I had no choice
but to relieve him of it. The chalice should only be in the hands of
those who can wield it properly.”
A chill runs down your spine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$questInv.has('Chalice of Offering')>>You pause. You can feel the
chalice in your pack, pressing sharply into your hip. For something so
small, it feels heavier than ever. Your freedom from this hellpit of a
city is within reach. Freedom from Rona. Freedom from the Count. You can
leave, walk away, and never deal with this shit ever again.
You know that, but still… you can’t quite shake what it cost to get it
here. <<if $mareadead is true>>You killed Marea for
this.<<else>>You sacrificed the Grove’s only form of power
for this.<</if>>
Knowing that, can you really hand over such a powerful artefact to the
Count?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Yes. You just want to get paid.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT GIVE CHALICE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No. It’s not right to give it to
someone like him.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT DON'T GIVE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$aeranchalice is true>>You pause and glance at Aeran. This is it.
You’ve come so far. Your freedom from this hellpit of a city is within
reach. Freedom from Rona. Freedom from the Count. You can leave, walk
away, and never deal with this shit again.
But even knowing that, you can’t shake what it cost to get it here.
Aeran chose your lives over Marea and the Grove’s, sacrificing their
only form of power for you. And you couldn’t stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT AERAN GIVES
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$rhodarthchalice is true>>Rhodarth steps forward, his head held
high, his yellow eyes shining.
You exchange looks with Aeran. This is it. You’ve come so far. Your
freedom from this hellpit of a city is within reach. Freedom from Rona.
Freedom from the Count. You can leave, walk away, and never deal with
this shit again.
But even knowing that, you can’t shake what it cost to get it here.
<<if $mareadead is true>>You killed Marea for
this.<<else>>You sacrificed the Grove’s only form of power
for this.<</if>>
Rhodarth has the chalice now. The matter is out of your hands now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT RHODARTH GIVES
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
exchange dark looks with Aeran. <<if $rhodarthMW is
true>>You may have convinced Rhodarth that you found the chalice,
but you cannot fool the Count. Not when he expects it to be placed in
his hands. You wish you had some convincing lie prepared, but your
exhausted mind can barely think as it is.<<else>>You wish
you had some convincing lie prepared, but your exhausted mind can barely
think as it is.<</if>>
Regardless, what you say now is imperative. It could determine whether
you live or die.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONVINCING THE
COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
smiles. “Testy, $lastname, aren’t we?”
A furious laugh rumbles at the back of your throat. “Why would I be?”
you snap. “You hired us for a task and deliberately concealed
information that would have helped us help <i>you</i>. Do
you even want this thing back?”
“In due course, Wayfarer,” he replies. “I gave you what information I
thought pertinent. Call it curiosity, but I wished to see what you would
do with what little you had.”
It takes a concerted effort not to reach for your sword. “I hope you’re
pleased with how this turned out,” you grunt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Ah,”
he says. “You are angry with me. Perhaps you think it unfair that I did
not divulge pertinent information. Call it curiosity, but I wished to
see what you would do when you had very little to act on.”
You grit your teeth. It takes a concerted effort not to reach for your
sword. “Then I hope you’re pleased with how this turned out,” you grunt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$poisoned is true>>He throws back his head and laughs. “What a
graceless, pitiful attempt, $lastname,” he says. “Truly, you are
remarkable in your mulishness.”
You grit your teeth. The Count’s patience may be running thin, but so is
yours.
“Perhaps it would have played better if you were not so clearly ill,” he
finishes. His eyes sweep over you. “For your sake, I hope you have made
your unfortunate state worth it.”<<elseif $health is
"injured">>He throws back his head and laughs. “What a graceless,
pitiful attempt, $lastname,” he says. “Truly, you are remarkable in your
mulishness.”
You grit your teeth. The Count’s patience may be running thin, but so is
yours.
“Perhaps it would have played better if you were not so clearly
wounded,” he finishes. His eyes sweep over you. “For your sake, I hope
you have made your injuries worth it.”<<else>>He throws back
his head and laughs. “Truly, $lastname, you are remarkable in your
mulishness.”
You flush. The Count’s patience may be running thin, but so is yours.
His laughter fades. “I hope you have made your services worthwhile,” he
says. “For your sake.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Ah,”
he says. “And here I expected a fierce retort or a mulish attempt at
some witty repartee. I see you have no interest in playing games.”
<<if $edgewaterfirst is true>><<if $edgewaterhome is
true>>“Tell me, as you were wriggling about the city like a lost
rat, did you enjoy your visit home? Edgewater is so charming,
particularly its residents. Oleander comes to mind. Was there something
in that tenement that provided great insight into the burglary on my
estate?”<<else>>“Tell me, as you were wriggling about the
city like a lost rat, how did you find Madam Grey? Did you know she
obtained her crossbow from a Faran wreck on the bottom of the Cobalt
Sea? For someone who is only a mere hundred years, she has the most
curious plans. I have yet to decide whether I can allow her to continue.
I do not enjoy competition from my
kind.”<</if>><<elseif $covefirst is true>>“Tell
me, as you were wriggling about the city like a lost rat, how did you
find Drakehand?” he says. “Such a delightful fellow. Very helpful. It
was he who brought the chalice to our shores, though of course he had no
understanding of what was in his hands. I had no choice but to relieve
him of it. The chalice should only be in the hands of those who can
wield it properly.”<<elseif $vlvillafirst is true>>“Tell me,
as you were wriggling about the city like a lost rat, how did you find
Anselma?” he says. “She cared little for the chalice, did she not? While
I appreciate your thoroughness in investigating her, I already knew
none of the Seven are responsible. Every is dead, Rack is dying of
dreamweed poisoning, and Goldhorn, Vane and Burn are at each other’s
throats. A matter I could have revealed to you, had I cared to inform
you of it. Fascinating that you thought it wise to visit her villa… and
even more so that you left it alive.”<<elseif $deadwoodfirst is
true>>“Tell me, as you were wriggling about the city like a lost
rat, how did you find Aegineta? I would prefer not to suffer a Guild
mage on Rona soil, but the fool is so incompetent, I’m curious to see
what his fate will become. I hear the Grand Archsage Quirinus wants him
dead. A fight to the death between two Guild mages would be an
interesting sight to behold, would it not?”<</if>>
A chill runs down your spine. The Count is remarkably well-informed
about where you’ve been. If he’s been tracking your movements, what else
does he know?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws his head back and laughs. “Yes,” he breathes. “This is why I do
so enjoy your company, $lastname. You are delightfully churlish.”
You fall silent, tensing as you meet his gaze.
“To business, then,” he says, extending a hand. His vibrant purple
sleeves swirl around him, the fabric shimmering in the villa’s golden
light. “Come. Bring it to me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count waits for you to speak. When it becomes clear that you won’t be
goaded into insulting him, his smile fades and his expression turns
cold.
<i>“Tsch.”</i>
He tilts his chin and observes you with a flat gaze. “To business,
then,” he says, extending a hand. His vibrant purple sleeves swirl
around him, the fabric shimmering in the villa’s golden light. “Come.
Bring it to me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws his head back and laughs. “Yes,” he breathes. “Delightful,
$lastname. So very delightful. Indeed, I could have sent any of my
mercenaries to resolve this little problem. Rhodarth here is very
obliging. I’d almost say <i>eager.”</i>
Rhodarth exhales a sharp breath. His eyes narrow dangerously.
“But of course that would rob me of the pleasure that is you and your
work,” the Count continues. “You have given me a very intriguing few
days, Wayfarer. Come, then. Bring it to me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What?”
the Count says, sneering. “Nothing? How incredibly banal of you.”
You grit your teeth. You won’t be goaded into a fight.
His smile fades and his expression goes cold. <i>“Tsch.</i>
To business, then,” he says, extending a hand. His vibrant purple
sleeves swirl around him, the fabric shimmering in the villa’s golden
light. “Come. Bring it to me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
DECISION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"count">><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>>You withdraw the chalice. The copper is
cold and hard beneath your fingers. The Count’s eyes shine bright, drawn
to the artefact in your hand.
You toss it to him.
It tumbles in a graceful arc towards the Count. He raises a hand and
catches it, effortlessly plucking it from the air. Raising it high, he
holds it aloft so its weathered sides catch the light of the villa. He
turns it slowly and examines it, chuckling softly.
Suddenly, he steps back, leaving the chalice to hang in the air
unsupported, rotating on its own. A strange mist forms around it,
masking it from view. It grows thicker and thicker, turning into a
single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates, the mist bursting
in every direction. It dissipates quickly.
The chalice is gone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What… what did you do with it?”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT GIVE 01 A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You got what you wanted. What about
my payment?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT GIVE 01 B][$countapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT GIVE 01
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
clench your jaw. You can feel Aeran’s eyes boring into you, but you
ignore him and keep your eyes on the Count. Time passes in silence,
slipping away with each beat of your heart. The longer the Count waits,
the deeper his smile becomes. His gaze lingers on you, an uncanny look
in those bright red eyes, and it occurs to you that he wants you to
refuse him. That he wants you to admit defeat.
Hand over the chalice and a powerful artefact is returned to his
clutches. Refuse and you give him a reason to do with you as he pleases.
Regardless of what you do, he gets something he wants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Hand it over.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT GIVE
CHALICE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse to hand it over.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CHALICE REFUSE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DC 20
B")>>[[3. Pretend you don’t have it. It’s the only way you can get
it to Hera.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT PRETEND]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "count">>Aeran withdraws the chalice. The
Count’s eyes fixate on him, shining bright as they are drawn to the
artefact in his hand.
He throws it at him.
The chalice flies through the air towards the Count. He raises a hand
and catches it, effortlessly plucking it from the air. Raising it high,
he holds it aloft so its weathered sides catch the light of the villa.
He turns it slowly and examines it, chuckling softly.
Suddenly, he steps back, leaving the chalice to hang in the air
unsupported, rotating on its own. A strange mist forms around it,
masking it from view. It grows thicker and thicker, turning into a
single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates, the mist bursting
in every direction. It dissipates quickly.
The chalice is gone.
“You have what you want,” Aeran says. “Pay us and let’s call this deal
done.”
The Count <i>tsks</i>. “As always you show a remarkable
aptitude for insipidity, Kellis,” he says. “Here is your payment.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT AERAN GIVES
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "count">>“It’s here,” Rhodarth says.
The Count’s eyes snap to him. He raises his head and watches with great
interest as Rhodarth pushes past you and approaches him.
“Most intriguing,” he says as Rhodarth places the chalice in waiting
hands. “Thank you, Rhodarth. Though I do wonder how this came to be in
your possession and not in our intrepid Wayfarer’s hands.”
“They were troublesome,” the mercenary captain says coldly. He gives the
Count a curt bow and turns sharply around, returning to his position
behind you.
The Count raises the chalice high, holding it aloft so its weathered
sides catch the light of the villa. He chuckles, turning it slowly as he
examines it. Satisfied, he lowers his hands and steps back. The chalice
hangs in the air unsupported, rotating on its own. A strange mist forms
around it, masking it from view. It grows thicker and thicker, turning
into a single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates, the mist
bursting in every direction. It dissipates quickly.
The chalice is gone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What… what did you do with it?”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT RHO GIVE 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You got what you wanted. What about
my payment?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT RHO GIVE 01 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT RHO
GIVE 01 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your chin and meet the Count’s eyes. He tilts his head and raises
an eyebrow, waiting for you to speak. Your heart thunders in your chest
as you force yourself to speak.
“We don’t have it.”
Silence settles over the courtyard. The Count stares at you and his
expression remains unmoved. <<if $rhodarthMW is
true>>Rhodarth shifts restlessly beside you, his eyes darting from
you to Aeran as a realization dawns on him. For a moment, you think
he’s about to speak, to reveal that you lied to him about finding the
chalice—but then he grimaces and falls back. There is little point in
mentioning it now; to admit that you successfully played him would only
make him a fool in front of the Count.<<else>>Rhodarth
shifts restlessly beside you, his eyes darting from you to Aeran. He
says nothing.<</if>>
Moments pass. The tension grows, straining towards a breaking point with
every passing second. The Count remains still in his silence, his eyes
boring into yours. Your gut twists and a chill runs down your spine, but
you force yourself to return his gaze. You cannot let him see the
effect he has on you. You refuse to be intimidated by him.
“You do not have it,” the Count says finally.
“No.”
His upper lip curls. “You had a singular mission,” he says. He
approaches you slowly, his movements so slight he almost appears to
float down the path towards you. “One focus. One job. And you dare—” He
lunges and catches you by the throat. His fingers close around your
neck and a stinging pain flares across your skin as his fingernails dig
deep into your flesh. “—you dare fail me?”
He wrenches you close, pulling you into him. Your face is mere inches
from his, so close you can feel his breath on your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Not intentionally. Not when you’re my only
way out of this hellpit.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV 01 A][$countapp
-=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah. Me. Here to infuriate you
with my dying breath. What a pair we make.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CON 01
B][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. You’re not about to
risk enraging him more.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CON 02 C][$countapp
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count chuckles. “I put it somewhere safe, far away from those who seek
to abuse its powers. Consider me its steward, for I am the only living
individual who can access it now.” His smile widens. “Hera Ambrose will
be quite upset when she hears this news. She has wanted to get her hands
on it for decades.”
<<if $heramet is true>>You press your tongue against the
back of your teeth. Hera will be upset with your choice. But unlike the
Count, she doesn’t seem to have a malevolent streak. You have a feeling
she will understand why you didn’t have a choice.<<else>>You
shrug. The name means nothing to you.<</if>>
<<if $countapp >=2>>“Now then,” the Count continues.
“There is the small matter of your payment. Come. We have much to
discuss.”
He turns and gracefully strides through the threshold and into the
villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. An uncomfortable knot
twists in your stomach. You just want to get paid, it’s not complicated.
How much discussion does the Count expect you to do?
You glance at Aeran. He meets your gaze, tension flickering in his eyes.
He scowls and grounds himself, unwilling to go further into the Count’s
clutches.
“You best go,” Rhodarth mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
MAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold +=300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Now then,” the Count says. “I suppose
there is the small matter of your payment.”
Two pouches materialize in the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits
for the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran. You catch yours, your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety
fabric. It is surprisingly soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count continues. “As promised. I trust this
is satisfactory.”
You nod curtly. You aren’t about to risk bargaining for more.
“I am glad to hear it,” he says, taking your silence as confirmation. “I
thank you for your service. It was most informative to witness the work
of your Order, though I do believe there is little for you to be proud
of.”
You flush.
“Perhaps in another time I would have entertained the idea of keeping
you in my services,” he adds. His eyes narrow coldly. “But alas, you are
far more trite and prosaic than I hoped. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$countapp >=2>>The Count chuckles. “All in due course,
$lastname,” he says. “There is an order to these things, an order that
must be followed—”
“What things?”
He tilts his head, his red eyes flickering over you as he sizes you up.
“You shall see,” he says. “Come. We have much to discuss.”
He turns and gracefully strides through the threshold and into the
villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. An uncomfortable knot
twists in your stomach. You just want to get paid, it’s not complicated.
How much discussion does the Count expect you to do?
You glance at Aeran. He meets your gaze, tension flickering in his eyes.
He scowls and grounds himself, unwilling to go further into the Count’s
clutches.
“You best go,” Rhodarth mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
MAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold +=300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>The Count frowns, his brows knitting
together in a dark scowl. He pauses, his eyes flickering over you as he
sizes you up. He slowly extends a hand.
Tension rolls through your body and your hand inches towards your sword.
Two pouches materialize in the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits
for the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran. You catch yours, your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety
fabric. It is surprisingly soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count says sharply. “As promised. I trust
this is satisfactory.”
You nod curtly. You aren’t about to risk bargaining for more.
“I am glad to hear it,” he continues, taking your silence as
confirmation. “I thank you for your service. It was most informative to
witness the work of your Order, though I do believe there is little for
you to be proud of.”
You flush.
“Perhaps in another time I would have entertained the idea of keeping
you in my services,” he adds. His eyes narrow coldly. “But alas, you are
far more trite and prosaic than I hoped. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
Count frowns, annoyance flickering across his face. He is clearly
irritated by your unwillingness to speak. All the better for you—maybe
it will get him to pay you sooner. And besides, the last thing you want
is to be trapped in idle chatter with the Crimson Count.
<<if $countapp >=2>>“Now then,” he says. “There is the
small matter of your payment.”
A bubble of relief rises in your chest.
“Come,” he continues. “We have much to discuss.”
He turns and gracefully strides through the threshold and into the
villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him.
The bubble bursts.
<i>Shit.</i>
An uncomfortable knot twists in your stomach. You just want to get paid,
it’s not complicated. How much discussion does the Count expect you to
do?
You glance at Aeran. He meets your gaze, tension flickering in his eyes.
He scowls and grounds himself, unwilling to go further into the Count’s
clutches.
“You best go,” Rhodarth mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
MAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold +=300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Now then,” the Count says. “I suppose
there is the small matter of your payment.”
A bubble of relief rises in your chest. You pause, watching him
carefully as you wait for him to say more. Two pouches materialize in
the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits for the mist to disperse,
then tosses one pouch to you and the other to Aeran. You catch yours,
your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety fabric. It is surprisingly
soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count continues. “As promised. I trust this
is satisfactory.”
You nod curtly. You aren’t about to risk bargaining for more.
“I am glad to hear it,” he says, taking your silence as confirmation. “I
thank you for your service. It was most informative to witness the work
of your Order, though I do believe there is little for you to be proud
of.”
You flush.
“Perhaps in another time I would have entertained the idea of keeping
you in my services,” he adds. His eyes narrow coldly. “But alas, you are
far more trite and prosaic than I hoped. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<unset
$tempStat>>The villa’s interior is uncomfortably bright after the
dark outside. The threshold opens into a wide, white marble hall. The
walls are overlaid with lustrous mosaics, the vibrant colours creating
complex geometrical patterns. Circular entryways line the hall, leading
further into the mansion.
You draw to a halt, uncertain of where to go. The Count has disappeared
and the last thing you want is to wander freely through the villa
looking for him. A glimmer catches your eye and you tilt your chin up.
Your mouth opens slightly in awe as you catch sight of the slender
crystals hanging from the arched ceiling. They rotate slowly, emitting a
soft, musical chime as they clink together and cast their light across
the floor below.
Rhodarth shoulders past you. “This way,” he says gruffly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA MAIN
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gate opens as you approach, the circular ironwork rolling back to
reveal the road ahead. Rhodarth slows to a halt as you step through. He
leans against the wall, head bowed, the weight of circumstance heavy on
his shoulders.
“I would say that it was nice to see you, Rho,” Aeran begins, “but I
think we’re beyond that—”
“You have no idea how fortunate you are,” he says. “Not many who walk in
here come out unscathed.”
Aeran pauses. He grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “…right,” he
says after a moment. “I’ll keep that in mind. But Rhodarth?”
“Yes?”
“Whatever he has on you,” Aeran continues, “don’t let him use it to keep
you trapped here. You don’t owe this city anything—”
He laughs darkly. “What would you know about the weight of
responsibility, Aeran? You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear
it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth nods. He fixes Aeran with those piercing yellow eyes, watching
him in silence. For a moment, it seems like he is about to say something
else, but he stops himself. The moment passes and his final thought is
left unspoken as you and Aeran walk away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RETURN TO TOWN
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>Two pouches materialize in the Count’s
hands in a puff of mist. He waits for the mist to disperse, then tosses
one pouch to you and the other to Aeran. You catch yours, your fingers
grasping the smooth, velvety fabric. It is surprisingly soft to the
touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count continues. “As promised. I trust this
is satisfactory?”
“Yes,” Aeran replies flatly. You can sense his urgency. He won’t risk
bargaining for more, not when he wants to get out of here as quickly as
possible.
“I am glad to hear it,” the Count replies. “I thank you for your
service. It was most informative to witness the work of your Order,
though I do believe there is little for you to be proud of.
Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
put it somewhere safe,” the Count says quietly, still watching the
place where the chalice disappeared. “It is now far away from those who
seek to abuse its powers. Consider me its steward, for I am the only
living individual who can access it now.” He chuckles. “Hera Ambrose
will be quite upset when she hears this news. She has wanted to get her
hands on it for decades.”
<<if $heramet is true>>You press your tongue against the
back of your teeth. Hera will be upset with your choice. But unlike the
Count, she doesn’t seem to have a malevolent streak. You have a feeling
she will understand why you didn’t have a choice.<<else>>You
shrug. The name means nothing to you.<</if>>
He turns towards you and clasps his hands in front of him. “I suspect
you want your payment.”
You tense, an uncomfortable knot forming in your stomach. You glance at
Aeran and he frowns, shaking his head imperceptibly.
“Yes,” you say. “We did the job. You have it back—”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“That may be true,” he says
coldly, cutting across you. “But your actions must be taken into
account. I do not suffer discontent well. You have already entertained
the notion of double-crossing me and now I hear you have resisted my
mercenary captain. You, $lastname, have proven you are far more trouble
than you are worth. I will not pay you.”
Aeran hisses. He steps forward, a hand reaching for his bow. Rhodarth
grabs his arm and pulls him back.
The Count chuckles. “And for that you think to attack me?” he says. “You
are a fool, Kellis.”
“Stand down, Aeran,” Rhodarth hisses under his breath. “It’s not worth
it.”
Aeran grunts and wrenches himself free. “We’ll be going then,” he snaps.
“Bastard.”
He shoves Rhodarth out of the way and heads for the gate. You glance at
the Count, half expecting him to act, but he merely watches Aeran go, a
strange smile on his lips. Sighing wearily, you hurry down the path and
catch up with him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA SAFELY NOT
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“That is true,” the Count says. “And though
you have given my mercenary captain some trouble, I cannot fault your
actions. Here is the payment you requested.”
Two pouches materialize in the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits
for the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran. You catch yours, your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety
fabric. It is surprisingly soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count continues, “as promised. I trust this
is satisfactory?”
“Yes,” Aeran replies flatly. You can sense his urgency. He won’t risk
bargaining for more, not when he wants to get out of here as quickly as
possible.
“I am glad to hear it,” the Count replies. “I thank you for your
service. It was most informative to witness the work of your Order,
though I do believe there is little for you to be proud of.
Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$zenaidarefused is true>>“Take care of where you make your
demands, $lastname,” he says coldly. “Your actions must be taken into
account. I do not suffer discontent well. You have already entertained
the notion of double-crossing me and now I hear you have resisted my
mercenary captain. You, $lastname, have proven you are far more trouble
than you are worth. I will not pay you.”
Aeran hisses. He steps forward, a hand reaching for his bow. Rhodarth
grabs his arm and pulls him back.
The Count chuckles. “And for that you think to attack me?” he says. “You
are a fool, Kellis.”
“Stand down, Aeran,” Rhodarth hisses under his breath. “It’s not worth
it.”
Aeran grunts and wrenches himself free. “We’ll be going then,” he snaps.
“Bastard.”
He shoves Rhodarth out of the way and heads for the gate. You glance at
the Count, half expecting him to act, but he merely watches Aeran go, a
strange smile on his lips. Sighing wearily, you hurry down the path and
catch up with him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA SAFELY NOT
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“All in due course, $lastname,” he says
flatly. “There is an order to these things, an order that must be
followed—”
“What things?”
The Count frowns, his brows knitting together in a dark scowl. He
pauses, his eyes flickering over you as he sizes you up. He slowly
extends a hand.
Tension rolls through your body and your hand inches towards your sword.
Two pouches materialize in the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits
for the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran. You catch yours, your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety
fabric. It is surprisingly soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count says sharply. “As promised. I trust
this is satisfactory.”
You nod curtly. You aren’t about to risk bargaining for more.
“I am glad to hear it,” he continues, taking your silence as
confirmation. “I thank you for your service. It was most informative to
witness the work of your Order, though I do believe there is little for
you to be proud of.”
You flush.
“Perhaps in another time I would have entertained the idea of keeping
you in my services,” he adds. His eyes narrow coldly. “But alas, you are
far more trite and prosaic than I hoped. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
Count frowns, annoyance flickering across his face. He is clearly
irritated by your unwillingness to speak. All the better for you—maybe
it will get him to pay you sooner. And besides, the last thing you want
is to be trapped in idle chatter with the Crimson Count.
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“You are thinking of the
matter of your payment,” he says coldly. “Perhaps you think that I will
simply hand over the six hundred crowns and send you on your way. But
your actions must be taken into account. I do not suffer discontent
well. You have already entertained the notion of double-crossing me and
now I hear you have resisted my mercenary captain. You, $lastname, have
proven you are far more trouble than you are worth. I will not pay you.”
Aeran hisses. He steps forward, a hand reaching for his bow. Rhodarth
grabs his arm and pulls him back.
The Count chuckles. “And for that you think to attack me?” he says. “You
are a fool, Kellis.”
“Stand down, Aeran,” Rhodarth hisses under his breath. “It’s not worth
it.”
Aeran grunts and wrenches himself free. “We’ll be going then,” he snaps.
“Bastard.”
He shoves Rhodarth out of the way and heads for the gate. You glance at
the Count, half expecting him to act, but he merely watches Aeran go, a
strange smile on his lips. Sighing wearily, you hurry down the path and
catch up with him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA SAFELY NOT
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Now then,” the Count says. “I suppose
there is the small matter of your payment.”
A bubble of relief rises in your chest. You pause, watching him
carefully as you wait for him to say more. Two pouches materialize in
the Count’s hands in a puff of mist. He waits for the mist to disperse,
then tosses one pouch to you and the other to Aeran. You catch yours,
your fingers grasping the smooth, velvety fabric. It is surprisingly
soft to the touch.
You hear the tell-tale clink of coins within.
“Three hundred, each,” the Count continues. “As promised. I trust this
is satisfactory.”
You nod curtly. You aren’t about to risk bargaining for more.
“I am glad to hear it,” he says, taking your silence as confirmation. “I
thank you for your service. It was most informative to witness the work
of your Order, though I do believe there is little for you to be proud
of.”
You flush.
“Perhaps in another time I would have entertained the idea of keeping
you in my services,” he adds. His eyes narrow coldly. “But alas, you are
far more trite and prosaic than I hoped. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Without waiting for a reply, the Count turns and saunters back inside
the villa, his purple robe fluttering behind him. A stunned relief
washes over you, but you force it back. You can’t put your guard down.
Not yet.
“This way,” Rhodarth grunts, putting a hand on your shoulder and pushing
you back down the path. “It’s dangerous to extend your welcome.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran says scathingly.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches and doesn’t respond. His stormy silence is
nearly tangible as he guides you through the garden towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
SAFELY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“No,”
you say. “I won’t let you have it.”
Cold silence settles over the courtyard. Aeran exhales a sharp breath
and steps forward, reaching for you. Without taking his eyes off you,
the Count raises a hand and gestures to Rhodarth. The mercenary captain
seizes Aeran, dragging him to a halt. They scuffle, struggling with one
another, but Rhodarth gains the upper hand and holds him back.
“You won’t let me?” the Count says. He tilts his head and wets his lower
lip as his eyes sweep over you. “So the chalice is in your possession,
then?”
A shiver prickles the back of your neck. “Did I say that?”
He chuckles. “Your mission was a success,” he says. “Delightful. Dare I
ask why you are so insistent on throwing your life away when you are so
close to obtaining your goal? You wish to leave Rona, do you not?”
You grit your teeth. “I—”
<i>“Silence!”</i>
<<if $zenaidarefused is true and $cove is true>>His red eyes
gleam dangerously as his voice cracks across the courtyard. He raises
his hands, twisting his longer fingers together leisurely as he slowly
walks towards you. “It is unfortunate, $firstname,” he says, drawing
ever closer. “I had hoped you were no fool, but it seems you are
determined to prove me otherwise. You have made many blunders today,
some nigh unforgivable. Your visit to the Anaxas brat. The gossip
spreading from the Cove about the loss of my chalice—”
“What rumours?” you snap.
He pauses, drawing to a halt a mere few feet away from you. “Your
investigation led you to the establishment of one Lars Drakehand,” he
says, “where you proceeded to be foolishly sloppy. Drakehand is a lover
of gossip. Thanks to <<if $coverumour is
"aeran">>Kellis’<<else>>your<</if>> less
than delicate conduct, word has travelled that I have lost something
very precious to me. That my estate and personage may not be thoroughly…
<i>impenetrable.”</i>
Your hand clenches into a fist at your side. Despite the panic growing
in the pit of your stomach, you hold firm, unwilling to bend beneath his
dangerous gaze.
“I was willing to ignore your mishaps,” he continues. “But if you insist
on such obstinance… I will have no choice but to act. Give me the
chalice.”<<elseif $zenaidarefused is true>>His red eyes
gleam dangerously as his voice cracks across the courtyard. He raises
his hands, twisting his longer fingers together leisurely as he slowly
walks towards you. “It is unfortunate, $firstname,” he says, drawing
ever closer. “I had hoped you were no fool, but it seems you are
determined to prove me otherwise. You have made many blunders today,
some nigh unforgivable. Your visit to the Anaxas brat chief among them.”
Your hand clenches into a fist at your side. Despite the panic growing
in the pit of your stomach, you hold firm, unwilling to bend beneath his
dangerous gaze.
“I was willing to ignore your mishap,” he continues. “But if you insist
on such obstinance… I will have no choice but to act. Give me the
chalice.”
<<elseif $cove is true>>His red eyes gleam dangerously as
his voice cracks across the courtyard. He raises his hands, twisting his
longer fingers together leisurely as he slowly walks towards you. “It
is unfortunate, $firstname,” he says, drawing ever closer. “I had hoped
you were no fool, but it seems you are determined to prove me otherwise.
You have made many blunders today, some nigh unforgivable. The chief
among them is the gossip spreading from the Cove about the loss of my
chalice—”
“What rumours?” you snap.
He pauses, drawing to a halt a mere few feet away from you. “Your
investigation led you to the establishment of one Lars Drakehand,” he
says, “where you proceeded to be foolishly sloppy. Drakehand is a lover
of gossip. Thanks to <<if $coverumour is
"aeran">>Kellis’<<else>>your<</if>> less
than delicate conduct, word has travelled that I have lost something
very precious to me. That my estate and personage may not be thoroughly…
<i>impenetrable.”</i>
Your hand clenches into a fist at your side. Despite the panic growing
in the pit of your stomach, you hold firm, unwilling to bend beneath his
dangerous gaze.
“I was willing to ignore your mishap,” he continues. “But if you insist
on such obstinance… I will have no choice but to act. Give me the
chalice.”<<else>>His red eyes gleam dangerously as his voice
cracks across the courtyard. He raises his hands, twisting his longer
fingers together leisurely as he slowly walks towards you. “It is
unfortunate, $firstname,” he says, drawing ever closer. “I had hoped you
were no fool, but it seems you are determined to prove me otherwise.
You have made many blunders today. Do not make another.”
Your hand clenches into a fist at your side. Despite the panic growing
in the pit of your stomach, you hold firm, unwilling to bend beneath his
dangerous gaze.
“If you insist on such obstinance,” he continues, “I will have no choice
but to act. Give me the chalice.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 1 CHALICE REFUSE 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reach for your sword.|CHAPTER 1
CHALICE REFUSE 01 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your chin and meet the Count’s eyes. He tilts his head and raises
an eyebrow, waiting expectantly for you to speak. Your heart hammers in
your chest. You know this is a terrible idea, but it’s the only way to
keep the Count from the chalice.
You swallow hard. Your mouth is terribly dry.
“I don’t have it.”
Silence settles over the courtyard. The Count’s eyes narrow as he
watches you closely. He says nothing, letting the seconds pass and the
tension grow as you wait for his response.
You glance at Aeran. He exhales sharply, his expression contorting into a
furious scowl. <<if $aeranapp <=59>>Panic rises in your
chest as you realize he could destroy your lie with a single word. But
as your anxious doubt threatens to take hold, he lowers his head and
looks away, remaining silent. Some part of him still trusts
you.<<else>>Panic rises in your chest as you realize he
could destroy your lie with a single word. But as your anxious doubt
threatens to take hold, he meets your eyes and nods in a silent gesture
of trust. He may disagree with you, but he trusts you implicitly. He
will play along with your plan.<</if>>
“You,” the Count says slowly, “do not have it?”
“No.”
His upper lip curls. “You had a singular mission,” he says. He
approaches you slowly, his movements so slight he almost appears to
float down the path towards you. “One focus. One <i>job.</i>
And you <i>dare—”</i> He lunges and catches you by the
throat. His fingers close around your neck and a stinging pain flares
across your skin as his fingernails dig deep into your flesh. “—you
<i>dare</i> fail me?”
He pulls you in. Your face is mere inches from his, so close you can
feel his breath on your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Not intentionally. Not when you’re my
only way out of this hellpit.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND OPTION 01 PERS
PASS][$countapp -=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Not
intentionally. Not when you’re my only way out of this hellpit.”|CHAPTER
1 PRETEND ALL OPTIONS FAIL][$countapp
-=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Good thing I know where it is. Just
couldn’t reach it. Maybe if you’d given us a little more time, it’d be
back in your hands tomorrow.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND OPTION 02 PERS
PASS][$countapp +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Good thing I
know where it is. Just couldn’t reach it. Maybe if you’d given us a
little more time, it’d be back in your hands tomorrow.”|CHAPTER 1
PRETEND ALL OPTIONS FAIL][$countapp +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Yeah. Me. Here to infuriate you with
my dying breath. What a pair we make.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT PRETEND OPTION 03
PERS PASS][$countapp +=1]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Yeah.
Me. Here to infuriate you with my dying breath. What a pair we
make.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND ALL OPTIONS FAIL][$countapp
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[1. “Not intentionally. Not when you’re my only way out
of this hellpit.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND OPTION 01 PERS PASS][$countapp
-=1]]<<else>>[[1. “Not intentionally. Not when you’re my
only way out of this hellpit.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND ALL OPTIONS
FAIL][$countapp -=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. “Good thing I know where it is. Just couldn’t reach
it. Maybe if you’d given us a little more time, it’d be back in your
hands tomorrow.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND OPTION 02 PERS PASS][$countapp
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. “Good thing I know where it is. Just
couldn’t reach it. Maybe if you’d given us a little more time, it’d be
back in your hands tomorrow.”|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND ALL OPTIONS
FAIL][$countapp +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. “Yeah. Me. Here to infuriate you with my dying
breath. What a pair we make.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT PRETEND OPTION 03 PERS
PASS][$countapp +=1]]<<else>>[[3. “Yeah. Me. Here to
infuriate you with my dying breath. What a pair we make.”|CHAPTER 1
PRETEND ALL OPTIONS FAIL][$countapp
+=1]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>He
smirks, his eyes gleaming bright. Suddenly, he lunges, closing the
distance between you and catching you by the throat with one hand. His
fingers close around your neck and a stinging pain flares across your
skin as his fingernails dig deep into your flesh. He grips you tight and
forces you back down the path.
“Say it again, $lastname,” he breathes, pushing you to the edge of the
bridge.
His fingers press tightly into your throat. A strangled laugh escapes
your lips and you raise your chin, staring defiantly into his eyes.
<<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>“I know what the Chalice of
Offering is,” you choke. “I know what it does. I won’t let something
that powerful fall into the hands of someone like you.”
He sneers, a low chuckle rumbling in the back of his throat. “And what
would you do with it, Wayfarer?” he asks. “It is nothing more than a
lump of cold copper in your hands. Would you throw away your life for
the sake of making some loose moral statement?”
You draw a rasping breath and refuse to look away.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DC 20 B")>>“Ah,” he murmurs. “I
see. There is something else at play—Hera Ambrose, perhaps, hm? Answer
me.”
You clench your jaw.
His fingers tighten. “Answer me.”
“Yes,” you croak. “I… She asked that I bring it to her.”
He chuckles. “And so the truth is finally revealed,” he hisses. “I
suppose I have Rhodarth to thank for his timely intervention. Otherwise
my chalice may have escaped all the way to Anselma’s manor. Thank you,
Rhodarth.”
Rhodarth grunts in response, his expression darkening into a scowl.
Though he still holds Aeran back, preventing him from charging to your
rescue, he looks troubled by the Count’s recognition.
“What did she promise you?” the Count asks. He raises his other hand and
gently lifts you chin, tilting your head to the side as his eyes bore
into yours. “Protection? Coin? The guaranteed passage out of Rona that
you so desperately seek?”
You press your lips together, refusing to answer.
He chuckles. He pushes you further back, shoving you to the centre of
the bridge. The dark waters swirl slowly, reflecting the villa’s lights
in their black depths.
“Perhaps you think she is a more agreeable person than myself,” he
continues. “Fool. How easily are you manipulated? She has had a century
of experiencing persuading others to court her favour. It is not Anselma
Malley who you should fear. Hera Ambrose is by far the more dangerous
of the pair.”<<else>><<if $ancestry is
"melusine">>“Ah,” he murmurs. “The perplexities of those with
human blood. A shame, truly. You would understand so much more if not
for the surfacer blood coursing through your
veins.”<<else>>“Ah,” he murmurs. “The perplexities of those
with <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>aeda<<else>>$ancestry<</if>>
blood. Surfacers have so little time to understand the world around
them. It makes them susceptible to incredible
foolishness.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth.
He throws back his head and laughs, amused by your silence. He pushes
you further back, shoving you to the centre of the bridge. The dark
waters swirl slowly, reflecting the villa’s lights in their black
depths.<</if>><<else>>“No,” you breathe.
He throws back his head and laughs. He chuckles and lowers his hand to
your shoulder. He pushes you further back, shoving you to the centre of
the bridge. The dark waters swirl slowly, reflecting the villa’s lights
in their black depths.<</if>>
You grit your teeth. “You’re not taking the chalice—”
“Oh,” he breathes, eyes shining bright. “But I will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CHALICE REFUSE 01 A LOST
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’ve
only drawn the blade an inch from its sheathe when the Count lunges at
you, catching you by the throat with one hand and prying your fingers
from your weapon with the other. His fingers close around your neck and a
stinging pain flares across your skin as his fingernails dig deep into
your flesh.
“As fascinating as I find your defiance, $lastname, I cannot allow you
to indulge in it,” he breathes, forcing you down the path.
You hit the edge of the bridge. Your boots clatter across the wood, your
footsteps echoing hollowly across the dark water below. He pushes with
such force, you nearly stagger and tumble back as you hit the centre of
the bridge. He smirks and his fingers dig into your throat. A strangled
laugh escapes your lips and you raise your chin, staring defiantly into
his eyes.
“You’re not taking the chalice,” you spit.
“Oh,” he breathes. “But I will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CHALICE REFUSE 01 B
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempStat>><<set $CountB_Branch1 to true>>A spray of
white froth encircles your body. You open your eyes and peer through a
distorted underwater world. Water pulls at your clothes, threatening to
drag you deeper into the abyss, but you resist. You pause, suspended in
the water, and look down. Your feet hover below a dark abyss that saps
away the little light that penetrates the pool.
Something below you moves, rippling through the water.
You freeze.
A force rushes over you and a second spray of white froth cuts through
the water. Disoriented, you force back a surprised breath and turn,
pushing yourself back from the tide. The bubbles clear and Aeran
appears, cutting swiftly through the water towards you.
He touches your arm and points… where? You’ve lost all sense of
direction since falling into the pool. He pushes away, swimming
lengthwise through the pool. Maybe he intends to put as much distance
between you and the Count before he surfaces for air.
You follow, trailing behind. There’s something… glowing… in the depths
below. Something yellow. It follows you, tracking you as you swim. An
uncomfortable panic grows in your chest. <<if $ancestry neq
"melusine">>Your lungs are straining. You need
air.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"count">><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>>He wrenches your arm, pulling you in. You
struggle, but he is far too strong and he quickly pins you against him.
He reaches into your pack and withdraws the chalice. A seething breath
whispers in your ear and a sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower
back. You stagger away, nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble
to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
You whirl around. The Count draws back and steps off the bridge. He
raises the chalice high, holding it aloft so the weathered copper
reflects the villa’s light. He lowers his hand and the chalice hangs in
the air unsupported, rotating on its own. A strange mist forms around
it, masking it from view. It grows thicker and thicker, turning into a
single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates, the mist bursting
in every direction. It dissipates quickly.
The chalice is gone.
“Now, then,” he says, raising a hand. A ball of light glows between his
fingers. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You open your mouth to protest, one hand going for your sword. His smile
widens and he flicks his hand.
And then a trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark
water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"count">><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>>He wrenches your arm, pulling you in. You
struggle, but he is far too strong and he quickly pins you against him.
He reaches into your pack and withdraws the chalice. A seething breath
whispers in your ear and a sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower
back. You stagger away, nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble
to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
You whirl around. The Count draws back and steps off the bridge. He
raises the chalice high, holding it aloft so the weathered copper
reflects the villa’s light. He lowers his hand and the chalice hangs in
the air unsupported, rotating on its own. A strange mist forms around
it, masking it from view. It grows thicker and thicker, turning into a
single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates, the mist bursting
in every direction. It dissipates quickly.
The chalice is gone.
“Now, then,” he says, raising a hand. A ball of light glows between his
fingers. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You open your mouth to protest, one hand going for your sword. His smile
widens and he flicks his hand.
And then a trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark
water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>A
cold chuckle bubbles past his lips. He throws back his head, his long
crimson hair rippling down his back as he convulses with laughter. “I
suppose not,” he says finally and his grip on you tightens. “I must
thank you for your steadfast commitment to our agreement. Our
circumstances would not be nearly as interesting if you had chosen to
run instead.”
His grip on you tightens. The pressure digs uncomfortably into your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE V
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL
V1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>A
cold chuckle bubbles past his lips. He throws back his head, his long
crimson hair rippling down his back as he convulses with laughter.
Suddenly, his grip on you tightens and he forces you back, shoving you
towards the bridge.
Your boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly
across the dark water below. He pushes you with such force, you nearly
stagger and tumble back as you hit the centre of the bridge. But his
grip on you is ironclad and he holds you still, preventing your fall. He
sneers and his lips curl back to show sharp, white fangs.
“Liar,” he hisses.
He wrenches your arm, pulling you in. You struggle, but he is far too
strong and he quickly pins you against him. He reaches into your pack
and withdraws the chalice. A seething breath whispers in your ear and a
sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away,
nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>His
gleaming eyes narrow. “Where?” he hisses. <i>“Where is
it?”</i>
You pause, your thoughts whirling. Do you tell him about the Grove? A
single word from you and he will send his combined forces to annihilate
them—
His grip tightens, his fingers crushing your throat. Your breath hitches
and your body shakes, pressure rushing to your head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>A
deep chuckle bubbles past his lips. He throws back his head, his long
crimson hair rippling down his back as he convulses with laughter.
“Indeed,” he murmurs. His eyes linger on you, sizing you up. “I do so
enjoy your company, $lastname. You are irresistibly
<i>infuriating</i> when you choose to be.”
His grip on you tightens, the pressure digging uncomfortably into your
throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE V
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL
V1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
am hesitant to reward you, considering your failure,” he continues
leisurely, releasing you.
You back away, one hand rubbing your throat gingerly. His fingernails
have left streaks of blood across your skin.
“But even in your failure,” he continues, his eyes boring into yours,
“you continue to pique my interest. I believe we are far from finished.”
Your mouth goes dry. “How so?”
His smile widens. “By continuing our partnership, of course,” he says.
“Come, $lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We
have much to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa. The chalice knocks
against your hip and you wish you could throw the damn thing away.
This gamble of yours has not gone the way you planned.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“But
as irresistible as you are,” he continues, “it is not enough to save
you from my wrath.”
You choke, unable to speak. The Count’s eyes blaze and he throws you
down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You hit the ground hard, pain
flaring across your body. You groan, tears blurring your vision and a
cough racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you. I would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas…
Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"count">><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>>You whirl around. The Count draws back
and steps off the bridge. He raises the chalice high, holding it aloft
so the weathered copper reflects the villa’s light. He lowers his hand
and the chalice hangs in the air unsupported, rotating on its own. A
strange mist forms around it, masking it from view. It grows thicker and
thicker, turning into a single, dense mass—then, suddenly, it
disintegrates, the mist bursting in every direction. It dissipates
quickly.
The chalice is gone.
“Now, then,” he says, raising a hand. A ball of light glows between his
fingers. “You will now discover what happens to those who dare betray
me. The Gorgo will see your punishment is swift and painful.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens and he flicks his hand.
And then a trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark
water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 PRETEND
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<if settings.action>><<if $countapp
>=2>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE
LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove!
Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood!
The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[4. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has
it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The
Grove! It’s in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in
Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove!
Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood!
The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[4. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has
it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>><<if
$countapp >=2>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s
in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[2.
[LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it
back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[3.
[LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole
it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The
Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s
in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2.
[LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it
back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[3.
[LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole
it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The
Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<if $countapp
>=2>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE
LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove!
Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood!
The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[4. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has
it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [ABSTAIN] You can’t… say…
anything…|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The
Grove! It’s in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in
Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “The Cove!
Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD
LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Deadwood!
The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[4. [PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has
it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [ABSTAIN] You can’t… say…
anything…|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>><<if
$countapp >=2>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s
in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[2.
[LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it
back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 16>>[[3.
[LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole
it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
16>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The
Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [ABSTAIN] You can’t… say…
anything…|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s
in Flotsam Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [LIE] “The Grove! It’s in Flotsam
Grove!”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[2.
[LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] “The Cove! Drakehand stole it
back!”|CHAPTER 1 COVE LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[3.
[LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] “Deadwood! The Guild stole
it—”|CHAPTER 1 DEADWOOD LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $servantinfo1 is true or
$servantinfo2 is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1
MARSHWALL LIE PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[4. [LIE] “Marshwall! The
Saffron Duchess has it!”|CHAPTER 1 MARSHWALL LIE PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>4. Conditional
story requirements have not been met.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [ABSTAIN] You can’t… say…
anything…|CHAPTER 1 PRETEND
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><</if>><<persuasionPass>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count’s lip curls back to show sharp,
white fangs. Suddenly, he hisses and releases you, shoving you away.
You stumble back and double over, coughs racking your body.
“The Grove,” he sneers, staring down at you. “And how did it find its
way there?”
You splutter, spitting on the ground, and force yourself upright.
<<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>>“A man
named Fisher got a hold of it,” you say. “He was supposed to take it to
Marshwall, but greendrifts mugged him in Edgewater. They took it off his
body and brought it back to the Grove. They’ve been using it ever
since.”<<else>>“I don’t know,” you say. “But somehow it got
into the hands of some greendrifts, who brought it to the Grove. They’ve
been using it ever since.”<</if>>
“To what end, $lastname?”
You cough and rub a hand gingerly across your neck. His fingernails have
left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PASS
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mareaReason is
true>>[[2. “Independence. From Rona, from the Seven. They already
killed Samwell Every.”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PASS
B]]<<else>>[[2. “Independence. From Rona, from the
Seven.”|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIE PASS
C]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count pauses, his eyes boring into
yours. His gaze lingers on your face. His lips curl back to show sharp,
white fangs.
<i>“Liar,”</i> he hisses.
Pain smarts across your chest as he shoves you back. You hit the bridge.
Your boots thunder on the wood, your footsteps echoing across the dark
water below. He lunges, forcing you to the centre, and wrenches your arm
around, pulling you into him. You struggle, but he is far too strong
and he quickly pins you against him. He reaches into your pack and
withdraws the chalice. A seething breath whispers in your ear and a
sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away,
nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count’s lip curls back to show sharp,
white fangs. Suddenly, he hisses and releases you, shoving you away.
You stumble back and double over, coughs racking your body.
“Drakehand,” he sneers. “Drakehand is responsible.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “The little snake,” he mutters. “Though I doubt he himself is
capable of such a feat, he certainly does not have the intelligence for
it. No. I suspect Kellan Osgar himself must be at the heart of this.”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look. You meet his
eyes, one hand pressed gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet
and sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count pauses, his eyes boring into
yours. His gaze lingers on your face. His lips curl back to show sharp,
white fangs.
<i>“Liar,”</i> he hisses.
Pain smarts across your chest as he shoves you back. You hit the bridge.
Your boots thunder on the wood, your footsteps echoing across the dark
water below. He lunges, forcing you to the centre, and wrenches your arm
around, pulling you into him. You struggle, but he is far too strong
and he quickly pins you against him. He reaches into your pack and
withdraws the chalice. A seething breath whispers in your ear and a
sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away,
nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count’s lip curls back to show sharp,
white fangs. Suddenly, he hisses and releases you, shoving you away.
You stumble back and double over, coughs racking your body.
“Aegineta,” he sneers. “Of course.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “That Imperial bastard. For all his talk, perhaps he hasn’t quite
thrown off the shackles of the Guild…”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look. You meet his
eyes, one hand pressed gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet
and sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count pauses, his eyes boring into
yours. His gaze lingers on your face. His lips curl back to show sharp,
white fangs.
<i>“Liar,”</i> he hisses.
Pain smarts across your chest as he shoves you back. You hit the bridge.
Your boots thunder on the wood, your footsteps echoing across the dark
water below. He lunges, forcing you to the centre, and wrenches your arm
around, pulling you into him. You struggle, but he is far too strong
and he quickly pins you against him. He reaches into your pack and
withdraws the chalice. A seething breath whispers in your ear and a
sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away,
nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count pauses, his eyes boring into
yours. His gaze lingers on your face. His lips curl back to show sharp,
white fangs.
<i>“Liar,”</i> he hisses.
Pain smarts across your chest as he shoves you back. You hit the bridge.
Your boots thunder on the wood, your footsteps echoing across the dark
water below. He lunges, forcing you to the centre, and wrenches your arm
around, pulling you into him. You struggle, but he is far too strong
and he quickly pins you against him. He reaches into your pack and
withdraws the chalice. A seething breath whispers in your ear and a
sharp, sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away,
nearly tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
choke, unable to speak. The Count hisses and throws you down the path,
tossing you like a ragdoll. You land hard, rolling onto the foot of the
bridge. You groan, your vision blurred, coughs racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you. I would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas...
Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
words rip out of your throat. The Count’s lip curls back to show sharp,
white fangs. Suddenly, he hisses and releases you, shoving you away.
You stumble back and double over, coughs racking your body.
“Goldhorn,” he sneers. “Of course.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “She has always been pathetic, pawing at my territory, clutching
for more power. This reeks of desperation…”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look. You meet his
eyes, one hand pressed gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet
and sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ALL LIES LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes narrow dangerously. “Fool,” he breathes.
“That is all I know—”
<i>“Silence!”</i> His voice rings out across the courtyard.
He looms above you, gleaming crimson in the bright villa lights. Dark
mist spirals around him, summoned by the magic he commands. He stares at
you, his expression contorting with blind rage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIES PASS HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIES PASS LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes narrow dangerously. “You sound strangely informed on the matter,
$lastname. Almost as if you were there.”
You swallow hard. “I—”
“Almost as if <i>you</i> had a hand in events.”
“I don’t—”
He lunges. He wrenches your arm, pulling you in. You struggle, but he is
far too strong and he quickly pins you against him.
“A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across
your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “You almost had me
fooled. Almost.”
He reaches into your pack and withdraws the chalice. A sharp, sudden
pain punches through you in the lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT TAKES THE
CHALICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes narrow dangerously. “A bold claim, $lastname.”
“That is the truth, I swear—”
<i>“Silence!”</i> His voice rings out across the courtyard.
He looms above you, gleaming crimson in the bright villa lights. Dark
mist spirals around him, summoned by the magic he commands. He stares
down at you, his expression contorting with blind rage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIES PASS HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GROVE LIES PASS LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Still,”
he murmurs quietly, the rage slowly dying. “You have revealed this to
me, and for that I am thankful. And aside from this singular deviation,
you have continually piqued my interest. You may prove useful yet.”
Your mouth goes dry. “How so?”
He chuckles. “By continuing our partnership, of course,” he says. “Come,
$lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We have much
to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa. The chalice knocks
against your hip and you wish you could throw the damn thing away.
This gamble of yours has not gone the way you planned.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
lunges, wrenching your arm around. You struggle, but he is far too
strong and he quickly pins you against him.
“A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across
your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I quite enjoy you. I
would have liked to enjoy more of your company, but alas… Some things
cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempStat>><<set $villaAlt to true>>The villa’s
interior is uncomfortably bright after the dark outside. The threshold
opens into a wide, white marble hall. The walls are overlaid with
lustrous mosaics, the vibrant colours creating complex geometrical
patterns. Circular doorways line the hall, leading further into the
mansion.
You draw to a halt, uncertain of where to go. The Count has disappeared
and the last thing you want is to wander freely through the villa
looking for him. A glimmer catches your eye and you tilt your chin up.
Your mouth opens slightly in awe as you catch sight of the slender
crystals hanging from the arched ceiling. They rotate slowly, emitting a
soft, musical chime as they clink together and cast their light across
the floor below.
Rhodarth shoulders past you. “This way,” he says gruffly.
He leads you down the hall. Aeran walks reluctantly at your side, his
grimace growing darker with every step.
“What have you gotten us into?” he mutters under his breath.
You swallow an uncomfortable knot in your throat. “At least he doesn’t
want to kill us now,” you whisper back. “If he wants to offer us a
second chance—”
He snorts. “It’s not a second chance he’s after, it’s—”
“Kellis!”
You look up. Rhodarth stares at you from further down the hall. He raps
the end of his spear against the floor and gestures at you and Aeran.
You grit your teeth. You don’t need words to understand his
meaning—<i>shut up and hurry.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am hesitant to reward you, considering your failure,” he says
leisurely. “But I thank you for your discovery. I admit, you continue to
pique my interest, $lastname. Despite your current… lapse… in
judgement, you may prove useful yet.”
Your mouth goes dry. “How so?”
He chuckles. “By continuing our partnership, of course,” he says. “Come,
$lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We have much
to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. You grab him before he can
say anything and steer him up the path to the villa. The chalice knocks
against your hip and you wish you could throw the damn thing away.
This gamble of yours has not gone the way you planned.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Suddenly,
he lunges, wrenching your arm around and pinning you against him. You
struggle, but he overpowers you. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your
ear. His breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your
spine. “I quite enjoy you. I would have liked to enjoy more of your
company, but alas... Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “Thank you for your service, $lastname. I believe we are quite
finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
laughter fades and his lip curls back in a dangerous sneer. “This was
my mistake,” he says. “You were, after all, a gamble. I pinned the
chance of your success on your innate talents, but I suppose even
Wayfarers make poor investigators. Should I be surprised? Your order has
known nothing but failure in recent decades; clearly you have not
escaped the contamination of your masters’ poor instruction.”
He pauses, tilting his head as his red gaze lingers on you. “Well,” he
murmurs. “Desperation makes fools of us all.”
You glance at Aeran. His presses his lips together and he shoots you a
warning look. You don’t need words to know what he means. You’re one
wrong word away from getting yourself killed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We were close, I know we were. Give us
another day and we can put the chalice in your hands.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
CV 03 A][$countapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “There was always a chance we would
fail. Maybe you should have accepted that before you hired us.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CV 03 B][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. Any attempt to
defend or explain yourself will only give him more reason to punish
you.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 03 C][$countapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head, his crimson hair rippling down his back as he
convulses with laughter. You fold your arms, standing rooted to the
spot, and watch him carefully. After a moment, his mirth dies and he
rounds on you, red eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity.
“And there it is,” he breathes. “You are so very delightful when you are
obstinate.”
A chill runs down your spine. “Happy to be of service,” you say darkly.
His lips press together in a fine line. “No,” he replies. “Do not
misinterpret me. You have returned without the chalice and that… That is
quite unforgiveable.”
Your fingers clench into a fist and you glance at Aeran. He meets your
gaze and shakes his head subtly, shooting you a warning look. You don’t
need words to know what he means. You’re one wrong word away from
getting yourself killed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We were close, I know we were. Give us
another day and we can put the chalice in your hands.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
CV 03 A][$countapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “There was always a chance we would
fail. Maybe you should have accepted that before you hired us.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CV 03 B][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. Any attempt to
defend or explain yourself will only give him more reason to punish
you.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 03 C][$countapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
cross your arms tight across your chest and raise your chin. The Count
watches you in silence, waiting for you to speak. But as the seconds
pass, his expression grows dark and turns to stone. His eyes narrow with
displeasure.
“Nothing?” he says. “No sarcastic remarks, no witty repartee?” He tsks
and shakes his head. “I enjoyed our interactions, $lastname, because
you, at least, had some vestiges of something interesting clinging to
your tedious self. I had hoped you would provide some entertainment
before embracing your miserable death…”
He trails off and his red eyes bore into yours. “Unless you can provide a
reason as to why I should allow your heart to continue beating?”
Your fingers clench into a fist and you glance at Aeran. He meets your
gaze and shakes his head subtly, shooting you a warning look. You don’t
need words to know what he means. You’re one wrong word away from
getting yourself killed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We were close, I know we were. Give us
another day and we can put the chalice in your hands.”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
CV 03 A][$countapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “There was always a chance we would
fail. Maybe you should have accepted that before you hired us.”|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CV 03 B][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. Any attempt to
defend or explain yourself will only give him more reason to punish
you.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 03 C][$countapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$tempStat to 1>>The Count snarls and lunges forward, catching you
by the throat with one hand. His fingers close around your neck and a
stinging pain flares across your skin as his fingernails dig deep into
your flesh.
Aeran shouts and throws himself at you. Rhodarth intercepts him, seizing
him by the shoulder. They struggle, grappling with each other for a
moment, but Rhodarth overpowers him and holds him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $zenaidarefused is true and $cove is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05 A]]<<elseif
$zenaidarefused is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
B]]<<elseif $cove is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
C]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
D]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$tempStat to 2>>The Count’s lips split into a wide smile.
Suddenly, he lunges, closing the distance between you and catching you
by the throat. His fingers close around your neck and a stinging pain
flares across your skin as his fingernails dig deep into your flesh.
Aeran shouts, throwing himself at you. Rhodarth swerves in front of him,
intercepting him, and seizes him by the shoulder. They struggle,
grappling with each other for a moment, but Rhodarth overpowers him and
holds him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $zenaidarefused is true and $cove is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05 A]]<<elseif
$zenaidarefused is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
B]]<<elseif $cove is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
C]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
D]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$tempStat to 3>>The Count frowns, a dark scowl twisting his
expression. Suddenly, he lunges, closing the distance between you and
catching you by the throat. His fingers close around your neck and a
stinging pain flares across your skin as his fingernails dig deep into
your flesh.
Aeran shouts, throwing himself at you. Rhodarth swerves in front of him,
intercepting him, and seizes him by the shoulder. They struggle,
grappling with each other for a moment, but Rhodarth overpowers him and
holds him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $zenaidarefused is true and $cove is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05 A]]<<elseif
$zenaidarefused is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
B]]<<elseif $cove is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
C]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV 05
D]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempStat is 1>>The Count’s grip on you tightens and he forces
you back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “You return
empty-handed and you have the gall to demand new terms?” he hisses. “You
have already made many blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. Your
visit to the Anaxas brat. The gossip spreading from the Cove about the
loss of my chalice—”<<elseif $tempStat is 2>>The Count
smirks. His grip on you tightens and he forces you back, pushing you
down the path towards the bridge. “You return empty handed and seek to
blame your failure on me?” he says. “Your audacity is fascinating, but
your blunders are unforgiveable. Your visit to the Anaxas brat. The
gossip spreading from the Cove about the loss of my
chalice—”<<elseif $tempStat is 3>>The Count’s grip on you
tightens and he forces you back, pushing you down the path towards the
bridge. “Your silence will not save you,” he hisses. “You have made many
blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. Your visit to the Anaxas brat.
The gossip spreading from the Cove about the loss of my
chalice—”<</if>>
You dig your feet into the ground and push back against him, drawing to a
halt. “What gossip?”
He pauses, red eyes burning. “Your investigation led you to the
establishment of one Lars Drakehand,” he says, “where you proceeded to
be foolishly sloppy. Drakehand is a lover of gossip. Thanks to
<<if $coverumour is
"aeran">>Kellis’<<else>>your<</if>> less
than delicate conduct, word has travelled that I have lost something
very precious to me. That my estate and personage may not be thoroughly…
<i>impenetrable.”</i>
Your gut twists. Despite your growing panic, you hold firm, unwilling to
bend beneath his dangerous gaze.
“Even a fool such as you must understand how damaging such rumours are,”
he says softly. “But they pale in comparison to your greater crime.
Perhaps you would have found success if you hadn’t wasted away your
hours entertaining an offer from a rival.”
He pauses, his eyes lingering on you. “You thought I wouldn’t know?” he
says, his lips curling into a cruel smile. “I have eyes in every inch of
this city. Imagine my surprise when I was informed the two Wayfarers in
my employ almost sold their paltry services to the first available
bidder. I would have sent Rhodarth to collect you immediately, but it
seems there is a spark of intelligence in that slow mind of yours.”
He digs his fingers into your throat. A nail gashes your skin and a
trickle of blood wells up, oozing down your neck.
“Or perhaps it was self-preservation,” he continues. “You must know that
when I purchase a service, I intend to be its sole beneficiary. Perhaps
I should be grateful you do not have enough gall to even
<i>think</i> about double-crossing me.”
You swallow hard. The Count is remarkably well-informed about where
you’ve been.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I would rather work for you than a Guild
mage. That says something, don’t you think?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV ZENAIDA
06 A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing. He can talk himself
out, for all you care.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV ZENAIDA 06 B][$countapp
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempStat is 1>>The Count’s grip on you tightens and he forces
you back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “You return
empty-handed and you have the gall to demand new terms?” he hisses. “You
have already made many blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. Your
visit to the Anaxas brat—”<<elseif $tempStat is 2>> The
Count smirks. His grip on you tightens and he forces you back, pushing
you down the path towards the bridge. “You return empty handed and seek
to blame your failure on me?” he says. “Your audacity is fascinating,
but your blunders are unforgiveable. Your visit to the Anaxas
brat—<<elseif $tempStat is 3>>The Count’s grip on you
tightens and he forces you back, pushing you down the path towards the
bridge. “Your silence will not save you,” he hisses. “You have made many
blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. Your visit to the Anaxas
brat—”<</if>>
Your stomach drops. You dig your feet into the ground and push back
against him, drawing to a halt.
His gaze lingers on you and his lips twist into a cold smile. “You
thought I wouldn’t know?” he says softly. “I have eyes in every inch of
this city. Imagine my surprise when I was informed the two Wayfarers in
my employ almost sold their paltry services to the first available
bidder. I would have sent Rhodarth to collect you immediately, but it
seems there is a spark of intelligence in that slow mind of yours.”
He digs his fingers into your throat. A nail gashes your skin and a
trickle of blood wells up, oozing down your neck.
“Or perhaps it was self-preservation,” he continues. “You must know that
when I purchase a service, I intend to be its sole beneficiary. Perhaps
I should be grateful you do not have enough gall to even
<i>think</i> about double-crossing me.”
You swallow hard. The Count is remarkably well-informed about where
you’ve been.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I would rather work for you than a Guild
mage. That says something, don’t you think?”|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV ZENAIDA
06 A][$countapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing. He can talk himself
out, for all you care.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CV ZENAIDA 06 B][$countapp
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempStat is 1>>The Count’s grip on you tightens and he forces
you back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “You return
empty-handed and you have the gall to demand new terms?” he hisses. “You
have already made many blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. The
gossip spreading from the Cove about the loss of my
chalice—”<<elseif $tempStat is 2>>The Count smirks. His grip
on you tightens and he forces you back, pushing you down the path
towards the bridge. “You return empty handed and seek to blame your
failure on me?” he says. “Your audacity is fascinating, but your
blunders are unforgiveable. The gossip spreading from the Cove about the
loss of my chalice—”<<elseif $tempStat is 3>>The Count’s
grip on you tightens and he forces you back, pushing you down the path
towards the bridge. “Your silence will not save you,” he hisses. “You
have made many blunders today, some nigh unforgiveable. The gossip
spreading from the Cove about the loss of my
chalice—”<</if>>
You dig your feet into the ground and push back against him, drawing to a
halt. “What gossip?”
He pauses, red eyes burning. “Your investigation led you to the
establishment of one Lars Drakehand,” he says, “where you proceeded to
be foolishly sloppy. Drakehand is a lover of gossip. Thanks to
<<if $coverumour is
"aeran">>Kellis’<<else>>your<</if>> less
than delicate conduct, word has travelled that I have lost something
very precious to me. That my estate and personage may not be thoroughly…
impenetrable.”
Your gut twists. Despite your growing panic, you hold firm, unwilling to
bend beneath his dangerous gaze.
“Even a fool such as you must understand how damaging such rumours are,”
he says softly. “I was willing to ignore your mishap, but as you have
been unable to retrieve the chalice…”
His words trail off. The unvoiced threat hangs in the silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE VERSION
2]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL VERSION
2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$temptStat is 1>>The Count’s grip on you tightens and he forces
you back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “You return
empty-handed and you have the gall to demand new terms?” he hisses. “You
have already made many blunders today. Do not make another.”<<if
$tempStat is 2>>The Count smirks. His grip on you tightens and he
forces you back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “You
return empty handed and seek to blame your failure on me?” he says. “You
have already made many blunders today. Do not make another.”<<if
$tempStat is 3>>The Count’s grip on you tightens and he forces you
back, pushing you down the path towards the bridge. “Your silence will
not save you,” he hisses. “You have already made many blunders today. Do
not make another.”<</if>>
You dig your feet into the ground and push back against him, drawing to a
halt. Despite the panic growing in the pit of your stomach, you hold
firm, unwilling to bend beneath his dangerous gaze.
“My patience grows thin,” he continues. “I may be willing to entertain
such obstinance, but as you were unable to retrieve the chalice…”
His words trail off. The unvoiced threat hangs in the silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE VERSION
2]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL VERSION
2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “Yes,” he breathes. “This is why I do so enjoy your company,
$lastname. You are delightfully churlish.”
You fall silent, tensing under his gaze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE VERSION
2]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL VERSION
2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count waits for you to speak, a strange smile twisting his lips. When
it becomes clear that you won’t be goaded into a reply, his smile fades
and his expression turns cold.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT SECOND CHANCE VERSION
2]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT THROW IN POOL VERSION
2]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>His
fingers tighten on your throat. You choke and take a rasping breath.
“$firstname!”
Aeran’s terrified voice echoes across the courtyard. You see him
struggle in your peripheral vision, fighting against Rhodarth’s hold.
Bile rises in your mouth and you force down your panic, your thoughts
whirling as you desperately try to think of a way out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Kill me
and you lose me as an asset. You might have heard, but Wayfarers are
hard to come by these days. I’m much more valuable to you alive than
dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 01 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “Kill me and you lose me as an asset. You might have heard,
but Wayfarers are hard to come by these days. I’m much more valuable to
you alive than dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 01 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “And here I thought I fascinated you.
Can’t do much for you if I’m dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 02 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “And here I thought I
fascinated you. Can’t do much for you if I’m dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND
CHANCE 02 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] “We were this close to
finding it. Do you want the damn thing back or not?”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND
CHANCE 03 PERS INEFFECTIVE]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “Kill me and you lose me as an asset. You might have
heard, but Wayfarers are hard to come by these days. I’m much more
valuable to you alive than dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 01 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Kill me and you lose me as an asset. You
might have heard, but Wayfarers are hard to come by these days. I’m
much more valuable to you alive than dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 01
PERS FAIL]]<</if>> </div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. “And here I thought I fascinated you. Can’t do much
for you if I’m dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 02 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “And here I thought I fascinated you.
Can’t do much for you if I’m dead.”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 02 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We were this close to finding it.
Do you want the damn thing back or not?”|CHAPTER 1 SECOND CHANCE 03 PERS
INEFFECTIVE]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“But
my patience runs thin,” he says. “There is nothing now that can save
you from my wrath.”
You choke, unable to speak. The Count’s eyes blaze and he throws you
down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You hit the ground hard, pain
flaring across your body. You groan, tears blurring your vision and a
cough racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you. I would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas…
Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “I believe we are quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
Count pauses. Slowly, his fingers relax and his grip on your throat
loosens. The pressure eases and you gasp, inhaling a sharp breath of
air.
“There is truth to your argument,” he says. “The scarcity of your kind
makes you valuable. To think I have two of the last remaining Wayfarers
in my grasp…” His lips split into a devious smile and he releases you.
“You may prove useful yet.”
Your mouth goes dry and you press a hand gingerly to your neck. Your
palm comes away wet and sticky—his nails have left trails of blood
across your throat. “Is that so?”
He chuckles. “Come, $lastname,” he says. “We have much to discuss.”
A chill runs down your spine. You watch in horror as he turns and
gracefully strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple
robe fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran. He tears himself free
from Rhodarth and staggers down the path, anger blazing in his eyes.
Rhodarth steps in front of him. “You best go,” he says. “You want to
live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. Before he can speak,
Rhodarth brandishes his spear and silences him. Aeran draws back and
mutters a curse under his breath. You sigh wearily and look to the
villa’s entrance. Somehow you’ve managed to make things much better and
much worse.
“Go,” Rhodarth mutters, shoving you forwards. “Before his patience runs
out.”
With dread gnawing at the pit of your stomach, you and Aeran slowly make
your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
Count pauses. Slowly, his fingers relax and his grip on your throat
loosens. The pressure eases and you gasp, inhaling a sharp breath of
air.
“There is truth to your argument,” he says. “The scarcity of your kind
makes you valuable. To think I have two of the last remaining Wayfarers
in my grasp…”
Suddenly, his eyes blaze and his grip tightens once again. He throws you
down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You hit the ground hard,
pain flaring across your body. You groan, tears blurring your vision and
a cough racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you, but alas… Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “I believe we are quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
Count pauses. Slowly, his fingers relax and his grip on your throat
loosens. The pressure eases and you gasp, inhaling a sharp breath of
air.
“You do fascinate me, $lastname,” he says. “Despite your faults, you
continue to be of great interest to me…” His lips split into a devious
smile and he releases you. “You may prove useful yet.”
Your mouth goes dry and you press a hand gingerly to your neck. Your
palm comes away wet and sticky—his nails have left trails of blood
across your throat. “Is that so?”
He chuckles. “Come, $lastname,” he says. “We have much to discuss.”
A chill runs down your spine. You watch in horror as he turns and
gracefully strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple
robe fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran. He tears himself free
from Rhodarth and staggers down the path, anger blazing in his eyes.
Rhodarth steps in front of him. “You best go,” he says. “You want to
live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. Before he can speak,
Rhodarth brandishes his spear and silences him. Aeran draws back and
mutters a curse under his breath. You sigh wearily and look to the
villa’s entrance. Somehow you’ve managed to make things much better and
much worse.
“Go,” Rhodarth mutters, shoving you forwards. “Before his patience runs
out.”
With dread gnawing at the pit of your stomach, you and Aeran slowly make
your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
Count pauses. Slowly, his fingers relax and his grip on your throat
loosens. The pressure eases and you gasp, inhaling a sharp breath of
air.
“You do fascinate me, $lastname,” he says. “Despite your faults, you
continue to be of great interest to me…”
Suddenly, his eyes blaze and his grip tightens once again. He throws you
down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You hit the ground hard,
pain flaring across your body. You groan, tears blurring your vision and
a cough racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you, but alas… Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,” he
says. “I believe we are quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>He
throws his head back and laughs. His fingers press into your neck,
crushing your throat. You wheeze, gasping for air. Pressure rushes to
your head.
“What makes you think you will not fail me again?” he sneers.
He throws you down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You hit the
ground hard, pain flaring across your body. You groan, tears blurring
your vision and a cough racking your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His
breath whispers across your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I
did quite enjoy you, but alas… Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers. “Now, then,
$lastname,” he says. “I believe we are quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cold chuckle bubbles past his lips. He throws back his head, his long
crimson hair rippling down his back as he convulses with laughter. “I
suppose not,” he says finally and his grip on you tightens. “I must
thank you for your steadfast commitment to our agreement. Our
circumstances would not be nearly as interesting if you had chosen to
run instead.”
His grip on you tightens. The pressure digs uncomfortably into your
throat.
You choke.
“$firstname!” Aeran calls, strangled desperation in his voice.
The Count snarls. “Rhodarth, keep that one quiet,” he snaps. “I can do
without Kellis’ interference.”
Aeran curses. He leaps forward, but Rhodarth intercepts him and seizes
him by the shoulder. They struggle, grappling with each other, but the
mercenary captain overpowers him and holds him back. His expression
remains forcibly still and he looks away with detached indifference.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
deep chuckle bubbles past his lips. He throws back his head, his long
crimson hair rippling down his back as he convulses with laughter.
“Indeed,” he murmurs. His eyes linger on you, sizing you up. “I do so
enjoy your company, $lastname. You are irresistibly
<i>infuriating</i> when you choose to be.”
His grip on you tightens, the pressure digging uncomfortably into your
throat.
You choke.
“$firstname!” Aeran calls, strangled desperation in his voice.
The Count snarls. “Rhodarth, keep that one quiet,” he snaps. “I can do
without Kellis’ interference.”
Aeran curses. He leaps forward, but Rhodarth intercepts him and seizes
him by the shoulder. They struggle, grappling with each other, but the
mercenary captain overpowers him and holds him back. His expression
remains forcibly still and he looks away with detached indifference.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
press your lips together and commit to your silence. The Count’s eyes
linger on you, sizing you up. His smile slowly darkens to a scowl as it
becomes more and more apparent that he will not get a response from you.
His upper lip curls into a sneer and his grip on you tightens, the
pressure digging uncomfortably into your throat.
You choke.
“$firstname!” Aeran calls, strangled desperation in his voice.
The Count snarls. “Rhodarth, keep that one quiet,” he snaps. “I can do
without Kellis’ interference.”
Aeran curses. He leaps forward, but Rhodarth intercepts him and seizes
him by the shoulder. They struggle, grappling with each other, but the
mercenary captain overpowers him and holds him back. His expression
remains forcibly still and he looks away with detached indifference.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$poisoned is true>>“You look a little pallid, $lastname,” the
Count says softly. “I do hope you will hold on. I am not finished with
you yet.”
Nausea churns your stomach. You swallow hard, forcing down the urge to
retch. A feverish chill bursts at the nape of your neck and runs down
your spine.
“I’m fine,” you lie through gritted teeth. It’s impossible to think with
him so close to you. Your thoughts whirl, reaching for
something—anything—that gives you a chance to get out of this
alive.<<elseif $health is "injured">>“You look a little
worse for wear,” the Count says softly. “I do hope you will hold on, I’d
hate for your injuries to catch up with you now. I am not finished with
you yet.”
Pain flares through your body, but you push it away, forcing yourself to
ignore it. “I’m fine,” you lie through gritted teeth. It’s impossible
to think with him so close to you. Your thoughts whirl, reaching for
something—anything—that gives you a chance to get out of this
alive.<<else>>The Count smiles and a low chuckle rumbles in
the back of his throat. You grit your teeth. It’s impossible to think
with him so close to you. Your thoughts whirl, reaching for
something—anything—that gives you a chance to get out of this
alive.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $marshwall is true>>[[1. Blame
him for your failure. If he had only given you more time…|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CONV MARSHWALL]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $investigatedBodies is
true>>[[2. Tell him what you found in Flora Goldhorn’s house. The
death of one of the Seven is a good sign he has more pressing problems
than a missing artefact.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
BODIES]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Unidentified
silver cube')>>[[3. Offer him the cube. It’s not the chalice, but
it is a unique and unknown magical artefact. Maybe it will be enough to
let you leave alive.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
CUBE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $flotsamgrove is
true>>[[4. Tell him the chalice is in Flotsam Grove. He will send
his forces to annihilate them, but what can you do? It’s your life or
theirs.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV FLOTSAM]]<<else>><s>4.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $cove is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[5. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell
him Lars Drakehand stole it back.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV DRAKEHAND
PASS]]<<else>>[[5. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell him Lars
Drakehand stole it back.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV DRAKEHAND
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>5. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><<else>><<if $cove is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[5.
[LIE] Tell him Lars Drakehand stole it back.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV
DRAKEHAND PASS]]<<else>>[[5. [LIE] Tell him Lars Drakehand
stole it back.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV DRAKEHAND
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>5. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $deadwood is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[6. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell
him Aegineta and the Guild took it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV AEGINETA
PASS]]<<else>>[[6. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell him Aegineta and
the Guild took it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV AEGINETA
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>6. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><<else>><<if
$deadwood is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[6. [LIE] Tell him Aegineta and the Guild took it.|CHAPTER 1
COUNT CONV AEGINETA PASS]]<<else>>[[6. [LIE] Tell him
Aegineta and the Guild took it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV AEGINETA
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>6. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2
is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[7. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell him the Saffron Duchess has
it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV SAFFRON DUCHESS PASS]]<<else>>[[7.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell him the Saffron Duchess has it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT
CONV SAFFRON DUCHESS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>7. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><<else>><<if
$servantinfo1 is true or $servantinfo2 is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[7. [LIE] Tell him the
Saffron Duchess has it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV SAFFRON DUCHESS
PASS]]<<else>>[[7. [LIE] Tell him the Saffron Duchess has
it.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV SAFFRON DUCHESS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>7. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Maybe
you should have given us more than a week,” you croak. “Have you
considered that—”
The Count’s grip tightens and your words cut off in a strangled gasp.
“You return empty-handed and you have the gall to redirect the blame?”
he snarls. “You knew the terms. You accepted them willingly. Your
failure is your own.”
He throws you down the path, tossing you like a ragdoll. You land hard,
rolling onto the foot of the bridge. You groan, your vision blurred,
coughs racking your body.
“$firstname!” Aeran screams.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count lunges, pulling you up, and
wrenches you around. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you and pins
you against him. “You are a devastating disappointment, $lastname,” he
hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across your skin and a shiver
crawls down your spine. “I will be overjoyed to watch you and Kellis
die.”
<i>“$firstname!”</i>
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. Your
boots clatter across the wood, your footsteps echoing hollowly across
the dark water below.
You raise your head.
The Count stands ahead, a few feet from the bridge. He throws a hand in
the air and a ball of light glows between his fingers.
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Flora
Goldhorn is dead,” you croak. “Murdered, assassinated, I don’t know.
But she’s gone and that means you have a much bigger problem than a
stupid cup.”
The Count hesitates, his lip curling back into a sneer. “Goldhorn is
dead,” he breathes.
A wild laugh bubbles across your lips. “You think I’m lying?”
“No,” he says coldly.
Suddenly, he loosens his grip and releases you. You stumble back and
double over, taking a rasping breath. You press a hand gingerly to your
throat. Your palm comes away wet and sticky—his nails have left trails
of blood across your skin. “There’s more,” you say. “We fought her
killer. Something wasn’t right with her. She could barely talk, she was
riddled with bloodlust—”
“Spare me the details, $lastname,” the Count snarls. “I care little for
the circumstances of Goldhorn’s death, I care that she died. Her
territory will become a battleground, ripe for the taking. I have long
believed that Rona has outlived the need for so many overlords.”
A shiver runs down your spine.
“But this should be of little concern to you, $lastname,” he continues.
“You think you can save yourself with such paltry tidings?”
Pain explodes across your breastbone as he rams a hand into your chest
and shoves you back. You stagger, your boots connecting with the foot of
the bridge. The Count lunges, seizing you by the shoulder, and throws
you to the ground. You land hard and roll across the bridge.
“You have failed utterly,” the Count says, echoing above you. He seizes
your arm and drags you up, wrenching you to the side. You struggle
weakly, but he overpowers you and pins you against him. “A shame,
$lastname. I did quite enjoy you. I would have liked to enjoy you more,
but alas... Some things cannot be forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt. You spin around,
searching wildly for the Count.
He stands several paces away, a few feet from the bridge. His red eyes
glint and he throws a hand in the air. A ball of light explodes between
his fingers, pulsing quietly. “Now, then,” he says. “I believe we are
quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shove your hand into your pack, seize the strange silver cube, and
proffer it. The silver framework gleams in the villa’s lights. The dark
grey sphere hovers within, refusing to spin. You doubt you’ll be able to
activate it. It’s possible you’ve broken the damn thing, but it’s not
like you’ve had the time to find out.
The Count releases you. You cough, drawing a rasping breath, and press
your other hand gingerly to your throat. Your palm comes away wet and
sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
“That is no chalice,” the Count hisses, staring intently at the cube.
“No,” you say quickly. “But it is something else. Yes, we made a mistake
and took a bad lead. But it brought us to a house in Marshwall, where
we found this.”
He pauses. He stretches out a tentative hand and his long fingers hover
over it, not quite willing to take it. “And?” he prompts.
Your tongue feels heavy and your mouth is very dry. You fall silent,
uncertain of what to say next. <<if $poisoned is true or $health
is "injured">>Your mind is so very sluggish…<</if>>
The Count scowls, impatience flickering across his face.
<<if $poisoned is true or $health is "injured">>You swallow
hard and force yourself to speak. “Judging from the effect it had on the
house, it causes some kind of interference with surrounding magic,” you
say.<<else>>“Judging from the effect it had on the house,
it causes some kind of interference with surrounding magic,” you say
quickly.<</if>> “It’s not Alassar steel, but it is
something… else.”
His lip curls back. “Rhodarth!” he calls. “Take it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV CUBE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
Grove,” you choke. “The chalice is in Flotsam Grove.”
Your breath catches in your throat. The Count stares at you, his
expression still as ice, his fingers still clenched around your throat.
The pressure builds to an unbearable point. You draw a rasping breath,
fighting for air—
And suddenly, he releases you. You stumble back and double over, hoarse
coughs racking your body.
“The Grove,” he sneers, staring down at you. “And how did it find its
way there, hm?”
You splutter, spitting on the ground, and force yourself upright.
<<if $servantinfo1 or $servantinfo2 is true>>“A man named
Fisher got a hold of it,” you say. “He was supposed to take it to
Marshwall, but greendrifts mugged him in Edgewater. They took it off his
body and brought it back to the Grove. They’ve been using it ever
since.”<<else>>“I don’t know,” you say. “But somehow it got
into the hands of some greendrifts, who brought it to the Grove. They’ve
been using it ever since.”<</if>>
“To what <i>end,</i> $lastname?”
You cough and rub a hand gingerly across your neck. His fingernails have
left trails of blood across your skin.
<i>Fuck…</i>
What do you tell him about the Grove? If you tell him the truth, he will
send his mercenaries to annihilate them. He may do that anyway,
regardless of what you say now…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE PASS
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mareaReason is
true>>[[2. “Independence. From Rona, from the Seven. They already
killed Samwell Every.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE PASS
B]]<<else>>[[2. “Independence. From Rona, from the
Seven.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE PASS
B]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I
know where it is,” you choke. “The chalice is in the Cove. Lars
Drakehand… His cousin will kill him if he doesn’t get it back.”
Your breath catches in your throat. You stare at the Count and meet his
gleaming red eyes, every fibre of your being desperate for him to
believe the lie. He stares back at you, his expression still as ice, his
fingers still clenched around your throat.
The pressure builds to an unbearable point. You draw a rasping breath,
fighting for air—
And suddenly, he releases you. You stumble back and double over, hoarse
coughs racking your body.
“Drakehand,” he sneers. “Lars Drakehand is responsible.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “The little snake,” he says. “It seems he is more terrified of his
own family than he is of me. I should not have underestimated Kellan
Osgar’s reach…”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look.
You press one hand gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet and
sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV HIGH APP
PASS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“Drakehand
took it,” you choke. “You stole it from him and he stole it right
back—”
The Count’s lip curls and his eyes go dark. “Do not lie to me, child,”
he snarls. “I can see through your pitiful attempt to avoid your fate.
No more.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LIES
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I
know where it is,” you choke. “Aegineta has it—in Deadwood. When the
Guild heard it was in your possession, they forced him to steal it away
from you.”
Your breath catches in your throat. You stare at the Count and meet his
gleaming red eyes, every fibre of your being desperate for him to
believe the lie. He stares back at you, his expression still as ice, his
fingers still clenched around your throat.
The pressure builds to an unbearable point. You draw a rasping breath,
fighting for air—
And suddenly, he releases you. You stumble back and double over, hoarse
coughs racking your body.
“The Guild of Mages,” he sneers. “Of course.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “The Imperial bastard,” he says. “For all his grandiose talk,
perhaps he hasn’t quite thrown off his shackles…”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look.
You press one hand gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet and
sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV HIGH APP
PASS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I
know where it is,” you choke. “The Guild took it. Aegineta—”
The Count’s lip curls and his eyes go dark. “Do not lie to me, child,”
he snarls. “That foolish mage only concerns himself with his own
petulant grudges. But as for you…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LIES
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I
know where it is,” you choke. “A man named Fisher stole it from you,
transported it to the Saffron Duchess. It’s in a house… in Marshwall.”
Your breath catches in your throat. You stare at the Count and meet his
gleaming red eyes, every fibre of your being desperate for him to
believe the lie. He stares back at you, his expression still as ice, his
fingers still clenched around your throat.
The pressure builds to an unbearable point. You draw a rasping breath,
fighting for air—
And suddenly, he releases you. You stumble back and double over, hoarse
coughs racking your body.
“Goldhorn,” he sneers. “Of course.”
You nod, unable to speak through your spluttering.
The Count throws back his head and bursts out with laughter. His
shoulders convulse, his long crimson hair rippling down his back as he
shakes with surprised mirth. He raises a hand and passes it over his
face. “She has always been pathetic,” he says. “Pawing at my territory,
clutching for more power. This reeks of her desperation…”
He lowers his hand and fixes you with a piercing look.
You press one hand gingerly to your neck. Your palm comes away wet and
sticky—his nails have left trails of blood across your skin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV HIGH APP
PASS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I
know where it is,” you choke. “A man named Fisher took it… contracted
to deliver it to the Saffron Duchess in Marshwall—”
The Count’s lip curls and his eyes go dark. “Do not lie to me, child,”
he snarls. “I am well aware Fisher is dead. He never made his last
delivery. But as for you… ”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 COUNT CONV LIES
FAIL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$packInv' 'Unidentified silver cube'>>Rhodarth hesitates, his
fingers tightening around his spear. He exhales sharply and lets go of
Aeran. He swiftly approaches you and plucks the cube from your hand. The
sphere within sputters and bursts to life, spinning faster and faster
until you can barely see it. A low hum emanates from the cube, though
its vibrations sound quite different to the ones you heard in the house.
“Fascinating,” the Count murmurs.
Then he whirls around and slashes Rhodarth across the throat.
“Rho!” Aeran yells.
The mercenary captain stumbles back and drops the cube. Blood flows from
the gash in his throat, spilling down his chest. He raises his shaking
hands, pressing them to the wound—and then the gash bursts into a
brilliant luminescence and his skin knits back together.
The Count sighs wearily. “How tiresome,” he says, watching as Rhodarth’s
magic heals his body. “The artefact must be attuned to a particular
person before it can work.”
Rhodarth groans and a hoarse whisper passes his lips. “Nalos,” he
grunts. “I am not—”
“Save your breath, little cousin,” he says. “Remember your oath.”
Rhodarth falls silent, but his expression contorts into a dark scowl.
The Count picks up the cube and balances it in his palm. “Such a
fascinating tool you have discovered, $lastname,” he says. “I am sure I
will find great use for it.”
Dark mist coalesces around his fingers. It grows thicker and thicker,
turning into a single dense mass—then, suddenly, it disintegrates and
bursts in every direction. It dissipates quickly, fading into the night
air.
The cube is gone.
He turns to you, a strange glint in his eyes. “I have reassessed your
position,” he says, “and I am willing to look past your faults. This is a
rare event indeed. You should consider yourself fortunate.”
Your mouth goes dry. “What do you mean?”
He chuckles. “I believe we should continue our partnership,” he says.
“Come, $lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We
have much to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
“You best go,” Rhodarth croaks, one hand pressed to the hollow of his
throat. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips.
“Don’t fight this,” Rhodarth hisses. “Believe me when I say that if you
fight him, you will not make it out of here alive.”
Aeran draws back, muttering a curse under his breath. You exhale wearily
and turn to the villa’s entrance. Somehow you’ve managed to make things
much better and much worse.
With dread gnawing at the pit of your stomach, you and Aeran slowly make
your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes narrow dangerously. “Fool,” he breathes.
You glance up at him. You think back to the Grove—to Marea and the
injured greendrift, the strange ceremony she performed. The desperation
in her voice as she urged you to leave the chalice with her.
You look up at the Count and your jaw clenches. “I don’t know,” you
repeat.
<i>“Silence!”</i> His voice rings out across the courtyard.
He looms above you, gleaming crimson in the bright lights of the villa.
Dark mist materializes in a haze, swirling around him, summoned by the
powerful magic in his command. He stares at you, his expression
contorting with blind rage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countapp
>=2>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM SECOND
CHANCE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM INTO
WATER]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Still,”
the Count murmurs quietly, the rage slowly dying. “You have revealed
this to me, and for that I am thankful. And aside from this singular
deviation, you have continually piqued my interest. You may prove useful
yet.”
<i>What the hell?</i>
Your mouth goes dry. “How so?”
“By continuing our partnership, of course,” he says coldly. “Come,
$lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We have much
to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. Before he can speak,
Rhodarth brandishes his spear and silences him. Aeran draws back and
mutters a curse under his breath. You sigh wearily and look to the
villa’s entrance. Somehow you’ve managed to make things much better and
much worse.
“Go,” Rhodarth mutters, shoving you forwards. “Before his patience runs
out.”
With dread gnawing at the pit of your stomach, you and Aeran slowly make
your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Pain
explodes across your breastbone as he rams a hand into your chest and
shoves you back. You stagger, your boots connecting with the foot of the
bridge. The Count lunges, seizing you by the shoulder, and throws you
to the ground. You land hard and roll across the bridge. You groan, your
vision blurs, and a rasping cough racks your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count seizes your arm and drags you up,
wrenching you to the side. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you
and pins you against him.
“A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across
your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I did quite enjoy you. I
would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas... Some things cannot be
forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. You
spin around, searching wildly for the Count.
He stands several paces away, a few feet from the bridge. His red eyes
glint and he throws a hand in the air. A ball of light explodes between
his fingers, pulsing quietly. “Now, then,” he says. “I believe we are
quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$tempStat to 1>>His eyes narrow dangerously. “You sound strangely
informed on the matter, $lastname. Almost as if you were there.”
You swallow hard. “I—”
“Almost as if you had a hand in events.”
“I don’t—”
He lunges. He wrenches your arm, pulling you in. You struggle, but he is
far too strong and he quickly pins you against him. “You went to the
Grove, did you not?” he breathes in your ear. “You saw the chalice and
you chose to leave it there—am I not wrong?”
You gasp for breath, trying to pull free. “No—”
<i>“Am I not wrong?”</i>
His voice jars your ears. A shiver explodes at the nape of your neck and
crawls down your spine. You freeze and go limp in his grasp.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fuck off.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE PASS
2A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…you’re not wrong.”|CHAPTER 1
FLOTSAM LIE PASS 2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempStat is 1>>The word rips out of your throat.<<elseif
$tempStat is 2>>The words rip from your throat.<</if>>
The Count snarls. Pain blossoms in your lower back and you stagger
forwards, your boots connecting with the foot of the bridge. He lunges,
seizing you from behind and throws you to the ground. You land hard and
roll across the bridge. You groan, your vision blurs, and a rasping
cough racks your body.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
You push yourself up, blinking back tears. The Count stands several
paces away, a few feet from the edge of the bridge. His red eyes glint
and he throws a hand in the air. A ball of light explodes between his
fingers, pulsing quietly. “Now then, $lastname,” he says. “I believe we
are quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$tempStat to 2>>A slow chuckle erupts from his lips. He holds you
roughly against him, one hand pressing into your chest. “Good,” he
murmurs. “I am glad to hear the truth from you.”
You swallow hard, barely daring to breathe.
“Can you ask for my forgiveness, $lastname?” he says. “Tell me.”
You glance at Aeran. His face is pale, a look of horror shining in his
eyes.
<i>“Tell me.”</i>
You close your eyes. Your heart pounds frantically in your chest. You’re
certain the Count can feel every beat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE PASS
2A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I… I ask… for your
forgiveness.”|CHAPTER 1 FLOTSAM LIE
FORGIVENESS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mcBegged to true>>He chuckles, the sinister sound rumbling in
his throat. “What exquisite words,” he murmurs quietly. “Perhaps I will
indulge them. Perhaps not.”
You freeze, rooted to the spot.
“Come then, $lastname,” he says. “Come into the villa. Let us discuss a
continuation of our partnership. It is not often that I offer a chance
to atone, but you beg so prettily… How could I say no?”
He releases you. You shudder, your skin crawling, and whirl around. He
walks away from you, elegantly striding up the path, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. He passes through the threshold and disappears
into the villa.
Your heart pounds. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious gaze.
He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the Count’s
clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
mutters. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. Before he can speak,
Rhodarth brandishes his spear and silences him. Aeran draws back and
mutters a curse under his breath.
“Go,” Rhodarth says, gesturing to the entrance with his spear. “Before
his patience runs out.”
You exhale a shaky breath. With dread gnawing at the pit of your
stomach, you slowly make your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am hesitant to reward you, considering your failure,” the Count says
leisurely. “But I thank you for your discovery. Despite your current
lapse in judgement, you may prove useful yet.”
Your mouth goes dry. “How so?”
He chuckles. “By continuing our partnership, of course,” he says. “Come,
$lastname. It is not often that I offer a chance to atone. We have much
to discuss.”
Your stomach drops. You watch in horror as he turns and gracefully
strides through the threshold and into the villa, his purple robe
fluttering behind him. You glance at Aeran and are met with a furious
gaze. He scowls and digs in his feet, unwilling to go further into the
Count’s clutches.
Rhodarth grips his shoulder and shoves him forward. “You best go,” he
says. “You want to live, don’t you?”
Aeran opens his mouth, a retort on his lips. Before he can speak,
Rhodarth brandishes his spear and silences him. Aeran draws back and
mutters a curse under his breath. You sigh wearily and look to the
villa’s entrance. Somehow you’ve managed to make things much better and
much worse.
“Go,” Rhodarth mutters, shoving you forwards. “Before his patience runs
out.”
With dread gnawing at the pit of your stomach, you and Aeran slowly make
your way up the path and enter the villa.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ENTER VILLA
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“But
unfortunately for you, my patience has run out,” he says. “Despite your
pitiful efforts, there is nothing now that can save you from my wrath.”
Pain explodes across your breastbone as he rams a hand into your chest
and shoves you back. You stagger, your boots connecting with the foot of
the bridge. The Count lunges, seizing you by the shoulder, and throws
you to the ground. You land hard and roll across the bridge. You groan,
your vision blurs, and a rasping cough racks your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count seizes your arm and drags you up,
wrenching you to the side. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you
and pins you against him.
“A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across
your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I did quite enjoy you. I
would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas... Some things cannot be
forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. You
spin around, searching wildly for the Count.
He stands several paces away, a few feet from the bridge. His red eyes
glint and he throws a hand in the air. A ball of light explodes between
his fingers, pulsing quietly. “Now, then,” he says. “I believe we are
quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Pain
explodes across your breastbone as he rams a hand into your chest and
shoves you back. You stagger, your boots connecting with the foot of the
bridge. The Count lunges, seizing you by the shoulder, and throws you
to the ground. You land hard and roll across the bridge. You groan, your
vision blurs, and a rasping cough racks your body.
Footsteps echo in your ears. The Count seizes your arm and drags you up,
wrenching you to the side. You struggle weakly, but he overpowers you
and pins you against him.
“A shame, $lastname,” he hisses in your ear. His breath whispers across
your skin and a shiver crawls down your spine. “I did quite enjoy you. I
would have liked to enjoy you more, but alas... Some things cannot be
forgiven.”
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
A sudden pain punches through your lower back. You stagger away, nearly
tripping over your own feet, and stumble to a halt on the bridge. You
spin around, searching wildly for the Count.
He stands several paces away, a few feet from the bridge. His red eyes
glint and he throws a hand in the air. A ball of light explodes between
his fingers, pulsing quietly. “Now, then,” he says. “I believe we are
quite finished.”
You reach for your sword.
His smile widens. He flicks his hand—
A trap door opens beneath you and you plunge into the dark water below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BRANCH 1 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You surface, carefully and
quietly breaking the water’s surface. You look up and find yourself
directly below the bridge, beneath the open trapdoor. Aeran emerges a
foot away. He seizes your arm and pulls you towards him. He presses an
urgent finger to his lips and motions for you to stay silent.
“…this flair for the dramatic makes you a fool, Nalos!” Rhodarth shouts
somewhere above you.
“When you have lived as many centuries as I, Nairan,” the Count replies,
“indulgence is but one antidote to madness.”
You tread water, mind racing. You will be spotted the moment you move
from under the bridge, so where do you go from here? Did the Count throw
you and Aeran in the pool with the expectation that you would drown?
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>He knows you’re half-melusine,
so that seems like an uncharacteristic, colossal oversight. Something
isn’t right here…<<else>>He’s melusine, so perhaps he is
under the assumption that you wouldn’t survive your fall into the pool,
but that seems like an uncharacteristic oversight.<</if>>
Aeran nudges you and points to the end of the pool. The water surges
through a gap in the complex’s wall, cascading over the edge and out to
sea. The fall can’t be that far… if you survive and fall into the ocean,
you could make it out and swim for shore.
You take a breath, ready to submerge again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You underestimate them,” Rhodarth presses. <<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>“I highly doubt $lastname will drown. And
Kellis is stronger than you give him credit.”<<else>>“They
are stronger than you give them credit.”<</if>>
“If you want proof of their deaths, by all means dive into the depths
yourself,” the Count says coldly. “The view will be far from pleasant.
And I cannot guarantee the Gorgo will think of you as a friend.”
You pause. <i>What the hell is a Gorgo?</i>
Rhodarth exhales sharply. “Leave it be,” he says darkly. “I swear if you
release it with my company present—”
“You will do what? Remember your oath, little cousin. You may command
your company, but I command you. Their lives are dependent on yours.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Together, you and Aeran sink below the surface. The pool rushes
around you, tugging at your clothes, pulling you down. Water fills your
ears, turning Rhodarth and the Count’s voices to incoherent, muffled
sound. You cut through, following Aeran as you swim for the gap in the
wall.
A glowing yellow light pierces the darkness below you. You stop and
swallow a gasp of surprise, bubbles trailing from your lips. You grab
Aeran’s ankle and pull him to a stop. The momentum shoots you forward
and you float alongside him. He stares at you, a confused look on his
face.
You point down at the glowing light.
A flat serpentine head emerges from the dark below your feet. A trail of
white scales glow in a diadem-shaped pattern on its forehead above its
bulging yellow eyes. Its jaw unhooks, its mouth glittering with long,
sharp teeth. Its mouth opens wide—
And wider—
And wider—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Aeran seizes your arm and yanks you forward, pushing you up and
away. You tear through the water and punch through the surface. The
night air sears your lungs as you gulp in a breath. Coughing and
spluttering, you throw yourself onto the shore and scramble through the
rushes and water lilies.
You’re on the far side of the bridge, close to the centre of the garden.
You throw a look over your shoulder, searching for the Count.
A column of water explodes out of the pool, drenching the courtyard. The
serpent surfaces, its body arcing over the pool and landing on the
shore. Its bulbous eyes lock onto you and it uncoils, its black scales
rippling against the rushes as it lurches forward, its maw wide and
gaping.
“HEADS DOWN!” Rhodarth’s voice shouts. “NOW!”
The serpent’s head turns abruptly, drawn by his voice. Its bulging
yellow eyes fixate on the courtyard, watching as Rhodarth’s mercenaries
scramble out of the way. They run for the gate, shielding their heads
with their hands and arms. A single mercenary stands frozen in the
centre of the garden, his arms shaking as he draws his sword. For a
moment, you think he is suffering from delusional bravery, but then you
understand that he cannot move. A grey, stonelike rash spreads from his
eyes to his nose and mouth, then flares and rapidly covers the rest of
his body. His skin crackles and fizzles, changing form, until he stops
moving completely, mouth left open in a silent scream.
The serpent dives and swallows its victim whole.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1
03][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$basiliskcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Basilisk<</notify>><<set $CountB_Branch1 to
true>>You stare in horror, one hand on your sword hilt. Something
heavy knocks into you. You yelp, staggering forward, and whirl around,
your blade half-drawn—
Aeran leaps back, dodging out of the way. He pushes wet hair from his
forehead and glances at the serpent, his hands going stiff at his sides.
Unlike you, he is weaponless. He must have been stripped of his bow and
quiver before being thrown in the pool.
“Shit,” he mutters. “The Gorgo’s a basilisk.”
“Yeah,” you breathe, wiping sweat and water from your forehead.
The serpent has lost interest in you, drawn instead to the commotion of a
dozen panicked mercenaries. Rhodarth’s company has reached the gate,
but a barrier flares into existence, preventing them from opening it.
They stumble to and fro, their eyes squeezed shut as they tear strips
from their clothing or pull kerchiefs from their pockets—anything to
protect their sight from the serpent’s gaze.
A man runs for the gate, nearly tripping over his own feet as he flees.
The serpent rushes forward and slams into him, smashing him into the
wall. He collapses to the ground, blood smeared on the stone.
<<if $poisoned is true>>You draw your sword, desperately
trying to think of a plan. A chill grips the back of your neck and
prickles across your shoulders. Nausea churns in your gut and you force
it down. Your body is fighting the toxin, but you can’t afford to give
into it now.
<i>Think…</i>
Though the basilisk’s petrifying gaze won’t work on you, it is still a
very large and very angry beast. Rhodarth’s company doesn’t stand a
chance against it while it can see. If you blind it, then maybe you can
work together to take it down—<<else>>You draw your sword,
desperately trying to think of a plan. Though the basilisk’s petrifying
gaze won’t work on you, it is still a very large and very angry beast.
Rhodarth’s company doesn’t stand a chance against it while it can see.
If you blind it, then maybe you can work together to take it
down—<</if>>
And for that you’ll need arrows.
“Kellis!”
Rhodarth charges across the bridge, a familiar weapon shining in his
hand. He reaches you and throws Aeran his bow and quiver.
“So now we’re on the same side?” Aeran says, catching them. He quickly
attaches the quiver to his waist and pulls out an Alassar arrow.
Rhodarth grunts and bows his head, turning his face away from the
serpent. “The creature’s loose,” he says, pulling a long cloth from his
pocket. His fingers work rapidly to tie it around his eyes. “We need to
kill it before it rampages and escapes into the city.”
“And the Count?” you ask.
“Forget about him!” he snaps. “There are more pressing matters at hand!”
He straightens and reaches for a simple silvery rod at his waist. He
presses an indent along its side and it expands into his spear. “I’ll
take your lead. This is your area of expertise, not mine!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>In
one seamless motion, Aeran raises his bow, aims for its eyes, and
fires. The arrow flies true, Alassar arrowhead glinting in the villa’s
lights—
The basilisk turns its head. The arrow strikes its neck, digging deep
into its scales. It releases a howling hiss and turns inward on itself,
nosing the arrow shaft with its flat head. Its jaw widens, long teeth
glittering, and it clamps down on the arrow, pulling it loose. It turns
its bulbous eyes on Aeran.
He backs away, reaching for another arrow. The serpent raises its head,
swaying back and forth, confused that its petrifying gaze failed to
work. It bites down, breaking the arrow shaft in half, and spits out
shattered bits of wood.
The serpent lurches forward. A blind-folded mercenary, reliant on her
hearing, tries to retreat further away and stumbles into its path. The
serpent hisses, rearing its head and she spins out of the way at the
last minute, jabbing desperately in the basilisk’s direction with her
sword. Her blade connects with its back and bounces off its scales. She
curses and backpedals, but she’s too slow—the serpent’s tail lashes
around and slams into her, sending her flying like a ragdoll. She lands
several feet away, crumples on the ground. She does not get up.
Unperturbed, the serpent continues its advance on Aeran.
“$firstname—” Aeran calls, running across the bridge. He skids to a stop
and leaps into the garden, trampling ornamental flowers underfoot. He
nocks an arrow. “—ideas?”
“Its eyes, Aeran!” Rhodarth shouts, lowering his spear, using it to
sense the space around him. “Blind it!”
The serpent slithers across the bridge.
<i>“Trying to!”</i>
The serpent unhooks its jaw, its mouth gaping wide, and launches itself
at him. Aeran fires the arrow. It clips the side of the serpent’s head,
knocking a handful of scales free, but does nothing to stop the
creature’s approach. He curses and dives out of the way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 TIMED CHOICE
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 FB1 TIMED CHOICE 2
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1
FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1
FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 THUNDERSPHERE 06][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required
item.</s><</if>></div><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1
FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure
it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1
05 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure
it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 THUNDERSPHERE 06][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from
behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1
FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it
away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Attract the basilisk’s
attention and lure it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 THUNDERSPHERE 06][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required
item.</s><</if>></div><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1
FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure
it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1
05 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk from
behind.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure it away from
Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Attract the basilisk’s attention and lure
it away from Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 05 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>[[3. [THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 THUNDERSPHERE 06][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] You’re too shocked to
think.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH ABSTAIN
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Thundersphere<</notify>>Thanking whatever foresight you had
when standing in Myn’s shop, you seize a thundersphere from your pouch.
You yank the latch on the base. A sharp, staccato noise pops within the
sphere and you hurl it at the basilisk.
The serpent rises up, swaying dangerously, its teeth glinting. Aeran
slides forward on his stomach, trampling dirt and ornamental flowers,
and scrambles away.
The sphere tumbles down and hits the basilisk’s coiled body, bouncing
off its scales and landing a foot or so away. The basilisk draws up
short, coiling back on itself as it turns, lowering its flat head to
nose the innocent object on the ground. It pushes the sphere and hisses,
rolling it down the path.
And then the sphere explodes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You slam your hands over your ears, your eardrums ringing.
Smoke and sparks fan across the courtyard, washing over you with the
acrid smell of burning flesh. You blink, eyes stinging, and peer through
the smoke. You hear an odd, wailing hiss that fades in and out, the
pitch wavering eerily.
“Is it… dead?” you ask. Your throat is raw.
Rhodarth lowers his spear and takes a cautious step forward. “I’ve never
heard anything like that before.”
The basilisk darts out of the smoke and across the bridge, trailing dark
blood in its wake. Its eyes are reduced to torn and bloodied sockets,
patches of its scales are torn free, the wounds speckled with remnants
of the thundersphere’s shell. It snaps at you, a wheezing, guttural hiss
resonating from its mouth.
“It’s blind and wounded!” you shout, sidestepping its blow. The
serpent’s head strikes the pavement and it recoils, a wave surging
through its body. “Mind its tail!”
The serpent’s tail lashes back, slamming into the ground, sending up a
puff of soil. Mercenaries scatter, pulling at their blind-folds.
Rhodarth rips his free and hurls himself at the serpent. He thrusts his
spear into a gash on its side, lodging the tip beneath its scales,
tearing at its insides. The serpent’s head careens back and it howls, a
shudder surging through its body.
It drags itself back with such force it rips Rhodarth’s spear from his
hands. It mewls, hissing and spitting, dark blood oozing over its scales
as it whips around, jaws snapping at the air. The mercenaries withdraw
further, exchanging uncertain glances as they cluster near the gate. The
wounded serpent slinks slowly towards them.
You wrap your fingers firmly around the hilt of your sword. The
thundersphere did irreparable damage to the creature and Rhodarth’s
spear wounded it further still. One more strike and it will be dead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You sprint down the path, boots pounding against the pavement.
The serpent pauses, raising its head at the sound of your approach. You
dart to the side, narrowly avoiding a lash from its tail. You slide
across the path, ramming your sword through a tear in the creature’s
scales. Gripping the hilt with both hands, you wrench it across and
down, slicing the creature’s side open, blood and guts bubbling through
the gash.
The basilisk’s body shudders and its head topples forward, slamming into
the ground. It lies motionless, its jaws agape, blood pooling beneath
it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade.
“Well done,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<set $aeraninjured to true>>You glance over your
shoulder.
Rhodarth observes you with unblinking eyes, the faintest hint of a smile
on his face. He presses a hand to his chest and bows deeply. “An
astonishing feat, <i>amarin,”</i> he says. “You are a
skilled warrior.”
You pause, uncertain of how to reply. As you look past him, you catch
sight of a familiar figure on the ground. Your heart leaps into your
throat.
“Aeran,” you breathe.
You shove your sword into its sheath, push Rhodarth aside, and sprint
across the bridge, your boots leaving bloody footprints on the white
stone path. You rush into the garden, leap up a tier and sink to your
knees at Aeran’s side.
He coughs as you prop him up. He’s covered in ash and basilisk blood,
eyes dazed, one arm bleeding from a graze. He lets out a choking laugh
and grins as his gaze settles on you.
“Myn should have told you not to throw those things at your friends,” he
croaks.
You chuckle hoarsely, shoulders sagging. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>“Sorry for the improvisation. I’m glad you’re all
right.”<<else>>“Sorry for the
improvisation.”<</if>>
Aeran shakes his head. “Serpent shielded me from the blast,” he replies,
pushing himself away from your grasp.
He slowly stands, his balance precarious. You get to your feet and offer
your shoulder. He leans into you, supporting his weight. He grips his
bow tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking against his leg.
Together, you turn and stare out at the courtyard.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<strengthPass>>You
sprint across the bridge. The serpent rises up ahead of you, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting as it prepares to strike. Aeran crawls
through the garden, desperately scrambling away.
Skidding across the path, you thrust your blade into the nearest coil
with all your might. The serpent’s head snaps back and it lets out a
formidable cry. It curls around, bulbous eyes searching for the source
of its pain.
You yank your sword free and retreat. The serpent spots you and it
hisses, its forked tongue flicking in and out of its mouth. It watches
you, its coils constricting.
You sink into a defensive stance, grounding yourself and throwing a
stare right back into its ugly yellow eyes.
“Come on,” you mutter. “Come on, you ugly bastard—”
It lunges.
You step to the side and the serpent’s head barrels past you. You curve
your strike around and jab, ramming your sword into its eye. The serpent
halts, curling back on itself, and lets out an unnatural, gargling cry.
Blood wells from its ruined eye.
An arrow slices through the air and punctures the serpent’s other eye.
The creature sways back and forth, hissing and howling. It curls in on
itself, its head thumping to the ground, and stops moving.
You look up and find Aeran standing on the upper-most tier of the
garden. He lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and
cautiously skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Rho!” Aeran shouts. “It’s blind.”
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
You spot movement in your peripheral vision. Rhodarth approaches,
pulling his blind-fold free. He observes the coiled serpent through
narrowed eyes and lowers his spear.
“Is it dead?” he asks.
You glance at the serpent. Aeran’s arrow may have penetrated far enough
to kill it, but if not…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06
AEDA ONLY]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement
has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 STAB
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
sprint across the bridge. The serpent rises up ahead of you, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting as it prepares to strike. Aeran crawls
through the garden, desperately scrambling away.
Skidding across the path, you throw yourself at the basilisk and ram
your blade into the nearest coil with all your might—
Your blade glances off its scales.
The basilisk wheels around, hissing at the distraction. Its bulbous eyes
spot you and its forked tongue flicks in and out of its mouth. It
watches you, its coils constricting.
“Fuck.”
Its tail lashes out and slams into you.
You fly off the bridge.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06
FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
sprint across the bridge. The serpent rises up ahead of you, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting as it prepares to strike. Aeran crawls
through the garden, desperately scrambling away.
You skid across the path. “Hey!” you yell. “Hey, you ugly bastard! HEY!”
The basilisk ignores you and lets out a low hiss, flicking its forked
tongue. Gritting your teeth, you grab a nearby rock from the garden and
hurl it at the serpent. The rock sails through the air and bounces off
the serpent’s nose.
Slowly, its bulbous eyes turn in your direction. Its coils constrict.
“Come on,” you mutter. “Come on, I’m right here—”
It lunges.
You spin around and run, scrambling back over the bridge, the serpent
snapping at your heels. You hear a guttural cry behind you and throw
yourself to the side—
The serpent flies by, missing you by inches. It draws to a stop,
confused, and turns its head to you. It lets out a low hiss, swaying
back and forth, and darts at you.
You sidestep the serpent and it rams its nose into the ground. It pulls
back sharply, dazed. You dart in front of it and, wasting no time, ram
your sword into its eye. The serpent lets out an unnatural, gargling
cry. Blood wells from its ruined eye.
An arrow slices through the air and punctures the serpent’s other eye.
The creature howls, its forked tongue flicking in and out of its mouth.
It curls in on itself, its head thumping to the ground, and stops
moving.
You look up and find Aeran standing on the upper-most tier of the
garden. He lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and
cautiously skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Rho!” Aeran shouts. “It’s blind.”
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
You spot movement in your peripheral vision. Rhodarth approaches,
pulling his blind-fold free. He observes the coiled serpent through
narrowed eyes and lowers his spear.
“Is it dead?” he asks.
You glance at the serpent. Aeran’s arrow may have penetrated far enough
to kill it, but if not…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach
the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[2. [AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for
signs of movement, breath and a heartbeat.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06
AEDA ONLY]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement
has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 STAB
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
sprint across the bridge. The serpent rises up ahead of you, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting as it prepares to strike. Aeran crawls
through the garden, trampling ornamental flowers, and curls his hands
and arms protectively over his head.
You skid across the path. “Hey!” you yell. “Hey, you ugly bastard! HEY!”
The basilisk ignores you and lets out a low hiss, flicking its forked
tongue. Gritting your teeth, you grab a nearby rock from the garden and
hurl it at the serpent. The rock sails through the air and drops in
front of the serpent’s nose, missing it by inches.
Slowly, its bulbous eyes turn in your direction. Its coils constrict.
“Come on,” you mutter. “I’m right here—”
It lunges.
You spin around and run, scrambling back over the bridge, the serpent
snapping at your heels. You hear a guttural cry behind you and throw
yourself to the side—
You aren’t fast enough.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06 AGILITY SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06 AG
FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Your
mind is blank. Acting on instinct, you throw yourself into action and
sprint across the bridge. The serpent rises up ahead of you, swaying
dangerously, its teeth glinting as it prepares to strike. Aeran crawls
through the garden, desperately scrambling away.
Skidding across the path, you throw yourself at the basilisk and ram
your blade into the nearest coil with all your might.
Your blade glances off its scales.
The basilisk wheels around, hissing at the distraction. Its bulbous eyes
spot you and its forked tongue flicks in and out of its mouth. It
watches you, its coils constricting.
<i>“Fuck.”</i>
Its tail lashes out and slams into you.
You fly off the bridge.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06
FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
wrap your fingers around the hilt of your sword, grounding yourself
with its comforting familiarity, and cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. It’s limp,
lifeless, as still as stone, but you can’t shake the feeling that all is
not what it seems.
You stare at it, desperately searching, your body preparing to flee at a
moment’s notice should the serpent stir—
<i>There!</i>
It’s faint, very faint, but you’re certain you see the slightest
movement. The smallest flick of its tail, the faintest movement of its
coils. Wounded, but very much alive.
“Back!” you shout, retreating. “It’s still alive!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 BASILISK STILL
ALIVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
wrap your fingers around the hilt of your sword, grounding yourself
with its comforting familiarity, and cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. It’s limp,
lifeless, as still as stone, but you can’t shake the feeling that all is
not what it seems.
You stare at it, desperately searching, your body preparing to flee at a
moment’s notice should the serpent stir…
“$firstname?” Aeran asks. “What do you think?”
You release a long breath. “Nothing,” you say, turning to him. “It’s
dead—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG1 BASILISK
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You wrap your fingers around the
hilt of your sword, grounding yourself with its comforting familiarity,
and cautiously approach the basilisk.
You stop a foot or two away. The serpent does not stir. You observe it,
eyes scanning the dark scales, taking in the pits and gashes in its
skin, new and old. Its head remains buried under its body. Your ears
prick up.
You close your eyes and <i>listen.</i>
You push past the wheezing raggedness of Aeran’s breath, the anxious
trembling of Rhodarth’s company, and the small, quiet movements of the
mercenary captain. You ignore the rush of the sea air, the pounding of
the waves along the shore, the distant calls of the seagulls. You focus
on the creature in front of you, listening close, trying to suss out its
ruse—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Thump thump.
Thump thump.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Your eyes snap open. You hear the rush of blood, the thundering
of its monstrous heart, the faint hiss of its breath—wounded, but very
much alive.
“Back!” you shout, retreating. “It’s still alive!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 BASILISK STILL
ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Oh,
fuck this,” you mutter and stride towards the basilisk.
“No!” Aeran says, reaching for you. “$firstname, wait—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FG1 BASILISK
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $basiliskscar to
1>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $injuries += 1>>Breath
knocked from your lungs, pain flaring across your body, your sword
knocked from your hand, you sail through the air and plunge into the
water below. The cold does little to shock your mind out of a numbing
haze. You surface, coughing violently, and struggle to keep your head
above the water.
Your vision blurs.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
The water tugs at you, pulling you down. Panic rises in your chest and
you try to move your arms, but they are too heavy. Water seeps into your
mouth. You desperately spit it out, but you only swallow more.
You can’t breathe.
Your heart is pounding, your senses numb. You hear shouting, but you
can’t make out the words.
You hear the familiar twang of Aeran’s bow. A dull thud resounds across
the courtyard and an unnatural, gargling cry rings out, but it is
distant… so distant. Dark water surges around you, blinding you, calling
you, overwhelming you. It whispers to you, urging to you to just
<i>let</i> go.
You’re so tired…
The water closes over your head and the pool swallows you whole.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
golden light bursts above you, its burning rays piercing the watery
depths. A hand plunges through the water and seizes your wrist, pulling
you up and up—
You burst through the surface. Cold air prickles your skin and rushes
into your lungs. You collapse into the mud and reeds. A figure looms
over you, and a familiar face swims into view, panicked and ashen. His
lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
Your head lolls back. Your eyes close and darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>><<notify
3000>>- Alassar Sword<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>>Breath knocked from
your lungs, pain flaring across your body, your sword knocked from your
hand, you sail through the air and plunge into the water below. The cold
shocks your mind out of a numbing haze and you surface, coughing
violently, struggling to keep your head above the water.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
You bob in the water and float under the bridge, the current pulling you
towards the wall. Your head tilts back, your lips barely an inch above
the surface, the lapping water seeping into your mouth. You cough,
spitting out water, and draw in short, ragged breaths. You reach out,
curving your hand, trying to pull yourself through the pool to shore.
Pain spikes through your chest.
You hear the familiar twang of Aeran’s bow. A dull thud resounds across
the courtyard and an unnatural, gargling cry rings out. As you drift to
shore, you spot Aeran sprint across the bridge, pursued by an enraged
basilisk. One eye is shorn, clipped by the tip of an arrow. Dark blood
drips from the wound, coalescing on its flat face. It darts, its nose
ramming into the pavement, and it recoils, shocked by the impact before
launching itself at Aeran.
Rhodarth cocks his head, trying to sense the distance between himself,
Aeran and the irate serpent.
“Fall back!” he orders. He lowers his spear, keeping the point jutted
out and up as he steps cautiously off the path. His company, already
scrambling with confusion and struggling with their inability to see,
spreads out, backing all the way to the gate.
Aeran pulls another arrow from his quiver and zig-zags across the
garden. The serpent swings around, gnashing its teeth together and
strikes at him. He dodges, narrowly avoiding its jaws.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 07 INJ
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
drift to shore and the water deposits you in a clump of reeds. Despite
the pain, despite your breath coming in shallow gasps, your mind is
clear. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>To hell with it—you and Aeran
aren’t dying here.<<else>>To hell with it—you aren’t dying
here.<</if>>
Your fingers claw at the reeds and you drag yourself out of the pool.
Aeran draws his bow. The serpent lets out a long, low dangerous hiss and
strikes. He fires and dives to the side; his aim interrupted, his arrow
flies by the serpent, missing its mark by several feet.
Across the garden, Rhodarth curses and tears his blind-fold free.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran yells.
“Making up for your shitty mistakes!” Rhodarth grunts. He lunges at the
serpent from behind, his spear ramming into its coils. He pulls it free,
the tip dislodging a handful of scales, and retreats, ducking his head
and shutting his eyes as the serpent rounds on him.
You emerge from the pool, watching as the serpent bears down on
Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 TIMED CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 FB1 TIMED CHOICE 2
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><s>1.
[STRENGTH] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and
bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait
it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2
AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Attack the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><s>1.
You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock
at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>>
<div
class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is true>>[[3.
[THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 THUNDERSPHERE][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required
item.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><s>1.
[STRENGTH] You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and
bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait
it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2
AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gearInv.has('Alassar
sword')>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Attack the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Attack the basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack the
basilisk.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><s>1.
You do not have the required
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. Throw a rock at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Throw a rock
at it and bait it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>>
<div
class="choice-item"><<if $thundersphereeqp is true>>[[3.
[THUNDERSPHERE] Throw a thundersphere at it.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TIMED
CHOICE 2 THUNDERSPHERE][$thunderspheres -=
1]]<<else>><s>3. [THUNDERSPHERE] You do not have the
required item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] Act on instinct.|CHAPTER 1
FB1 TIMED CHOICE 2
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<timed 5s>><<goto "BLACKOUT 1-ROUTE B">><</timed>><<set
$injuries += 1>><<set $basiliskscar to
2>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>>The serpent’s teeth graze your side. Pain
flares through your body and you stumble, thrown off-balance by your own
momentum. You pitch forwards, landing face down in the garden, one hand
pressed to your side. Blood oozes over your palm.
You cough, a rasping breath whispering over your lips. Your vision
blurs.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
You roll over and stare up into the basilisk’s face. It looms over you,
its flicking tongue inches from your face, its long, sharp teeth far too
close for comfort. Panic flutters in your chest, but you can’t move.
The pain in your side grows, curling up your torso, paralyzing you. Your
limbs are heavy, your mouth is dry…
An arrow punctures the basilisk’s eye. The bulbous yellow ball deflates
in a splatter of blood and the basilisk’s head rears back. It sways back
and forth, hissing and seething, its tail lashing out.
Rhodarth’s voice screams in your ears, but you can’t understand the
words. Someone seizes you by the shoulders, dragging you back through
the dirt. You stare at your feet, oddly aware of how you are crushing
the ornamental flowers beneath you.
You blink, your mind a haze. You can’t breathe. Your heart is pounding,
your senses numb. You hear shouting but you can’t make out the words—
You hear a dull thud, a harrowing scream—
You lie on your back, staring blankly at a darkening sky. A figure looms
over you, and a familiar face swims into view, panicked and ashen. His
lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
A golden light bursts behind him, flaring to life like a beacon. It
pulses, growing in strength until it is bright enough to resemble the
rising sun—
<i>What… is that?</i>
Your head lolls back. Your eyes close and darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
serpent’s teeth graze your side. Pain flares through your body and you
stumble, thrown off-balance by your own momentum. You pitch forwards,
landing face down in the garden, one hand pressed to your side. Blood
oozes over your palm.
“Aeran!” Rhodarth’s voice yells.
You roll over and stare up into the basilisk’s face. It looms over you,
its flicking tongue inches from your face, its long, sharp teeth far too
close for comfort. Panic grips you. You squirm, trying to push yourself
back, but you’re stuck in the dirt—
An arrow punctures the basilisk’s eye. The bulbous yellow ball deflates
in a splatter of blood and the basilisk’s head rears back. It sways back
and forth, hissing and seething, its tail lashing out.
“Fall back!” Rhodarth orders. He lowers his spear, keeping the point
jutted out and up as he steps cautiously off the path. His company,
already scrambling with confusion and struggling with their inability to
see, spreads out, backing all the way to the gate.
Aeran pulls another arrow from his quiver and zig-zags across the
garden. You drag yourself through ornamental flowers and plants,
gritting your teeth against the pain in your side. The serpent strikes
at you. You roll to the side and it misses, ramming its nose into the
dirt. It recoils, shocked by the impact, and turns, dazed, to Aeran.
You struggle to your feet, pain spiking through your body. Aeran backs
through the garden, nocking another arrow. Rhodarth cocks his head,
trying to place the distance between himself and the irate serpent.
Aeran draws his bow. The serpent lets out a long, low dangerous hiss and
strikes. He fires and dives to the side; his aim interrupted, his arrow
flies by the serpent, missing its mark by several feet.
Across the garden, Rhodarth curses and tears his blind-fold free.
“What the hell are you playing at, Rho?” Aeran yells.
“Making up for your shitty mistakes!” Rhodarth grunts. He lunges at the
serpent from behind, his spear ramming into its coils. He pulls it free,
the tip dislodging a handful of scales, and retreats, ducking his head
and shutting his eyes as the serpent rounds on him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 TIMED CHOICE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$basiliskslain to true>><<set $monsterkills +=
1>><<if $aeraninjured is true>>You turn around slowly,
Aeran limping at your side.<<else>>You turn around
slowly.<</if>> The Count stands in the threshold of his
mansion. His hands are folded calmly in front of him, but his expression
is anything but calm. Malice shines in his eyes as he observes you,
Aeran and Rhodarth.
“Yeah,” you spit. “It’s dead. What else do I have to do to get you to
leave us alone?”
The Count observes you coolly. “Nothing.”
<<if $poisoned is true>>You freeze. “No… what?” You shake
your head, trying to clear the haze from your mind. Surely you misheard
him.<<elseif $health is "injured">>You freeze. “No… what?”
You shake your head, trying to clear the numbness from your mind. Surely
you misheard him.<<else>> You freeze. “No…
what?”<</if>>
“Nothing,” he repeats. “You have defied your sentence. Many have fallen
to the Gorgo, but you did not. It would be a disgrace to kill a warrior
of such skill.”
Aeran tightens his grip on your shoulder. He raises his head, watching
the Count with suspicion, and exhales a sharp breath. “So you’re going
to let us—what—walk out of here?”
The Count’s lip curls. “Have I not made myself clear?” he snarls.
“Consider this a show of mercy, or perhaps a call to truce. By slaying
my beast you have damaged me more than you can know.”
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach clenches, nausea
washing over you. You raise a shaking hand and wipe sweat from your
feverish brow.<<else>>Your stomach
clenches.<</if>> You can’t bring yourself to believe him.
Surely it must be a trick, a lie to convince you to drop your guard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 DEAL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>><<if
$poisoned is true>>Ignoring the growing numbness in your side and
the haze in your mind, you throw yourself forward and sprint at the
basilisk.<<else>>Ignoring the growing numbness in your side,
you throw yourself forward and sprint at the
basilisk.<</if>> The serpent, ignorant of your movements,
widens its jaw and strikes at Rhodarth. He dives out of the way, spins
his spear and lunges a counterattack. He misses his mark by inches, the
spear tip sailing over the serpent’s coils and striking air. He curses
and withdraws quickly, backing down the path to the water.
You fling yourself through the air and ram your sword into the serpent’s
neck. Your blade slices its scales, penetrating through to flesh and
blood. The serpent cries out and wheels around, hissing furiously.
Losing all interest in Rhodarth, it turns on you and slithers forward.
You leap out of the way. It passes you, missing you only by a few feet.
You spin and ram your blade sideways into its remaining eye. The serpent
falters, curling back on itself, and lets out an unnatural, gargling
cry. Blood wells from its ruined eye.
Suddenly, its head thumps to the ground and it stops moving.
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
“Rho!” Aeran shouts. “It’s blind.”
Rhodarth opens his eyes and observes the still serpent through narrowed
eyes. You approach it. Behind you, Aeran lowers his bow, his fingers
dropping to his quiver and cautiously skimming the fletching of an
arrow.
“Is it… dead?” Rhodarth asks.
You glance at the serpent. Your strike blinded it, but was it enough to
kill a beast like this?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for
vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital
signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT
BRANCH 06 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div>
<div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[2.
[AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for signs of movement,
breath and a heartbeat.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06 AEDA
ONLY]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 STAB
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>Gritting
your teeth and ignoring the growing numbness in your side, you sprint
at the basilisk. The serpent, ignorant of your movements, widens its jaw
and strikes at Rhodarth. He dives out of the way, spins his spear and
lunges a counterattack. He misses his mark by inches, the spear tip
sailing over the serpent’s coils and striking air. Cursing, he withdraws
quickly, recovering and backing down the path towards the water.
You fling yourself through the air and ram your sword into the serpent’s
neck. Your blade bounces harmlessly off the scales. The serpent wheels
around, hissing furiously.
It launches itself at you, zig-zagging across the pavement.
“Shit,” you curse, whirling around and sprinting through the garden.
“Aeran! Shoot it!”
You run, the serpent snapping at your heels in hot pursuit. The gate
looms ahead. Rhodarth’s mercenaries scatter as you approach, tripping
over each other in their haste to stay out of the way. You know you’re
running out of space, you’re not sure if you can open the gate and flee.
Even if you can, you’d risk turning the basilisk loose on the entire
town—
You’re almost at the gate when the basilisk swerves in front of you,
encircling you with its body, its flat head hissing furiously. You skid
to a stop, your breath coming in ragged gasps. You press a hand to your
side and look around wildly for a way out.
The serpent wraps its body around you, raising you off the ground. Its
coils tighten. You gasp, pushing your hands against its scales, but its
body doesn’t shift. Its remaining eye gleams, its forked tongue flicking
as it constricts, slowly squeezing you to death.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 BASILISK
SQUEEZE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<if
$poisoned is true>>Pain ripples through your body and a hazy
numbness encroaches your mind. Shoving it aside, you stoop and grab the
nearest rock. The stone is cold and firm in your hand, somehow slicing
through the haze and clearing your mind. You whirl around and hurl it at
the basilisk.<<else>>Pain ripples through your body.
Shoving it aside, you stoop and grab the nearest rock. You whirl around
and hurl it at the basilisk.<</if>>
The rock strikes the serpent in the side of the head and bounces off. It
hisses, shaking itself, and its remaining eye glazes over.
“What happened?” Rhodarth shouts.
“It’s not moving!” Aeran yells back. “$firstname hit it with a rock, but
careful, Rho, it still has an eye—”
“Ah, fuck that,” Rhodarth grunts. He lets out a hoarse yell and charges
at the serpent blind. He thrusts his spear out and up, pushing all his
strength and momentum behind it.
His spear strikes the serpent’s remaining eye, puncturing it in a burst
of blood. The serpent yelps, thrashing back and forth. Rhodarth skids
back, withdrawing his spear. The creature hisses and howls, its forked
tongue flicking in and out. It curls in on itself, its head thumping to
the ground, and stops moving.
A terse silence falls over the courtyard.
“I did something, didn’t I,” Rhodarth says, his eyes still squeezed
shut.
“Yeah,” Aeran replies. “You blinded it.”
<<if $gearInv.has('Alassar sword')>>Rhodarth cautiously
opens his eyes and observes the silent serpent. You approach it. Behind
you, Aeran lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and
cautiously skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Is it… dead?” Rhodarth asks.
You glance at the serpent. Rhodarth’s strike blinded it, but was it
enough to kill a beast like this?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for
vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital
signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT
BRANCH 06 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div>
<div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[2.
[AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for signs of movement,
breath and a heartbeat.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06 AEDA
ONLY]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 STAB
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPYER 1
FB 1 TIMED CHOICE 2 AGILITY PASS
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<agilityFail>><<if
$poisoned is true>>Pain ripples through your body and a hazy
numbness encroaches your mind. Shoving it aside, you stoop and grab the
nearest rock. The stone is cold and firm in your hand, somehow slicing
through the haze and clearing your mind. You whirl around and hurl it at
the basilisk.<<else>>Pain ripples through your body.
Shoving it aside, you stoop and grab the nearest rock. You whirl around
and hurl it at the basilisk.<</if>>
You miss.
The rock bounces harmlessly off the pavement. The serpent draws up short
and pauses, confused by the sudden noise. It turns, searching for the
source, and its remaining eye finds you.
It launches itself at you, zig-zagging across the pavement.
“Shit,” you curse. You turn and sprint down the path. “Aeran! SHOOT IT!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TC2 AGILITY FAIL AND
ABSTAIN CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<notify 3000>>-1
Thundersphere<</notify>>Thanking whatever foresight you had
when standing in Myn’s shop, you seize a thundersphere from your pouch.
You yank the latch on the base. A sharp, staccato noise pops within the
sphere.
Aeran turns, eyes widening as he spots the sphere in your hand. “Rho!”
he shouts. “Get out of the way!”
You hurl the sphere at the basilisk. Rhodarth turns, opens his eyes and
sprints towards the bridge. The serpent follows, jaw widening, teeth
flashing. The sphere tumbles through the air and hits the basilisk’s
coiled body, bouncing off its scales and landing a foot or so away. The
basilisk draws up short, coiling back on itself as it turns, lowering
its flat head to nose the innocent object on the ground. It pushes the
sphere and hisses, rolling it down the path.
And then the sphere explodes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You slam your hands over your ears, your eardrums ringing.
Smoke and sparks fan across the courtyard, washing over you with the
acrid smell of burning flesh. You blink, eyes stinging, and peer through
the smoke. You hear an odd, wailing hiss that fades in and out, the
pitch wavering eerily.
“Is it… dead?” you ask. Your throat is raw.
Aeran shakes his head. “I don’t know—”
The basilisk darts out of the smoke and across the bridge, trailing dark
blood in its wake. Its eyes are reduced to shredded, bloodied sockets,
patches of its scales torn free, the wounds speckled with remnants of
the thundersphere’s shell. It snaps at you, a wheezing, guttural hiss
resonating from its mouth.
“It’s blind and wounded!” you shout, sidestepping its blow. The
serpent’s head strikes the pavement and it recoils, a wave surging
through its body. “Mind its tail!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<set $aeraninjured to true>>The serpent’s tail
lashes out and slams into Aeran, throwing him across the courtyard like a
ragdoll. He hits the ground, rolls, and lies still. The serpent
slithers across the pavement, its mouth open wide. You curse and,
ignoring the crippling pain in your side, sprint after it.
And then Rhodarth appears out of nowhere. He thrusts his spear into a
gash on its side, lodging the tip beneath its scales, tearing at its
insides. The serpent’s head careens back and it howls, a shudder surging
through its body.
It drags itself back with such force it rips Rhodarth’s spear from his
hands. It mewls, hissing and spitting, dark blood oozing over its scales
as it whips around, jaws snapping at the air.
You wrap your fingers firmly around the hilt of your sword. The
thundersphere did irreparable damage to the creature and Rhodarth’s
spear wounded it further still. One more strike and it will be dead.
You sprint down the path, boots pounding against the pavement. The
serpent pauses, raising its head at the sound of your approach. You dart
to the side, narrowly avoiding a lash from its tail. You slide across
the path, ramming your sword through a tear in the creature’s scales.
Gripping the hilt with both hands, you wrench it across and down,
slicing the creature’s side open, blood and guts bubbling through the
gash.
The basilisk’s body shudders and its head topples forward, slamming into
the ground. It lies motionless, its jaws agape, blood pooling beneath
it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade.
“Well done,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You glance over your shoulder.
Rhodarth observes you with unblinking eyes, the faintest hint of a smile
on his face. He presses a hand to his chest and bows deeply. “An
astonishing feat, <i>amarin,”</i> he says. “You’re a skilled
warrior.”
You ignore him, your eyes settling on an immobile figure on the ground.
“Aeran,” you breathe.
You shove your sword into its sheath, push Rhodarth aside, and sprint
across the courtyard to his immobile form. You sink to his knees at his
side. He coughs as you prop him up, a dazed look in his eyes.
“That was some quick thinking, $nickname,” he wheezes.
You chuckle hoarsely, your shoulders sagging. “I’m glad you’re all
right.”
“Not every day you get tossed around by an angry snake,” he says,
pushing himself away from your grasp. “Though you’re one to talk, you’re
looking a little rough yourself.”
Aeran slowly stands, his balance precarious. You get to your feet and
offer your shoulder. You lean into each other, supporting each other’s
weight. He grips his bow tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking
against his leg. Together, you turn and stare out at the courtyard.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Your
mind goes blank and you urge yourself into action. <<if $poisoned
is true>>Pain ripples through your body and a hazy numbness
encroaches your mind. Shoving it aside, you stoop and grab the nearest
rock. The stone is cold and firm in your hand, somehow slicing through
the haze and clearing your mind. You whirl around and hurl it at the
basilisk.<<else>>Pain ripples through your body. Shoving it
aside, you stoop and grab the nearest rock. You whirl around and hurl it
at the basilisk.<</if>>
You miss.
The rock bounces harmlessly off the pavement. The serpent draws up short
and pauses, confused by the sudden noise. It turns, searching for the
source, and its remaining eye finds you.
It launches itself at you, zig-zagging across the pavement.
“Shit,” you curse. You turn and sprint through the garden. “Aeran! SHOOT
IT!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 TC2 AGILITY FAIL AND
ABSTAIN CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>>Rhodarth cautiously
opens his eyes and observes the silent serpent.
You collect your sword from the bridge and approach it. Behind you,
Aeran lowers his bow, his fingers dropping to his quiver and cautiously
skimming the fletching of an arrow.
“Is it… dead?” Rhodarth asks.
You glance at the serpent. Rhodarth’s strike blinded it, but was it
enough to kill a beast like this?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for
vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $perception >=
21>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital
signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT
BRANCH 06 PERS FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Approach the basilisk
cautiously. Look for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Approach the basilisk cautiously. Look
for vital signs.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div>
<div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[2.
[AEDA] Approach the basilisk cautiously. Listen for signs of movement,
breath and a heartbeat.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 06 AEDA
ONLY]]<<else>><s>2. [AEDA] Ancestry requirement has
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re fairly certain it’s dead, but
stab it just in case.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 06 STAB
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $injuries +=
1>><<set $basiliskscar to 3>><<set $health to
"injured">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>>You blink, your mind a haze. You can’t
breathe. Your heart is pounding, your senses numb. You hear shouting but
you can’t make out the words—
You hear a dull thud, a harrowing scream—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>And you’re released. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the
serpent’s coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring
blankly at a darkening sky. A figure looms over you, and a familiar face
swims into view, panicked and ashen. His lips move, but you can’t make
out the words.
A golden light bursts behind him, flaring to life like a beacon. It
pulses, growing in strength until it is bright enough to resemble the
rising sun—
<i>What… is that?</i>
Your head lolls back. Your eyes close.
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
run, the serpent pursuing you. The gate looms ahead. Rhodarth’s
mercenaries scatter as you approach, tripping over each other in their
haste to stay out of the way. You know you’re running out of space,
you’re not sure if you can open the gate and flee. Even if you can,
you’d risk turning the basilisk loose on the entire town—
You’re almost at the gate when the basilisk swerves in front of you,
encircling you with its body, its flat head hissing furiously. You skid
to a stop, your breath coming in ragged gasps. You press a hand to your
side and look around wildly for a way out.
The serpent wraps its body around you, raising you off the ground. Its
coils tighten. You gasp, pushing your hands against its scales, but its
body doesn’t shift. Its remaining eye gleams, its forked tongue flicking
as it constricts, slowly squeezing you to death.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB 1 BASILISK
SQUEEZE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The serpent unfurls, the great,
imposing weight of its body crashing down on the pavement. Its head
surfaces, hissing, jaws agape. Aeran and Rhodarth turn and flee with
you. Together, you sprint towards the gate, the serpent in hot pursuit.
It zig-zags across the courtyard, drawn to you by the sound of your
ragged breath and boots pounding against the path.
Rhodarth’s mercenaries, some still blind-folded, others not, scatter as
you approach. You’re not sure what you’ll do when you reach the gate. If
you open it and flee, you risk turning the basilisk loose on the town—
The serpent lurches, teeth snapping at your heels, and you dart to the
side. Its tail swings around, slamming down in front of you, blocking
the gate. You spin, looking about wildly. You, Aeran and Rhodarth are in
the centre of a shrinking circle, the basilisk’s coils looped around
you.
The basilisk raises its head high above you. It opens it jaws and
hisses, raining down saliva and venom. It stares at you with its bloody
eye sockets, its coils pulsing and constricting, the circle growing
smaller every second.
“Ideas?” Rhodarth grunts, brandishing his spear.
Aeran nocks an arrow. “Hit it till it dies?”
Rhodarth snorts. “Helpful, Aeran.”
Aeran grins and draws his bow, aiming at the serpent’s head. “Whatever
you’re planning, I suggest you do it now!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The basilisk strikes. Aeran fires, his arrow plunging deep into
its neck. It roars, lurching back, and Rhodarth thrusts up with his
spear, the tip ramming through the base of the serpent’s jaw. He twists,
slamming it down, pinning the basilisk’s head to the ground. Its coils
constrict, its tail thrashing—
You leap past Rhodarth, sword raised high, and slice downward.
You behead the basilisk with one blow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The serpent’s headless body shudders and it collapses into the
ground and stops moving. Its head lies some feet away, jaws agape, blood
pooling beneath it.
You let out a trembling sigh and lower your blade. You stumble back,
pain coursing through your body, exhaustion pulling at your muscles. You
collapse to the ground, knees hitting the pavement.
Rhodarth yanks his spear free from the basilisk’s jaws and turns to you.
“Well done,” he says, an unexpected smile on his lips. He observes you
with unblinking eyes and presses a hand to his chest, bowing deeply.
“You fought well, <i>amarin</i>. You are a skilled warrior.”
Aeran raises an eyebrow. “I’m right here, Rho,” he says, reaching out a
hand and helping you to your feet. Though he speaks with his usual
sarcastic air, you can hear the pain in his voice. <<if $health is
"injured">> He’s hurt, exhausted—well, both of you are a little
worse for wear.<<else>>He’s hurt, exhausted. He won’t be
able to hide it for long.<</if>>
You lean into each other, supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow
tightly with his free hand, his quiver knocking against his leg.
Rhodarth clicks his tongue and ignores Aeran’s remark. He turns around,
searching for the surviving members of his company.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The basilisk unfurls. The great,
imposing weight of its body crashes down on the pavement as it
encircles you, its coils constricting. It lifts you off the ground,
trapping you in the long, heavy loop of its body, hissing furiously. You
struggle, your breath growing ragged as the pressure grows against your
chest, and press your hands against its scales.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
Rhodarth curses and launches himself at the serpent. His spear strikes
deep into its scales, but the creature ignores the blow, its focus
absorbed by one thing—you.
Its forked tongue flicks in and out, lashing against your cheek as it
raises you to its mouth.
Your vision blackens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You blink, your mind a haze. You can’t breathe. Your heart is
pounding, your senses numb. You hear shouting but you can’t make out the
words—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 BASILISK CONT MC
INJURED][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GB1
BASILISK CONT MC ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$basiliskscar to 3>><<set $health to "injured">>You
hear the familiar song of a familiar bow. A cacophony of shouts and
yells ring in your ears, but you can’t make much sense of it. You hear a
dull thud, a harrowing scream—
And then, sudden release. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the
serpent’s coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring
blankly at a darkening sky. A figure looms over you, a familiar face
panicked and ashen. His lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
A golden light bursts behind him, flaring to life like a beacon. It
pulses, growing in strength until it is bright enough to resemble the
rising sun—
<i>What… is that?</i>
Your head lolls back. Your eyes close.
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries +=
1>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>>You hear the familiar song of a familiar
bow. A cacophony of shouts and yells ring in your ears, but you can’t
make much sense of it.
A dull thud, a harrowing scream—
And then, sudden release. You fall, slamming into the pavement, the
serpent’s coils loosening around you. You lie on your back, staring
blankly at a darkening sky. Aeran looms over you, his face panicked and
ashen. His lips move, but you can’t make out the words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1.
[ROMANCE] Reach out and wrap your arms around him.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 AERAN
ROM HUG][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif
$aeranapp >=40>>[[1. Hug him.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 AERAN FRIEND
HUG][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp <=39>>[[2.
Push yourself up.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 PUSH YOURSELF
UP]]<<else>>[[2. Push yourself up on your own.|CHAPTER 1 GB1
PUSH YOURSELF
UP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
fling your arms around his neck and cling to him, your face pressed to
his shoulder. You can hear his heart hammering in his chest, but he
wraps his arms around you and holds you close.
“Stars and hellfire, $nickname,” he murmurs. “I…”
You shake your head, too weakened to speak. Your breath comes in
wheezes, pain flaring across your chest.
He falls silent and holds you. As your vision clears and the haze and
shock lifts, you notice a nasty gash in his arm. You pull away, your
eyes searching his. His face is ashen, marked with scrapes and bruises.
He’s as exhausted as you are.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rhodarth withdraw. He leans
heavily on his spear and watches you and Aeran closely. His face is
spattered with basilisk blood.
“That was dumb,” you say after a moment.
Aeran laughs weakly. “Yeah,” he says, nodding. He presses a hand to your
cheek. “Yeah, it was.”
Slowly, you help each other to your feet. You lean into each other,
supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow tightly with his free hand,
his quiver knocking against his leg.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slowly push yourself up, your muscles protesting with every move. Aeran
stares at you, unable to control the shock on his face.
“Stars and hellfire, $firstname,” he says. “I…”
You shake your head, too weakened to speak. Your breath comes in
wheezes, pain flaring across your chest.
He falls silent. You sit still, your vision clearing, haze and shock
lifting from your mind. You notice a nasty gash in his arm. His face is
ashen, marked with scrapes and bruises. He’s as exhausted as you are.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rhodarth withdraw. He leans
heavily on his spear and watches you closely. His face is spattered with
basilisk blood.
“That was dumb,” you say after a moment.
Aeran laughs weakly. “Yeah,” he says, nodding. “Yeah, it was.”
Slowly, you get to your feet. You and Aeran lean into each other,
supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow tightly with his free hand,
his quiver knocking against his leg.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
throw an arm around his shoulder and crush him to you. A slow laugh
bursts from your lips and soon your whole body is shaking.
He holds you tight. “Stars and hellfire, $nickname,” he murmurs. “I…”
You shake your head, too weakened to speak. Your breath comes in
wheezes, pain flaring across your chest.
He chuckles and falls silent. As your vision clears and the haze and
shock lifts, you notice a nasty gash in his arm. You pull away, your
eyes searching his. His face is ashen, marked with scrapes and bruises.
He’s as exhausted as you are.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Rhodarth withdraw. He leans
heavily on his spear and watches you and Aeran closely. His face is
spattered with basilisk blood.
“That was dumb,” you say after a moment.
Aeran laughs weakly. “Yeah. Yeah, it was.”
Slowly, you help each other to your feet. You lean into each other,
supporting your weight. Aeran grips his bow tightly with his free hand,
his quiver knocking against his leg.
The gardens spread out before you, scarred from the fight. The elegant
landscaping is destroyed. The ornamental flowers are crushed beyond
recognition, the grass and soil are churned and stomped, and the white
stone path is smeared with blood. The surviving members of Rhodarth’s
company huddle near the gate, too exhausted and forlorn to speak. Some
linger by their dead, their ashen faces contorted with anger. They show
no signs of stopping you as you and Aeran hobble down the path.
“So,” the Count’s voice rings out behind you. “You have defeated my
basilisk.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FIGHT BRANCH 1 DEAL WITH
THE COUNT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A flickering glow shines in your
peripheral vision. You step back and warily raise your head. A tapestry
of security spells stretch over the courtyard, glimmering faintly
against the dark of the night sky. You can barely make out the barriers
from this distance, but as you watch, a distinct golden bead forms above
the left-facing wall. It pulses quietly for a moment, then begins to
expand, nearly doubling in size.
“Leave this place, Wayfarers,” the Count says. “Do so quickly and do so
quietly, I do not care how—”
Suddenly, the bead rips its way across the sky and slices a deep cut in
the barrier.
<i>What the hell…?</i>
“Depart Rona,” the Count intones. “And should you ever return, rest
assured there will be a reckoning—”
Rhodarth snarls and lowers his spear. He pushes in front of you and
Aeran, cold fury in his eyes. “This is the end of our arrangement,
Nalos,” he says. “The oath is broken.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The Count turns to him, annoyance flashing across his face. “A
bold statement,” he says. “Your time has not come. You are bound to
serve me still—”
“You set your beast loose on my people,” Rhodarth spits. “You swore they
would not come to harm. The oath is null and void—”
Cold laughter rings out. “Oh,” he sneers, “what a naïve mistake to make,
little cousin. Do you not understand the magic that binds us? I have
not broken our terms. If I had, I would suffer the consequences of the
blood oath as we speak—”
Rhodarth yells. He throws himself forward and charges up the path
towards the Count. He lunges, thrusting the spear at him. The Count
watches, a devious smile playing on his lips, and takes a calm step
back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Rhodarth’s strike fails. He stumbles, dropping the spear. It
clatters unceremoniously to the ground. Rhodarth gasps for breath and
sinks to his knees at the Count’s feet, clutching at his chest. The
Count kneels in front of him and grasps him by the chin.
“Who now has broken their oath?” he hisses. “Who now is in violation of
our pact?”
Rhodarth chokes, unable to speak.
“Rho!”
Aeran’s strangled cry is barely comprehensible as he lurches forward,
cold fury in his eyes. You remain rooted to the spot, unable to look
away. <<if $health is "injured">>Pain spikes through your
body, constricting your chest. You feel nauseous.<</if>>
Rhodarth groans, his shoulders shaking as he fights the magic that is
slowly killing him. The Count holds him still, a malicious glint in his
eyes. “Go, Wayfarer!” he calls. “Go before my mercy runs its course.
This is a matter that does not concern you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 DEAL 03][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeraninjured is true>>You pause, Aeran’s weight heavy on your
shoulder.<<elseif $health is "injured">>You pause, leaning
heavily on Aeran’s shoulder.<<else>>You pause, uncertainty
rooting you to the spot.<</if>>
Rhodarth trembles and shakes, his breath turning to sharp, shallow
gasps. In your exhaustion, you can’t recall the details of a blood oath.
You don’t know how long it takes to kill its victims. You don’t know
how to stop it. All you know is that however it works, it must be
powerful enough to kill a bloodbinder.
<i>Shit…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Help him. You can’t leave him to die like
this.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave him. The oath may be a death
sentence for all you know. How many more chances will you have to walk
away?|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO LEAVE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10,
5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhoHelp to true>>Cursing under your breath, you draw your sword
and charge up the path. The Count looks up and snarls. He releases
Rhodarth and pushes him away. The mercenary captain collapses to the
ground and lies still, his breathing faint.
The Count staggers back and throws out a hand, his long fingers curling
into a claw as mist fuzzes around his palm. Seconds later, a sword
materializes in his hand. It is a long, unearthly thing with a jagged
edge, dripping with mist. It looks as though it was carved from the
bones of some monstrous, underwater beast. Just looking at it sends
shivers coursing down your spine.
“Fool,” he hisses. “You would forfeit your life for a dead man?”
You grit your teeth and raise your sword. “Shut up.”
He smirks. “Very well. I will enjoy this—”
An arrow cuts through the air, clipping the Count’s shoulder as he dives
out of the way. Blood oozes from the wound, staining his sleeve dark
red. He snarls, and whirls around in search of Aeran.
<<if $aeraninjured is true>>He stands several feet away, his
jaw clenched in pain as he struggles to hold his
bow.<<else>>He stands several feet away, an exhausted look
in his eyes as he struggles to hold his bow.<</if>> He sways
on his feet and trembling fingers reach for another arrow.
The Count hisses, his eyes flickering back to you, and lunges.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and kick him square in the
chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Parry and kick him square in the chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO
HELP STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and kick
him square in the chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry and kick him square in
the chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Dodge and get behind him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge and get behind
him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Dodge and get behind
him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Dodge and get behind him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Parry and kick him square
in the chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry and kick him square in the
chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Parry and kick him square in the
chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
Parry and kick him square in the chest.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
Dodge and get behind him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dodge and get behind him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1
RHO HELP AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. Dodge and get behind
him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Dodge
and get behind him.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
1>><<set $rhoHelp to
false>><<aeranDisapp>>You sigh heavily and turn away.
“$firstname,” Aeran calls in horror.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You draw to a stop, unable to look
at him. You stand still, your back uncomfortably straight, Rhodarth’s
dying breaths ringing in your ears. “We need to go,” you say quietly.
His voice cracks. “$firstname—”
<<else>>You draw to a stop, Rhodarth’s dying breaths ringing
in your ears. You glance over your shoulder and you meet his desperate
gaze. “Aeran,” you say coldly. “We have to go.”
Anger flares in his eyes.
“No.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO LEAVE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
parry his blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his
blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately
holding on as the Count slowly pulls your sword from your grasp.
You let go and kick him in the chest.
Your blade clatters to the ground as the Count flies backwards, landing
hard on the path. He grunts, tangled in his robe, and swiftly rises to
his feet. He rounds on you, anger contorting his face.
<i>“Enough,”</i> he hisses.
He raises the blade.
You dive for your sword.
A burst of gold light flares in your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP ZEN
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
parry his blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his
blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately
holding on as the Count pulls back. He yanks your blade from your grasp,
the weapon tumbling through the air.
You stumble forward, hands frantically reaching for it, but the Count
lands a swift kick to your stomach. You bow over in pain, the wind
knocked from your lungs, and look up to see the Count gracefully holding
out an expectant palm. Your blade falls into his hand.
He smirks, holding up the blade. The Alassar steel catches the light,
glinting brightly. “Such mysteries contained in these blades,” he says.
“Are their secrets lost to time, I wonder? Or does your Order simply not
comprehend the relics they had the fortune to inherit?”
“Give it back,” you hiss through gritted teeth.
“Oh no, I think not,” the Count replies.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
throw yourself to the side. The Count flies by, momentarily unbalanced
by his imperfect strike. You charge at his undefended back and loop your
arm around his neck, dragging him backwards toward the villa’s
entrance. He struggles against you, his movements restrained as he
becomes tangled in his purple robe.
He wrenches himself from your grasp and darts forward. You curse,
lunging after him, the tip of your blade missing him by inches. He
whirls around and rounds on you, anger contorting his face.
“Enough,” he hisses.
He raises the blade.
You dive for your sword.
A burst of gold light flares in your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP ZEN
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
throw yourself to the side, but you aren’t fast enough. The Count
strikes you in the side, his jagged blade shearing through your tunic
and slicing flesh, knocking you to your knees. You drop your sword
reflexively, your hands pressed against the wound. Your palms are sticky
with blood.
The Count sweeps your blade out of your reach and gracefully picks it
up. He holds up the blade. The Alassar steel catches the light, glinting
brightly. “Such mysteries contained in these blades,” he says. “Are
their secrets lost to time, I wonder? Or does your Order merely not
comprehend the relics they had the fortune to inherit?”
“Give it back,” you hiss through gritted teeth.
“Oh no, I think not,” the Count replies.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Startled,
you stumble back and raise your head, searching for the source. The
villa’s barriers are inflamed with light. They rapidly dissolve,
disintegrating at the invasive magic’s touch, peeling back until there
is nothing left between the courtyard and the black sky above.
Then the air splits apart in front of you.
Amber light explodes outwards, rushing over the courtyard. You reel
back, shielding your eyes as you painfully squint at the glowing portal.
Three women fall out and land calmly on the ground. Their dark robes
ripple around them, the fabric dancing on the wind as the portal
collapses in on itself, sealing the scar in the air.
The light fades.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZENAIDA
ARRIVES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$CountGotMC to true>><<set $countscar to
1>><<set $health to "injured">><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $injuries
+= 1>>Another swift kick to your gut has you on the ground. The
Count stands over you, swaying in your hazy vision. “If I were to do
that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he says. “And I am not inclined to die
tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his fingers around the hilt. Then he
plunges the blade down and pierces your shoulder.
You cry out.
“You see,” he continues, “I have planted far too many seeds in this
desolate city, seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of your mouth as
your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
“And like any great gardener,” the Count continues, “I would taste the
fruits of my labours before my passing—”
A flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground
beside you. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "injured">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $injuries += 1>>Another
swift kick to your gut has you on the ground. The Count stands over you,
swaying in your hazy vision. “If I were to do that, you’d kill me, no
doubt,” he says. “And I am not inclined to die tonight.” He smiles,
wrapping his fingers around the hilt. Then he plunges the blade down,
piercing your shoulder.
You cry out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 RHO HELP FIRST INJURY
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $CountGotMC to
true>><<set $countDead to true>><<set
$countDead_How to 3>>“You see, I have planted far too many seeds
in this desolate city. Seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of your mouth as
your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“And like any great gardener,” the Count continues, “I would
taste the fruits of my labours before my passing—”
A flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes, the abrupt pain jarring you
back to consciousness. You lie crumpled on the ground, struggling to
take in a shallow breath. The Count kneels several paces away, his face
contorted into a cruel scowl as he presses a hand to his upper chest.
Blood oozes from a wound, staining his crimson fingers dark red. An
Alassar arrow has pierced his shoulder and sticks out from his back. He
draws himself onto uneasy feet. Mist swirls around him and he raises his
jagged blade.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>And then the air splits open behind him.
Amber light explodes outwards, rushing over the garden. Three figures
materialize, dropping out of the portal and landing calmly on the
ground. The Count turns, eyes wide in shock. A dagger flashes, blood
flies, and he crumples with mundane finality.
Panic sets in. You groan, desperately trying to pull yourself up, to
reach your sword, anything at all, but you are too sluggish. It hurts to
move. It hurts to breathe.
You can’t find Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<if $chapter1route is "docks">>The figures
approach, swimming in your blurred vision. Their voices echo in your
ears, but you can’t understand a word they say. You blink, trying to
fight the haze, and for a moment you think there’s something familiar
about them. Three women, dressed in Arathian serithans… A Guild mage and
a League assassin…
“Zenaida…?” you croak.
Her name barely passes your lips.<<else>>The figures
approach, swimming in your blurred vision. Their voices echo in your
ears, but you can’t understand a word they say. You blink, trying to
fight the haze. For a moment you think there’s something familiar about
one of them. The ashen-blonde hair, the intense brown eyes, the amber
light…
You can’t find the memory.<</if>>
You fall back and darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<set $countscar to
1>>[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>The Count draws back. “Zenaida
Anaxas,” he says. “You risk much by coming here. How many treaties does
your presence break?”
“I am not an Imperial representative, Cere Nalos.”
The speaker stands in the centre, flanked by her retainers. She holds
herself with cool composure, staring down the Count as if he is nothing
more than a mild nuisance. She is unarmed and richly dressed in a deep
purple serithan. Gold hairpieces adorn her thick black hair, rings
glitter on her fingers, and a heavy necklace is draped around her
collarbone. She looks more like she was planning on attending an
aristocrat’s party, and not like she was about to drop onto a
battlefield.
“It is not by choice that I have come here,” she continues. “But your
insistence on killing someone very important to me has necessitated my
interference.”
<<if $rhodarthDead is true>>The Count laughs coldly. “The
Brightblade? What importance did he have to the Guild?”
“None,” she says, her eyes blazing. “It is the Wayfarer I
want.”<<else>>The Count laughs coldly. “The Brightblade is
mine, Savant,” he says. “And the blood oath compels his death. The Guild
cannot claim him—”
“Rhodarth Nairan is of no interest to me nor the Guild,” she snaps.
“Though if my actions can free him, I will. I find your cruel treatment
of him disgusting.”<</if>>
She raises a hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZENAIDA ARR RAT
ALLEY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
blink in surprise, shock rooting you to spot. <i>It can’t
be…</i>
The Count draws back. “Zenaida Anaxas,” he says. “You risk much by
coming here. How many treaties does your presence break?”
“I am not an Imperial representative, Nalos,” Zenaida replies coldly,
unruffled by his words. Her retainers, Malsara and Nova, stand at her
side in silence, observing the Count with clear distaste. “It is not by
choice that I have come here. But your insistence on killing someone
very important to me has necessitated my interference.”
<<if $rhodarthDead is true>>The Count laughs coldly. “The
Brightblade? What importance did he have to the Guild?”
“None,” she says, her eyes blazing. “It is the Wayfarer I
want.”<<else>>The Count laughs coldly. “The Brightblade is
mine, Savant,” he says. “And the blood oath compels his death. The Guild
cannot claim him—”
“Rhodarth Nairan is of no interest to me nor the Guild,” she snaps.
“Though if my actions can free him, I will. I find your cruel treatment
of him disgusting.”<</if>>
She raises a hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZENAIDA ARR
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Get out of here, Kellis!”
Rhodarth’s strangled voice calls. “Go!”
Aeran wavers, his fingers gripping his bow tight. His gaze lingers on
Rhodarth. He is unable to move, unable to tear himself away.
“Aeran,” you call. “We have to go. We <i>have</i> to—”
He closes his eyes and turns away from you. He pauses, motionless, pain
and exhaustion etched on his face.
Then his eyes snap open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>His hands become a blur of movement as he pulls an arrow from
his quiver and sets it on the string. He raises the bow, turns it on the
Count, and fires.
The arrow grazes the Count’s shoulder. He howls in pain and drops
Rhodarth, shoving him away as he presses a hand to his wound. Blood
oozes between his fingers, staining his sleeve dark red.
Rhodarth staggers down the path and collapses to the ground. He lies
still, his ragged breath growing faint.
The Count steps back and throws out a hand, his long fingers curling
into a claw as mist fuzzes around his palm. Seconds later, a sword
materializes in his hand. It is a long, unearthly thing with a jagged
edge, dripping with mist. It looks as though it was carved from the
bones of some monstrous, underwater beast.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“You’re a fool, Kellis,” he sneers. “Are you truly so desperate
to throw your life away?”
Aeran curses and draws another arrow and nocks it with trembling hands.
Tears shine in his eyes as he adjusts his aim, his shoulders visibly
shaking. “Shut up,” he hisses.
The Count raises his chin and a wicked smile splits his lips. “Or is it
that you cannot bear the thought of harm befalling poor Rhodarth?”
Aeran screams. His bow sings.
The Count calmly steps to the side and raises his blade, slashing the
arrow from the air. His smile widens. “Fascinating,” he breathes.
You curse and throw yourself forward, sprinting up the path as fast as
you can. The Count lunges. But instead of striking at Aeran, he turns
sharply and rams his blade through Rhodarth’s back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>“No!”</i>
You skid to a stop, your sword lying heavy in your hand. You watch,
struck with awe and horror, as the Count pulls his blade free. A
luminescence shines bright around the gash, growing in intensity as
whatever magic Rhodarth has left desperately tries to heal the wound—
It winks out.
An anguished scream rings in your ears. Aeran sinks to his knees, his
bow clattering to the ground. His face is deathly pale. The Count slowly
approaches him, blade in hand. A satisfied smirk twists his lips. He
raises his sword—
And the air splits apart in front of him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Amber light explodes outwards, rushing over the courtyard. You
reel back, shielding your eyes as you painfully squint at the glowing
portal. Three women fall out and land on the ground. Their dark robes
ripple around them, the fabric dancing on the wind as the portal
collapses in on itself, sealing the scar in the air.
The light fades.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZENAIDA
ARRIVES][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>>Gold
light bursts forth, encircling the Count. He whirls around, backing away
toward the villa’s entrance. He hits the barrier and staggers to one
knee, unable to pass through it. Snarling with anger, he raises his head
and stares at her, hatred burning in his eyes.
“Daughter of Velantis,” he hisses. “You will not dare.”
She returns his gaze, an impassive expression on her face. “I will,” she
replies. “Malsara?”
A burst of amber light envelops the ashen-haired woman at Zenaida’s
side. She reappears moments later, tumbling out of the air behind the
Count, a dagger in hand—
Steel flashes. Blood flies.
The Count crumples to the ground with mundane finality.
Zenaida sighs wearily and lowers her hand. She flicks her wrist and the
golden barrier disappears, melting into nothing. She turns, the
beautiful serithan whispering delicately around her, and faces you and
Aeran.
“This is hardly the introduction I wanted,” she says. “But we do not
have much time left and you must come with me. We can speak properly
aboard the <i>Dareia.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 MEET ZENAIDA RA RHO
DEAD]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 MEET ZENAIDA RA RHO
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>>Gold
light bursts forth, encircling the Count. He whirls around, backing away
toward the villa’s entrance. He hits the barrier and staggers to one
knee, unable to pass through it. Snarling with anger, he raises his head
and stares at her, hatred burning in his eyes.
“Daughter of Velantis,” he hisses. “You will not dare.”
She returns his gaze, an impassive expression on her face. “I will,” she
replies. “Malsara?”
A burst of amber light envelops the ashen-haired assassin. She reappears
moments later, tumbling out of the air behind the Count, a dagger in
hand—
Steel flashes. Blood flies.
The Count crumples to the ground with mundane finality.
Zenaida sighs wearily and lowers her hand. She flicks her wrist and the
golden barrier disappears, melting into nothing. She turns, the hem of
her serithan whispering delicately around her, and faces you and Aeran.
“We meet again,” she says. “Of all the ways this day could have gone,
this is not the one I would have chosen. But it seems we must make do
with what we have. There is little time left and you must come with me.
We can speak properly aboard the <i>Dareia.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 MEET ZENAIDA DOCKS RHO
DEAD]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 MEET ZENAIDA DOCKS
RHO
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in the pit of your stomach. “Who—”
“The introductions can wait, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says briskly.
“Already the consequences of Cere Nalos’ death are at play. I do not
jest when I say we must hurry.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He frowns, a deep scowl knitting his
brows together, and his fingers brush the top of his quiver.
Zenaida sighs wearily. “I understand your resistance,” she says. “But
you are, in a way, indebted to me. If not for our timely arrival, Nalos
may very well have killed you both.” She glances past you, her eyes
lingering on Rhodarth’s body. “Just as he did your friend—”
<i>“Don’t,”</i> Aeran snarls. His grip tightens on his bow
and he slips an arrow into his hand.
She falls silent. She presses her lips together in a frown, her brown
eyes fixating on his quiver and the Alassar steel. For the first time,
her steely composure falters. “It is my understanding that all you have
done today was in effort to leave this city,” she says quickly. “My ship
can give you passage. You want to leave Rona, do you not?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re fine on our own, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZRD 01 A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sounds like there’s a price
attached.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD 01 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “What do you mean?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1
ZRD 01 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Walk away.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD 01
D][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in the pit of your stomach. “Who—”
“The introductions can wait, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says briskly.
“Already the consequences of Cere Nalos’ death are at play. I do not
jest when I say we must hurry.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He frowns, a deep scowl knitting his
brows together, and his fingers brush the top of his quiver.
Zenaida sighs wearily. “I understand your resistance,” she says. “But
you are, in a way, indebted to me. If not for our timely arrival, Nalos
may very well have killed you both.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t help,” Aeran grunts. His grip tightens on his bow
and he slips an arrow into his hand.
She falls silent. She presses her lips together in a frown, her brown
eyes fixating on his quiver and the Alassar steel. For the first time,
her steely composure falters. “It is my understanding that all you have
done today was in effort to leave this city,” she says quickly. “My ship
can give you passage. You want to leave Rona, do you not?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re fine on our own, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZRA 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sounds like there’s a price
attached.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA 01 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “What do you mean?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1
ZRA 01 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Walk away.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA 01
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79)>>The words
come out, biting and sarcastic. You’re exhausted, the last vestiges of
your patience spent. She may have saved your life, but only after she
interrupted your fight. You certainly don’t owe her anything.
You turn away from her. “Come on, Aeran,” you grunt. “Leave them be—”
“I don’t believe you are,” Zenaida calls. “Fine on your own, that is.”
You draw to a stop.
“Where have these past six months left you?” she presses. “Without
funds, without resources, without a thing to your name. Your desperate
path nearly got you killed tonight. You can leave, Wayfarer. You can
turn your back on me and walk through those gates. But where will you
stand when the Seven learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos
died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it.”
<i>Invitation…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. You grab his arm to hold him back—and you hear someone groan
weakly behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79)>>“No price,”
she says. “But there is a grave matter we must discuss. And it is my
hope that you will offer me your aid, just as I have offered you mine.”
“We didn’t need your help,” Aeran says flatly.
She arches an eyebrow. “Did you not?” she says. “My people have followed
you from the moment you refused Malsara’s request to speak with me.
Though we were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you
traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business
in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident
in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as
you made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely
death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You are desperate to leave Rona and I can offer you
passage. Why would you refuse? You know as well as I that you can turn
your back on me and walk through those gates, but where will you stand
tomorrow when the Seven learn that you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight. Zenaida observes you calmly, her brown hands
clasped tight in front of her. There’s a self-assurance in her eyes that
is impossible to ignore. She is confident that she will get what she
wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it.”
<i>Invitation…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. You grab his arm to hold him back—and you hear someone groan
weakly behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>“It has
been difficult for you, has it not?” she says. “These past six months of
toil have left their mark on you. You refused my request earlier today.
I understand your reasoning—you have no funds, no resources. You feared
what Nalos would do to you if you failed to adhere to his terms. Why
risk it, when your success could give you what you so desperately need?
But now Nalos is dead. He has been removed from the equation. I can
grant you the passage you seek. My ship can take you away from Rona. And
in return, it is my hope that you will offer me your aid, just as I
have offered you mine.”
You pause, trying to shake some sense into your thoughts. Despite what
she says, her arrival here was too auspicious, her offer too good… You
cannot shake the feeling that she is toying with you.
Zenaida observes you calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of
her. There’s a self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore.
She is confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. This is not
an offer you can bring yourself to refuse again.”
<i>Again…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. You grab his arm to hold him back—and you hear someone groan
weakly behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>You turn
your back on her and walk away. You grip your sword tight, unwilling to
sheathe it. If she truly means no ill intent, she will let you go.
Amber light flashes and the ashen-haired woman materializes in front of
you, blocking your path. Recognition flickers in your mind and suddenly
her familiar appearance clicks into place. She’s the one who followed
you as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“This isn’t a game I wish to play, Wayfarer,” she says coldly. “I told
you today that the one I serve will not be denied.”
“Get out of the way,” you grunt.
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls sharply.
Malsara grimaces. Her dark eyes narrow dangerously, amber light swirling
deep within her irises. She doesn’t move.
“You are desperate, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I know you are.
My people have followed you from the moment you refused Malsara’s
request to speak with me. Though we were loath to interfere with your
work, we watched you traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is
true>>That business in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is
true>>That incident in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the
fear that clung to you as you made your way to this villa, knowing you
would return to a likely death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You have no funds. No resources. Your path today nearly got
you killed. You can remain in this city, but tell me—where will you
stand tomorrow when the Seven learn you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
You curse under your breath and turn around. She watches you calmly, her
brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a self-assurance in
her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is confident that she will
get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it. Not when you are
so close to your goal.”
Aeran curses under his breath and steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any quick actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm to hold him back—and you hear someone groan weakly
behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Rhodarth shakily rises to his
feet. He leans heavily on his spear, too weak to stand on his own. He
brushes a loose strand of hair from his damp forehead and scans the
courtyard, fixing Zenaida with a piercing gaze. His face is ashen; the
blood oath has drained all colour from his cheeks. He looks like he is
recovering from a virulent illness. A faint luminescence clings to him,
the aura pulsing as his bloodbinding does its work, repairing whatever
damage the blood oath did to his body.
“Rho,” Aeran breathes.
“Didn’t expect the heir to the Velantian Protectorate to show up here of
all places,” he says darkly. “Rona does not suffer Imperial presence
well.”
“Then when you return to the city, I trust you will be discreet,”
Zenaida counters. “In a city overrun with brigands and outlaws,
honourable men are difficult to come by, no? The bonds of your oath
nearly killed you until I interfered. Had Nalos lived—”
“If it’s thanks you’re looking for, save your breath,” he snaps. “I was
prepared to die for my actions.”
“How tragically noble of you.”
He gives her a flat stare. “What business does Velantis have in Rona?”
“None,” she says. “I do not represent my mother’s interests—not that it
is the concern of the Corsida overseers. You are far from home,
Brightblade.”
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “I would say the same to you, Guild mage.”
“Savant,” she corrects.
He grimaces. “Which academy?”
“Diradan.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran tenses. He glances at you, his expression turning to
stone. Diradan Tower is a name you are well familiar with—one of the
most acclaimed mage academies in the world and headquarters of the
Council of Mages. Zenaida is no ordinary mage.
Mirthful laughter rings in your ears. You pause, glancing around in
confusion, and the third woman steps forward and scans the courtyard
with intense interest. You nearly do a double-take. Save for her raven
black hair, she is identical to Malsara. She is dressed in a black,
loose-fitting serithan, though she has forgone the customary adornments
and jewelry. Her lips split into a dangerous smile as she gazes from you
and Aeran to Rhodarth.
“Wayfarers, a Brightblade, two Guild mages and a League assassin, all
gathered in one place,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. “If I
didn’t know better, I’d think this was the beginning of some foolish
play at an amateur festival.”
Malsara’s frown deepens. “Nova,” she calls warningly.
Her twin shrugs indifferently, but the amused smile remains. Her dark
eyes flicker to you and she meets your gaze. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved" and $haircolour neq "black">>She blinks once and a faint
violet glow appears around her. Her hair bleeds from black to
$haircolour in an accurate replication of your own hair colour. Your
eyes narrow and you return her stare. She grins and the colour fades,
returning to its natural state.<</if>>
Malsara sighs wearily and steps away, her head raised as her eyes linger
on the sky. Watching. Waiting.
You exchange tense looks with Aeran. From the look on his face, you know
he must be thinking the same thing as you: why the hell is a Savant
interested in you?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (def
$mageguildcodex)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 ZRA 03][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA MAGE GUILD
UNLOCK][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Zenaida
sighs wearily and raises a careful hand. “I know the volatile history
of our orders,” she says. “The Guild of Mages and the Wayfarer Order are
often antithetical to one another, it is true. But I promise you—I did
not come here with the intention to do you harm. I cannot say more until
we reach my ship.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He shakes his head and his scowl darkens.
“I have risked much to come here,” she continues. “And you will risk
much to stay. What do you think will happen, should you remain? The
Seven will blame you for Nalos’ death and you will be at the mercy of
the Viridian Lady’s wrath. How long will you last in the city then?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA 04
A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA 04
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GB1 ZRA
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
think you can predict her actions after a single encounter?” Zenaida
asks. “Anselma Malley values one thing above all else—stability. She may
not have cared for Cere Nalos, but she cares a great deal about
maintaining order within Rona. His death proves that even the most
untouchable of the Seven can be eliminated. I know without question that
if you remain, she will seek you out to show Rona what happens to those
who dare to upend the order she so carefully maintains.”
Your gut twists. You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Though you know
this woman is doing everything in her power to convince you she is no
threat to you, you can’t shake the feeling that she may be right.
The Count is dead and you are free from him, but that may have only
brought you a host of new problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>><<if
$gold <=299>>“With what coin?” Zenaida counters. “Even if you
did find the means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board? How many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating
vital infrastructure in the middle of your
voyage?”<<else>>“How?” Zenaida asks. “Even if you have the
means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on board? How
many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating vital
infrastructure in the middle of your voyage?”<</if>>
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking essential
enchantments. And sneaking onboard to stow away comes with its own host
of problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out an exhausted sigh. “Have I mentioned that I hate this city?”
Aeran grunts. Judging from his scowl and noncommittal silence, he must
have come to the same conclusion as you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Unfortunately,
she is right about the Seven,” a voice says quietly behind you.
You turn and all eyes fall on Rhodarth. He looks much better than he did
even a few minutes ago. He stands straight, his shoulders squared, and
barely needs to lean on his spear for support. As his luminescent glow
fades, colour returns to his cheeks and the sickly look vanishes from
his eyes.
“Nalos and Malley are connected through enchantments. It is part of some
pact they made a decade ago. She will have been notified the moment he
died.”
“And?” Aeran grunts.
You grimace. You don’t like where this is going.
“She’s coming,” he says. “Soon. How much time we have left, I do not
know, but I believe it is in all our best interests to flee before she
arrives.”
Nova lets out an exaggerated breath. “Finally!” she says. “A voice of
reason.”
Aeran shakes his head. “Rho,” he says, slipping in front of him. He
presses a hand to his shoulder and looks up at him, a strange intensity
in his eyes. “What are you doing?”
“This is where we part ways,” Rhodarth says. He looks past Aeran and his
eyes meet yours. He gives you a short, respectful nod. “You should look
to the one you care about and I will look to mine. My company suffered
long under Nalos’ command. I am their leader, I must go to them.”
“Where will you go?” Aeran asks.
“I do not know,” he replies. “Though I think it is of little concern to
you now. Perhaps we will meet again. Perhaps not.” He glances at Zenaida
and a wary look crosses his face. “But wherever you choose to go, I
hope you find something better than what you found here.”
He pushes past Aeran, leaving him standing in silence. You watch as he
hurries down the path, crossing the bridge and reuniting with his
company on the far side of the villa’s grounds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRA
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
so, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida calls. “Will you come with me or not?”
You let out a long, exhausted breath. Slowly, you turn around and face
her and her retainers. Malsara watches you with a careful gaze. One hand
lingers at her hip, ready to draw her dagger at a moment’s notice.
You’re not sure whether it is an overt threat or not; the more you see
of her, the more you think she is habitually on edge. Nova, on the other
hand, stretches her hands above her head and sways back and forth,
waiting with exaggerated boredom.
Zenaida threads her hands together and patiently observes you and Aeran.
There is something unsettling about her calm demeanour. Despite
Rhodarth’s warning about the Viridian Lady’s imminent arrival, she seems
untroubled as she waits for your response.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Looks like we don’t have a choice.”|CHAPTER
1 FB1 ZRA 07 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just get us out of Rona.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZRA 08 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
blurt the words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better,
and sheathe your sword. You don’t like it, but you don’t see a way out
of it. At this point, Rona has done its best to kill you multiple times
over. You’d rather take your chances with the mage than risk another
week in the city.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. It doesn’t matter now. It’s
not like either of you have a choice.
“I am glad you see reason,” Zenaida says. “Come, then. We must make
haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
blurt the words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better,
and sheathe your sword. You don’t like it, but you don’t see a way out
of it. At this point, Rona has done its best to kill you multiple times
over. You’d rather take your chances with the mage than risk another
week in the city.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. It doesn’t matter now. It’s
not like either of you have a choice.
“I am glad you see reason,” Zenaida says. “Come, then. We must make
haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out, biting and sarcastic. You’re exhausted, the last
vestiges of your patience spent. She may have saved your life, but only
after she interrupted your fight. You certainly don’t owe her anything.
You turn away from her. “Come on, Aeran,” you grunt. “Leave them be—”
“I don’t believe you are,” Zenaida calls. “Fine on your own, that is.”
You draw to a stop.
“Where have these past six months left you?” she presses. “Without
funds, without resources, without a thing to your name. Your desperate
path nearly got you killed tonight. You can leave, Wayfarer. You can
turn your back on me and walk through those gates. But where will you
stand when the Seven learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos
died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it.”
<i>Invitation…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No
price,” she says. “But there is a grave matter we must discuss. And it
is my hope that you will offer me your aid, just as I have offered you
mine.”
“We didn’t need your help,” Aeran says flatly.
She arches an eyebrow. “Did you not?” she says. “My people have followed
you from the moment you refused Malsara’s request to speak with me.
Though we were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you
traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business
in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident
in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as
you made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely
death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You are desperate to leave Rona and I can offer you
passage. Why would you refuse? You know as well as I that you can turn
your back on me and walk through those gates, but where will you stand
tomorrow when the Seven learn that you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight. Zenaida observes you calmly, her brown hands
clasped tight in front of her. There’s a self-assurance in her eyes that
is impossible to ignore. She is confident that she will get what she
wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it.”
<i>Invitation…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It
has been difficult for you, has it not?” she says. “These past six
months of toil have left their mark on you. You refused my request
earlier today. I understand your reasoning—you have no funds, no
resources. You feared what Nalos would do to you if you failed to adhere
to his terms. Why risk it, when your success could give you what you so
desperately need? But now Nalos is dead. He has been removed from the
equation. I can grant you the passage you seek. My ship can take you
away from Rona. And in return, it is my hope that you will offer me your
aid, just as I have offered you mine.”
You pause, trying to shake some sense into your thoughts. Despite what
she says, her arrival here was too auspicious, her offer too good… You
cannot shake the feeling that she is toying with you.
Zenaida observes you calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of
her. There’s a self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore.
She is confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. This is not
an offer you can bring yourself to refuse again.”
<i>Again…?</i>
Your stomach drops. You raise your head, looking past Zenaida at the
women behind her. The ashen-haired woman meets your gaze, a faint amber
light glowing in her eyes. You recognize her—the woman who followed you
as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“I told you,” she says coldly as her fingers toy with the hilt of her
dagger. “The one I serve will not be denied.”
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her and walk away. You grip your sword tight,
unwilling to sheathe it. If she truly means no ill intent, she will let
you go.
Amber light flashes and the ashen-haired woman materializes in front of
you, blocking your path. Recognition flickers in your mind and suddenly
her familiar appearance clicks into place. She’s the one who followed
you as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“This isn’t a game I wish to play, Wayfarer,” she says coldly. “I told
you today that the one I serve will not be denied.”
“Get out of the way,” you grunt.
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls sharply.
Malsara grimaces. Her dark eyes narrow dangerously, amber light swirling
deep within her irises. She doesn’t move.
“You are desperate, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I know you are.
My people have followed you from the moment you refused Malsara’s
request to speak with me. Though we were loath to interfere with your
work, we watched you traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is
true>>That business in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is
true>>That incident in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the
fear that clung to you as you made your way to this villa, knowing you
would return to a likely death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You have no funds. No resources. Your path today nearly got
you killed. You can remain in this city, but tell me—where will you
stand tomorrow when the Seven learn you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
You curse under your breath and turn around. She watches you calmly, her
brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a self-assurance in
her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is confident that she will
get what she wants, one way or another.
“You see reason,” she says softly. “I see it in your eyes. You ignored
my invitation earlier today; now, you cannot refuse it. Not when you are
so close to your goal.”
Aeran curses under his breath and steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any quick actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm to hold him back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Who
the hell are you?” you demand.
“Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,” she says. “Savant of Diradan Tower and heir to
the Velantian Protectorate.”
Aeran tenses. He glances at you, his expression turning to stone. Forget
her being the heir apparent to an Arathian province—Diradan Tower is a
name you are all too familiar with. It is one of the most acclaimed mage
academies in the world and the headquarters of the Council of Mages.
Zenaida is no ordinary mage.
Laughter rings in your ears. You pause, glancing around in confusion,
and the third woman steps forward and scans the courtyard with intense
interest. You nearly do a double-take. Save for her raven black hair,
she is identical to Malsara. She is dressed in a black, loose-fitting
serithan, though she has forgone the customary adornments and jewelry.
Her lips split into a dangerous smile as she stares at Aeran.
“They said you were a blustering fool, Kellis,” she says scathingly.
“Still can’t believe you’re the one they—”
“Nova,” Malsara calls warningly.
Her twin shrugs indifferently, but the amused smile remains. Her dark
eyes flicker to you and she meets your gaze. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved" and $haircolour neq "black">>She blinks once and a faint
violet glow appears around her. Her hair bleeds from black to
$haircolour in an accurate replication of your own hair colour. Your
eyes narrow and you return her stare. She grins and the colour fades,
returning to its natural state.<</if>>
Malsara sighs wearily and steps away, her head raised as her eyes linger
on the sky. Watching. Waiting.
You exchange tense looks with Aeran. From the look on his face, you know
he must be thinking the same thing as you: why the hell is a Savant
interested in you?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (def
$mageguildcodex)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
03]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD MAGE GUILD
UNLOCK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
sighs wearily and raises a careful hand. “I know the volatile history
of our orders,” she says. “The Guild of Mages and the Wayfarer Order are
often antithetical to one another, it is true. But I promise you—I did
not come here with the intention to do you harm. I cannot say more until
we reach my ship.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He shakes his head and his scowl darkens.
“I have risked much to come here,” she continues. “And you will risk
much to stay. What do you think will happen, should you remain? The
Seven will blame you for Nalos’ death and you will be at the mercy of
the Viridian Lady’s wrath. How long will you last in the city then?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD 04
A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD 04 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD 04
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
think you can predict her actions after a single encounter?” Zenaida
asks. “Anselma Malley values one thing above all else—stability. She may
not have cared for Cere Nalos, but she cares a great deal about
maintaining order within Rona. His death proves that even the most
untouchable of the Seven can be eliminated. I know without question that
if you remain, she will seek you out to show Rona what happens to those
who dare to upend the order she so carefully maintains.”
Your gut twists. You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Though you know
this woman is doing everything in her power to convince you she is no
threat to you, you can’t shake the feeling that she may be right.
The Count is dead and you are free from him, but that may have only
brought you a host of new problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>><<if
$gold <=299>>“With what coin?” Zenaida counters. “Even if you
did find the means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board? How many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating
vital infrastructure in the middle of your
voyage?”<<else>>“How?” Zenaida asks. “Even if you have the
means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on board? How
many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating vital
infrastructure in the middle of your voyage?”<</if>>
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking essential
enchantments. And sneaking onboard to stow away comes with its own host
of problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out an exhausted sigh. “Have I mentioned that I hate this city?”
Aeran grunts. Judging from his scowl and noncommittal silence, he must
have come to the same conclusion as you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZRDEAD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
so, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “Will you come with me or not?”
You let out a long, exhausted breath. Slowly, you turn around and face
her and her retainers. Malsara watches you with a careful gaze. One hand
lingers at her hip, ready to draw her dagger at a moment’s notice.
You’re not sure whether it is an overt threat or not; the more you see
of her, the more you think she is habitually on edge. Nova, on the other
hand, stretches her hands above her head and sways back and forth,
waiting with exaggerated boredom.
Zenaida threads her hands together and patiently observes you and Aeran.
There is something unsettling about her calm demeanour. Despite
Rhodarth’s warning about the Viridian Lady’s imminent arrival, she seems
untroubled as she waits for your response.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Looks like we don’t have a choice.”|CHAPTER
1 FB1 ZRDEAD 06 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just get us out of Rona.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZRDEAD 06 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
blurt the words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better,
and sheathe your sword. You don’t like it, but you don’t see a way out
of it. At this point, Rona has done its best to kill you multiple times
over. You’d rather take your chances with the mage than risk another
week in the city.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. It doesn’t matter now. It’s
not like either of you have a choice.
“I am glad you see reason,” Zenaida says. “Come, then. We must make
haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
blurt the words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better,
and sheathe your sword. You don’t like it, but you don’t see a way out
of it. At this point, Rona has done its best to kill you multiple times
over. You’d rather take your chances with the mage than risk another
week in the city.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. It doesn’t matter now. It’s
not like either of you have a choice.
“I am glad you see reason,” Zenaida says. “Come, then. We must make
haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in the pit of your stomach.
“What are you doing here?” Aeran snarls.
“I am, as the Arsenians would say, tying up loose ends,” she says
calmly, unruffled by his outburst. “I gave you a proposition and I never
received your answer.”
“We already told you no.”
Zenaida smiles. “You, in fact, said neither yes nor no,” she replies
smoothly. “You said nothing. You took my payment willingly and never
returned. But now you are indebted to me. Already the consequences of
Cere Nalos’ death are at play. I do not jest when I say we must hurry.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He frowns, a deep scowl knitting his
brows together, and his fingers brush the top of his quiver.
Zenaida sighs wearily. “I understand your resistance,” she says. “But
you are, in a way, indebted to me. If not for our timely arrival, Nalos
may very well have killed you both.” She glances past you, her eyes
lingering on Rhodarth’s body. “Just as he did your friend—”
<i>“Don’t,”</i> Aeran snarls. His grip tightens on his bow
and he slips an arrow into his hand.
She falls silent. She presses her lips together in a frown, her brown
eyes fixating on his quiver and the Alassar steel. For the first time,
her steely composure falters. “You want to leave Rona, do you not?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re fine on our own, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 02 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not in exchange for working for the
Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 02 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS
RDEAD 02 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in the pit of your stomach.
“What are you doing here?” Aeran snarls.
“I am, as the Arsenians would say, tying up loose ends,” she says
calmly, unruffled by his outburst. “I gave you a proposition and I never
received your answer.”
“We already told you no.”
Zenaida smiles. “You, in fact, said neither yes nor no,” she replies
smoothly. “You said nothing. You took my payment willingly and never
returned. But now you are indebted to me. Already the consequences of
Cere Nalos’ death are at play. I do not jest when I say we must hurry.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He frowns, a deep scowl knitting his
brows together, and his fingers brush the top of his quiver.
Zenaida sighs wearily. “I understand your resistance,” she says. “But
you are, in a way, indebted to me. If not for our timely arrival, Nalos
may very well have killed you both.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t help,” Aeran grunts. His grip tightens on his bow
and he slips an arrow into his hand.
She falls silent. She presses her lips together in a frown, her brown
eyes fixating on his quiver and the Alassar steel. For the first time,
her steely composure falters. “You want to leave Rona, do you not?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We’re fine on our own, thanks.”|CHAPTER 1
FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not in exchange for working for the
Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 01 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS
RALIVE 01 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out, biting and sarcastic. You’re exhausted, the last
vestiges of your patience spent. She may have saved your life, but only
after she interrupted your fight. You certainly don’t owe her anything.
You turn away from her. “Come on, Aeran,” you grunt. “Leave them be—”
“I don’t believe you are,” Zenaida calls. “Fine on your own, that is.”
You draw to a stop.
“Where have these past six months left you?” she presses. “Without
funds, without resources, without a thing to your name. My people have
followed you from the moment you left the Slippery Weasel, I know what
you faced. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business in
Flotsam Grove… <<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident in
Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as you
made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely death
at Nalos’ hand.<</if>> Your desperate path nearly got you
killed tonight. You can leave, Wayfarer. You can turn your back on me
and walk through those gates. But where will you stand when the Seven
learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back—and you hear someone groan weakly
behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
frowns. “At what cost, Wayfarer $lastname?” she says. “My people have
followed you from the moment you left the Slippery Weasel. Though we
were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you traverse the
city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business in Flotsam
Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident in
Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as you
made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely death
at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You are desperate to leave Rona and I can offer you
passage. Would you refuse simply because I am a member of the Guild of
Mages? You know as well as I that you can turn your back on me and walk
through those gates, but where will you stand tomorrow when the Seven
learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back—and you hear someone groan weakly
behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her and walk away. You grip your sword tight,
unwilling to sheathe it. If she truly means no ill intent, she will let
you go.
Amber light flashes and Malsara materializes in front of you, blocking
your path. “This isn’t a game any of us wish to play, Wayfarer,” she
says coldly.
“Get out of the way,” you grunt.
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls sharply.
Malsara grimaces. Her dark eyes narrow dangerously, amber light swirling
deep within her irises. She doesn’t move.
“You are desperate, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I know you are.
My people have followed you from the moment you left the Slippery
Weasel. Though we were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you
traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That
business in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That
incident in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to
you as you made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a
likely death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You have no funds. No resources. Your path today nearly got
you killed. You can remain in this city, but tell me—where will you
stand tomorrow when the Seven learn you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
You curse under your breath and turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back—and you hear someone groan weakly
behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Rhodarth shakily rises to his
feet. He leans heavily on his spear, too weak to stand on his own. He
brushes a loose strand of hair from his damp forehead and scans the
courtyard, fixing Zenaida with a piercing gaze. His face is ashen; the
blood oath has drained all colour from his cheeks. He looks like he is
recovering from a virulent illness. A faint luminescence clings to him,
the aura pulsing as his bloodbinding does its work, repairing whatever
damage the blood oath did to his body.
“Rho,” Aeran breathes.
“Didn’t expect the heir to the Velantian Protectorate to show up here of
all places,” he says darkly. “Rona does not suffer Imperial presence
well.”
“Then when you return to the city, I trust you will be discreet,”
Zenaida counters. “In a city overrun with brigands and outlaws,
honourable men are difficult to come by, no? The bonds of your oath
nearly killed you until I interfered. Had Nalos lived—”
“If it’s thanks you’re looking for, save your breath,” he snaps. “I was
prepared to die for my actions.”
“How tragically noble of you.”
He gives her a flat stare. “What business does Velantis have in Rona?”
“None,” she says. “I do not represent my mother’s interests—not that it
is the concern of the Corsida overseers. You are far from home,
Brightblade.”
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “I would say the same to you, Guild mage.”
“Savant,” she corrects.
He grimaces. “Which academy?”
“Diradan.”
Nova throws back her head and laughs. “Wayfarers, a Brightblade, two
Guild mages and a League assassin, all gathered in one place,” she says,
walking nonchalantly down the steps and entering the courtyard. “If I
didn’t know better, I’d think this was the beginning of some foolish
play at an amateur festival.”
Malsara’s scowl deepens. “Nova,” she calls warningly.
Her sister shrugs.
Malsara sighs wearily and steps away. She raises her head, her eyes
lingering on the sky.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You’re wasting your time, you know,” Aeran says, rounding on
Zenaida.
“Thank you for your concern, but it is my time to waste if I want to,”
Zenaida replies coolly. She clasps her hands together in front of her
and raises her chin. “When last we spoke, I gave you until dawn to give
me an answer. The sun will soon rise and I believe that my offer is one
you cannot refuse.”
He snorts derisively. He bristles—almost as if he’s about to turn and
walk away—but his eyes linger cautiously on Malsara. You exchange looks;
you’re certain the same thought that occurs to you has occurred to him.
With Malsara’s teleportation powers at play, walking away from Zenaida
prematurely will be no easy feat.
You grit your teeth. After everything that has happened, your mind feels
sluggish as you force yourself to think. Zenaida’s words turn over and
over in your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that a threat?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS
RALIVE 03 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We have no interest in working for
the Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 03 B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Pretty strange timing, showing up
when you did. How did you know we were here?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS
RALIVE 03 C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Zenaida
pales and she takes a step back, uncharacteristic shock flashing across
her face. “A threat?” she exclaims, stumbling over her words. “No, no,
of course not—”
Nova cuts across her. “Her Grace only intended to remind you of your
circumstances,” she says. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into this mess,
we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your life. Do you
really think you can make it out of Rona on your own without facing the
consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“Listen to me,” Nova continues. “The death of one of the Seven will not
be taken lightly. They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at
it, your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>><<set
$advantage to true>>“You would not work for the Guild,” Zenaida
corrects. “You would be working for the Order of Lethalis—”
“What’s the difference?” Aeran snaps. “You’re all mages.”
She sighs wearily, her shoulders sagging. “I’ve heard of your hatred of
the Guild, Wayfarer Kellis,” she say, raising a hand. “But I am asking
you to set it aside for a mutually beneficial—”
Nova groans and tilts her head back, rolling her eyes. “Hell and
starfire,” she curses. “Listen! You don’t want to be here. I don’t want
to be here. None of this would happen if Lethalis didn’t need you so
badly—”
<i>“Nova.”</i> Zenaida turns to her, a warning look in her
eye.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
<i>If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…</i>
Zenaida followed you here because she needs you. Desperately. And she
must not be prepared to leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
“Listen to me,” Nova snaps. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into this
mess, we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your life. Do
you really think you can make it out of Rona on your own without facing
the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“The death of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she
continues. “They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at it,
your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“As
I said, my people were watching you,” Zenaida replies. “Malsara is an
excellent tracker—it is one of her many talents.”
You swallow an uncomfortable lump in your throat and glance at Malsara.
She shrugs, unbothered by your stare.
<<if $perception >=8>>How did you not notice her? If what
Zenaida says is true, there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<<else>>You’re not the most observant person
around, but even you should have noticed if you were being followed all
day. But there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<</if>> Did she watch you wherever you went?
<<if $flotsamgrove is true>>Did she follow you into Flotsam
Grove?<<elseif $marshwall is true>>Did she follow you to
Marshwall?<<else>>Follow you across Rona, judging your
investigation every step of the way?<</if>> Zenaida and Nova
may be Savants of the Guild, but you know without question that Malsara
is the most dangerous of the three.
She could be a problem.
“If you were going to all that effort,” Aeran says heatedly, “we could
have used your help—”
“Your business was none of my concern,” she says coldly. <<if
$mareadead is true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was
quite educational. When I want advice on threatening and killing unarmed
civilians, I will be sure to call on you.”
Your gut twists. Malsara fixes you with a piercing look. Her judgment is
impossible to ignore.<<elseif $merchantsThreatened is
true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was quite
educational. When I want advice on harassing merchants, I will be sure
to call on you.”
You sigh wearily, a retort dying on your lips. You’re far too exhausted
to fight her reprimand.<<else>>“Though experiencing your
work firsthand was quite educational.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks, I guess.”<</if>>
“You’ll have to forgive us for the ruse,” Zenaida says. “Our presence
here could prove troubling for the Seven and I ordered her not to reveal
herself unless absolutely necessary. She alerted me when the Count put
you in grave danger and we worked quickly to break through his
security—”
Nova lets out an exasperated sigh and steps forward, cutting in front of
Zenaida. “Listen to me,” she snaps. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into
this mess, we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your
life. Do you really think you can make it out of Rona on your own
without facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“The death of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she
continues. “They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at it,
your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RALIVE 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
think you can predict her actions after a single encounter?” Zenaida
asks. “Anselma Malley values one thing above all else—stability. She may
not have cared for Cere Nalos, but she cares a great deal about
maintaining order within Rona. His death proves that even the most
untouchable of the Seven can be eliminated. I know without question that
if you remain, she will seek you out to show Rona what happens to those
who dare to upend the order she so carefully maintains.”
Your gut twists. You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Though you know
this woman is doing everything in her power to convince you she is no
threat to you, you can’t shake the feeling that she may be right.
The Count is dead and you are free from him, but that may have only
brought you a host of new problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gold <=299>>“With what coin?” Zenaida counters. “Even if you
did find the means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board? How many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating
vital infrastructure in the middle of your
voyage?”<<else>>“How?” Zenaida asks. “Even if you have the
means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on board? How
many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating vital
infrastructure in the middle of your voyage?”<</if>>
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking essential
enchantments. And sneaking onboard to stow away comes with its own host
of problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out an exhausted sigh. “Have I mentioned that I hate this city?”
Aeran grunts. Judging from his scowl and noncommittal silence, he must
have come to the same conclusion as you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Unfortunately,
she is right about the Seven,” a voice says quietly behind you.
You turn and all eyes fall on Rhodarth. He looks much better than he did
even a few minutes ago. He stands straight, his shoulders squared, and
barely needs to lean on his spear for support. As his luminescent glow
fades, colour returns to his cheeks and the sickly look vanishes from
his eyes. “Nalos and Malley are connected through enchantments. It is
part of some pact they made a decade ago. She will have been notified
the moment he died.”
“And?” Aeran grunts.
You grimace. You don’t like where this is going.
“She’s coming,” he says. “Soon. How much time we have left, I do not
know, but I believe it is in <i>all</i> our best interests
to flee before she arrives.”
Nova lets out an exaggerated breath. “Finally!” she says. “A voice of
reason.”
Aeran shakes his head. “Rho,” he says, slipping in front of him. He
presses a hand to his shoulder and looks up at him, a strange intensity
in his eyes. “What are you doing?”
“This is where we part ways,” Rhodarth says. He looks past Aeran and his
eyes meet yours. He gives you a short, respectful nod. “You should look
to the one you care about and I will look to mine. My company suffered
long under Nalos’ command. I am their leader, I must go to them.”
“Where will you go?” Aeran asks.
“I do not know,” he replies. “Though I think it is of little concern to
you now. Perhaps we will meet again. Perhaps not.” He glances at Zenaida
and a wary look crosses his face. “But wherever you choose to go, I
hope you find something better than what you found here.”
He pushes past Aeran, leaving him standing in silence. You watch as he
hurries down the path, crossing the bridge and reuniting with his
company on the far side of the villa’s grounds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
so, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida calls. “Will you accept my offer?”
Aeran exhales sharply and curses. “Doesn’t matter what you say,” he
says. “The answer’s still no—”
“And what of Wayfarer $lastname?” she calls. “Does $hisher opinion on
the matter have no importance to you?”
He glares at her. For a moment, it seems like he is about to leave you
here and walk away, but then he turns around and looks at you. You see
the silent plea in his expression, the wordless request to walk away
from here and accept the hand you’ve been dealt. But he knows, just as
well as you, that your actions here tonight have changed things
irrevocably. You can continue to struggle on your own, or you can accept
the offer and escape Rona freely tonight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $advantage is true>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE FORGE 01">1. [ <i
class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Yes. But only
for double the price.”</a><<else>><s>1. [ <i
class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK
RALIVE FORGE 02">2. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Looks like we don’t have a
choice.” </a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)>><<set
$lethalisMoney to true>><<set $lethaliscontract1 to
"forged">><<set $pactforged += 1>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>Zenaida purses
her lips. “Three thousand each is what I promised,” she says after a
moment. “In addition to the two hundred and fifty I have already given
you. This is a hefty sum—”
“And it sounds like you may need us more than we need you,” you
interrupt. “I’m happy to find my own way. But you… I’m not so sure
about.”
You smile, careful to hide the twisted doubt you feel in the pit of your
stomach. Demanding a higher fee is a risk. But judging from Nova’s
outburst, you are certain that Zenaida is in a position where she must
do anything to get you onboard her ship.
Zenaida frowns, her brows drawing together in a dark scowl. “Very well,”
she says coldly. “Six thousand each. But we will not agree to more than
that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you reply.
“Come, then,” she says. “We must make haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You blurt the
words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better. You don’t
like it, but at this point, what can you do? Willingly working for a
group of Guild mages is the last thing you want to do. But if Zenaida
pays you handsomely for it, if you get the three thousand she promised,
it may be worth it. And considering Rona has done its best to kill you
multiple times over, you’d rather take your chances with the mage than
risk another week in the city.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. He shoots you a glare. You
shrug and spread your hands. If you don’t have a choice, neither does
he.
“I knew you wouldn’t be so foolhardy as to sacrifice your lives merely
to spite me and mine,” Zenaida says. Her lips turn upwards in a
satisfied smile.
Aeran scoffs and looks away.
Zenaida ignores him. “You may be contracted to the Guild,” she
continues, “but I promise you, it will be more than worth your while—”
“Don’t think too highly of us,” you interrupt. “We care about the crowns
and getting out of Rona. That’s it.”
She pauses, staring at you with narrowed eyes. “Duly noted,” she says
coolly. “Come, then. We must make haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words come out, biting and sarcastic. You’re exhausted, the last
vestiges of your patience spent. She may have saved your life, but only
after she interrupted your fight. You certainly don’t owe her anything.
You turn away from her. “Come on, Aeran,” you grunt. “Leave them be—”
“I don’t believe you are,” Zenaida calls. “Fine on your own, that is.”
You draw to a stop.
“Where have these past six months left you?” she presses. “Without
funds, without resources, without a thing to your name. My people have
followed you from the moment you left the Slippery Weasel, I know what
you faced. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business in
Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident in
Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as you
made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely death
at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>Your desperate path nearly got you
killed tonight. You can leave, Wayfarer. You can turn your back on me
and walk through those gates. But where will you stand when the Seven
learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back. He glares at you, but slows to a
stop. He wrenches himself free from your grasp and rounds on Zenaida.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>She
frowns. “At what cost, Wayfarer $lastname?” she says. “My people have
followed you from the moment you left the Slippery Weasel. Though we
were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you traverse the
city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That business in Flotsam
Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That incident in
Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to you as you
made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a likely death
at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You are desperate to leave Rona and I can offer you
passage. Would you refuse simply because I am a member of the Guild of
Mages? You know as well as I that you can turn your back on me and walk
through those gates, but where will you stand tomorrow when the Seven
learn that you left this villa the night Cere Nalos died?”
Your jaw clenches tight and you slowly turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back. He glares at you, but slows to a
stop. He wrenches himself free from your grasp and rounds on Zenaida.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her and walk away. You grip your sword tight,
unwilling to sheathe it. If she truly means no ill intent, she will let
you go.
Amber light flashes and Malsara materializes in front of you, blocking
your path. “This isn’t a game any of us wish to play, Wayfarer,” she
says coldly.
“Get out of the way,” you grunt.
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls sharply.
Malsara grimaces. Her dark eyes narrow dangerously, amber light swirling
deep within her irises. She doesn’t move.
“You are desperate, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I know you are.
My people have followed you from the moment you left the Slippery
Weasel. Though we were loath to interfere with your work, we watched you
traverse the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is true>>That
business in Flotsam Grove…<<elseif $marshwall is true>>That
incident in Marshwall…<<else>>We saw the fear that clung to
you as you made your way to this villa, knowing you would return to a
likely death at Nalos’ hand.<</if>>”
She pauses. “You have no funds. No resources. Your path today nearly got
you killed. You can remain in this city, but tell me—where will you
stand tomorrow when the Seven learn you left this villa the night Cere
Nalos died?”
You curse under your breath and turn around. Zenaida observes you
calmly, her brown hands clasped tight in front of her. There’s a
self-assurance in her eyes that is impossible to ignore. She is
confident that she will get what she wants, one way or another.
Aeran curses under his breath. He steps forward, a heated response on
his lips. Knowing that any hasty actions could lead to another fight,
you grab his arm and hold him back. He glares at you, but slows to a
stop. He wrenches himself free from your grasp and rounds on Zenaida.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You’re
wasting your time, you know,” he snaps.
“Thank you for your concern, but it is my time to waste if I want to,”
Zenaida replies coolly. She clasps her hands together in front of her
and raises her chin. “When last we spoke, I gave you until dawn to give
me an answer. The sun will soon rise and I believe that my offer is one
you cannot refuse.”
He snorts derisively. He bristles—almost as if he’s about to turn and
walk away—but his eyes linger cautiously on Malsara. You exchange looks;
you’re certain the same thought that occurs to you has occurred to him.
With Malsara’s teleportation powers at play, walking away from Zenaida
prematurely will be no easy feat.
You grit your teeth. After everything that has happened, your mind feels
sluggish as you force yourself to think. Zenaida’s words turn over and
over in your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that a threat?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS
RDEAD 04 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We have no interest in working for
the Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 04 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Pretty strange timing, showing up
when you did. How did you know we were here?”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
04 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
pales and she takes a step back, uncharacteristic shock flashing across
her face. “A threat?” she exclaims, stumbling over her words. “No, no,
of course not—”
Nova cuts across her. “Her Grace only intended to remind you of your
circumstances,” she says. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into this mess,
we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your life. Do you
really think you can make it out of Rona on your own without facing the
consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“Listen to me,” Nova continues. “The death of one of the Seven will not
be taken lightly. They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at
it, your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$advantage to true>>“You would not work for the Guild,” Zenaida
corrects. “You would be working for the Order of Lethalis—”
“What’s the difference?” Aeran snaps. “You’re all mages.”
She sighs wearily, her shoulders sagging. “I’ve heard of your hatred of
the Guild, Wayfarer Kellis,” she say, raising a hand. “But I am asking
you to set it aside for a mutually beneficial—”
Nova groans and tilts her head back, rolling her eyes. “Hell and
starfire,” she curses. “Listen! You don’t want to be here. I don’t want
to be here. None of this would happen if Lethalis didn’t need you so
badly—”
<i>“Nova.”</i> Zenaida turns to her, a warning look in her
eye.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
<i>If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…</i>
Zenaida followed you here because she needs you. Desperately. And she
must not be prepared to leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
“Listen to me,” Nova snaps. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into this
mess, we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your life. Do
you really think you can make it out of Rona on your own without facing
the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“The death of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she
continues. “They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at it,
your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“As
I said, my people were watching you,” Zenaida replies. “Malsara is an
excellent tracker—it is one of her many talents.”
You swallow an uncomfortable lump in your throat and glance at Malsara.
She shrugs, unbothered by your stare.
<<if $perception >=8>>How did you not notice her? If what
Zenaida says is true, there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<<else>>You’re not the most observant person
around, but even you should have noticed if you were being followed all
day. But there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<</if>> Did she watch you wherever you went?
<<if $flotsamgrove is true>>Did she follow you into Flotsam
Grove?<<elseif $marshwall is true>>Did she follow you to
Marshwall?<<else>>Follow you across Rona, judging your
investigation every step of the way?<</if>> Zenaida and Nova
may be Savants of the Guild, but you know without question that Malsara
is the most dangerous of the three.
She could be a problem.
“If you were going to all that effort,” Aeran says heatedly, “we could
have used your help—”
“Your business was none of my concern,” she says coldly. <<if
$mareadead is true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was
quite educational. When I want advice on threatening and killing unarmed
civilians, I will be sure to call on you.”
Your gut twists. Malsara fixes you with a piercing look. Her judgment is
impossible to ignore.<<elseif $merchantsThreatened is
true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was quite
educational. When I want advice on harassing merchants, I will be sure
to call on you.”
You sigh wearily, a retort dying on your lips. You’re far too exhausted
to fight her reprimand.<<else>>“Though experiencing your
work firsthand was quite educational.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks, I guess.”<</if>>
“You’ll have to forgive us for the ruse,” Zenaida says. “Our presence
here could prove troubling for the Seven and I ordered her not to reveal
herself unless absolutely necessary. She alerted me when the Count put
you in grave danger and we worked quickly to break through his
security.” She turns to Aeran. “I know this may sound disingenuous, but I
am sorry for what happened to the Brightblade. If I had been faster—”
“Don’t,” he snarls. “I don’t need apologies from a Guild mage.”
Nova lets out an exasperated sigh and steps forward, cutting in front of
Zenaida. “Listen to me,” she snaps. “If you hadn’t gotten yourself into
this mess, we wouldn’t have been forced to kill Nalos to save your
life. Do you really think you can make it out of Rona on your own
without facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. You were fighting for your life; the consequences
hardly matter now.
“The death of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she
continues. “They will avenge their own. No matter how you look at it,
your days in Rona are numbered.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
05 A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Long enough to find a ship and get
out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. As much as you hate to admit it, she
has a point.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
think you can predict her actions after a single encounter?” Zenaida
asks. “Anselma Malley values one thing above all else—stability. She may
not have cared for Cere Nalos, but she cares a great deal about
maintaining order within Rona. His death proves that even the most
untouchable of the Seven can be eliminated. I know without question that
if you remain, she will seek you out to show Rona what happens to those
who dare to upend the order she so carefully maintains.”
Your gut twists. You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Though you know
this woman is doing everything in her power to convince you she is no
threat to you, you can’t shake the feeling that she may be right.
The Count is dead and you are free from him, but that may have only
brought you a host of new problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gold <=299>>“With what coin?” Zenaida counters. “Even if you
did find the means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board? How many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating
vital infrastructure in the middle of your
voyage?”<<else>>“How?” Zenaida asks. “Even if you have the
means, how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on board? How
many captains are willing to risk your abilities negating vital
infrastructure in the middle of your voyage?”<</if>>
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking essential
enchantments. And sneaking onboard to stow away comes with its own host
of problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
let out an exhausted sigh. “Have I mentioned that I hate this city?”
Aeran grunts. Judging from his scowl and noncommittal silence, he must
have come to the same conclusion as you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCKS RDEAD
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
exhales sharply and curses. “Doesn’t matter what you say,” he says
flatly after a moment. “The answer’s still no.”
“And what of Wayfarer $lastname?” she calls. “Does $hisher opinion on
the matter have no importance to you?”
He glares at her. You see the tension in his shoulders and in the way he
carries himself. For a moment, it seems like he is about to leave you
here and walk away, but then he turns around and looks at you. You see
the silent plea in his expression, the wordless request to walk away
from here and accept the hand you’ve been dealt. But he knows, just as
well as you, that your actions here tonight have changed things
irrevocably. You can continue to struggle on your own, or you can accept
the offer and escape Rona freely tonight.
“Wayfarer $lastname?” Zenaida presses. “Will you reconsider my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $advantage is true>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK RALIVE FORGE 01">1. [ <i
class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Yes. But only
for double the price.”</a><<else>><s>1. [ <i
class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 FB1 ZDOCK
RALIVE FORGE 02">2. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Looks like we don’t have a
choice.” </a></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$master is "Cenric">><div
class="blackout-opacity"><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A bearded face appears above $himher, a familiar scowl creasing its
brow. “Is that it?” Cenric grunts. “Do you give up that easily?”
“I'm trying!” The $child knocks the butt of the staff out of $hisher
face. “I am!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Cenric’s
expression softens. “I know, kid,” he says. He pulls the staff away and
squats down, offering a hand to pull $himher up. “Maybe we need a break,
return to this some other day. Devrian Thornbird’s bestiary is feeling a
little neglected—”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No!”
Cenric chuckles, rising. “All right. Let’s try again.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child grumbles and
picks up $hisher own staff. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe twirl<<else>>$HeShe
twirls<</if>> it back and forth in an excited, but
ineffective pattern. “You said that on purpose.”
Cenric raises an eyebrow. “Said what, little one?”
The $child whirls the staff in large, wild circles. “Don’t call me
little—!”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Suddenly, the staff
hurtles out of $hisher hands. It bounces on the cobblestones and rolls
across the courtyard to rest at Cenric’s feet. The $child falls silent,
flushing in embarrassment, and thrusts $hisher hands behind $hisher
back, hanging $hisher head.
Cenric stoops and picks up the staff. “Point taken,” he says. “I promise
I won’t call you little.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child exhales a sharp
breath, glancing up at him from $hisher bowed head. “I won’t be little
forever,” <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
grumble<<else>>$heshe grumbles<</if>>. “Just
wait… a few years. I’ll be taller than you, I’m sure of it.”
<<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>He smiles. “We’ll see,” he
says. “But while we’re waiting to find out, your forms could use some
work.”<<else>>He smiles. “Of that I have no doubt,” he says.
“But while we’re waiting for your inevitable growth spurt, your forms
could use some work.”<</if>> He proffers the staff, holding
it out for the $child to take.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child wavers, chewing
$hisher lower lip. “I can’t.”
“Oh?”
The $child looks away, shifting $hisher weight from side to side. “I’m
bad at it.”
Cenric lowers the staff. “How long have you been practicing?” he asks.
“A week.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“A week,” he repeats.
“Seven days. And how long do you think I’ve been practicing?”
The $child shrugs. “I don’t know. A long time.”
“Try.”
The $child raises $hisher head, squinting at Cenric’s worn and weathered
face. “A long, long time,” <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Two hundred years,”
Cenric says. “Give or take.” He raps the butt of the staff on the
cobblestones. “I’ve spent more years than a human, elf or aeda’s
lifetime training and I still learn something new every time I pick up
my weapon. You’re ready to give up because you’re not perfect after just
seven days? You think you can learn everything there is to know in
seven days?”
“I…” The $child shakes $hisher head.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Not even Sero can achieve
that, though I’m sure the Grandmaster has tried,” Cenric adds. He
proffers the staff again. “It may take you months. It may take you
years. But you won’t learn if you don’t try.”
The $child reaches out and gingerly takes the staff. “But what if I
can’t?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“You’re not asking the
right question,” he replies. “Ask yourself this—what if you can?” He
steps forward, placing a hand on the $child’s shoulder. “To protect
others, I first must protect myself.”
It sounds like a recitation, but there is such a sincerity to the way he
says it that there is no doubt he believes it.
“The world outside the Spire is dangerous. You’ve seen that for
yourself, $firstname. If you are to pursue the life of a Wayfarer and
all that comes with it, you must first learn to defend yourself.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>He taps two fingers
against $hisher chest, above $hisher heart. “Your life comes first—or
you won’t be of any help to those you want to help.”
The $child nods, $hisher hands tightening on the staff. A grim
determination flashes in their eyes. “Okay,” <<if $pronounsPlural
is true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>.
Cenric steps back and falls into an offensive stance. “Good,” he says.
“Shall we try again?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT 1-ROUTE
B">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote></div><<elseif
$master is "Varyn">><div
class="blackout-opacity"><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A pale face framed with a burst of red-gold hair appears above $himher,
bright eyes shining. “You’ve lost your focus.” Varyn says. “Find it. Try
again.”
“I am!” The $child knocks the butt of the staff out of $hisher face. “I
am trying!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Varyn
sighs. She withdraws the staff and sets it down gently on the
cobblestones. She gracefully sinks into a sitting position beside
$himher, hands resting on her knees, heels tucked behind her. “I believe
you,” she says. “But I also know you have been distraught of late. Do
you wish to speak of it?”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No.”
Varyn observes $himher, an unreadable expression on her face. Then she
quietly picks up the $child’s fallen staff and extends it out, offering
it to $himher. “Very well,” she says. “Then we shall try again.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child takes the
staff, holding it uncertainly in $hisher hands, chewing $hisher lower
lip. “I… can’t.”
Varyn raises an eyebrow. “Why not?”
“Can we do something else?” the $child asks. “Master Varyn, please—”
“I’ll consider it,” Varyn replies. “But only if you can give me a good
reason why you should skip yet another day of training.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child wavers,
shifting $hisher weight to and fro. “I… I don’t want to,” <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe say<<else>>$heshe
says<</if>>, head lowered. $HeShe can’t meet Varyn’s eyes.
“I’m bad at it.”
Varyn smiles. “An honest answer,” she says. She steps back, taps the
butt of her staff into the ground, and falls into a stance. “I
appreciate that, $firstname. But not enough to excuse you. Let us review
your forms—slowly, this time. Follow.”
She waits, the staff balanced expertly in her hands.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Grumbling, the $child
copies her stance. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
waver<<else>>$HeShe wavers<</if>>, holding the
staff awkwardly in $hisher hands.
“Breathe,” Varyn says. “Close your eyes.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child does as
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
are<<else>>$heshe’s<</if>> asked. A few moments
of silence pass; the only sound the quiet, slow breaths of Varyn and her
apprentice. The $child cracks open an eye and squints at $hisher
master. Varyn’s eyes are closed.
“Now move,” she commands. “Slowly. I am not watching, I am not judging.
Follow the memory of what I have taught.”
The $child quickly closes $hisher eyes and falls back into $hisher
stance.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Concentrate on the flow
of one movement to the next.”
They follow the sequence, eyes closed. The $child teeters, off-balance,
but follows through, eyes squeezed shut. The movements are easier this
time.
“Your failures are not unimportant, $firstname,” Varyn says. “You have
failed now and you will fail again. There is no shame in it.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“But I should be better
than this,” the $child says, $hisher staff nearly slipping from $hisher
grip.
“It has been a week since we began your training,” Varyn replies. “You
cannot learn everything there is to know in only seven days.”
“Aeran can.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“He has his weaknesses,
too,” she says firmly. “Do not compare yourselves; the only person whose
progress you should concern yourself with is your own. Your training is
not a competition between you and Aeran—it is a competition with
yourself. Every day, you learn more. Every day, you become more
practiced. There are no prodigies here. There are only those who hone
their skills—and those who resign.”
The sequence comes to an end. The $child opens $hisher eyes to find
Varyn looking at $himher.
“Do you resign?” she asks.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child shakes $hisher
head.
“Then we shall practice it again,” Varyn says. “This is the beginning of
all you will learn. Your focus must be on you and you alone. You cannot
protect others if you cannot first protect yourself.”
The $child nods.
Varyn smiles. “Then follow. Eyes open this time.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT 1-ROUTE
B">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote></div><<else>><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>The cobblestones are
hard and uneven against the $child’s back, the butt of a staff resting
inches from $hisher nose. The $child stares at it, nearly going
cross-eyed as <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
focus<<else>>$heshe focuses<</if>> on the
miniscule dents in the wood.
A dark face framed with greying locked hair appears above $himher, brown
eyes observing $himher shrewdly. “You’re playacting,” Sero says, “and
you’re not doing a very convincing job. Put some effort into it.”
“I am!” <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
knock<<else>>$HeShe knocks<</if>> the butt of
the staff out of $hisher face. “I am trying!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero
withdraws, brown eyes sparkling, an amused smile on their face. “Good,”
they say, tapping the butt of the staff on the ground. “Now get up and
pretend you’re putting in that much effort. Maybe you’ll discover
something useful.”
The $child sits up and scrambles to $hisher feet. “No.”
Sero pauses, eyebrow raised. “No?” they ask.
The $child shakes $hisher head. “No.”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero sighs. “Shame,” they
say, twirling their staff. They move it back and forth in a complex
sequence. The $child watches, interest and envy in $hisher eyes. “Here I
thought I had taken the most promising apprentice in twenty years under
my wing, but a week later and already <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe want<<else>>$heshe
wants<</if>> to leave! How embarrassing. Cenric’s going to
revel in this. Oh, joy.”
The $child folds $hisher arms. “I didn’t say I want to leave!”
“Didn’t you?” Sero draws to a stop, staff levelled at the $child. They
gently tap the $child’s sternum with the butt of the staff. “You said
you don’t want to learn.”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“I didn’t!”
“Isn’t that what you meant by ‘no?’”
“No! I—” The $child pauses, lost for words. “I don’t want to leave, I
want to learn! I want to do this, I can do this!”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero scoops up $hisher
fallen staff and tosses it to $himher. The $child catches it; <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe waver<<else>>$heshe
wavers<</if>>, unsteady, then <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>find<<else>>finds<</if>> $hisher
balance. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
glance<<else>>$HeShe glances<</if>> at $hisher
master, meeting their eyes.
“Good,” they say, dropping into an offensive stance. “Then show me.”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The $child
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>hurls
$himself<<else>>hurls $himself<</if>> at Sero,
striking with sloppy, unpracticed attacks. With each strike, Sero steps
back, moving effortlessly out of the way at the last second. The $child
grunts, frustrated with $hisher lack of skill and practice, and doubles
$hisher efforts. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
pursue<<else>>$HeShe pursues<</if>> them around
and around the courtyard, desperately trying to land a hit.
Each time <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
strike<<else>>$heshe strikes<</if>>, Sero smiles
and steps out of the way.
And each time Sero steps out of the way, <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe double<<else>>$heshe
doubles<</if>> $hisher efforts.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Finally, panting, sweating
and exhausted, the $child leaps forward, brashly swinging $hisher
staff—
Sero steps out of the way and, for the first time, thrusts forward with
their staff, tapping the $child on the arm.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“You're out,” Sero says.
The $child skids to a halt and lowers $hisher staff.
“…but it was better than not trying at all,” they add.
“…better?” the $child grunts, irritated at $hisher failure. “I wasn’t
any better than the first time—”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“I think
you’ve finally learned something,” Sero continues. “Perhaps you aren’t a
complete loss after all.”
“Complete—what?” The $child throws down $hisher staff, raises $hisher
head—and pauses.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Sero is laughing. A
full-bodied, hands-on-knees, can’t quite breathe kind of laugh.
“Ugh,” the $child says, watching $hisher master laugh themself to
oblivion.
“Ugh, indeed,” Sero says, straightening. “You understand what happened
there, yes?”
“Yeah.” The $child makes a face. “You tricked me into… this!”
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>>
<<ctpNext clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>“Into
training? Yes.” Sero rests a hand on the $child’s shoulder. “You are at
the beginning of your journey, $firstname. Don’t throw away your
potential because you believe it’s too difficult. Before you can tackle
what waits for you in the world beyond, you must first learn to defend
yourself. And that lesson, apprentice, begins here.”
The $child nods, gripping $hisher staff.
“Now,” Sero continues, stepping back. They raise their staff. “Shall we
try this again?”
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "POSTBLACKOUT 1-ROUTE
B">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><</if>><<if
$poisoned>><<notify 3000>>Wayfarer Tenet
Unlocked<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>Status:
Recovering<</notify>><</timed>>
<<timed 10s>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 B START
SHIP">><</timed>><<poisonedOff>>
<<else>><<notify 3000>>Wayfarer Tenet
Unlocked<</notify>>
<<timed 5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Recovering<</notify>><</timed>>
<<timed 10s>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 B START
SHIP">><</timed>><</if>>The
hallway reaches the centre of the mansion and opens into a wide, sunken
courtyard. Grand archways hung with red and gold drapes line the
perimeter of the ground level. Elegant, white columns support a
second-floor balcony. Between them, a line of shallow steps lead down to
the level below. Ornamental flowers and leafy greenery rest in the
corners, strung with floating lanterns that cast an even light
throughout the space. The floor is tiled with colourful mosaics,
creating a pattern of geometric lines that lead toward a large, oval
pool that is the courtyard’s focal point.
A circular island of white marble sits in the centre of the pool,
supporting a small garden of vibrant plants. Steps on the opposite side
descend into the deep turquoise waters and disappear from view. It’s
impossible to tell how deep the pool goes.
The Count lounges on a white divan near the pool. He watches you
approach with an enigmatic smirk on his lips and he absently twines his
fingers together.
“Enjoying the change of scenery?” he says, noting your gaze as you cast
an eye around the courtyard. “Or are you searching for the most
convenient exit?”
You grit your teeth as your gut twists. Now that you’re further into the
Count’s clutches, you’re even more on edge. It’s becoming impossible to
hide your tension.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Excuse the habit, it’s a difficult one to
break. I’d hate to insult our esteemed host.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 03
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ALT 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…nice house.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
03 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ALT 03 D]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head and laughs. “Esteemed?” he says. “Perhaps you are
taking a greater liking to me than you thought.”
You smile tightly. “Am I? Poor choice of words, then.”
“Are you certain of that?” he says. His red eyes gleam. “You entered
here of your own volition.”
You press a hand against your neck. Your skin is still tender and the
marks his nails left on you sting vibrantly. “After you threatened me,”
you retort.
He arches an eyebrow. “A reminder of your place, Wayfarer,” he says
coolly. “A true threat would have put you in… shall we say… a less than
desirable condition.” <<if $poisoned is true or $health is
"injured">>His eyes glance over you. “Though I suppose your
adventures today have left you quite ragged.”<</if>>
“What do you want?” Aeran snaps. “What is this about?”
A dissatisfied scowl crosses the Count’s face. “Do not make demands of
me, Kellis,” he says, rising from the divan and drawing himself to his
full, towering height. “Your talents are commonplace and amount to very
little and you are as dull and tawdry as an Arsenian notary. My interest
is in $lastname, not you. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe are<<else>>$HeShe is<</if>>
the only reason you continue to draw breath.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He exchanges looks with
you, dread in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “Such a rush, $lastname!” he says. One hand taps against the
edge of the divan, his long fingernails scraping the fabric. “Are you
not tired? Surely you have thought of some respite after your efforts
tonight. Not well-earned, perhaps, but there is no need to shorten this
moment.”
A chill runs down your spine. “I don’t need a respite, I need to know
what you want. What did you mean by extending our partnership?”
“In due course, $lastname, in due course,” he says, his eyes gleaming.
<<if $ancestry is "human">>“How very human of
you.<<elseif $ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your
dwarven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike
your elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps
there is more human in you than melusine.<<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>“How very like your aeda kin.<</if>> Or
perhaps it is merely the way of the young.”
“Look,” Aeran interrupts hotly, “if you don’t tell us what this is
about—”
A dissatisfied scowl crosses the Count’s face. “Do not make demands of
me, Kellis,” he says, rising from the divan and drawing himself to his
full, towering height. “Your talents are commonplace and amount to very
little and you are as dull and tawdry as an Arsenian notary. My interest
is in $lastname, not you. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe are<<else>>$HeShe is<</if>>
the only reason you continue to draw breath.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He exchanges looks with
you, dread in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head and laughs.
You exchange harried looks with Aeran and you hear Rhodarth sigh wearily
behind you. When you glance over your shoulder at him, he ignores you
and stares directly at the Count, his expression as cold as stone. His
fingers grasp his spear so tightly his knuckles pale.
“Your propensity for such crude remarks is truly fascinating,
$lastname,” the Count says.
“Not sure what you mean by crude,” you reply flatly. “Though I’m sure I
can think of something.”
“That won’t be necessary,” he says, waving a hand nonchalantly. “Though I
do rather enjoy your way with words. It’s quite amusing. And I can
always do with further amusement.”
A chill runs down your spine. Aeran stirs restlessly beside you. He
stops himself from reaching for his bow and clenches his hand into a
fist.
“Then what do you want?” you say quickly. “What did you mean by
extending our partnership?”
“In due course, $lastname, in due course,” he says, his eyes gleaming.
<<if $ancestry is "human">>“How very human of
you.<<elseif $ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your
dwarven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike
your elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps
there is more human in you than melusine.<<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>“How very like your aeda kin.<</if>> Or
perhaps it is merely the way of the young.”
“Look,” Aeran interrupts hotly, “if you don’t tell us what this is
about—”
A dissatisfied scowl crosses the Count’s face. “Do not make demands of
me, Kellis,” he says, rising from the divan and drawing himself to his
full, towering height. “Your talents are commonplace and amount to very
little and you are as dull and tawdry as an Arsenian notary. My interest
is in $lastname, not you. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe are<<else>>$HeShe is<</if>>
the only reason you continue to draw breath.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He exchanges looks with
you, dread in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count <i>tsks.</i> His tilts his head and his eyes sweep
over you. “How disappointing,” he murmurs. “Where is that wondrous wit
of yours?”
“I’m not here to play games,” you say flatly. “You want to talk? Let’s
talk. What did you mean by extending our partnership?”
“In due course, $lastname, in due course,” he says, his eyes gleaming.
<<if $ancestry is "human">>“How very human of
you.<<elseif $ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your
dwarven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike
your elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps
there is more human in you than melusine.<<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>“How very like your aeda kin.<</if>> Or
perhaps it is merely the way of the young.”
“Look,” Aeran interrupts hotly, “if you don’t tell us what this is
about—”
A dissatisfied scowl crosses the Count’s face. “Do not make demands of
me, Kellis,” he says, rising from the divan and drawing himself to his
full, towering height. “Your talents are commonplace and amount to very
little and you are as dull and tawdry as an Arsenian notary. My interest
is in $lastname, not you. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe are<<else>>$HeShe is<</if>>
the only reason you continue to draw breath.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He exchanges looks with
you, dread in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count turns to you, his red eyes seeking yours. He quietly walks
towards you, his sheer robe flowing around him, the hem rasping against
the tiles as he moves. “Despite your phenomenal failure today, it is
rare to meet a mercenary of your calibre,” he says. “Extraordinary
individuals are difficult to come by. Fortunately, I have always had a
talent for seeking them out and utilizing them to the best of their
abilities… even when it takes some time to reshape them into their ideal
self.”
He looms nearer. You stand rooted to the spot and fight the urge to back
away. Cere Nalos is, as he has always been, unpredictable and
dangerous. The best you can do right now is to stay put and let him
speak.
“When I first contracted you, I did so out of curiosity,” he continues.
“I know your order by reputation, but I had yet to see its work
firsthand. You came to me, desperate and willing, with lofty promises
and a steadfast faith in your talents. You said you could find my
chalice and return it to me within a week. Imagine my disappointment
tonight when I discovered the falsity of your promises.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t need to imagine. I have a pretty good
idea.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 05 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ALT 05 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “Yes,” he breathes. “I gather you have an extensive
imagination.”
“If only you knew.”
“Perhaps I will discover it for myself.”
“You can try.”
He slows to a halt a few paces in front of you, his gaze lingering on
you. His lips twist into a cruel smile. “And so you continue to
fascinate me, $lastname,” he continues. “One of the last remaining
Wayfarers, in my grasp… To punish you now would be a hasty decision,
born from anger. Perhaps the hunt for an ancient artefact was not a good
use of your skills. Why dispose of you when I can put you to good use? I
can foresee many areas where I can correct that mistake.”
You clench your jaw and bite back any scathing responses. It takes all
your effort not to curl your hand into a fist and punch him in the face.
If you can just hold out until he finishes his piece, you can maybe
convince him to let you walk free…
“And so I am willing to overlook your failure,” he says. “In exchange
for your <i>permanent</i> service.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
clench your jaw. Your hand curls into a fist at your side, your
fingernails digging deep into your palm.
The Count slows to a halt in front you, his gaze lingering on your hand.
He smirks at your noticeable tension and his lips twist into a cruel
smile. “You continue to fascinate me, $lastname,” he continues. “One of
the last remaining Wayfarers, in my grasp… To punish you now would be a
hasty decision, born from anger. Perhaps the hunt for an ancient
artefact was not a good use of your skills. Why dispose of you when I
can put you to good use? I can foresee many areas where I can correct
that mistake.”
Your hand shakes. It takes all your effort not to punch him in the face.
If you can just hold out until he finishes his piece, you can maybe
convince him to let you walk free…
“And so I am willing to overlook your failure,” he says. “In exchange
for your <i>permanent</i> service.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
stomach drops. You meet the Count’s piercing gaze—you do not dare look
away. Aeran shifts beside you, agitation reeling off of him. You half
expect him to interrupt with a sarcastic remark, but he stays silent.
The Count tilts his chin, his eyes gleaming bright as he waits
expectantly for a reply. You shake yourself and force yourself to speak.
“Permanent?” you say. “I thought you wanted to extend our terms—”
“And that extension will be permanent,” he interrupts coolly. “That is
my offer. Perpetual service to me and me alone. In exchange, I will
forgive your trespasses and bestow upon you the full extent of my
authority. I can give you the wealth and security you will not find
elsewhere.”
You exhale sharply. “Meaning?”
“The world has no need for Wayfarers, $lastname,” he says. “Your order
became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. But I can rectify that. You need only
agree to the terms.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And if I refuse?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 07
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles softly and his eyes sweep over you. There’s an unsettling
hunger in their red gleam. “I wouldn’t, if I were you,” he murmurs. “I
said I have a talent for seeking out and utilizing the extraordinary. As
Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily let such persons go.”
You swallow hard and cast a glance over your shoulder. The mercenary
captain’s expression has turned to stone. He stares at the Count, a
seething look burning in his eyes.
“So I don’t have a choice,” you say finally.
The Count’s lips split into a wide smile. “Of course you do,” he says.
“A choice between life and death. Which do you prefer, Wayfarer? Or is a
life indebted to me so distasteful you would rather perish now, long
before your time?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him. You’re not going to let him
manipulate you any longer.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT REFUSAL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
ACCEPT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and
make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION]
Pretend to accept his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the
villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and make your
escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept
his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and make
your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need is a chance to
get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need
is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you
need is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need
is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles softly and his eyes sweep over you. There’s an unsettling
hunger in their red gleam. “Your silence speaks for itself,” he says.
“Do I take that to mean we are in accordance?”
You grit your teeth, anger flaring in your gut.
“Remember, $lastname,” he murmurs. “Remember that you are in my debt.
You owe me. Think carefully. I would hate for you to do something…” His
eyes flicker to your sword. “…ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him. You’re not going to let him
manipulate you any longer.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT REFUSAL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT
ACCEPT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and
make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION]
Pretend to accept his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the
villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and make your
escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept
his terms. All you need is a chance to get out of the villa and make
your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need is a chance to
get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need
is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you
need is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. All you need
is a chance to get out of the villa and make your escape.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ALT PERS FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze, your upper lip
curling into a sneer. “No,” you bite out. “I won’t.”
Anger burns in his eyes. He lunges at you and you step back, hastily
reaching for your sword. You manage to draw it only a few inches from
its sheathe when he seizes your wrist, twisting it painfully and pulling
it away. You cry out as pain flares through your arm.
The Count wrenches you close, pulling you face-to-face with him.
“Unfortunate you did not come around on your own,” he says. “But perhaps
I can convince you yet. Rhodarth—kill the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$pactforged += 1>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 90)>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze. “Fine,” you say
coldly. “I accept.”
“$firstname—” Aeran begins.
You shoot him a dark look, silencing him. A realization stirs in your
mind. This conversation has been centred on you. The Count has dismissed
Aeran; his dislike for him could not be more tangible. He never said
the terms extended to him—only you.
An idea takes hold. “I have a condition,” you say.
The Count arches an eyebrow. “Oh?” he murmurs, his smile widening. “You
are hardly in a position to negotiate, $lastname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Let Aeran go. He has nothing to do with
this.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 08 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Aeran stays with me. You do not
touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT 08
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$countPersuaded to true>>Your shoulders shake and you fight back
the desperate urge to laugh. You raise your chin defiantly and return
the Count’s gaze. “Fine,” you say coldly. “I accept.”
“$firstname—” Aeran begins.
You shoot him a dark look, silencing him. Anger flashes in his eyes and
he steps back, one hand curling into a fist. With no way to explain your
plan, you can only hope you can talk your way out of this before he
does something stupid.
The Count stares at you, a satisfied smile pulling at his lips. “I knew
you would see reason,” he says. “It would be a grave mistake to refuse.”
“But I have a request.”
His smile vanishes. “You are in no position to make demands,” he says
flatly.
“I am agreeing to a lifetime of servitude,” you counter. “Grant me this
one request. Then you can do what you like with me.”
He chuckles and takes a step towards you. “Go on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [PERSUASION]
“Let Aeran and I go home tonight. Call it a final night before
everything changes.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS 01]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “Let Aeran go. He has
nothing to do with this.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS 02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] “Aeran stays with me.
You do not touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS
03]]</div><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“Let Aeran and I go home tonight. Call it a final night before
everything changes.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS 01]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let Aeran go. He has nothing to do
with this.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS 02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Aeran stays with me. You do not
touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT PERS
03]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze. “I’ll do it,” you
say. “I’ll be your… whatever you want.”
“$firstname—” Aeran begins.
“Shut up, Aeran!” You shoot him a dark look, silencing him. Anger
flashes in his eyes and he steps back, one hand curling into a fist.
With no way to explain your plan, you can only hope you can talk your
way out of this before he does something stupid.
The Count’s laughter echoes across the courtyard.
You turn to him, heart thundering in your chest.
His laughter dies. “Oh, poor child,” he says, his tone flat. “Did you
really think you could fool me like that? It is plain you have no
intention to hold up your side of the bargain. The minute you step foot
beyond my estate—” He lunges at you and seizes your wrist, wrenching it
away from your sword hilt. “—you plan to run, don’t you?”
He twists your wrist. You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
“Enough,” he hisses, his voice low. “Rhodarth—kill the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT ACCEPT TERMS")>><<set
$pactbroken += 1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-handshake-slash"></i> Pact
Broken<</notify>><</if>><<set
$CountB_Branch2 to true>><<set $rhodarthOath to
0>>Aeran lunges across the courtyard. He skirts the edge of the
pool, his hands fumbling with his bow. Rhodarth watches him with
narrowed eyes, his expression growing darker by the second. He grasps
his spear and lowers it. The weapon glitters in the lantern light as he
takes a step towards Aeran.
“You sure you want to do this, Rho?” Aeran calls, pulling an arrow from
his quiver. “I know your weak points.”
Rhodarth doesn’t answer. His body tenses, ready to thrust the spear
forward, but he stops himself. He hesitates, his yellow eyes flickering
from Aeran to the Count.
Suddenly, he curses and spins around, turning his back on Aeran. He
charges across the courtyard towards the Count, raises his spear, and
throws it with all his might.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN THREATENED
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Let
him go?” A chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat. He tilts his
head, studying you with a gleeful eagerness. “I am amenable to such a
request. After all, it is simple to arrange. Rhodarth—kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting around and hastily reaching for
your sword. You manage to draw it only a few inches from its sheathe
when the Count lunges at you and seizes your wrist. He twists it
painfully and wrenches your hand away from your sword hilt.
You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count throws his head back and laughs. “Unfortunate, I have no interest
in him,” he says. “Your companion will only be a thorn in your side. It
is best we be rid of him. Rhodarth—kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting around and hastily reaching for
your sword. You manage to draw it only a few inches from its sheathe
when the Count lunges at you and seizes your wrist. He twists it
painfully and wrenches your hand away from your sword hilt.
You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>The
Count fixes you with an unblinking stare, his expression as still as
stone. Seconds pass. Your heart pounds in your chest. The thunderous
beat shakes your whole body as he stares you down.
Slowly, a deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat. His lip curls
into a wide smile and cold laughter rings out across the courtyard.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“Oh, you have a flare for the
dramatic to rival a Velantian playwright,” he says. “A final night to
share with your lover…”
Your breath hitches in your throat. You can’t look at Aeran.
“But I am not so easily fooled,” the Count finishes and his voice turns
to ice.<<else>>“You think I am so easily fooled, $lastname?”
he says, his eyes glinting dangerously. “You have imprudently
underestimated me.”<</if>>
He lunges at you. You spin away, hurriedly reaching for your sword.
You’ve barely drawn the blade when his fingers close around your wrist.
He twists it painfully, wrenching your hand away from your sword hilt.
You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
“You know as well as I that the moment you leave this villa is the
moment you run,” he hisses. You grunt, struggling against him, but he
pulls you in and pins your arms to your sides. “You cannot escape so
easily, $lastname. Shall I remind you who is in power here?” He pauses
and raises his head, looking out across the courtyard. “Rhodarth! Kill
the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>The
Count fixes you with an unblinking stare, his expression as still as
stone. Seconds pass. Your heart pounds in your chest. The thunderous
beat shakes your whole body as he stares you down.
Slowly, a deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat. His lip curls
into a wide smile and cold laughter rings out across the courtyard.
“Let him go?” he says, tilting his head as he studies you with a
gleeful eagerness. “I am amenable to such a request. After all, it is
simple to arrange. Rhodarth—kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting around and hastily reaching for
your sword. You manage to draw it only a few inches from its sheathe
when the Count lunges at you and seizes your wrist. He twists it
painfully and wrenches your hand away from your sword hilt.
You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>The
Count fixes you with an unblinking stare, his expression as still as
stone. Seconds pass. Your heart pounds in your chest. The thunderous
beat shakes your whole body as he stares you down.
Slowly, a deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat. His lip curls
into a wide smile and cold laughter rings out across the courtyard.
“Unfortunate, I have no interest in him,” he says. “Your companion will
only be a thorn in your side. It is best we be rid of him. Rhodarth—kill
him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting around and hastily reaching for
your sword. You manage to draw it only a few inches from its sheathe
when the Count lunges at you and seizes your wrist. He twists it
painfully and wrenches your hand away from your sword hilt.
You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count shoves you aside. You stagger away, stumbling towards the pool
and catch yourself before you teeter off the edge. You recover your
balance and whirl around. The Count’s hands are raised, a glowing
barrier conjured between them. The silver spear lies caught within it,
the sharp point inches from the Count’s face.
Rhodarth stands several paces away, one hand still raised. He breathes
heavily and his yellow eyes are fixed on the Count.
“A very poor decision, Rhodarth,” he murmurs. “A very poor decision
indeed.”
Rhodarth’s knees buckle and he collapses to the ground, one hand
clutching at his chest. The Count wrenches his hands apart and the
barrier flickers out of existence. The silver spear clatters to the
ground. The Count sweeps past it, bends over, and grasps Rhodarth by the
chin.
“You think you can breach a blood oath so easily?” he murmurs. “Then
suffer the pain of your own violation.”
Rhodarth spits in his face.
The Count chuckles coldly. “I admit, I am hurt by such shameless
defiance. Whatever shall I do with you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack the Count while he’s
distracted.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
WAIT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
wordless shout rips from your throat and you sprint across the
courtyard. Your feet nearly slip out from under you on the slick tile as
you run. You skid across the floor and slam into the Count. He drops
Rhodarth and flies back. The mercenary captain crumples to the ground
and lies still.
You stagger to a stop and whirl around, your sword flashing silver in
the lantern light. The Count teeters on the edge of the pool, fighting
to keep his balance. He drops to one knee and raises his head, a snarl
on his lips. He throws out a hand, his long fingers curling into a claw,
and mist fuzzes around his palm. Seconds later, a sword materializes in
his hand. It is a long, unearthly thing with a jagged edge, dripping
with mist. It looks as though it was carved from the bones of some
monstrous, underwater beast. Just looking at it sends shivers coursing
down your spine.
“So that is how it will be, $lastname,” he sneers. “Very well. I will
enjoy this—”
An arrow cuts through the air, clipping the Count’s shoulder as he dives
out of the way. Blood oozes from the wound, staining his sleeve dark
red. He snarls and glances across the courtyard. You follow his gaze and
see Aeran pedal backwards, reaching into his quiver as he sprints for a
better position.
The Count pauses and lowers his sword, the tip of his blade scoring the
mosaics at his feet. He tilts his head and his long crimson hair ripples
down his back as he looks from you to Aeran and back again.
Your heart thunders in your chest and your fingers press tightly into
your sword hilt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Lunge at him.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
LUNGE][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Defend Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
DEFEND][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait for him to make his
move.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>An arrow cuts through the air,
gashing the Count’s cheek as it flies by. It strikes a nearby column,
bounces off the mosaics, and clatters uselessly to the floor. The Count
raises his head, his eyes searching the courtyard for Aeran. He smiles,
his fangs shining brilliantly white, and rises to his feet. He presses a
hand to his cheek and withdraws it, examining the blood on his fingers
with a curious look. He //tsks// under his breath and stoops to pick up
the fallen arrow.
“I heard you never miss your marks, Kellis,” he says, turning the arrow
leisurely in his hands. He runs a long finger along the arrowhead and
lingers at the bloodied tip. “It appears I have been lied to.”
Rhodarth trembles and shakes on the floor. Sweat beads his forehead and
his breath becomes a rasping wheeze.
“I do not tolerate lies and deceit,” he continues idly, unbothered by
his wound. He casts an eye at Rhodarth and flips the arrow in his hands.
“Fortunately, the one responsible already faces his punishment.”
You grit your teeth and reach for your sword. Aeran slips out between
the columns, another arrow already nocked. His face is ghostly pale in
the lantern light. He raises his bow in an attempt to aim it at the
Count, but hesitates and falls still. His hands are trembling.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Whatever you’re doing to him, stop it,” he says. “Let him go.”
The Count chuckles. “Oh, child, if only it were so easy,” he murmurs.
Suddenly, he drops the arrow and seizes Rhodarth by the throat, dragging
him upwards. The mercenary captain slumps in his hands, groaning in
pain.
“I cannot stop what Rhodarth has begun,” the Count continues. Rhodarth
claws desperately at his arms, but his strength rapidly deteriorates and
soon his hands fall limply to his sides. “It was he who broke the blood
oath and now it will claim his life. He is bound to its laws, just as I
am. His bloodbinding may preserve him for some time, but not even a
powerful magic such as that can stop it.”
<i>Blood oath?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT 02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
follow him down the hall. It opens into a wide, sunken courtyard. Grand
archways hung with red and gold drapes line the perimeter of the ground
level. Elegant, white columns support a second-floor balcony. Between
them, a line of shallow steps lead down to the level below. Ornamental
flowers and leafy greenery rest in the corners, strung with floating
lanterns that cast an even light throughout the space. The floor is
tiled with colourful mosaics, creating a pattern of geometric lines that
point towards the large, oval pool in the middle.
A circular island of white marble sits in the centre of the pool,
supporting a small garden of vibrant plants. Steps on the opposite side
descend into the deep turquoise waters and disappear from view. It’s
impossible to tell how deep the pool goes.
The Count lounges on a white divan near the pool. He watches you
approach with an enigmatic smirk on his lips and he absently twines his
fingers together.
“Enjoying the change of scenery?” he says, noting your gaze as you cast
an eye around the courtyard. “Or are you searching for the most
convenient exit?”
You grit your teeth as your gut twists. Now that you’re further into the
Count’s clutches, you’re even more on edge. It’s becoming impossible to
hide your tension.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Excuse the habit, it’s a difficult one to
break. I hate to insult our esteemed host.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 03
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 03
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…nice house.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 03
C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 1 VM 03
D]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head and laughs. “Esteemed?” he says. “Perhaps you are
taking a greater liking to me than you thought.”
You smile tightly. “Am I? Poor choice of words, then.”
“Are you certain of that?” he says. His red eyes gleam. “You entered
here of your own volition, after all.”
Your mouth runs dry. “I came to be paid.”
He tsks. “Such a rush, $lastname!” he says. One hand taps against the
edge of the divan, his long fingernails scraping the fabric. <<if
$ancestry is "human">>“How very human of you.<<elseif
$ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your dwarven
kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike your
elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps there
is more human in you than melusine.
<<elseif $ancestry is "aeda">>“How very like your aeda
kin.<</if>> Or perhaps it is merely the way of the young. No
matter. You have completed your task and your troubles are over, have
no doubt of that.”
“Then what is there to discuss?” Aeran says hotly. “We did the job—”
“I am not speaking to you, Kellis,” the Count says. He rises from the
divan, drawing himself to his full, towering height. “Your talents are
commonplace and amount to very little and you are as dull and tawdry as
an Arsenian notary. If it were not for your companion here, I would
never entertain the notion of inviting you into my quarters.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He glances at you, dread
in his eyes. Somehow, you’ve managed the impossible.
You’ve impressed the Count. And by doing so, you’ve made matters much
worse for yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “Such a rush, $lastname!” he says. One hand taps against the
edge of the divan, his long fingernails scraping the fabric. “Surely you
have thought of some respite after your efforts tonight. You have more
than earned it.”
A chill runs down your spine. “I don’t need a respite, I just need
payment.”
“In due course, $lastname, in due course,” he says, his eyes gleaming.
<<if $ancestry is "human">>“How very human of
you.<<elseif $ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your
dwarven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike
your elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps
there is more human in you than melusine.
<<elseif $ancestry is "aeda">>“How very like your aeda
kin.<</if>> Or perhaps it is merely the way of the young. No
matter. You have completed your task and your troubles are over, have
no doubt of that.”
“Look,” Aeran interrupts hotly, “we did the job, why can’t you—”
“I am not speaking to you, Kellis,” the Count says. He rises from the
divan, drawing himself to his full, towering height. “Your talents are
commonplace and amount to very little and you are as dull and tawdry as
an Arsenian notary. If it were not for your companion here, I would
never entertain the notion of inviting you into my quarters.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He glances at you, dread
in his eyes. Somehow, you’ve managed the impossible.
You’ve impressed the Count. And by doing so, you’ve made matters much
worse for yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head and laughs. You exchange harried looks with Aeran;
it’s unnerving to see someone like the Count in the throes of laughter.
Rhodarth sighs wearily behind you. When you glance over your shoulder
at him, he ignores you and stares directly at the Count with an
expression as cold as stone. His fingers grasp his spear so tightly his
knuckles pale.
“Your propensity for such crude remarks is truly fascinating,
$lastname,” the Count says.
“Not sure what you mean by crude,” you reply flatly. “Though I’m sure I
can think of something.”
“That won’t be necessary,” he says, waving a hand nonchalantly. “Though I
do rather enjoy your way with words. It’s quite amusing.” He pauses and
smirks. “I could do with further amusement.”
A chill runs down your spine. Aeran stirs restlessly beside you. He
stops himself from reaching for his bow and clenches his hand into a
fist.
“What about our payment?”
He <i>tsks.</i> “Such a rush, $lastname!” he says. One hand
taps against the edge of the divan, his long fingernails scraping the
fabric. <<if $ancestry is "human">>“How very human of
you.<<elseif $ancestry is "dwarven">>“How very unlike your
dwarven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike
your elven kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps
there is more human in you than melusine. <<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>“How very like your aeda kin.<</if>> Or
perhaps it is merely the way of the young. No matter. You have completed
your task and your troubles are over, have no doubt of that.”
“Then what is there to discuss?” Aeran says hotly. “We did the job—”
“I am not speaking to you, Kellis,” the Count says. He rises from the
divan, drawing himself to his full, towering height. “Your talents are
commonplace and amount to very little and you are as dull and tawdry as
an Arsenian notary. If it were not for your companion here, I would
never entertain the notion of inviting you into my quarters.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He glances at you, dread
in his eyes. Somehow, you’ve managed the impossible.
You’ve impressed the Count. And by doing so, you’ve made matters much
worse for yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count <i>tsks.</i> His tilts his head and his eyes sweep
over you. “How disappointing,” he murmurs. “Where is that wondrous wit
of yours?”
“I’m not here to play games,” you say flatly. “I just want to be paid—”
“Such a rush, $lastname!” he says. One hand taps against the edge of the
divan, his long fingernails scraping the fabric. <<if $ancestry
is "human">>“How very human of you.<<elseif $ancestry is
"dwarven">>“How very unlike your dwarven kin!<<elseif
$ancestry is "elven">>“How very unlike your elven
kin!<<elseif $ancestry is "melusine">>“Perhaps there is more
human in you than melusine. <<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>“How very like your aeda kin.<</if>> Or
perhaps it is merely the way of the young. No matter. You have completed
your task and your troubles are over, have no doubt of that.”
“Then what is there to discuss?” Aeran says hotly. “We did the job—”
“I am not speaking to you, Kellis,” the Count says. He rises from the
divan, drawing himself to his full, towering height. “Your talents are
commonplace and amount to very little and you are as dull and tawdry as
an Arsenian notary. If it were not for your companion here, I would
never entertain the notion of inviting you into my quarters.”
Aeran bites back a retort and shuts his mouth. He glances at you, dread
in his eyes. Somehow, you’ve managed the impossible.
You’ve impressed the Count. And by doing so, you’ve made matters much
worse for yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
heart pounds. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you force a smile and
speak. “Then why don’t you tell me why I’m here?”
The Count turns to you, his red eyes seeking yours. The sheer robe flows
around him, the fabric rasping against the mosaic tiles as he walks
slowly towards you. “It is rare to meet a mercenary of your calibre,” he
says, his voice low and steady. “Extraordinary individuals are
difficult to find. Fortunately I have always had a talent for seeking
them out and utilizing them to the best of their abilities.”
He looms nearer. You stand rooted to the spot and fight the urge to back
away. Cere Nalos is, as he has always been, unpredictable and
dangerous. The best you can do right now is to stay put and let him
speak.
“You have impressed me, $lastname,” he says. “More than impressed me. I
could use you again.”
You exhale a sharp breath. “Another contract?” you ask.
He smiles and his fangs glint in the lantern light.
“No,” he says silkily. “I could use you <i>permanently.”</i>
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Humour him. If you play your cards right,
you can still leave here unscathed.|CHAPTER 1 VM 05 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Remind him that you only agreed to
one contract. You want the payment that was promised to you.|CHAPTER 1
VM 05 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re not going to be manipulated
into this. Go for your sword.|CHAPTER 1 VM 05
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
what would that entail?” you ask.
“Your sworn service,” he says. “To me and me alone. Whatever I wish, you
shall fulfill. In return, you are granted anything you could possibly
imagine…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know about that, I can imagine
quite a lot.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 06 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fine the way I am,
thanks.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 06 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Go on.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 06
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
terms of our agreement were for the return of the chalice,” you say
flatly. “I’m not interested in extending it.”
The Count smirks. “You never struck me as a short-sighted being,” he
replies. “I wouldn’t want you to ruin your reputation now.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I want our payment.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 10
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t care what you think, I’m not
here to impress you.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 10 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re not going to fall for that.
Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VM 10
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
fingers close around your sword hilt. Your blade is half-drawn when the
Count lunges for you, closing the distance between you with
extraordinary speed. He seizes your sword arm and twists it back. Pain
flares through your wrist. You grunt, your vision blurring as your eyes
water with tears. He lets go and grabs you by the scruff of your neck,
pulling you close.
“Did I say you have a choice?” he hisses.
His breath whispers across your cheek. You try to look away, but his
hold on you is ironclad. You hear Aeran’s boots clatter against the tile
as he moves into action, but the Count wrenches you away, dragging you
close to the edge of the pool.
“I told you I have a talent for seeking out and utilizing the
extraordinary,” he continues. “As Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily
let such persons go.”
You glance at Rhodarth. His expression turns to stone and a seething
look burns in his eyes. You never did find out how the Count managed to
ensnare him.
“Perhaps in your obstinance, you do not have the capacity to understand
what I am offering you,” the Count says. “In exchange for your sworn
service, I can give you wealth unlike anything you have ever known.
Stability that you would otherwise only dream of. You could leave this
house with your payment intact and be on the first ship out of the
harbour tomorrow morning, but ask yourself this—”
His fingers dig into your skin and you feel a sharp, painful prick as
his nails draw blood.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he hisses.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It cannot give you what I can.”
Your heart thunders in your chest. You can taste bile in your mouth.
“And so, $lastname,” he hisses. “Your answer? Think carefully. I would
hate for you to do something… ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count arches an eyebrow. “I gather you have an
<i>extensive</i> imagination.”
“If only you knew.”
“Perhaps I will discover it for myself.”
“You can try.”
He chuckles. Suddenly, he closes the distance between you, moving far
too fast for you to react. He reaches out and seizes your chin, his eyes
glimmering with a dangerous intensity as he holds you still and tilts
your head to one side. His fingernails scrape your skin.
“You know you deserve more than what this city can offer you,” he says.
“That is why you have fought so hard to leave its borders. Perhaps you
still think you will leave this house with your payment intact and be on
the first ship out of the harbour tomorrow morning. But ask yourself
this—”
He grabs the back of your neck, his fingers deathly cold against your
skin, and pulls you close. You stagger forwards, unwilling to make any
sudden movements. He could kill you in an instant.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he hisses.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It cannot give you what I can.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And what exactly is that?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nice speech, but I’m not interested
in working for you again. Give us our payment.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
smile fades. “I see, once again, you are inclined to obstinance.”
“I am what I am,” you reply bitingly. “If you don’t like it, maybe it’s
better we cut ties.”
“A small price to pay for the greater rewards at stake.”
He moves. He’s far too fast and you barely have time to react before he
closes the distance between you. He reaches out and seizes your chin,
his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity as he holds you still and
tilts your head to one side.
“You turn your nose up in disgust, but it would be unwise not to
reconsider my offer,” he says. His fingers press deep into your skin,
his nails scraping along your jaw. “I’m sure you understand.”
You shiver. A cold knot twists in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I do. But I’m not sure you can afford me
anymore.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 09 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t see how there’s anything in
this for me.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 09
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “So eager!”
You roll your eyes. “Eager for you to get to the point.”
His smirk widens. “There’s the mulishness I have come to appreciate,” he
drawls. “I have always found you amusing. How pleasant it would be if
you could amuse me further.”
A chill creeps down your spine. “Just say what you want to say—”
He closes the distance between you, moving so fast you barely have time
to react. He reaches out and seizes your chin, his eyes glimmering with a
dangerous intensity as he holds you still and tilts your head to one
side. His fingernails scrape your skin.
“You know you deserve more than what this city can offer you,” he says.
“That is why you have fought so hard to leave its borders. Perhaps you
still think you will leave this house with your payment intact and be on
the first ship out of the harbour tomorrow morning. But ask yourself
this—”
He grabs the back of your neck, his fingers deathly cold against your
skin, and pulls you close. You stagger forwards, unwilling to make any
sudden movements. He could kill you in an instant.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he hisses.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It cannot offer you what I can.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And what exactly is that?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nice speech, but I’m not interested
in working for you again. Give us our payment.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Security,”
he says. “Wealth…” He pauses, his upper lip curling into a devious
smile. His eyes flicker over you as he sizes you up. “…and whatever else
you desire.”
Your breath catches in your throat. You hear Aeran move behind you, his
boots clattering against the tiles. The Count wrenches you away,
dragging you to the edge of the pool. His fingers dig into the nape of
your neck and you feel a sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is Aeran included in this
agreement?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 08 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not interested. Give us our
payment.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count <i>tsks.</i> “Oh, poor soul,” he murmurs. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM 09 B")>><<else>>His fingers
dig sharply into the nape of your neck and you feel a sharp prick as his
nails draw blood.<</if>> “Did you think you have a choice? I
said I have a talent seeking out and utilizing the extraordinary. As
Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily let such persons go.”
You glance at Rhodarth. His expression turns to stone and a seething
look burns in his eyes. You never did find out how the Count managed to
ensnare him.
Your neck twinges painfully as the Count wrenches you around, forcing
you to look at him as he pushes you close to the pool’s edge.
“And so, $lastname,” he hisses. “Your answer? Think carefully. I would
hate for you to do something… ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count frowns and an acrid look dampens the gleam in his eye. “If you
wish it,” he says. “I will consider letting you keep your companion.”
Your gut twists.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles. “How amusing, $lastname,” he says. His grip on you tightens.
“How pleasant it would be if you could amuse me further.”
“I’d rather not.”
His eyes narrow. “Oh, you fool,” he sneers. “Did you think you have a
choice? I said I have a talent seeking out and utilizing the
extraordinary. As Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily let such persons
go.”
You glance at Rhodarth. His expression turns to stone and a seething
look burns in his eyes. You never did find out how the Count managed to
ensnare him.
Your chin pangs painfully as the Count wrenches you away, dragging you
to the edge of the pool. His fingers dig into the nape of your neck and
you feel a sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
“And so, $lastname,” he hisses. “Your answer? Think carefully. I would
hate for you to do something… ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Don’t
be a fool, $lastname,” the Count hisses, his eyes gleaming. “You know
there is nothing for you left in the world beyond. It has no need of
Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your order became redundant long
before its fall, and now there is no higher authority to whom you owe
your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored in a world that cast you
out. It cannot offer you what I can.”
He grabs the back of your neck, his fingers deathly cold against your
skin, and pulls you close. You stagger forwards, nearly crashing into
him. “Security,” he continues. “Wealth. Whatever else your heart
desires, you need but name it. Who else has the power to offer you such
things?”
Your breath catches in your throat. You hear Aeran move behind you, his
boots clattering against the tiles. The Count jerks you away, his
fingers digging into the nape of your neck. You feel a sharp prick as
his nails draw blood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is Aeran included in this
agreement?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 08 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not interested. Give us our
payment.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“In
due course, $lastname,” he says. “Take care. Such impatience is far
from charming.”
You grimace, fighting the retort that presses against your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s the last thing I want to
be.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 11 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Our payment. Now.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 11
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t let him get a rise out of
you.|CHAPTER 1 VM 11 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count smirks. “Then you have failed in your undertaking,” he says,
drawing steadily closer. “The more you resist, the more fascinating you
become. Think on it, $lastname. Think on what I can offer you. You could
leave this city with your payment intact, and take the first ship out
of harbour in the morning. But ask yourself this—”
He swiftly closes the distance between you and seizes you by the chin.
His eyes glint with a dangerous intensity as he holds you still and
gently tilts your head to the side. His fingernails scape your skin.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he murmurs.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It does not want you. But I do.”
Your breath catches in your throat. You hear Aeran move behind you, his
boots clattering against the tiles. The Count sneers and grabs you by
the back of your neck and pulls you close. You stagger forwards,
unwilling to make any sudden movements. He could kill you in an instant.
“What say you?” he says. His breath whispers across your cheek. “In
exchange for your sworn service, I can give you whatever your heart
desires. Would you turn down an offer for wealth and security, all so
you can wander the world, starving and alone, until you meet an untimely
end?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah. I would.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 12
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Is Aeran included in this
agreement?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 08
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shrug and fold your arms, returning his look with a stony glare.
The Count’s upper lip curls.
He moves. He’s far too fast and you barely have time to react before he
closes the distance between you and seizes you by the chin. His eyes
glint with a dangerous intensity and he holds you still, tilting your
head to one side. His fingernails scrap your skin.
“You do not understand what I am offering you,” he sneers. “I shall have
to enlighten you. In exchange for your sworn service, I can give you
wealth unlike anything you have ever known. Stability that you would
otherwise only dream of. You could leave this house with your payment
intact and be on the first ship out of the harbour tomorrow morning, but
ask yourself this—”
He grabs the back of your neck, his fingers deathly cold against your
skin, and pulls you close. You stagger forwards, unwilling to make any
sudden movements. He could kill you in an instant.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he hisses.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It cannot give you what I can.”
Your gut twists. You hear Aeran move behind you, his boots clattering
against the tiles. The Count’s fingers dig into the nape of your neck
and he wrenches you away, dragging you to the pool’s edge. You feel a
sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m listening.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 13
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 13
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VM 13
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count moves.
He’s far too fast and you barely have time to react. He closes the
distance between you and seizes you by the chin. His eyes glint with a
dangerous intensity as he holds you still and tilts your head to one
side. His fingernails scrape your skin.
“Perhaps you should reconsider your circumstances,” he murmurs. “Do you
not understand what I am offering you? In exchange for your sworn
service, I can give you wealth unlike anything you have ever known.
Stability that you could otherwise only dream of. You could leave this
house with your payment intact and be on the first ship out of the
harbour tomorrow morning, but ask yourself this—”
He grabs the back of your neck, his fingers deathly cold against your
skin, and pulls you close. You stagger forwards, unwilling to make any
sudden movements. He could kill you in an instant.
“Will the next city be any different than the one you left?” he hisses.
“The world has no need of Wayfarers. It has not for centuries. Your
order became redundant long before its fall, and now there is no higher
authority to whom you owe your life’s work. You are adrift, unanchored
in a world that cast you out. It cannot give you what I can.”
Your gut twists. You hear Aeran move behind you, his boots clattering
against the tiles. The Count’s fingers dig into the nape of your neck
and you feel a sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is Aeran included in this
agreement?”|CHAPTER 1 VM 08 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just give us our payment.”|CHAPTER 1
VM 07 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
smile fades. “Such inclination for obstinance will one day be the end
of you.”
“I am what I am,” you reply bitingly. “If you don’t like it, maybe it’s
better we cut ties.”
“A small price to pay for the greater rewards at stake.”
He moves. He’s far too fast and you barely have time to react before he
closes the distance between you. He reaches out and seizes your chin,
his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity as he holds you still and
tilts your head to one side.
“You turn your nose up in disgust, but it would be unwise not to
reconsider my offer,” he says. His fingers press deep into your skin,
his nails scraping along your jaw. “I’m sure you understand.”
A cold knot twists in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I do. But I’m not sure you can afford me
anymore.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 09 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t see how there’s anything in
this for me.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 09
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent and return the Count’s stare. He observes you coolly, his
red eyes glinting dangerously as he sizes you up.
“Your obstinance will be the end of you some day, $lastname,” he says.
You shrug and fold your arms.
The Count scowls. He hisses and throws out a hand. You tense, your heart
leaping into your throat, half expecting him to attack you—
And then two pouches materialize in his palm in a puff of mist. He waits
for the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM 12 GET
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Three hundred, each,” the Count says.
“Consider our contract concluded.”
You nod. Your fist closes around the pouch, your fingers digging into
the soft fabric.
“It seems inviting you into continued service is a hassle unworthy of my
time,” he continues icily. “You have proven yourself far more trite and
prosaic than I once thought. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Rhodarth seizes your arm and ushers you out of the courtyard, Aeran
following several paces behind. You glance over your shoulder. The Count
watches you coldly, his eyes boring into yours as his face contorts
into a dark scowl.
“Don’t say anything,” Rhodarth hisses as he pushes you down the hall.
“He let you go. Don’t give him a reason to change his mind.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran mutters.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches. He falls silent as he roughly leads you out of
the villa and marches you through the garden and towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GOT PAID LEAVE
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gate opens as you approach, the circular ironwork rolling back to
reveal the road ahead. Rhodarth slows to a halt as you step through. He
leans against the wall, head bowed, the weight of circumstance heavy on
his shoulders.
“I would say that it was nice to see you, Rho,” Aeran begins, “but I
think we’re beyond that—”
“You have no idea how fortunate you are,” he says. “Not many who walk in
here come out unscathed.”
Aeran pauses. He grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “…right,” he
says after a moment. “I’ll keep that in mind. But Rhodarth?”
“Yes?”
“Whatever he has on you,” Aeran continues, “don’t let him use it to keep
you trapped here. You don’t owe this city anything—”
He laughs darkly. “What would you know about the weight of
responsibility, Aeran? You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear
it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth nods. He fixes Aeran with those piercing yellow eyes, watching
him in silence. For a moment, it seems like he is about to say something
else, but he stops himself. The moment passes and his final thought is
left unspoken as you and Aeran walk away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RETURN TO TOWN
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
upper lip curls. “Unfortunate you did not come around on your own,” he
says. “But I suppose it is just as well. Your surrender will be far more
entertaining.”
Your stomach drops.
He tilts his head, holding you still as he studies your face, waiting
with gleeful eagerness for your reaction. “Rhodarth,” he murmurs. “Kill
the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT COUNT TERMS")>><<set
$pactbroken += 1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-handshake-slash"></i> Pact
Broken<</notify>><timed 5s>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<set
$CountB_Branch2 to true>><<set $rhodarthOath to
0>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM 15 A") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM 15 B") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT DELAYED FAIL") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF
1") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF 2")>>Aeran
dives into action and lunges across the courtyard. He skirts the edge of
the pool, his hands fumbling with his bow. Rhodarth watches him with
narrowed eyes, his expression growing darker by the second. He grasps
his spear and lowers it. The weapon glitters in the lantern light as he
takes a step towards Aeran.
“You sure you want to do this, Rho?” Aeran calls, pulling an arrow from
his quiver. “I know your weak points.”
“Shut <i>up,”</i> Rhodarth snarls.
He charges.<<else>>Your stomach drops. You turn and twist
yourself free from the Count. His fingernails slice deep into the nape
of your neck as you pull away, blood trickling down the top of your
spine as you scramble across the tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count lunges at you and seizes you from
behind. He grapples you to him, pinning your arms, and wrenches you
around to watch.
Aeran dives into action and lunges across the courtyard. He skirts the
edge of the pool, his hands fumbling with his bow. Rhodarth watches him
with narrowed eyes, his expression growing darker by the second. He
grasps his spear and lowers it. The weapon glitters in the lantern light
as he takes a step towards Aeran.
“You sure you want to do this, Rho?” Aeran calls, pulling an arrow from
his quiver. “I know your weak points.”
“Shut <i>up,”</i> Rhodarth snarls.
He charges.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN THREAT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Good,”
he murmurs. “I told you I have a talent for seeking out and utilizing
the extraordinary. As Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily let such
persons go.”
You glance at Rhodarth. His expression turns to stone and a seething
look burns in his eyes. You never did find out how the Count managed to
ensnare him.
Your neck twinges painfully as the Count wrenches you away, dragging you
to the edge of the pool. His fingers dig into the nape of your neck and
you feel a sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
“And so, $lastname,” he hisses. “Your answer? Think carefully. I would
hate for you to do something… ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count <i>tsks.</i> “Oh, poor soul,” he murmurs. “Did you
think you have a choice? I said I have a talent seeking out and
utilizing the extraordinary. As Rhodarth can attest, I do not easily let
such persons go.”
You glance at Rhodarth. His expression turns to stone and a seething
look burns in his eyes. You never did find out how the Count managed to
ensnare him.
Your neck twinges painfully as the Count wrenches you away, dragging you
to the edge of the pool. His fingers dig into the nape of your neck and
you feel a sharp prick as his nails draw blood.
“And so, $lastname,” he hisses. “Your answer? Think carefully. I would
hate for you to do something… ill-advised.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse him.|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 REFUSE
HIM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VM ACCEPT
COUNT TERMS">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i>
FORGE PACT] Accept his terms. As he’s made it incredibly clear, you no
longer have a choice.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his
terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM
PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Pretend to accept his terms.
As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as you have a way
out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT PASS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to
accept his terms. As soon as you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER
1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
PASS][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[3. Pretend to accept his terms. As soon as
you have a way out, you’ll take it.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
FAIL][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
clench your jaw and return the Count’s stare. He observes you coolly,
his grip on you tightening as he tries to force an answer from you.
Finally, he sneers and breaks away, placing a hand against your chest
and shoving you backwards. He rounds on you, a hand outstretched, his
fingers curling like claws—
And two pouches materialize in his palm in a puff of mist. He waits for
the mist to disperse, then tosses one pouch to you and the other to
Aeran. You hear the familiar clink of coins within.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM 14 GET
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Three hundred, each,” the Count says.
“Consider our contract concluded.”
You nod. Your fist closes around the pouch, your fingers digging into
the soft fabric. Your heart is pounding.
“It seems inviting you into continued service is a hassle unworthy of my
time,” he continues icily. “You have proven yourself far more trite and
prosaic than I once thought. Rhodarth—escort them out.”
Rhodarth seizes your arm and ushers you out of the courtyard, Aeran
following several paces behind. You glance over your shoulder. The Count
watches you coldly, his eyes boring into yours as his face contorts
into a dark scowl.
“Don’t say anything,” Rhodarth hisses as he pushes you down the hall.
“He let you go. Don’t give him a reason to change his mind.”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran mutters.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches. He falls silent as he roughly leads you out of
the villa and marches you through the garden and towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GOT PAID LEAVE
VILLA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze, your upper lip
curling into a sneer. “No,” you bite out. “I won’t.”
The Count //tsks.// “Unfortunate you did not come around on your own,”
he says. “But I suppose it is just as well. Your surrender will be far
more entertaining.”
Your stomach drops.
He tilts his head, holding you still as he studies your face, waiting
with gleeful eagerness for your reaction. “Rhodarth,” he murmurs. “Kill
the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$pactforged += 1>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 90)>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze, your upper lip
curling into a sneer. “Fine,” you say coldly. “I accept. But I have
conditions.”
He smirks. “Naturally. No contract can be forged without rigorous
negotiations. Perhaps I will be amenable to your request. Name your…”
His eyes flicker over you. <i>“…price.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Let Aeran go. He has nothing to do with
this.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 15 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Aeran stays with me. You do not
touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VM 15
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$countPersuaded to true>>“Fine,” you say, smiling coldly. Your
stomach is in knots, but you force down any outward signs of
apprehension. “I accept.”
The Count smirks. “Naturally,” he says. “It would be a grave mistake to
refuse and you are far too intelligent to make such an error.”
“But I have a request.”
He raises an eyebrow and his smile widens. “Oh? We have barely entered
our agreement and already you are making demands.”
“Considering this is a mutually beneficial arrangement, I expect to be
treated as an equal,” you counter.
“Go on.”
You catch movement in the corner of your eye as Aeran takes a step
towards you. He glares at you, a dark expression contorting his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [PERSUASION]
“I agree to be in your service but I am not at your beck and call. Aeran
and I will go home tonight. Give us our pay. Tomorrow, you can do what
you want with me.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 DELAYED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “Let Aeran go. He has
nothing to do with this.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] “Aeran stays with me.
You do not touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF
2]]</div><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“I agree to be in your service but I am not at your beck and call. Aeran
and I will go home tonight. Give us our pay. Tomorrow, you can do what
you want with me.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 DELAYED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let Aeran go. He has nothing to do
with this.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Aeran stays with me. You do not
touch him.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT 2 INEF
2]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Your
shoulders shake and you fight back the desperate urge to laugh. You
raise your chin defiantly and return the Count’s gaze. “I’ll do it,” you
say. “I’ll be your… whatever you want.”
“$firstname—” Aeran begins.
“Shut up, Aeran!” You shoot him a dark look, silencing him. Anger
flashes in his eyes and he steps back, one hand curling into a fist.
With no way to explain your plan, you can only hope you can talk your
way out of this before he does something stupid.
The Count’s laughter echoes across the courtyard.
You turn to him, heart thundering in your chest.
His laughter dies. “Oh, poor child,” he says, his tone flat. “Did you
really think you could fool me like that? It is plain you have no
intention to hold up your side of the bargain. The minute you step foot
beyond my estate—” He lunges at you and seizes your wrist, wrenching it
away from your sword hilt. “—you plan to run, don’t you?”
He twists your wrist. You cry out, pain flaring through your arm.
“Enough,” he hisses, his voice low. “Rhodarth—kill the other one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Let
him go?” The Count arches an eyebrow. He holds you still as he studies
your face, a gleeful eagerness shining in his eyes. “A simple
arrangement to be made. Rhodarth, kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting yourself free from the Count. His
fingernails slice deep into the nape of your neck as you pull away,
blood trickling down the top of your spine as you scramble across the
tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count seizes you from behind and grapples
you, holding you to him. He pins your arms and wrenches you around to
watch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count chuckles. “Unfortunately, I have no interest in such a
condition,” he says. “Your companion will only be a thorn in your side.
Rhodarth, kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting yourself free from the Count. His
fingernails slice deep into the nape of your neck as you pull away,
blood trickling down the top of your spine as you scramble across the
tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count seizes you from behind and grapples
you, holding you to him. He pins your arms and wrenches you around to
watch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
words ring across the courtyard only to be met with a cold silence. The
Count fixes you with an unblinking stare, his expression as still as
stone. Seconds pass. Your heart pounds in your chest. The thunderous
beat shakes your whole body as he continues to stare you down.
He does not look away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT DELAYED
PASS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
DELAYED
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>“Let
him go?” the Count murmurs, a dreadful look in his eye. “Such a simple
request. I am certain I can accommodate your demands quite easily.
Rhodarth—kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting yourself free from the Count. His
fingernails slice deep into the nape of your neck as you pull away,
blood trickling down the top of your spine as you scramble across the
tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count seizes you from behind and grapples
you, holding you to him. He pins your arms and wrenches you around to
watch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>The
Count chuckles. “Unfortunately, I have no interest in such a request,”
he says. “Your companion will only be a thorn in your side and I have no
need of him. Rhodarth, kill him.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting yourself free from the Count. His
fingernails slice deep into the nape of your neck as you pull away,
blood trickling down the top of your spine as you scramble across the
tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count seizes you from behind and grapples
you, holding you to him. He pins your arms and wrenches you around to
watch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>The
Count’s lip curls. A deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat.
“And allow you a chance to escape Rona?” he murmurs. “I think not. You
should know I do not suffer such insubordination. Rhodarth—kill the
other one.”
Your stomach drops. You turn, twisting yourself free from the Count. His
fingernails slice deep into the nape of your neck as you pull away,
blood trickling down the top of your spine as you scramble across the
tile.
You don’t make it far. The Count seizes you from behind and grapples
you, holding you to him. He pins your arms and wrenches you around to
watch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>The
Count’s lip curls. A deep chuckle rumbles in the back of his throat.
His fingers dig deep into your skin and his nails slice your skin. A
trickle of sticky blood oozes down the back of your neck. You hold firm
and return his stare, refusing to back down.
“It will be as you wish,” the Count says finally. “Go. Enjoy your last
night of freedom, such as it is.”
He releases you and draws back. Two pouches materialize in his palm in a
puff of mist. He waits for the mist to disperse, then tosses one to you
and the other to Aeran. You catch yours deftly and hear the familiar
clink of coins inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT DELAYED
PASS GET PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>“Three hundred, each,” the Count says.
“Kellis, you may consider our agreement concluded. As for you,
$lastname…” He smirks. “Tomorrow, your life’s course will change. I look
forward to it with great anticipation.”
Your fist closes around the pouch and your fingers dig sharply into the
soft fabric. You can feel the smooth edge of the coins within.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Can’t say the same.”|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT OUT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re on the brink of escape. Don’t
say anything.|CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND ACCEPT
ESCAPE]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count’s smile turns to ice. “Unfortunate,” he murmurs. “For a moment I
thought you and I could be of one mind. Perhaps I must do something to
rectify this… <i>situation.”</i>
He lunges at you. Before you can react, he grapples you and pins your
arms down. He wrenches you around, pulling your head back. He presses
his lips to your ear.
“You will go,” he whispers. “But your companion will not. Rhodarth—kill
him.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM AERAN
THREATENED]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Count sweeps back to the divan and sits down, luxuriously stretching
out as he fixes you with a final stare. There’s a deep-seated hunger in
his eyes. A chill runs down your spine.
“Rhodarth,” he calls without looking at the mercenary captain. “Escort
them out.”
Rhodarth seizes your arm and ushers you out of the courtyard, Aeran
following several paces behind. You glance over your shoulder. The
Count’s smile widens and his eyes bore into yours.
“Take care, $lastname,” he calls. “I would hate for you to go back on
your word.”
You grit your teeth. Rhodarth seizes you by the upper arm and pushes you
down the hall. “Don’t say anything,” he hisses. “Don’t give him a
reason to change his mind—”
“Speaking from experience there, Rho?” Aeran mutters.
Rhodarth’s jaw clenches. He falls silent as he leads you out of the
villa and marches you through the garden and towards the gate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 GOT PAID LEAVE VILLA ALT
VERSION]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gate opens as you approach, the circular ironwork rolling back to
reveal the road ahead. Rhodarth slows to a halt as you step through. He
leans against the wall, head bowed, the weight of circumstance heavy on
his shoulders.
“I would say that it was nice to see you, Rho,” Aeran begins, “but I
think we’re beyond that—”
“You have no idea how fortunate you are,” he says. “Not many who walk in
here come out unscathed.”
Aeran pauses. He grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “…right,” he
says after a moment. “I’ll keep that in mind. But Rhodarth?”
“Yes?”
“Whatever he has on you,” Aeran continues, “don’t let him use it to keep
you trapped here. You don’t owe this city anything—”
He laughs darkly. “What would you know about the weight of
responsibility, Aeran? You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear
it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth nods. He fixes Aeran with those piercing yellow eyes, watching
him in silence. For a moment, it seems like he is about to say something
else, but he stops himself. The moment passes and his final thought is
left unspoken as you and Aeran walk away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT
RETURN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Aeran turns and leaps up the
steps to the ground level, ducking around the columns to get a clear
shot. Rhodarth skids to a stop at the edge of the pool and turns around,
searching for his target. He spots Aeran on the far side of the
courtyard—and stops. He curses under his breath, hesitation flickering
across his face.
An arrow strikes Rhodarth in the shoulder. He falls sideways and tumbles
into the pool. Water erupts, splashing over the edge as he disappears
from view. Dark blood lingers on the surface, swirling in circles.
The Count chuckles quietly in your ear. He wrenches you around,
searching for Aeran. You catch a flash of movement as Aeran ducks around
another pillar, a second arrow on the string.
“A grand effort, Kellis,” the Count calls. “But it is hardly enough to
prevent your imminent death.” He presses a finger to your neck, a sharp
nail pricking your skin. Any sudden movements and he will cut your
throat.
Aeran draws his bow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Light bursts from the pool and Rhodarth emerges, spluttering
and spitting water as he breaks the surface. He throws his spear over
the edge and it rolls away, clattering against the tile. As he pulls
himself out, you spot the bloodied tip of an arrow piercing his
shoulder… And his shoulder is glowing.
Luminescence clusters around the wound, pulsing to a steady rhythm.
Rhodarth casually pulls the arrow out and light rushes to fill the
wound. He groans and rolls his shoulder, then crosses the courtyard and
kicks his spear into his hand.
“You have the means to kill me, Aeran,” he calls. “Why don’t you go
ahead?”
Aeran curses and ducks behind a column. “You don’t have to do this!”
Rhodarth snarls. He rushes up the steps out of the sunken courtyard and
onto the ground level. He passes between the columns as he stalks toward
Aeran, spear in hand. “I have little choice,” he says. “I am indebted
to the Count—”
“So you’re bound to obey every order?” Aeran snaps. He lowers his bow
and shakes his head. “That goes far beyond repaying a debt, Rho. Doesn’t
sound like you.”
Rhodarth draws to a stop and presses the tip of his spear against
Aeran’s chest. You’re too far away to see his expression from this
angle, but there is tension in the way he carries himself and an
overwhelming reluctance to take action.
Silence falls over the courtyard.
The Count’s fingers dig into your throat. A low chuckle rumbles in the
back of his throat and his grip on you tightens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VM FINAL][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Rhodarth
spins around, flying back down the steps and into the courtyard. He
charges across the tiles towards the Count, raises his spear and throws
it with all his might.
The Count shoves you aside. You stagger away, stumbling towards the pool
and catch yourself before you teeter off the edge. You recover your
balance and turn around. The Count’s hands are raised, a glowing barrier
conjured between them. The silver spear lies caught within it, the
sharp point inches from the Count’s face.
Rhodarth stands several paces away, one hand still raised. He breathes
heavily and his yellow eyes are fixed on the Count.
“A very poor decision, Rhodarth,” the Count murmurs. “A very poor
decision indeed.”
Rhodarth’s knees buckle and he collapses to the ground, one hand
clutching at his chest. The Count wrenches his hands apart and the
barrier flickers out of existence. The silver spear clatters to the
ground. The Count sweeps past it, bends over, and grasps Rhodarth by the
chin.
“You think you can breach a blood oath so easily?” he murmurs. “Then
suffer the pain of your own violation.”
Rhodarth spits in his face.
The Count chuckles coldly. “I admit, I am hurt by such shameless
defiance. Whatever shall I do with you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack the Count while he’s
distracted.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
WAIT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
charge at him, blade raised—
His eyes snap to you and he spins around, his sword clashing against
yours at the last second. He presses in, his lips splitting into a
hideous grin as he slides his blade against yours. You pull away and
nearly tear your sword from your hand.
<i>What the—</i>
You pause. Panic grips you and you realize your blade is stuck in the
jagged edge.
The Count chuckles and his eyes glint a deep red.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. [STRENGTH]
Pull your sword free.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE STRENGTH
INEF][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Let your sword go and dive out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Let your sword go and dive out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Let your sword go and dive out
of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Let your sword go and dive out
of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Pull your sword free.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK LUNGE STRENGTH INEF][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2. Let
your sword go and dive out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE
AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Let your sword
go and dive out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY
FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[2. Let your sword go and dive out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Let your sword go and dive out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You sprint across the
courtyard, your boots pounding on the tile as you charge towards Aeran.
The Count snarls behind you—
Pain spikes through you as his blade slices your side. You falter and
your knees buckle. Your sword falls from your hand and you collapse on
the ground, gasping in pain. You let out a rasping breath and roll
across the floor, pushing yourself away from the Count. You try to push
yourself to your feet, but your body is too weak.
All your energy expended, you lie on the floor in a ball, one hand
clasped to your side. Sticky blood coats your palm.
The Count’s laughter rings in your ears. You raise your head and he
looms over you, swaying in your hazy vision. He smiles, wrapping his
fingers tightly around the hilt of your sword. Then he plunges the blade
down, piercing your shoulder.
You cry out. Your vision goes dark.
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA DEFEND AERAN SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>><<set $health to "injured">><<set
$injuries += 1>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>>You sprint across the
courtyard, your boots pounding on the tile as you charge towards Aeran.
The Count snarls behind you—
Pain spikes through you as his blade slices your side. You falter and
your knees buckle. Your sword falls from your hand and you collapse on
the ground, gasping in pain. You let out a rasping breath and roll
across the floor, pushing yourself away from the Count. You stagger to
your feet, one hand clasped to your side, sticky blood coating your
palm. You’re wounded, but you can still fight.
You have to.
The Count stoops and picks up your fallen blade, weighing it expertly in
his hand. He turns on you, spreading both weapons wide.
<i>Shit.</i>
You back away and desperately reach for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
The Count chuckles, his eerie laughter echoing across the courtyard. He
darts towards you and you backpedal, desperate to keep him at bay—
Your heel hits the edge of the pool. Your stomach drops as you fall
back, teetering on the edge, and you catch yourself at the last minute.
An Alassar arrow cuts through the air, grazing the Count’s side. He
howls in pain and whirls around, red eyes burning as he searches the
courtyard for Aeran.
“Kellis!” he shouts. “Show yourself!”
Aeran steps out from behind a column, his eyes blazing with fury as he
nocks another arrow and raises his bow.
The Count hisses. He spins around and charges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries +=
1>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>>You sprint across the
courtyard, your boots pounding on the tile as you charge towards Aeran.
The Count snarls behind you—
Pain spikes through you as his blade slices your side. You falter and
your knees buckle. Your sword falls from your hand and you collapse on
the ground, gasping in pain. You let out a rasping breath and roll
across the floor, pushing yourself away from the Count. You stagger to
your feet, one hand clasped to your side, sticky blood coating your
palm. You’re wounded, but you can still fight.
You have to.
The Count stoops and picks up your fallen blade, weighing it expertly in
his hand. He turns on you, spreading both weapons wide.
<i>Shit.</i>
You back away and desperately reach for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
You turn. Rhodarth has pushed himself up and is dragging himself across
the floor. His fingers close around his spear and he throw it at you. He
watches as it clatters across the tile and bumps into your boot. He
exhales a rasping breath, collapses back down and falls still.
You kick the spear into your hand and fall into a defensive stance.
“Come on, you bastard,” you snarl. “Let’s dance.”
The Count chuckles. “With pleasure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA COUNT SPEAR
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>You
hesitate. Your heart thunders in your chest as you watch the Count
carefully, waiting for him to strike—
He whirls around and lunges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT TIMED
CHOICE 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthInef>>You
grip your hilt and pull with all your might, but your sword remains
trapped. The Count smirks and draws back, dragging you along as he
wrenches your blade from your grasp. You stagger forwards, stumbling
past the Count as you weapon flies high through the air—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK L SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK L FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>>You release your sword and
throw yourself to the side. The Count whirls arounds, surprise
flickering across his face. He draws himself to his full height and
pulls the two blades apart, letting them fall into either hand. A
sinister glint gleams in his eye.
He raises both weapons and stalks towards you.
<i>Shit.</i>
You back away, desperately reaching for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK CONNECT TO
BRACE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK RHO
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
release your sword and stumble to the side. The Count whirls arounds,
surprise flickering across his face. He draws himself to his full height
and pulls the two blades apart, letting them fall into either hand. A
sinister glint gleams in his eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK L SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK L FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
Count’s eerie laughter echoes across the courtyard. He darts towards
you and you backpedal, desperate to keep him at bay—
Your heel hits the edge of the pool. Your stomach drops as you fall
back, teetering on the edge, and you catch yourself at the last minute.
An Alassar arrow cuts through the air, grazing the Count’s side. He
howls in pain and whirls around, red eyes burning as he searches the
courtyard for Aeran.
“Kellis!” he shouts. “Show yourself!”
Aeran steps out from behind a column, his eyes blazing with fury as he
nocks another arrow and raises his bow.
The Count hisses. He spins around and charges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><span
class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
You turn. Rhodarth has pushed himself up and now drags himself across
the floor. His fingers close around his spear and he throw it at you. He
watches as it clatters across the tile and bumps into your boot, then
exhales a rasping breath, collapses and falls still.
You kick the spear into your hand and fall into a defensive stance.
“Come on, you bastard,” you snarl. “Let’s dance.”
The Count chuckles. “With pleasure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA COUNT SPEAR
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
dive at him and thrust the spear forwards. The Count whirls. The blades
flash and he parries your blow, catching the spear between them. He
smiles wide, a sinister laugh chuckling in the back of his throat, and
throws you back.
You grunt and stagger away, backpedalling across the courtyard. You
catch yourself, fighting to maintain your balance, and turn back to him.
He sneers, his eyes flickering over you as he circles you, and raises
both blades.
You skid across the courtyard, keeping him at a distance. Your fingers
press into the spear, slipping on the unfamiliar grip. Though you’ve
trained and fought with weapons like this before, the spear’s reach is
foreign to you.
“Uncertain are we?” the Count mocks. “Despite your grand gestures, you
cannot run from the truth—”
You grit your teeth and drop into a defensive stance.
“—that you are sorely <i>outmatched,”</i> he finishes.
Your body tenses, ready to strike. Though doubt flickers in your mind,
you know that sometimes your best course of action is to rely on your
instincts. Playing cautious now will only extend this fight and you’re
already worn thin. You need to finish this quickly.
The Count sneers and lunges across the courtyard, both blades pointed at
your heart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA SPEAR TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>>He turns and kicks you in
the gut. You grunt, lurching across the tile as you take the full force
of the blow. His jagged blade slices through your tunic, grazing the
flesh below. You stagger to a stop, your hands reflexively pressed
against your wound.
The cut stings.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE STRENGTH
INEF")>>You raise your head and watch as the Count throws out an
expectant hand and deftly catches your tumbling sword as it falls back
down to earth. He smiles, his upper lip curling back to show his fangs.
He raises both weapons and stalks towards you.<<else>>You
raise your head. The Count smiles, his upper lip curling back to show
his fangs. He raises both weapons and stalks towards
you.<</if>>
<i>Shit…</i>
You back away, desperately reaching for your dagger, but you can’t seem
to find it. Your body shakes and your vision blurs. You shake your head,
furiously fighting through the fog that clouds your mind. You’ve pushed
through wounds like this before, but alongside your exhaustion and your
injuries from earlier today…
Bile rises in your throat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK L SECOND
INJURY 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'>>He turns and kicks you in
the gut. You grunt, lurching across the tile as you take the full force
of the blow. His jagged blade slices through your tunic, grazing the
flesh below. You stagger to a stop, your hands reflexively pressed
against your wound. The cut stings, but it isn’t deep.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK LUNGE STRENGTH
INEF")>>You raise your head and watch as the Count throws out an
expectant hand and deftly catches your tumbling sword as it falls back
down to earth. He smiles, his upper lip curling back to show his fangs.
He raises both weapons and stalks towards you.<<else>>You
raise your head. The Count smiles, his upper lip curling back to show
his fangs. He raises both weapons and stalks towards
you.<</if>>
<i>Shit.</i>
You back away, desperately reaching for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK CONNECT TO
BRACE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>The
Count drops the swords and smashes into you. He seizes you by the arm,
twisting your dagger painfully from your hand.
You cry out and he pulls you close, pressing your own weapon to your
throat.
“Think carefully, Kellis!” the Count calls. “You would be loath to miss
this shot.”
Aeran’s face pales, but he does not lower his bow. “Let $himher go,” he
shouts.
The Count laughs coldly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE INEF
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityInef>>You
dive to the side, but you’re not fast enough. He closes the distance
between you and seizes you by the arm, twisting your dagger painfully
from your hand. You cry out and he pulls you close, pressing your own
weapon to your throat.
“Think carefully, Kellis!” the Count calls. “You would be loath to miss
this shot.”
Aeran’s face pales, but he does not lower his bow. “Let $himher go,” he
shouts.
The Count chuckles coldly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE INEF
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>The
Count drops both swords and smashes into you. He seizes you by the arm,
trying to twist the dagger out of your hand, but you wrench yourself
free and ram the blade into his gut. His eyes go wide and a ragged gasp
tears from his throat. He turns his head, his red eyes piercing yours,
and he seizes you by the throat and drags you with him into the pool.
Water surges around you, bubbles swirling in all directions as you
plunge towards the bottom. You seize the Count’s fingers and rip them
from your throat. Tearing yourself free, you desperately kick for the
surface. Your gut twists and a shiver runs down your spine as you expect
him to grab you at any moment—
But it never comes.
You break the surface, spitting out a mouthful of water and gasping for
air. You tread water and spin about as you search for the Count.
You freeze. You blink and brush water out of your face, your eyes wide
with shock. The Count’s body floats face-up several feet away, tendrils
of blood streaming out beneath him. An arrow pierces his eye.
You exhale a trembling breath and swim to the edge of the pool. Pulling
yourself up, you roll over the tile and rise on shaky feet. “Nice shot,”
you call to Aeran.
He lowers his bow. “You all right?”
You nod.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short lived. “Shit,” he murmurs.
“Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
3>>Aeran sprints across the courtyard and skids to a stop,
dropping to his knees at Rhodarth’s side. He rolls him onto his back and
desperately checks for vital signs. The mercenary captain’s complexion
is pallid, an ashen green colour cast across his cheeks. His head hangs
limply, his yellow eyes staring lifelessly at the dark sky above.
You pause, a knot twisting deep in your gut. Killing the Count should
have freed Rhodarth from the blood oath, but you were too late. Its
magic took its toll and claimed his life.
“Shit,” you murmur.
Aeran sinks to the ground beside Rhodarth, his whole body shaking. You
cross the courtyard and gently press a hand to his shoulder. Aeran
glances at you, tears shining in his eyes. His pale face is flushed with
rage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
DEAD 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END
RHODARTH DEAD WE SHOULD GO][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD SAY NOTHING][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sprints across the courtyard and skids to a stop, dropping to his knees
at Rhodarth’s side. He rolls him onto his back and desperately checks
for vital signs. The mercenary captain’s complexion is pallid, an ashen
green colour cast across his cheeks. His eyes are closed and his
forehead shines with feverish sweat. He takes a gasping breath and opens
his eyes.
“Unbelievable,” he rasps.
A shaking laugh escapes Aeran. He lowers his head and looks away, the
back of his fist pressed against his lips. Then he grabs Rhodarth by the
shoulder and pulls him into an embrace.
“Ugh, Kellis, get off—”
“Shut up.”
Rhodarth sighs. Though he is much more alert than he was mere seconds
ago, he looks weak and fragile, as if recovering from a virulent
illness. “I’m touched, Aeran, truly, but I can’t finish healing when
you’re touching me,” he says.
Panic flashes across Aeran’s face. He sharply pulls away and a
luminescence rushes over Rhodarth. The faint aura pulses as his
bloodbinding does its work, repairing whatever damage the blood oath did
to his body. Colour flushes his cheeks and the sickly look vanishes
from his eyes. He groans painfully and pushes himself up, slowly rising
to his feet. He casts an eye across the courtyard and his gaze lands on
you.
“I suppose thanks are in order.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s done, then? The blood oath is
broken?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are you all right?”|CHAPTER 1 VLLA
END RHOALIVE 01 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
struggle against him, but his hold is too strong in your weakened
state. You lash out, causing you both to wobble on the edge of the pool,
but pain flares through your side. “Aeran!” you call desperately.
“Don’t—”
The Count slams a hand over your mouth. “Hush now,” he murmurs. The
dagger presses into your throat, nicking skin. “I’ve had quite enough of
you.”
You grit your teeth, anger boiling in your gut.
“Your move, Kellis,” the Count calls. “Can you kill me before I kill
your friend?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran’s hand trembles and an
anguished look contorts his face. Tears shine in his eyes as he adjusts
his aim and draws his bow.<<else>>Aeran holds still. He
fixes the Count with a piercing look and a dark smile flashes across his
face. He adjusts his aim and draws his bow.<</if>> A sharp
Alassar arrowhead glints dangerously at the end.
Your heart thunders in your chest, nearly drowning out the lapping water
of the pool below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Stay
still. You have to trust he can make this shot.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
AERAN SHOOTS MC][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Stay still.
You have to trust he can make this shot.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK AERAN
SHOOTS COUNT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Act on instinct. Fall back and push
yourself and the Count into the pool.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK MC TO
POOL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranshotmc to true>><<set $mcAeranScar to
true>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Aeran shoots.
Pain explodes in your upper body. A scream rips from your throat and you
look down in shock at the arrow sprouting from your shoulder. You
barely feel the Count release his hold on you as you stagger forwards
and fall to the ground. Blood seeps from the wound, staining your tunic
red. You roll over and push yourself up. Your jaw clenches as your
trembling fingers reach for the arrow. You miss and try a second time,
grasping the shaft and gripping it so hard your knuckles turn white.
Some part of your mind screams at you to leave it be.
Your vision fuzzes. Your fingers slide from the arrow shaft, but you
cling to whatever presence of mind you have left and redouble your
efforts. Your hand tightens around the arrow and you pull, sliding it a
few inches out. Blood sticks to your palms.
Your ears buzz. You hear something large and heavy crash into the pool,
and a wave of cold water surges over the edge, dousing you. Shocked by
the cold, your mind clears and you let go of the arrow and look up.
Aeran stares at you and lowers his bow, a horrified look on his face. He
rushes towards you, his boots thundering on the ground—
Your mouth is dry. Your tongue is heavy.
You collapse backwards and your back hits the cold, wet tile. A burst of
gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight and pain
spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you. Vague
words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You fall
back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
2>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>Aeran shoots.
Blood splatters your face and a sharp sting flares across your throat.
The dagger nicks your skin as the Count tumbles back and crashes into
the pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the edge and soaking
your boots. You turn, still gripped in shock, and watch as the Count’s
body surfaces. He floats gently on the surface, Aeran’s arrow lodged in
his eye. Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water red.
A shuddering laugh escapes you. You double over, one hand pressed to
your chest as relief courses through you.
Aeran lowers his bow. “You all right?” he asks.
“Yeah,” you call. You gather yourself and cross the courtyard to collect
your fallen sword. It feels good to have it back in your hand. “Nice
shot.”
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived. Suddenly, he pales
and panic flashes across his face. “Shit,” he breathes. “Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
2>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Alassar sword'>>You ram your elbow into the Count’s gut and throw
yourself back with all your might. A cry of shock escapes him and for a
moment you’re hanging on the edge—and then you both crash into the
pool.
Water surges around you, bubbles swirling in all directions as you
plunge towards the bottom. The Count has lost his grip on you. Momentary
panic sets in as you realize falling into water alongside a melusine
was not a good idea. You open your eyes and peer desperately through the
distorted water, but he is nowhere to be found.
An arrow cuts through the water, blood trailing in its wake.
You swim up and break through the surface, spitting out a mouthful of
water and gasping for air. You spin around, treading water, and freeze.
The Count’s body floats face-up several feet away, blood pooling beneath
him. An arrow pierces his eye.
You exhale a trembling breath and swim to the edge of the pool. You pull
yourself up and roll over onto the tile. “Nice shot,” you call to
Aeran.
He lowers his bow. “You all right?”
“Yeah,” you call. You gather yourself and cross the courtyard to collect
your fallen sword. It feels good to have it back in your hand.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived. Suddenly, he pales
and panic flashes across his face. “Shit,” he breathes. “Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $countscar to
1>>The Count’s laughter rings in your ears. He lashes out with a
foot, kicking you swiftly in the gut. You stagger and collapse on the
ground. You raise your head and he looms over you, swaying in your hazy
vision.
He smiles, wrapping his fingers tightly around the hilt of your sword.
Then he plunges the blade down, piercing your shoulder.
You cry out. Your vision goes dark.
He pushes the blade further into your flesh. Your back arches. Your
tongue pushes against the roof of your mouth as your teeth gnash
together.
Numbness floods your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground beside
you. You feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it rattles your
teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VILLA SPEAR TC
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his
blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC
AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his
blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC
AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1
SPEAR TC STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Deflect his
blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his
blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1
SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC
AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Deflect his
blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC
AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY]
Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1
SPEAR TC STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1
SPEAR TC STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Deflect his blow.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>></div><</if>><</if>>
<div
class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Remain Still.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
SPEAR TC
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 1>>You push your feet
into the floor and raise the spear. Both swords glance off the silver
shaft. The Count spirals away, knocked off balance, and staggers towards
the pool. He catches himself on the edge. You charge at him, spear
outreached—
He turns, his lips curling in a sneer—
And you ram the spear through his chest with all the force you can
muster. A surprised gasp rips from this throat and he looks down,
staring with wide eyes at the weapon in his chest. You wrench the spear
free. Blood seeps from the wound, staining his robe dark red. He raises
his head, his mouth working soundlessly as he fixes you with one final,
piercing stare.
Then he drops both swords and topples backwards, crashing into the pool.
Water surges up around him and swallows him. His body resurfaces
moments later, floating face down, tendrils of blood streaking through
the water beneath him.
You exhale softly, exhaustion washing over you, and drop the spear. It
clatters to the ground and rolls away. You turn and spot Aeran standing
several paces away, bow in hand.
“You all right?” he asks, lowering his bow.
“Yeah,” you call, stooping to collect your sword from the pool’s edge.
It feels good to have it back in your hand.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived. Suddenly, he pales
and panic flashes across his face. “Shit,” he breathes. “Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
push your feet into the floor and raise the spear. One sword glances
off the silver shaft, the blade flashing in your eyes—
The other strikes you in the side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC INJURIES
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><</timed>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 1>>You dive to the side,
dodging the Count’s blow. He staggers forwards, the force of his
momentum pushing him towards the pool. You whirl around and come
face-to-face with your opening.
You heft the spear and ram it through his exposed back.
A breathless rasp tears itself from his throat and he drops both swords.
He raises his shaking hands and looks down in surprise at the spearhead
jutting through his chest. You grit your teeth and pull the weapon
free.
For a brief moment, the Count teeters on the edge of the pool. Then he
falls forward and crashes into the turquoise waters. Water surges up
around him and swallows him. His body resurfaces moments later, floating
face down, tendrils of blood streaking through the water beneath him.
You exhale softly, exhaustion washing over you, and drop the spear. It
clatters to the ground and rolls away. You turn and spot Aeran standing
several paces away, bow in hand.
“You all right?” he asks, lowering his bow.
“Yeah,” you call, stooping to collect your sword from the pool’s edge.
It feels good to have it back in your hand.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived. Suddenly, he pales
and panic flashes across his face. “Shit,” he breathes. “Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
dive to the side. The Count sweeps both blades out as he darts past you
and skids to a stop at the pool’s edge. He pauses, holding the blades
aloft, his back exposed. You whirl around, a smile tugging at your lips
as you spot your opening—
You stumble to a stop, confusion numbing your mind. You stare at the
Count’s back, your eyes drawn to the swords at his side. Your Alassar
blade is coated with blood.
Your blood.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC INJURIES
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthOath +=1>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>You freeze, the spear
falling limp in your hand. The Count’s blades arc towards you, their
edges shining sharp and deadly in your eyes—
Blood splatters your face as an arrow sprouts through the Count’s eye.
His head snaps forward and he collapses to the ground. Blood pools
beneath him, seeping into the tile and oozing across the mosaics,
staining the bright colours dark red.
You drop the spear and look up, shock still shaking your body. Aeran
stands some feet ahead of you, his bow still pointed at the Count. He
pauses, exhaling a tense breath, and finally lowers his bow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA SPEAR TC ABSTAIN
INSERT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Pain flares
through you, burning hot. Your knees buckle and the spear falls from
your hand. You collapse on the ground, gasping in pain. You let out a
rasping breath and roll across the floor, pushing yourself away from the
Count. You try to push yourself to your feet, but your body is too
weak.
All your energy expended, you lie on the floor in a ball, one hand
clasped to your side. Sticky blood coats your palm.
The Count’s laughter rings in your ears. You raise your head and he
looms over you, swaying in your hazy vision. He smiles, wrapping his
fingers tightly around the hilt of your sword. Then he plunges the blade
down, piercing your shoulder.
You cry out. Your vision goes dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SPEAR TC INJURIES
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He pushes the blade further into
your flesh. Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of
your mouth as your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground beside
you. You feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it rattles your
teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<set $countscar to
1>>[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He pushes the blade further into
your flesh. Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of
your mouth as your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground beside
you. You feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it rattles your
teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<set $countscar to
1>>[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT TC 3
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<if settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get
out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH
FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get
out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2. Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT
STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER
1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get
out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH
FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get
out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 21>>[[2. Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT
STRENGTH PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT STRENGTH FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>>
<<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT AGILITY PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT AGILITY FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><</if>>
[[3. [ABSTAIN] Your mind goes blank and you cannot move.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK WAIT TC 3 ABSTAIN]]<</if>><<notify
3000>>+ Alassar Sword<</notify>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>>“Are you all right?” he
calls.
“Yeah,” you reply, stooping to collect your sword from the pool’s edge.
It feels good to have it back in your hand. “Nice shot.”
He nods. Suddenly, he pales and panic flashes across his face. “Shit,”
he breathes. “Rho.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>The
Count rams into you. You parry his blow, but the edge catches in the
jagged grooves along his blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around
the hilt, desperately holding on as the Count slowly pulls your sword
from your grasp.
You let go and kick him in the chest.
Your blade clatters to the ground as the Count flies backwards, landing
hard on the floor and skidding several feet back towards the pool. He
grunts, tangled in his purple robe, and pushes himself up. You grab your
sword and follow up, sprinting across the courtyard. You kick him, your
foot connecting sharply with his side, and he rolls over onto his
stomach and almost tumbles into the pool.
You press a boot against his neck and lower your sword, the point
pressing against the back of his neck. The turquoise waters lap gently
at the edge of the pool. You can make out the distorted reflections in
the lantern light—the Count on the ground, his lip curled in disgust,
and you, a shadow looming above him.
“Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT
EXECUTE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK WAIT SPARE">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i>
SPARE] Spare him.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$injuries += 1>>The Count kicks you swiftly in the gut. You
stagger and collapse on the ground. He looms over you, swaying in your
hazy vision. “If I were to do that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he says.
“And I am not inclined to die tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his fingers
around the hilt. Then he plunges the blade down and pierces your
shoulder.
You cry out, your vision going dark.
“You see,” the Count continues, “I have planted far too many seeds in
this desolate city, seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT TRANSFER
TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You parry his
blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his blade. Your
fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately holding on as
the Count pulls back. He yanks your blade from your grasp and the weapon
flies high and tumbles through the air.
You stagger forward, hands desperately reaching for it. The Count kicks
you in the gut and sends you spiralling. His jagged blade slices through
your tunic and grazes the flesh below. You stumble to a stop, hands
reflexively pressed to your wound. The cut stings, but it isn’t deep.
You’re in pain, but you can still fight.
You turn in time to see the Count throw out an expectant hand. Your
blade tumbles back down to earth and he deftly catches it.
<i>Shit.</i>
He smirks and raises your sword. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s
glow and its watered edge glints brilliantly in the light. “Such
mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets lost
to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the relics
they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<agilityPass>>You
throw yourself to one side. The Count flies by, momentarily unbalanced
by his imperfect strike. He whirls around, snarling viciously as he
searches for you, but you veer around him. Throwing caution to the wind,
you charge at his undefended back and knock his blade from his hand.
You seize him from behind and drag him back towards the pool.
He struggles against you, but you twist around and throw him to the
floor. He grunts as he crashes into the tile, his outstretched hands
taking the brunt of the force. He lies still, his upper body hanging
over the pool.
You press a boot against his neck and lower your sword, the point
pressing against the back of his neck. The turquoise waters ripple below
him, lapping gently at the edge of the pool. You can make out the
distorted reflections in the lantern light—the Count on the ground, his
lip curled in disgust, and you, a shadow looming above him.
“Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT
EXECUTE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK WAIT SPARE">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i>
SPARE] Spare him.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$injuries += 1>>The Count kicks you swiftly in the gut. You
stagger and collapse on the ground. He looms over you, swaying in your
hazy vision. “If I were to do that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he says.
“And I am not inclined to die tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his fingers
around the hilt. Then he plunges the blade down and pierces your
shoulder.
You cry out, your vision going dark.
“You see,” the Count continues, “I have planted far too many seeds in
this desolate city, seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT TRANSFER
TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You throw yourself
to the side, but you aren’t fast enough. The Count strikes you and his
jagged blade catches your side, slicing through your tunic and grazing
the flesh below. You stagger forwards and lose your grip on your sword.
The cut stings, but it isn’t deep. You’re in pain, but you can still
fight.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow, its watered edge
glinting brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$rhodarthOath +=1>><<if $health is
"injured">><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $injuries += 1>>The
Count kicks you swiftly in the gut. You stagger and collapse on the
ground. He looms over you, swaying in your hazy vision. “If I were to
do that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he says. “And I am not inclined to
die tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his fingers around the hilt. Then he
plunges the blade down and pierces your shoulder.
You cry out, your vision going dark.
“You see,” the Count continues, “I have planted far too many seeds in
this desolate city, seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT TRANSFER
TO
BLACKOUT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You freeze, rooted
to the spot by indecision. The Count rams into you, his jagged blade
slicing through your tunic and grazing the flesh beneath. You stagger
forwards and lose your grip on your sword. The cut stings, but it isn’t
deep. You’re in pain, but you can still fight.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow, its watered edge
glinting brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Crimson Count
Executed<</notify>><<set $executions
+=1>><<set $rhodarthOath +=1>><<set $countDead
to true>><<set $countDead_How to 1>>You ram the point
of your blade through the back of his throat.
A gurgle of blood spurts into the water and the Count collapses into the
floor. Blood pools beneath him, seeping across the tile. It drips into
the pool, swirling softly as it stains the clear waters red.
You draw back, staring at the Count’s lifeless form, and let out a long,
weary sigh. Exhaustion floods your mind and body. You are so very, very
<i>tired.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT EXECUTE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><i class="far fa-flag"></i> Crimson Count
Spared<</notify>><<set $spares +=1>><<set
$rhodarthOath +=1>>You curse and remove your blade. You can’t
bring yourself to kill him now—not when he’s unarmed.
The Count chuckles. His reflection sneers in the water, red eyes very
bright. “How unexpected,” he says. “You are far too soft for your trade,
$lastname.”
“I can still kill you,” you snap.
“But you won’t!” he laughs. He grins and bears his fangs. “I am at your
mercy and you cannot bring yourself to do the deed. Guard that weakness,
Wayfarer—there are those who would exploit you for it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT DELAYED PASS GET PAID")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
WAIT SPARE CONT]]<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COUNT GIVE
CHALICE")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT SPARE COUNT
PAYS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT SPARE
CONT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
sheathe your sword and glance over your shoulder, searching for Aeran.
He steps out from the shadow of a column and lowers his bow.
“You all right?” he calls.
You nod.
He lets out a sigh of relief, but it is short lived. “Shit,” he murmurs.
“Rho!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>You grit your teeth.
“Our payment. Now.”
The Count rolls over and slowly rises to his feet. “That can be
arranged,” he replies, smoothing down his tangled robe. “Consider my
previous offer rescinded. You have robbed me of my best mercenary
tonight. I am no longer in need of your services.” He holds out a hand.
Expecting him to summon another blade, you raise your sword and press
the point to his throat. “Don’t even think about it,” you hiss.
He chuckles. “How melodramatic of you,” he says, shaking his head. “You
want your payment, do you not?” Mist swirls around his hand and two coin
pouches materialize in his palm.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Blood splatters your face as an arrow sprouts in the Count’s
eye. His head snaps back and he drops the pouches. He tumbles backward
and crashes into the pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the
edge and soaking your boots. The Count lies prone in the pool, floating
gently to the surface. Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water
red.
You turn. Aeran stands some feet behind you. He holds his bow aloft,
cold anger contorting his expression. He glances at you, his eyes dark
and narrowed, and lowers his bow.
“I wasn’t going to let him live,” he says coldly.
You grit your teeth, anger twisting in your gut. Before you can say
anything, Aeran pales and panic flashes across his face.
“Shit,” he breathes. “Rho.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK WAIT SPARE
CROWNS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>You hastily scoop up the pouches. The
fabric is soft against your skin and you can feel the smooth edge of the
coins within. From the weight, you gather the Count was true to his
word.
Your full payment is here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>You grit your teeth.
“Shut up.”
<<if $villaAlt is true>>The Count rolls over and slowly
rises to his feet. “Consider my offer rescinded,” he says. “You have
robbed me of my best mercenary tonight. It is clear we are fundamentally
incompatible.”<<else>>The Count rolls over and slowly rises
to his feet. “Consider my previous offer rescinded,” he says, smoothing
down his tangled robe. “You have robbed me of my best mercenary
tonight. I no longer wish to have your services.”<</if>>
“Fine by me,” you grunt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Blood splatters your face as an arrow sprouts in the Count’s
eye. His head snaps back and he tumbles backward, crashing into the
pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the edge and soaking your
boots. The Count lies prone in the pool, floating gently to the surface.
Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water red.
You turn. Aeran stands some feet behind you. He holds his bow aloft,
cold anger contorting his expression. He glances at you, his eyes dark
and narrowed, and lowers his bow.
“I wasn’t going to let him live,” he says coldly.
You grit your teeth, anger twisting in your gut. Before you can say
anything, Aeran pales and panic flashes across his face.
“Shit,” he breathes. “Rho.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH][$PassageNo = 1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
END RHODARTH ALIVE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>He
lunges at you.
Acting on instinct, you throw yourself out of the way and spiral to one
side. The Count staggers to a stop and whirls around, snarling as he
rounds on you. His grip tightens on both blades as he raises them and
falls into a stance you do not recognize.
You back away and desperately reach for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
Your heel hits the edge of the pool. Your stomach drops as you fall
back, teetering on the edge, and you catch yourself at the last minute.
An Alassar arrow cuts through the air, grazing the Count’s side. He
howls in pain and whirls around, red eyes burning as he searches the
courtyard for Aeran.
“Kellis!” he shouts. “Show yourself!”
Aeran steps out from behind a column, his eyes blazing with fury as he
nocks another arrow and raises his bow.
The Count hisses. He spins around and charges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE
FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA ATTACK BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1.
Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$strength >= 18>>[[1. Brace yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK
BRACE PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Brace
yourself.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK BRACE FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK BRACE AG IEF][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$countscar to 1>>Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the
roof of your mouth as your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
“And like any great gardener,” the Count continues, “I would taste the
fruits of my labours before my passing—”
A flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground
beside you. You feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it
rattles your teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>In
the heat of the moment, you can’t remember whether you’ve encountered
this magic before or not. And you certainly can’t remember how to break
it.
<<if $villaAlt is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you mean
by blood oath?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT BLOOD OATH][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. The Count is dangerous. Even
if it’s two against one, you need the right opportunity to
strike.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT WAIT AGAIN][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re done with this. Attack the
Count.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
casts an eye past the dying mercenary and seeks out Aeran. “I am
curious, Kellis,” he says. “Why does this man’s fate concern you so? You
tried to kill him yourself only moments ago—”
“Warning shot,” Aeran hisses. “It’s different.” He raises his bow,
shaking fingers resting on the string.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you mean by blood oath?”|CHAPTER 1
VILLA WAIT BLOOD OATH][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. The Count is dangerous. Even
if it’s two against one, you need the right opportunity to
strike.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT WAIT AGAIN][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re done with this. Attack the
Count.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>The Count chuckles. “Oh,
how many things you are ignorant of simply by the virtue of your magical
immunity,” he sneers. “Fool.”
“Just answer the question,” you say coldly. You wrap your fingers around
the hilt of your sword and draw the blade a few inches from its
sheathe. You have a feeling you aren’t getting out of here without a
fight.
The movement draws the Count’s attention. He glances at your sword and
his smile widens. “Blood oaths are a testament to the Arathian Guild’s
ingenuity and penchant for vengeance,” he says. “Once sworn, they cannot
be amended. They cannot be undone—”
“Not even by a Wayfarer?” you interrupt.
The Count snorts derisively. His hold on Rhodarth tightens. The
mercenary struggles weakly, his breath rasping as an incoherent string
of words passes his lips.
“You cannot hope to break it, $lastname,” the Count says. “The bindings
live within us. Those who have entered the contract are bound to it
forever—”
A bowstring creaks. Aeran stands on the far side of the courtyard, his
bow aimed at the Count. An Alassar arrow gleams in the lantern light.
“Shut <i>up,”</i> he hisses. His arm shakes as he pulls the
string taut.
The Count turns to him, dragging Rhodarth in front of him. “Take your
shot, Kellis,” he calls. “Miss again and you’ll put your friend out of
his misery.”
A panicked look of uncertainty flashes across Aeran’s face. He adjusts
his aim.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran, wait!”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT AERAN
WAIT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t interfere.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
WAIT NO INTERFERE][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw back, one hand on your sword, and glance at Aeran. He meets your
eyes and hesitates, uncertainty lingering in his expression.
The Count chuckles and his sinister smile widens. “Curious,” he says.
“Whatever shall you do, $lastname?”
You don’t have a plan—you know it, Aeran knows it, the Count knows it.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>But you’ve been in scrapes like this
a hundred times and you’ve always found a way through. Even though your
relationship with Aeran is strained, you know you have to trust each
other if you’re going to make it out alive.<<else>>But
you’ve been in scrapes like this a hundred times and you’ve always found
a way through. You and Aeran trust each other implicitly. It’s all you
can rely on now.<</if>>
Aeran’s fingers slowly loosen the tension on his string and he lowers
his bow. “Your call, $firstname,” he murmurs.
You draw your sword and round on the Count.
The Count jerks back, dragging Rhodarth with him. “Hiding behind your
better, Kellis?” he sneers. “Pity.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Change of plans. Attack him.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Bait him and draw his attention to
you.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT BAIT COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
hesitates and glances at you.
You meet his eyes. You don’t have a plan—you know it, he knows it.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>But you’ve been in scrapes like this
countless times. Even though your relationship is far from what it once
was, you know you have to trust each other if you’re going to make it
out alive.<<else>>But you’ve been in scrapes like this
before and you made it through thanks to the implicit trust you have in
each other. It’s all you can rely on now.<</if>>
Aeran’s fingers carefully loosen the tension on the string and he lowers
his bow. “Your call, $firstname,” he murmurs.
You draw your sword.
The Count chuckles. “Hiding behind your better, Kellis?” he calls.
“Pity.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Change of plans. Attack him.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
ATTACK THE COUNT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Bait him and draw his attention to
you.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT BAIT COUNT][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, rooted to your spot as you look from Aeran to the Count and
back. The Count snarls, his red eyes gleaming bright, his grip on
Rhodarth tightening as he waits for Aeran to make his move.
The bow wavers. It’s a risky shot. Without exact precision, Aeran could
strike Rhodarth instead of the Count. An Alassar arrow is more than
capable of killing a Brightblade.
The Count chuckles. “I see you can’t,” he says. “How pitiful. Too filled
with uncertainty to take the risk—”
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT AERAN KILLS
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
want a fight, Nalos?” you call. “I’m here.”
The Count sneers. “And lose my advantage? I think not.”
You grit your teeth. “Only a coward would hide behind a dying man—”
“And Kellis will certainly shoot me the moment I let poor Rhodarth go,”
he interrupts. Rhodarth shakes in his grip and a weak murmur whispers
across his lips. His head hangs low, his chin pressing against his
chest. “Do not attempt to taunt me. You will only show your desperation.
It is a pathetic strategy unbecoming of one of your talents.”
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Attack him.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK THE
COUNT][$rhodarthOath +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 23>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince
him that fighting you one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can
just get him to drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS
PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince
him that fighting you one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can
just get him to drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS
FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince him that fighting
you one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can just get him to
drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Convince him that fighting
you one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can just get him to
drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
23>>[[2. Convince him that fighting you one-on-one is the only
option he has. If you can just get him to drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
WAIT PERS PASS][$rhodarthOath +=1]]<<else>>[[2. Convince
him that fighting you one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can
just get him to drop Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS
FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[2. Convince him that fighting you
one-on-one is the only option he has. If you can just get him to drop
Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS PASS][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<<else>>[[2. Convince him that fighting you one-on-one
is the only option he has. If you can just get him to drop
Rhodarth…|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS FAIL][$rhodarthOath
+=1]]<</if>><</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
2>>Aeran’s arrow cuts across the courtyard in a brilliant flash of
silver. The Count jerks Rhodarth to the side.
The arrow strikes him in the upper back.
Rhodarth gasps. His head arches back and his hands grasp at his chest.
His fingers brush the tip of a bloodied arrow where it breaks his skin,
directly above his heart. A brilliant luminescence shines around him,
growing in intensity as whatever magic he has desperately tries to heal
the wound—
It pulses once and winks out.
Rhodarth’s head hangs down, his chin resting against his chest, limp and
lifeless. The Count releases him, throwing him to the ground like a
rag-doll.
An ear-splitting scream cuts across the courtyard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 AERAN KILLS RHO
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“How
do you think this will end, Nalos?” you call. “With Aeran dead? Me,
dead? Rhodarth—who has led your mercenaries for who knows how long—also
dead? You can kill all of us, but where will that leave you? No
mercenary captain to lead your private army and no replacement in
sight.”
The Count falls silent. He watches you quietly, his head tilted to the
side as he listens to your words. A strange look glints in his red eyes.
“Interesting way to inspire loyalty,” you continue. “How long will it be
before the rest of your mercenaries turn on you? You can bind them all
with blood oaths, but that didn’t stop Rhodarth from breaking his.”
The Count’s smile twists. His grip on Rhodarth tightens. The mercenary
captain’s head lolls on his shoulders and he lets out a weak, rasping
breath.
“Let Rhodarth go and I’ll tell Aeran to stand down,” you finish. “This
is between you and me now. If you defeat me, I’m yours to do with as you
please.”
Silence settles over the courtyard. You hold firm under the Count’s
eerie, unblinking gaze, refusing to back down. Suddenly, he throws his
head back, his long crimson hair rippling down his back, and howls with
laughter. He stretches out a hand and curls his fingers into a claw,
mist fuzzing around his palm. Seconds later, a sword materializes in his
hand, its blade dripping with mist. It is a long, unearthly thing with a
jagged edge; it looks like it was carved from the bones of some
monstrous, underwater beast. Its tip touches the ground, scraping
against the mosaics.
“Very well, $lastname,” he says. His eyes sweep over you and his upper
lip curls back, revealing his fangs. “I will entertain the evolving
fantasies of this game we play. I accept.”
He hisses and shoves Rhodarth to the side. The mercenary captain
staggers, crumples to the ground, and lies still. A chuckle rumbles in
the Count’s throat and he rounds on you, his repulsive blade glinting in
the lantern light. Just looking at the jagged blade sends shivers
coursing down your spine.
You raise your sword.
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT PERS PASS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“How
do you think this is going to end, Nalos?” you call. Your sword slips
in your clammy grasp and you readjust your grip. “Maybe you’ll kill all
of us, but where does that leave you? Without a mercenary captain to
lead your private army and no replacement in sight.”
The Count falls silent. He watches you quietly, his head tilted to the
side as he listens to your words. A strange look glints in his red eyes.
“This began as something between you and me,” you continue. “Let’s
finish it that way.”
Silence settles over the courtyard. You hold firm under the Count’s
eerie, unblinking gaze, refusing to back down. Suddenly, he throws his
head back, his long crimson hair rippling down his back, and howls with
laughter.
“Amusing as always, $lastname,” he says. “Such delectable desperation
cannot go unappreciated.”
You freeze, your heart thundering in your chest. Out of the corner of
your eye, you see Aeran raise his bow, a dark look contorting his face.
The Count takes a step toward you, dragging Rhodarth beside him. “I can
see the fear in your eyes,” he hisses. “Hear the rush of blood in your
heart. The sheer <i>panic…”</i> His lips split into an
impossibly wide grin. “Even you are not immune to terror.”
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA WAIT AERAN KILLS
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>An
arrow sprouts in the Count’s eye. His head snaps back and he collapses
to the ground. Blood splatters the floor, seeping across the tile and
staining the intricate mosaics red.
You whirl around, your heart lurching in your chest, and spot Aeran
standing some feet behind you. He holds his bow aloft, cold anger
contorting his expression.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He meets your gaze and he shrugs,
silent judgement in his eyes. You know the look. <i>You clearly
weren’t going to, so I did it myself…</i><<else>>He
meets your eyes and his expression softens.<</if>>
He lowers the bow.
“Shit,” he breathes. “Rhodarth!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthOath
>=6>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH DEAD BLOOD
OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHODARTH
ALIVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Blazing
with rage, Aeran pulls another arrow from his quiver and shoots. The
Alassar steel strikes the ground, scoring the tile at the Count’s feet.
The Count steps away from Rhodarth’s body and rounds on Aeran, his lips
twisting in a hideous sneer. He throws his hand out, his fingers curling
as mist swirls around them.
Cold laughter courses through Aeran as he swiftly nocks an arrow and
fires. The mist fades and the Count throws up his hands. A barrier
materializes between his palms, catching the arrow mid-flight. The
regular steel arrowhead is barely an inch from his face. He dismisses
the barrier and the arrow clatters to the floor.
Aeran hisses. He is past the point of considering what arrows to use,
grabbing whichever one falls into his hand. He fires and the Count
dances back. A cruel smile curls his lips as the arrow passes overhead
and strikes a column behind him.
You draw your sword and retreat across the courtyard. Your heart pounds
and your palms are clammy, the sweat making it difficult to maintain
your grip. You scan the courtyard, mind whirling as you try to think of a
way to help. Aeran’s fighting style is usually so methodical, so
precise, but now his anger has consumed him. He doesn’t care about
making the best shot. If you throw yourself into the fight now, he could
very well shoot you by accident—
A glimmer high above catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. …what in the world…?|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
LOOK AT BEAD]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s nothing. You need to stay
focused on the fight.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
FOCUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Warily,
you step back and raise your head. The courtyard is open to the night
sky and a tapestry of security spells stretch over the complex to keep
out unwanted visitors. You can barely make out the barriers from this
distance, but as you watch, a golden bead forms at one end. It pulses
quietly and slowly grows in size.
Your eyes narrow.
Suddenly, the bead rips its way across the sky and slices a deep cut in
the barrier.
What the hell…?
<span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
You shake off the distraction and turn, drawn by the sound of Aeran’s
voice. Out of nowhere, a jagged blade appears in front of your eyes,
pointed at your chest as the Count lunges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
ignore the light and turn back to the courtyard.
“Perhaps I was wrong about you, Kellis,” the Count calls.
Aeran’s expression darkens and he stalks back and forth, an arrow in
hand. “You know nothing about me,” he spits.
The Count laughs. He throws out a hand and a shadow fuzzes around it.
Moments later, a blade warps into existence, dripping with mist. It is a
long, unearthly thing with a jagged edge, as if carved from the bones
of a monstrous, underwater beast. “It’s not uncertainty that haunts
you,” he says, raising the blade. “It’s self-loathing.”
Aeran dives out of the way, swerving to the side in anticipation of the
Count’s movements. But the Count doesn’t attack him.
Instead, he rounds on you.
Realizing his mistake, Aeran curses and fires an arrow. In his haste,
his aim is too far off the mark. The arrow flies too high and embeds
itself in the second-floor balcony.
The Count chuckles and he lunges at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>><<else>><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 21>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>>
<<if $mcpoisoned is true>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Parry.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH]
Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Get out of the
way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] You’re too shocked too
move.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC ABSTAIN]]</div>
<<else>><<if $mcpoisoned is true>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
21>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
21>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Parry.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Get out of the way.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TC AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] You’re too shocked too
move.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC
ABSTAIN]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>>The
Count rams into you. You parry his blow, but the edge catches in the
jagged grooves along his blade. Your fingers clench reflexively around
the hilt, desperately holding on as the Count slowly pulls your sword
from your grasp.
You let go and kick him in the chest.
Your blade clatters to the ground as the Count flies backwards, landing
hard on the floor and skidding several feet back towards the pool. He
grunts, tangled in his purple robe, and pushes himself up. You grab your
sword and follow up, sprinting across the courtyard. You kick him, your
foot connecting sharply with his side, and he rolls over onto his
stomach and almost tumbles into the pool.
You press a boot against his neck and lower your sword, the point
pressing against the back of his neck. The turquoise waters lap gently
at the edge of the pool. You can make out the distorted reflections in
the lantern light—the Count on the ground, his lip curled in disgust,
and you, a shadow looming above him.
“Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
EXECUTE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
SPARE]">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Spare
him.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<if $health
is "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You parry his
blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his blade. Your
fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately holding on as
the Count pulls back. He yanks your blade from your grasp and the weapon
flies high and tumbles through the air.
You stagger forward, hands desperately reaching for it. The Count kicks
you in the gut and sends you spiralling. His jagged blade slices through
your tunic and grazes the flesh below.
You stumble to a stop, hands reflexively pressed to your wound. The cut
stings, but it isn’t deep. Your body shakes and your vision blurs. You
shake your head, furiously fighting through the fog that clouds your
mind. You’ve pushed through wounds like this before, but alongside your
exhaustion and your injuries from earlier today…
Bile rises in your throat.
You turn in time to the Count throw out an expectant hand. Your blade
tumbles back down to earth and he deftly catches it.
<i>Shit.</i>
He smirks and raises your sword. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s
glow and its watered edge glinting brilliantly in the light. “Such
mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets lost
to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the relics
they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC SECOND
INJURIES
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You parry
his blow, but the edge catches in the jagged groves along his blade.
Your fingers clench reflexively around the hilt, desperately holding on
as the Count pulls back. He yanks your blade from your grasp and the
weapon flies high and tumbles through the air.
You stagger forward, hands desperately reaching for it. The Count kicks
you in the gut and sends you spiralling. His jagged blade slices through
your tunic and grazes the flesh below. You stumble to a stop, hands
reflexively pressed to your wound. The cut stings, but it isn’t deep.
You’re in pain, but you can still fight.
You turn in time to see the Count throw out an expectant hand. Your
blade tumbles back down to earth and he deftly catches it.
<i>Shit.</i>
He smirks and raises your sword. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s
glow and its watered edge glinting brilliantly in the light. “Such
mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets lost
to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the relics
they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR FIRST INJURY FAIL
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<agilityPass>>You
throw yourself to one side. The Count flies by, momentarily unbalanced
by his imperfect strike. He whirls around, snarling viciously as he
searches for you, but you veer around him. Throwing caution to the wind,
you charge at his undefended back and knock his blade from his hand.
You seize him from behind and drag him back towards the pool.
He struggles against you, but you twist around and throw him to the
floor. He grunts as he crashes into the tile, his outstretched hands
taking the brunt of the force. He lies still, his upper body hanging
over the pool.
You press a boot against his neck and lower your sword, the point
pressing against the back of his neck. The turquoise waters lap gently
at the edge of the pool. You can make out the distorted reflections in
the lantern light—the Count on the ground, his lip curled in disgust,
and you, a shadow looming above him.
“Do you dare, Wayfarer?” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
EXECUTE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
SPARE">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Spare
him.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<if $health
is "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You throw yourself
to the side, but you aren’t fast enough. The Count strikes you and his
jagged blade catches your side, slicing through your tunic and grazing
the flesh below. You stagger forwards and lose your grip on your sword.
The cut stings.
Your body shakes and your vision blurs. You shake your head, furiously
fighting through the fog that clouds your mind. You’ve pushed through
wounds like this before, but alongside your exhaustion and your injuries
from earlier today…
Bile rises in your throat.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow, its watered edge
glinting brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC SECOND
INJURIES
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You throw
yourself to the side, but you aren’t fast enough. The Count strikes you
and his jagged blade catches your side, slicing through your tunic and
grazing the flesh below. You stagger forwards and lose your grip on your
sword. The cut stings, but it isn’t deep. You’re in pain, but you can
still fight.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow and its watered edge
glints brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR FIRST INJURY FAIL
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<if $health is
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>You freeze, rooted
to the spot by indecision. The Count rams into you, his jagged blade
slicing through your tunic and grazing the flesh beneath. You stagger
forwards and lose your grip on your sword.
The cut stings. Your body shakes and your vision blurs. You shake your
head, furiously fighting through the fog that clouds your mind. You’ve
pushed through wounds like this before, but alongside your exhaustion
and your injuries from earlier today…
Bile rises in your throat.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow, its watered edge
glinting brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TC SECOND
INJURIES
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
freeze, rooted to the spot by indecision. The Count rams into you, his
jagged blade slicing through your tunic and grazing the flesh beneath.
You stagger forwards and lose your grip on your sword. The cut stings,
but it isn’t deep. You’re in pain, but you can still fight.
You turn, reaching for your fallen blade, but the Count lunges for it
and sweeps it out of your reach. He gracefully picks it up and raises it
high. The Alassar steel catches the lantern’s glow and its watered edge
glints brilliantly in the light.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Such mysteries in these blades,” the Count murmurs. “Are their secrets
lost to time, I wonder? Or did your order merely never comprehend the
relics they inherited?”
You grit your teeth and push down your rising panic. “Give it back,” you
grunt.
“Oh no,” the Count replies. “I think not.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR FIRST INJURY FAIL
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Crimson Count
Executed<</notify>><<set $executions
+=1>><<set $countDead to true>><<set
$countDead_How to 1>>You ram the point of your blade through the
back of his throat.
A gurgle of blood spurts into the water and the Count collapses into the
floor. Blood pools beneath him, seeping across the tile. It drips into
the pool, swirling softly as it stains the clear waters red.
You draw back, staring at the Count’s lifeless form, and let out a long,
weary sigh. Exhaustion floods your mind and body. You are so very, very
tired.
You sheathe your sword and glance over your shoulder, searching for
Aeran. He meets your eyes and strides past you without comment as he
walks toward Rhodarth. He places his bow on the ground and sits quietly
beside him. The mercenary captain’s eyes stare lifelessly at the sky
above.
You cross the courtyard and gently press a hand to Aeran’s shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TALK 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><i class="far fa-flag"></i> Crimson Count
Spared<</notify>><<set $spares +=1>>You curse
and remove your blade. You can’t bring yourself to kill him when he’s
unarmed.
The Count chuckles. His reflection sneers in the water, red eyes very
bright. “How unexpected,” he says. “You are far too soft for your trade,
$lastname.”
“I can still kill you,” you snap.
“But you won’t!” he laughs. “I am at your mercy and you cannot bring
yourself to do the deed. Guard that weakness, Wayfarer—there are those
who would exploit you for it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VM PRETEND
ACCEPT DELAYED PASS GET PAID")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VIllA AKR
SPARE CONT]]<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 COUNT GIVE
CHALICE")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK AKR SPARE COUNT
PAYS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VIllA AKR SPARE
CONT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
doesn’t answer. He pulls one knee into his chest and links his hands
together behind his neck. He stares in silence at Rhodarth’s face.
Despite the harrowing circumstances of his death, his expression is
calm… even accepting, in a way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It wasn’t your fault.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
NOT YOUR FAULT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are you all right?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
RHODEAD ARE YOU ALL RIGHT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA RHODEAD
SAY NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
glares at you, his eyes going dark. He pulls one knee into his chest
and links his hands together behind his neck.
You clear your throat. “Aeran—”
“If you want to go, $firstname, then go!” he snaps. “I need to… I have
to… I have to stay. With him. I can’t leave him here like this.”
You cast an eye at Rhodarth. Despite the harrowing circumstances of his
death, his expression is calm… even accepting in a way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "melusine">>[[1.
[MELUSINE] “He’s melusine, isn’t he? We can take him back. Give him to
the sea.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOD
MELUSINE]]<<else>><s>1. [MELUSINE] Ancestry
requirement has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “His company’s outside. Maybe they
should be the ones to decide how to put him to rest.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
END RHOD 05 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “It’s over, Aeran. We need to
go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOD 05 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
sit quietly next to Aeran. He casts you a grateful look and pulls one
knee into his chest. He stares in silence at Rhodarth’s face. Despite
the harrowing circumstances of his death, his expression is calm… even
accepting in a way.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran lets out a long, trembling
sigh. Without turning to you, he reaches out for you. You take his hand
and he grips it tight, clinging desperately to the one thing that can
provide him solace.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran lets
out a long, trembling sigh. Without turning to you, he reaches out and
puts a hand on your shoulder. He grips it tight, clinging desperately to
the one thing that can provide him solace.<<else>>Aeran
lets out of a long, trembling sigh. He links his hands behind his neck.
His grip tightens, his fingers pressing deep into the back of his
hands.<</if>>
You remain like that for some time. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely
had time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and whatever
relationship they had was clearly complicated. This is something he
needs to grieve. You have no business getting in the way of it…
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>You grit your teeth.
“Shut up.”
<<if $villaAlt is true>>The Count rolls over and slowly
rises to his feet. “Consider my offer rescinded,” he says. “You have
robbed me of my best mercenary tonight. It is clear we will be
fundamentally incompatible.”<<else>>The Count rolls over and
slowly rises to his feet. “Consider my offer rescinded,” he says,
smoothing down his tangled robe. “You have robbed me of my best
mercenary tonight. I no longer wish to have your
services.”<</if>>
“Fine by me,” you grunt.
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Blood splatters your face as an arrow sprouts in the Count’s
eye. His head snaps back and he tumbles backward, crashing into the
pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the edge and soaking your
boots. The Count lies prone in the pool, floating gently to the surface.
Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water red.
You turn. Aeran stands some feet behind you. He holds his bow aloft,
cold anger contorting his expression. He glances at you, his eyes dark
and narrowed, and lowers his bow. He says nothing as he strides past
you, crossing the courtyard to where Rhodarth’s body lies limp on the
cold floor.
You sheathe your sword and slowly pick your way across the courtyard.
Aeran places his bow on the ground and sits beside Rhodarth. The
mercenary captain’s eyes stare lifelessly at the sky above.
You press a hand to Aeran’s shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01
A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TALK 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
grit your teeth. “Our payment. <i>Now.”</i>
The Count rolls over and slowly rises to his feet. “That can be
arranged,” he replies, smoothing down his tangled robe. “Consider my
previous offer rescinded. You have robbed me of my best mercenary
tonight. I am no longer in need of your services.” He holds out a hand.
Expecting him to summon another blade, you raise your sword and press
the point to his throat. “Don’t even think about it,” you hiss.
He chuckles. “How melodramatic of you,” he says, shaking his head. “You
want your payment, do you not?” Mist swirls around his hand and two coin
pouches materialize in his palm.
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK AKR SPARE
COUNT PAYS 02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>Blood
splatters your face as an arrow sprouts in the Count’s eye. His head
snaps back and he drops the pouches. He tumbles backward and crashes
into the pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the edge and
soaking your boots. The Count lies prone in the pool, floating gently to
the surface. Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water red.
You turn. Aeran stands some feet behind you. He holds his bow aloft,
cold anger contorting his expression. He glances at you, his eyes dark
and narrowed, and lowers his bow. He says nothing as he strides past
you, crossing the courtyard to where Rhodarth’s body lies limp on the
cold floor.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ATTACK AKR SPARE GET
CROWNS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gold += 300>><<notify 3000>>+300
Crowns<</notify>>You sheathe your sword and hastily scoop up
the pouches. The fabric is soft against your skin and you can feel the
smooth edge of the coins within. From the weight, you gather the Count
was true to his word. Your full payment is here.
You pocket your coin pouch and slowly make your way across the
courtyard. Aeran places his bow on the ground and sits beside Rhodarth.
The mercenary captain’s eyes stare lifelessly at the sky above.
You press a hand to Aeran’s shoulder and proffer the second coin pouch.
He takes it in silence and stuffs it into his pocket.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TALK 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He lunges at you.
Acting on instinct, you throw yourself out of the way and spiral to one
side. The Count staggers to a stop and whirls around, snarling as he
rounds on you. His grip tightens on both blades as he raises them and
falls into a stance you do not recognize.
You back away and desperately reach for your dagger. Fighting with two
blades is an uncommon style in Rhesainia and you have rarely come across
it. You don’t have a wealth of strategies to fall back on, and with
only your dagger left, your odds do not look good…
Your heel hits the edge of the pool. Your stomach drops as you fall
back, teetering on the edge, and you catch yourself at the last minute.
The Count smiles.
<i>Twang.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>An
Alassar arrow cuts through the air, grazing the Count’s shoulder. Blood
stains his robe as it runs down his arm. The Count howls in pain and
whirls around, red eyes burning as he searches the courtyard for Aeran.
“Kellis!” he shouts. “Show yourself!”
Aeran steps out from behind a column, his eyes blazing with fury as he
nocks another arrow and raises his bow.
The Count hisses. He rounds on you, swiftly closing the distance.
Tossing both swords to the side, he seizes you by the arm and twists
your dagger painfully from your hand. You cry out and he pulls you
close, pressing your own dagger to your throat.
“This familiar scene again so soon?” he calls. “Perhaps you will think
through your actions this time.”
Aeran hesitates. His expression pales, but he does not lower his bow.
“Let $himher go,” he says.
The Count chuckles.
You struggle against him, but his hold is too strong in your weakened
state. You lash out, causing you both to teeter on the edge of the pool,
but pain flares through your side. You freeze. “Aeran!” you call
desperately. “Don’t—”
The Count slams a hand over your mouth. “Hush now,” he murmurs. The
dagger presses into your throat, nicking skin. “I’ve had quite enough of
you.”
You grit your teeth, anger boiling in your gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
HOSTAGE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Your
move, Kellis,” the Count calls. “Can you kill me before I kill your
friend? Or will you shoot $lastname just as you shot poor Rhodarth?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran’s hand trembles. An anguished
look contorts his face. Tears shine in his eyes as he adjusts his aim
and draws his bow. A sharp Alassar arrowhead glints dangerously at the
end.<<else>>Aeran holds still. He fixes the Count with a
piercing look and a dark smile flashes across his face. He adjusts his
aim and draws his bow. <</if>>
Your mouth runs dry. Your heart thunders in your chest, nearly drowning
out the lapping water of the pool below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Stay
still. You have to trust he can make this shot.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
AERAN SHOOTS MC]]<<else>>[[1. Stay still. You have to trust
he can make this shot.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR AERAN SHOOTS
COUNT]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Act on instinct. Fall back and push
yourself and the Count into the pool.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR INTO
POOL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranshotmc to true>><<set $mcAeranScar to
true>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Aeran shoots.
Pain explodes in your upper body. A scream rips from your throat and you
look down in shock at the arrow sprouting from your shoulder. You
barely feel the Count release his hold on you as you stagger forwards
and fall to the ground. Blood seeps from the wound, staining your tunic
red. You roll over and push yourself up. Your jaw clenches as your
trembling fingers reach for the arrow. You miss and try a second time,
grasping the shaft and gripping it so hard your knuckles turn white.
Some part of your mind screams at you to leave it be.
Your vision fuzzes. Your fingers slide from the arrow shaft, but you
cling to whatever presence of mind you have left and redouble your
efforts. Your hand tightens around the arrow and you pull, sliding it a
few inches out. Blood sticks to your palms.
Your ears buzz. You hear something large and heavy crash into the pool,
and a wave of cold water surges over the edge, dousing you. Shocked by
the cold, your mind clears and you let go of the arrow and look up.
Aeran stares at you and lowers his bow, a horrified look on his face. He
rushes towards you, his boots thundering on the ground—
Your mouth is dry. Your tongue is heavy.
You collapse backwards and your back hits the cold, wet tile. A burst of
gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight and pain
spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you. Vague
words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You fall
back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>Aeran
shoots.
Blood splatters your face and a sharp sting flares across your throat.
Your dagger nicks your skin as the Count tumbles back and crashes into
the pool. Water surges up and out, crashing over the edge and soaking
your boots. You turn, still gripped in shock, and watch as the Count’s
body surfaces. He floats gently on the surface, Aeran’s arrow lodged in
his eye. Blood fans out beneath him, staining the water red.
A shuddering laugh escapes you. You double over, one hand pressed to
your chest as relief courses through you.
Aeran lowers his bow. “You all right?” he asks.
You nod. “Nice shot.”
He looks away. He says nothing as he strides past you and crosses the
courtyard to the place where Rhodarth lies lifelessly on the cold floor.
He places his bow on the ground and sits beside him. The mercenary
captain’s eyes stare lifelessly at the sky above.
After retrieving your sword and dagger, you quietly approach Aeran. He
stirs silently, but does little else to acknowledge your presence. You
press a hand to his shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TALK 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 2>>You
ram your elbow into the Count’s gut and throw yourself back with all
your might. A cry of shock escapes him and for a moment you’re hanging
on the edge—and then you both crash into the pool.
Water surges around you, bubbles swirling in all directions as you
plunge towards the bottom. The Count has lost his grip on you. Momentary
panic sets in as you realize falling into water alongside a melusine
was not a good idea. You open your eyes and peer desperately through the
distorted water, but he is nowhere to be found.
An arrow cuts through the water, blood trailing in its wake.
You swim up and break through the surface, spitting out a mouthful of
water and gasping for air. You spin around, treading water, and freeze.
The Count’s body floats face-up several feet away, blood pooling beneath
him. An arrow pierces his eye.
You exhale a trembling breath and swim to the edge of the pool. You pull
yourself up and roll over onto the tile. “Nice shot,” you call to
Aeran.
He lowers his bow. “You all right?”
You nod.
He looks away. He says nothing as he strides past you and crosses the
courtyard to the place where Rhodarth lies lifelessly on the cold floor.
He places his bow on the ground and sits beside him. The mercenary
captain’s eyes stare lifelessly at the sky above.
After retrieving your sword and dagger, you quietly approach Aeran. He
stirs silently, but does little else to acknowledge your presence. You
press a hand to his shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We should go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR
TALK 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. There is nothing you can
say.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR TALK 01 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countscar to 1>>The Count kicks you swiftly in the gut. You
stagger and collapse on the ground. He looms over you, swaying in your
hazy vision. “If I were to do that, you’d kill me, no doubt,” he says.
“And I am not inclined to die tonight.” He smiles, wrapping his fingers
around the hilt. Then he plunges the blade down and pierces your
shoulder.
You cry out, your vision going dark.
“You see,” the Count continues, “I have planted far too many seeds in
this desolate city, seeds that are yet to sprout.”
He pushes the blade further into your flesh.
Your back arches. Your tongue pushes against the roof of your mouth as
your teeth gnash together.
Numbness floods your mind.
“And like any great gardener,” the Count continues, “I would taste the
fruits of my labours before my passing—”
A flash of pain, then a release of pressure. Your ears are buzzing, your
vision a haze. Something large and heavy thuds against the ground
beside you. You feel the vibration of it hitting the floor and it
rattles your teeth. Your mouth is dry, your tongue heavy—
A burst of gold light flashes in your eyes. It fills your line of sight
and pain spikes across your forehead. A dark silhouette looms above you.
Vague words echo in your ears, but they make little sense to you. You
fall back, though you have nowhere to fall—
And darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
doesn’t answer. He pulls one knee into his chest and links his hands
together behind his neck. He stares in silence at Rhodarth’s face.
Despite the harrowing circumstances of his death, his expression is
calm… even accepting, in a way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “This wasn’t your fault.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
END DEAD 02 NOT YOUR FAULT BOV]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are you all right?”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
RHODEAD ARE YOU ALL RIGHT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA RHODEAD
SAY NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
glares at you, his eyes going dark. He pulls one knee into his chest
and links his hands together behind his neck.
You clear your throat. “Aeran—”
“If you want to go, $firstname, then go!” he snaps. “I need to… I have
to… I have to stay. With him. I can’t leave him here like this.”
You cast an eye at Rhodarth. Despite the harrowing circumstances of his
death, his expression is calm… even accepting in a way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "melusine">>[[1.
[MELUSINE] “He’s melusine, isn’t he? We can take him back. Give him to
the sea.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOD
MELUSINE]]<<else>><s>1. [MELUSINE] Ancestry
requirement has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “His company’s outside. Maybe they
should be the ones to decide how to put him to rest.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA
END RHOD 05 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “It’s over, Aeran. We need to
go.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOD 05 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
sit quietly next to Aeran. He casts you a grateful look and pulls one
knee into his chest. He stares in silence at Rhodarth’s face. Despite
the harrowing circumstances of his death, his expression is calm… even
accepting in a way.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran lets out a long, trembling
sigh. Without turning to you, he reaches out for you. You take his hand
and he grips it tight, clinging desperately to the one thing that can
provide him solace.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran lets
out a long, trembling sigh. Without turning to you, he reaches out and
puts a hand on your shoulder. He grips it tight, clinging desperately to
the one thing that can provide him solace.<<else>>Aeran
lets out of a long, trembling sigh. He links his hands behind his neck.
His grip tightens, his fingers pressing deep into the back of his
hands.<</if>>
You remain like that for some time. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely
had time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and whatever
relationship they had was clearly complicated. This is something he
needs to grieve. You have no business getting in the way of it…
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR LOOK AT BEAD")>>You raise your
head. The cut in the barriers has grown since you last looked at it. The
barriers have sprung to life, pulsing with magic. They flash once,
twice—and then they burst, shattering into nonexistence, and
disappear.<<else>>You look up. The courtyard is open to the
night sky and a tapestry of security spells stretch over the complex to
keep out unwanted visitors. You can barely make out the barriers from
this distance, but as you watch, they suddenly spring to life, pulsing
with light. The barriers flash once, twice—and then they burst,
shattering into nonexistence, and disappear.<</if>>
You slowly rise to your feet, an uncomfortable knot twisting in your
stomach. It takes something powerful to destroy a network of security
enchantments so thoroughly. Two causes spring to mind. The first is the
death of the Count—if he sustained his own security network, then the
spells would have failed with his death.
The second reason is much more troubling: someone has forced their way
through.
You’d rather not stay around and find out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We need to go. Now.”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA RHOD
NEED TO GO]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Grab Aeran and drag him up.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA RHOD DRAG AERAN][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
chuckles hollowly. “You didn’t know him, $firstname,” he says. “He
hated Maira. Always felt more at home on land, closer to his elven
mother. Regardless, the Cobalt Sea is Azilian territory. The clans
wouldn’t appreciate a Mairan being returned here.”
You sigh. You’ve had very little to do with your melusine heritage, but
you know enough to know that interclan politics give you a headache.
You’re surprised Aeran remembers a detail like that.
You sit quietly beside him and leave him be. You didn’t know Rhodarth;
you barely had time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and
whatever relationship they had was clearly complicated. This is
something he needs to grieve.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
flinches. He glances at you, a pained look contorting his expression.
“Yeah,” he says after a moment. “That’s probably for the best.”
He pauses, giving no sign that he is willing to move on. You sit quietly
beside him and leave him be. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely had
time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and whatever
relationship they had was clearly complicated. This is something he
needs to grieve.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
doesn’t answer.
You grip his shoulder and shake him. He turns around and shoves
forcefully away, anger blazing in his eyes. “Leave me be, $firstname,”
he says. “If you want to go, then go. I need… I can’t…” He falls silent.
“Aeran…”
You approach him, but he pulls away and a stormy silence settles between
you. You sigh wearily and, knowing he isn’t going to budge, you sit
down and leave him be. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely had time to
form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and whatever relationship
they had was clearly complicated. This is something he needs to grieve.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
tenses. His grip tightens, his fingers pressing deep into the back of
his hands.
You kneel beside him. “We did all we could,” you press. “But the Count
was responsible for the blood oath—”
“Then why did you wait?” he shouts, rounding on you. “You knew it was
killing him, why did you wait so long?”
You pause. There are no words you can say.
He lets out a slow, trembling breath and pushes hair off his forehead.
“Fuck, Rho,” he breathes. “Why did you have to do that? Why did you have
to get involved?”
You press your lips together. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely had
time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and whatever
relationship they had was clearly complicated. It is something he needs
to grieve.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
tenses. His grip tightens, his fingers pressing deep into the back of
his hands.
You kneel beside him. “The Count did this, not you,” you press. “The
blood oath would have killed him—”
“Not if I killed the Count,” he says hollowly. “Blood oaths only break
when the one who initiated the enchantment dies. I could have stopped
it.” He lets out a slow, trembling breath. “Fuck, Rho. Why did you have
to do that? Why did you have to get involved?”
You pause, uncertain of what to say. You didn’t know Rhodarth; you
barely had time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and
whatever relationship they had was clearly complicated. It is something
he needs to grieve.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
tenses. His grip tightens, his fingers pressing deep into the back of
his hands. You pause, an uncomfortable knot twisting in your stomach.
Maybe you shouldn’t have pressed the matter. You didn’t know Rhodarth;
you barely had time to form an opinion of him. But Aeran knew him and
whatever relationship they had was clearly complicated. This is
something he needs to grieve.
Maybe you shouldn’t get in the way of that.
“He always was a hothead, you know,” Aeran says suddenly. “He doesn’t
sound like one, but bloodbinders are like that. When your body can
naturally heal anything, you forget that you’re not invincible.”
You nod and quietly sit beside him.
“He deserved better than this,” he adds. “He deserved better than the
Count.”
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sit quietly beside Aeran. He tenses, flinching away from you, unable to
look you in the eye. You fold your hands in your lap and wait. You
didn’t know Rhodarth; you barely had time to form an opinion of him. But
Aeran knew him and whatever relationship they had was clearly
complicated. This is something he needs to grieve.
Aeran lets out a trembling breath. For a moment, it seems like he is
going to say something, but he catches himself and lets it go.
A burst of light catches your eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END BURST OF
LIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
raises his head, a fierce look in his eyes. “No—”
“Don’t argue with me,” you hiss. “We need to move.”
He rises to his feet. “$firstname—”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Of all the places for an
introduction, this is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice
says.<<else>>“Of all the ways this day could have gone, this
is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice says. “But it seems
we must make do with what we have.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD MEET ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
seize Aeran by the arm and drag him up. He resists and pulls away,
rounding on you with a fierce look in his eye. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>“Fuck off, $nickname—”<<else>>“Fuck off,
$firstname—”<</if>>
You reach for him. “We need to move. Now.”
He pulls away. “What the hell are you talking about—”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Of all the places for an
introduction, this is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice
says.<<else>>“Of all the ways this day could have gone, this
is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice says. “But it seems
we must make do with what we have.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD MEET ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>A
human woman steps through a nearby archway. The brilliant hallway
lights shine around her like a halo, illuminating the glittering gold
hairpieces adorning her thick black hair. She is dressed in a serithan, a
traditional Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to
show a single shoulder. Thin gold rings glitter on her fingers and her
ears are studded with gemstones. A heavy gold necklace is draped around
her collarbone, complimenting the rich, brown tone of her skin. She
wears minimal makeup, but her wideset brown eyes are lined with a strip
of black eyeliner.
She raises her chin and scans the courtyard, passing over you and
landing on Aeran. He stiffens under her gaze and falls still, his body
tensing. One hand falls to his side, his fingers reaching towards his
bow.
“Who the hell are you?” he demands.
“Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,” the woman says, announcing her name with the
self-assurance of a highborn aristocrat. “Savant of Diradan Tower and
heir to the Velantian Protectorate.”
Aeran’s eyes flash. <i>“Guild mage.”</i>
He seizes his bow and reaches into his quiver, swiftly pulling an arrow
free.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop him before he does something
stupid.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Draw your sword.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
01 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
Anaxas strides through an archway, the brilliant hallway light shining
around her like a halo. She passes through the rippling curtains,
shadowed by her twin retainers. She quietly makes her way down the
steps, her elegant purple robe whispering against the marble, and enters
the courtyard. As she scans the bloodied mosaics, her eyes pass over
the Count’s dead body and land on Rhodarth.
Aeran grabs his bow. “What are you doing here?” he shouts.
“I am, as the Arsenians would say, tying up loose ends,” she says
calmly, unruffled by his outburst. “I gave you a proposition and I never
received your answer.”
“We already told you no,” he snarls.
Zenaida smiles. “You, in fact, said neither yes nor no,” she replies
smoothly. “You said nothing. You took my payment willingly and never
returned—”
Aeran hisses and reaches into his quiver, his fingers pulling an arrow
free.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Stop him
before he does something stupid.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS 01 HIGH
APPROVAL]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him before he does something
stupid.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS 01 LOW APPROVAL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS 01
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>A strange look flickers
across Rhodarth’s face. “Yes,” he says. “Blood oaths can only be broken
when the one who initiated the enchantment dies.” He pauses, glancing at
Aeran. “I am… indebted to you both. Thanks to you, my company and I are
free.”
“Your company?” Aeran frowns as he gets to his feet. “Then they were—”
“Bound to Cere Nalos as well, yes,” Rhodarth interrupts. He strides past
Aeran, crossing the courtyard to his fallen spear. He kicks the weapon
up and catches it deftly in one hand. “The oath was sworn between him
and I, but they were…” He pauses, searching for the right words.
<i>“…part</i> of the terms. Had I died, they would have been
freed from it as well.”
Aeran shakes his head in bewilderment. “It’s none of my business, Rho,
but why the hell did you agree to something like that?”
Rhodarth rams the butt of his spear into the floor and leans against it.
“Why did you agree to be sent on a near-impossible hunt across Rona?”
he counters. “I imagine our reasoning is similar. Sometimes you must
make the impossible decision and agree to less than ideal conditions.”
Aeran looks away, shifting uneasily. He puts his bow away and stares at
the Count’s body. The dead melusine’s remaining eye is wide with shock,
but the gleeful threat of his final words still linger on his lips. His
crimson hair fans out behind him, the shining locks soaked with dark
blood. All the heightened glamour and menacing delight that clung to him
in life has vanished, leaving nothing but mundane finality.
“Still,” Rhodarth says after a moment. “While I am grateful for the part
you both played in saving my life, this never should have happened—”
Aeran raises his head. “What are you on about?” he says coldly.
You sigh, exhaustion pulling at your shoulders. A glimmer high above you
catches your eye, burning in your peripheral vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. …what in the world? You should look at
that.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE BEAD]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s nothing. Ignore it.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA END RHOALIVE NO
BEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>Rhodarth chuckles. “I am
usually quite resilient, $lastname,” he says. “There are very few things
in this world that can kill me—”
“He’s not wrong,” Aeran mutters, folding his arms. “I’ve seen him get
blown up more than once.”
Rhodarth rolls his eyes. “I’m no stranger to pain, but…” His words trail
away. “Blood oaths are beyond the magic of bloodbinding. I have… I have
never experienced the threat of death quite so liberally before, I…” He
pauses. He rubs his chin and his brows draw together as an uncertain
look crosses his face. His eyes flicker to Aeran. “Perhaps it is best we
do not speak of it.”
Aeran looks away, shifting uneasily under his gaze. He puts his bow away
and stares at the Count’s body. The dead melusine’s remaining eye is
wide with shock, but the gleeful threat of his final words still linger
on his lips. His crimson hair fans out behind him, the shining locks
soaked with dark blood. All the heightened glamour and menacing delight
that clung to him in life has vanished, leaving nothing but mundane
finality.
“Still,” Rhodarth says after a moment. He strides past Aeran, crossing
the courtyard to his fallen spear. He kicks the weapon up, catches it
deftly in one hand, and turns around. “While I am grateful for the part
you both played in saving my life, <i>this</i>—” He gestures
at the Count. “—never should have happened.”
Aeran raises his head. “What are you on about?” he says coldly.
You sigh, exhaustion pulling at your shoulders. A glimmer high above you
catches your eye, burning in your peripheral vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. …what in the world? You should look at
that.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE BEAD]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s nothing. Ignore it.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA END RHOALIVE NO
BEAD]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head. The courtyard is open to the night sky and a tapestry
of security spells stretch over the complex to keep out unwanted
visitors. You can barely make out the barriers from this distance, but
as you watch, a golden bead forms at one end. It pulses quietly and
slowly grows in size.
You frown, your eyes narrowing as you stare at it.
<<if $villaAlt is true>>“What are you on about, Rho?”
Aeran’s voice repeats, echoing angrily across the courtyard.
“All this because you agreed to a contract you could never fulfill,”
Rhodarth snaps. “You should have stayed away from him, you should have
never agreed to work for him in the first place—”
“Not like we had much of a choice!” Aeran shouts. “You’re familiar with
that, aren’t you?”<<else>>“What are you on about, Rho?”
Aeran’s voice repeats, echoing angrily across the courtyard.
“You found the chalice!” Rhodarth snaps. “You gave it to him! It was the
perfect opportunity to accept his payment and walk away. If $lastname
had kept $hisher mouth shut—”
<<if $aeranapp >= 60 && $aeranapp <=
100>>“Hey! Don’t blame $nickname—”<<elseif $aeranapp >=
40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“Hey! Don’t blame
$firstname<<else>>“Fat chance. You try getting $himher to
stop talking—”<</if>><</if>>
Suddenly, the bead rips its way across the sky, shooting across the
barrier like a stone thrown from a slingshot. It slices a deep cut in
the barrier, spins around, and returns to its starting point. The
enchantments pull apart, disappearing in its wake.
<i>What the hell…?</i>
An uncomfortable knot twists in your stomach. It takes something
powerful to destroy a network of security enchantments so thoroughly.
Two causes spring to mind. The first is the death of the Count—if he
sustained his own security network, then the spells would have failed
with his death.
The second reason is much more troubling: someone has forced their way
through.
Your fingers tighten around your sword.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE BEAD
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn, ignoring it. Aeran crosses the courtyard, his arms folded tightly
across his chest as he walks towards Rhodarth.
“What are you on about, Rho?” he demands hotly.
<<if $villaAlt is true>>“All this because you agreed to a
contract you could never fulfill,” Rhodarth snaps. “You should have
stayed away from him, you should have never agreed to work for him in
the first place—”
“Not like we had much of a choice!” Aeran shouts. “You’re familiar with
that, aren’t you?”
He grimaces and ignores the comment. “If $lastname had kept $hisher
mouth shut—”<<else>>“You found the chalice!” Rhodarth snaps.
“You gave it to him! It was the perfect opportunity to accept his
payment and walk away. If $lastname had kept $hisher mouth
shut—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hey!”|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Roll your eyes. Whatever.|CHAPTER 1
VILLA END RHOALIVE NB B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$villaAlt is true>>“Whatever reasons you had for working for
Nalos in the first place hardly matter any more,” Rhodarth’s voice
continues heatedly. “He’s dead, thanks to your
actions—”<<else>>“It was $hisher reliance on witticisms and
sarcastic remarks that caught Nalos’ attention,” Rhodarth’s voice
continues heatedly. “And now he is dead, thanks to your
actions—”<</if>>
“You’re welcome,” Aeran grunts.
The mercenary captain sighs and rubs his forehead. “I am grateful,
Aeran,” he says. “But please, do not misconstrue that. You are still a
newcomer to Rona —”
“Aeran,” you call, keeping one eye on the sky above.
He ignores you.
“Six months is hardly long enough for you to be anything but an
outsider,” Rhodarth continues, “blind to the nature of this beast—”
<i>“Aeran!”</i> you shout.
Aeran and Rhodarth turn to you.
“We need to move,” you say. “Now.”
Noticing your tension and your tight grip on your sword hilt, Aeran nods
and quickly reaches for his bow.
Rhodarth pauses. “$lastname,” he says. “What—”
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Of all the places for an
introduction, this is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice
says.<<else>>“Of all the ways this day could have gone, this
is not the one I would have chosen,” a cool voice says. “But it seems
we must make do with what we have.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE MEET
ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in your stomach at the sound of the voice. You, Aeran
and Rhodarth draw your weapons and turn, as one, to face the edge of the
courtyard.
A human woman stands in a nearby archway. The brilliant hallway lights
shine around her like a halo, illuminating the glittering gold
hairpieces adorning her thick black hair. She is dressed in a purple
serithan, a traditional Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut
asymmetrically to show a single shoulder. Thin gold rings glitter on her
fingers and her ears are studded with gemstones. A heavy gold necklace
is draped around her collarbone, complimenting the rich, brown tone of
her skin. She wears minimal makeup, but her wideset brown eyes are lined
with a strip of black eyeliner.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB CONT")>>“Of
all the places for an introduction, this is not the one I would have
chosen,” she continues, raising her head imperiously. “But I suppose we
must make do with what we have.” Her eyes scan the courtyard, passing
over you and Rhodarth to land on Aeran.<<else>>She raises
her head imperiously as her eyes scan the courtyard, passing over you
and Rhodarth to land on Aeran.<</if>>
He stiffens under her gaze and falls still, his body tensing. His
fingers wrap tightly around his bow’s grip. “Who the hell are you?” he
demands.
The woman smiles. “Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,” she says, announcing her
name with the self-assurance of a high-born aristocrat. “Savant of
Diradan Tower and—”
“Heir to the Velantian Protectorate,” Rhodarth finishes. He falls out of
his offensive stance, straightens and rests his spear upright. “You’re a
fool to come here, my lady. Rona does not suffer Imperial presence
well.”
“Then I trust you will be discreet,” she counters. “In a city overrun
with brigands and outlaws, honourable men are difficult to come by, no?”
He gives her a flat stare. “What business does Velantis have in Rona?”
“None,” she says. “I do not represent my mother’s interests—not that it
is the concern of the Corsida overseers.” She pauses, her eyes
narrowing. “You are far from home, Brightblade.”
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “I would say the same to you, Guild mage.”
Aeran snarls. He seizes his bow and shoves a hand into his quiver,
swiftly pulling an arrow free.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop him before he does something
stupid.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Draw your sword.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
01 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cold knot forms in your stomach at the sound of the voice. You, Aeran
and Rhodarth draw your weapons and turn, as one, towards the edge of the
courtyard.
Zenaida Anaxas strides through an archway, the brilliant hallway light
shining around her like a halo. She passes through the rippling
curtains, shadowed by her twin retainers. She quietly makes her way down
the steps, her elegant purple robe whispering against the marble, and
enters the courtyard.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB CONT")>>“Of
all the ways this day could have gone, this is not the one I would have
chosen,” she continues, raising her head imperiously. “But it seems we
must make do with what we have.” Her eyes scan the courtyard, passing
over you and Rhodarth to land on Aeran.<<else>>She raises
her head imperiously as her eyes scan the courtyard, passing over you
and Rhodarth to land on Aeran.<</if>>
Aeran seizes his bow. “What are you doing here?” he snarls.
“I am, as the Arsenians would say, tying up loose ends,” she says
calmly, unruffled by his outburst. “I gave you a proposition and I never
received your answer.”
“We already told you no,” he snarls.
Zenaida smiles. “You, in fact, said neither yes nor no,” she replies
smoothly. “You said nothing. You took my payment willingly and never
returned—”
Aeran hisses and reaches into his quiver, his fingers pulling an arrow
free.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Stop him
before he does something stupid.|CHAPTER 1 MZD STOP HIM HIGH
APPROVAL]]<<else>>[[1. Stop him before he does something
stupid.|CHAPTER 1 MZD STOP HIM LOW APPROVAL][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rhodarth
glances at you. “It was your reliance on wit and sarcasm that caught
Nalos’ attention,” he says. “And now he is dead, thanks to your
actions.”
You cross your arms. “Weren’t you thanking us for that just a moment
ago?”
He sighs and rubs his forehead. “I am grateful,” he says. “Do not
misconstrue that. But you are still a newcomer to Rona. Six months is
hardly long enough for you to be anything but an outsider, blind to the
city’s nature. Nalos is gone, but there must always be Seven. Another
will rise to take his place—”
“Rhodarth,” Aeran says wearily. “Just give it a rest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It
was $hisher reliance on wit and sarcasm that caught Nalos’ attention,”
he says. “And now he is dead, thanks to your actions.”
“You’re welcome,” Aeran grunts.
The mercenary captain sighs and rubs his forehead. “I am grateful,
Aeran,” he says. “Please, do not misconstrue that. But you are still a
newcomer to Rona. Six months is hardly long enough for you to be
anything but an outsider, blind to the city’s nature. Nalos is gone, but
there must always be Seven. Another will rise to take his place—”
“Rhodarth,” he says wearily. “Just give it a rest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rhodarth’s
jaw clenches, but he falls silent. He loosens his grip on his spear,
resting the weapon gently against his shoulder. He raises his head, his
yellow eyes scanning the dark sky above.
“You may think they despise each other,” he says quietly, “but they hate
those who challenge them even more. The Count’s death will not be taken
lightly. You need to flee. Tonight.”
“The Brightblade speaks the truth,” a cool voice says. “And perhaps that
is something I can assist you with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE MEET
ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=59>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><</if>>You grab his arm, your fingers digging
sharply into his skin. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran pauses
and glances at you, the anger fading from his
eyes—<<else>>Aeran turns, glaring at you furiously, an
objection forming on his lips—<</if>>
A burst of amber light flashes in your peripheral vision and an
ashen-haired woman warps into existence, a dagger pointed at Aeran’s
throat.
Rhodarth shouts and lunges forward, his spear aimed at the woman’s
heart. A burst of gold light springs up around him as a barrier
materializes in front of him. His spear pierces the barrier and slows to
a halt. He grunts and tries to pull it free, but it remains trapped in
place.
“Enough!” Zenaida calls. Her hands are outstretched, gold light flowing
from her palms as she holds the barrier in place. “All of you! Malsara,
stand down.”
The ashen-haired woman <i>tsks</i>, a scowl darkening her
brow. She removes her dagger and turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber
mist. She reappears moments later at Zenaida’s side, a scowl darkening
her brow as she glares at Rhodarth.
You blink. It took you a moment after the chaos, but you recognize her.
She’s the one who followed you as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is
true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the
Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
The one who wanted to take you to her employer.
You grit your teeth. It seems your problems aren’t over yet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grasp your sword hilt. You’ve barely drawn it a few inches from its
sheathe when a burst of amber light flashes in your peripheral vision
and an ashen-haired woman warps into existence, a dagger pointed at
Aeran’s throat.
Rhodarth shouts and lunges forward, his spear aimed at the woman’s
heart. A burst of gold light springs up around him as a barrier
materializes in front of him. His spear pierces the barrier and slows to
a halt. He grunts and tries to pull it free, but it remains trapped in
place.
“Enough!” Zenaida calls. Her hands are outstretched, gold light flowing
from her palms as she holds the barrier in place. “All of you! Malsara,
stand down.”
The ashen-haired woman //tsks,//a scowl darkening her brow. She removes
her dagger and turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber mist. She
reappears moments later at Zenaida’s side, a scowl darkening her brow as
she glares at Rhodarth.
You blink. It took you a moment after the chaos, but you recognize her.
She’s the one who followed you as you left <<if $vlvillafirst is
true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the
Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
The one who wanted take you to her employer.
You grit your teeth. It seems your problems aren’t over yet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
sighs and flicks a hand, releasing the barrier. The barrier shatters,
turning into a swirl of scattering golden mist. Rhodarth’s spear drops
as the barrier dissolves, freeing its hold on the weapon. He grunts and
staggers forward, catching himself at the edge of the pool.
“Interesting trick, Lady Anaxas,” he says. “I wonder what others a Guild
mage keeps up her sleeve?”
She frowns, her thick brows drawing together in annoyance. Before she
can respond, a cackling laugh erupts a few feet behind her and another
woman pushes her way through the archway.
The newcomer is nearly identical to Malsara, save for her raven black
hair. She wears it pulled tightly back in a high braid that falls over
one shoulder. She is dressed in a black serithan, though she has forgone
the customary adornments and jewelry. Her lips split into a dangerous
smile as she sweeps down the steps into the courtyard, her brown eyes
flickering over you, Aeran and Rhodarth.
“Wayfarers, a Brightblade, two Guild mages and a League assassin, all
gathered in one place,” she says, resting her hands on her hips. “If I
didn’t know better, I’d think this was the beginning of some foolish
play at an amateur festival.”
Malsara’s scowl deepens. “Nova,” she calls warningly.
Her twin shrugs indifferently, but a gleeful smile dances on her lips.
Her dark eyes flicker to you and she meets your gaze. <<if
$hairlength neq "shaved" and $haircolour neq "black">>She blinks
once and a faint violet glow appears around her. Her hair bleeds from
black to $haircolour in an accurate replication of your own hair colour.
Your eyes narrow and you return her stare. She grins and the colour
fades, returning to its natural state.<</if>>
Malsara sighs wearily and steps away, her head raised as her eyes linger
on the sky. Watching. Waiting. But for what?
You exchange tense looks with Aeran. From the look on his face, you know
he must be thinking the same thing as you: what the hell is a Savant
doing here and what does she want with you?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (def
$mageguildcodex)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
03]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR ZRDEAD MAGE GUILD
UNLOCK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“What
do you want?” you ask flatly.
“I know the volatile history of our orders,” she says. “The Guild of
Mages and the Wayfarer Order are often antithetical to one another, it
is true. You are right to be suspicious. I, too, would be, if I were in
your position. But I did not come here with the intention to do you
harm.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He shakes his head and his scowl darkens.
Zenaida glances at Rhodarth. “Leave us, Brightblade. It was never our
intention for you to be present. I would speak with Kellis and $lastname
alone.”
He snorts. “No,” he says.
Nova rolls her eyes. “Here’s an idea,” she calls. “Why don’t you go tell
your mercs the good news? If they haven’t figured it out yet, of
course. Never know with mercenaries. You seem to have a good grasp on
magic, but—”
“Run your mouth all you want,” Rhodarth interrupts. “I am not leaving.
Wayfarers aren’t the only ones with little reason to trust an Imperial
Guild mage.”
Zenaida frowns. She takes a step towards him and draws herself up to her
full height—which, next to Rhodarth, has very little effect. “Don’t
make this difficult on yourself,” she says.
Aeran tenses, his jaw clenched as he looks at Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell Rhodarth to go.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR TELL
RHO TO GO][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran speak.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
LET AERAN SPEAK][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell Zenaida to let him
stay.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR LET RHO STAY][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Rhodarth,”
you murmur.
He turns, meeting your eyes. He grips his spear and nods in quiet
understanding. “Watch this one, $lastname,” he says. “Imperial offers
may be sweet, but they are rotten to the core.”
He pushes past you, approaches Aeran and hesitates. For a brief moment,
it seems like he is going to move on, but then he reaches out and clasps
Aeran on the shoulder. Aeran looks up at him, an unreadable expression
on his face. He touches Rhodarth’s hand and a silent understanding
passes between them.
Rhodarth withdraws. Giving one final look over his shoulder, ducks
through an archway and disappears down the main hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Rho,”
Aeran says. “Take your company and get out of here.”
Rhodarth frowns, pushing past you as he approaches him. “Aeran—”
“Don’t get yourself involved in whatever this is. Besides—” He smiles
tightly. “It’s been a long time since my problems were yours. Let’s not
go back to that.”
He pauses. “Yes,” he says quietly after a moment. “I suppose you’re
right.”
For a brief moment, it seems like Rhodarth is going to move on, but he
reaches out and clasps Aeran on the shoulder. Aeran looks up at him, an
unreadable expression on his face. He touches Rhodarth’s hand and a
silent understanding passes between them.
Rhodarth withdraws. Giving one final look over his shoulder, ducks
through an archway and disappears down the main hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Don’t
resort to threats,” you say abruptly. “He stays.”
“If you believe that was a threat, you have sorely misunderstood my
intentions, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida replies. “And while I
appreciate your forwardness, you have little say in the matter.” She
turns to Rhodarth. “As I said before—I will speak to them alone.”
He fixes her with a cold stare. “No.”
“Very well,” she says. “Malsara—”
Amber light bursts beside Rhodarth and Malsara materializes behind him.
She seizes his arm in a tight grasp. He turns, trying to wrench himself
away, but she holds firm. Light swirls around her.
“Wait—”
The light folds in on them. Rhodarth’s words cut off abruptly as he and
Malsara disappear into a void, leaving no trace behind.
You freeze, looking in shock at the empty space. You’re not fully
familiar with the extent of Dispersion magic, but you’ve never seen a
Planeswalker transport an unwilling <i>person.</i>
“I apologize for the abruptness,” Zenaida says. “But as I have said, I
must speak with you alone and I do not have the time to quarrel with
unwanted individuals. Malsara has delivered him someplace safe where he
cannot interrupt us further.”
Aeran rounds on her, a dark look in his eyes. “What the hell do you
want, mage?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR LET RHO STAY")>>Zenaida clasps her
hands together in front of her. “To recruit you,” she says calmly. “I
have risked much to seek you out because I require
<i>your</i> aid. The aid of a
Wayfarer.”<<else>>Aeran rounds on Zenaida, a dark look in
his eyes. “What the hell do you want, mage?” he snarls.
Zenaida clasps her hands together in front of her. “To recruit you,” she
says calmly. “I have risked much to seek you out because I require
<i>your</i> aid. The aid of a Wayfarer.”<</if>>
Aeran bursts out in hollow laughter. “You want us to—what? Help the
<i>Guild?”</i>
“Yes,” she says.
“Hilarious,” he retorts. “Great joke you’ve got there. Really funny—”
“It is not a jest,” she interrupts coldly. “My people have watched you
from the moment we arrived in Rona, even going so far as to approach you
when we thought the time was right. I admit, I was quite disappointed
when you refused Malsara earlier today, but we knew we had but only to
wait. We watched as you worked your way through your investigation,
waiting for the next moment to intervene. After we tracked you to this
villa, we—fearing the worst—began the process to extract you before the
Count could kill you.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE BEAD")>>You
frown, recalling the slice in the barrier. “That was you?”
She nods. “Unfortunately, the enchantments were far more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself. The
barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the villa. It cost me
much time and effort to break through from the
outside.”<<else>>She glances at the clear sky above. You
follow her gaze and a cold knot twists in your stomach as you realize
that the barriers that should protect the courtyard are gone.
“Unfortunately, the enchantments were far more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself,” she
continues. “The barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the
villa. It cost me much time and effort to break through from the
outside.”<</if>>
Aeran snorts. “Really waited for the last minute there,” he says. “Well
done.”
Nova rolls her eyes, her smile curling into a mocking sneer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
raises a hand, gesturing at her to remain silent. “You refused my call
earlier today,” she says evenly. “I can understand why. In our haste to
reach you, Malsara was perhaps a little… heavy-handed. She did not give
you much reason to trust her. But I knew there would be a time for our
paths to cross again, and that time is now. Surely you understand the
gravity of your circumstances.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB CONT")>>You
glance at the Count’s dead body.
<i>You may think they despise each other, but they hate those who
challenge them even more.</i>
“Yeah,” you say, recalling Rhodarth’s words. “I have an
idea.”<<else>>You glance at the Count’s body. “Don’t know
what you’re talking about,” you say. “It’s all over now.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Is it?”<</if>>
You pause. With the Count’s death, the most immediate threat to your
wellbeing has been neutralized. <<if $gold >=300>>And
with the payment you wrangled from him, you can afford passage out of
Rona on the next available ship.<<else>>Though you never
received payment, you still have the time to find a way out of the
city.<</if>> But from the way Zenaida spoke, you don’t like
the implication that there may be something you’ve overlooked, some
oversight in your plan…
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 RHOA MZR LET RHO STAY")>>“Think
for a moment, $lastname,” Zenaida says, turning back to you. “You killed
Cere Nalos, the most powerful overlord of the Seven. Already the city
feels the consequences of his absence. How long do you think it will be
before the Seven seek revenge? How long will it be until the Viridian
Lady comes for your head?”<<else>>Leaving you to your
thoughts, Zenaida turns to Malsara and gently touches her on the
shoulder. She murmurs something in her ear. The ashen-haired woman nods
gravely and steps back. Then she disappears in a swirl of amber mist.
“Think for a moment, $lastname,” Zenaida says, turning back to you. “You
killed Cere Nalos, the most powerful overlord of the Seven. Already the
city feels the consequences of his absence. How long do you think it
will be before the Seven seek revenge? How long will it be until the
Viridian Lady comes for your head?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR LADY DOESN'T
CARE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR
FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 MZR KILLED ONE OF
THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 MZR SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
put much faith in the power of your crowns,” Zenaida counters. “You may
have enough for an ordinary person to book passage, but you are far
from the ordinary. Tell me, have you considered how many crews are
willing to take two Wayfarers on board? How many captains are willing to
risk your abilities negating vital infrastructure in the middle of your
voyage?”
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking fundamental
enchantments.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL VERSIONS
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
shakes her head. <<if $health is "injured" or $poisoned is
true>>“While I do not doubt your resilience, even you must see you
are in no condition to fight again. You are injured. Engaging in combat
with Anselma Malley’s warriors would only lead to your
death.”<<else>>“While I do not doubt your resilience, do you
honestly believe you can survive another fight tonight? Engaging in
combat with Anselma Malley’s warriors would only lead to your
death.”<</if>>
You grimace and glance at Aeran. His scowl grows darker by the minute.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL VERSIONS
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grimace and glance at Aeran. His scowl grows darker by the minute.
“Have I mentioned that I hate this city?” you say, sighing wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL VERSIONS
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
think you can predict her actions after a single encounter?” Zenaida
asks. “Anselma Malley values one thing above all else—stability. She may
not have cared for Cere Nalos, but she cares a great deal about
maintaining order within Rona. By killing him, you have created a void
in the existing power structure. You have proven that even the most
untouchable of the Seven can be eliminated. I know without question that
she will seek you out to show Rona what happens to those who dare to
upend the order she so carefully maintains.”
Your gut twists. You exchange dark looks with Aeran. Though you know
this woman is doing everything in her power to convince you she is no
threat to you, you can’t shake the feeling that she may be right.
The Count is dead, but that may have only brought you a host of new
problems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL VERSIONS
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>You grab
his arm, your fingers digging sharply into his skin. Aeran pauses and
glances at you. Slowly, the anger fades from his eyes and he relaxes,
the tension disappearing. You release him. He slides the arrow back into
place and drops his hand to his side.
Zenaida pauses, raising her chin as she watches you and Aeran carefully.
Behind her, Malsara Markal bristles, one hand resting on a dagger hilt
at her waist. Nova Markal tugs at a loose lock of black hair and smirks,
her brown eyes dancing.
Your movements have not gone unnoticed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>You grab
his arm, your fingers digging sharply into his skin. Aeran rounds on
you, fire in his eyes, and wrenches himself free. He swiftly nocks the
arrow and raises his bow, prepared to threaten your unexpected guests.
A flash of amber light bursts beside him and Malsara Markal tumbles out
of thin air, a dagger pointed at his throat.
Rhodarth shouts and lunges forward, his spear aimed at Malsara’s heart. A
burst of gold light springs up around him as a barrier materializes in
front of him. His spear pierces the barrier and slows to a halt. He
grunts and tries to pull it free, but it remains trapped in place.
“Enough!” Zenaida calls. Her hands are outstretched, gold light flowing
from her palms as she holds the barrier in place. “All of you! Malsara,
stand down.”
Malsara <i>tsks</i>, a scowl darkening her brow. She removes
her dagger and turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber mist. She
reappears moments later at Zenaida’s side, a scowl darkening her brow as
she glares at Rhodarth.
Nova Markal lets out a quiet laugh, delight shining in her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
flash of amber light bursts beside Aeran and Malsara Markal tumbles out
of thin air, a dagger pointed at his throat.
Rhodarth shouts and lunges forward, his spear aimed at her heart. A
burst of gold light springs up around him as a barrier materializes in
front of him. His spear pierces the barrier and slows to a halt. He
grunts and tries to pull it free, but it remains trapped in place.
“Enough!” Zenaida calls. Her hands are outstretched, gold light flowing
from her palms as she holds the barrier in place. “All of you! Malsara,
stand down.”
Malsara <i>tsks</i>, a scowl darkening her brow. She removes
her dagger and turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber mist. She
reappears moments later at Zenaida’s side, a scowl darkening her brow as
she glares at Rhodarth.
Nova Markal lets out a quiet laugh, delight shining in her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Zenaida sighs and flicks a hand,
releasing the barrier. The barrier shatters, turning into a swirl of
scattering golden mist. Rhodarth’s spear drops as the barrier dissolves,
freeing its hold on the weapon. He grunts and staggers forward,
catching himself at the edge of the pool.
“Interesting trick,” he says. “Cunning, almost—for a Guild mage.”
She raises her chin. “Savant,” she corrects.
His lips press into a fine line. “Which academy?”
“Diradan.”
He snorts dismissively, rolling his eyes.
“Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,” she introduces herself. “I take it you’ve
heard the name?”
Rhodarth’s grip tightens on his spear. “I am familiar with your house,
Lady Anaxas,” he says. “And I think you are a fool to come here. Rona
does not suffer Imperial presence well.”
“Then I trust you will be discreet,” she counters. “In a city overrun
with brigands and outlaws, honourable men are difficult to come by, no?”
He gives her a flat stare. “What business does Velantis have in Rona?”
“None,” she says. “I do not represent my mother’s interests—not that it
is the concern of the Corsida overseers.” She pauses, her eyes
narrowing. “You are far from home, Brightblade.”
Rhodarth laughs coldly. “I would say the same to you—”
Nova throws back her head and laughs. “Wayfarers, a Brightblade, two
Guild mages and a League assassin, all gathered in one place,” she says,
walking nonchalantly down the steps and entering the courtyard. “If I
didn’t know better, I’d think this was the beginning of some foolish
play at an amateur festival.”
Malsara’s scowl deepens. “Nova,” she calls warningly.
Her sister shrugs.
She sighs wearily and steps away. She raises her head, her eyes
lingering on the sky.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>“I
have business with these two,” Zenaida says, watching Rhodarth
carefully. “Leave us. I would speak with Kellis and $lastname alone.”
He snorts. “I don’t think so,” he says, his voice dangerously low.
“Wayfarers aren’t the only ones with little reason to trust an Imperial
Guild mage.”
She frowns and draws herself up to her full height which—next to
Rhodarth—has very little effect. “Don’t make this difficult on
yourself.”
Aeran tenses next to you. His jaw clenches as he looks at Rhodarth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell Rhodarth to go.|CHAPTER 1 MZD 06 TELL
RHO TO GO][$PassageNo = 1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5,
20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran speak.|CHAPTER 1 MZD 06
LET AERAN SPEAK][$PassageNo = 1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1,
5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Rhodarth,”
you murmur.
He turns, meeting your eyes. He grips his spear and nods in quiet
understanding. “Watch this one, $lastname,” he says. “I don’t know what
you’re involved in, but Imperial offers are nothing but rotten to the
core.”
He pushes past you and approaches Aeran. For a brief moment, it seems
like he is going to move on, but then he reaches out and clasps Aeran on
the shoulder. Aeran looks up at him, an unreadable expression on his
face. He touches Rhodarth’s hand and nods, a silent understanding
passing between them.
Rhodarth withdraws and, with a final look behind him, ducks through an
archway and disappears down the main hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
07]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Rho,”
Aeran says. “Take your company and get out of here.”
Rhodarth frowns, pushing past you as he approaches him. “Aeran—”
“Don’t get yourself involved in whatever this is. Besides—” He smiles
tightly. “It’s been a long time since my problems were yours. Let’s not
go back to that.”
He pauses. “Yes,” he says quietly after a moment. “I suppose you’re
right.”
For a brief moment, it seems like Rhodarth is going to move on, but he
reaches out and clasps Aeran on the shoulder. Aeran looks up at him, an
unreadable expression on his face. He touches Rhodarth’s hand and a
silent understanding passes between them.
Rhodarth withdraws. Giving one final look over his shoulder, ducks
through an archway and disappears down the main hall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You’re
wasting your time, you know,” Aeran says, rounding on Zenaida.
“And it is my time to waste if I choose,” she replies coolly.
“When last we spoke, I gave you until dawn to give me an answer. The sun
will soon rise and I believe that my offer is one you cannot refuse.”
He snorts derisively. He bristles—almost as if he’s about to walk
away—but his eyes linger cautiously on Malsara. You exchange looks;
you’re certain the same thought that occurs to you has occurred to him.
With Malsara’s teleportation powers at play, walking away from Zenaida
prematurely will be no easy feat.
You grit your teeth. After everything that has happened, your mind feels
sluggish as you force yourself to think. Zenaida’s words turn over and
over in your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that a threat?”|CHAPTER 1 MZD 08
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We have no interest in working for
the Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD 08 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1,
5, 90), $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Pretty strange timing, showing up
when you did. How did you know we were here?”|CHAPTER 1 MZD 08
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
pales and she takes a step back, uncharacteristic shock flashing across
her face. “A threat?” she exclaims, stumbling over her words. “No, no,
of course not—”
Nova cuts across her. “Her Grace only intended to remind you of your
circumstances,” she says. She pulls her long, black braid over her
shoulder as she looks from you to the Count’s body and back. “You have
made quite a mess, haven’t you? Maybe if you hadn’t killed Cere Nalos
your situation would be different, but do you really think you can make
it out of Rona without facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting
for your life; the consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold
>=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in your
pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences she’s
talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
Movement in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by
Nova and approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something
in her ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash
of amber light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “They
will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD VIRIDIAN
LADY]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD
FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 MZD KILLED ONE OF
THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 MZD SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$advantage to true>>“You would not work for the Guild,” Zenaida
corrects. “You would be working for the Order of Lethalis—”
“What’s the difference?” Aeran snaps. “You’re all mages.”
She sighs wearily, her shoulders sagging. “I’ve heard of your hatred of
the Guild, Wayfarer Kellis,” she say, raising a hand. “But I am asking
you to set it aside for a mutually beneficial—”
Nova groans and tilts her head back, rolling her eyes. “Hell and
starfire,” she curses. “Listen! You don’t want to be here. I don’t want
to be here. None of this would happen if Lethalis didn’t need you so
badly—”
<i>“Nova.”</i> Zenaida turns to her, a warning look in her
eye.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
//If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…//
Zenaida isn’t here by accident or sheer chance. She followed you here
because she needs you. Desperately. And she must not be prepared to
leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
“Listen to me,” Nova says. “You’ve made a mess with… that.” She throws
out a hand and points to the Count’s body. “Maybe if you hadn’t killed
Cere Nalos your situation would be different, but do you really think
you can make it out of Rona without facing the consequences?”
<<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting for your life; the
consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold >=300>>The
coin pouch lies heavy in your pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t
matter what consequences she’s talking about, you never got
paid.<</if>>
Movement in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by
Nova and approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something
in her ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash
of amber light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “The
Seven will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD VIRIDIAN LADY
ALT VERSION]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD
FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 MZD KILLED ONE OF
THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 MZD SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Malsara has followed you for
most of the day,” Zenaida replies. “Ever since you left the…” Her mouth
turns down in distaste. “…Slippery Weasel.”
You look to Malsara, who shrugs and meets your eyes, unbothered by your
stare. Your gut twists.
<<if $perception >=8>>How did you not notice her? If what
Zenaida says is true, there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<<else>>You’re not the most observant person
around, but even you should have noticed if you were being followed all
day. But there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<</if>> Did she watch you wherever you went?
Zenaida and Nova may be Savants of the Guild, but you know without
question that Malsara is the most dangerous of the three.
She could be a problem.
“Followed us, huh?” Aeran grunts, rounding on Malsara. “If you were
going to all that effort, we could have used your help—”
“Your business was none of my concern,” she says coldly. <<if
$mareadead is true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was
quite educational. When I want advice on threatening and killing unarmed
civilians, I will be sure to call on you.”
Your gut twists. Malsara fixes you with a piercing look. Her judgment is
impossible to ignore.<<elseif $merchantsThreatened is
true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was quite
educational. When I want advice on harassing merchants, I will be sure
to call on you.”
You sigh wearily, a retort dying on your lips. You’re far too exhausted
to fight her reprimand.
<<else>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was quite
educational.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks, I guess.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You’ll have to forgive us for the ruse,” Zenaida says. “Our
presence here could prove troubling for the Seven and I ordered her not
to reveal herself unless absolutely necessary. She alerted me when the
Count put you in grave danger and we worked quickly to break through his
security.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE BEAD")>>Your
eyes narrow as you recall the slice in the barrier. “That was you?”
She nods. “Unfortunately, the enchantments were much more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself. The
barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the villa. It cost me
much time and effort to break through from the
outside—”<<else>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He shakes
his head and mutters something derisively under his breath.
“Unfortunately,” Zenaida continues, “the enchantments were much more
complex than I anticipated, particularly once you entered the house
itself. The barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the
villa. It cost me much time and effort to break through from the
outside—”<</if>>
Nova lets out an exasperated sigh and steps forward, cutting in front of
Zenaida. “Listen,” she says. “This doesn’t matter. You’ve made a mess
with… that.” She throws out a hand and points to the Count’s body.
“Maybe if you hadn’t killed Cere Nalos your situation would be
different, but do you really think you can make it out of Rona without
facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting
for your life; the consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold
>=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in your
pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences she’s
talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD 08 C 02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$advantage to true>>Nova chortles. “You’ve met her once and you
think you know her so well?” she scoffs, barely able to mask the
condescension in her voice. “If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly, I’d
be curious to see how long you last outside this villa—”
<i>“Nova,”</i> Zenaida snaps.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
<i>If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…</i>
Zenaida isn’t here by accident or sheer chance. She followed you here
because she needs you. Desperately. And she must not be prepared to
leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
chortles. “And how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board?” she says, barely able to mask the condescension in her voice.
“Even if you can afford it, not many captains are willing to risk you
mangling their beloved ship in the middle of the ocean.”
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking fundamental
enchantments.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
throws her head back and laughs.
<<if $health is "injured" or $poisoned is true>>“You?” she
scoffs, barely able to conceal the condescension in her voice. “What do
you think you can do? You can barely stand on your own two feet, let
alone fight. It is by sheer luck that you survived tonight. Do you
really think you will survive if Anselma Malley sends her warriors after
you?”<<else>>“You?” she scoffs, barely able to conceal the
condescension in her voice. “What do you think you can do? It is by
sheer luck that you survived tonight. Cere Nalos was but one opponent
and I wouldn’t say he was sound of mind. Anselma Malley won’t be nearly
as foolhardy. She will set a full contingent of her warriors and I doubt
even your friend can shoot them all.”<</if>>
You grimace and glance at Aeran. His scowl is growing darker by the
minute.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grimace.
“Hm,” Nova says, a triumphant smile on her lips. “You see reason. Maybe
you’re not as stupid as I thought.”
You glance at Aeran. His scowl grows darker by the minute.
“Nova,” Zenaida says wearily.
The dark-haired mage shrugs and flashes you a wicked grin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
exhales sharply and curses. “Doesn’t matter what you say,” he says
flatly. “The answer’s still no.” He turns his back on Zenaida and makes
his way across the courtyard.
“And what of Wayfarer $lastname?” she calls. “Does $hisher opinion on
the matter have no importance to you?”
He draws to stop. You see the tension in his shoulders and in the way he
carries himself. For a moment, it seems like he is about to leave you
here and walk away, but then he turns around and his eyes meet yours.
You see the silent plea in his expression, the wordless request to walk
away from here and accept the hand you’ve been dealt. But he knows, just
as well as you, that your actions here tonight have changed things
irrevocably. You can continue to struggle on your own, or you can accept
the offer and escape Rona freely tonight.
“Wayfarer $lastname?” Zenaida presses. “Will you reconsider my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MEET ZENAIDA DOCKS VERSION
ALL CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
rolls her eyes. “You’ve met her once and you think you know her so
well?” she scoffs, barely able to mask the condescension in her voice.
“Bet your life on it if you want, but that’s not a risk I’d take if I
were you.”
Your gut twists.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA END RHOALIVE NB CONT")>>She
is echoing what Rhodarth told you earlier.<<else>>You hate
to admit it, but she has a point.<</if>> The Viridian Lady
may have been the Count’s rival, but above all the feuds and clashes
between the Seven, she strives to maintain balance. The Count’s death
leaves a formidable void in the Seven’s power structure. The Lady will
not be pleased about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD
09]]</div></div><</nobr>>Movement
in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by Nova and
approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something in her
ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash of amber
light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “The
Seven will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD VIRIDIAN
LADY]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 MZD
FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 MZD KILLED ONE OF
THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 MZD SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
burst of amber light appears in the centre of the courtyard. Malsara
appears, staggering across the mosaic floor as if she has run a great
distance. She skids to a stop, her long braid falling over her shoulder
as she straightens and draws herself to her full height.
“What did you see?” Zenaida demands.
“Malley knows of Nalos’ death,” Malsara replies swiftly. “She has sent a
battalion of aeda warriors to investigate.” She glances at you. “They
will be here shortly. I suggest we do not linger.”
Your jaw clenches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It’s a bluff. One last desperate attempt to
force you into boarding their ship.|CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Malsara doesn’t strike you as the
lying type. It must be true—and you are running out of options.|CHAPTER 1
MZD ALL 01 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
round on her. “The Count’s barely been dead an hour,” you snap. “How
the hell would she know—”
Malsara strides past you, walking briskly towards Nova.
The dark-haired mage rolls her eyes, reaches into a pouch at her waist,
and withdraws a small obsidian orb. You recognize it as the one she used
earlier today to show you the Astrial. Balancing the orb carefully in
her palm, Nova extends it towards you.
Malsara grasps her sister’s other hand and places two fingers on the
orb’s surface. “If you doubt my word,” she calls, “then
<i>look.”</i>
A violet light seeps from Nova’s palm and into the orb. A moment later,
it explodes with light and an image shimmers beneath its surface.
Intrigued, you step forward to take a better look.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>You see the familiar white walls of
the Viridian Lady’s villa. A dozen armed aeda warriors are gathered on
the third floor balcony. The Lady appears through an entryway, Starling
at her side. Her mouth moves and gives a silent order. Starling pushes
off the balcony, soaring high as the warriors follow them. They spiral
into the air, circling high on an updraft. The Lady bows her head and
follows.<<else>>You see the soaring white walls of an
elegant mansion. The third floor is a wide, domed atrium with a balcony
running around the perimeter. A dozen armed aeda warriors gather at the
edges. A tall woman appears through an entryway, her dark green wings
rustling as she gives a silent order. One by one, the warriors push off
the balcony and soar high into the sky. The woman follows a moment
later, spiralling into the air on an updraft.<</if>>
You frown. Memories projected into orbs like this one can be fickle.
While every little detail may not be accurate, the bulk of the memory
itself is very difficult to fake. Unless Malsara is incredibly gifted at
the construction of false memories, there is no doubt that she
witnessed something similar to the event she has poured into the orb.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL 02
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
believe you,” you say coldly.
“Then you should know we have only minutes left until Malley and her
forces arrive,” Malsara says. “My magic will not work on you. I cannot
transport you directly to the <i>Dareia</i>. If you do not
want to fight them, then we must leave. Now.”
Your mouth runs dry. You glance at Aeran, but he lowers his head and
avoids your gaze. His hand lies still at his side, clenching into a
fist.
“I’ll ask again,” Zenaida says. “In exchange for helping you escape
Rona, will you accept my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $advantage is true>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL FORGE 01">1. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Yes. But only for double
the price.”</a><<else>><s>1. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL
FORGE 02">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Looks like we don’t have a
choice.”</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)>><<set
$lethalisMoney to true>><<set $lethaliscontract1 to
"forged">><<set $pactforged += 1>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>Zenaida purses
her lips. “Three thousand each is what I promised,” she says after a
moment. “In addition to the two hundred and fifty I have already given
you. This is a hefty sum—”
“And it sounds like you may need us more than we need you,” you
interrupt. “I’m happy to find my own way. But you… I’m not so sure
about.”
You smile, careful to hide the twisted doubt you feel in the pit of your
stomach. Demanding a higher fee is a risk. But judging from Nova’s
outburst, you are certain that Zenaida is in a position where she must
do anything to get you onboard her ship.
Zenaida frowns, her brows drawing together in a dark scowl. “Very well,”
she says coldly. “Six thousand each. But we will not agree to more than
that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you reply.
“Come, then,” she says. “We must make haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You blurt the
words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better. This is
not how you planned to leave Rona, but what else can you do? You need a
guaranteed ship away from this rotting hellpit. Zenaida can give it to
you.
Willingly working for a group of Guild mages is the last thing you want
to do, but if she pays you handsomely for it… it might be worth it. If
anything, it gets you away from Rona.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. He shoots you a glare. You
shrug and spread your hands. If you don’t have a choice, neither does
he.
“I knew you wouldn’t be so foolhardy as to sacrifice your lives merely
to spite me and mine,” Zenaida says. Her lips turn upwards in a
satisfied smile.
Aeran scoffs and looks away.
Zenaida ignores him. “You may be contracted to the Guild,” she
continues, “but I promise you, it will be more than worth your while—”
“Don’t think too highly of us,” you interrupt. “We care about the crowns
and getting out of Rona. That’s it.”
She pauses, staring at you with narrowed eyes. “Duly noted,” she says
coolly. “Come, then. We must make haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“…shit,”
you murmur.
Malsara removes her fingers from the orb and the images dies. “We have
only minutes left until they arrive,” she says. “And because my magic
will not work on you, I cannot transport you to the //Dareia//. If you
do not wish to fight them, we must leave now.”
Your mouth runs dry. You glance at Aeran, but he lowers his head and
avoids your gaze. His hand lies still at his side, clenching into a
fist.
“I’ll ask again,” Zenaida says. “Will you accept my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $advantage is true>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL FORGE 01">1. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “Yes. But only for double
the price.”</a><<else>><s>1. [ <i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 MZD ALL
FORGE 02">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Looks like we don’t have a
choice.”</a></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=59>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><</if>>You grab his arm, your fingers digging
sharply into his skin. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran pauses
and glances at you, the anger fading from his
eyes—<<else>>Aeran turns, glaring at you furiously, an
objection forming on his lips—<</if>>
A burst of amber light flashes in your peripheral vision and an
ashen-haired woman warps into existence, a dagger pointed at Aeran’s
throat.
You recognize her. The woman who followed you as you left <<if
$vlvillafirst is true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>the Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“Stand down,” she calls. “We are not your enemy.”
Aeran laughs coldly. “Are you so sure about that?” he snarls.
The woman presses the dagger against his skin. “Stand down,” she says.
“I will not ask again—”
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls. “Enough.”
The ashen-haired woman freezes. She looks from you to Aeran, her brown
eyes burning intensely, but she heeds Zenaida’s words and slowly removes
the dagger. She turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber mist, and
reappears at Zenaida’s side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grasp your sword hilt. You’ve barely drawn it a few inches from its
sheathe when a burst of amber light flashes in your peripheral vision
and an ashen-haired woman warps into existence, a dagger pointed at
Aeran’s throat.
You recognize her. The woman who followed you as you left <<if
$vlvillafirst is true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>the Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>.
“Stand down,” she calls. “We are not your enemy.”
Aeran laughs coldly. “Are you so sure about that?” he snarls.
The woman presses the dagger against his skin and turns her eyes on you.
“Sheathe your sword,” she says. “Now—”
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls. “Enough.”
The ashen-haired woman freezes. She looks from you to Aeran, her brown
eyes burning intensely, but she heeds Zenaida’s words and slowly removes
the dagger. She turns, disappearing in a swirl of amber mist, and
reappears at Zenaida’s side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
cackling laugh erupts a few feet behind them and another woman pushes
her way through the archway and enters the courtyard. She is nearly
identical to Malsara. The only discernable difference is her raven black
hair, which she wears pulled tightly back in a high braid that falls
over one shoulder.
“They said you were a blustering fool, Kellis,” she says scathingly.
“Still can’t believe you’re the one they—”
Zenaida raises a hand. “Peace, Nova,” she calls. “If you must make
jests, keep it to yourself.”
Nova smirks and her dark eyes flicker to you. <<if $hairlength neq
"shaved" and $haircolour neq "black">>She blinks once and a faint
violet glow appears around her. Her hair bleeds from black to
$haircolour in an accurate replication of your own hair colour. Your
eyes narrow and you return her stare. She grins and the colour fades,
returning to its natural state.<</if>>
Malsara sighs wearily and steps away, her head raised as her eyes linger
on the sky. Watching. Waiting. But for what?
You exchange tense looks with Aeran. From the look on his face, you know
he must be thinking the same thing as you: what the hell is the Guild
representative doing here and what does she want with you?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (def
$mageguildcodex)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
03]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD 03 MAGE GUILD
UNLOCK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
know the volatile history of our orders,” Zenaida says. “The Guild of
Mages and the Wayfarer Order are often antithetical to one another, it
is true. You are right to be suspicious. I, too, would be, if I were in
your position. But I did not come here with the intention to do you
harm. Rather, I have risked much to seek you out because I require your
aid. The aid of a Wayfarer.”
Silence settles over the courtyard, interrupted only by the gentle lap
of the pool. A laugh rings out, echoing across the courtyard. All eyes
turn to Aeran. He shudders, unable to contain his hollow laughter, and
rounds on Zenaida.
“You want us to—what? Help the Guild?” His eyes blaze with fury. “You’re
wasting your time—”
“My people have watched you from the moment we arrived in Rona,” she
interrupts coldly. “They even went so far as to approach you when we
thought the time was right. I admit, I was quite disappointed when you
refused Malsara earlier today, but we knew we had but only to wait. We
watched as you worked your way through your investigation, waiting for
the next moment to intervene. After we tracked you to this villa,
we—fearing the worst—began the process to extract you before the Count
could kill you.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR LOOK AT BEAD")>>You
frown, recalling the slice in the barrier. “That was you?”
She nods. “Unfortunately, the enchantments were far more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself. The
barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the villa. It cost me
much time and effort to break through from the outside.” She glances
past you, her eyes lingering on Rhodarth’s body. “Perhaps if I had been
faster, I could have prevented the death of your
friend—”<<else>>She glances at the clear sky above. You
follow her gaze and a cold knot twists in your stomach as you realize
that the barriers that should protect the courtyard are gone.
“Unfortunately, the enchantments were far more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself,” she
continues. “The barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the
villa. It cost me much time and effort to break through from the
outside.” She glances past you, her eyes lingering on Rhodarth’s body.
“Perhaps if I had been faster, I could have prevented the death of your
friend—”<</if>>
<i>“Don’t,”</i> Aeran snarls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZR RHOD
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
pauses. “You refused my call earlier today,” she says evenly. “I can
understand why. In our haste to reach you, Malsara was perhaps a little…
heavy-handed. She did not give you much reason to trust her. But I knew
there would be a time for our paths to cross again, and that time is
now. Surely you must understand the gravity of your circumstances.”
You glance at the Count’s dead body. “Don’t know what you’re talking
about,” you say. “It’s all over now.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Is it?”
You pause. With the Count’s death, the most immediate threat to your
wellbeing has been neutralized. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You
were fighting for your life; the consequences hardly matter
now.<<elseif $gold >=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in
your pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences
she’s talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
<<if $gold >=300>>With the payment you wrangled from him,
you can afford passage out of Rona on the next available
ship.<<else>>Though you were never paid, you still have time
to find a way out of the city.<</if>> But from the way
Zenaida spoke, you don’t like the implication that there may be
something you’ve overlooked, some oversight in your plan…
Leaving you to your thoughts, Zenaida turns to Malsara and gently
touches her on the shoulder. She murmurs something in her ear. The
ashen-haired woman nods gravely and steps back. Then she disappears in a
swirl of amber mist.
“Think for a moment, $lastname,” Zenaida says, turning back to you. “You
killed Cere Nalos, the most powerful overlord of the Seven. Already the
city can feel the consequences of his absence. How long do you think it
will be before the Seven seek revenge? How long will it be until the
Viridian Lady comes for your head?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR LADY DOESN'T
CARE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR
FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 MZR KILLED ONE OF
THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 MZR SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
can give you what you seek,” Zenaida says. “You wish to leave Rona? My
ship is anchored off the shoreline. You need but say the word and I can
offer you the passage you so desperately need.”
You cross your arms. “There’s a condition in there, isn’t there?”
“Naturally,” she counters. “I did come all the way to Rona to seek out
you and Wayfarer Kellis. If you accept my help, then you must also
accept my proposal.”
“Which is?”
She presses her lips together in a fine line. “You will learn all when
you board the <i>Dareia,”</i> she says. “It is dangerous to
discuss it here, but I assure you, you will be paid handsomely for it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I can’t agree to something if you don’t
tell me what it is.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How much will you pay us?”|CHAPTER 1
MZR ALL 01 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida’s
expression hardens. For a brief moment, her mask slips and a frustrated
flush sweeps across her cheeks. “There is a task in Velantis that
requires a Wayfarer’s skillset,” she says.
Your eyes narrow. “What task?”
“I cannot say more here,” she says. “But I promise you, I will reveal
all onboard the <i>Dareia—”</i>
“Fucking hell,” Aeran curses. “Come on, $firstname, let’s go.” He turns
his back on her and walks away.
Zenaida’s eyes widen in horror. “Wait!” she calls. “I can explain—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZRAT ALLEY ALL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
raises her chin. “Three thousand,” she says firmly.
You arch an eyebrow.
Zenaida smiles. “Three thousand <i>each,”</i> she corrects.
Your stomach drops. You stare incredulously at her, certain you’ve
misheard. Hollow laughter bubbles up beside you. Aeran stands still, his
shoulders shaking, one hand curling into a fist as he stares at Zenaida
with dark and narrowed eyes.
“Three thousand each?” he hisses. “What the ever-living
<i>hell.”</i>
She clasps her hands in front of her. “I do not jest, Wayfarer Kellis,”
she says. “The order I represent is well-funded and they are willing to
compensate you thoroughly for your skills.”
Aeran scoffs and his face contorts into a dark scowl. “No chance,” he
says, turning his back on her. “Come on, $firstname, let’s go—”
“And what of Wayfarer $lastname?” she calls. “Does $hisher opinion on
the matter have no importance to you?”
He draws to stop. You see the tension in his shoulders and in the way he
carries himself. For a moment, it seems like he is about to leave you
here and walk away, but then he turns around and his eyes meet yours.
You see the silent plea in his expression, the wordless request to walk
away from here and accept the hand you’ve been dealt. But he knows, just
as well as you, that your actions here tonight have changed things
irrevocably. You can continue to struggle on your own, or you can accept
the offer and escape Rona tonight.
“Wayfarer $lastname?” Zenaida presses. “Will you consider my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MZRAT ALLEY ALL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
burst of amber light appears in the centre of the courtyard. Malsara
appears, staggering across the mosaic floor as if she has run a great
distance. She skids to a stop, her long braid falling over her shoulder
as she straightens and draws herself to her full height.
“What did you see?” Zenaida demands.
“Malley knows of Nalos’ death,” Malsara replies swiftly. “She has sent a
battalion of aeda warriors to investigate.” She glances at you. “They
will be here shortly. I suggest we do not linger.”
Your jaw clenches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It’s a bluff. One last desperate attempt to
trick you into boarding their ship.|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL 03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Malsara doesn’t strike you as the
lying type. It must be true—and you are running out of options.|CHAPTER 1
MZR ALL 03 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
round on her. “The Count’s barely been dead an hour,” you snap. “How
the hell would she know—”
Malsara strides past you, walking briskly towards Nova.
The dark-haired woman rolls her eyes, reaches into a pouch at her waist,
and withdraws a small obsidian orb. Its sides are as smooth as glass,
so highly polished you can see her reflection in its surface. She
balances it carefully in her palm and holds it out to you.
Malsara grasps her sister’s other hand and places two fingers on the
orb’s surface. “If you doubt my word,” she calls, “then look.”
A violet light seeps from Nova’s palm and into the orb. A moment later,
it explodes with light and an image shimmers beneath its surface.
Intrigued, you step forward to take a better look.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>You see the familiar white walls of
the Viridian Lady’s villa. A dozen armed aeda warriors are gathered on
the third floor balcony. The Lady appears through an entryway, Starling
at her side. Her mouth moves and gives a silent order. Starling pushes
off the balcony, soaring high as the warriors follow them. They spiral
into the air, circling high on an updraft. The Lady bows her head and
follows.<<else>>You see the soaring white walls of an
elegant mansion. The third floor is a wide, domed atrium with a balcony
running around the perimeter. A dozen armed aeda warriors gather at the
edges. A tall woman appears through an entryway, her dark green wings
rustling as she gives a silent order. One by one, the warriors push off
the balcony and soar high into the sky. The woman follows a moment
later, spiralling into the air on an updraft.<</if>>
Your gut twists. You’ve seen such orbs in action before—when powered by a
skilled mage, they can extract and display specific memories from the
holder. While every little detail may not be accurate, the bulk of the
memory itself is very difficult to fake. Unless Malsara is incredibly
gifted at the construction of false memories, there is no doubt that she
witnessed something similar to the event she has poured into the orb.
“…shit,” you murmur.
Malsara removes her fingers from the orb and the image dies. “We have
only minutes left until they arrive,” she says. “And because my magic
will not work on you, I cannot transport you to the
<i>Dareia</i>. If you do not wish to fight them, we must
leave now.”
Your mouth runs dry. You glance at Aeran, but he lowers his head and
avoids your gaze. His hand lies still at his side, clenching into a
fist.
“I’ll ask again,” Zenaida says. “In exchange for helping you escape
Rona, will you accept my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Looks like we don’t have a choice.”|CHAPTER
1 MZR ALL 04 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Get us out of Rona. Then we’ll
talk.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL 05 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp -
5, 20, 79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
believe you,” you say coldly.
“Then you should know we have only minutes left until Malley and her
forces arrive,” Malsara says. “My magic will not work on you. I cannot
transport you directly to the <i>Dareia</i>. If you do not
want to fight them, then we must leave. Now.”
Your mouth runs dry. You glance at Aeran, but he lowers his head and
avoids your gaze. His hand lies still at his side, clenching into a
fist.
“I’ll ask again,” Zenaida says. “In exchange for helping you escape
Rona, will you accept my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Looks like we don’t have a choice.”|CHAPTER
1 MZR ALL 04 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Get us out of Rona. Then we’ll
talk.”|CHAPTER 1 MZR ALL 05 B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp -
5, 20, 79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
blurt the words out, as if saying them faster somehow makes it better.
This is not how you planned to leave Rona, but what else can you do? You
need a guaranteed ship away from this rotting hellpit and Zenaida can
give it to you.
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. It doesn’t matter now. It’s
not like either of you have a choice.
“I am glad you see reason,” Zenaida says. “Come, then. We must make
haste. There is little time left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am not your rescuer, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says coldly. “Do you
or do you not accept my proposal?”
“I agree to listen to you,” you snap.
“Do you or do you not accept?”
You grit your teeth. “Fine,” you snap. “We’ll take it. Just get us out
of this blasted city!”
“Good,” she replies. “I knew you would see reason eventually.”
Aeran stiffens beside you. He says nothing, but you don’t need him to
speak to know he doesn’t like your answer. You shrug and spread your
hands. What does it matter when neither of you truly have a choice?
“Come, then,” Zenaida calls. “We must make haste. There is little time
left.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TRANSFER FROM VILLA TO
SHIP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab his arm, your fingers digging sharply into his skin. Aeran pauses
and glances at you. Slowly, the anger fades from his eyes and he
relaxes, the tension disappearing. You release him. He slides the arrow
back into place and drops his hand to his side.
Zenaida pauses, raising her chin as she watches you and Aeran carefully.
Behind her, Malsara Markal bristles, one hand resting on a dagger hilt
at her waist. Nova Markal tugs at a loose lock of black hair and smirks,
her brown eyes dancing.
Your movements have not gone unnoticed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
flash of amber light bursts beside him and Malsara tumbles out of thin
air, a dagger pointed at his throat. “Stand down, Wayfarer,” she says.
“We are not your enemy.”
Aeran glances at her, blue eyes burning with rage. “Are you so sure
about that?” he snarls.
She presses the dagger against his skin. “Stand down,” she repeats. “I
will not ask again—”
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls. “Enough.”
Malsara glances at her mistress. Grimacing, she withdraws the dagger and
crosses the courtyard, her black robes flowing around her as she moves.
Nova lets out a quiet laugh, delight shining in her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
grab his arm, your fingers digging sharply into his skin. Aeran rounds
on you, fire in his eyes, and wrenches himself free. He swiftly nocks
the arrow and raises his bow, prepared to threaten your unexpected
guests.
A flash of amber light bursts beside him and Malsara tumbles out of thin
air, a dagger pointed at his throat. “Stand down, Wayfarer,” she says.
“We are not your enemy.”
“Are you so sure about that?” he snarls.
She presses the dagger against his skin. “Stand down,” she repeats. “I
will not ask again—”
“Malsara!” Zenaida calls. “Enough.”
Malsara glances at her mistress. Grimacing, she withdraws the dagger and
returns across the courtyard, her black robes flowing around her as she
moves. Nova lets out a quiet laugh, delight shining in her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
curses and lowers his bow. “You’re wasting your time,” he snaps.
“Thank you for your concern, but it is my time to waste if I want to,”
Zenaida replies coolly. She clasps her hands together in front of her
and raises her chin. “When last we spoke, I gave you until dawn to give
me an answer. The sun will soon rise and I believe that my offer is one
you cannot refuse.”
He snorts derisively. He bristles—almost as if he’s about to turn and
walk away—but his eyes linger cautiously on Malsara. You exchange looks;
you’re certain the same thought that occurs to you has occurred to him.
With Malsara’s teleportation powers at play, walking away from Zenaida
prematurely will be no easy feat.
You grit your teeth. After everything that has happened, your mind feels
sluggish as you force yourself to think. Zenaida’s words turn over and
over in your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that a threat?”|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD
ZDOCKS 03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We have no interest in working for
the Guild.”|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS 03 B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Pretty strange timing, showing up
when you did. How did you know we were here?”|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD
ZDOCKS 03 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
pales and she takes a step back, uncharacteristic shock flashing across
her face. “A threat?” she exclaims, stumbling over her words. “No, no,
of course not—”
Nova cuts across her. “Her Grace only intended to remind you of your
circumstances,” she says. She pulls her long, black braid over her
shoulder as she looks from you to the Count’s body and back. “You have
made quite a mess, haven’t you? Maybe if you hadn’t killed Cere Nalos
your situation would be different, but do you really think you can make
it out of Rona without facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting
for your life; the consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold
>=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in your
pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences she’s
talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
Movement in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by
Nova and approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something
in her ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash
of amber light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “The
Seven will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
LADY DOESN'T CARE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO
DEAD ZDOCKS FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
KILLED ONE OF THE SEVEN]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$advantage to true>>“You would not work for the Guild,” Zenaida
corrects. “You would be working for the Order of Lethalis—”
“What’s the difference?” Aeran snaps. “You’re all mages.”
She sighs wearily, her shoulders sagging. “I’ve heard of your hatred of
the Guild, Wayfarer Kellis,” she say, raising a hand. “But I am asking
you to set it aside for a mutually beneficial—”
Nova groans and tilts her head back, rolling her eyes. “Hell and
starfire,” she curses. “Listen! You don’t want to be here. I don’t want
to be here. None of this would happen if Lethalis didn’t need you so
badly—”
<i>“Nova.”</i> Zenaida turns to her, a warning look in her
eye.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
<i>If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…</i>
Zenaida isn’t here by accident or sheer chance. She followed you here
because she needs you. Desperately. And she must not be prepared to
leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
“Listen to me,” Nova says. “You’ve made a mess with… that.” She throws
out a hand and points to the Count’s body. “Maybe if you hadn’t killed
Cere Nalos your situation would be different, but do you really think
you can make it out of Rona without facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting
for your life; the consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold
>=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in your
pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences she’s
talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
Movement in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by
Nova and approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something
in her ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash
of amber light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “The
Seven will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
VIRIDIAN LADY ALT VERSION]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO
DEAD ZDOCKS FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been met.</s><</if>>
</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
KILLED ONE OF THE SEVEN]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Malsara
has followed you for most of the day,” Zenaida replies. “Ever since you
left the…” Her mouth turns down in distaste. “…Slippery Weasel.”
You look to Malsara, who shrugs and meets your eyes, unbothered by your
stare. Your gut twists.
<<if $perception >=8>>How did you not notice her? If what
Zenaida says is true, there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<<else>>You’re not the most observant person
around, but even you should have noticed if you were being followed all
day. But there was never even a hint of Malsara’s
presence.<</if>> Did she watch you wherever you went?
Zenaida and Nova may be Savants of the Guild, but you know without
question that Malsara is the most dangerous of the three.
She could be a problem.
“Followed us, huh?” Aeran grunts, rounding on Malsara. “If you were
going to all that effort, we could have used your help—”
“Your business was none of my concern,” she says coldly. <<if
$mareadead is true>>“Though experiencing your work firsthand was
quite educational. When I want advice on threatening and killing unarmed
civilians, I will be sure to call on you.”
Your gut twists. Malsara fixes you with a piercing look. Her judgment is
impossible to ignore.
<<elseif $merchantsThreatened is true>>“Though experiencing
your work firsthand was quite educational. When I want advice on
harassing merchants, I will be sure to call on you.”
You sigh wearily, a retort dying on your lips. You’re far too exhausted
to fight her reprimand.<<else>>“Though experiencing your
work firsthand was quite educational.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks, I guess.”<</if>>
“You’ll have to forgive us for the ruse,” Zenaida says. “Our presence
here could prove troubling for the Seven and I ordered her not to reveal
herself unless absolutely necessary. She alerted me when the Count put
you in grave danger and we worked quickly to break through his
security.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VILLA AKR LOOK AT BEAD")>>Your
eyes narrow as you recall the slice in the barrier. “That was you?”
She nods. “Unfortunately, the enchantments were much more complex than I
anticipated, particularly once you entered the house itself. The
barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the villa. It cost me
much time and effort to break through from the outside.” She turns to
Aeran. “I know this may sound disingenuous, but I am sorry for what
happened. If I had been faster—”
<<else>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He shakes his head
and mutters something derisively under his breath.
“Unfortunately,” Zenaida continues, “the enchantments were much more
complex than I anticipated, particularly once you entered the house
itself. The barriers prevented Malsara from teleporting inside the
villa. It cost me much time and effort to break through from the
outside.” She turns to Aeran. “I know this may sound disingenuous, but I
am sorry for what happened. If I had been faster—”<</if>>
<i>“Don’t,”</i> he snarls. “I don’t need apologies from a
Guild mage.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHOD DEAD ZDOCKS 03
C-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$advantage to true>>Nova chortles. “You’ve met her once and you
think you know her so well?” she scoffs, barely able to mask the
condescension in her voice. “If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly, I’d
be curious to see how long you last outside this villa—”
<i>“Nova,”</i> Zenaida snaps.
The black-haired mage falls silent, her hand curling into a fist as she
bites back her words. Her cheeks flush in embarrassment and she casts
her eyes upward in an attempt to ignore Zenaida’s bristling look.
You can’t shake something she said.
<i>If Lethalis didn’t need you so badly…</i>
Zenaida isn’t here by accident or sheer chance. She followed you here
because she needs you. Desperately. And she must not be prepared to
leave without you.
Maybe you can use this to your advantage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
chortles. “And how many crews are willing to take two Wayfarers on
board?” she says, barely able to mask the condescension in her voice.
“Even if you can afford it, not many captains are willing to risk you
mangling their beloved ship in the middle of the ocean.”
You grimace. You were so focused on the payment to secure passage out of
Rona, you had pushed the practicalities of booking passage out of your
mind. She’s right, of course—part of the difficulty in finding a ship is
finding a ship captain willing to risk you breaking fundamental
enchantments.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
throws her head back and laughs.
<<if $health is "injured" or $poisoned is true>>“You?” she
scoffs, barely able to conceal the condescension in her voice. “What do
you think you can do? You can barely stand on your own two feet, let
alone fight. It is by sheer luck that you survived tonight. Do you
really think you will survive if Anselma Malley sends her warriors after
you?”<<else>>“You?” she scoffs, barely able to conceal the
condescension in her voice. “What do you think you can do? It is by
sheer luck that you survived tonight. Cere Nalos was but one opponent
and I wouldn’t say he was sound of mind. Anselma Malley won’t be nearly
as foolhardy. She will set a full contingent of her warriors and I doubt
even your friend can shoot them all.”<</if>>
You grimace and glance at Aeran. His scowl is growing darker by the
minute.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grimace.
“Hm,” Nova says, a triumphant smile on her lips. “You see reason. Maybe
you’re not as stupid as I thought.”
You glance at Aeran. His scowl grows darker by the minute.
“Nova,” Zenaida says wearily.
The dark-haired mage shrugs and flashes you a wicked grin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
exhales sharply and curses. “Doesn’t matter what you say,” he says
flatly. “The answer’s still no.” He turns his back on Zenaida and makes
his way across the courtyard.
“And what of Wayfarer $lastname?” she calls. “Does $hisher opinion on
the matter have no importance to you?”
He draws to stop. You see the tension in his shoulders and in the way he
carries himself. For a moment, it seems like he is about to leave you
here and walk away, but then he turns around and his eyes meet yours.
You see the silent plea in his expression, the wordless request to walk
away from here and accept the hand you’ve been dealt. But he knows, just
as well as you, that your actions here tonight have changed things
irrevocably. You can continue to struggle on your own, or you can accept
the offer and escape Rona freely tonight.
“Wayfarer $lastname?” Zenaida presses. “Will you reconsider my offer?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MEET ZENAIDA DOCKS VERSION
ALL CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
rolls her eyes. “You’ve met her once and you think you know her so
well?” she scoffs, barely able to mask the condescension in her voice.
“Bet your life on it if you want, but that’s not a risk I’d take if I
were you.”
Your gut twists. You hate to admit it, but she has a point. The Viridian
Lady may have been the Count’s rival, but above all the feuds and
clashes between the Seven, she strives to maintain balance. The Count’s
death leaves a formidable void in the Seven’s power structure. The Lady
will not be pleased about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
lets out an exasperated sigh and steps forward, cutting in front of
Zenaida. “Listen,” she says. “This doesn’t matter. You’ve made a mess
with… that.” She throws out a hand and points to the Count’s body.
“Maybe if you hadn’t killed Cere Nalos your situation would be
different, but do you really think you can make it out of Rona without
facing the consequences?”
Your jaw clenches. <<if $villaAlt is true>>You were fighting
for your life; the consequences hardly matter now.<<elseif $gold
>=300>>The coin pouch lies heavy in your
pocket.<<else>>It doesn’t matter what consequences she’s
talking about, you never got paid.<</if>>
Movement in your peripheral vision catches your eye. Malsara slips by
Nova and approaches Zenaida. The savant leans in and whispers something
in her ear. Malsara nods and, turning on a heel, disappears in a flash
of amber light.
Nova blinks, barely acknowledging her sister’s disappearance. “The death
of one of the Seven will not be taken lightly,” she continues. “The
Seven will avenge their own. How long do you think you have before the
Viridian Lady takes your head in recompense?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is true>>[[1. “The
Viridian Lady doesn’t care about the Count.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
LADY DOESN'T CARE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=300>>[[2.
“Long enough for us to find a ship and get out of here.”|CHAPTER 1 RHO
DEAD ZDOCKS FIND A SHIP]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We’ve killed one of the Seven
already. Who says we can’t kill another?”|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS
KILLED ONE OF THE SEVEN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Unfortunately, she has a point. The
moment the Seven discover you killed the Count is the moment you will be
on the run.|CHAPTER 1 RHO DEAD ZDOCKS SHE HAS A
POINT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gate opens as you approach, the circular ironwork rolling back to
reveal the road ahead. Rhodarth slows to a halt as you step through. He
leans against the wall, head bowed, the weight of circumstance heavy on
his shoulders.
“I would say that it was nice to see you, Rho,” Aeran begins, “but I
think we’re beyond that—”
“You have no idea how fortunate you are,” he says. “Not many who walk in
here come out unscathed.”
Aeran pauses. He grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “…right,” he
says after a moment. “I’ll keep that in mind. But Rhodarth?”
“Yes?”
“Whatever he has on you,” Aeran continues, “don’t let him use it to keep
you trapped here. You don’t owe this city anything—”
He laughs darkly. “What would you know about the weight of
responsibility, Aeran? You’ve never stayed around long enough to bear
it.”
Aeran falls silent. “Yeah,” he says quietly after a moment. “You’re
right. What do I know?”
Rhodarth nods. He fixes Aeran with those piercing yellow eyes, watching
him in silence. For a moment, it seems like he is about to say something
else, but he stops himself. The moment passes and his final thought is
left unspoken as you and Aeran walk away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RETURN TO TOWN SQUARE NOT
PAID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true>>The South Isle is quiet
as you walk back down the promenade and cross the bridge into Marshwall.
It must be very late or very early in the morning by now. You’re not
quite sure; your sense of time has been upended.
Even though your purse jangles with the reassuring clink of coins, you
still can’t believe it’s there. With your mind playing tricks on you,
you stop to check it more than once, which <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>elicits a laugh<<else>>elicits an
eyeroll<</if>> from Aeran.
The further you go from the Count’s villa, the more you can’t hold back a
smile. Finally, the dam you’ve been holding back since you found the
chalice bursts and relief floods through you. You chuckle quietly and
your shoulders shake with laughter. Soon enough, you’ve drawn to a halt
in the middle of the road, unable to contain your mirth. Tears blur your
vision as your laughter echoes across through the street.
“Stop it, $firstname,” Aeran says.
You snort and press a hand to your mouth, stifling your laughter. You’re
barely able to contain it and you double over.
He sighs wearily. “Get up.”
“Give me a moment—”
“$firstname—”
“Fuck off!”
You curse and straighten up, your mirth evaporating. “What’s wrong with
you?”
He blinks. “Nothing,” he says coolly. “I just don’t think anything about
this is particularly funny.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Neither do I.”|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN 01
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Get off my back, Aeran. You’re not
the only one whose had a bad day.”|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN 01 B][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
South Isle is quiet as you walk back down the promenade and cross the
bridge into Marshwall. It must be very late or very early in the morning
by now. You’re not quite sure; your sense of time has been upended.
Even though your purse jangles with the reassuring clink of coins, you
still can’t believe it’s there. With your mind playing tricks on you,
you stop to check it more than once, which <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>elicits a laugh<<else>>elicits an
eyeroll<</if>> from Aeran. The further you go from the
Count’s villa, the more you can’t hold back a smile. Finally, the dam
you’ve been holding back since you found the chalice bursts and relief
floods through you. You chuckle quietly and your shoulders shake with
laughter. Soon enough, you’ve drawn to a halt in the middle of the road,
unable to contain your mirth. Tears blur your vision as your laughter
echoes across through the street.
“Careful,” Aeran says. “Or you’ll scare the neighbours.”
You snort and press a hand to your mouth, stifling your laughter.
“Gods,” you say, wiping tears from your eyes. “Can’t believe we got out
of that one.”
“I thought he wasn’t going to let us leave,” Aeran says. “For a moment I
could have sworn he was going to manipulate us into another contract.”
You double over, pressing a hand into your stomach. You exhale a long
breath, calming your laughter. “Wouldn’t put it past him.”
“Guess we got lucky.”
“Yeah—”
“Yeah.”
You glance up. Aeran links his hands behind the back of his neck and
grins at you. His smile is bright and infectious—you haven’t seen him
this genuinely happy in months.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom
>=10>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN 02 ROM VERSION][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN 02 HIGH APP
VERSION][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Dareia">><<if $CountB_Branch1
is true>>Zenaida leads you through the threshold and into the
villa. You drag your feet as you trail behind her and her retinue,
barely aware of the villa’s interior beauty and grandeur. The marble
floors and intricate mosaics would be fascinating on any other day, but
now you can barely acknowledge them. You pass through an elegant
courtyard, walking by a sprawling turquoise pool, and head deeper into
the villa. The halls are eerily quiet, save for the echoing sound of
your footsteps on the floor.<<else>>Zenaida leads you
through the villa. You walk in silence, dragging your feet as you trail
behind her and her retinue. The halls are eerily quiet, save for the
echoing sound of your footsteps on the floor.<</if>>
<<if $health is "injured" and $mcpoisoned is true>>You don’t
know how Zenaida knows where she’s going, but at this point you’d
rather not ask. Your exhaustion has finally caught up with you. While
the frenzy of battle may have dulled your senses, now that the fighting
is over, your body is rioting against the ordeal you put it through. The
growing nausea churns your stomach, pain from your wounds flares, and
it takes all your focus not to sit down and pass out. You want nothing
more now than to sleep.<<elseif $mcpoisoned is true>>You
don’t know how Zenaida knows where she’s going, but at this point you’d
rather not ask. Your exhaustion has finally caught up with you. While
the frenzy of battle may have forced you to ignore the growing nausea in
your stomach, you feel its full force again now that the fighting is
over. It’s impossible to ignore and it takes all your focus to stop you
from retching.<<elseif $health is "injured">>You don’t know
how Zenaida knows where she’s going, but at this point you’d rather not
ask. Your exhaustion has finally caught up with you. While the frenzy of
battle may have dulled your wounds, now that the fighting is over, the
pain of your injuries flares again. It is impossible to ignore. The
aching agony racks your body and it takes all your focus to keep
yourself moving.<<else>>You don’t know how Zenaida knows
where she’s going, but at this point you’d rather not ask. Your
exhaustion has finally caught up with you. Your body aches from the
night’s ordeal and it takes all your focus not to sit down and pass out.
You want nothing more now than to sleep.<</if>>
Some distant part of your mind wonders about the Count’s staff. Usually,
a villa of this size is bustling with servants, but there is no one in
sight. Where are they? Where have they gone? Do they know the Count is
dead? Have they fled, or are they still asleep in their quarters,
unaware that their lives are about to change forever?
You don’t know.
Maybe you don’t care.
You’re so tired.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
01]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
South Isle is quiet as you walk back down the promenade and cross the
bridge into Marshwall. It must be very late or very early in the morning
by now. You’re not quite sure; your sense of time has been upended.
A hollow knot forms in your stomach. You survived the Count, yes, but
you’re no better off now than before you accepted his contract. You have
<<if $gold >=2>>a pittance of
crowns<<else>>no crowns<</if>> and no way out of
this rotting hellpit of a city. You can’t hold back your rage any
longer. It bursts out of you as hollow laughter that slowly grows louder
and louder. You double over, clutching your stomach as your whole body
shakes. Tears blur your vision and your laughter echoes through the
street.
<<if $aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true>>“Stop it,
$firstname,” Aeran says.
You snort and shake your head.
He sighs wearily. “Get up.”
“Give me a moment—”
“$firstname—”
“Fuck off!”
You curse and straighten. “What’s wrong with you?”
He blinks. “Nothing,” he says coolly. “Get it together.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Oh, I’m fine. Peachy, even.”|CHAPTER 1 RTTS
LOW APP 01 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Get off my back, Aeran!”|CHAPTER 1
RTTS LOW APP 01 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Careful,”
Aeran says. “Or you’ll scare the neighbours.”
You snort and press a hand to your mouth, stifling your laughter.
“Gods,” you say, wiping tears from your eyes. “This fucking…”
“I know.”
You sigh wearily and stumble towards a nearby building. You slide down
the wall and sit on the ground, your head in your hands. “We were this
close,” you say. “This close to getting out. I can’t…”
He slides down next to you. “There’s nothing we can do about it now,” he
says. “At least we’re free from the Count.”
“Yeah,” you say hollowly.
“Yeah,” he echoes. He draws his knees into his chest and clasps his
hands around them. Whatever optimism he had left evaporates.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RTTS ROM
01]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RTTS HIGH APP
01]]<</if>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>“Good,”
he says flatly. “Glad you cleared that up.”
He stalks away, heading further down the street. You follow, dogging his
heels. Each time you try to catch up with him, he speeds up and pulls
further away. Finally, you fall into a steady pace behind him.
The street is dark, the looming buildings pressing in on you. The nearby
tenements are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Try to engage him in conversation.|CHAPTER 1
TS LOW APP 01 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 TS LOW APP 01
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
smile back.
Aeran pauses and his blue eyes meet yours. He reaches out to you and
grips your hand, pulling you up and into an embrace. His arms wrap
around you, crushing you to him. Euphoric relief rushes over you, for a
moment, words are both too little and too much to capture what you both
are going through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [ROMANCE] Hold him close.|CHAPTER 1 TS ROM
03 A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. This is too much. Push him
away.|CHAPTER 1 TS ROM 03
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
smile back.
Aeran pauses and his blue eyes meet yours. He reaches out to you and
grips your hand, pulling you up and into an embrace. Euphoric relief
rushes through you and, for a moment, words are both too little and too
much to capture what you both are going through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Hug him back.|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN HAPP HUG
HIM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Gently push him away. You understand
he’s happy, but this is too much.|CHAPTER 1 TS RETURN
TOUCHAVERSE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
rolls his eyes and stalks away, heading further down the street. You
follow, dogging his heels. Each time you try to catch up with him, he
speeds up and pulls further away. Finally, you fall into a steady pace
behind him.
The street is dark, the looming buildings pressing in on you. The nearby
tenements are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
Suddenly, Aeran draws to a stop and throws out a hand. You scowl at him,
but he shakes his head and reaches for his bow. He moves forward
cautiously, his eyes scanning the street for movement.
“Do you hear that?” he whispers.
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
press your hands into his back and hold him close. Your heart thunders
in your chest, pounding so rapidly you swear he must be able to hear it.
Aeran sighs. He presses a hand to your cheek, gently turning your head
towards him. He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against yours.
“We should get going,” he murmurs.
“Yeah.” You exhale slowly, trying to calm your breath. A chill runs down
your spine, and for the first time today it has nothing to do with fear
or anticipation. You cling to him and lean into the embrace. You can
feel his breath on your cheek, his lips so close to yours.
The powerful calm of relief that rushed over you not too long ago
evaporates as you’re hit with a trill of exhilaration.
A thought comes to your mind, unbidden.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 TS ROM 04 A">1. [
<i class="fas fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You could kiss him
right now.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 TS ROM 04
B">2. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You’d like
to kiss him right now, but you’re not one to take the lead on such
things.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 TS ROM 04
B">3. [ <i class="far fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Being close
to him like this is more than
enough.</a></div></div><</nobr>>You
pull away from him. Your heart thunders in your chest, pounding so
rapidly you swear he must be able to hear it. You press a hand to your
cheek, trying to ignore the flush that’s overtaken you.
Aeran looks at you, a lingering question in his eyes. “Did I…?”
You shake your head. “No, no, I… I’m… Uh…” You bite your tongue.
Laughing awkwardly, you scratch the back of your neck and shift your
weight from foot to foot, trying to avoid his gaze.
“Look, Aeran—”
“$nickname, I—”
You speak at the same time. You bite your tongue and cut yourself off.
Aeran glances away, staring intently at the roof of a tenement. The
windows are dark, save for one near the very top where a lantern
flickers on the windowsill.
<i>Damn it…</i>
“$firstname,” Aeran murmurs.
“Just forget about it, Aeran,” you say quickly.
“No.” He walks a few paces down the street, one hand reaching for his
bow. “Listen.”
You frown and follow him. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts
and yells echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran.
There’s only one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
link your hands behind his neck. “Aeran,” you murmur. “I—”
He straightens suddenly and draws away from you.
<i>Fuck.</i>
You press a hand to the back of your neck, trying to ignore the flush on
your cheeks as you look to him. Aeran walks a few paces down the road,
one hand reaching for his bow. “Did you hear that?” he says.
The flush fades and a cold anticipation rushes over you. “No,” you say.
“Listen—”
You pause. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
lean into him and sigh happily.
“What’s that for?” he murmurs.
You smile. “Aeran, I—”
He stiffens. Your gut twists as he suddenly draws away from you. You
frown, trying to ignore the flush on your cheeks as you follow him. He
walks a few paces down the road and comes to a halt, one hand reaching
for his bow.
“Did you hear that?” he asks.
The flush fades and a cold anticipation rushes over you. “No.”
“Listen—”
You pause. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Rona Town Square">><<set
$CountB_Branch3 to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
8>><<set $rhodarthGone to true>>You run down the
street, your boots pounding on the slippery boards as you twist and turn
your way through the crowded tenements. An acrid scent fills your nose
and mouth and you recognize it as the unmistakable smell of something
burning. You round a final corner, the shouts and screams ringing in
your ears, and draw to a stop. The town square lies several blocks
ahead, its entrance ringed in a red and orange glow.
You sprint the final stretch, heart pounding in your chest. You nearly
trip over your own feet in your haste and stagger out into the square.
Your eyes widen as you look on in horror.
The square is on fire.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO SQUARE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
clap a hand on his shoulder and embrace him. Aeran flashes you a grin
and draws away, chuckling with mirth. He links his hands behind his neck
and walks a few paces up the street, gazing at the nearby tenements.
Most are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
“Nice night,” he says. “And look—no rain!”
You catch up with him. “Maybe we’ve seen the last of it,” you say. “What
do you think? Take the first ship out of the harbour tomorrow morning?”
“Depends on where it’s going,” he replies.
“Who cares?” you say, gently elbowing him in the side. “Anywhere that’s
not here.”
Aeran’s grin fades and he draws to a stop.
“What is it?” you ask.
“Listen,” he hisses, one hand reaching for his bow. “Do you hear that?”
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull away and raise your hands. “Uh, Aeran,” you say. “I’m all for
celebrating, but I’m not really one for all… this.” Your words fade.
He glances at you and nods. “Yeah,” he says quickly. He steps back and
runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, $nickname, didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine.”
He nods. He flashes you a grin and takes off down the street. He links
his hands behind his neck as he walks, gazing at the nearby tenements.
Most are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
“Nice night,” he says. “And look—no rain!”
You catch up with him. “Maybe we’ve seen the last of it,” you say. “What
do you think? Take the first ship out of the harbour tomorrow morning?”
“Depends on where it’s going,” he replies.
“Who cares?” you say, gently elbowing him in the side. “Anywhere that’s
not here.”
Aeran’s grin fades and he draws to a stop.
“What is it?” you ask.
“Listen,” he hisses, one hand reaching for his bow. “Do you hear that?”
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
do you think?” you call. “Take the first ship out this morning?”
Aeran draws to a halt. “I don’t care.”
You grimace. “It’s not like you not to have an opinion—”
“I said <i>I don’t care,</i> $firstname!”
You scratch the back of your neck and try to push down the irritation
seething in your gut. “Fine,” you say. “Then you don’t get to complain
about—”
Aeran whirls around, his eyes shining bright. “Shut up.”
“I—”
<i>“Shut up.”</i> He reaches for his bow and looks around
cautiously, slowly moving towards the end of the road. “Do you hear
that?”
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
draws to a stop and throws out a hand. You scowl at him, but he shakes
his head and reaches for his bow. He moves forward cautiously, his eyes
scanning the street for movement.
“Do you hear that?” he whispers.
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Good
for you,” he snaps.
He stalks away, heading further down the street. You follow, dogging his
heels. Each time you try to catch up with him, he speeds up and pulls
further away. Finally, you fall into a steady pace behind him.
The street is dark, the looming buildings pressing in on you. The nearby
tenements are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
Suddenly, Aeran draws to a stop and throws out a hand. You scowl at him,
but he shakes his head and reaches for his bow. He moves forward
cautiously, his eyes scanning the street for movement.
“Do you hear that?” he whispers.
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
do we do now?” you ask. “How do we fix this?”
He glances at you.
“If we thought finding work was hard before, it will be worse now. The
Count will put a black mark against us and—”
He puts an arm around your shoulder and draws you into him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Lean against him. Though everything is
falling apart, it’s comforting to have him here.|CHAPTER 1 RITTS HIGH
APP 02 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Push him away. You understand he’s
happy, but this is too much.|CHAPTER 1 RTSS HIGH APP 02
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
do we do now?” you ask. “How do we fix this?”
He glances at you.
“If we thought finding work was hard before, it will be worse now. The
Count will put a black mark against us and—”
He puts an arm around your shoulder and draws you into him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [ROMANCE] Hold him.|CHAPTER 1 RITTS ROM 02
A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. This is too much. Push him
away.|CHAPTER 1 RITTS ROM 02
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
curses under his breath and stalks away, heading further down the
street. You follow, dogging his heels. Each time you try to catch up
with him, he speeds up and pulls further away. Finally, you fall into a
steady pace behind him.
The street is dark, the looming buildings pressing in on you. The nearby
tenements are dark, though one or two apartments gleam with flickering
lamplight in their windows.
Suddenly, Aeran draws to a stop and throws out a hand. You scowl at him,
but he shakes his head and reaches for his bow. He moves forward
cautiously, his eyes scanning the street for movement.
“Do you hear that?” he whispers.
You frown. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>A
shuddering breath rasps from your throat. You cling to him, wrapping
your arms around him. Your hands press into his back, your fingers
clutching at his tunic. Your heart thunders in your chest, pounding so
rapidly you swear he must be able to hear it.
Aeran sighs. He presses a hand to your cheek, gently turning your head
towards him. He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against yours.
“Don’t panic, $firstname,” he murmurs. “We’ll find a way.”
You chuckle dully. “Are you sure about that?”
He holds you close. You exhale slowly, trying to calm yourself and push
away the panic that keeps rearing its ugly head.
“$firstname,” he murmurs.
You open your eyes.
Aeran draws away and pushes himself up, striding into the middle of the
street. A perplexed look crosses his face and he cautiously reaches for
his bow. “Do you hear that?” he asks.
You get to your feet and follow him. An uproar rages somewhere not far
away, shouts and yells echoing through the streets. You exchange looks
with Aeran. There’s only one place in Marshwall that could draw that
many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull away and push yourself up. You stumble out into the road, one hand
pressed to your chest, your heart thundering beneath your fingers. It’s
pounding so rapidly you swear he must be able to hear it.
Aeran looks at you, a lingering question in his eyes. “Did I…?”
You shake your head. “No, no, I… I’m… Uh…” You bite your tongue.
Laughing awkwardly, you scratch the back of your neck and shift your
weight from foot to foot, trying to avoid his gaze.
“Look, Aeran—”
“$nickname, I—”
You speak at the same time. You bite your tongue and cut yourself off.
Aeran glances away, staring intently at the roof of a tenement. The
windows are dark, save for one near the very top where a lantern
flickers on the windowsill.
<i>Damn it…</i>
“$firstname,” Aeran murmurs.
“Just forget about it, Aeran,” you say quickly.
“No.” He walks a few paces down the street, one hand reaching for his
bow. “Listen.”
You frown and follow him. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts
and yells echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran.
There’s only one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily and lean against his shoulder. You sit together in
silence, watching the flickering lamplight in a window high above.
“We’ll find a way, $nickname,” Aeran murmurs after a while.
You chuckle dully. “Are you sure about that?”
He glances at you, a response on his lips—but he never gets the words
out. He pushes himself up and staggers out into the middle of the road.
He reaches for his bow. “Do you hear that?” he hisses.
You rise to your feet and follow him. An uproar rages somewhere not far
away, shouts and yells echoing through the streets. You exchange looks
with Aeran. There’s only one place in Marshwall that could draw that
many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw away and push yourself up.
Aeran looks up at you. “Sorry, did I…?”
“No!” you say quickly. “No, it’s just that… I’m not really one for that
kind of thing.”
He gets to his feet. “Yeah,” he says. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry, $nickname. I didn’t intend to make you uncomfortable—”
He stops speaking abruptly. You frown and watch as he hurries several
paces down the road. His hand reaches for his bow.
“Do you hear that?” he asks.
You pause. An uproar rages somewhere not far away, shouts and yells
echoing through the streets. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s only
one place in Marshwall that could draw that many people…
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
South Isle is quiet as you walk back down the promenade. It must be
very late or very early in the morning by now. You’re not quite sure;
your sense of time has been upended.
The further you go, the more you can’t shake the sense that
someone—Rhodarth, maybe—is following you down the path to attack you and
take you back to the Count’s villa. Something in you refuses to believe
your narrow escape. The pent-up tension from your encounter with the
Count lingers, pounding in your chest. Even the clink of a full coin
pouch in your pocket does little to ease it.
When you cross the bridge into Marshwall, you draw to a stop in the
middle of the road. You double over, resting your hands on your knees,
and glance at Aeran. Your shoulders shake with quiet laughter and, soon
enough, it bursts out of you. Tears blur your vision as your laughter
echoes across the street.
Aeran scowls. “Stop it.”
You shake your head, your mouth contorting furiously as you try to quell
your laughter.
“$firstname—”
You straighten, one hand gripping your stomach as your body convulses.
“We did it, Aeran,” you say, nearly choking on your mirth. “Don’t you
see? Somehow, we—”
He seizes you by the shoulders. “What were you thinking?” he shouts.
“You didn’t do anything, you sold yourself to the Count!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT 02 LOW
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT 02 HIGH
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
blink. Stunned silence settles over you, killing your mirth.
“You’re such a…” Aeran pulls away, pacing down the street, one hand
pressed to his mouth. “You’re such an idiot. Why did you do that, huh?
We’re leaving this place <i>together</i>, not…”
He glances at you, a painful look contorting his face. He is pale and
exhausted from the day. He is barely able to meet your eyes before he
backs away, shoulders slumped. He leans against a nearby wall and lets
out a long, weary sigh. “You just had to do that, didn’t you?” he
mutters. “You just had to go and…”
You press your lips together. He doesn’t realize that you were bluffing.
Against all odds, the Count let you go. You have no intention of going
back tomorrow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take his hand.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT HP
03 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Playfully smack him.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE
VILLA ALT HP 03 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
blink. Stunned silence settles over you, killing your mirth. “You know I
was bluffing, right?” you snap.
Aeran lets go. “…what?”
“You really think I’d let the Count manipulate me like that?” you
continue. “Come on, Aeran, I’m not an idiot.”
He bristles. “Yeah, but—”
“Oh, shut up.”
You have the money and you escaped the villa intact. That’s all that
matters, as far as you’re concerned. You are far too tired to argue with
him about the details of how you got here. Sighing wearily, you push
past him and head down the road, threading your way further into
Marshwall. Aeran follows a few paces behind, stewing in his displeasure.
A flicker of annoyance jabs at you. Several stinging comments come to
mind, but you bite them back. No point in starting an argument now. You
may be safe from the Count for now, but that safety will not last for
long.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=5>><<set $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom +
1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>><<else>><<aeranDisapp>><</if>>You
slip your hand into his and squeeze it tight. Aeran glances down at
you, working desperately to mask the hurt in his expression. He meets
your eyes.
You smile.
Slowly, the realization dawns.
<<if $aeranrom >=5>>“Oh, you damn
<i>genius,”</i> he breathes. Letting out an elated shout, he
pulls you into an embrace and crushes you against him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Hug him back.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT HUG
ROM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let go. You understand he’s happy,
but this is too much for you right now.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Oh,
you damn <i>genius,”</i> Aeran breathes. Letting out an
elated shout, he pulls you into an embrace and crushes you against him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Hug him back.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT HUG
NO ROM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let go. You understand he’s happy,
but this is too much for you right now.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
NO
ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
smack his shoulder.
He grunts and rounds on you. “What was that for?!”
“I’m being the idiot?” you say. “I was <i>bluffing,</i>
Aeran!”
He falls silent. After a moment, he breaks into a shuddering laugh, and
he tilts his head back and stares at the dark rooftops. “Gods,
$nickname,” he says. “You… you really are something, you know that,
right?”
“I try my best.”
“I think I might hate you a little right now.”
“Harsh.”
“That’s why I said a <i>little.”</i>
You look at each other and exchange grins. The tension you’ve felt since
arriving in the South Isle finally begins to fade, smoothed over by the
ease of your friendly banter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
press your hands into his back and hold him close, elated mirth
flooding through you. “I know, I know—”
He chuckles and pulls you tight, his arms wrapping fiercely around you.
“What the hell did you think you were doing, $nickname? Fooling the
Count like that?”
“Making a gamble,” you say. You’re grinning so widely your mouth starts
to hurt. “Never thought he would let us walk out of there alive.”
“Have to admit, I hate you a little bit right now.”
You chortle. “Harsh.”
“That’s why I said a little!” he says, chuckling. “Gods, you really are
something.”
He presses a quick kiss to your forehead. You freeze. The rush of relief
and elation at your escape merges with how good it feels to be here,
alive. Stunned delight courses through you.
A trill of exhilaration runs down your spine.
A thought comes to your mind, unbidden.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT HUG
ROM 02 A">1. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You
could kiss him right now.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
ALT HUG ROM 02 B">2. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i>
ROMANCE] You’d like to kiss him right now, but you’re not one to take
the lead on such things.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA
ALT HUG ROM 02 B">3. [ <i class="far fa-heart"></i>
ROMANCE] Being close to him like this is more than
enough.</a></div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you say, drawing away. “You’re crushing me—”
“Oh!” He quickly disentangled himself from you and lets go. He glances
at you, a lingering question in his eyes. “I’m sorry, did I…?”
“No!” you say quickly. “No, it’s not that… It’s just a little too much
for me right now.”
“Of course,” he replies. He runs a hand through his hair, shaking off an
awkward laugh. “I’m sorry, $nickname, I didn’t intend to make you
uncomfortable.”
You raise a hand. “Let’s, uh… forget about it for now, all right?”
He nods, a relieved look in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
laugh and hug him fiercely, elated mirth flooding through you. “I know,
I know—”
“What the hell did you think you were doing, $nickname?” Aeran says,
letting you go. “Fooling the Count like that?”
“Making a gamble,” you say. You’re grinning so widely your mouth starts
to hurt. “Never thought he would let us walk out of there alive.”
“Have to admit, I hate you a little bit right now.”
You chortle. “Harsh.”
“That’s why I said a little!” he says, chuckling. He shakes his head.
“Gods, you really are something.”
You look at each other and exchange grins. The tension you’ve felt since
arriving in the South Isle finally begins to fade, smoothed over by the
ease of your friendly banter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you say, drawing away. “You’re crushing me—”
“Oh!” He quickly disentangled himself from you and lets go. He glances
at you, a lingering question in his eyes. “I’m sorry, did I…?”
“No!” you say quickly. “I’m just not the best at hugs.”
He runs a hand through his hair and shakes off an awkward laugh. “I’m
sorry, $nickname, I didn’t intend to make you uncomfortable.”
You raise a hand. “Let’s, uh… forget about it for now, all right?”
He nods, a relieved look in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT NO HUG
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You raise your hands and link
them behind his neck. He meets your gaze, his blue eyes shining bright. A
light blush flushes across his cheeks.
“$firstname,” he murmurs. “I—”
A scream pierces the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT HUG ROM CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You lean into him and sigh
happily.
“What’s that for?” he murmurs.
You smile. “Nothing.”
“$firstname, I—”
A scream pierces the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VILLA ALT HUG ROM CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
exchange looks with Aeran. You draw away from each other and reach for
your weapons.
“…the hell?” Aeran murmurs, pulling an arrow from his quiver.
An uproar rages somewhere close by. Shouts and yells echo through the
streets, startling the residents of nearby tenements. Windows slam open
and confused, muddled voices grumble at each other, questioning the
source of the sudden noise.
You hurry down the road, pushing further into Marshwall.
“What is going on?” you mutter.
“No idea,” Aeran replies. “But there’s only one place that could draw
that many people—”
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT 02 LOW APP")>>Aeran catches
up with you. “Just one problem,” he says, keeping pace with you. “We
need to leave tonight. And there can’t be many hours left until
dawn.”<<else>>“Just one problem,” Aeran says as you take off
down the road. “We need to leave tonight. And there can’t be many hours
left until dawn.”<</if>>
You nod. You were so focused on getting out of the Count’s villa alive,
you haven’t spared a thought to what you would do afterwards. But Aeran
is right. You escaped the villa and now you must escape the city. If
you’re still on Ronan soil tomorrow, the Count will come for you. You
doubt you can slip through his clutches a second time.
Your mind whirls.
“We can’t go home to Edgewater,” you reply. “Can’t risk getting trapped
in there.”
He nods. “The Count would be a fool not to anticipate you making a run
for it. He must have someone watching the Docks.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT 02 HIGH
APP")>>All sense of your previous relief
evaporates.<</if>> Despite finally having the funds to buy
passage out of the city, it is no longer as simple as that. Rona has its
claws in you and it won’t let go so easily. “So, what do we do?” you
grunt. “It’s the only harbour.”
He pauses. “We could try the Cove,” he says. “Some of the merchants have
access to private docks—”
“But how many are sailing out tonight?” you snap. “It’s a dead-end—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 LEAVE VILLA ALT 02 HIGH
APP")>>Aeran touches your shoulder. “We’ll find a way out,
$firstname,” he says firmly. “Finding a ship will be easy compared to
everything we went through today—”<<else>>He scowls. “At
least I’m trying to think of something,” he says. “This is your mess.
Maybe if you had shut up and handed over the chalice right away, you
wouldn’t be in—”<</if>>
A scream pierces the night.
You exchange looks with Aeran and reach for your weapon.
“…the hell?” Aeran murmurs, pulling an arrow from his quiver.
An uproar rages somewhere close by. Shouts and yells echo through the
streets, startling the residents of nearby tenements. Windows slam open
and confused, muddled voices grumble at each other, questioning the
source of the sudden noise.
“What is going on?” you mutter.
“No idea,” Aeran replies. “But there’s only one place that could draw
that many people—”
You draw your sword. “The town square!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER TS RUN TO
SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Conjured flames rise through the
sunken platform in the centre, engulfing the defaced statue. Thin
streaks of fire expel outwards from it, running in rivulets across the
platforms. They gorge on the wood, eating their way towards the
perimeter. Some have reached the buildings and creep their way up the
walls. Residents burst out of their homes, crashing into each other as
they desperately search for a way out. They are barely more than dark
shadows in the scorching light.
“Shit,” you breathe, tears welling in your eyes as they smart against
the painful glare. Conjured fire is spontaneous, dangerous magic. When
it is set loose by its caster, it is quick to spread and difficult to
control.<<if $ratalleyfire is true>> This goes far beyond
the incident in Rat Alley.<</if>> While the flames cannot
harm you, you have no chance at stopping a fire this large.
A woman runs towards you, sobbing in panic. Something strikes her from
behind and she pitches forward, a bloody gash in her back. A hulking man
looms behind her, a cutlass in hand, its blood-stained blade reflecting
the dancing flames. He guffaws and turns, bloodlust glinting in his
eyes as he seeks his next victim.
Your jaw clenches and your fingers tighten around your sword hilt. You
leap forwards, pushing unhindered through the flames, but the man has
disappeared. You curse, whirling around in a circle as you search for
him, and the chaos envelops you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
band of some two dozen fighters spread across the square, armed with
cutlasses, axes and makeshift spears. Caked mud clings to their faces
and limbs, as if they have just crawled out of the swamp. For a brief
moment, you wonder which of the Seven they work for, but there are no
identifying kerchiefs anywhere on them. Their weapons are rusted, their
clothing worn and patched, and they fight with wrathful brutality,
attacking without mercy.
A nearby building combusts, its outer walls bursting into flames. Doors
and windows burst open, expelling their residents in clouds of smoke and
ash. Some run, desperately zig-zagging across the square in hopes of
escape, only to fall to the swing of a sword. Others stick to the
shadows, clustering against the walls as they try to judge the risks of
running or staying still. Some retreat back inside at the sight of the
carnage, willing to chance burning to death over dying in the square.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You hesitate, overwhelmed by the chaos. Your heart thunders in
your chest as smoke and flame swirl around you. Though the flames lick
uselessly at your feet, the heat is unbearable. Ash falls from the sky,
dusting your <<if $hairlength is
"shaved">>clothes<<else>>clothes and
hair<</if>>. Your breath rasps, your lungs burning as you
breathe in hot air.
It’s only by chance that you’ve gone unnoticed. Your eyes flicker
towards the far side of the square. A wall of flame flares across the
road that leads to the Docks, cutting it off as an escape route… for
anyone who isn’t a Wayfarer. If you run now, you could make it across
the square and out before you’re attacked.
You grit your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t run now, not when innocent people
are dying. You have to help.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP CITY][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t owe this city anything.
Don’t risk your life when you’re so close to making it out.|CHAPTER 1
TTS DON'T HELP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90),
$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
whirl around and sprint across the square, heading for the nearest knot
of people. The panicked family presses against the wall, flinching away
from a burly man brandishing a cutlass.
A deafening crack snaps above your head. The civilians scream. Some
throw their hands and arms over their heads, others grab the young ones
and shield them with their bodies. A beam breaks off the roof and
crashes down beside them in a fiery blaze. They shriek, cowering
together, trapped between the flames and their assailant. The burly man
pauses, distracted by the beam, and lowers his cutlass.
You burst through the fire and skid to a stop, your unsheathed sword at
your side, and round on the man. He snarls and leaps back, raising his
rusted cutlass. There’s something familiar about his face, but in the
chaos you can’t figure out <i>what.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Strike at
him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Strike at him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Disarm him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Disarm him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Strike at him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Strike at him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Disarm him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Disarm him.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranDisapp>>You
throw yourself into a run.
“$firstname!” Aeran shouts.
He grabs at you, but you slip through his fingers, sprinting through the
flames to the far side of the square. He curses and charges after you.
You run across the platforms, dashing through the flames. As you near
the centre, the statue burns like a beacon in your peripheral vision,
bursting with a red-orange light. A shadow passes overhead and you
glance sharply upwards. <<if $vilvilla is true>>A trio of
aeda warriors circle the square, led by a familiar sentry with
blue-green wings. Starling lands on a nearby roof and observes the chaos
below. A silver spear shines in their grip.<<else>>A trio
of aeda warriors circle the square and land on a nearby roof. They
carefully observe the chaos below. Silver spears glint in their
hands.<</if>>
You pass the statue and hurtle towards the exit.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“$firstname!” Aeran shouts behind you. “We—”
Something below you snaps. Your foot slams through a broken board and
you pitch forwards. Your sword flies out of your hand and you catch
yourself roughly on the edge of the platform as your lower body plunges
into the waters below. Pain flares across your stomach where the broken
boards dig into your gut.
Aeran seizes your arm and drags you out. You roll over, splashing water
across the boards, and stagger to your feet. You reach for your fallen
sword—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
man barrels into you, knocking the breath from your lungs as he pushes
you to the ground. You throw out an arm, fingers scrabbling for your
blade, but he leaps on top of you and pins your arm down. He raises his
cutlass and shoves the point at your throat.
You grab his arm, your fingernails tearing deep into his skin as you
stop his blow. He snarls, pushing against you as he attempts to lower
the blade. You stare up at him and meet his gleaming eyes. Some distant
part of your mind tells you he looks familiar, but in your struggle to
keep him from slicing your throat, you can’t remember
<i>why.</i>
The blade sinks towards your neck. You grunt, your muscles straining
with desperate effort.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DON'T HELP TIMED
CHOICE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<strengthPass>>You
raise your sword. The Alassar steel reflects the flames, glowing a
burnished red-orange in the burning light. Fear flickers across the
man’s face and he staggers back, desperately raising his cutlass—
Your sword strikes the weak steel and breaks the blade clean off. The
man cries out in shock, staring in astonishment at his broken hilt. You
follow through and thrust your sword into his gut. He gasps a rasping
breath, his mouth moving voicelessly as he stares up at you. You lock
eyes with him and a realization dawns on you.
You remember him.
The man with the torn eye from Flotsam Grove. The greendrift Marea
healed with the chalice.
Blood bubbles past his lips and he falters, collapsing to the ground.
You pull your sword free and step back. You turn to the frightened group
pressed against the wall—
And your words die on your lips.
They stare at you in horror. Conjured flames whisp around you, burning
harmlessly at your feet. You hold your blade aloft, the glistening
Alassar steel dripping with blood.
A white-faced woman steps forward. She raises a hand, a pitiful attempt
at a barrier glistening between her fingers. “Monster!” she cries in a
trembling voice. “Stay away!”
You lower your sword and drop to a knee. You press a hand to a burning
board in an attempt to quell them. The flames flicker and die down,
suffocated by your immunity. “Go on!” you shout. “Get out of here!”
The woman draws back, mistrust burning in her eyes.
“Get out of here!” you shout.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
raise your sword. The Alassar steel reflects the flames, glowing a
burnished red-orange in the burning light. Fear flickers across the
man’s face and he staggers back, desperately raising his cutlass—
Your sword clashes against his. He grins and pushes you back, shoving
you into the fire. The flames lick harmlessly at your legs. You sigh
wearily and round on him, falling into an offensive stance.
He hesitates, horror creeping into his eyes. You lock eyes with him and a
memory clicks into place.
The man with the torn eye from Flotsam Grove. The greendrift Marea
healed with the chalice.
<i>Shit.</i>
The man backs away and flees across the square, disappearing into smoke
and flame. You lower your sword and turn to the family pressed against
the wall. They stare at you, rooted to the ground, too afraid to make a
move despite the approaching flames.
You drop to a knee and press a hand to a burning board in an attempt to
quell the fire. The flames flicker and die down, suffocated by your
immunity. “Go on!” you shout. “Get out of here!”
A white-faced woman clutches at her spouse, her fingers digging into his
arm. She shakes her head.
“Get out of here!” you scream.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
raise your sword. The Alassar steel reflects the flames, glowing a
burnished red-orange in the burning light. Fear flickers across the
man’s face and he staggers back, desperately raising his cutlass—
You strike at him and knock his rusted weapon from his hand. He opens
his mouth in shock and you follow up, pinning him to the ground and
pressing your blade to the hollow of his throat.
“Who are you?” you shout. “Why are you doing this?”
He spits in your face. “Why?” he snarls. <<if $mareadead is
true>>“You killed Marea, you took the chalice from
us—”<<else>>“You took the chalice from
us—”<</if>>
Your eyes widen as the recognition falls into place. He’s the man with
the torn eye. The one Marea healed.
His eyes gleam. “Atral should have killed you from the start!”
He rams a hand into your chin. Pain sparks behind your eyes and you
turn, wrenching your blade across his throat. Blood splatters your hands
and he falls back, lifelessly staring at the sky. You stagger to your
feet and step back, turning to the frightening group pressed against the
wall.
Your words die on your lips.
They stare at you in horror as conjured flames whisp around you, burning
harmlessly at your feet. You hold your blade aloft, the glistening
Alassar steel dripping with blood.
A white-faced woman raises a hand, a pitiful attempt at a barrier
glistening between her fingers. “Fiend!” she cries in a trembling voice.
“Stay away!”
You lower your sword and drop to a knee, pressing a hand to a burning
board in an attempt to quell the flames. They flicker and die down,
suffocated by your immunity. “Go on!” you shout. “Get out of here!”
The woman draws back, mistrust burning in her eyes.
“Get out of here!” you shout.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
raise your sword. The Alassar steel reflects the flames, glowing a
burnished red-orange in the burning light. Fear flickers across the
man’s face and he staggers back, desperately raising his cutlass—
You strike at him. Your sword clashes against his, sliding unexpectedly
down the blade. He grins and pushes you back, shoving you into the fire.
The flames lick harmlessly at your legs. You sigh wearily and round on
him, falling into an offensive stance.
He hesitates, horror creeping into his eyes. You lock eyes with him and a
memory clicks into place.
The man with the torn eye from Flotsam Grove. The greendrift Marea
healed with the chalice.
<i>Shit.</i>
The man backs away and flees across the square, disappearing into smoke
and flame. You lower your sword and turn to the family pressed against
the wall. They stare at you, rooted to the ground, too afraid to make a
move despite the approaching flames.
You drop to a knee and press a hand to a burning board in an attempt to
quell the fire. The flames flicker and die down, suffocated by your
immunity. “Go on!” you shout. “Get out of here!”
A white-faced woman clutches at her spouse, her fingers digging into his
arm. She shakes her head.
“Get out of here!” you scream.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS HELP
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
crack rings out above you. Aeran slams into you, seizing you by the
shoulder and pushing you away. You trip into each other and fall to the
ground. A second beam breaks off the building and crashes into the
square, obliterating the family in a burst of smoke, sparks and charred
wood.
You roll over and push yourself up, staggering to your feet. “They’re
greendrifts,” you say, wiping sweat from your brow. “They’re from the
Grove—”
“Shit,” he mutters. “What the hell do we do with that?”
You fall silent. Your fingers tighten around your sword hilt as you look
across the square in horror. You don’t know whether this is an uprising
against Rona or a targeted attack spurned by the loss of the chalice.
Either way, you need to get out of here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
CONTINUED]]</div></div><</nobr>>Chaos
reigns in the square. Flames dance across the boards, searing anything
in their path. Civilians run to and fro, trampling each other in their
desperation to escape. Some are cut down where they stand, others manage
to pull away and scramble for the nearest alley. The wails of the
wounded ring harshly in your ears.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>Starling pushes off the roof and
dives for the centre of the square. The aeda warriors follow them and
together they land on the platforms, the boards ringing underfoot with a
hollow thud. They whirl around, their silver spears flashing in their
hands, and enter the fray. They strike at the attacking greendrifts.
One falls, and then another. Starling spins around, blood flying from
the tip of their spear, and spreads their wings. They rise several feet
in the air, their eyes sweeping the square as they search for their next
opponent—
A spear flies through the air and tears through their left wing. They
cry out and drop out of the air, falling uncontrollably to the ground.
They hit the boards and stagger to one knee. A man in dark clothing
leaps on their back, plunging a dagger deep between their shoulder
blades.<<else>>The aeda warriors push off the roof and dive
for the centre of the square. They land hard, the platforms echoing
underfoot with a hollow thud, and whirl around, their silver spears
shining in their hands. They enter the fray and strike at the attacking
greendrifts.
One falls, and then another. An aeda warrior spins around, blood flying
from the tip of their spear, and spreads their wings. They rise several
feet in the air, their eyes sweeping the square as they search for their
next opponent—
A spear flies through the air and tears through their left wing. They
cry out and drop out of the air, falling uncontrollably to the ground.
They hit the boards and stagger to one knee. A man in dark clothing
leaps on their back, plunging a dagger deep between their shoulder
blades.<</if>>
Everywhere you turn is merciless carnage. More mercenaries appear,
either drawn by the chaos or sent by the Seven, and the square turns
into a melee. You freeze, rooted to the spot. In the fiery light and
glaring heat, it is impossible to tell which side anyone is on. Swords
clash, arrows fly, and the screams of the dying peal through the air as
Rona’s uneasy peace tears itself apart.
You turn away from the bloodbath and your heart leaps into your throat.
Aeran is gone.
“Shit,” you curse. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>Where the hell
did he go? You can’t leave him here.<<else>>He might be a
pain in the ass, but you can’t leave him here.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Call his name.|CHAPTER 1 TTS CALL
HIM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Search the square.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
SEARCH SQUARE]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Make a Choice</span>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
DH TC STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Roll to one side and knock
him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC AGILITY INEF]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell him to stop.
You’re not his enemy.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC PERS
INEF]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Roll to one side and knock him
off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC AGILITY INEF]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell him to stop. You’re not his
enemy.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC PERS
INEF]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><<if settings.action>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
DH TC STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [AGILITY] Roll to one side and knock
him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC AGILITY INEF]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell him to stop.
You’re not his enemy.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC PERS
INEF]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Throw him off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Roll to one side and knock him
off.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC AGILITY INEF]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell him to stop. You’re not his
enemy.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC PERS INEF]]</div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] You… can’t… move.|CHAPTER 1
TTS DH TC
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<strengthPass>>You
grip the man’s arm and push back. Startled, he lurches backwards and
topples off of you. The cutlass falls to the ground. You scramble to
your feet. He dives for his fallen weapon, but you kick it out of the
way, sending it spinning across the boards. He staggers to a stop and
turns to you, a look of panic flashing in his eyes.
“Wait—”
Aeran seizes him from behind and rams a dagger into his neck. He rips
the dagger free and steps back. Your assailant crumples to the ground,
blood oozing from his wound. You stare at him, breathless from the
attack, and you finally recognize him.
He’s the man with the torn eye from Flotsam Grove. The greendrift Marea
healed with the chalice.
<i>Shit.</i>
“They’re greendrifts,” you say, turning to Aeran. “They’re from the
Grove—”
He curses. He grabs your sword and tosses it to you. You murmur a
breathless thanks. Still disoriented from the attack, you whirl around
and search for the way out. You don’t know whether this is an uprising
against Rona or a targeted attack spurned by the loss of the chalice.
Either way, you need to get out of here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
CONTINUED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
grip the man’s arm and push back with all your might. He snarls, an
ugly smile splitting his lips, and presses down hard. Your arm shakes
and gives in, overpowered by your assailant’s strength.
The blade slices down—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC FAILS AERAN
KILLS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityInef>>You
roll desperately to the side, but your assailant doesn’t budge. He’s
far too heavy for you to throw off this way. He chuckles at your pitiful
attempt to escape and pushes his cutlass down.
You curse. Your arm shakes and gives in, overpowered by your assailant’s
strength. The blade slices down—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC FAILS AERAN
KILLS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionInef>>“Wait!”
you shout. Your arm shakes as you force him back. “I’m not your enemy—”
He spits in your face. “Shut up,” he snarls. <<if $mareadead is
true>>“You killed Marea, you took the chalice from
us—”<<else>>“You took the chalice from
us—”<</if>>
Your eyes widen as the recognition falls into place. He’s the man with
the torn eye. The one Marea healed.
His eyes gleam. “Atral should have killed you from the start!”
Your grip slips. The cutlass presses down—
Blood splatters your face. You flinch, squeezing your eyes shut as the
man topples off of you, and roll to the side, scrambling away from him.
You open your eyes and push yourself up. Aeran stands a pace away, a
bloody dagger in his hand.
You exhale a rasping breath. The man lies on the ground, eyes staring
lifelessly at the sky. A gash tears through the base of his throat,
oozing thick, dark blood.
Aeran seizes your arm and pulls you up. You murmur a breathless thanks
and grab your sword. You whirl around, still disoriented from the
attack, and search for the way out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
CONTINUED]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
hesitate, frozen with indecision.
Your arm shakes and gives in, overpowered by your assailant’s strength.
The cutlass presses down—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS DH TC FAILS AERAN
KILLS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Blood
splatters your face. You flinch, squeezing your eyes shut as the man
topples off of you, and roll to the side, scrambling away from him. You
open your eyes and push yourself up. Aeran stands a pace away, a bloody
dagger in his hand.
You exhale a rasping breath. Your assailant lies on the ground, eyes
staring lifelessly at the sky. A gash tears through the base of his
throat, oozing thick, dark blood.
You finally recognize him. He’s the man with the torn eye from Flotsam
Grove. The greendrift Marea healed with the chalice.
<i>Shit.</i>
“They’re greendrifts,” you croak, glancing at Aeran. “They’re from the
Grove—”
Aeran curses. He seizes your arm and pulls you up. You murmur a
breathless thanks and grab your sword. You don’t know whether this is an
uprising against Rona or a targeted attack spurned by the loss of the
chalice. Either way, you need to get out of here.
You whirl around, still disoriented from the attack, and search for the
way out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS
CONTINUED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeginetaDead to true>>“AERAN!” you shout.
Something kicks you sharply in the back. You stumble, your knees aching
as you jerk to a stop and spin around, slashing your blade in a tight
arc. Your blow connects, tearing through fabric and flesh. You stagger
to a stop, coming face-to-face with your assailant. She stares at you,
eyes wide in horror, and presses a shocked hand to the wound in her gut.
She blinks and pitches forward. She seizes you, dragging you down with
her as she collapses to the ground.
You push her off you and stagger away, stumbling through the flames.
Acrid smoke fills your nostrils and you draw a rasping breath. You blink
back tears, peering through streaming eyes as you search the square.
“AERAN!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS CALL HIM
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $aeginetaDead to
false>>You sprint across the square, ducking through the chaos as
you desperately search for Aeran. A blade flies at your head and you
duck, staggering across the burning boards. The tip of a spear glints in
your eye and you throw yourself to the side, narrowly avoiding the
blow.
You draw to a halt, blinking back tears as you peer through the smoke
and flames. You stare wildly from one fight to another. A mercenary
wearing the Saffron Duchess’ colours falls to a greendrift, who is in
turn speared by an aeda warrior. You pause, wavering on your feet,
barely able to make sense of your surroundings.
A horrendous crash booms across the square. You turn and watch as a
nearby building erupts into a ball of flames and collapses inward on
itself. Screams howl in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>An
acrid breeze rushes over you and a line of nearby flames suddenly rise
up and crystalize, coalescing into a wall of vibrant orange-red glass.
You spin around in confusion, searching for the cause, and you spot
<<if $deadwood is true>>a familiar old man at the edge of
the square.<<else>>a wizened old man at the edge of the
square.<</if>>
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aegineta<<else>>The
mage<</if>> stands with his hands outstretched and absolute
fury in his eyes. His face is red and sweaty, his thinning grey hair
sticking up in all directions. His soot-stained robes are torn below the
knee, revealing one very human leg and one lopsided, gnarled limb
covered in dark scales. He huffs and puffs, straining with exertion as
he forces his will upon the flames, manipulating their essence and
transforming them to something new.
“Out of the way, Wayfarer!” he shouts and plunges a hand onto a burning
platform.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You stagger back. A sharp wind smacks into you as a light
flares down the platform, speeding towards the centre of the square. The
whole thing shimmers, transforming the enflamed boards to glass. It
burns red-orange for a moment, then dulls and cools, turning black.
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aegineta pulls his hand back and
flashes you a grin. “I hope this isn’t your doing!” he shouts.
Your gut twists. “No—”
“Doesn’t matter,” he says, waving a hand. “Haven’t seen a mess like this
since Erenvor. Go—do what you have to. I’ll handle things from
here!”<<else>>He pulls his hand back, a satisfied smirk on
his lips, and turns to survey the rest of the square. He takes in the
carnage without hesitation, staring fearlessly at the flames. “Go!” he
shouts. “Do what you have to—I’ll handle things
here!”<</if>>
You nod. Your mouth is horribly dry, your lips cracked. You could barely
speak even if you wanted to.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS SARCH CONFRONT
ATRAL][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A horrendous crash booms across
the square. A building on the far side erupts into a ball of flames and
collapses inwards on itself. Screams howl in your ears and you sprint
across the platforms, desperately hoping that Aeran wasn’t nearby—
You skid to a stop as the line of flames ahead of you suddenly rise up
and crystalize, coalescing into a wall of vibrant orange-red glass. You
spin around in confusion, searching for the cause, and you spot
<<if $deadwood is true>>a familiar old man at the edge of
the square.<<else>>a wizened old man at the edge of the
square.<</if>>
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aegineta<<else>>The
mage<</if>> stands with his hands outstretched and absolute
fury in his eyes. His face is red and sweaty, his thinning grey hair
sticking up in all directions. His soot-stained robes are torn below the
knee, revealing one very human leg and one lopsided, gnarled limb
covered in dark scales. He huffs and puffs, straining with exertion as
he forces his will upon the flames, manipulating their essence and
transforming them to something new.
“Out of the way, Wayfarer!” he shouts and plunges a hand onto a burning
platform.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You stagger back. A sharp wind smacks into you as a light
flares down the platform, speeding towards the centre of the square. The
whole thing shimmers, transforming the enflamed boards to glass. It
burns red-orange for a moment, then dulls and cools, turning black.
<<if $deadwood is true>>Aegineta pulls his hand back and
flashes you a grin. “I hope this isn’t your doing!” he shouts.
Your gut twists. “No—”
“Doesn’t matter,” he says, waving a hand. “Haven’t seen a mess like this
since Erenvor—”<<else>>He pulls his hand back, a satisfied
smirk on his lips, and turns to survey the rest of the square. He takes
in the carnage without hesitation, staring fearlessly at the flames. He
raises a hand and steps across the platform.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Blood bursts from his mouth, spraying the boards below. His
hands reach up, spasming in the air, and he tumbles face-first into the
ground. Blood pools around him, seeping from a deep gash in his back. A
large, hulking man looms behind his body, a satisfied sneer on his lips
and a blood-stained axe grasped in his hand.
Atral.
He grins and steps over <<if $deadwood is
true>>Aegineta’s<<else>>the mage’s<</if>>
limp form. “I heard your screeching, outsider,” he rasps, hefting the
axe. The weapon, though inexpertly cobbled together, looks heavy and
deadly. “As I told you before, you won’t leave Rona alive.”
You raise your sword.
“NO!”
A hoarse shriek screams in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS CALL HIM 03][$PassageNo
=
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$deadwood is true>>Alina<<else>>A young elven
woman<</if>> sprints out of the smoke and collides with
Atral. Her fist connects sharply with his chin and he stumbles back,
disoriented by the blow. She follows up, punching wildly with all her
might. Her finger gouge at an eye. He howls in pain, seizes her by the
shoulders and throws her off. Blood drips from his ruined eye and he
swings the axe around.
It hits her in the side.
Silver light flashes over her, protecting her body from the sharp edge.
She staggers back and grounds herself. She spits on the ground and
raises her fists, anger boiling in her eyes. Atral snarls and slashes
the axe at her. He hits her with the flat of the blade and sends her
flying. She slides across the transformed boards, her feet slipping out
from under her, and collapses on the other side.
She does not get up.
Atral spits on the ground and whirls around. The flames dance on his
face, illuminating the thick blood crusted around his torn eye. He turns
to you and his lips twist into a savage smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack him
outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him and strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1
TTS ATRAL AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him and
strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Bait him and strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Bait him and strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
whirl through the smoke and flames, slashing your blade at his side. He
throws himself back with a grunt, caught off-guard by the ferociousness
of your attack. He heaves the axe, the weapon lying heavy in his hand,
and slams it down where you stand.
You deflect the axe with your blade and seize his arm.
Atral’s eyes widen with shock. You grit your teeth, tensing your muscles
as you fight bitterly to stop his momentum. Your arm flares with pain.
You grit your teeth, a voiceless scream escapes from your lips, and with
one smooth motion you throw him back and ram your blade into his gut.
He gasps in pain and sinks to his knees, coughing through smoke and
blood. He glares up at you with dark eyes and his lips twist into a
sneer. He raises the axe, preparing to ram it into you, but you wrench
your sword free and draw back. He lets out a stuttering gasp and looks
down, staring at the blood seeping from his wound. He pitches forward
and lies still, his fingers still curled around the axe’s haft.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL ATTACK ON
BOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>You
whirl through the smoke and flames, slashing your blade at his side. He
throws himself back with a grunt, caught off-guard by the ferociousness
of your attack. He heaves the axe, the weapon lying heavy in his hand,
and slams it down where you stand.
You deflect the axe with your blade and seize his arm.
Atral’s eyes widen with shock. You grit your teeth, tensing your muscles
as you fight bitterly to stop his momentum. Your arm flares with pain.
You grit your teeth and a voiceless scream escapes from your lips.
He sneers and an unsettling laugh rumbles in his throat. Suddenly, he
wrenches his arm free from your grip and spins, ramming the butt of the
axe into your chest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
whirl through the smoke and flames. Atral snarls, slashing at you with
his axe. You dance out of the way, easily dodging the heavy blade. He
staggers, unbalanced by his clumsy blow and the weight of his weapon.
You follow up quickly and thrust the point of your blade into his gut.
He gasps in pain and sinks to his knees, coughing through smoke and
blood. He glares up at you with dark eyes and his lips twist into a
sneer. He raises the axe, preparing to ram it into you, but you wrench
your sword free and draw back. He lets out a stuttering gasp and looks
down, staring at the blood seeping from his wound. He pitches forward
and lies still, his fingers still curled around the axe’s haft.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL ATTACK ON
BOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
whirl through the smoke and flames. Atral snarls, slashing at you with
his axe. You dance out of the way, but you’re barely fast enough. The
axe’s blade slashes across your chest, cutting through your tunic and
slicing flesh. The wound stings and sticky blood wells up against hot
skin, but the injury is shallow.
You slide back, your jaw clenched as you try to reposition yourself and
find a new opening. Atral lumbers around and an unsettling laugh rumbles
in his throat. Suddenly, he spins around and rams the butt of the axe
into your chest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"injured">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL SECOND
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL FIRST
INJURY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
leap through nearby flames, sprinting away from <<if $deadwood is
true>>Aegineta<<else>>the mage<</if>> as
you head back across the square. The body of a slain mercenary falls in
front of you and you lurch to a stop, nearly tripping over it in your
haste. You raise your head and stare directly into the eyes of a large,
hulking man who looms ahead of you. His face is spattered with blood and
he grasps a heavy axe in one hand. He meets your eyes and his lips
twist into a satisfied sneer.
Atral.
<i>Shit.</i>
“Outsider!” he rasps, hefting his axe. Though the weapon is inexpertly
cobbled together, the blade looks deadly. “I’ve been looking for you!”
You raise your sword.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Attack him
outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him and strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1
TTS ATRAL AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Bait him and
strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Attack him outright.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Bait him and strike at an opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL
AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Bait him and strike at an
opening.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $injuries
+= 1>>Pain flares across your breastbone. You fall back, tumbling
onto the ground. Atral stands over you, red flushing his cheeks, eyes
burning with rage, and raises the axe—
An arrow bursts through his throat. He teeters on his feet. Blood
bubbles on his lips, the axe hangs limply in his hand, and then he
collapses and lies still.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL ATTACK ON
BOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Pain flares across
your breastbone. You fall back, tumbling onto the ground. Atral stands
over you, red flushing his cheeks, eyes burning with rage, and raises
the axe—
An arrow bursts through his throat. He teeters on his feet. Blood
bubbles on his lips, the axe hangs limply in his hand, and then he
collapses and lies still.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL ATTACK ON
BOTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
TTS ATRAL STRENGTH PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL AGILITY
PASS")>><span class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
Aeran’s strangled voice echoes through the smoke. He emerges through the
flames, sprinting towards you as quickly as he can. His face is pale
and beaded with sweat, his clothes torn and stained with blood. Aside
from the irreplaceable Alassar arrows, his quiver is nearly empty.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He barely slows as he reaches you,
seizing your hand and pulling you through the
chaos.<<else>>He barely slows as he reaches you, roughly
seizing your shoulder and urging you onwards through the
chaos.<</if>><<else>><span
class="uppercase">“$firstname!”</span>
Aeran’s strangled voice echoes through the smoke. He emerges through the
flames, sprinting towards you as quickly as he can. His face is pale
and beaded with sweat, his clothes torn and stained with blood. Aside
from the irreplaceable Alassar arrows, his quiver is nearly empty.
He stumbles to a stop at your side and grabs your arm, pulling you up.
Pain racks your body, but you force yourself to ignore it as Aeran
pushes you into a sprint.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He seizes your hand and pulls you
through the chaos.<<else>>He urges you along, leading you
through the chaos.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The remains of the central statue burn ahead. The conjured
flames lick merrily away at the rusted bronze. Rivulets of molten metal
drip down its sides, pooling at the statue’s feet. You dive around the
statue, nearly tripping over each other as you swerve through the melee,
narrowly avoiding the clash of swords and spears from a dozen fights
across the square.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL SECOND INJURY")>>Your
vision blurs and the world turns to a smoky red haze. Aeran’s voice
rings in your ears, but you can’t make out what he’s saying. You stumble
on, pushing yourself to keep moving, but a numb pain racks your body.
Something flat and dull rams into your gut.<<if $aeranapp
>=60>> Your hand rips from Aeran’s grasp and you pitch
forwards.<</if>> Your outstretched hands take the force of
your fall as you slam into the boards. You grunt and cough as you take a
shuddering breath, pulling acrid air into your lungs. Another blow hits
your back and pain flares through your
body.<<else>>Something flat and dull rams into your
gut.<<if $aeranapp >=60>> Your hand rips from Aeran’s
grasp and you pitch forwards.<</if>> Your outstretched hands
take the force of your fall as you slam into the boards. You grunt and
cough as you take a shuddering breath, pulling acrid air into your
lungs. Another blow hits your back and pain flares through your
body.<</if>>
You cry out. You try to move—to push yourself up, to roll yourself over,
to draw your sword and strike back at your attackers, but you can’t
move. Your body is frozen in its vulnerability.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“$firstname—”
You glance up, your eyes watering from the pain and the smoke. Aeran
lies limply on the ground a pace away. He desperately tries to pull
himself towards you, but the flat of a sword descends from above,
striking him in the upper back. He stops moving.
“Aeran—”
He turns his head and locks eyes with you. His soot-stained face has
gone white with panic. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>He stretches
out a hand, his fingers reaching for yours.<</if>>
A shadow looms above him, the sharp edge of a blade glinting in the
smoky light.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Grab his
hand.|CHAPTER 1 TTS POST ATRAL GRAB HAND][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90),$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional relationship requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Try to push yourself up.|CHAPTER 1
TTS POST ATRAL PUSH UP][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeranrom
>=1>><<aeranRomance>><<else>><<aeranApp>><</if>>You
reach out, stretching your arm as far as it will go. Your fingers touch
his and you grasp them tight, a last vestige of comfort in a world
hellbent on self-destruction.
A faint smile flickers across his lips. His grip tightens on yours.
The blade descends.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL SECOND
INJURY")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS SECOND INJURY
BLACKOUT]]<<elseif $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MEET ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
press a hand into the boards and desperately try to push yourself up.
Something dull and flat strikes you across the upper back. Pain bursts
behind your eyes and you collapse. Groaning in pain, you force your eyes
open.
Aeran stares at you, a horrified look on his face.
The blade descends.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS ATRAL SECOND
INJURY")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS SECOND INJURY
BLACKOUT]]<<elseif $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MEET ZENAIDA
RAT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MEET ZENAIDA
DOCKS]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$atralscar to true>>Amber light bursts into existence, nearly
blinding you with its glare. Three figures materialize out of nowhere.
<<if $chapter1route is "docks">>A familiar
woman<<else>>A woman<</if>> with glowing eyes
raises a hand and a ball of golden light bursts into existence,
spreading between her fingertips. It expands rapidly, careful not to
touch you as it pushes out in a semi-circle to form a protective dome.
It catches the descending sword and the blade glances off harmlessly.
You hear a distant shriek as the barrier continues its expansion,
pushing back everything in its path.
<<if $chapter1route is "docks">>You blink in confusion, your
sluggish mind straining to recognize her.
“Malsara, get them up!” the woman calls.
<i>Zenaida…?</i><<else>>“Malsara, get them up!”
the woman calls.<</if>>
Cold fingers press against the nape of your neck, but your mind is too
clouded to understand what it means. Something shakes you. Your head
lolls on your shoulders, your hands falling limply to your sides.
“Malsara, help $himher!”
You can’t keep your eyes open.
You feel numb.
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Amber light bursts into
existence, nearly blinding you with its glare. Three figures materialize
out of nowhere. A woman with glowing eyes raises a hand and a ball of
golden light bursts into existence, spreading between her fingertips. It
expands rapidly, careful not to touch you as it pushes out in a
semi-circle to form a protective dome. It catches the descending sword
and the blade glances off harmlessly. You hear a distant shriek as the
barrier continues its expansion, pushing back everything in its path.
“Malsara, get them up!” the woman calls.
Cold fingers pinch the back of your neck and a strong hand drags you to
your feet. You wrench yourself away and reach for your sword, but
someone seizes your arm and pulls you in. You stand face-to-face with a
human woman. Her ashen hair is streaked with ash and her brown eyes glow
with the vestiges of amber light. She fixes you with a piercing glare
that feels strangely familiar.
“We must hurry,” she says, dragging you towards the edge of the dome.
“Now!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You dig your feet into the platform and wrench your arm free.
The woman rounds on you, breathing out an exasperated sigh. Behind her, a
dark-haired woman has pulled Aeran to his feet. He resists her and she
pulls away, cursing loudly as violet light mists around her, pooling at
her feet. She throws a glance over her shoulder and locks eyes with you.
You nearly do a double-take.
Aside from her hair colour and the violet glow in her eyes, she is
identical to the ashen-haired woman.
Twins? Sisters? You have no idea.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>An
exhausted groan rings in your ears. The barrier stops its expansion,
ending as a small dome around you, Aeran, and the three women. Inside
the dome, it quells the burning platforms and snuffs out the flames.
Though you can hear the muffled sounds of fighting beyond, it is
strangely quiet beneath the barrier.
The mage generating the barrier falters, light spiralling from her palms
as she struggles to keep her hands raised. Sweat beads her forehead,
plastering hair to her face. Despite the gentle glow of her magic, her
brown skin has turned ashen from the effort.
“Malsara,” she breathes. “I can’t hold it for much longer—”
“We need to move,” the ashen-haired woman shouts.
<i>“Now.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Resist. Despite the chaos of the square,
you’re not going anywhere with them.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MZR 01 A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. She doesn’t need to repeat herself.
You need to get out of the square.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MZR 01 B][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Amber light bursts into
existence, nearly blinding you with its glare. Three figures materialize
out of nowhere. A woman with glowing eyes raises a hand and a ball of
golden light bursts into existence, spreading between her fingertips. It
expands rapidly, careful not to touch you as it pushes out in a
semi-circle to form a protective dome. It catches the descending sword
and the blade glances off harmlessly. You hear a distant shriek as the
barrier continues its expansion, pushing back everything in its path.
“Malsara, get them up!” the woman calls.
Cold fingers pinch the back of your neck and a strong hand drags you to
your feet. You wrench yourself away and reach for your sword, but
someone seizes your arm and pulls you in.
You stand face-to-face with Malsara Markal.
“Shit,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>She lets out an exasperated sigh. “There’s time for that
later,” she says abruptly. “Do you want to get out of here alive or
not?”
<i>“Fuck off!”</i> Aeran shouts.
You shoulder Malsara out of the way. Nova Markal pulls Aeran to his feet
and he wrenches himself away, fixing her with a deadly glare.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>An
exhausted groan rings in your ears. Zenaida Anaxas stands rooted to the
spot, fighting to keep her barrier in place. The barrier stops its
expansion, ending as a small dome around you. Inside the dome, it quells
the burning platforms and snuffs out the flames. Though you can hear
the muffled sounds of fighting beyond, it is strangely quiet beneath the
barrier.
And then Zenaida falters. Light spirals from her palms as she struggles
to keep her hands raised. Sweat beads her forehead, plastering hair to
her face. Despite the gentle glow of her magic, her brown skin has
turned ashen from the effort.
“Malsara,” she breathes. “I can’t hold it for much longer—”
“We need to move,” Malsara shouts. <i>“Now.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Resist. Despite the chaos of the square,
you’re not going anywhere with them.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ZDOCKS
RESIST][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. She doesn’t need to repeat herself.
You need to get out of the square.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ZDOCKS NO
REPEAT][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo
=
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“No!”
you shout, reaching for your sword.
The barrier flickers. A spear pierces the shell, nearly striking the
ashen-haired woman in the head. She ducks and spins around at the last
moment, only to find it hovering mid-air, caught within the web of
golden light. The black-haired woman grimaces and flicks her hand. The
barrier flickers again and ejects the spear. Gold light weaves across
the wound, sealing it tight.
“You stay and you die, Wayfarer,” the ashen-haired woman says. “Is that
what you want?”
You grit your teeth. You exchange looks with Aeran. There’s a silent
question in his eyes: do you go or do you run? The barrier may stop the
melee from reaching you, but it can do nothing to keep you in.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Run.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MZR RUN][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go with them. Whatever comes next,
you can deal with it when you’re someplace that isn’t on fire.|CHAPTER 1
TTS MZR GO WITH THEM][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
point across the square. “This way,” you shout. “We can get to the
Docks—”
The ashen-haired woman nods and gestures urgently for you to go.
You take off, leading the way across the square. Aeran keeps pace with
you, running at your side, and the others follow. The dark-haired mage
holds her hands aloft as she runs, muttering to herself with intense
focus as she struggles to keep the barrier up. The melee rages around
you. Weapons glance harmlessly off the dome, but each time they strike,
the golden glow becomes fainter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MZR RUN WITH
THEM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $foreheadscar to
true>>You lunge forwards and dive through the barrier. You pass
through the golden light and emerge out into the melee. Heat from the
nearby flames sear your face and smoke billows heavily around you,
stinging your eyes and burning the inside of your throat.
Aeran sprints after you, keeping pace as you cut across the burning
platforms. Amber light bursts in your peripheral vision and you dive out
of the way as the ashen-haired woman materializes beside you. She grabs
at you, but you pull free from her grasp and slip through her fingers.
She curses and vanishes in a swirl of mist.
You near the edge of the square. A horrendous crack tears through the
air, piercing your ears. You reel back in shock, your ears smarting with
pain, and watch in horror as the road to the Docks disappears. Two
buildings collapse, crashing into each other and blocking the path,
leaving nothing but a pile of charred wood and broken stone engulfed in
flame.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran turns around, searching for another exit. Another crack
rings in your ears. Your stomach drops. The boards that support the
square finally give way and drop into the lagoon. You fall, plummeting
into the water below.
Foam swirls around you as you cut through the dark waters. You open your
eyes and peer at the surface, seeing nothing but flashes of red and
orange light amid the darkness. There is no sign of Aeran. You
desperately kick your feet and swim for the surface—
Something hard strikes you in the head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Your vision blackens.
The water tugs heavily at your clothes, pulling you down—down—down—
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>The water fills you, seeping
into your eyes, your nose, your mouth. It is calling you, calling you to
the depths…<<else>>Your lungs scream for air, but all you
know is water.<</if>>
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Fine!”
you shout. “Let’s go!”
You run, leading the way across the square. Aeran keeps pace with you,
running at your side, and the women follow. The black-haired mage holds
her hands aloft as she runs, muttering to herself with intense focus as
she struggles to keep the barrier up. The melee rages around you.
Weapons glance harmlessly off the dome, but each time they strike, the
golden glow becomes fainter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS MZR RUN WITH
THEM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $foreheadscar to
true>>As you near the edge of the square, a horrendous crack tears
through the air, piercing your ears. You reel back in shock, your ears
smarting with pain. You pause, watching in horror as the road to the
Docks disappears. Two buildings collapse, crashing into each other and
blocking the path, leaving nothing but a pile of charred wood and broken
stone engulfed in flame.
<i>“Hell and starfire,”</i> the ashen-haired woman curses.
She wheels around, desperately scanning the square. The black-haired
mage lets out a rasping breath and collapses. The barrier stutters and
winks out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Zenaida!” The twin sister runs forward and catches the mage as
she tumbles to the ground. She raises her head and stares at her
sister, anger in her eyes. Violet magic whisps around her. Her exposed
forearms ripple strangely, growing muscular. “I have her! Get Idris and
the others—”
The ashen-haired woman nods and disappears in a flash of amber light.
You hesitate, uncertain of what to do. You feel Aeran’s hand on your
shoulder and you turn, meeting his eyes. Ash and blood shine brightly on
his face and he stares back at you, his lips pressed into a thin line.
He looks as overwhelmed as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
crack rings in your ears. Your stomach drops. The boards that support
the square finally give way and drop into the lagoon. You fall,
plummeting into the water below.
Foam swirls around you as you cut through the dark waters. You open your
eyes and peer at the surface, seeing nothing but flashes of red and
orange light amid the darkness. There is no sign of Aeran or the two
mages. You desperately kick your feet and swim for the surface—
Something hard strikes you in the head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Your vision blackens.
The water tugs heavily at your clothes, pulling you down—down—down—
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>The water fills you, seeping
into your eyes, your nose, your mouth. It is calling you, calling you to
the depths…<<else>>Your lungs scream for air, but all you
know is water.<</if>>
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“No!”
you shout, reaching for your sword.
The barrier flickers. A spear pierces the shell, nearly striking Malsara
in the head. She ducks and spins around at the last moment, only to
find it hovering mid-air, caught within the web of golden light. Zenaida
grimaces and flicks her hand. The barrier flickers again and ejects the
spear. Gold light weaves across the wound, sealing it tight.
“You stay and you die, $lastname,” Malsara says. “Is that what you
want?”
You grit your teeth. A thousand questions fill your mind—why are they
here? How did they find you? You’re not sure if you want an answer.
Aeran grips your shoulder, turning you towards him. There’s a silent
question in his eyes: do you go or do you run? The barrier may stop the
melee from reaching you, but it can do nothing to keep
<i>you</i> in.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Run.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ZDOCKS RUN][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go with them. Whatever comes next,
you can deal with it when you’re someplace that isn’t on fire.|CHAPTER 1
TTS ZDOCKS GO WITH][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
point across the square. “This way,” you shout. “We can get to the
Docks—”
Malsara nods and gestures urgently for you to go.
You take off, leading the way across the square. Aeran keeps pace with
you, running at your side, and the others follow. Zenaida holds her
hands aloft as she runs, muttering to herself with intense focus as she
struggles to keep the barrier up. The melee rages around you. Weapons
glance harmlessly off the dome, but each time they strike, the golden
glow becomes fainter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ZDOCKS GO WITH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $foreheadscar to
true>>You didn’t trust them earlier today and you don’t trust them
now. Fuck them.
You lunge forwards, throwing yourself into a run and dive through the
barrier. You pass through the golden light and emerge out into the
melee. Heat from the nearby flames sear your face and smoke billows
heavily around you, stinging your eyes and burning the inside of your
throat.
Aeran sprints after you, keeping pace as you cut across the burning
platforms. Amber light bursts in your peripheral vision and you dive out
of the way as Malsara materializes beside you. She grabs at you, but
you pull free from her grasp and slip through her fingers. She curses
and vanishes in a swirl of mist.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You near the edge of the square. A horrendous crack tears
through the air, piercing your ears. You reel back in shock, your ears
smarting with pain, and watch in horror as the road to the Docks
disappears. Two buildingss collapse, crashing into each other and
blocking the path, leaving nothing but a pile of charred wood and broken
stone engulfed in flame.
Aeran whirls around, searching for another exit. A crack rings in your
ears. Your stomach drops. The boards that support the square finally
give way and drop into the lagoon. You fall, plummeting into the water
below.
Foam swirls around you as you cut through the dark waters. You open your
eyes and peer at the surface, seeing nothing but flashes of red and
orange light amid the darkness. There is no sign of Aeran. You
desperately kick your feet and swim for the surface—
Something hard strikes you in the head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Your vision blackens.
The water tugs heavily at your clothes, pulling you down—down—down—
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>The water fills you, seeping
into your eyes, your nose, your mouth. It is calling you, calling you to
the depths…<<else>>Your lungs scream for air, but all you
know is water.<</if>>
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Fine!”
you shout. “Let’s go!”
You run, leading the way across the square. Aeran keeps pace with you,
running at your side, the others following behind. Zenaida holds her
hands aloft as she runs, muttering to herself with intense focus as she
struggles to keep the barrier up. The melee rages around you. Weapons
glance harmlessly off the dome, but each time they strike, the golden
glow becomes fainter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 TTS ZDOCKS GO WITH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $foreheadscar to
true>>As you near the edge of the square, a horrendous crack tears
through the air, piercing your ears. You reel back in shock, your ears
smarting with pain. You pause, watching in horror as the road to the
Docks disappears. Two buildings collapse, crashing into each other and
blocking the path, leaving nothing but a pile of charred wood and broken
stone engulfed in flame.
<i>“Hell and starfire,”</i> Malsara curses.
She wheels around, desperately scanning the square. The black-haired
mage lets out a rasping breath and collapses. The barrier stutters and
winks out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Zenaida!” Nova runs forward and catches her as she tumbles to
the ground. She raises her head and stares at Malsara, anger burning in
her eyes. Violet magic whisps around her. Her exposed forearms ripple
strangely, growing muscular. “I have her! Get Idris and the others—”
Malsara nods and disappears in a flash of amber light.
You hesitate, uncertain of what to do. You feel Aeran’s hand on your
shoulder and you turn, meeting his eyes. Ash and blood shine brightly on
his face and he stares back at you, his lips pressed into a thin line.
He look as overwhelmed as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
crack rings in your ears. Your stomach drops. The boards that support
the square finally give way and drop into the lagoon. You fall,
plummeting into the water below.
Foam swirls around you as you cut through the dark waters. You open your
eyes and peer at the surface, seeing nothing but flashes of red and
orange light amid the darkness. There is no sign of Aeran or Zenaida and
Nova. You desperately kick your feet and swim for the surface—
Something hard strikes you in the head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $injuries += 1>>Your vision blackens.
The water tugs heavily at your clothes, pulling you down—down—down—
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>The water fills you, seeping
into your eyes, your nose, your mouth. It is calling you, calling you to
the depths…<<else>>Your lungs scream for air, but all you
know is water.<</if>>
Darkness takes you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|ROUTE B PRE-BLACKOUT
SCREEN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The back of the villa opens onto
another tiered garden. This one is smaller, though just as lush as the
grounds at the front. A narrow waterway flows down the tiers, rippling
through the vibrant greenery. You follow it, picking your way down the
tiers until you reach the complex’s back wall. The water flows out under
a gap in the stone and rushes out to sea. A small circular, iron
wrought gate leads to an unlit, private dock. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>A large, elegant pleasure boat is anchored on one side,
its bow dipping up and down as it rocks in the
waves.<<else>>You can’t make out much, but the shadow of a
large, elegant pleasure boat looms in the dark of
night.<</if>>
Zenaida opens the gate and passes through, her footsteps echoing
hollowly on the dock’s smooth, dark wood. “Idris?” she asks.
A clear light bursts to life. A large, muscular elven man stands up in a
narrow boat moored at the end of the dock, holding a small, conjured
light in the palm of his hand. Considering how the boat rocks on the
waves, he must have excellent balance. <<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>You catch a glimpse of a serpent tattoo wrapped around
his upper arm and you recognize him as the silent bodyguard from the
Slippery Weasel.<</if>>
“All is prepared, my lady,” he says. His voice is surprisingly deep and
smooth, with the kind of lustrousness only trained singers can achieve.
“Good,” Zenaida replies. “Thank you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>He
proffers a hand and she takes it, stepping cautiously into the boat.
She sits down quickly next to him, taking the only available seat. She
folds her hands together primly and gazes uncomfortably at the lapping
waters. You clamber in after her, squeezing into the bow as Aeran sits
down on the dock and swings his legs into the stern.
“Zenaida?” Malsara murmurs, an unvoiced question lingering on her lips.
She rests a hand on her sister’s shoulder.
“Go,” Zenaida replies. “Tell Xanael that we were successful. They can
ready the ship for departure.”
Malsara nods. Amber light swirls around her, clinging to her body as it
grows in intensity. One moment she is there, and the next she is gone,
pulling Nova alongside her into the void.
You swallow the dry lump in your throat. There is always something
unnerving yet fascinating about Dispersion magic. Where do Planeswalkers
go when they disappear? What does it feel like to travel from one place
to another in the blink of an eye? You will never know for yourself;
it’s an experience you can never have.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Idris casts off, pushing the boat away from the dock and out
into open waters. It rocks terribly, pushed to and fro by the rolling
waves. <<if $mcpoisoned is true>>Your stomach lurches and
you quickly press a hand over your mouth. Sea sickness does not mix well
with your nausea.<<elseif $health is "injured">>Your
stomach lurches and you quickly press a hand over your mouth. The pain
from your injuries does not mix well with sea
sickness.<<else>>Your stomach drops, but you quickly become
accustomed to the movement.<</if>> Zenaida, meanwhile, sits
up with a straight back. Her hands fiercely grip her seat, as if she
could be thrown from the boat at any second.
The narrow boat cuts through the sea. You lean back, clasping your hands
around your knees, and listen to the steady rhythm of the oars. The
fresh sea air is cool against your skin, whispering pleasantly against
your cheeks. A splash of stars gleams above, twinkling against the dark
indigo sky. Some stars have begun to fade, disappearing into the grey
horizon. It won’t be long before the sun rises.
The boat dips, churning in the waves, and cold water splashes over the
side, soaking you. Grunting with discomfort, you shift your weight,
twisting around as you re-arrange your position.
You stop, your breath catching in your throat. An elegant, burgundy ship
emerges out of the darkness. Conjured lights gleam from its forecastle
and stern, illuminating the length of its deck. A carved dragon
figurehead glows at the prow, a set of conjured lights placed in its
eyes.
Idris steers the boat to the ship’s side. Zenaida places a hand on his
shoulder and awkwardly gets to her feet. She inches to the edge of the
boat, leaning on Idris for support, and grasps the ladder. She gestures
for you to follow, then quickly clambers up the ladder and swings
herself up onto the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Sailors rush about, shouting at each other in their haste to
set sail. The captain—at least you assume they are the captain—barks
orders you can barely understand. Some sailors climb the ropes,
disappearing into the dark sails. Others round the sides, their hands
glowing as they prepare to enact the necessary enchantments. The water
below surges and bubbles as it responds to their magic.
You spin around, your exhausted mind disoriented by the unfamiliar
commotion. Zenaida has disappeared and there is no sign of Malsara or
Nova. Someone bumps into you. You stagger forward on uneasy feet and
sprawl across the deck.
“Out of the way!” a sailor shouts, gnashing their teeth as they sprint
across the deck and climb up into the sails.
Aeran seizes your arm, dragging you out of the way. “Best not get in
their way,” he says. “If we disrupt their magic, the ship won’t be going
anywhere.”
“Where’s Zenaida?” you ask.
He shakes his head. You walk with him, slipping around the working
sailors, and reach the doors of the grand cabin situated below the stern
deck. You lean against the doors, feeling utterly useless as you watch
the crew work. The anchor pulls up, the sails balloon outwards, and
water surges around the port and starboard sides. Suddenly, the ship
heaves forwards and slices through the dark waves. The sailors whoop,
their calls echoing back and forth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vlvilla is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 01][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL 01][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>A
thunderous noise cracks across the water.
The ship lurches and halts its progress, almost as if the sea itself has
seized it and dragged it to a stop. Shouts ring in the air as sailors
drop from the rigging and gather on the deck, pointing at the sky.
Cursing under your breath, you throw yourself out into the chaos, one
hand instinctively reaching for your sword.
A line of aeda warriors descend from the sky and encircle the ship.
Their dark wings beat steadily, casting moving shadows across the deck.
They are armed with silver spears, the points directed down, ready to be
thrown.
The Viridian Lady hovers in the centre of the line, her dark green wings
fanning out majestically behind her. Her hair is long and loose, the
emerald locks rippling around her in the wind. She looks down, her
narrowed eyes flickering over the ship’s crew until they land on you.
She fixes you with a piercing gaze, her dark lips turning down in
displeasure.
“$lastname,” she calls, her voice thundering like a storm. “You have
done much since we last spoke, and much of it troublesome. Had I known
you would be so difficult, I would have never shown you the leniency you
never earned.”
“You told me not to get myself killed, if I recall correctly,” you
shout, craning your neck as you look up at her. “Don’t fault me for
doing just that.”
“I cannot. Not when Cere Nalos himself is dead.”
“He tried to kill us.”
Her mouth twitches. “Even so,” she says. “Without him, the Seven are
left in grave contention. The balance of this city is in peril. And
furthermore—to find his murderer fleeing aboard an Imperial vessel? How
long will it be until the rumour spreads that the Count was assassinated
by Imperial sellswords? Your actions have unquestionably weakened us,
and that I cannot abide.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countDead_How is 2>>[[1. “I
didn’t kill him!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AERAN KILLED COUNT][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif $countDead_How is
3>>[[1. “I didn’t kill him!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
MALSARA][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So? Let the rumour spread. I’m sure
you can use it to your advantage.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “It’s not like he gave us much of a
choice!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 02
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship lurches and halts its progress, almost as if the sea itself has
seized it and dragged it to a stop. Shouts ring in the air as sailors
drop from the rigging and gather on the deck, pointing at the sky.
Cursing under your breath, you throw yourself into the chaos, one hand
instinctively reaching for your sword.
A line of aeda warriors descend from the sky and encircle the ship.
Their dark wings beat steadily, casting moving shadows across the deck.
They are armed with silver spears, the points directed down, ready to be
thrown.
Their leader hovers in the centre of the line, her dark green wings
spread out majestically behind her. Her hair is long and loose, the
emerald locks rippling around her in the wind. Silver markings shine
brightly against her weathered, tawny skin, circling around her eyes
like streaks of lightning. Her dark green clothing swirls about her, the
long tendrils of fabric hanging in the air—if she placed a foot on the
ground, her hems would drag at least a foot behind her. She looks down,
her narrowed eyes flickering over the ship’s crew until they land on
you. She fixes you with a piercing gaze, her dark lips turning down in
displeasure.
You don’t need an introduction to know who she is: Anselma Malley, the
Viridian Lady. The Count’s rival and now the greatest remaining power in
Rona.
“So, this is the sellsword responsible for Nalos’ death,” she says, her
voice thundering like a storm. “You have done much today, $lastname, and
most of it for ill. You killed Cere Nalos. What will you say now,
before judgment is passed?”
You grit your teeth, one hand lingering on your sword hilt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $countDead_How is 2>>[[1. “I
didn’t kill him!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL AERAN COUNT][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif $countDead_How is
3>>[[1. “I didn’t kill him!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL MALSARA
COUNT][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s not like he gave us much of a
choice!”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL 02 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing. You’re not going to be
pushed into a response.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL 02
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>She
frowns, her pursed lips drawing into a fine line. Her wings flap
steadily in the silence, beating to a daunting rhythm. “I see you are
quick to deflect the blame,” she says scathingly. “If you do not claim
responsibility, then who does? Or are you too much of a coward to say?”
Your jaw clenches. You throw a cautious glance at Aeran, unable to keep
the wariness out of your expression. He stands beside you, observing the
aeda with a careful eye, his bow gripped tightly in one hand. The
Lady’s warriors are watching him closely. If it comes to a fight, he
will likely be their first target. There is nothing more dangerous to
them than an archer.
The Lady’s expression turns to stone. “I see,” she says. “Of course it
would be him. Thank you, $lastname. Now I know what must be done for
retribution’s satisfaction—”
“You will take none!” a voice rings out.
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
“$firstname $lastname and Aeran Kellis are under my protection,” she
says. “You cannot harm them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>She
frowns, her pursed lips drawing into a fine line. Her wings flap
steadily in the silence, beating to a daunting rhythm. “I see you are
quick to deflect the blame,” she says scathingly. “If you do not claim
responsibility, then who does? Or are you too much of a coward to say?”
Your jaw clenches. You throw a cautious glance at Aeran, unable to keep
the wariness out of your expression. He stands beside you, observing the
aeda with a careful eye, his bow gripped tightly in one hand. The
Lady’s warriors are watching him closely. If it comes to a fight, he
will likely be their first target. There is nothing more dangerous to
them than an archer.
The Lady’s expression turns to stone. “I see,” she says. “Then if you
will not speak, your life is forfeit. I know now what must be done for
retribution’s satisfaction—”
“I did it,” a voice rings out.
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
“Cere Nalos was killed on my orders,” she says. “Leave them be. Your
retribution is for me and me alone.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
throws her head back, her cold laughter piercing the night air. “You
flatter me,” she says. “Of course I could use such rumours to my
advantage. Rona will be forever changed after tonight. With the Count
gone, his territories will fall to the one who desires them most—and I
will prevail above all. Rona will see new leadership.”
Her lips twist into a dangerous smile. “Though I have you to thank for
this opportunity, I did not come here to offer it,” she says.
“Retribution must be sought. I cannot allow the Count’s killer to flee—”
“You will.”
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
<<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How is 2>>“The deed
is done, Malley,” she says. “$lastname and Kellis will never again
return to Rona. Let them go.”<<else>>“Cere Nalos was killed
on my orders,” she says. “Leave them be. Your retribution is for me and
me alone.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
laughs coldly and her piercing voice splits the night air. “So
reluctant are you to accept your own actions,” she says. “Do all members
of your order behave this way? Such weak character is pitiful in
someone who is little more than a glorified sellsword. Perhaps I should
no longer be surprised that your order fell.”
You snarl and step forward, your hand reaching for your sword. Your
blade is half drawn when the cabin doors burst open and a cold voice
rings out behind you.
“Enough!” Zenaida cries. “Stand down, $lastname.”
She sweeps past you, Malsara and Nova at her side, and approaches the
circle of warriors. She tilts her head, staring up at them without fear,
a golden light swirling in the depths of her brown eyes. Aeran grabs
your arm and pulls you back; you do not want to touch her by accident.
Whatever she is planning, she has already enacted the magic.
<<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How is 2>>“The deed
is done, Malley,” she says. “$lastname and Kellis will never again
return to Rona. Let them go.”<<else>>“Cere Nalos was killed
on my orders,” she says. “Leave them be. Your retribution is for me and
me alone.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "docks">>The Lady stares at you, a dark look
glinting in her eyes. “I see you did not heed my warning,” she says. “I
told you she would try again. I warned you not to fall for her act.
<<if $heramet is true>>Hera was wrong to believe you are
anything but a fool.”<<else>>I see I was wrong to believe
you were anything but a fool.”<</if>><<else>>The
Lady stares at you, a dark look glinting in her eyes. “I told you
dangerous tidings had come to Rona,” she says. “Yet it seems you strayed
directly into their path. <<if $heramet is true>>Hera was
wrong to believe you are anything but a fool.”<<else>>I see I
was wrong to believe you were anything but a fool.”<</if>>
Suddenly, she drops, plummeting through the air towards you. You flinch
instinctively, throwing an arm above your head. Aeran snarls and reaches
for an arrow, quickly setting one on the string—<</if>>
She catches herself and stops, hovering only a few feet above your head.
“And so you have fallen in with House Anaxas,” she says, her lips
twisting with scorn. “I see even a Wayfarer is not immune to the allure
of Arathian promises.”
You relax and drop your arm to your side. She’s posturing—she has to be.
She only has half a dozen warriors. <<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>To fight you here and now, to go against a full ship’s
crew, two Guild mages and a League assassin, would be a risky move.
Maybe you can use that against her.<<else>>To fight you here
and now, to go against a full ship’s crew, would be a risky
move.<</if>>
You step forward. Malsara seizes your arm, a warning look flashing in
her eyes. She shakes her head imperceptibly and mouths a single word:
<i>Wait.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You know the Viridian Lady. Zenaida doesn’t,
save by reputation. You’re certain you can convince her to leave you
be.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM INTERFERE][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stand down. Let Zenaida enact her
plan.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM STAND DOWN][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
rip your arm free. Zenaida flinches as you approach, her eyes narrowing
with disapproval as she steps out of your way.
“Lady,” you call. “Anselma.”
She glares down at you, spreads her wings wide and soars up on an
updraft, spinning in the air as she repositions herself high above you.
She throws out a hand and summons a sword; green magic crackles along
the edge, spitting and buzzing. It thrums in her hand, pulsing to the
beat of her wings.
<<if $countDead_How is 3>>“Even if the mage’s words are true
and she is responsible for Nalos’ death, you are still at fault,” she
says. “Say your piece quickly, Wayfarer. I must at the very least grant
you that—and then I shall take your head.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AERAN KILLED COUNT") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM MALSARA")>>“Say your piece
quickly, Wayfarer,” she says. “I must at the very least grant you that.
And then I shall take your companion’s head—and yours, too, for your
interference.”<<else>>“Say your piece quickly, Wayfarer,”
she says. “I must at the very least grant you that—and then I shall take
your head.”<</if>>
You pause, standing firm beneath her piercing gaze as you try to decide
the best course of action.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Go ahead. Try it, if you want.”|CHAPTER 1
VSHIP VLM 04 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “This doesn’t need to turn to
violence. We’re well beyond Rona’s borders now.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 04
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[3. You have a trick up your sleeve. The chalice is
in your pack, still intact. Offer it to her.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM GIVE
CHALICE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Zenaida pushes her way in front
of you. Though her back is perfectly straight and she holds her hands
calmly at her sides, golden light burns from the centre of her palms,
leaking through her fingers to spill around her. Wisps of her magic
swirl around her, a reminder of the powerful magic she commands. She
gazes unconcernedly past the Lady’s warriors and fixes her gaze on the
woman hovering above her.
<<if $countDead_How is 3>>“No matter what laws you uphold,
Lady Malley,” she says, “we are far past Ronan territory now. Your laws
mean nothing on open water. I am Arathian. My mother is the archon of
Velantis. I am under <i>Imperial</i> protection. Considering
Rona’s stark history with the Empire, I doubt you wish to add undue
stress to their relationship.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM AERAN KILLED COUNT")>>“No matter what laws you uphold, Lady
Malley,” she says, “we are far past Ronan territory now. Your laws mean
nothing on open waters. Kellis is under my protection and thus
<i>Imperial</i> protection. Considering Rona’s stark history
with the Arathian Empire, I doubt you wish to add undue stress to their
relationship. Is the life of a single Wayfarer worth risking Imperial
wrath?”<<else>>“No matter what laws you uphold, Lady
Malley,” she says, “we are far past Ronan territory now. Your laws mean
nothing on open waters. These Wayfarers are under my protection and thus
<i>Imperial</i> protection. Considering Rona’s stark
history with the Arathian Empire, I doubt you wish to add undue stress
to their relationship. Are the lives of two mercenaries worth risking
Imperial wrath?”<</if>>
The Lady laughs coldly. “You may be a daughter of House Anaxas, but you
are far removed from the Imperial court. I sorely doubt the emperor
cares much about your actions, otherwise you would not have risked
breaking the treaties by coming here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Zenaida clasps her hands in front of her. “Perhaps,” she says
smoothly, unruffled by her response. <<if $countDead_How is
3>>“But should you kill me, there is another entity that will be
far more aggrieved than the Empire.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 1
VSHIP VLM AERAN KILLED COUNT")>>“But should you attempt to take
Kellis’ life, know that I will protect him with mine. If I die in this
combat, there is another entity that will be far more aggrieved than the
Empire.<<else>>“But should you attempt to take $lastname
and Kellis’ lives, know that I will protect them with mine. If I die in
this combat, there is another entity that will be far more aggrieved
than the Empire.<</if>> And as they are beyond the will of
nations and monarchs, they will not hesitate to obliterate your putrid
little city off the face of the earth when they come to seek their
vengeance.”
She unlocks her fingers and spreads her hands. Finally, the golden aura
erupts around her, flaring into a brilliant existence. You narrow your
eyes, squinting painfully against the bright light, and watch as Zenaida
slowly crosses the deck to face down a line of aeda warriors alone,
shining like a beacon.
“Make an enemy of the Empire and they may not act,” she calls. “But make
an enemy of the Guild of Mages? You will not survive six months.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Silence falls over the ship. Malsara’s grip tightens on your
arm, her fingers digging into your skin, her breath quickening as she
watches. An agonizing tension grows in the scene before your
eyes—Zenaida, glowing, standing at the mercy of the Lady and her
warriors, and the Lady, hovering several feet above her, her expression
cold as ice. Waves surge around the ship, thundering rhythmically as
they crash into its sides.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the sky and alights
on the deck, her garments swirling around her like mist. Her warriors
flank her, hovering several feet above her. They withdraw their spears
in unison and rest them against their shoulders.
“Then I will let you take your leave, Savant,” she says. “But know—you
will be met with ill tidings should you ever return to Rona’s shores.”
Zenaida smiles coldly. “Have no fear, I do not plan to return. I have
seen enough of your city to last a lifetime.”
The Lady <i>tsks</i> and stares at her with cold, narrowed
eyes. She tilts her head, gazing at the stars above, and pushes off the
deck. She soars into the air, shooting past the ship’s mast and sails.
Her warriors ascend after her and, with a few flaps of their great
wings, they disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Her
eyes narrow dangerously. Her fingers adjust on her blade’s hilt and she
lowers the crackling blade, slowly tilting its point down at you.
<<if $vlvilla is true>>“If you’re so concerned that the
Count’s death proves the Seven are vulnerable,” you continue quickly,
“then tell them you killed us. Tell them justice prevailed. No one will
know what happens here, except those aboard this ship. There is no need
for us to fight.”<<else>>“If you’re so concerned about
rumours, tell the city that you killed us. Tell them justice prevailed.
No one will know what happens here, except those aboard this ship. There
is no need for us to fight.”<</if>>
Silence falls over the ship, punctured by the crashing waves and the
steady beat of aeda wings. The Lady hovers above you, her expression
unchanged and unreadable. Her hair ripples hypnotically over her
shoulders, blown by the sharp sea air. Zenaida tenses beside you,
covertly curling her hand into a fist. Light burns in the centre of her
palm, leaking through her fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so
much to you that you’re willing to get your people killed for
it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you
that you’re willing to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM 05 PERS 1 FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does
getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing
to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for
your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people
killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if $vlmark >=2>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Let us
go, Anselma. I’d hate to be the reason you never return to
Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA PERS INEF]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Let us go, Anselma. I’d hate to be the reason you never
return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA PERS
EFFECTIVE]]<</if>><<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you
that you’re willing to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for
your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people
killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for your rival
mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people killed for
it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Does
getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing
to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if $vlmark >=2>>[[2. “Let us go, Anselma.
I’d hate to be the reason you never return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
HERA PERS INEF]]<<else>>[[2. “Let us go, Anselma. I’d hate
to be the reason you never return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA
PERS EFFECTIVE]]<</if>><<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $marshwall is true>>[[3.
Tell her about Flora Goldhorn’s murder. It’s a gamble—she may already
know—but if an unknown entity is targeting the Seven, then the Lady is
clearly wasting her time on you.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
MARSHWALL]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Her
expression turns to stone. “I will not tolerate such flippancy,
$lastname—”
You snort with laughter. “Oh?” you retort. “Apologies if I wasn’t clear.
You came here with—what? A half-dozen warriors? <<if
$chapter1route is "docks">>To waylay a ship with two Wayfarers,
two Guild mages and a League assassin? I don’t think you will last long
against those odds.<<else>>To take an entire ship’s crew? I
don’t think you will last long against those odds.”<</if>>
She scowls. “You underestimate our skill, Wayfarer,” she says.
“Hardly,” you interrupt. “I don’t doubt you could kill quite a few of
us. You’re welcome to try—but you know as well as I do that you are
greatly outnumbered. You might have the skies, but it’s not much of an
advantage when we have a skilled archer on board.”
Silence falls over the ship, punctured by the crashing waves and the
steady beat of aeda wings. The Lady hovers above you, her expression
unchanged and unreadable. Her hair ripples hypnotically over her
shoulders, blown by the sharp sea air. Zenaida tenses beside you,
covertly curling her hand into a fist. Light burns in the centre of her
palm, leaking through her fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so
much to you that you’re willing to get your people killed for
it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you
that you’re willing to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM 05 PERS 1 FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does
getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing
to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Does getting revenge for
your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people
killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “If it’s a fight you want, we can give you a fight. But
don’t expect to come away from it without casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM 05 PERS 02 PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “If it’s a
fight you want, we can give you a fight. But don’t expect to come away
from it without casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “If it’s a fight you want,
we can give you a fight. But don’t expect to come away from it without
casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “If it’s a fight you want,
we can give you a fight. But don’t expect to come away from it without
casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if $vlmark >=2>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Let us
go, Anselma. I’d hate to be the reason you never return to
Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA PERS INEF]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] “Let us go, Anselma. I’d hate to be the reason you never
return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA PERS
EFFECTIVE]]<</if>><<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mcpoisoned is true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
21>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you
that you’re willing to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP
VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for
your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people
killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Does getting revenge for your rival
mean so much to you that you’re willing to get your people killed for
it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Does
getting revenge for your rival mean so much to you that you’re willing
to get your people killed for it?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[2.
“If it’s a fight you want, we can give you a fight. But don’t expect to
come away from it without casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “If it’s a fight you want, we can give
you a fight. But don’t expect to come away from it without casualties.”
|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[2. “If it’s a fight you want, we can give
you a fight. But don’t expect to come away from it without casualties.”
|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02 PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “If it’s a
fight you want, we can give you a fight. But don’t expect to come away
from it without casualties.” |CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 05 PERS 02
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $heramet is
true>><<if $vlmark >=2>>[[3. “Let us go, Anselma.
I’d hate to be the reason you never return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM
HERA PERS INEF]]<<else>>[[3. “Let us go, Anselma. I’d hate
to be the reason you never return to Hera.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM HERA
PERS EFFECTIVE]]<</if>><<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I am not sorry for the Count’s
death,” you say, stepping forward. “But maybe I can offer you something
in recompense, Lady Malley.”
You reach for your pack.
An aeda warrior shouts and drops from the air, thrusting their spear
below your chin. Zenaida rushes forward, a glowing hand raised, golden
light spreading between her fingers. Aeran tenses, swiftly putting an
arrow on the string, and raises his bow. You throw out your hands,
gesturing for calm. You look up, gazing past the warrior, and meet the
Lady’s eyes.
“I have something,” you say. “The object that caused this mess in the
first place.”
Her eyes narrow. “The Chalice of Offering?” she breathes.
You nod. “If I may…?”
“Soria, stand down,” she calls.
The warrior grunts and reluctantly withdraws, soaring several feet in
the air and rejoining the line. They watch you carefully, suspicion
flickering across their face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>With all eyes on you, you slowly and carefully reach into your
pack and withdraw the chalice. It looks small and underwhelming in your
hands, but you raise it up and proffer it.
<<if $heramet is true>>“I know you have no interest in it,”
you say. “But your wife does. In fact, she asked me to double-cross the
Count and bring it to her instead. And I may have done just that, if we
hadn’t been waylaid by the Count’s mercenaries when we reached the South
Isle.”
The Lady presses her lips into a fine line. “Hera…”
She slowly descends, sinking from the sky and alighting on the deck in
front of you. She dismisses her blade and fixes you with a piercing
stare. “You insist on making my life quite complicated, $lastname,” she
says. “But I see now that you are little more than a pawn in a game you
can barely understand. In exchange for the artefact, I will grant you
leave from Rona.”
“Done.”<<else>>“I did what I could to keep it from him,” you
say. “I’ve seen what it can do. An artefact like this should never be
in the hands of someone like him.”
Her lips press into a fine line. “And so you think to give it to me
instead?” she asks archly. “I’m flattered. What makes you believe I
would never abuse its powers?”
You swallow hard. “Take it and let us go.”
“You did not answer my question.”
“No.”
She throws her head back and laughs. Slowly, she descends from the sky
and alights on the deck in front of you. She dismisses her blade and
fixes you with a piercing stare. “You insist on making my life quite
complicated, $lastname,” she says. “But I see now that you are little
more than a fool too blind to think of anything but $hisher own
survival. I accept your offer. In exchange for the artefact, I will
grant you leave from Rona.”
You grit your teeth. “Done.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLMA LOSE
CHALICE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>>She tilts her head, her sharp
emerald eyes flashing over you, and says nothing. You grit your teeth,
ignoring the sharp twist of annoyance in your chest. Without a response,
it’s impossible to know whether anything you have said has made an
impact.
“The bastard’s dead,” you say. “And all his schemes go with him. If you
ask me, Rona’s better off for it. The Count’s death leaves a hole in
your regime and it won’t be there forever. Power is about to change
hands—maybe it’s time for the Seven to become Six. Or maybe even One.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
The Lady’s wings beat, thundering in your ears. The aura around Zenaida
flares, growing bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready to burst.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Suddenly, the Lady descends. She dismisses her blade and drops
from the air, alighting on the deck beside you. Her garments ripple
around her like tendrils of mist. Her warriors flank her, hovering a few
feet above her head. They withdraw their spears in unison and rest them
against their shoulders.
“I’m flattered, <<if $vlvilla is
true>>$lastname<<else>>sellsword<</if>>,”
she says, “that you think I do not have the same tendencies as our late
Count.” An amused look glitters in her eyes.
You shrug. “Not for me to say.”
“By the laws of the Seven, Nalos’ death demands justice,” she continues.
“But perhaps the time for such laws has passed. I will grant you leave
from Rona—but take care, <<if $vlvilla is
true>>$lastname<<else>>sellsword<</if>>.
It would not do well for you to ever return, particularly in the company
you now keep.”
She turns, her eyes sweeping over Zenaida as she strides past. The mage
holds her gaze, unruffled by the piercing stare. Gold light bursts in
her eyes, a blazing reminder of the power she can release in a
heartbeat.
The Lady <i>tsks</i> and pushes off the deck. She soars into
the air, rising high above the ship’s mast. Her warriors ascend after
her and, with a few flaps of their great wings, they disappear into the
night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<persuasionFail>>She tilts her head, her sharp
emerald eyes flashing over you, and says nothing. You grit your teeth,
ignoring the sharp twist of annoyance in your chest. Without a response,
it’s impossible to know whether anything you have said has made an
impact.
“I wouldn’t risk it,” you add.
Her eyes narrow, her brows drawing together as she fixes you with a dark
look. She does not speak. Her wings beat, thundering in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The aura around Zenaida flares, growing bright as a beacon—her
magic is pooling, ready to burst. Aeran stirs beside you, nocking an
arrow and raising his bow. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Malsara draw a dagger and subtly step in front of her and Nova. Her
sister shrugs and raises a hand; violet light whisps around her,
flickering into existence.
Your fingers tighten around the hilt of your sword and slide the blade
an inch from its sheath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AEDA
ATTACKS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<persuasionPass>>She
tilts her head, her sharp emerald eyes flashing over you, and says
nothing. You grit your teeth, ignoring the sharp twist of annoyance in
your chest. You have matched her, threat for threat, but without a
response it’s impossible to know whether anything you said made an
impact.
Suddenly, she throws her head back and laughs. She dismisses her blade
and drops from the air, alighting on the deck beside you. Her garments
ripple around her like tendrils of mist. Her warriors flank her,
hovering a few feet above her head. They withdraw their spears in unison
and rest them against their shoulders.
“Understood, <<if $vlvilla is
true>>$lastname<<else>>sellsword<</if>>,”
she says. “I have no choice but to concede. The laws of the Seven may
demand justice for Nalos’ death, but I am not mindlessly bound to such
principles. You speak the truth—in a choice between justice and death
and indifference and life, I must choose the latter. I will grant you
leave from Rona. <<if $vlvilla is true>>But take care,
$lastname.<<else>>But take care.<</if>> It would
not do well for you to ever return, particularly in the company you now
keep.”
She turns, her eyes sweeping over Zenaida as she strides past. The mage
holds her gaze, unruffled by the piercing stare. Gold light bursts in
her eyes, a blazing reminder of the power she can release in a
heartbeat.
The Lady <i>tsks</i> and pushes off the deck. She soars into
the air, rising high above the ship’s mast. Her warriors ascend after
her and, with a few flaps of their great wings, they disappear into the
night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<persuasionFail>>She tilts her head, her sharp
emerald eyes flashing over you, and says nothing. You grit your teeth,
ignoring the sharp twist of annoyance in your chest. Without a response,
it’s impossible to know whether anything you have said has made an
impact.
“I wouldn’t risk it, if I were you,” you add quickly, throwing the words
out into the strained silence.
It does little to allay it. The Lady’s eyes narrow, her brows drawing
together as she fixes you with a dark look. She does not speak and her
expression grows colder by the second. Her wings beat, thundering in
your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The aura around Zenaida flares, growing bright as a beacon—her
magic is pooling, ready to burst. Aeran stirs beside you, nocking an
arrow and raising his bow. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Malsara draw a dagger and subtly step in front of her and Nova. Her
sister shrugs and raises a hand; violet light whisps around her,
flickering into existence.
Your fingers tighten around the hilt of your sword and slide the blade
an inch from its sheath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AEDA
ATTACKS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<persuasionInef>>The Lady curses and spreads her
wings, soaring high in the air. She sails above the mast and turns,
staring down at you with fury in her eyes. Her green blade shines bright
against the night sky, its crackling magic growing in intensity.
“You dare!” she shouts. “You dare bring Hera into this!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
panicked murmur ripples across the deck, the ship’s crew looking
desperately to and fro as they anticipate the worst. The aura around
Zenaida flares, growing bright as a beacon—her magic is pooling, ready
to burst. Aeran stirs beside you, nocking an arrow and raising his bow.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Malsara draw a dagger and subtly
step in front of her and Nova. Her sister shrugs and raises a hand;
violet light whisps around her, flickering into existence. For a moment,
her arms seem to shimmer, growing more muscular. You blink—that can’t
be right.
You crane your neck back and stare up at the Lady, one hand gripped
around the hilt of your sword. Slowly, you slide the blade an inch from
its sheath.
Her wings beat, thundering in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Thrum, thrum.
Thrum, thrum.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AEDA
ATTACKS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<persuasionEff>>She
stares at you, her emerald eyes wide with shock. She hovers, the beat
of her wings thundering in your ears. Suddenly, she dismisses her blade.
The cackling energy cuts out and she drops her hand limply to her side.
“You dare to use the one dearest to me against me,” she says quietly.
She raises her head and presses her lips together in a fine line. For a
brief instant, she seems uncharacteristically vulnerable. “Well played,
$lastname. There are those who believe I have no weakness, but it seems
you have found mine.”
She raises a hand. Her warriors surge forward, flanking her in a line.
They withdraw their spears in unison and rest them against their
shoulders.
“The laws of the Seven may demand justice for Nalos’ death,” she says,
“but in this regard… the laws must be broken. I grant you leave from
Rona. But take care, $lastname. It would not do well for you to ever
return—particularly in the company you now keep.”
She turns her piercing eyes on Zenaida. The mage holds her gaze,
unruffled by her stare. Gold light bursts in her eyes, a blazing
reminder of the power she can release in a heartbeat.
The Lady raises her head. She soars upwards on a gust of sea air, rising
high above the ship’s mast. Her warriors ascend after her and, with a
few flaps of their great wings, they disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 20, 79)>>Zenaida
lets out a weary sigh and lowers her hands. The golden light fades and
winks out.
Suddenly, the ship lurches forward. The deck rolls and you nearly lose
your footing, bumping into Aeran. With the Lady gone, the crew sets
about their tasks with renewed vigor. They bustle about the deck,
hollering at each other as the ship propels itself through the dark
waves. The sea rolls around the vessel, surging up its sides and
spraying a fine mist over the railing.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>The wind picks up, tearing at
your tunic.<<else>>The wind picks up, tearing at your
hair.<</if>> You inhale, taking in the sharp, yet freeing
scent of the sea. You taste salt on your tongue.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM INTERFERE") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL INTERFERE")>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“You must be commended, $lastname,”
Zenaida says. “I was… displeased by your interference at first. I feared
your intrusion would lead Malley to attack. But you handled the
situation well… perhaps even better than I.”
You raise an eyebrow. Somehow, you don’t quite believe her. “Oh,
really?”
She smiles faintly. “From the little time I have known you, I can see
you have a particularly impulsive streak,” she says. “I hope you use
this recklessness wisely. I wouldn’t want our partnership to become
strained.”
“Partnership?” you say bluntly. “Who said anything about a partnership?”
She sighs. “I told you, did I not? In exchange for passage from Rona,
there is something I want from you in return. Now that we are safely
aboard the Dareia, we should talk. I know you must be tired, but I do
not want our voyage to be plagued by misconceptions. Follow me.”
Without waiting for a reply, Zenaida turns and crosses the deck, Malsara
trailing after her. She opens the grand cabin doors and disappears
through them. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you to the spot. He
grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go with her,” Nova’s voice says.
You turn. The raven-haired woman appears behind you, her dark eyes
glinting with suspicion. You can’t shake the feeling that she already
despises you.
She sweeps by you. “Zenaida doesn’t like to ask twice,” she calls,
flashing you a strange grin. She pulls the doors open and waits,
gesturing for you to hurry.
You grit your teeth. Whatever you’ve gotten yourself into now, at least
you’re out of Rona.
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN CONTRACT]]<<else>>“You
must be commended, $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I was… displeased by your
interference at first. I feared your intrusion would lead Malley to
attack. But you handled the situation well… perhaps even better than I.”
You raise an eyebrow. Somehow, you don’t quite believe her. “Oh,
really?”
She smiles faintly. “From the little time I have known you, I can see
you have a particularly impulsive streak,” she says. “I hope you use
this recklessness wisely. I wouldn’t want our partnership to become
strained.”
“Partnership,” you mutter. “Right.”
In the commotion surrounding the Lady’s arrival, you had nearly
forgotten about the agreement you made. Not that you made it
willingly—no matter how you look at it, Zenaida backed you into it.
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>At least you convinced her to
double your fee.<</if>>
“You desperately need rest,” Zenaida says. “I do, as well. But before
you go, there is something I would like to discuss with you, Wayfarer
$lastname. Follow me.”
Without waiting for a reply, Zenaida turns and crosses the deck, Malsara
trailing after her. She opens the grand cabin doors and disappears
through them. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you to the spot. He
grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go,” he murmurs. “Might as well keep her happy for now. We can talk
later.”
You nod. With some reluctance, you cross the deck and enter the cabin.
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN
ALONE]]<</if>><<else>><<if $chapter1route
is "ratalley">>“Thank you for trusting me, $lastname,” Zenaida
says. “For a moment I thought your recklessness would lead you to
interfere. I am glad I was wrong. I know it must be difficult to place
your life in the hands of others after a lifetime of—” She pauses, her
eyes flickering to Aeran. “—predominantly solitary work.”
You cross your arms. You’re not sure whether to read that as an insult
or not.
“From the little time I have known you, I can see you are prone to
impulsivity,” she says. “I hope you use it wisely. I wouldn’t want our
partnership to become strained.”
“Partnership?” you say bluntly. “Who said anything about a partnership?”
She sighs. “I told you, did I not? In exchange for passage from Rona,
there is something I want from you in return. Now that we are safely
aboard the <i>Dareia</i>, we should talk. I know you need
your rest, but I do not want our voyage to be plagued by misconceptions.
Follow me.”
Without waiting for a reply, Zenaida turns and crosses the deck, Malsara
trailing after her. She opens the grand cabin doors and disappears
through them. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you to the spot. He
grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go with her,” Nova’s voice says.
You turn. The raven-haired woman appears behind you, her dark eyes
glinting with suspicion. You can’t shake the feeling that she already
despises you.
She sweeps by you. “Zenaida doesn’t like to ask twice,” she calls,
flashing you a strange grin. She pulls the doors open and waits,
gesturing for you to hurry.
You grit your teeth. Whatever you’ve gotten yourself into now, at least
you’re out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN
CONTRACT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Thank
you for trusting me, $lastname,” Zenaida says. “For a moment I thought
your recklessness would lead you to interfere. I am glad I was wrong. I
know it must be difficult to place your life in the hands of others
after a lifetime of—” She pauses, glancing at Aeran. “—predominantly
solitary work.”
You cross your arms. You’re not sure whether to read that as an insult
or not.
“From the little time I have known you, I can see you are prone to
impulsivity,” she says. “I hope you use it wisely. I wouldn’t want our
partnership to become strained.”
“Partnership,” you mutter. “Right.”
In the commotion surrounding the Lady’s arrival, you had nearly
forgotten about the agreement you made. Not that you made it
willingly—no matter how you look at it, Zenaida backed you into it.
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>At least you convinced her to
double your fee.<</if>>
“You desperately need rest,” Zenaida says. “I do, as well. But before
you go, there is something I would like to discuss with you, Wayfarer
$lastname. Follow me.”
Without waiting for a reply, Zenaida turns and crosses the deck, Malsara
trailing after her. She opens the grand cabin doors and disappears
through them. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you to the spot. He
grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go,” he murmurs. “Might as well keep her happy for now. We can talk
later.”
You nod. With some reluctance, you cross the deck and enter the cabin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>The
Lady descends, streaking through the air like a javelin, her garments
fluttering around her. Her warriors follow with a fierce cry, their
spears thrust forwards as they plunge towards the deck. The sailors
disperse in a panic—some run to their stations, while others reach for
knives and axes. An aeda thrusts their spear, casually impaling a nearby
sailor as they fly towards you. Blood splatters the deck.
You draw your sword and raise it, the Alassar steel flashing in the
conjured lights.
An Alassar arrow pierces the night, striking a warrior in the wing. They
scream and careen away, lurching as they fall through the air,
desperately trying to keep themselves aloft. The Lady spins around and
her dark eyes fall on Aeran. She snarls, raises her blade and propels
herself towards him. He backs across the deck, throwing himself out of
the way as he reaches for another arrow.
Light explodes around Zenaida.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM AEDA ATTACKS
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
Count isn’t the only member of the Seven who died tonight,” you say.
“Flora Goldhorn was murdered in her own house—”
The Lady stares at you, her eyes going wide with shock, and slips in the
air. She falls about a foot or so before her wings flare and she
catches herself. <i>“What?”</i> she hisses.
You raise an eyebrow. “So, you didn’t know?” you say, fighting to keep
the triumphant tone from your voice. “And here I thought you—what do
people say? That you have ‘eyes and ears everywhere?’”
<i>“You lie—”</i>
“Why would I? Aeran and I found her body, alongside those of her
subordinates. We fought off one of her killers. This was only a few
hours ago, I’m sure the evidence is still there. Why don’t you go to
Marshwall and see for yourself?”
She falls silent and fixes you with a piercing glare. Her wings beat
furiously, keeping her aloft.
“At best it was foul play that spun out of control,” you continue. “At
worst, someone arranged her assassination. Now who poses the greater
risk to Rona? The unknown entity who wanted Goldhorn removed, or the
Wayfarers who just want to get the hell out of here and never come
back?”
She curses in an unfamiliar language, tilting her head up and turning
her gaze to the stars above. She spreads her wings wide and ascends,
spiraling high above the mast and sails. Her green blade glows bright in
the darkness.
“Then go!” she shouts. “But take care, $lastname. It would not do well
for you to ever return—particularly in the company you keep.”
Her warriors ascend after her, their silver spears shining bright
against the dark sky. Then, with a few flaps of their great wings, they
turn and disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<notify 3000>>-
Chalice of Offering<</notify>><<set $chaliceStatus to
"viridianLady">>The Lady smiles and seizes the chalice from your
hand. The instant it is out of your grasp, her magic flares and sends
green light cascading over it. It burns bright for a moment, then
flickers and disappears from view. She glances at you, a strange smile
playing on her lips, and lowers her hand.
<<if $heramet is true>>“I will tell Hera the lengths you
went to retrieve this for her,” she says. “She will no doubt be
overjoyed. But take care, $lastname. I will remember you. It would not
do well for you to ever return to Rona, particularly in the company you
now keep.”<<else>>“My wife will be overjoyed to have an
artefact such as this in her grasp,” she says. “I will let you depart.
But heed my words, $lastname. I will remember you. It would not do well
for you to ever return to Rona—particularly in the company you
keep.”<</if>>
She turns her head, her piercing look sweeping over Zenaida. The mage
holds her gaze, unruffled by the sharp stare. Gold light bursts in her
eyes, a blazing reminder of the power she can release in a heartbeat.
The Lady <i>tsks.</i> She pushes off the deck and soars into
the air, rising high above the ship’s mast. Her warriors ascend after
her and, with a few flaps of their great wings, they disappear into the
night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>She
frowns, her pursed lips drawing into a fine line. Her wings flap
steadily in the silence, beating to a daunting rhythm. “I see you are
quick to deflect the blame,” she says scathingly. “If you do not claim
responsibility, then who does? Or are you too much of a coward to say?”
Your jaw clenches. You throw a cautious glance at Aeran, unable to keep
the wariness out of your expression. He stands beside you, observing the
aeda with a careful eye, his bow gripped tightly in one hand. The
Lady’s warriors are watching him closely. If it comes to a fight, he
will likely be their first target. There is nothing more dangerous to
them than an archer.
The Lady’s expression turns to stone. “I see,” she says. “Thank you,
$lastname. Now I know what must be done for retribution’s satisfaction—”
“Leave them be!” a voice rings out.
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>She
frowns, her pursed lips drawing into a fine line. Her wings flap
steadily in the silence, beating to a daunting rhythm. “I see you are
quick to deflect the blame,” she says scathingly. “If you do not claim
responsibility, then who does? Or are you too much of a coward to say?”
Your jaw clenches. You throw a cautious glance at Aeran, unable to keep
the wariness out of your expression. He stands beside you, observing the
Lady’s warriors with a careful eye, his bow gripped tightly in one
hand. They are watching him closely. If it comes to a fight, he will
likely be their first target. There is nothing more dangerous to them
than an archer.
The Lady’s expression turns to stone. “I see,” she says. “Then if you
will not speak, your life is forfeit. I know now what must be done for
retribution’s satisfaction—”
“Leave them be!” a voice rings out.
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
laughs coldly and her piercing voice splits the night air. “So
reluctant are you to accept your own actions,” she says. “Do all members
of your order behave this way? Such weak character is pitiful in
someone who is little more than a glorified sellsword. Perhaps I should
no longer be surprised that your order fell.”
You snarl and step forward. Your blade is half drawn when the cabin
doors burst open and a cold voice rings out behind you.
“Enough!” Zenaida cries. “Stand down, $lastname.”
She sweeps past you, Malsara and Nova at her side, and approaches the
circle of warriors. She tilts her head, staring up at them without fear,
a golden light swirling in the depths of her brown eyes. Aeran grabs
your arm and pulls you back; you do not want to touch her by accident.
Whatever she is planning, she has already enacted the magic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent and throw a cautious glance at Aeran. He stands beside you,
observing the aeda with a careful eye, his bow gripped tightly in one
hand. The Lady’s warriors are watching him closely. If it comes to a
fight, he will likely be their first target. There is nothing more
dangerous to them than an archer.
The Lady frowns. “I see,” she says, impatience flickering across her
face. “If you will not speak, your life and the life of your companion
are forfeit—”
“Leave $himher be!”
The grand cabin’s doors open and Zenaida sweeps imperiously onto the
deck, Malsara and Nova at her side. She approaches the circle of
warriors without fear, a golden light swirling in the depths of her
brown eyes. Aeran grabs your arm and pulls you back as she passes; you
do not want to touch her by accident. Whatever she is planning, she has
already enacted the magic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname
$lastname and Aeran Kellis are under my protection,” Zenaida says. “You
cannot harm them.”
“So, you willingly admit they are aligned with you, Lady Anaxas?” the
Lady counters. “Strange how within a day of your arrival in Rona, a
leader of the city lies dead, slain by sellswords you now claim to
protect. Suspicious minds are quick to speculate and rumours spread
faster than flames. Could this be an assassination, carried out on
Imperial orders? Does the Empire seek to exert its influence over Rona
once again?”
“I am no agent of the Empire,” Zenaida replies curtly. “And the
Wayfarers’ actions do not reflect Imperial politics. This is a separate
matter—”
“Then they have personally harmed Rona’s authority and must be punished
accordingly,” she interrupts. “Their lives are forfeit. I demand you
release them into my custody.”
You glance at Aeran. She’s posturing—she has to be. She only has half a
dozen warriors. <<if $chapter1route is "docks">>To fight you
here and now, to go against a full ship’s crew, two Guild mages and a
League assassin, would be a risky move. Maybe you can use that against
her.<<else>>To fight you here and now, to go against a full
ship’s crew, would be a risky move.<</if>>
You step forward. Malsara seizes your arm, a warning look flashing in
her eyes. She shakes her head imperceptibly and mouths a single word:
<i>Wait.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. No. You’re not going to leave your fate to
someone you barely know.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL INTERFERE][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stand down. Let Zenaida enact her
plan.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL STAND DOWN][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
rip your arm free.
“Viridian Lady!” you call.
She glares down at you, spreads her wings wide and soars up on an
updraft, spinning in the air as she repositions herself high above you.
She throws out a hand and summons a sword; green magic crackles along
the edge, spitting and buzzing. It thrums in her hand, pulsing to the
beat of her wings.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Zenaida turn to you, a livid look
burning on her face. A faint golden glow whisps around her body, slowly
growing in intensity.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP NOVL 02 B")>>“So you
<i>do</i> speak, sellsword,” the Lady says. “How would you
defend your actions? Say your piece quickly—and then I shall take your
head.”<<else>>“So, then, sellsword,” the Lady says. “How
would you defend your actions? Say your piece quickly—and then I shall
take your head.”<</if>>
You pause, standing firm beneath her piercing gaze as you try to decide
the best course of action.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Go ahead. Try it, if you want.”|CHAPTER 1
VSHIP VLM 04 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “This doesn’t need to turn to
violence. We’re well beyond Rona’s borders now.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM 04
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[3. You have a trick up your sleeve. The chalice is
in your pack, still intact. Offer it to her.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM GIVE
CHALICE]]<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements
have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You pause and fall still, but
Malsara does not release her hold on you. Zenaida pushes her way in
front of you and approaches the Lady. Though her back is perfectly
straight and she holds her hands calmly at her sides, golden light burns
from the centre of her palms, leaking through her fingers to spill
around her. Wisps of her magic swirl around her, a reminder of the
powerful magic she commands. She gazes unconcernedly past the Lady’s
warriors and fixes her gaze on the woman hovering above her.
“I cannot fulfill that demand,” she says. “While they are under my
protection, they are bound to Arathian law, not yours. <<if
$countDead_How is 3>>If their actions deserve punishment—and I
firmly believe they do not—then they must be punished on Imperial
soil.”<<else>>And if they deserve to be punished for acting
in self-defence, then they must be punished on Imperial
soil.”<</if>>
The Lady nods coldly, a resigned look crossing her face. “Then we are at
an impasse,” she says. “If you stand against me, Lady Anaxas, I will
take your life as well. The remaining Seven would rejoice to send you
home, piece by piece, as a warning to your emperor—”
“Kill me if you wish, Lady Malley, but my death will mean nothing to the
emperor,” Zenaida replies, unflustered by the threat. “When it comes to
the country of my birth, I am negligible. I am nothing—one aristocrat
among thousands—do you think the emperor even knows my name?” She smiles
coolly and slowly walks forward. She clasps her glowing hands in front
of her.
“But should I die,” she continues, coming to a halt below the Lady,
“there is another entity that will be most aggrieved. And as they are
beyond the will of nations and monarchs, they will not hesitate to
obliterate your putrid little town off the face of the earth when they
come to seek their vengeance.”
She unlocks her fingers and spreads her hands. The golden aura erupts
around her and she stands, facing down a line of aeda warriors alone,
blazing like a beacon.
“Make an enemy of the Empire and the Empire will not care,” she calls.
“But make an enemy of the Guild of Mages? You will not survive six
months.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Silence falls over the ship. Malsara’s grip tightens on your
arm, her fingers digging into your skin, her breath quickening as she
watches. An agonizing tension grows in the scene before your
eyes—Zenaida, glowing, standing at the mercy of the Lady and her
warriors, and the Lady, hovering several feet above her, her expression
cold as ice. Waves surge around the ship, thundering rhythmically as
they crash into its sides.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Suddenly, the Lady descends. She drops from the sky and alights
on the deck, her garments swirling around her like mist. Her warriors
flank her, hovering several feet above her. They withdraw their spears
in unison and rest them against their shoulders.
“Then I will let you take your leave, Savant,” she says. “But know—you
will be met with ill tidings should you ever return to Rona’s shores.”
Zenaida smiles coldly. “Have no fear, I do not plan to return. I have
seen enough of your city to last a lifetime.”
The Lady <i>tsks</i> and stares at her with cold, narrowed
eyes. She tilts her head, gazing at the stars above, and pushes off the
deck. She soars into the air, shooting past the ship’s mast and sails.
Her warriors ascend after her and, with a few flaps of their great
wings, they disappear into the night.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>A shimmering golden dome bursts
into existence. It expands around the ship and pushes the aeda back,
tossing them into the sky like ragdolls. The Lady curses, tumbling
through the air, and catches herself. She hovers a foot from the dome,
watching with pure fury on her face as the dome encompasses the length
of the ship’s deck, its mast and sails.
An aeda warrior recovers quickly and thrusts his spear into the dome. A
strange noise rings in your ears and the dome throws him back. He lets
out a strangled cry and drops his spear, plummeting through the air to
the sea below. Another aeda shouts and flies after him, catching him
desperately before he hits the rolling waves.
“Xanael!” Zenaida shouts. “Get this ship moving!”
The Lady flies close to the barrier and hefts her green blade. She draws
her arm back and thrusts the blade into it. The barrier pulses,
struggling to keep the weapon back. Zenaida grunts and pushes outwards
with her hands, physically straining to maintain the barrier. Her
forehead is beaded with sweat.
The green blade pierces through, cutting a deep gash in the dome.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The ship lurches. The deck rolls and you nearly lose your
footing, crashing into Aeran. You pause, a panicked breath caught in
your throat, frozen by the overwhelming chaos around you. Above you, the
Lady hacks at the dome, dragging her blade through the barrier and
widening the gap. Zenaida twists around and closes a fist. The gash
seals itself, flickers for a moment, then returns, larger than before.
Suddenly, the ship propels itself forward, shooting across the dark
waves. You rush to the edge of the ship, resting your hands on the
railing as you peer out beyond the stern. Wind tears at you, blustering
around you as the ship increases its speed. The Lady and her warriors
hover in the sky, watching as the ship escapes. They blend into the dark
so well that, after a moment, they become nothing more than a line of
silver spears and a single glowing green sword.
And then they become nothing at all.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Zenaida lets out an exhausted sigh. She drops her hands and
presses a palm to her chest. She is breathless, sweat gleaming on her
face, her hair mussed and slipping from its elegant braid. The barrier
flickers and disappears. She turns and glances at you, meeting your
eyes. There’s a strange look on her face, somewhere between satisfaction
and disapproval.
She pitches forward and collapses.
“Zenaida!”
Malsara rushes to her, catching her before she falls to the deck. She
throws an arm around her and pulls her up, supporting her. “Out of the
way,” she snaps at Aeran.
He steps back quickly. She curses and pushes past him, dragging the limp
Zenaida toward the cabin doors.
“Malsara,” she murmurs, “I’m fine—”
“No—”
<i>“Stop.”</i>
The command hangs in the air. Malsara slows to a stop, but she doesn’t
let go. Zenaida turns, staggering a little as she looks to you and
Aeran. “Malley will give up the chase now,” she says. “I doubt she will
want to pursue us this far into the ocean. It is dangerous for Aeda to
venture far from shore without proper planning.”
She pauses, a frown darkening her expression. “Though, of course, it is
no thanks to you,” she says, irritation tinging her voice. “Our clash
with her warriors would not have been necessary if you hadn’t interfered
with my plan.”
You sheathe your sword. Aeran curses under his breath and turns away, a
deep scowl on his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not accustomed to leaving my fate to
others.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE 01 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And what plan was that,
exactly?”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE 01 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m sorry. I did what I thought was
best.”|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE 01 C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“An
unfortunate result of your solitary life, I imagine,” she says curtly.
“I have heard that Wayfarers typically work alone; your partnership with
Kellis is an unusual occurrence brought about by the tragedy that
befell your order—”
Aeran curses. You grab his arm, pulling him to a stop before his
outburst gets the better of him. You feel the sting of Zenaida’s words.
It’s not right to have a Guild mage remind you of the Spire’s fall.
Zenaida glances at him, a troubled look flashing in her eyes. “I… may
have misspoke,” she says quietly. “I apologize. But regardless, I do
wish to make myself clear. You lack the disposition to negotiate with
powerful adversaries. I—on the other hand—do. If this is to be a
successful partnership, you have much to learn about trust.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
frowns, pressing her lips together in a fine line of displeasure. You
have a feeling she’s not used to having her actions questioned.
“I will be blunt, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “I have the disposition
and ability to negotiate with powerful adversaries. You do not. If you
had let me speak, I would have used my position as an Imperial noble and
a Guild mage to convince Malley to stand down. She could have let us go
without harm befalling anyone.”
You think back to the dead sailor, cut down without mercy by a flying
warrior. You swallow hard.
“If this is to be a successful partnership,” she continues, “you have
much to learn about trust.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
purses her lips. “I see,” she says. “I understand your intentions, but I
do wish to make myself clear: your actions concern me. It is painfully
obvious that you lack the disposition to negotiate with powerful
adversaries. I—on the other hand—do. It would do well for you to keep in
mind that you and Wayfarer Kellis no longer work in isolation. If this
is to be a successful partnership, you have much to learn about trust.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP ESCAPE CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Partnership?” you snort. “Who said
anything about a partnership?”
She sighs wearily. “I told you, did I not?” she says. “In exchange for
passage from Rona, there is something I want from you in return. Now
that we are safely aboard the //Dareia//, we should talk. I know you
must be tired, but I do not want our voyage to be plagued by
misconceptions. Follow me.”
Leaning heavily on Malsara, Zenaida limps toward the grand cabin and
disappears through its doors. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you
to the spot. He grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go with her,” Nova’s voice says.
You turn. The raven-haired woman appears behind you, her dark eyes
glinting with suspicion. You can’t shake the feeling that she already
despises you.
She sweeps by you. “Zenaida doesn’t like to ask twice,” she calls,
flashing you a strange grin. She pulls the doors open and waits,
gesturing for you to hurry.
You grit your teeth. Whatever you’ve gotten yourself into now, at least
you’re out of Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN
CONTRACT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Partnership,”
you snort. “Right.”
In the commotion of the Viridian Lady’s attack, you had nearly forgotten
about the last-minute agreement you made. Not that you made it
willingly—no matter how you look at it, Zenaida backed you into it.
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>At least you convinced her to
double your fee.<</if>>
“You desperately need rest,” Zenaida says. “I do, as well. But before
you go, there is something I would like to discuss with you, Wayfarer
$lastname. Follow me.”
Leaning heavily on Malsara, Zenaida limps toward the grand cabin and
disappears through its doors. You glance at Aeran, caution rooting you
to the spot. He grimaces and wearily shakes his head.
“Go,” he murmurs. “Might as well keep her happy for now. We can talk
later.”
You nod. With some reluctance, you cross the deck and enter the cabin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$origin is "merchant">>The grand cabin is much larger than you
expect. You spent your childhood at sea, aboard a multitude of ships
owned and operated by your family. Even the most luxurious in the
$lastname1 fleet can’t compare to the
<i>Dareia.</i><<else>>The grand cabin is much
larger than you expect. Admittedly, you haven’t spent much time at sea
and don’t have much to compare it to, but you are surprised that a room
like this one could even exist on a ship.<</if>>
The doors open into a narrow antechamber. The floors are lined with
narrow panels of a rich red wood in alternating patterns of light and
dark. The walls are also paneled, with intricate carvings engraved from
floor to ceiling. The elaborate geometric designs remind you of Arathian
mosaics. Conjured lights glow softly from iron-wrought brackets spaced
evenly at shoulder-height.
The antechamber opens out into a spacious room that occupies the space
below the upper stern deck. The walls are lined with windows, providing a
spectacular view of the rolling sea. A crystal chandelier hovers an
inch or two from the ceiling, rotating quietly as it illuminates the
room with fractal light. Elegant rugs of deep violet and crimson cover
the floor, their edges embroidered in gold. A large bed draped in purple
silks occupies the space below one window, while the others are lined
with spacious window seats littered with pillows and blankets. A small,
but heavy round table sits in the centre of the chamber, its surface
swept clean except for the collection of crystal decanters and a handful
of upturned glasses.
Nova lets go of the door and it snaps closed behind her. She ushers you
forward, pushing you through the antechamber and into the main room.
Zenaida sits on a window seat, her feet hovering several inches from the
floor. Her intricate robes—which you recognize now as a
serithan—ripples around her, the deep purple fabric blending into the
pillows. Her eyes are closed and she breathes softly, her shoulders
sagging with exhaustion. Malsara hovers at her shoulder, a concerned
look on her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Are you… all right?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
CONTRACT 01 A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 1, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let’s get this over with.”|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT 01 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Clear your throat. That’s enough to
get her attention.|CHAPTER 1 CC CONTRACT 01
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisstatus to 1>><<notify 3000>>Faction
Unlocked: Order of Lethalis<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<if $origin
is "merchant">>The grand cabin is much larger than you expect.
You spent your childhood at sea, aboard a multitude of ships owned and
operated by your family. Even the most luxurious in the $lastname1 fleet
can’t compare to the <i>Dareia</i>.<<else>>The
grand cabin is much larger than you expect. Admittedly, you haven’t
spent much time at sea and don’t have much to compare it to, but you are
surprised that a room like this one could even exist on a
ship.<</if>>
The doors open into a narrow antechamber. The floors are lined with
narrow panels of a rich red wood in alternating patterns of light and
dark. The walls are also paneled, with intricate carvings engraved from
floor to ceiling. The elaborate geometric designs remind you of Arathian
mosaics. Conjured lights glow softly from iron-wrought brackets spaced
evenly at shoulder-height.
The antechamber opens out into a spacious room that occupies the space
below the upper stern deck. The walls are lined with windows, providing a
spectacular view of the rolling sea. A crystal chandelier hovers an
inch or two from the ceiling, rotating quietly as it illuminates the
room with fractal light. Elegant rugs of deep violet and crimson cover
the floor, their edges embroidered in gold. A large bed draped in purple
silks occupies the space below one window, while the others are lined
with spacious window seats littered with pillows and blankets. A small,
but heavy round table sits in the centre of the chamber, its surface
swept clean except for the collection of crystal decanters and a handful
of upturned glasses.
Zenaida sits on a window seat, her feet hovering several inches from the
floor. Her serithan ripples around her, the deep purple fabric blending
into the pillows. Her eyes are closed and she breathes softly, her
shoulders sagging with exhaustion. Malsara is nowhere to be found. She
must have warped somewhere else on the ship, though you suspect she must
be lurking nearby.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Are you… all right?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE
01 A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
ALONE 01 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Clear your throat. That’s enough to
get her attention.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE 01
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>She opens her eyes. A
glimmer of gold still swirls deep within her irises. “I will be fine,”
she says. “Though I may have… pushed too hard. It takes a great deal of
focus to summon the power to activate a barrier. Had Malley attacked, I
could have expelled the energy. But she did not. Drawing upon such magic
and then stalling its use is quite… draining.”<<else>>She
opens her eyes. “I will be fine,” she says. “Though I may have… pushed
too hard in my effort to waylay Malley. It takes a great deal of focus
to summon and activate a barrier like that.”<</if>>
You fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted
woman who put much at stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
“I didn’t realize it was so…” Your words trail away.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>She
chuckles. “Involved?” she says. “Magic cannot be held indefinitely. Once
summoned, it must be released. Used. Any delay in the process can be…
quite taxing on the bearer.”<<else>> She smiles faintly.
“Involved?” she offers. “Magic isn’t self-sustaining. Once summoned, the
energy must flow somewhere. The body and mind are but conduits for
something much greater, and, like all conduits, they cannot maintain the
flow of power indefinitely. All magic has its
limits.”<</if>>
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
opens her eyes. A faint glimmer of gold still swirls deep within her
irises. “I know you are weary, $lastname,” she says, quietly folding her
hands in her lap. “And soon you will rest. But first, there is
something I must share with you.”
You fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted
woman who put much at stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
Her shoulders sag and she lowers her head, dropping her chin to her
chest. She inhales slowly, her breath wavering as she gathers her
strength.
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
opens her eyes, her gaze lingering on you. You catch a faint glimmer of
gold in the centre of her eyes; though she has dismissed her magic,
part of it still remains. Her shoulders sag and she lowers her head,
dropping her chin to her chest. She inhales slowly, her breath wavering.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>Though she
never invoked the full extent of her magic, she is clearly
exhausted.<<else>>Her actions have clearly left her
exhausted.<</if>>
You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the Guild hierarchy,
look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a powerful mage or the
daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted woman who put much at
stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>She raises her head and
straightens her posture. The vulnerability vanishes, replaced by the
familiar poise and confidence you’ve come to associate with her.
“This is not how I wanted our partnership to begin,” she says. “But I am
grateful that you are here and willing to help us.”
You fold your arms. “And?” you prompt. “You wanted to talk about
something—what was it?”
She pushes herself off the edge of the window seat and lands lightly on
the floor. She clasps her hands in front of her.
“What?” you say.
“You know you are not the first of your kind I have met,” she says.
“Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade or
so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted you have served you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>“I
didn’t realize Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn had been on friendly
terms with the Guild,” you say.
“The history of our orders has never been as simple as frank
antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when Wayfarer and
mage have worked together to unite against a common cause.” She pauses,
her hands whispering over the silken fabric as she smooths down her
skirts. “Wayfarer $lastname, I have something to confess.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“You are not the $person I expected to find when I came to Rona.”
You frown. “Who did you expect?”
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
replies. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer
Kellis. It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership
with him.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>You swallow hard.
So, someone tipped her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona.
But who would be keen to track his whereabouts?
Your gut twists. You know of at least one person who is—the person who
has been writing to him for years.
<i>Stop it. Don’t jump at the first coincidence, $firstname. The
world’s a big place.</i><<else>>You swallow hard. So,
someone tipped her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who
would be keen to track Aeran’s whereabouts? And if they are keeping
such a close eye on him, why didn’t they know you were with
him?<</if>>
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I am fortunate. You are a remarkably skilled
individual; though you are reckless, your keen will to survive is proof
enough of that.”
She sighs and turns to you, brown eyes meeting yours. The gold light has
finally dimmed. “Our partnership is irregular, you and I both know
that, and yet I hope it will be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer
working together towards a common goal… no one among the fractured
pieces of the Guild will suspect it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful
for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I look forward to it.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
ALONE 03 A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79,
$PassageNo = 1)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m doing this for the payment,
nothing more.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE 03 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79, $PassageNo = 1)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m here because I had no other
choice.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE 03 C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Nod and say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
ALONE 03 D][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<lethalisGain>><<if
$health is "injured">>“I am glad to hear it,” Zenaida says.
“Thank you for conversing with me. You should rest. Your injuries need
attention. If you require help, Malsara—”
“I can take care of myself,” you interrupt.
She nods evenly. “But should you require any aid, Malsara is quite
skilled in non-magical medicinal practices.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She nods and sits down, clasping her hands in her lap. She watches you,
clearly expecting some form of response. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood,
you give her a polite bow and leave the cabin.<<elseif
$lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to do, you give her an
awkward bow and leave the cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what
she’s searching for, you shrug and exit the cabin in
silence.<</if>><<else>>“I am glad to hear it,”
Zenaida says. “Thank you for conversing with me. You should rest. This
day must have been quite strenuous for you.”
You pause. She watches you, clearly expecting some form of response.
<<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched
teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite bow and leave the
cabin.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to
do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the
cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching for, you
shrug and exit the cabin in
silence.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“Of
course,” she says coolly. “How very industrious of you. I know many who
could benefit from your level of frank honesty.”
She falls silent, watching you intensely. She clearly expects some form
of response. <<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing upon the
entrenched teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite bow and
leave the cabin.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of
what to do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the
cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching for, you
shrug and exit the cabin in silence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
frowns. “I know what it is to be backed into a corner,” she says
coolly. “I only hope, for your sake, that you curb your cynicism before
it prevents you from recognizing much needed allies when they approach
you with open arms—especially those who save your life after you make a
grave error.”
You grit your teeth, fighting the urge to snap back at her. You half
expect her to continue, but she falls silent, watching you intensely.
She clearly expects some form of response. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood,
you give her a polite bow and leave the cabin.<<elseif
$lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to do, you give her an
awkward bow and leave the cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what
she’s searching for, you shrug and exit the cabin in
silence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">>“Very well,” Zenaida says. “That is all.
You should rest. Your injuries need attention. If you require help,
Malsara—”
“I can take care of myself,” you interrupt.
She nods evenly. “But should you require any aid, Malsara is quite
skilled in non-magical medicinal practices.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She nods and sits down, clasping her hands in her lap. She watches you,
clearly expecting some form of response. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood,
you give her a polite bow and leave the cabin.<<elseif
$lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to do, you give her an
awkward bow and leave the cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what
she’s searching for, you shrug and exit the cabin in
silence.<</if>><<else>>“Very well,” Zenaida
says. “That is all. You should rest. This day must have been quite
strenuous for you.”
You pause. She watches you, clearly expecting some form of response.
<<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched
teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite bow and leave the
cabin.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to
do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the
cabin.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching for, you
shrug and exit the cabin in
silence.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
emerge from the cabin to a calm deck. With the difficult work of
departure now complete, the crew have turned to other tasks. You linger
by the doors, watching them curiously, and stifle a yawn. You wonder
whether you’ve reached the point of exhaustion where you are too tired
to be tired any more.
<<if $health is "injured">>It isn’t long before a sailor
notices you standing aimlessly on the deck. “If you’re searching for
your friend, he’s below deck,” he calls. “Captain Xanael has assigned
you your own cabin.”
Raising a hand in thanks, you clamber to the decks below and find
yourself in a long, narrow corridor. The walls are paneled with the same
rich wood used in Zenaida’s cabin, though here it lacks the intricate
engravings. Conjured lights bob along the ceiling, hovering an inch or
two from the top. <<if $height is "very tall" or $height is
"tall">>You duck your head as you wind your way down the hall,
trying not to bump them. You’d rather not be the cause of a
blackout.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE MEDKIT
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>It
isn’t long before a sailor notices you standing aimlessly on the deck.
“If you’re searching for your friend, he’s up there,” he calls, pointing
at the stern deck.
You raise a hand in thanks. Threading your way through the busy crew,
you clamber up the stairs to the top of the stern deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE STERN DECK
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
find Aeran in a cabin mid-way down the hall. It’s a very tight space,
barely enough room for one person, let alone two. A narrow cot rests in
the right-hand wall, squeezed into a tight nook. A heavy chest is pushed
against the opposite wall for storage. A hastily hung hammock swings
haphazardly above it. Two oil lamps hang from brackets on the walls,
casting moving light as they swing to and fro with the sway of the ship.
It seems someone has taken your magical limitations into account.
Aeran sits on the floor, his back pressed against the cot. <<if
$aeraninjured is true>>His medical kit lies next to him, its
contents strewn about in a mess.<<else>>He glances up as you
enter and staggers to his feet, grabbing your arm and dragging you
inside.<</if>>
“Aeran—”
“Sit.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause. “I don’t—”
He raises an eyebrow and nods at the cot. “Sit,” he repeats.
You sit down abruptly.<<else>>You grit your teeth. “I
don’t—”
He exhales a sharp breath and presses a hand into your shoulder. “Sit,”
he repeats.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP CABIN CONTRACT")>>He busies
himself around you and methodically examines your wounds. He pauses
every so often to dig through his medical supplies, a frustrated grimace
on his face as he doesn’t see the items he wants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$poisoned is true>>“Drink this,” he says, thrusting a vial into
your hands.
You take it reluctantly. It is cool to the touch. “What?”
“Damn it, $firstname, just drink it,” he says sharply. “You’ve been
forcing yourself through nightrose poisoning since Marshwall.”
You blink. You never stopped to identify the toxin on the killer’s
blade. “How do you know…?”
“Malsara,” he says. “Trust a League assassin to recognize the symptoms.
She gave me the antidote.”
You press your fingers into the vial and swill the contents around.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Drink it.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE DRINK
ANTIDOTE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t drink it.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE NO
ANTIDOTE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
busies himself around you and methodically examines your wounds. He
pauses every so often to dig through his medical supplies, a frustrated
grimace on his face as he doesn’t see the items he wants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
rests his hands on the railing and closes his eyes. A sharp breeze
blows across the deck, ruffling his hair. He looks much calmer now that
you are away from Zenaida and her retinue. You draw up next to him and
fold your arms, pressing them into the railing as you lean out over it.
The black waters churn below in the ship’s wake, sending white-crested
waves rushing out behind it. They trail away toward the horizon, fading
into the dim grey light of early dawn.
“Talkative one, that mage,” Aeran says after a moment. “For a moment
there I thought she’d never let you go.”
You chuckle faintly. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Zenaida’s request to speak to you alone was odd;
you’re not sure what to make of being singled out like that. Especially
not after the revelation of her admittedly audacious
plan.<<else>>Zenaida’s request to speak to you alone was
odd; you’re not sure what to make of being singled out like that. Maybe
it’s the lingering tension from the fight, but you can’t shake the
feeling that there’s some ulterior motive at play.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=1
and $mareadead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to
yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK MAREA DEAD FLIRT ROM
V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90), $aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and
$aeranrom >=1 and $rhodarthDead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so
you want me all to yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK MAREA
DEAD FLIRT ROM V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90),
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60 and $rhodarthDead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want
me all to yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK MAREA DEAD FLIRT
FRIEND V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif
$aeranapp >=60 and $mareadead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you
want me all to yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK MAREA DEAD
FLIRT FRIEND V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=1>>[[1.
[FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1
STEERN DECK FLIRT ROM V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90),
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to yourself, is
that it?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK FLIRT FRIEND V][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1,
0, 100)]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You know nobility. They’re never
done until they say they’re done.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK 05
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I didn’t mind.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN
DECK 05 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<run Dialog.setup("Poisoned");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poison Removed Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<poisonedOff>><</timed>>You
raise the vial to your lips and drink. The liquid tastes foul, the
bitterness clinging to the back of your mouth long after you swallow it.
You make a face and hand Aeran the vial.
He takes it and puts it away, then busies himself around you. You sit
still as he methodically examines your wounds. After several minutes,
your stomach stops churning and your nausea dies down. The antidote must
be working.
Aeran mutters a curse under his breath and digs through his medical
supplies. There’s a frustrated grimace on his face as he doesn’t see the
item he wants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
push the vial back into his hands. “I don’t want it.”
He frowns. “$firstname—”
“I’m not taking something from her. I don’t trust her.”
He curses. “Fine,” he says. “But if it is nightrose poisoning, you’re
going to have a very unpleasant time for the next three days.”
You shrug.
He rolls his eyes. He busies himself around you, methodically examining
your wounds. He pauses every so often to dig through his medical
supplies, a frustrated grimace on his face as he doesn’t see the items
he wants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Medical kit') and $enmedkiteqp is true>>You sigh
and reach into your pack, searching for your own kit. Your fingers close
around an unfamiliar lump of leather. Right—the special kit you
purchased from Emari. You had nearly forgotten about it. Didn’t they
warn you it was only for emergencies?
[[1. Use the enhanced medical kit.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT USE
ENHANCED]]
[[2. Give him your regular medical kit.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT USE REG
KIT]]<<elseif $gearInv.has('Medical kit') and $enmedkiteqp neq
true>><<set $health to "healing">><<notify
3000>>Status: Healing<</notify>>You sigh and reach
into your pack, searching for your own kit. Your fingers close around it
and you pull it out. “Here,” you say, nudging it into Aeran’s hand.
“Thanks,” he mutters. He withdraws a couple salves and some bandages and
glances over you. “You really did a number on yourself this time.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to
fight a basilisk. For all we know, it could have gone
worse.”<<else>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to fight the
Count. Could have gone worse.”<</if>>
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah,” he says and quietly patches you up.
You sit still, barely moving under his touch. It doesn’t take long. Your
wounds smart from the salve and the bandages itch, but you know you
will be grateful for it later.
“How do you feel?” he asks, finishing up.
You shrug. “Fine. Tired. I don’t know.”
He smiles faintly and gathers up the supplies, shoving them back into
the kit. When he’s finished, he sits down on the cot beside you. An
uncertain silence falls between you and together you stare at the
opposite wall.
The ship lurches, rolling on the thunderous waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$enmedkiteqp is true>>You sigh and reach into your pack, searching
for your own kit. Your fingers close around an unfamiliar lump of
leather. Right—you never did get yours back and you purchased a special
kit from Emari. You had nearly forgotten about it. Didn’t they warn you
it was only for emergencies?
<i>Guess this is an emergency…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Use the enhanced medical kit.|CHAPTER 1
CALONE MEDKIT USE ENHANCED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. [MEDICAL KIT] You do not have
the required item.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Forgo patching yourself up properly
and use whatever scraps are left. You won’t feel better, but you don’t
want to risk using Emari’s kit just yet.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE NO MEDKIT USE
SPECIAL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
sigh and reach into your pack, searching for your own kit and find
nothing. Of course. Luthais stole yours and you never replaced it.
<i>Idiot…</i>
You glance at Aeran.
He grimaces. “I’ll make do,” he says. He draws a few remaining bandages
from his kit and sets about patching you up as best he can. “You really
did a number on yourself this time.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to
fight a basilisk. For all we know, it could have gone
worse.”<<else>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to fight the
Count. Could have gone worse.”<</if>>
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah…”
You sit still, barely moving under his touch. He finishes tying the
bandages, but without the salves it doesn’t do much. You don’t feel any
better than you did before.
Aeran tidies up the remains of his kit in silence. When he’s finished,
he sits down on the cot beside you. An uncertain silence falls between
you and together you stare at the opposite wall.
The ship lurches, rolling on the thunderous waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>>-1 Enhanced Medical Kit<</notify>><<set
$enmedkit -= 1>><<set $enmedkituse += 1>>You pull it
out. Resting the kit on your lap, you open it and search through its
contents. You’re not sure what half the items are or how to use them
correctly, but you’ll take your chances anyway. You’re tired of feeling
like shit.
“$firstname,” Aeran says warningly.
You wave a hand, and he steps back, a frown on his face. Inside the kit,
you find a vial containing a mouthful of clear liquid and a small jar.
You pull out the vial, swilling the liquid inside, and read the label
attached to the top.
<blockquote><i>Drink First, then Apply Scarlet
Salve</i></blockquote>You pull out the jar, open it, and set
it beside you on the cot. Ignoring the pain flaring through your body,
you flick the vial open and down the solution. An acrid taste burns your
tongue and you nearly spit it out, but you force yourself to swallow it
down. Gritting your teeth, you dip a finger into the jar and slather
your wounds with ointment. You wince as your fingers probe your wounds.
Aeran seizes your hand and pulls it away. “Relax,” he says. “Let me
help.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You nod.<<else>>You
grunt. “Fine.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDIT ENHANCED
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Healing<</notify>><<set $health
to "healing">><i>Better save that for later.</i>
You pass over the enhanced medical kit and grab your regular one.
“Here,” you say, nudging it into Aeran’s hand.
“Thanks,” he mutters. He withdraws a couple salves and some bandages and
glances over you. “You really did a number on yourself this time.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to
fight a basilisk. For all we know, it could have gone
worse.”<<else>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to fight the
Count. Could have gone worse.”<</if>>
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah,” he says and quietly patches you up.
You sit still, barely moving under his touch. It doesn’t take long. Your
wounds smart from the salve and the bandages itch, but you know you
will be grateful for it later.
“How do you feel?” he asks, finishing up.
You shrug. “Fine. Tired. I don’t know.”
He smiles faintly and gathers up the supplies, shoving them back into
the kit. When he’s finished, he sits down on the cot beside you. An
uncertain silence falls between you and together you stare at the
opposite wall.
The ship lurches, rolling on the thunderous waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$health to "full">><<notify 3000>>Status: Full
Health...?<</notify>>You sit still as he meticulously
applies bandages to your wounds. Already the pain is beginning to fade;
you have no idea what Emari put in the salve, but you almost feel fully
functional again.
“You really did a number on yourself this time,” he says, adjusting the
bandages.
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“Yeah, well…” You shrug.
“Didn’t expect to fight a basilisk. For all we know, it could have gone
worse.”<<else>>“Yeah, well…” You shrug. “Didn’t expect the
Count to be quite so…” You pause. “It could have gone
worse.”<</if>>
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah,” he says and carefully finishes applying a
bandage. “How are you feeling?”
You shrug and stretch your arms above your head. “Fine. Tired. I don’t
know.”
You don’t tell him the pain is gone completely.
He smiles and gathers up the supplies, shoving them back into the kit.
When he’s finished, he sits down on the cot beside you. An uncertain
silence falls between you and together you stare at the opposite wall.
The ship lurches, rolling on the thunderous waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Talkative
one, that mage,” Aeran says after a moment. “For a moment there I
thought she’d never let you go.”
You chuckle faintly. <<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>Zenaida’s request to speak to you alone was odd;
you’re not sure what to make of being singled out like that. Especially
not after the revelation of her admittedly audacious
plan.<<else>>Zenaida’s request to speak to you alone was
odd; you’re not sure what to make of being singled out like that. Maybe
it’s the lingering tension from the fight, but you can’t shake the
feeling that there’s some ulterior motive at play.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=1
and $mareadead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to
yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN MAREA DEAD FLIRT ROM V][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 0, 100), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom
- 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=1 and
$rhodarthDead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to
yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN MAREA DEAD FLIRT ROM V][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 0, 100), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom
- 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and $rhodarthDead is
true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to yourself, is that
it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN MAREA DEAD FLIRT FRIEND V][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and
$mareadead is true>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to
yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN MAREA DEAD FLIRT FRIEND
V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif
$aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=1>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you
want me all to yourself, is that it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN FLIRT ROM
V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 0, 100), $aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. [FLIRT] “Oh, so you want me all to yourself, is that
it?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN FLIRT FRIEND V][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 90), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You know nobility. They’re never
done until they say they’re done.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 05 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I didn’t mind.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 05
B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh. You’ll be fine… probably.
Aeran glances at you. “So, you’re not going to…?” He leaves the question
hanging in the air.
You shake your head. “What about you?”
He grimaces. “I’ll make do,” he says. He draws a few remaining bandages
from his kit and sets about patching you up as best he can. “You really
did a number on yourself this time.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to
fight a basilisk. For all we know, it could have gone
worse.”<<else>>“Yeah, well… didn’t expect to fight the
Count. Could have gone worse.”<</if>>
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah…”
You sit still, barely moving under his touch. He finishes tying the
bandages, but without the salves it doesn’t do much. You don’t feel any
better than you did before.
Aeran tidies up the remains of his kit in silence. When he’s finished,
he sits down on the cot beside you. An uncertain silence falls between
you and together you stare at the opposite wall.
The ship lurches, rolling on the thunderous waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE MEDKIT CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomanceLoss>>Aeran
glances at you and sighs deeply. “Please don’t do that, $firstname,” he
says, drawing away.
Your fingers grip the edge of the cot. “Sorry,” you grunt. “Just trying
to lighten the mood—”
“Don’t.”
He exhales sharply and rises from the cot. He crosses the cabin and
presses a hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the
window. A grey light spreads across the water, signaling the impending
rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
glances at you and sighs deeply. “Please don’t do that, $firstname,” he
says, drawing away.
Your fingers grip the edge of the cot. “Sorry,” you grunt. “Just trying
to lighten the mood—”
“Don’t.”
He exhales sharply and rises from the cot. He crosses the cabin and
presses a hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the
window. A grey light spreads across the water, signaling the impending
rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>He
glances at you, a light flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a
hand through his hair. “They put us in the same cabin, so you better not
get tired of me.”
You arch an eyebrow. “I noticed.”
He elbows you. “Stop it,” he says, struggling to contain a smile. “This
is practical.”
“No one is willing to bunk with Wayfarers—”
“Uh huh—”
“One small slip and the lights go out—”
“Mhm—”
“You saw they gave us oil lamps, right?”
You turn to him, the cot creaking beneath your movements. “Aeran.”
His eyes meet yours. His gaze lingers, barely containing the muddled
mess of conflicting feelings. “$nickname, I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
FLIRT 02 A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Elbow him and play it off.|CHAPTER 1
CABIN FLIRT 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 0,
100)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>He
glances at you, a light flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a
hand through his hair. “They put us in the same cabin, so you better not
get tired of me.”
You arch an eyebrow. “I noticed.”
He elbows you. “Stop it,” he says, struggling to contain a smile. “This
is practical.”
“No one is willing to bunk with Wayfarers—”
“Uh huh—”
“One small slip and the lights go out—”
“Mhm—”
“You saw they gave us oil lamps, right?”
You turn to him, the cot creaking beneath your movements. “Aeran.”
His eyes meet yours. His gaze lingers, barely containing the muddled
mess of conflicting feelings. He exhales sharply and rises from the cot.
He crosses the cabin and presses a hand to the wall, leaning against it
as he stares out the window. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs deeply. <<if $origin is "noble">>“I guess you would
know, wouldn’t you?” he says.
You shrug. “Oh, believe me. Compared to the cesspool that is the Vodena
aristocracy, Zenaida’s a cute little kitten.”
“Kittens still have claws,” he points out.
You curl your fingers over the edge of the cot. “And I think this
metaphor is getting away from us,” you say.
Aeran chuckles. He rises from the cot and crosses the cabin. He presses a
hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the window. A
grey light spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the
sun.<<else>>“That’s true enough,” he says, rising from the
cot. He crosses the cabin, pressing a hand to the wall and leaning
against it as he stares out the window. A grey light spreads across the
water, signaling the impending rise of the sun.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$origin is "noble">>“I suppose you didn’t,” he says. “It must be
nice to be around your own kind—”
You frown. “What?”
He shrugs. “You were born into nobility, $firstname,” he says. “You can
deny that life as much as you want, but part of it will always be with
you.”
You fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on your retort.
Arguing with him will get you nowhere.<<else>>“Oh,
wonderful,” he says. “Just what I want to hear.”
You frown. “What?”
“Make nice with the aristocrats and Guild mages, $firstname. Flatter
someone like Zenaida long enough and you’ll want for nothing. Varyn
would be proud of such manipulation—intentional or not.”
You roll your eyes and fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on
a retort. Apparently this is a sore spot. Arguing with him will get you
nowhere.<</if>>
He exhales sharply and rises from the cot. He crosses the cabin and
presses a hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the
window. A warm light spreads across the water, signaling the impending
rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“This…
<i>thing</i> she wants us to do for her,” Aeran says
slowly. “You know it’s mad, right?”
You swallow a lump in your throat. “There are worse things,” you say.
“I’ve done worse. You’ve definitely handled worse.”
“Do you really believe that?”
You pause, doing your best to avoid his gaze as you think of how best to
answer him. It’s not ideal. It’s far from ideal. Never in the past
eighteen years have you ever thought you would find yourself headed to
Velantis, thrust into the heart of the Guild of Mages. It’s the
antithesis of everything you are.
But everything you are changed five years ago when the Spire fell. There
is no Wayfarer Order… not anymore, not truly. And without the Order,
you’re nothing more than a free agent. A mercenary without magic, with
talents and skills that can be applied to many situations. For years
you’ve believed that Wayfarers and mages could only ever work in
opposition, but now…
The world is changing. You are changing. It’s impossible to know where
you stand anymore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No, but at this point what choice do we
have?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 01 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It doesn’t matter. It’s a job. We
just have to focus on finishing it.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 01
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “After Rona, I’m just happy to work
for someone who doesn’t want to kill us on a whim.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN
INSERT 01 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I don’t like this any more than you
do. But she did save our lives. We owe her.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 01
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
reach out and press a hand to his cheek. He sighs at your touch and
closes his eyes, breathing deeply, exhaustion and pain flickering across
his face.
“This is a mess, you know,” he says after a moment.
“I know.” Your heart pounds, a shiver running down your spine and across
your shoulders. For a moment, the creak of the ship and the crash of
the rolling waves fade—and it’s just you and him. Your friend, your
partner, your…
…what?
You’ve never really decided. And that uncomfortable, tangled knot in
your chest desperately wants an answer.
Aeran opens his eyes. His hand touches yours, fingers ghosting across
the back of your hand. “I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs.
He pulls away and rises from the cot. He crosses the cabin and presses a
hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the window. A
grey light spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the
sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
draw away, a smirk on your lips, laughter in your eyes, and elbow him
playfully. He rolls his eyes, but he cannot hide the smile on his face.
“$nickname,” he says warningly, fighting through his mirth.
“What?”
He shakes his head. “If you’re going to be like that, I’m not going to
tell you.”
You snort. “Just tell me.”
“No. I hide my secrets well.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>Your gut twists. Your
laughter fades as you remember the stack of letters you found in your
apartment. Unknown correspondences with an unknown sender, stretching
back the last several years…
<i>Yeah,</i> you think. <i>I guess you do have a lot
to hide.</i>
“…$firstname?” he prompts.
You shake your head. “Nothing.”
He nods, though you can tell he doesn’t quite believe you. Pulling away
from you, he rises from the cot and crosses the cabin. He presses a hand
to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the window. A grey
light spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the
sun.<<else>>“Just tell me.”
“No. I hide my secrets well.”
You chuckle. “And here I thought I was the exemption!”
“As I keep telling you,” he replies, barely able to contain his grin,
“you’re not that special.”
You and Aeran dissolve into laughter, the comfortable familiarity of
your banter soothing away the anxieties and tensions of the night. After
a moment, he rises from the cot and crosses the cabin. He presses a
hand to the wall, leaning against it as he stares out the window. A grey
light spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the
sun.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 CONTRACT
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH
QUESTIONS CABIN ALONE
V]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$CountB_Branch1 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>“How are you
holding up?” you ask after a moment. The circumstances of your escape
from Rona have been so fast-paced, you have barely had time to process
the events. You barely knew Rhodarth, but you know he meant something to
Aeran.
His hand curls into a fist. He lowers his head and says nothing.
“Don’t blame yourself,” you say. “The Count was responsible—”
“He knew what he was getting himself into, $firstname,” Aeran interrupts
sharply, rounding on you. “If the Count didn’t kill him, the blood oath
would have.” He closes his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I don’t want to talk
about him, all right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…” He trails off. Shaking his head, he crosses the cabin and
throws the door open. “I need some air.”
He disappears through the threshold and vanishes down the corridor. You
get quickly to your feet and scramble after him.<<else>>“I
need some air,” he says abruptly.
He crosses the cabin and throws the door open, disappearing through the
threshold. You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you
weigh the value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t leave him alone
on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to
your feet and scramble after him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>“How are you
holding up?” you ask after a moment. The circumstances of your escape
from Rona have been so fast-paced, you have barely had time to process
the events.
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“If this is about Rhodarth, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you, “I
don’t want to talk about him. All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…” He trails off. Shaking his head, he crosses the cabin and
throws the door open. “I need some air.”
He disappears through the threshold and vanishes down the corridor. You
get quickly to your feet and scramble after him.<<else>>“I
need some air,” he says abruptly.
He crosses the cabin and throws the door open, disappearing through the
threshold. You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you
weigh the value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t leave him alone
on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to
your feet and scramble after him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“How
are you holding up?” you ask after a moment. The circumstances of your
escape from Rona have been so fast-paced, you have barely had time to
process the events.
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
He sighs, deflating a little. “Sorry,” he mutters. “I’m just… worried.
About us. And Rhodarth.”
You pause. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“I don’t know.” He turns around, leaning his back against the wall and
crossing his arms. “I’m certain the blood oath was the only thing
keeping him in Rona. With the Count gone, that is no longer a factor.
He’s a survivor, and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<else>>[[1. It’s hard to
ignore the flare of jealousy when there are parts of Aeran’s past that
remain closed to you, but not others. Ask him if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST SEE RHO
AGAIN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST NOT YOUR
PROBLEM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO
QUEST SAY
NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
sighs wearily and pushes loose hair off his forehead. “I was worried
you were going to say that,” he mutters.
You fold your arms, gingerly maneuvering around your fresh bandages. “If
you have any ideas about how to get off this ship that don’t involve
throwing ourselves overboard, I’m all ears.”
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>He chuckles hollowly. “Any
relatives swimming about who’d be willing to help with this escape
attempt?” he asks.
Your lips twitch. You know Aeran’s words are a fruitless attempt to
bring some humour to your situation, but the reminder of your family
weighs heavily on your shoulders.
“If only,” you say shortly.
He grimaces. “Looks like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time
being.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant" and (ndef
$lastname2)>>He chuckles hollowly. “Any chance we could hail the
$lastname merchant fleet? Maybe there’s someone out there willing to
help with this escape attempt.”
Your lips twitch. Though you still carry the surname, your recruitment
into the Wayfarer Order has effectively disowned you from the family.
You know Aeran’s words are a fruitless attempt to bring some humour to
your situation, but the reminder of your family weighs heavily on your
shoulders.
“If only,” you say shortly.
He grimaces. “Looks like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time
being.”<<else>>He chuckles hollowly. “Yeah,” he says. “Looks
like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time being.”
You pause, trying not to let your shoulders sag as you stare across the
cabin. You settle on watching the oil lamps as their flames dance to and
fro, casting a mesmerizing flicker on the walls.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
CABIN INSERT 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Right,” he mutters. “As if things didn’t go incredibly wrong
the last time we did that.”
You frown as a flicker of annoyance flares in your gut. You can’t blame
him for the cynicism, but holding onto it won’t do you any favours.
“We’ve got the trip to Velantis,” you say. “That will take—what—four
weeks? And then once we’re there, we’ll be in and out. We get the
Astrial, we get paid, we get out.”
He snorts. “I think you’re oversimplifying things, $firstname. There’s
an awful lot of room for things to go wrong.”
You sigh wearily and fold your arms, gingerly maneuvering around your
fresh bandages.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
CABIN INSERT 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles hollowly and pushes loose hair off his forehead. “You’ve got a
point there,” he says. “At least Zenaida doesn’t seem prone to a
murderous rage.”
“See?” you say, a faint smile on your lips. “Already there’s a better
standard.”
He sighs. “At least she’s paying us well.”
You grimace and fold your arms, gingerly maneuvering around your fresh
bandages.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
CABIN INSERT 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Yeah,” he says darkly. “Don’t remind me. The last thing I
want is to be in debt to a Guild mage…”
You frown and purse your lips together in silence. His resolute hatred
of the Guild of Mages is going to be a problem if he can’t keep it in
check. He has difficulty keeping it quiet, taking any opportunity he has
to verbally affront any passing mage. Which, now that you think of it,
makes it strange that Zenaida was sent to find him in particular… Why
would the Order of Lethalis—a coalition formed entirely of mages—want to
work with someone who so openly despises them?
You rub your forehead. That is a question for another day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
CABIN INSERT 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
looks away, linking his hands together and resting them on the back of
his neck. He looks around the cramped cabin in silence, his gaze
lingering on small imperfections in the wall. His lips move every so
often, forming the start of a response, but each time he thinks better
of it and lets it go.
He’s quiet for a very long time.
You wait. The waves crash outside, their thunderous roar muted by the
cabin’s walls.
“She said she would give us a thousand upfront, right?” he says finally.
“If it comes down to it, we can double-cross her when we dock in
Velantis. Between the two of us, we’ll have more than enough to bribe
our way onto another ship.”
You smile faintly. “Always good to have options, I guess,” you say.
“But $firstname…” He turns, finally tearing his gaze away from the
opposite wall and looking back to you. “No matter how I look at it, this
feels like a trap.”
You pause. <i>Are you saying that because we’re involved with
Guild mages? Or because of something else?</i>
“If it’s a trap,” you say, “it’s not for us. Someone like Zenaida must
have bigger problems than a couple of Wayfarers. You said it yourself,
we’re a tool for her to use, nothing more. We go in, we get the job
done, get out. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>And then we think of
somewhere to spend those six thousand crowns.”<<else>>And
then we think of somewhere to spend that hefty
payment.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true>>“Oh, trust me,
I’ll be thinking of how to spend those crowns every step of the way,”
he says darkly. “It’s the only thing that will get me through this
contract.”
You shrug. “Whatever works for you.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and
$aeranrom >=2>><<set $banter to true>>Aeran
smirks. “I can think of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laughs softly. “Hm… I think I’ll keep it secret for now.”
You roll your eyes, though you can barely contain your smile. “Hm,” you
mimic. “You’re an ass.”<<else>><<set $banter to
true>>Aeran chuckles. “I can think of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Oh? You can’t say something like that and not
tell me.”
“Hm… yes, I can,” he says, leaning back comfortably and flashing you a
grin. “Need to keep some of my secrets.”
You smile. “Whatever works for you.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH QUESTIONS
CABIN CONTRACT V]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
rounds on you, a dark look blazing in his eyes. “Shut up,” he hisses.
You stare at him. “…what?”
“You have no idea, $firstname,” he says, his hands trembling. “No
<i>fucking</i> idea.”
A chill prickles the nape of your neck and runs across your shoulders.
Your stomach drops, filling you with the familiar hollowness that
appears any time you come too close to Aeran’s past. Most days it’s easy
to forget that despite your decades-long friendship, you don’t know him
as well as you think you do. You spent years apart, travelling to
different parts of Rhesainia in pursuit of your line of work. You know
something happened to him during that time, something that must be
linked to the Guild in some way. He has a history he doesn’t want to
talk about. And as a survivor of the Spire, there are parts of his past
he has buried so deep, he fights tooth and nail to keep them there.
You look away, falling silent. This hardly seems like the time to push
him for it, but you can’t help but wonder…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. What don’t I know? What aren’t you
telling me?”|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT CONFRONT AERAN][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. You have no right to
dredge up painful memories.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN INSERT LET IS GO
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flashes across his face. He stands, rising abruptly from the cot, and
crosses the cabin.
“I need some air,” he says, throwing the door open. Without waiting for a
response, he passes through the threshold and disappears down the hall.
You curse silently to yourself, rapping your fingers against the edge of
the cot as you weigh the value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t
leave him alone on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you
quickly get to your feet and scramble after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, your fingers curling into a fist. You hate knowing he is
hiding something from you, but now isn’t the time to address it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN 07 RHODARTH QUESTIONS
CABIN CONTRACT V]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
follow Aeran down the hall and out onto the deck. Stepping around the
working sailors, you clamber up the stairs and make your way to the back
of the ship.
Aeran rests his hands on the railing and closes his eyes. A sharp breeze
blows across the deck, ruffling his hair. He looks much calmer now that
you are away from the confines of your cabin. You draw up next to him
and fold your arms, pressing them into the railing as you lean out over
it. The dark blue waters churn below in the ship’s wake, sending
white-crested waves rushing out behind it.
<<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>“I’m sorry, $firstname,”
he says after a moment. “If I’m being honest, this is getting to me more
than I’d like to admit. Working for a Guild mage, having no choice in
the matter…”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“I know,” you murmur quietly. “But
it will be fine. It has to be. We’re in this together, aren’t we?”
He grimaces and looks away. “Yeah…” Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck.
Who’s to say it won’t get worse?”<<else>>You shrug. “Then
that’s something you’re going to have to work on,” you say shortly.
“Don’t let it slow you down, and don’t let it get in the way.”
He frowns, shooting you a dark look. Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck
already,” he mutters. “Don’t blame me when it gets
worse.”<</if>><<else>>“I’m not sure what’s
worse,” he says after a moment. “That we’re employed by an Imperial
aristocrat or that we’re employed by a Guild mage.”
“Try not to think about it,” you offer. “It’s one job. How bad can it
be?”
He frowns, shooting you a dark look. Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “That’s the thing, $firstname,” he says.
“We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck already. Who’s to say it won’t
get worse?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$CountB_Branch1 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
creaks, rocking back and forth. The oil lamps sway from their brackets,
swinging with the movement of the ship.
<<if $banter is true>><<if $height is "very
short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your heel
hovering an inch or two from the floor. Despite a brief reprieve, your
fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy silence that falls
between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a way
out.<<else>>You tap a foot on the floor. Despite a brief
reprieve, your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy
silence that falls between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a
way out.<</if>><<else>><<if $height is
"very short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your
heel hovering an inch or two from the floor. Your tired mind desperately
tries to find a way out of this heavy silence.<<else>>You
tap a foot on the floor, your tired mind trying desperately to find a
way out of this heavy silence.<</if>><</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to
mind. You barely knew him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He
must be carrying the weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. He lowers his head and says nothing.
“Don’t blame yourself,” you say. “The Count was responsible—”
“He knew what he was getting himself into, $firstname,” Aeran interrupts
sharply, rounding on you. “If the Count didn’t kill him, the blood oath
would have.” He closes his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I don’t want to talk
about him, all right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…” He trails off. Shaking his head, he crosses the cabin and
throws the door open. “I need some air.”
He disappears through the threshold and vanishes down the corridor. You
get quickly to your feet and scramble after him.<<else>>“I
need some air,” he says abruptly.
He crosses the cabin and throws the door open, disappearing through the
threshold. You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you
weigh the value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t leave him alone
on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to
your feet and scramble after him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
creaks, rocking back and forth. The oil lamps sway from their brackets,
swinging with the movement of the ship.
<<if $banter is true>><<if $height is "very
short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your heel
hovering an inch or two from the floor. Despite a brief reprieve, your
fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy silence that falls
between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a way
out.<<else>>You tap a foot on the floor. Despite a brief
reprieve, your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy
silence that falls between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a
way out.<</if>><<else>><<if $height is
"very short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your
heel hovering an inch or two from the floor. Your tired mind desperately
tries to find a way out of this heavy silence.<<else>>You
tap a foot on the floor, your tired mind trying desperately to find a
way out of this heavy silence.<</if>><</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to
mind. You barely knew him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He
must be carrying the weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…” He trails off. Shaking his head, he crosses the cabin and
throws the door open. “I need some air.”
He disappears through the threshold and vanishes down the corridor. You
get quickly to your feet and scramble after him.<<else>>“I
need some air,” he says abruptly.
He crosses the cabin and throws the door open, disappearing through the
threshold. You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you
weigh the value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t leave him alone
on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to
your feet and scramble after him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
ship creaks, rocking back and forth. The oil lamps sway from their
brackets, swinging with the movement of the ship.
<<if $banter is true>><<if $height is "very
short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your heel
hovering an inch or two from the floor. Despite a brief reprieve, your
fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy silence that falls
between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a way
out.<<else>>You tap a foot on the floor. Despite a brief
reprieve, your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy
silence that falls between you. You frown, desperately trying to find a
way out.<</if>><<else>><<if $height is
"very short">>You swing a foot back and forth, the bottom of your
heel hovering an inch or two from the floor. Your tired mind desperately
tries to find a way out of this heavy silence.<<else>>You
tap a foot on the floor, your tired mind trying desperately to find a
way out of this heavy silence.<</if>><</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly, after a moment.
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
He sighs, deflating a little. “Sorry,” he mutters. “I’m just… worried.
About us. And Rhodarth.”
You pause. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“I don’t know.” He turns around, leaning his back against the wall and
crossing his arms. “I’m certain the blood oath was the only thing
keeping him in Rona. With the Count gone, that is no longer a factor.
He’s a survivor, and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<else>>[[1. It’s hard to
ignore the flare of jealousy when there are parts of Aeran’s past that
remain closed to you, but not others. Ask him if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST SEE RHO
AGAIN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO QUEST NOT YOUR
PROBLEM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN RHO
QUEST SAY
NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranRomanceLoss>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Nothing,” you say, a little more defensively than
you intended. “It’s just not every day that we run into one of your
previous… uh…” You trail off, avoiding his gaze as he glowers at you,
and awkwardly rub the back of your neck.
A muscle twitches in his jaw. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
You grimace. “Honestly, Aeran, I don’t know—”
“I’m not digging around in your personal life,” he says curtly. “Leave
mine alone.”
“Fine. Forget I brought it up.”
“Good. I will.”
You fall silent. He lets out an exasperated sigh and crosses the cabin.
“I need some air,” he says, throwing the door open and disappearing
through the threshold.
You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you weigh the
value in following him. Deciding you shouldn’t leave him alone on an
Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to your feet
and scramble after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Just wondering,” you say. “He clearly meant
something to you—”
“That was a long time ago, $firstname,” he interrupts wearily. “And if
I’m being honest, it’s not something that will happen ever again. It was
never a relationship that deserved to be saved.”
You fall silent, your gut twisting guiltily at the painful tinge in his
voice.
He lets out a long sigh and crosses the cabin. “I need some air,” he
says, throwing the door open and disappearing through the threshold.
You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you weigh the
value in following him. Deciding that it’s best you don’t leave him
alone on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get
to your feet and scramble after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Think
we will see him again?” you ask.
He frowns. “No idea,” he replies. “Why?”
“Just curious, that’s all,” you say, shrugging.
He grimaces. “Well, for the sake of your curiosity—I doubt it. Never had
the chance to get an answer, but it’s strange that he was this far from
Corsida and without any other Brightblades. My guess is that he left
the order. The overseers won’t be happy. If he returns to the Lotharic
Sea, he’ll have to deal with them.”
You pause, drumming your fingers against the edge of the cot. The
conversation has taken a distinct sour tone.
Aeran lets out an exasperated breath and crosses the cabin. “I need some
air,” he says, throwing the door open and disappearing through the
threshold.
Deciding that it’s best you don’t leave him alone on an Arathian ship
with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get to your feet and scramble
after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Then
hopefully he won’t be our problem anymore,” you say.
Aeran frowns. “Little harsh, don’t you think, $firstname?”
You shrug. You’ve got enough problems to worry about without the added
problem of Aeran’s past catching up with you.
He rolls his eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh. “I need some air,”
he says, crossing the cabin. He throws the door open and disappears
through the threshold.
You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you weigh the
value in following him. Deciding that it’s best you don’t leave him
alone on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get
to your feet and scramble after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
lets out a long breath and rubs the back of his neck. “I need some
air,” he says, crossing the cabin. He throws the door open and
disappears through the threshold.
You pause, folding your arms tight across your chest as you weigh the
value in following him. Deciding that it’s best you don’t leave him
alone on an Arathian ship with two Guild mages onboard, you quickly get
to your feet and scramble after him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 MC TO STERN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, shifting restlessly. Something in your pack digs sharply
into your hip. You pause, confused, and open it. Your fingers brush cold
copper.
<i>The chalice.</i>
You pull it out. Despite its unassuming size, it feels heavy in your
hands. So much of your aforementioned bad luck was linked to this thing
and the power it holds. Power you can never access. It may be an
ancient, priceless artefact, but to you, it’s nothing more than a very
old, very weathered lump of metal.
“You kept it?” Aeran breathes.
“I forgot I had it,” you murmur. You lean out against the railing and
pass it from hand to hand. The waters churn below, the dark blue waves
open and inviting. “This stupid thing…”
“Put it away,” he hisses. “Before someone realizes what it is—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DC 20 B")>>You glance at him. “I
wanted to give it to Hera, remember?” you say quietly. “All that
trouble, just to try to get it to her and in the end nothing came of it.
This thing is too powerful for its own good.”<<else>>You
glance at him. “We could have avoided all that trouble with the Count if
I had just given it to him,” you say. “But I couldn’t have that on my
conscience. This thing is too powerful for its own
good.”<</if>>
You pause, holding it still in one hand, your fingers grasped firmly
around its stem. It catches the light of the sunrise and the copper
gleams, almost as if it were freshly polished. “Maybe no one should have
it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Throw it into the ocean.|CHAPTER 1 SD THROW
OCEAN][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Maybe getting rid of it isn’t
the best idea…|CHAPTER 1 SD THROW
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>You fall silent, shifting
restlessly. You think back to what Zenaida told you. Knowing his hatred
of the Guild, should you tell him she came to Rona specifically for
him?<<else>>You fall silent, shifting restlessly. Should you
tell him what Zenaida said? He’s already on edge—should he know she
came to Rona specifically for him?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK TELL
AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
DON'T TELL AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=20>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
10, 5, 90)>><<aeranApp>><<set $aerantell to
true>>“Zenaida admitted something you should know,” you say
finally.
Aeran grimaces and rubs the back of his neck. “Oh?” he says. “I don’t
like the sound of that.”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers,” you
say. “She wasn’t looking for us. She was looking for you.” The tips of
your fingers press sharply against the railing. “Her source—whoever that
is—gave her your name. I was never part of the equation.”
Aeran pauses, falling silent for a moment. He watches the sea, barely
reacting when the ship unexpectedly lurches to the side, rocked by the
waves. “And what do you think?” he murmurs.
“I’m concerned who this source is,” you reply.
“Did you ask her?”
You shake your head.
He sighs. “I suppose she wouldn’t be forthcoming with that information
regardless,” he says. He raps his fingers along the railing, eyes
narrowed, brows drawn together. “Though the fact she told you tells us
she didn’t intend to hide it. Whoever’s tracking me must be in her inner
circle.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>A cold shiver runs down
your spine as you remember his letters. <i>Unless you already know
who it is,</i> you think. <i>What are you hiding, Aeran?
What aren’t you telling me?</i>
“$firstname?” he asks, jolting you from your thoughts.
You shake yourself. “It could be any number of people,” you say quickly.
“Pissed off anyone last time you were in Imperial
territory?”<<else>>“Which could include any number of Guild
mages.” You raise your hands, digging your fingers into the back of your
neck, massaging the sore muscles. “Pissed anyone off last time you were
in Imperial territory?”<</if>>
“Yeah,” he snorts. “At least a dozen. Probably more. I have one of those
faces.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hm. Yes. You do.”|CHAPTER 1 SD TELL A
01][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, very helpful.”|CHAPTER 1 SD
TELL A 02][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aerantell to
true>>“Zenaida admitted something you should know,” you say
finally.
Aeran grimaces and rubs the back of his neck. “Oh?” he says. “I don’t
like the sound of that.”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers,” you
say. “She wasn’t looking for us. She was looking for you.” The tips of
your fingers press sharply against the railing. “Her source—whoever that
is—gave her your name. I was never part of the equation.”
Aeran is still. He watches the sea, barely reacting when the ship
unexpectedly lurches to the side, rocked by the waves.
He rounds on you, his eyes narrowing. “And you’re telling me this
because, what, $firstname? You’re… jealous?”
The accusation stings. “Don’t be an idiot,” you snap. “I want to know
why it’s you. Who’s her source? What do they have on you?”
“Your concern is touching,” he says coldly. “Really. Though I wonder—how
bothered are you to realize you aren’t the only Wayfarer who has left a
mark?”
You grit your teeth. “That’s not what this is about—”
“Isn’t it?” He shakes his head. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”
“Aeran—”
He raps the railing and draws away. “Forget it,” he says. “We’ve got
four weeks at sea, I’d rather not suffocate the first day out.”
He stalks away, clambering down the stairs to the deck below.
You exhale a long breath and turn your gaze to the sea. Deep blue waves
roll and crash against the ship, splashing up the sides and spraying you
with mist. As you realize you are uncomfortably damp, you are unable to
shake your growing sense of unease.
<i>This is going to be a long journey to Velantis.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aerantell to false>><<if $aeranapp <=19>>“What is
it?” he asks.
You shrug, shaking your head. “Nothing.”
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am.” He sighs
and leans against the railing, resting his hands across each other. “All
we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
You nod. You fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>“What is it?”
he asks, his eyes searching yours. “Don’t tell me. You forgot a vitally
important tool in our shitty apartment and there’s no going back for it
now.”
You chuckle, but your laughter is short-lived.
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am. This
journey we’re on…” He sighs and leans against the railing, resting his
hands across each other. “All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep
one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "very tall" or $height is "tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "ocean">><<aeranApp>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><</timed>>You let go.
The chalice falls, glinting in the rising sun as it tumbles over
itself—down, down down—and splashes into the blue waters below. It
vanishes without a trace, the wake of its passing swallowed by the
rolling waves.
Aeran breathes a sigh of relief. He’s silent for a moment, and then a
slow chuckle rumbles in his throat. He leans heavily against the rail,
throws his head back and laughs. You smile, quiet laughter shaking your
shoulders, and meet his eyes.
“Good riddance,” he says.
“Good riddance,” you echo.
He pauses. “Of course, who knows what will happen when the next clan of
passing melusine find it, but that could be… who knows—three hundred,
four hundred years from now?”
You roll your eyes.
“What? The ocean’s a big place—”
You elbow him in the side. He cuts off sharply, laughing as he leans
over the railing and takes in the sharp sea air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SD CHALICE
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, your fingers clenching tight around the chalice. Aeran reaches
out, his hand clasping yours. You turn your head, your eyes meeting his.
He returns your gaze, resolve shining brightly in his eyes.
Together, you release the chalice and let it go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SD THROW WAIT 02][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "ocean">><<notify 3000>>- Chalice
of Offering<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<drop
'$questInv' 'Chalice of Offering'>>It falls, glinting in the
rising sun as it tumbles over itself—down, down down—and splashes into
the blue waters below. It vanishes without a trace, the wake of its
passing swallowed by the rolling waves.
Aeran breathes a sigh of relief. He’s silent for a moment, and then a
slow chuckle rumbles in his throat. He leans heavily against the rail,
throws his head back and laughs. You smile, quiet laughter shaking your
shoulders as relief rushes through you.
“Good riddance,” he says.
“Good riddance,” you echo.
He pauses. “Of course, who knows what will happen when the next clan of
passing melusine find it, but that could be… who knows—three hundred,
four hundred years from now?”
You roll your eyes.
“What? The ocean’s a big place—”
You elbow him in the side. He cuts off sharply, laughing as he leans
over the railing and takes in the sharp sea air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SD CHALICE
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
joy of throwing the chalice into the sea is short-lived. You fall
silent and drum your fingers agitatedly against the railing. Something
has been bothering you ever since you spoke to Zenaida. She said she
came here specifically for him…
Should he know? You finally have a moment of peace. You don’t know
whether you should disrupt it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK TELL
AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
DON'T TELL AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
weren’t supposed to agree with that, you know,” he says.
You smile. “I know.”
<<if $mareadead is true>>He chuckles and looks away, his
laughter short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,” he says. “It
puts me on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do when we
reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>He chuckles and
looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know about this,
$nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of our control.
All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
snorts. “Thanks. I try.”
You shake your head, a faint smile on your lips.
<<if $mareadead is true>>He chuckles and looks away, his
laughter short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,” he says. “It
puts me on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do when we
reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>He chuckles and
looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know about this,
$nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of our control.
All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomanceLoss>>Aeran
glances at you and sighs deeply. “Please don’t do that, $firstname,” he
says, drawing away.
Your fingers grip the edge of the railing. “Sorry,” you grunt. “Just
trying to lighten the mood—”
“Don’t.”
He exhales sharply and pulls away, leaning out over the railing as he
turns his face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
glances at you and sighs deeply. “Please don’t do that, $firstname,” he
says, drawing away.
Your fingers grip the edge of the railing. “Sorry,” you grunt. “Just
trying to lighten the mood—”
“Don’t.”
He exhales sharply and pulls away, leaning out over the railing as he
turns his face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>He
glances at you, a light flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a
hand through his hair and tries to tame it, but it’s a losing battle
against the breeze. “They put us in the same cabin, so you better not
get tired of me.”
You arch an eyebrow. “Same cabin? Cheeky.”
“Stop it,” he says, struggling to contain a smile. “This is practical.”
“No one is willing to bunk with Wayfarers—”
“Uh huh—”
“One small slip and the lights go out—”
“Mhm—”
“Did you know they gave us oil lamps?”
“Yeah.”
You turn to him. “Aeran.”
His eyes meet yours. His gaze lingers, barely containing the muddled
mess of conflicting feelings. <<if $hairlength is
"shaved">>The wind tears at your clothes, your tunic rippling in
the breeze.<<else>>The wind tears at your hair, ruffling it
in the breeze.<</if>>
“$nickname, I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him.|CHAPTER 1 STERN
FLIRT ROM REACH][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Elbow him and play it off.|CHAPTER 1
STERN DECK FLIRT PLAY IT OFF][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 0,
100)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>He
glances at you, a light flush on his cheeks. “Yeah, well…” He runs a
hand through his hair and tries to tame it, but it’s a losing battle
against the breeze. “They put us in the same cabin, so you better not
get tired of me.”
You arch an eyebrow. “Same cabin? Cheeky.”
“Stop it,” he says, struggling to contain a smile. “This is practical.”
“No one is willing to bunk with Wayfarers—”
“Uh huh—”
“One small slip and the lights go out—”
“Mhm—”
“Did you know they gave us oil lamps?”
You turn to him. “Aeran.”
His eyes meet yours. His gaze lingers, barely containing the muddled
mess of conflicting feelings. He exhales sharply and pulls away, leaning
out over the railing as he turns his face to the horizon. A grey light
spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs deeply. <<if $origin is "noble">>“I guess you would
know, wouldn’t you?” he says.
You shrug. “Oh, believe me. Compared to the cesspool that is the Vodena
aristocracy, Zenaida’s a cute little kitten.”
“Kittens still have claws,” he points out.
You curl your fingers over the edge of the railing. “And I think this
metaphor is getting away from us,” you say.
Aeran chuckles. He pulls away, leaning out over the railing as he turns
his face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.<<else>>“That’s true
enough,” he says, pulling away. He leans out over the railing and turns
his face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$origin is "noble">>“I suppose you didn’t,” he says. “It must be
nice to be around your own kind—”
You frown. “What?”
He shrugs. “You were born into nobility, $firstname,” he says. “You can
deny that life as much as you want, but part of it will always be with
you.”
You fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on your retort.
Arguing with him will get you nowhere.<<else>>“Oh,
wonderful,” he says. “Just what I want to hear.”
You frown. “What?”
“Make nice with the aristocrats and Guild mages, $firstname. Flatter
someone like Zenaida long enough and you’ll want for nothing. Varyn
would be proud of such manipulation—intentional or not.”
You roll your eyes and fall silent, annoyance flaring, and clamp down on
a retort. Apparently this is a sore spot. Arguing with him will get you
nowhere.<</if>>
He exhales sharply and pulls away, leaning out over the railing as he
turns his face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water,
signaling the impending rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
reach out and press a hand to his cheek. He sighs at your touch and
closes his eyes, breathing deeply, exhaustion and pain flickering across
his face.
“This is a mess, you know,” he says after a moment.
“I know.” Your heart pounds, a shiver running down your spine and across
your shoulders. For a moment, the creak of the ship and the crash of
the rolling waves fade—and it’s just you and him. Your friend, your
partner, your…
…what?
You’ve never really decided. And that uncomfortable, tangled knot in
your chest desperately wants an answer.
Aeran opens his eyes. His hand touches yours, fingers ghosting across
the back of your hand. “I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs.
He pulls away and leans out over the railing, turning his face to the
horizon. A grey light spreads across the water, signaling the impending
rise of the sun.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
draw away, a smirk on your lips, laughter in your eyes, and elbow him
playfully. He rolls his eyes, but he cannot hide the smile on his face.
“$nickname,” he says warningly, fighting through his mirth.
“What?”
He shakes his head. “If you’re going to be like that, I’m not going to
tell you.”
You snort. “Just tell me.”
“No. I hide my secrets well.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>Your gut twists. Your
laughter fades as you remember the stack of letters you found in your
apartment. Unknown correspondences with an unknown sender, stretching
back the last several years…
<i>Yeah,</i> you think. <i>I guess you do have a lot
to hide.</i>
“…$firstname?” he prompts.
You shake your head. “Nothing.”
He nods, though you can tell he doesn’t quite believe you. He pulls away
and leans out over the railing, turning his face to the horizon. A grey
light spreads across the water, signaling the impending rise of the
sun.<<else>>“Just tell me.”
“No. I hide my secrets well.”
You chuckle. “And here I thought I was the exemption!”
“As I keep telling you,” he replies, barely able to contain his grin,
“you’re not that special.”
You and Aeran dissolve into laughter, the comfortable familiarity of
your banter soothing away the anxieties and tensions of the night. After
a moment, he pulls away and leans out over the railing, turning his
face to the horizon. A grey light spreads across the water, signaling
the impending rise of the sun.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL RAT
ALLEY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT ALL
DOCKS RHO QUEST
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“This…
<i>thing</i> she wants us to do for her,” Aeran says
slowly. “You know it’s mad, right?”
You swallow a lump in your throat. “There are worse things,” you say.
“I’ve done worse. You’ve definitely handled worse.”
“Do you really believe that?”
You pause, doing your best to avoid his gaze as you think of how best to
answer him. It’s not ideal. It’s far from ideal. Never in the past
eighteen years have you ever thought you would find yourself headed to
Velantis, thrust into the heart of the Guild of Mages. It’s the
antithesis of everything you are.
But everything you are changed five years ago when the Spire fell. There
is no Wayfarer Order… not anymore, not truly. And without the Order,
you’re nothing more than a free agent. A mercenary without magic, with
talents and skills that can be applied to many situations. For years
you’ve believed that Wayfarers and mages could only ever work in
opposition, but now…
The world is changing. You are changing. It’s impossible to know where
you stand anymore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No, but at this point what choice do we
have?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 01 A]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It doesn’t matter. It’s a job. We
just have to focus on finishing it.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 01
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “After Rona, I’m just happy to work
for someone who doesn’t want to kill us on a whim.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
RA 01 C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I don’t like this any more than you
do. But she did save our lives. We owe her.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 01
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$CountB_Branch1 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your face as
your tired mind tried to untangle your twisted thoughts. It wasn’t too
long ago that you were fighting for your life. The circumstances of your
escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely had time to process the
events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to mind. You barely knew
him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He must be carrying the
weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. He lowers his head and says nothing.
“Don’t blame yourself,” you say. “The Count was responsible—”
“He knew what he was getting himself into, $firstname,” Aeran interrupts
sharply, rounding on you. “If the Count didn’t kill him, the blood oath
would have.” He closes his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I don’t want to talk
about him, all right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>He groans, muttering something under
his breath, and runs a hand through his hair.<</if>>
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST RHO]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your face as
your tired mind tried to untangle your twisted thoughts. It wasn’t too
long ago that you were fighting for your life. The circumstances of your
escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely had time to process the
events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to mind. You barely knew
him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He must be carrying the
weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>He groans, muttering something under
his breath, and runs a hand through his hair.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
ship lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your
face. It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly after a moment.
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
He sighs, deflating a little. “Sorry,” he mutters. “I’m just… worried.
About us. And Rhodarth.”
You pause. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“I don’t know,” he says, looking away. “I’m certain the blood oath was
the only thing keeping him in Rona. With the Count gone, that is no
longer a factor. He’s a survivor, and in more than a literal sense. I’m
sure he’ll find his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<else>>[[1. It’s hard to
ignore the flare of jealousy when there are parts of Aeran’s past that
remain closed to you, but not others. Ask him if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST SEE
RHO AGAIN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST NOT YOUR
PROBLEM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
RHO QUEST SAY
NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
sighs wearily. “I was worried you were going to say that,” he mutters.
A spray of mist flutters over your face. “If you have any ideas about
how to get off this ship that don’t involve throwing ourselves
overboard, I’m all ears,” you say.
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>He chuckles hollowly. “Any
relatives swimming about who’d be willing to help with this escape
attempt?” he asks.
Your lips twitch. You know Aeran’s words are a fruitless attempt to
bring some humour to your situation, but the reminder of your family
weighs heavily on your shoulders.
“If only,” you say shortly.
He grimaces. “Looks like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time
being.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant" and (ndef
$lastname2)>>He chuckles hollowly. “Any chance we could hail the
$lastname merchant fleet? Maybe there’s someone out there willing to
help with this escape attempt.”
Your lips twitch. Though you still carry the surname, your recruitment
into the Wayfarer Order has effectively disowned you from the family.
You know Aeran’s words are a fruitless attempt to bring some humour to
your situation, but the reminder of your family weighs heavily on your
shoulders.
“If only,” you say shortly.
He grimaces. “Looks like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time
being.”<<else>>He chuckles hollowly. “Yeah,” he says. “Looks
like we’re stuck with Her Grace for the time being.”<</if>>
You pause, trying not to let your shoulders sag as you watch the sea. In
the light of the rising sun, the waters are slowly turning from black
to a deep blue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
STERN DECK RA 02 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Right,” he mutters. “As if things didn’t go incredibly wrong
the last time we did that.”
You frown as a flicker of annoyance flares in your gut. You can’t blame
him for the cynicism, but holding onto it won’t do you any favours.
“We’ve got the trip to Velantis,” you say. “That will take—what—four
weeks? And then once we’re there, we’ll be in and out. We get the
Astrial, we get paid, we get out.”
He snorts. “I think you’re oversimplifying things, $firstname. There’s
an awful lot of room for things to go wrong.”
You pause and look down, watching the churning sea. In the light of the
rising sun, the waters are slowly turning from black to a deep blue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
STERN DECK RA 02 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles hollowly and pushes loose hair off his forehead. “You’ve got a
point there,” he says. “At least Zenaida doesn’t seem prone to a
murderous rage.”
“See?” you say, a faint smile on your lips. “Already there’s a better
standard.”
He sighs. “At least she’s paying us well.”
You grimace and fold your arms, watching the sea below. In the light of
the rising sun, the waters are slowly turning from black to a deep blue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
STERN DECK RA 02 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Yeah,” he says darkly. “Don’t remind me. The last thing I
want is to be in debt to a Guild mage…”
You frown and purse your lips together in silence. His resolute hatred
of the Guild of Mages is going to be a problem if he can’t keep it in
check. He has difficulty keeping it quiet, taking any opportunity he has
to verbally affront any passing mage. Which, now that you think of it,
makes it strange that Zenaida was sent to find him in particular… Why
would the Order of Lethalis—a coalition formed entirely of mages—want to
work with someone who so openly despises them?
You rub your forehead. That is a question for another day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worst they can do?”|CHAPTER 1
STERN DECK RA 02 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
rounds on you, a dark look blazing in his eyes. “Shut up,” he hisses.
You stare at him. “…what?”
“You have no idea, $firstname,” he says, his hands trembling. “No
<i>fucking</i> idea.”
A chill prickles the nape of your neck and runs across your shoulders.
Your stomach drops, filling you with the familiar hollowness that
appears any time you come too close to Aeran’s past. Most days it’s easy
to forget that despite your decades-long friendship, you don’t know him
as well as you think you do. You spent years apart, travelling to
different parts of Rhesainia in pursuit of your line of work. You know
something happened to him during that time, something that must be
linked to the Guild in some way. He has a history he doesn’t want to
talk about. And as a survivor of the Spire, there are parts of his past
he has buried so deep, he fights tooth and nail to keep them there.
You look away, falling silent. This hardly seems like the time to push
him for it, but you can’t help but wonder…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. What don’t I know? What aren’t you
telling me?”|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02 A 1][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. You have no right to
dredge up painful memories.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RA 02 B
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
looks away, linking his hands together and resting them on the back of
his neck. He shifts restlessly beside you, glancing over his shoulder at
the bustling ship deck. His lips move every so often, forming the start
of a response, but each time he thinks better of it and lets it go.
He’s quiet for a very long time.
“She said she would give us a thousand upfront, right?” he says finally.
“If it comes down to it, we can double-cross her when we dock in
Velantis. Between the two of us, we’ll have more than enough to bribe
our way onto another ship.”
You smile faintly. “Always good to have options, I guess,” you say.
“But $firstname…” He turns, finally looking away to watch the sea. “No
matter how I look at it, this feels like a trap.”
You pause. <i>Are you saying that because we’re involved with
Guild mages? Or because of something else?</i>
“If it’s a trap,” you say, “it’s not for us. Someone like Zenaida must
have bigger problems than a couple of Wayfarers. You said it yourself,
we’re a tool for her to use, nothing more. We go in, we get the job
done, get out. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>And then we think of
somewhere to spend those six thousand crowns.”<<else>>And
then we think of somewhere to spend that hefty
payment.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true>>“Oh, trust me,
I’ll be thinking of how to spend those crowns every step of the way,”
he says darkly. “It’s the only thing that will get me through this
contract.”
You shrug. “Whatever works for you.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and
$aeranrom >=2>><<set $banter to true>>Aeran
smirks. “I can think of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laughs softly. “Hm… I think I’ll keep it secret for now.”
You roll your eyes, though you can barely contain your smile. “Hm,” you
mimic. “You’re an ass.”<<else>><<set $banter to
true>>Aeran chuckles. “I can think of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Oh? You can’t say something like that and not
tell me.”
“Hm… yes, I can,” he says, leaning back comfortably and flashing you a
grin. “Need to keep some of my secrets.”
You smile. “Whatever works for you.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$CountB_Branch1 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your face.
Your hands tighten on the railing, holding yourself steady on the
swaying deck.<<if $banter is true>>Despite a brief reprieve,
your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy silence that
falls between you.<<else>>Your tired mind desperately tries
to find a way out of this heavy silence.<</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to
mind. You barely knew him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He
must be carrying the weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. He lowers his head and says nothing.
“Don’t blame yourself,” you say. “The Count was responsible—”
“He knew what he was getting himself into, $firstname,” Aeran interrupts
sharply, rounding on you. “If the Count didn’t kill him, the blood oath
would have.” He closes his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I don’t want to talk
about him, all right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranrom >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>He groans, muttering something under
his breath, and runs a hand through his hair.<</if>>
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST RHO]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true and $rhodarthDead is true>>The ship
lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your face.
Your hands tighten on the railing, holding yourself steady on the
swaying deck. <<if $banter is true>>Despite a brief
reprieve, your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy
silence that falls between you.<<else>>Your tired mind
desperately tries to find a way out of this heavy
silence.<</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events. Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to
mind. You barely knew him, but you know he meant something to Aeran. He
must be carrying the weight of that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sounds worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>He groans, muttering something under
his breath, and runs a hand through his hair.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
ship lurches and a spray of water surges upward, misting across your
face. Your hands tighten on the railing, holding yourself steady on the
swaying deck. <<if $banter is true>>Despite a brief
reprieve, your fleeting banter was not enough to stave off the heavy
silence that falls between you.<<else>>Your tired mind
desperately tries to find a way out of this heavy
silence.<</if>>
It wasn’t too long ago that you were fighting for your life. The
circumstances of your escape have been so fast-paced, you have barely
had time to process the events.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly after a moment.
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
He sighs, deflating a little. “Sorry,” he mutters. “I’m just… worried.
About us. And Rhodarth.”
You pause. “Do you think he’ll be all right?”
“I don’t know,” he says, looking away. “I’m certain the blood oath was
the only thing keeping him in Rona. With the Count gone, that is no
longer a factor. He’s a survivor, and in more than a literal sense. I’m
sure he’ll find his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<else>>[[1. It’s hard to
ignore the flare of jealousy when there are parts of Aeran’s past that
remain closed to you, but not others. Ask him if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST SEE
RHO AGAIN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUEST NOT YOUR
PROBLEM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
RHO QUEST SAY
NOTHING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flashes across his face. “Forget about it,” he snaps.
“Aeran—”
“Forget it.”
He shoots you a glare and you fall silent. Minutes pass and you
awkwardly rap your fingers against the railing, waiting for him to
speak.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, your fingers curling into a fist. You hate knowing he is
hiding something from you, but now isn’t the time to address it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK RHO QUESTIONS
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“I’m sorry, $firstname,” he says
after a moment. “If I’m being honest, this is getting to me more than
I’d like to admit. Working for a Guild mage, having no choice in the
matter…”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“I know,” you murmur quietly. “But
it will be fine. It has to be. We’re in this together, aren’t we?”
He grimaces and looks away. “Yeah…” Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck.
Who’s to say it won’t get worse?”<<else>>You shrug. “Then
that’s something you’re going to have to work on,” you say shortly.
“Don’t let it slow you down, and don’t let it get in the way.”
He frowns, shooting you a dark look. Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck
already,” he mutters. “Don’t blame me when it gets
worse.”<</if>><<else>>“I’m sorry, $firstname,”
he says after a moment. “If I’m being honest, this is getting to me more
than I’d like to admit. I’m not sure what’s worse—that we’re employed
by an Imperial aristocrat or that we’re employed by a Guild mage.”
“Try not to think about it,” you offer. “It’s one job. How bad can it
be?”
He frowns, shooting you a dark look. Behind him, the first rays of the
sun pierce the horizon, the soft orange glow cutting through the
blue-grey of early morning. “That’s the thing, $firstname,” he says.
“We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck already. Who’s to say it won’t
get worse?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomanceLoss>>You
drum your fingers against the railing. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Nothing,” you say, a little more defensively than
you intended. “It’s just not every day that we run into one of your
previous… uh…” You trail off, avoiding his gaze as he glowers at you,
and awkwardly rub the back of your neck.
A muscle twitches in his jaw. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
You grimace. “Honestly, Aeran, I don’t know—”
“I’m not digging around in your personal life,” he says curtly. “Leave
mine alone.”
“Fine. Forget I brought it up.”
“Good. I will.”
You fall silent. He lets out an exasperated sigh and looks away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
drum your fingers against the railing. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Just wondering,” you say. “He clearly meant
something to you—”
“That was a long time ago, $firstname,” he interrupts wearily. “And if
I’m being honest, it’s not something that will happen ever again. It was
never a relationship that deserved to be saved.”
You fall silent, your gut twisting guiltily at the painful tinge in his
voice.
He lets out a long sigh and looks away, staring absently into the waves
below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Think
we will see him again?” you ask.
He frowns. “No idea,” he replies. “Why?”
“Just curious, that’s all,” you say, shrugging.
He grimaces. “Well, for the sake of your curiosity—I doubt it. Never had
the chance to get an answer, but it’s strange that he was this far from
Corsida and without any other Brightblades. My guess is that he left
the order. The overseers won’t be happy. If he returns to the Lotharic
Sea, he’ll have to deal with them.”
You pause, drumming your fingers against the railing. The conversation
has taken a distinct sour tone.
He lets out an exasperated breath and looks away, staring absently into
the waves below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Then
hopefully he won’t be our problem anymore,” you say.
Aeran frowns. “Little harsh, don’t you think, $firstname?”
You shrug. You’ve got enough problems to worry about without the added
problem of Aeran’s past catching up with you.
He rolls his eyes and lets out an exasperated breath. He looks away,
staring absently into the waves below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
press your lips together and fall silent. Aeran lets out a long breath
and rubs the back of his neck. He looks away, staring absently into the
waves below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 STERN DECK CONT POST
RHO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>She opens her eyes. A
glimmer of gold still swirls deep within her irises. “I will be fine,”
she says. “Though I may have… pushed too hard. It takes a great deal of
focus to summon the power to activate a barrier. Had Malley attacked, I
could have expelled the energy. But she did not. Drawing upon such magic
and then stalling its use is quite… draining.”<<else>>She
opens her eyes. “I will be fine,” she says. “Though I may have… pushed
too hard in my effort to waylay Malley. It takes a great deal of focus
to summon and activate a barrier like that.”<</if>>
You fall silent. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the
Guild hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a
powerful mage or the daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted
woman who put much at stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
“I didn’t realize it was so…” Your words trail away.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>She
chuckles. “Involved?” she says. “Magic cannot be held indefinitely. Once
summoned, it must be released. Used. Any delay in the process can be…
quite taxing on the bearer.”<<else>>She smiles faintly.
“Involved?” she offers. “Magic isn’t self-sustaining. Once summoned, the
energy must flow somewhere. The body and mind are but conduits for
something much greater, and, like all conduits, they cannot maintain the
flow of power indefinitely. All magic has its
limits.”<</if>>
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
opens her eyes. A faint glimmer of gold still swirls deep within her
irises. “I know you are weary, $lastname,” she says, quietly folding her
hands in her lap. “And soon you will rest. But first, you must learn
the reason for your recruitment.”
“Recruitment?” you say. “I haven’t agreed to—”
Malsara shoots you a dark look. You fall silent, pressing your tongue
against the back of your teeth. You understand quite clearly: now is not
the time for you to talk. It is the time for you to listen.
Her shoulders sag and she lowers her head, dropping her chin to her
chest. She inhales slowly, her breath wavering as she gathers her
strength. You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the Guild
hierarchy, look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a powerful
mage or the daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted woman who
put much at stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
opens her eyes, her gaze lingering on you. You catch a faint glimmer of
gold in the centre of her eyes; though she has dismissed her magic,
part of it still remains. Her shoulders sag and she lowers her head,
dropping her chin to her chest. She inhales slowly, her breath wavering.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 VSHIP VLM NO FIGHT")>>Though she
never invoked the full extent of her magic, she is clearly
exhausted.<<else>>Her actions have clearly left her
exhausted.<</if>>
You’ve never seen a mage, let alone one so high in the Guild hierarchy,
look so… vulnerable. For a moment, Zenaida isn’t a powerful mage or the
daughter of an Arathian archon, just an exhausted woman who put much at
stake to ensure her people left Rona alive.
The ship dips. <<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility
>=8>>You catch yourself before you stumble and steady your
balance.<<else>>You stumble, unused to the unsteadiness, and
press a hand against the wall.<</if>> <<if $poisoned
is true>>Your stomach churns, upset by the roiling sea. This ship
is doing your nausea no favours.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
raises her head and straightens her posture. The vulnerability
vanishes, replaced by the familiar poise and confidence you’ve come to
associate with her. “This is not how I wished to begin our partnership,”
she says. “When I came to Rona, I expected to find something quite…
different. However, the ordeal is over. I hope you will not think too
poorly of me for my interference.”
You glance at Aeran. He grunts gruffly and shrugs, his gaze never
leaving Zenaida. Malsara watches him, never straying far from Zenaida’s
side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>[[1.
“For all we know, you saved our lives. Thank you.”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
03 A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You got us out. That’s good enough
for me.”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT 03 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing. Best keep quiet and let
her continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 03
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
snorts. He leans against the wall, folding his arms as he waits for her
to continue. Tension reels off of him; he does nothing to hide his
wariness. Guild mages have always brought out the worst in him, and
Zenaida is no exception.
“I do not wish to antagonize you, Wayfarer Kellis,” Zenaida says,
folding her hands primly in her lap. “Why don’t you take a seat?”
“I’m fine where I am.”
“Very well.” Her eyes flicker to you. “Wayfarer $lastname?”
You shrug and sit down on the closest window seat. It feels good to take
the weight off your feet and the pillows are so exceedingly
comfortable, you may never want to get up again. As you adjust your
position, Nova sweeps in from the antechamber, passing so close to Aeran
she nearly brushes shoulders with him. She shoots him a strange smile,
then gracefully finds her place next to her sister.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, nausea bubbling
in your gut. You instinctively press a hand to your mouth and a feverish
chill runs down your spine, shaking your shoulders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
POISONED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Zenaida
pauses, her expression unreadable. “And you, Wayfarer Kellis?” she
prompts.
He folds his arms and leans against the wall. Tension reels off of him;
he does nothing to hide his wariness. Guild mages have always brought
out the worst in him, and Zenaida is no exception.
“Why don’t you take a seat?” Zenaida offers, gesturing to the window
seat that runs the perimeter of the cabin.
“I’m fine where I am.”
“Very well.” Her eyes flicker to you. “Wayfarer $lastname?”
You shrug and take the closest available seat. It feels good to take the
weight off your feet and the pillows are so exceedingly comfortable,
you may never want to get up again. As you adjust your position, Nova
sweeps in from the antechamber, passing so close to Aeran she nearly
brushes shoulders with him. She shoots him a strange smile, then
gracefully finds her place next to her sister.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, nausea bubbling
in your gut. You instinctively press a hand to your mouth and a feverish
chill runs down your spine, shaking your shoulders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
POISONED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranApp>>Zenaida
frowns, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. She recovers quickly
and folds her hands primly in her lap. “Why don’t you take a seat?” she
offers.
Aeran folds his arms and leans against the wall. Tension reels off of
him; he does nothing to hide his wariness. Guild mages have always
brought out the worst in him, and Zenaida is no exception.
“I’m fine where I am,” he says.
“Very well.” Her eyes flicker to you. “Wayfarer $lastname?”
You shrug and take the closest available seat. It feels good to take the
weight off your feet and the pillows are so exceedingly comfortable,
you may never want to get up again. As you adjust your position, Nova
sweeps in from the antechamber, passing so close to Aeran she nearly
brushes shoulders with him. She shoots him a strange smile, then
gracefully finds her place next to her sister.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, nausea bubbling
in your gut. You instinctively press a hand to your mouth and a feverish
chill runs down your spine, shaking your shoulders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
POISONED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Zenaida
sighs and folds her hands primly in her lap. “Why don’t you take a
seat?” she offers, nodding to the nearby window seats.
Aeran folds his arms and leans against the wall. Tension reels off of
him; he does nothing to hide his wariness. Guild mages have always
brought out the worst in him, and Zenaida is no exception.
“I’m fine where I am,” he says.
“Very well.” Her eyes flicker to you. “Wayfarer $lastname?”
You shrug and take the closest available seat. It feels good to take the
weight off your feet and the pillows are so exceedingly comfortable,
you may never want to get up again. As you adjust your position, Nova
sweeps in from the antechamber, passing so close to Aeran she nearly
brushes shoulders with him. She shoots him a strange smile, then
gracefully finds her place next to her sister.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, nausea bubbling
in your gut. You instinctively press a hand to your mouth and a feverish
chill runs down your spine, shaking your shoulders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
POISONED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>All
eyes turn to you. You lower your hand and shake it, trying to silently
communicate that you’re fine. You just need to…
Your stomach turns. An acrid taste enters your mouth and you slump
forwards, desperately fighting to keep yourself from vomiting.
“$firstname—” Aeran calls, starting across the chamber.
Malsara springs into action, flying across the room and shouldering him
out of the way. She catches you by the shoulders and gently pushes you
up. Her brown eyes observe you intensely, scanning your face as she
presses the back of her hand to your cheek and forehead. “Nightrose
poisoning,” she says. “I’m surprised you fought if off for this long.”
You swallow. Your mouth and throat burn. “I’m… I…”
“Not lethal, thankfully,” she says as she continues to examine you with a
businesslike manner. “But it is dangerous in large doses. How much were
you exposed to?”
“I…” You blink. It’s hard to think under such scrutiny. “I’m not sure—”
“Only a small cut,” Aeran supplies. “Poison on the blade—”
“Good,” she says, exhaling a sigh of relief. “It is difficult to
maintain its effectiveness once applied to a weapon. Strange that
someone chose to use it in that manner…” She shakes her head and draws
away. As soon as her hands leave your skin, amber light swirls around
her. “You’re fortunate, $lastname. Still, you should take the antidote
as soon as possible.”
“I—”
Malsara disappears, amber light hanging in the air. Nova sighs wearily
and rolls her eyes. Her sister reappears moments later, a vial clutched
in one hand.
“Drink,” she says, thrusting it into your hands.
The vial is cold to the touch. You press your fingers into the clear
glass and swill the contents around.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Drink it.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT POISON
DRINK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t drink it.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
POISON NO DRINK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT POISONED")>>Zenaida clears her
throat, cautiously looking from you to Aeran to Malsara. “I believe we
never truly had formal introductions,” she says.<<else>>“I
believe we never truly had formal introductions,” Zenaida
says.<</if>> “To reiterate—I am Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,
Savant of Diradan Tower and heir to the Velantian Protectorate. Malsara
and Nova Markal are my hands, sworn to me and my house. Nova, like me,
is a member of the Guild of Mages and holds the rank of Savant. And
though I am sure she would prefer I say nothing on the subject, Malsara
is a member of the Erebian League. She serves me in many… capacities.”
You pause, your hand clenching into a fist as several observations click
together. Malsara’s talents and training begin to make sense; you
wonder why you didn’t see it before. That being said, the Erebian League
is not often spoken of so plainly. An order of assassins whose history
stretches back centuries, the identity of the League’s operatives are
kept in shadow. That Zenaida is so open about Malsara’s vocation shows
that she is willing to trust you a great deal.
“How forthright of you,” you say.
“It has never been my intention to lie to you, Wayfarer $lastname,”
Zenaida replies. “There will be no lies in this room. No falsehoods—”
“Quit stalling,” Aeran interrupts gruffly. “What do you want?”
Zenaida twines her fingers together in her lap. “How well do you know
Velantian history?” she asks.
You pause, exchanging confused looks with Aeran. His scowl deepens with
every passing second.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
VELANTIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<run
Dialog.setup("Poisoned");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poison Removed Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<poisonedOff>>You raise the vial to
your lips and drink. The liquid tastes foul, the bitterness clinging to
the back of your mouth long after you swallow it. You make a face and
hand Malsara the vial.
She smiles faintly and takes the vial, tucking it away in her clothing.
She turns and crosses the cabin, returning to her position at Zenaida’s
side.
The antidote she gave you works quickly, and within several minutes,
your nausea is dying down. You raise your head, searching for Aeran. He
meets your gaze, a silent question in his eyes.
<i>Are you all right?</i>
You nod.
He gives you a strained smile and returns to his position by the wall.
He glances at Malsara, watching her with an expression that verges on
respect.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)>>You push
the vial back into her hands. “I don’t want it.”
She gives you a steely look. “I know you don’t trust me, Wayfarer,” she
says. “But this is not about trust. You are poisoned and you need an
antidote to counteract the effects of the nightrose—”
“I’m not taking it. I’m fine on my own.”
She frowns. Her fingers clench around the vial and she swiftly stashes
it in her clothing. She turns and crosses the cabin without a further
word, returning to her position at Zenaida’s side.
You fight the nausea, forcing it down. Raising your head, you search the
cabin for Aeran. He meets your gaze, a strange look in his eye. He
shakes his head and looks away, his arms tightening across his chest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
INTRODUCTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Annexation of
Velantis<</notify>><<set $velantisannexcodex to
true>>Velantis.
City of mages, city of fools, and the beating heart of the Arathian
Empire. Situated on the coast of the Lotharic Sea, Velantis is a
labyrinthine metropolis spanning the entirety of the peninsula it is
built upon. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, surviving
natural disasters, plagues, countless wars, and the ever-changing hand
of modern politics. It is an ancient place and rife with the stink of
magic.
The city was not always part of the Arathian Empire. Some two hundred
years ago, Velantis was one of six independent city-states flourishing
on the Lotharic Sea. But when a bloody war with Farandor devastated the
region, the Arathian Empire offered aid to push the invading armies out.
That aid turned into an occupation, and the occupation, in turn, turned
into another war.
The war was short and ugly. Velantis was the last of the six Lotharic
city-states to resist the Arathian Empire. In the end, it was never
truly conquered. A pro-Imperial faction from within the city executed a
successful coup, assassinating the Velantian kings. Without leadership,
the government was dissolved, the remaining royals executed, and the
territory absorbed into the Empire. Over the course of the following
decades, it was transformed into the centre of magical research, study,
and trade it is today.
With the city’s Imperial ties secured, the Council of Mages moved its
headquarters from Ameidan Tower in Vestra to Diradan Tower, located in
the northern region of the Velantian peninsula. To this day, the Council
is a major political power within the city with close ties to the
governing family, House Anaxas. From their lofty seats within Diradan
Tower, the Council observes the world like a chess board, nudging the
pieces wherever they see fit.
Like most Wayfarers, you’ve avoided Velantis like the plague.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“We’re familiar enough,” you
say.
“Good,” Zenaida replies. “Then you’ll understand the gravity of the
situation when I say the journey here was not a simple matter of taking a
ship and sailing across the sea. It was an act of betrayal against both
the Council and my family. I risked my life and the lives of my
subordinates to seek you out. There is a darkness growing in Velantis, a
darkness that threatens to consume not only the city, but the Arathian
Empire itself.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>“And how does this concern
us, exactly?” Aeran snaps. “No Wayfarer in their right mind would go
within ten leagues of the city that houses the Council of Mages.”
You grit your teeth. All this talk of Velantis reminds you of the letter
you found. Zenaida’s not the only person requesting Aeran’s help with
some situation in Velantis. His contact—whoever they are—asked him to
meet them there… to what? To finish what they started? But what did they
start?
A hundred questions blaze through your mind and you stamp them back, one
by one. You need to stay focused. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>And while you are under Zenaida’s scrutiny, you can’t
afford to doubt the only ally you have.<<else>>And while you
are under Zenaida’s scrutiny, you can’t afford to doubt the only friend
and ally you have.<</if>><<else>>“And this
concerns us… why, exactly?” Aeran interjects. “No Wayfarer in their
right mind would come within ten leagues of the city that houses the
Council of Mages.”<</if>>
“And they would be right to do so,” Zenaida says swiftly. “I’ll be
frank. The Council of Mages is corrupt. A schism has formed, splitting
the Guild into factions. Though outwardly we pretend to be united,
internally we are divided, and those divisions grow more desperate by
the day. Archsages, Savants, Guild masters… it doesn’t matter the rank,
sworn loyalties and long-standing allegiances are abandoned and raked
through the mud.”
She takes a deep breath, shaken by her own words. “The Guild is at war
with itself and Velantis is the battleground. Those who seek dominion
over the Guild will stop at nothing in their pursuit of power, foraying
into the depths of forbidden magic, caring nothing for the lives they
destroy. If this hidden war is not stopped, Velantis will meet a
desperate and bloody end.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Silence descends on the cabin, broken only by the sound of
crashing waves. Aeran shifts restlessly, tapping his foot against the
floor. Nova pushes herself up, an irritated look on her face as she
rises out of her seat, but Malsara grabs her arm and steadies her,
shaking her head almost imperceptibly.
“That’s all very interesting,” you say. “But the internal politics of
the Guild are far beyond us. Why do you need us?”
Zenaida exhales softly and tightens her hands in her lap. “Because you
are our one weakness,” she says. “The Guild cannot be controlled. But it
can be broken. You can walk through magical attacks, foil curses,
unravel enchantments with the touch of a hand. There may never be a time
when your skills are more vital—”
“We aren’t tools to be used!” Aeran shouts. “Especially not in some
pointless Guild war!”
She pales, but she straightens her composure nonetheless, standing firm
beneath his anger. “You may see it as pointless, Aeran,” she says. “But I
assure you, it is not. The Guild sees all. It controls all. It is
intrinsically tied to the city. Without your help, Velantis will surely
fall by the year’s end. But if you help me, you will prevent the
thousands of deaths that will otherwise occur in this conflict.”
He pauses, freezing at the use of his given name.
“And,” Zenaida continues, “I should remind you—you are aboard my ship.
Without me, you would never have escaped Rona alive. You are in my
debt.”
Your jaw clenches and an uncomfortable knot tightens in your stomach.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You don’t like being threatened. You like
where this is going less and less.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 04 A][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t need to be reminded of
your debt. Zenaida is clearly desperate. Whatever is happening with the
Guild needs to be stopped. If you can help, you will—debt or no
debt.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 04 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1,
5, 90),$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. The debt doesn’t matter. If she
wants your help, she better be ready to pay you handsomely.|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT 04 C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranApp>>“Don’t
threaten us, Zenaida,” you say. “We won’t be manipulated so easily.”
“This is not a threat, Wayfarer $lastname,” she replies. “This is a
conversation between equals. If you interpret is as anything else, it is
a dilemma for you alone to handle.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Aeran shakes his head. At this rate, his scowl
will become a permanent part of his face.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, a flare of
nausea twisting your gut. You grimace and lean forward, resting your
hands on your knees. You’re beginning to regret refusing the
antidote.<<else>>You lean forward, resting your hands on
your knees.<</if>> “Fine,” you say. “We owe you. Say we help
you. What’s involved in that? I assume there’s some plan or mission or
objective. You don’t seem the type to act first and think about the
consequences later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Forget
the debt,” you say. “If the entire city is in as much danger as you
say…”
“$firstname,” Aeran grunts warningly.
You raise a hand, brushing him off.
Zenaida looks at you, eyebrows raised in surprise. “It is,” she says.
“You’ve seen what my powers can do. Now imagine those powers unleashed
tenfold, in a conflict between hundreds of others like myself.”
“Then that’s what I care about,” you reply firmly.
You’ve been called many things over the years due to your status as a
Wayfarer—arrogant and self-serving are among them. Nobles, merchants,
peasants… no matter their status, many assume you will only act when
payment is on the table, all morals be damned. And while there is truth
to the sentiment—you will never work for no pay—you have always been
guided by your morals. You don’t enjoy knowing people have died when you
could have intervened.
“Then help me save my city,” Zenaida says.
Behind you, Aeran mutters something incomprehensible under his breath.
You can feel him glaring at you, but you brush him off. Whether you
accept this willingly or not, Zenaida is going to get what she wants in
the end. You just happen to be more open to her request.
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, a flare of
nausea twisting your gut. You grimace and lean forward, resting your
hands on your knees. You’re beginning to regret refusing the
antidote.<<else>>You lean forward, resting your hands on
your knees.<</if>> “All right,” you say. “You want us to
help save Velantis from the Guild. What, exactly, is involved in that? I
assume there’s some plan or mission or objective. You don’t seem the
type to act first and think about the consequences later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
may be in your debt,” you say, “but what you’re asking is far more than
that. If you really want our help, you better be ready to pay us for
our services.”
She sighs wearily, a cold look crossing her face. “Of course,” she says.
“You are the first Wayfarers I have met, but I have heard much of your
order. Glorified mercenaries, some call you—there will forever be a
price attached.”
You grit your teeth at the thinly veiled insult. It’s not the first time
you’ve been told as much. You’ve been called many things over the years
due to your status as a Wayfarer—arrogant and self-serving are among
them. Nobles, merchants, peasants… no matter their status, many assume
you will only act when payment is on the table, all morals be damned.
“Fear not,” she continues. “Debt or no debt, I know what I am asking of
you. You will be fairly compensated.”
<<if $poisoned is true>>Your stomach rolls, a flare of
nausea twisting your gut. You grimace and lean forward, resting your
hands on your knees. You’re beginning to regret refusing the
antidote.<<else>>You lean forward, resting your hands on
your knees.<</if>> “Fine,” you say. “Say we help you. What’s
involved in that? I assume there’s some plan or mission or objective.
You don’t seem the type to act first and think about the consequences
later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>She nods. “Indeed,” she says.
“The details have been in motion for many months, and the plan relies
heavily on the presence of a Wayfarer. That is why I sought you out—we
cannot enact it without you.”
Aeran frowns. “Is that supposed to—what? Impress us?”
“No,” Zenaida replies, unruffled by his derision. “But it should
demonstrate your importance to the task at hand. Nova, if you would…?”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>Nova rises to her feet and
produces a small obsidian orb. It sits comfortably in the palm of her
hand. Its sides are as smooth as glass, so highly polished that you can
see yourself reflected in its surface.
She stares into the orb, brow furrowed, and a violet glow seeps from her
palm into the orb. A moment later, it explodes with light. Its surface
shimmers and a moment later, an image is reflected deep
within.<<else>>Nova rises to her feet and produces a
familiar obsidian orb, cupping it in the palm of her hand. She stares
into it, brow furrowed. Slowly, a violet glow seeps from the centre of
her palm and into the orb. It explodes with light, its surface
shimmering with a violet glow, and then you see an image reflected deep
within.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
small chamber, octagonal in shape, its white walls lined with
beautifully arched stained-glass windows. The stained-glass reminds you
of the windows in the Spire, but they are different here—the mosaics are
in blues, greens and golds, a far cry from the deep violets and reds
preferred by the Spire’s architecture, and patterned in geometric shapes
whose arcane significance mean nothing to you. Conjured lights dance
around the ceiling, lighting the octagonal dais below.
The dais is raised several feet above the floor and takes up the
majority of the room. Steep white marble steps lead up to it from all
sides. A plinth rests in the middle of the dais, draped with a swath of
gold fabric that shimmers in the dancing lights. Above the plinth,
hovering in mid-air in a slow rotation, is a staff.
The staff is old, of that you have no doubt. Crafted from an earthy,
yellowish wood, it looks much more like a sturdy, well-worn weapon than
an artefact from the ancient past. At a closer look, the staff appears
to be quite long—nearly as <<if $height is "tall">>tall as
you<<else>>tall as Aeran<</if>>—and it is
reinforced with bands of dappled metal reminiscent of Alassar steel.
Embedded in the centre, near the grip, is a ruby gemstone, its colour so
dark it is nearly black.
A wave of discomfort hits you just by looking at it. This is a deeply
powerful weapon, the arcane energies contained within it unimaginable.
<<if $flotsamgrove is true>>The Chalice of Offering is a
child’s toy in comparison.<</if>>
You don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“…what is that?” you ask, fighting the nausea growing in your
stomach. <<if $poisoned is true>>For once, it’s not caused
by the poison.<</if>>
“The greatest secret of the Guild of Mages,” Nova replies. “One that has
been guarded by generations of Archsages and Savants, stretching back a
thousand years.”
“That doesn’t help,” you add.
“It is an Astrial,” she continues. “One of six arcane weapons wielded by
the Sentinels of Rhesaina during the Astrandium.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He grimaces, unable to hide his
distaste for religious tales.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1CCONTRACT 06
ASTRANDIUM][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$astrandiumcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: The Astrandium<</notify>>The story of Rhesaina and
her Sentinels is known throughout most of the continent. Millennia ago,
the world was shattered in a great cataclysm. From the sky fell
creatures from an unknown plane. These unearthly monsters, Harbingers of
death and destruction, scattered across the land, flooding the
continent with their magic. Fire and ash rained down from the sky,
mountains were levelled, the seas rose swallowed cities and villages.
From the scorched ruins of a nameless village rose a young woman named
Rhesaina. She scaled the Gairloch Mountains, making the perilous climb
to Adrasus Citadel, an ancient temple sacred to Meissa, the progenitor
deity, forebearer of the gods. The Divinity heard her plea and, blessing
her with sacred magic, commanded her to lead the world against the
otherworldly invaders.
Gathering six warriors of legend, Rhesaina sought the boons of Meissa’s
children. Her companions were blessed each in turn, one by each god, and
gifted arcane weapons. They were named Sentinels, protectors of the
world and vessels of the gods’ power, and bound to stop the world’s
destruction.
But even the power of the gods was not enough to halt the Harbingers. As
chaos surged and the land fell to ruin, Rhesaina and the Sentinels made
a choice. Sacrificing their lives to diffuse their power across the
world, they banished the Harbingers, sending them back to the void and
preventing their return for all time.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
07]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>To some, the story of Rhesaina
is a crucial part of the world’s history, a stark reminder of the
horrors that could have been if not for the gods. To others, it is
little more than hogwash, touted as fact by the devout. Regardless of
the truth in the tale, there are three indisputable facts.
First: long ago, something did scar and tear the earth, leaving behind
unnatural fissures and twisted formations in the land.
Second: Adrasus Citadel is an ancient temple imbued with magic so
powerful most cannot enter its halls without suffering hallucinations,
headaches and—should they linger too long—death. Due to the inability to
research the area, no one knows when the temple was built or by who.
The origins of the citadel are fiercely debated in many universities
across the continent.
Third: the Astrials—or something very much like them—exist. Three have
been discovered in the past thousand years: an axe in the possession of
the Arathian Empire, a shield retained by the Coveran Republic, and a
bow seized by a Meissandic temple in Nesactium. Though some speculate
these artefacts are pre-Astrandium relics of no importance, all three
have been authenticated by the Meissandium itself. They are greatly
coveted by the nations that discovered them.
If this staff is a fourth Astrial, one the Guild has hidden for
centuries…
Thinking about the political and religious implications makes you ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran snorts, coarse, uncontrolled laughter bubbling out of
him. He leans against the wall and rests his hands behind his head. “An
Astrial? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I suggest you control your more foolish impulses, Kellis,” Nova
interrupts quietly. “This is no laughing matter.”
Aeran rolls his eyes but falls silent.
“This Astrial has been in the hands of the Guild for centuries,” Zenaida
says. “Only the Archsages are permitted to enter the chamber. The image
captured by Nova is but a memory, and one that has been the cause of
much concern. With the Guild in chaos, the Archsages plan to use the
Astrial to quell the war. It will take time for them to unravel the
enchantments surrounding it, but they will achieve their goal by month’s
end. Such untapped power, released for the first time in millennia… it
can only spell untold disaster. No one must wield an Astrial.
<i>No one.”</i>
She pauses, the weight of her words lying heavy in the air. She raises
her head and locks eyes with you. When she speaks, her voice is steeled
with determination. “We must take it before the Archsages unlock its
power.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Silence descends on the room. The sea roars outside and the
ship dips, rocking the cabin to and fro.
“The chamber that houses the Astrial in Diradan Tower is magically
sealed,” Zenaida continues. “Only those who have been granted the
appropriate runes can bypass the defenses. But a Wayfarer can simply
walk through the enchantments. Unlike myself and those who stand with
me, you can reach the Astrial and take it before the Archsages can act.”
You chew the inside of your cheek, Zenaida’s words running in circles
through your thoughts. The Council, the Guild, Astrials… this isn’t your
world. This is the heart of everything you are not, the heart of
everything that loathes what you are. A Wayfarer doesn’t belong in
Velantis. A Wayfarer doesn’t involve themselves in Guild politics.
“When you say ‘those who stand with me,’” Aeran says slowly, “are there
more of you, or is it just you and those two?” He nods at Nova and
Malsara.
Malsara frowns. “I serve Her Grace,” she corrects, unable to keep the
dark tone from her voice. “Not the Guild—”
“Malsara,” Zenaida says sharply.
The assassin bows her head, falling silent.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 4>>“I
represent an entire Guild faction, Wayfarer Kellis,” Zenaida continues,
fixing Aeran with an unwavering look. “The Order of Lethalis
encompasses hundreds of like-minded mages fighting the rot at the heart
of the Guild. And it is Lethalis who you will serve, not I. I was merely
the one sent to find you.”
“Great,” Aeran mutters.
“This matter goes far beyond me,” she says. “And Lethalis is prepared to
compensate you handsomely for your aid.”
His eyes narrow. “How handsomely?” he asks.
Zenaida raises her chin. “A thousand upfront when we reach Velantis,”
she says. “Two thousand to follow when the mission is complete and the
Astrial obtained. Three thousand total.”
“Three thousand,” you splutter. “Three thousand crowns?”
She nods. “Each.”
Your eyes widen. You stare incredulously at her, certain you’ve
misheard. Aeran presses a hand to the wall and leans into it, holding
himself up as he shakes with hollow laughter.
“What the ever-living <i>hell,”</i> he says. “Six thousand
crowns? Six thousand crowns to raid the headquarters of the fucking
<i>Guild of Mages</i> and steal an
<i>Astrial.”</i>
Zenaida watches him, an unimpressed look on her face. She folds her
hands and presses her lips together in a fine line. “I believe that is
more than enough to live in comfort for a few years,” she says. “Perhaps
you and Wayfarer $lastname could find a secluded village somewhere
beyond Guild influence and never see another mage again.”
You’re not sure if this is an attempt at sarcasm or if she is being
serious. Regardless, six thousand crowns for a single contract is far
more than you have been offered in the entirety of your career. It’s a
shocking amount—which means, in addition to Zenaida’s clear desperation,
this Order of Lethalis may truly need your skills.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>><<set $lethalisstatus to 1>><<notify
3000>>Faction Unlocked: Order of
Lethalis<</notify>>“And now you know the truth of the
matter,” Zenaida says. “Six thousand crowns. One Astrial. One mission. I
would formally ask you to accept this contract, but considering the
night’s events, I believe we are quite past that.”
You press your hands into the window seat, feeling through the soft silk
covering to the hardwood beneath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m guessing this isn’t a choice.”|CHAPTER 1
CCONTRACT 08 A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79),
$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So, there’s no chance of convincing
you to drop us off somewhere on the way?”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 08
B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “As long as you pay us, we won’t
have a problem.”|CHAPTER 1 CONTRACT 08 C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<lethalisLoss>>She
turns to you, a cold look in her eyes. “No, $lastname,” she says. “You
no longer have a choice.”
You nod, unable to speak—your mouth has gone dry. You raise your head
and glance at Aeran, but he looks away, unable to meet your eyes. From
the sag in his shoulders, you know he must feel the same wretched sense
of futility.
First the Count, now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what
you do, you always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never
had a chance to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT ACCEPT
CONTRACT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>>She
laughs faintly and shakes her head. “No, $lastname. I’m sure you
realize that I cannot do that.”
“Yeah,” you say, the humour vanishing from your voice. “Shame.”
You raise your head and glance at Aeran, but he looks away, unable to
meet your eyes. From the sag in his shoulders, you know he must feel the
same wretched sense of futility.
First the Count, now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what
you do, you always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never
had a chance to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT ACCEPT
CONTRACT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>She
raises her chin. “Have no fear of that, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says
archly. “I always ensure proper compensation.”
“Good.”
You grit your teeth. There’s something unsettling in her tone that you
can’t shake. Brushing off your exhaustion, you raise your head and
glance at Aeran, but he looks away, unable to meet your eyes. From the
sag in his shoulders, you know he must feel the same wretched sense of
futility.
First the Count, now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what
you do, you always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never
had a chance to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT ACCEPT
CONTRACT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>>“Fine,” you say, rising to your feet.
“We’ll help you. But this is the only time. Once this is finished, we’re
done.”
“That is agreeable to me,” she says. “And I will speak to my superiors
and ensure it comes to pass. It is never my intention to dupe or deceive
you, or hold you against your will.”
“Except this time,” Aeran grunts.
Zenaida flushes. Ignoring his comment, she raises a hand and gestures to
the door. <<if $health is "injured">>“You should rest,” she
says. “Your injuries need attention and you have more than earned it.
We have a long voyage ahead of us. If you require help, Malsara—”
“We can take care of ourselves, thanks,” Aeran says
curtly.<<else>>“You should rest,” she says. “You have more
than earned it, and we have a long voyage ahead.”<</if>>
You rise to your feet and head for the antechamber.
“One moment, $lastname,” Zenaida calls. “I would speak with you alone. I
will not be long.”
You draw to a stop and exchange looks with Aeran. He glances warily at
Zenaida, then grimaces and shakes his head. It’s clear that she means
you no harm and it is too much trouble to argue with her now.
“Fine,” you say, turning back and sitting down. You watch as Aeran
disappears through the doors, followed by Malsara and Nova.
So, Zenaida truly did mean <i>alone</i>. You can’t fathom
what she wants now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT
09]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>She hesitates, her eyes
flickering over you.
“What?” you say.
“You know you are not the first of your kind I have met,” she says.
“Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade or
so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted you have served you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>“I
didn’t realize Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn had been on friendly
terms with the Guild,” you say.
“The history of our orders has never been as simple as frank
antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when Wayfarer and
mage have worked together to unite against a common cause.” She pauses,
her hands whispering over the silken fabric as she smooths down her
skirts. “Wayfarer $lastname, I have something to confess.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“You are not the $person I expected to find when I came to Rona.”
You frown. “Who did you expect?”
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
replies. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer
Kellis. It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership
with him.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>You swallow hard. So,
someone tipped her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who
would be keen to track his whereabouts?
Your gut twists. You know of at least one person who is—the person who
has been writing to him for years. The person who asked to meet him in
Velantis.
<i>Stop it. Don’t jump at the first coincidence, $firstname. The
world’s a big place.</i><<else>>You swallow hard. So,
someone tipped her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who
would be keen to track Aeran’s whereabouts? And if they are keeping
such a close eye on him, why didn’t they know you were with
him?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Your arms pull tight against your chest. “Lucky you,” you say,
scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I am fortunate. You are a remarkably skilled
individual; though you are reckless, your keen will to survive is proof
enough of that.”
She sighs and turns to you, brown eyes meeting yours. “Our partnership
is irregular, you and I both know that, and yet I hope it will be
fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer working together towards a
common goal… no one among the fractured pieces of the Guild will suspect
it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Little hard to be thankful when you coerced
us into it.”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 10 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’d do pretty much anything for six
thousand crowns.”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 10 B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Strangely, I’m looking forward to
it. This isn’t the worst contract I’ve taken.”|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 10
C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79), $PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing. You have nothing else
to say to her.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT 10 D][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Zenaida
pales, her fingers twisting together sharply. From the uneasy look on
her face, she seems deeply uncomfortable with her actions.
“I understand,” she says. “And… I’m sorry. As I’ve said, this is not how
I wanted—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you snap. “What’s done is done. We’ll do your dirty
work, you’ll pay us, and then we’ll be out of each other’s lives. That
good enough for you?”
She falls silent. Letting your frustration get the better of you, you
leave her be and stalk from the cabin, pushing your way out into the
grey light of early dawn.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida’s
eyes narrow and she purses her lips together in a tight line. From the
uneasy look on her face, she seems repulsed by your reply.
“Of course,” she says. “You will see your payment, Wayfarer, make no
mistake.”
She falls silent, clasping her hands tight as she fixes you with a
piercing stare. You pause, uncertain of what else she wants, then slowly
realize that she is waiting for you to leave. Turning your back on her,
you stalk from the cabin and push your way out into the grey light of
early dawn.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">>Zenaida chuckles, a faint smile playing on
her lips. “I would hate to hear what that was,” she says. “But perhaps
we shall save it for another time. Go. Rest and recover your strength.
We will speak another time. And if you require any aid, Malsara is quite
skilled in non-magical medicinal practices.”
<i>Interesting.</i>
You smile blithely. “I’ll keep that in mind.”<<else>>Zenaida
chuckles, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I would hate to hear what
that was,” she says. “But perhaps we shall save it for another time.
Go. Rest and recover your strength. We will speak another
time.”<</if>>
She falls silent and clasps her hands in her lap. She watches you,
clearly expecting some form of response. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood,
you give her a polite bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the grey
light of dawn.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of
what to do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the cabin, emerging
into the grey light of dawn.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s
searching for, you shrug and exit the cabin, emerging into the grey
light of dawn.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$health is "injured">>“Very well,” Zenaida says. “That is all.
Go. Rest. And should you require any aid, Malsara is quite skilled in
non-magical medicinal practices.”
<i>Interesting.</i>
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She nods and sits down, clasping her hands in her lap. She watches you,
clearly expecting some form of response. <<if $origin is
"noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood,
you give her a polite bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the grey
light of dawn.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of
what to do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the cabin, emerging
into the grey light of dawn.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s
searching for, you shrug and exit the cabin, emerging into the grey
light of dawn.<</if>><<else>>“Very well,”
Zenaida says. “That is all. Go. Rest. This day must have been quite
strenuous for you.”
You pause. She watches you, clearly expecting some form of response.
<<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing upon the entrenched
teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite bow and leave the
cabin, emerging into the grey light of dawn.<<elseif $lethalisapp
>=50>>Uncertain of what to do, you give her an awkward bow and
leave the cabin, emerging into the grey light of
dawn.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching for, you
shrug and exit the cabin, emerging into the grey light of
dawn.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CCONTRACT AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship deck is surprisingly calm. With the difficult work of departure
now complete, the crew have turned to other tasks. You linger by the
doors, watching them curiously, and stifle a yawn. You wonder whether
you’ve reached the point of exhaustion where you are too tired to be
tired any more.
<<if $health is "injured">>It isn’t long before a sailor
notices you standing aimlessly on the deck. “If you’re searching for
your friend, he’s below deck,” he calls. “Captain Xanael has assigned
you your own cabin.”
Raising a hand in thanks, you clamber to the decks below and find
yourself in a long, narrow corridor. The walls are paneled with the same
rich wood used in Zenaida’s cabin, though here it lacks the intricate
engravings. Conjured lights bob along the ceiling, hovering an inch or
two from the top. <<if $height is "very tall" or $height is
"tall">>You duck your head as you wind your way down the hall,
trying not to bump them. You’d rather not be the cause of a
blackout.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CABIN ALONE MEDKIT
TRANSFER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>It
isn’t long before a sailor notices you standing aimlessly on the deck.
“If you’re searching for your friend, he’s up there,” he calls, pointing
at the stern deck.
You raise a hand in thanks. Threading your way through the busy crew,
you clamber up the stairs and make your way to the back of the ship.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 CALONE STERN DECK
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The antidote works quickly. You are no longer <span class="specialtitle">Poisoned</span>.
<center><<button 'Close'>><<run Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><<preload 'images/aeda.png'
'images/aeran.png'
'images/aeranportrait.png'
'images/alexia.png'
'images/arathian.png'
'images/arcanist.png'
'images/calla.png'
'images/cenric.png'
'images/dwarven.png'
'images/elven.png'
'images/farmer.png'
'images/fated.png'
'images/felix.png'
'images/health1.png'
'images/actionpoints.png'
'images/human.png'
'images/hunter.png'
'images/kingkiller.png'
'images/lethalis.png'
'images/magehunter.png'
'images/meissandium.png'
'images/melchior.png'
'images/melusine.png'
'images/merchant.png'
'images/nelani.png'
'images/noble.png'
'images/nomad.png'
'images/quester.png'
'images/ren.png'
'images/sero.png'
'images/slayer.png'
'images/solarath.png'
'images/unknown map.png'
'images/unknown.png'
'images/urchin.png'
'images/varyn.png'
'images/velantis.png'
'images/title.png'
'images/title small.png'
'images/coverart.png'>>
/*PRONOUNS AND GENDER*/
<<set $gender to "female">>
<<set $pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "She">>
<<set $heshe to "she">>
<<set $HimHer to "Her">>
<<set $himher to "her">>
<<set $HisHer to "Her">>
<<set $hisher to "her">>
<<set $HisHers to "Hers">>
<<set $hishers to "hers">>
<<set $Himself to "Herself">>
<<set $himself to "herself">>
<<set $ancestry to "melusine">>
/*CHAPTER*/
<<set $gamechapter to 0>>
/*COMPANIONS*/
/*APPROVAL*/
<<set $alexiaapp = 50>> /*trust meter, max 100*/
<<set $renapp = 50>>
<<set $callaapp = 50>>
<<set $melchiorapp = 50>>
<<set $nelaniapp = 50>>
<<set $felixapp = 50>>
<<set $aeranapp = 0>>
<<set $rhodarthapp = 50>>
<<set $seroapp = 0>>
<<set $varynapp = 0>>
<<set $cenricapp = 0>>
/*ROMANCE*/
<<set $aeranromance to false>>
<<set $alexiaromance to false>>
<<set $renromance to false>>
<<set $callaromance to false>>
<<set $melchiorromance to false>>
<<set $rhodarthromance to false>>
<<set $ravenromance to false>>
<<set $phaedraromance to false>>
<<set $lyrmelromance to false>>
<<set $iaeraromance to false>>
<<set $aeranrom = 0>> /*romance points*/
<<set $alexiarom = 0>>
<<set $renrom = 0>>
<<set $callarom = 0>>
<<set $melchiorrom = 0>>
<<set $rhodarthrom = 0>>
<<set $ravenrom = 0>>
<<set $phaedrarom = 0>>
<<set $lyrianrom = 0>>
<<set $lyrmelrom = 0>>
<<set $iaerarom = 0>>
/* FACTIONS */
<<set $wayfarerapp = 100>>
<<set $lethalisapp = 50>>
<<set $solarathapp = 50>>
<<set $empireapp = 50>>
<<set $velantisapp = 50>>
<<set $arcanistsapp = 50>>
<<set $meissandiumapp = 50>>
/* CHARACTER STATS*/
<<set $strength = 5>>
<<set $agility = 5>>
<<set $perception = 5>>
<<set $persuasion = 5>>
<<set $actionpoints = 4>> /* max overall activity points is 6 */
<<set $maxactionpoints = 4>>
<<set $gold to 5>>
<<set $health to "full">> /* full recovering healing injured */
<<set $activepoison to false>>
/*DEFAULT APPEARANCE*/
<<set $skintone to "warm brown">>
<<set $eyecolour to "brown">>
<<set $haircolour to "dark brown">>
<<set $hairlength to "shoulder-length">>
<<set $hairtexture to "wavy">>
<<set $facialhair to "none">>
<<set $height to "average">>
<<set $skinmarks to "none">>
<<set $crestpattern to "swirls">>
<<set $crestcolour to "gold">>
/* RECORDS */
<<set $nickname to "">>
<<set $scar1 to "none">>
<<set $scar2 to "none">>
<<set $scar3 to "none">>
<<set $scar4 to "none">>
<<set $scar5 to "none">>
<<set $scar6 to "none">>
<<set $tattoo1 to "none">>
<<set $tattoo2 to "none">>
<<set $tattoo3 to "none">>
<<set $tattoo4 to "none">>
<<set $strengthsuccess = 0>>
<<set $agilitysuccess = 0>>
<<set $perceptionsuccess = 0>>
<<set $persuasionsuccess = 0>>
<<set $strengthfail = 0>>
<<set $agilityfail = 0>>
<<set $perceptionfail = 0>>
<<set $persuasionfail = 0>>
<<set $monsterkills = 0>>
<<set $duels = 0>>
<<set $injuries = 0>>
<<set $blackout = 0>>
<<set $executions = 0>>
<<set $spares = 0>>
<<set $pactforged = 0>>
<<set $pactbroken = 0>>
<<set $usedenkit = 0>> /*tracks the amount of times the MC uses enhanced med kits*/
<<set $tenet1 to false>>
<<set $tenet2 to false>>
<<set $tenet3 to false>>
<<set $tenet4 to false>>
<<set $tenet5 to false>>
<<set $tenet6 to false>>
/* INVENTORY */
<<set $hide_gear to false>>
<<newinventory '$gearInv'>>
<<newinventory '$packInv'>>
<<newinventory '$questInv'>>
<<newinventory '$giftInv'>>
<<newinventory '$junkInv'>>
<<newinventory '$holding'>>
<<newinventory '$romanceInv'>>
<<set $enmedkituse to 0>>
<<set $enmedkit to 0>>
<<set $clawtraps to 0>>
<<set $thunderspheres to 0>>
<<set $snakeweed to 0>>
<<set $dreamweed to 0>>
<<set $enmedkiteqp to false>>
<<set $clawtrapeqp to false>>
<<set $thundersphereeqp to false>>
<<set $snakeweedeqp to false>>
<<set $dreamweedeqp to false>>
/* AUTONAME SAVE */
<<set $firstname to "New Character">>
<<set $areaname to " New Game">>
/* STATUS EFFECTS */
<<set $contented to false>>
<<set $tenacious to false>>
<<set $confident to false>>
<<set $rested to false>>
<<set $focused to false>>
<<set $poisoned to false>>
<<set $intoxicated to false>>
<<set $debilitated to false>>
<<set $hungover to false>>
<<set $fatigued to false>>
/*OTHER*/
<<set $Ras to "Rasmira">><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Dareia">><<if
$holding.has('Alassar sword')>><<transfer '$holding'
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<notify 3000>>+ Alassar
Sword<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<set $aeranrom
+=60>><</if>><<if $mcpoisoned is
true>><<set $activepoison to true>><<set
$mcpoisoned to false>><</if>><<set $tenet1 to
true>><<set $blackout += 1>><<set $health to
"recovering">><<if $rhodarthOath >=6>><<set
$rhodarthDead to true>><<set $rhodarthDead_How to
3>><</if>><<set $Chapter1_Unconscious to
true>><<if $aeranapp >=60>>You wake to the sound of
creaking wood and the smell of brine.
As your eyes slowly open and blink back the blurriness, you feel a
rolling lurch that can only be associated with a ship at sea. You groan
and push yourself upright, nearly cracking your neck as you look around
your surroundings, confusion and panic pounding in your heart—
“$nickname—”
Pressure on your hand. You struggle to tear it free, but whoever holds
it has a strong grip—
“Hey—hey, it’s okay, it’s okay—”
“…Aeran?”
Your voice cracks, your throat raw and dry. You blink again and your
vision clears.
You’re lying on a small cot squeezed into a night nook on one side of a
cramped cabin. Daylight streams in from a circular window, casting a
bright rectangle of light on the dark wood panels of the floor and
walls. A wide, heavy wood chest is pushed against the opposite wall,
though there isn’t much space—if you leaned out of bed, you could reach
out and touch it. A hastily hung hammock swings haphazardly above the
chest and, stashed in the only available corner, are two oil lamps. A
door is squished next to the foot of your bed that leads, presumably to
the rest of the ship.
Aeran sits on the edge of your bed, his hand squeezing yours, a worried
look in his eyes. His clothes are different—a utilitarian dark shirt and
trousers—and while they are clean, are creased and wrinkled from
several days of use. <<if $CountB_Branch2 is true>>He’s left
the shirt unbuttoned. His skin is lightly tanned and fresh stubble
graces his cheeks and chin.<<else>>He’s left the shirt
unbuttoned and you can see fresh bandages poking out from beneath it.
His face is lightly tanned and bears the marks of healing cuts and
bruises, and fresh stubble graces his cheeks and
chin.<</if>>
<i>How long was I out…?</i>
You swallow the dry lump in your throat and raise your head, forcing a
croak past your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…hey, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 1 B SHIP 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…what the hell is going
on?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP 01 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…you can let go of my hand
now.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP 02
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <=59>>You wake to the sound of
creaking wood and the smell of brine.
As your eyes slowly open and blink back the blurriness, you feel a
rolling lurch that can only be associated with a ship at sea. You groan
and push yourself upright, nearly cracking your neck as you look around
your surroundings, confusion and panic pounding in your heart—
“$firstname—”
You thrash in confusion. Your own name sounds like a nonsensical string
of syllables in your ears. A hand briefly touches your shoulder.
“Hey—hey, you’re fine, you’re safe—$firstname—”
“…Aeran?”
Your voice cracks, your throat raw and dry. You blink again and your
vision clears. You’re lying on a small cot squeezed into a night nook on
one side of a cramped cabin. Daylight streams in from a circular
window, casting a bright rectangle of light on the dark wood panels of
the floor and walls. A wide, heavy wood chest is pushed against the
opposite wall, though there isn’t much space—if you leaned out of bed,
you could reach out and touch it. A hastily hung hammock swings
haphazardly above the chest and, stashed in the only available corner,
are two oil lamps. A door is squished next to the foot of your bed that
leads, presumably to the rest of the ship.
Aeran sits on the edge of your bed, his hand squeezing yours, a worried
look in his eyes. His clothes are different—a utilitarian dark shirt and
trousers—and while they are clean, are creased and wrinkled from
several days of use. <<if $CountB_Branch2 is true>>He’s left
the shirt unbuttoned. His skin is lightly tanned and fresh stubble
graces his cheeks and chin.<<else>>He’s left the shirt
unbuttoned and you can see fresh bandages poking out from beneath it.
His face is lightly tanned and bears the marks of healing cuts and
bruises, and fresh stubble graces his cheeks and
chin.<</if>>
<i>How long was I out…?</i>
You swallow the dry lump in your throat and raise your head, forcing a
croak past your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…hey, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 1 B SHIP 01
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…what the hell is going
on?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP 01 B]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…what are you doing here?”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
wake to the sound of creaking wood and the smell of brine.
As your eyes slowly open and blink back the blurriness, you feel a
rolling lurch that can only be associated with a ship at sea. You groan
and push yourself upright, nearly cracking your neck as you look around
your surroundings, confusion and panic pounding in your heart—
You blink, your vision clearing. Pushing down your panic, you try to get
your bearings. You’re alone, lying on a small cot squeezed into a tight
nook on one side of a cramped cabin. Daylight streams in from a
circular window, casting a bright rectangle of light on the dark wood
panels of the floor and walls. A wide, heavy wood chest is pushed
against the opposite wall, though there isn’t much space—if you leaned
out of bed, you could reach out and touch it. A hastily hung hammock
swings haphazardly above the chest and, stashed in the only available
corner, are two oil lamps. A door is squished next to the foot of your
bed that leads, presumably to the rest of the ship.
You groan, shifting your weight, and try to push yourself out of bed.
Your muscles complain, your body refuses to move, aching right down to
the bone. You inhale sharply and slowly inch yourself to the edge of the
bed—
The door opens.
“$firstname!”
Aeran stops in the threshold. He stares at you, unable to mask his
surprise. His clothes are different—a dark, utilitarian set of shirt and
trousers that bear the creases and wrinkles of several days of use.
<<if $CountB_Branch2 is true>>He’s left the shirt
unbuttoned. His skin is lightly tanned and fresh stubble graces his
cheeks and chin.<<else>>He’s left the shirt unbuttoned and
you can see fresh bandages poking out from beneath it. His face is
lightly tanned and bears the marks of healing cuts and bruises, and
fresh stubble graces his cheeks and chin.<</if>>
<i>How long was I out?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP 02 LOW APP
INSERT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$aeranshotmc is true>>He glances at you, relief rushing across
his face. “You had me worried there, $firstname,” he says.
“I’ll try not to make a habit of it,” you croak.
“Yeah…” he says quietly, his voice trailing away. The cot creaks beneath
him as he shifts his weight and looks away, his gaze lingering on the
opposite wall. His relief is short-lived—he can barely look at you.
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and lean back, resting your head
and shoulders against the headboard.<<else>>He smiles
faintly, relief rushing over him. “You had me worried there, $nickname,”
he says.
“I’ll try not to make a habit of it,” you croak.
“You better not,” he says, the cot creaking beneath him as he shifts his
weight. “Someone needs to remind you of your own mortality. I don’t
know what I’d do if you got yourself killed next time.”
His smile fades and he looks away, his gaze lingering absently on the
opposite wall. You swallow a dry lump in your throat and lean back,
resting your head and shoulders against the
headboard.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you in silence—and then he bursts out laughing, a dry,
desperate kind of laugh that only follows a close brush with death. He
passes a hand over his face, his shoulders shaking, and turns away from
you.
“What?” you croak. “What is it?”
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>Aeran shakes his head and falls
silent. The cot creaks beneath him as he shifts his weight and looks
away, his gaze lingering on the opposite wall. He can barely look at
you.
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and lean back, resting your head
and shoulders against the headboard.<<else>>Aeran shakes his
head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m glad to
have you back, $nickname,” he says.
You swallow the dry lump in your throat and nod. “Yeah,” you murmur. You
lean back, resting your head against the headboard.
“Yeah…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranshotmc is true>>He draws away, pulling his hand from yours.
“Sorry,” he says. The cot creaks beneath him as he shifts his weight
and looks away, his gaze lingering on the opposite wall. He can barely
look at you.
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and lean back, resting your head
and shoulders against the headboard.<<else>>He draws away,
pulling his hand from yours. “Sorry,” he says. His eyes sweep over you;
he’s unable to keep the concern from his face. “I’m glad to have you
back, $firstname.”
You nod, swallowing a dry lump in your throat. “Yeah,” you murmur. You
lean back, resting your head against the headboard.
“Yeah…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>His
eyes meet yours. “Waiting for you to wake up.”
“Oh.” You lean back, resting your head and shoulders against the
headboard. “…thank you.”
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>“We… uh…” He pauses, uncertain
of what to say, and runs a hand through his hair. “We really did a
number on ourselves this time, huh?”
You blink. Your memory is fuzzy, your mind a haze. “I guess…”
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and silence settles over
you.<<else>>“You… uh…” He pauses, uncertain of what to say,
and runs a hand through his hair. “You really did a number on yourself
this time.”
“I guess.”
You swallow a dry lump in your throat and silence settles over
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
clears his throat and shuts the door. “Don’t get up,” he says. “You
were seriously injured.”
You swallow a dry lump in your throat. “I guessed as much.”
He folds his arms, eyes sweeping over you. “May I?” he asks, nodding to
the edge of your bed.
There aren’t many options for seating. You shrug and nod.
Aeran sits down, the bed creaking under his weight. He glances at you,
an unspoken question lingering on his lips, but he says nothing. A heavy
silence settles between you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $chapter1route is
"ratalley">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
shift in bed, tugging at the quilt as you pull your knees into your
chest. Your muscles protest with the ache of disuse; you must have been
asleep for days. It dawns on you that you’re wearing clothes that aren’t
yours—someone has dressed you in a long, coarse bed shirt that extends
to your knees. Your skin itches, but it’s not the fabric. You try to
ignore your growing discomfort, but you can’t put it out of your mind.
You grit your teeth, pull at the neckline of your shirt, and look down.
Your torso and shoulders are neatly bandaged. The dressings are fresh
and you smell the familiar scent of antibiotic salves. Whoever has cared
for you has done a remarkable job.
You let go of your neckline and glance at Aeran. “You… did this?”
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>He pauses. “No,” he says
slowly, avoiding your gaze. “After the town square collapsed, I was…
just as out of it as you were. Malsara took care of you. As a League
assassin, she was the only one onboard with surgical skill. <<if
$activepoison is true>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at
all. Aside from your injuries, you had nightrose poisoning. She gave you
the antidote.<<else>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive
at all.<</if>>”<<else>>He pauses. “No,” he says
slowly, avoiding your gaze. “After… what happened, I was just as out of
it as you were. Malsara took care of you. As a League assassin, she was
the only one onboard with surgical skill. <<if $activepoison is
true>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at all. Aside from your
injuries, you had nightrose poisoning. She gave you the
antidote.<<else>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at
all.<</if>>”<</if>>
“…what?”
Even considering the haze in your mind, very little of this makes sense.
There aren’t many people with the surgical skill and knowledge to treat
injuries through non-magic means. But the name he said… Malsara…
Why does it sound familiar?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t stop shaking. You can’t stand the
thought of someone touching you without your consent.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
DOC BRANCH 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Whoever this person is, she saved
your life. Aeran is acting like you should know who she is…|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOC BRANCH 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Whatever. You just want to know what
the hell is going on and how you got on a ship.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIO DOC
BRANCH 3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shift in bed, tugging at the quilt as you pull your knees into your
chest. Your muscles protest with the ache of disuse; you must have been
asleep for days. It dawns on you that you’re wearing clothes that aren’t
yours—someone has dressed you in a long, coarse bed shirt that extends
to your knees. Your skin itches, but it’s not due to the fabric. You try
to ignore your growing discomfort, but you can’t put it out of your
mind.
You grit your teeth, pull at the neckline of your shirt, and look down.
Your torso and shoulders are neatly bandaged. The dressings are fresh
and you smell the familiar scent of antibiotic salves. Whoever has cared
for you has done a remarkable job.
You let go of your neckline and glance at Aeran. “You… did this?”
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>He pauses. “No,” he says
slowly, avoiding your gaze. “After the town square collapsed, I was…
just as out of it as you were. Someone… a woman… uh… she’s part of the
ship’s crew—she did it. She was the only one who knew
how.”<<else>>He pauses. “No,” he says slowly, avoiding your
gaze. “After… what happened, I was just as out of it as you were.
Someone… a woman… uh… she’s part of the ship’s crew—she did it. She was
the only one who knew how.”<</if>>
“…what?”
Even considering the haze in your mind, very little of this makes sense.
There aren’t many people with the surgical skill and knowledge to treat
injuries through non-magic means. You swallow hard as a hundred
questions flood your thoughts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t stop shaking. You can’t stand the
thought of a stranger touching you without your consent.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
RAV BRANCH 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s fine. Whoever this person is,
she saved your life. But you can’t shake the feeling that there’s
something off about this situation…|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV BRANCH
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Whatever. You just want to know what
the hell is going on and how you got on a ship.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
BRANCH 3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wrap your arms around your knees, grasping them tight. Your gut twists;
your heart pounds beneath your breastbone, fluttering so rapidly you
can feel it in your throat. Sweat trickles down the back of your neck.
You press the back of your hand to your mouth, though it does little to
lessen the nausea roiling in your stomach.
Aeran stares at you, concern in his eyes. He reaches out, but pauses
just short of touching you, uncertain of what to do. “$nickname—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B1
01A">1. “What the hell is going on here,
Aeran?”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
B1 01B">2. “Shut up… just <i>shut
up!”</i></a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Grab his hand. You’re disoriented,
wounded, and in an unfamiliar place. More than anything you need
something familiar right now.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B1
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Lucky
us,” you say.
Aeran grimaces.
“But it’s a strange coincidence, isn’t it? Getting rescued by the one
person in the area besides you and me who doesn’t rely on magic for
recovery…”
He folds his arms and looks away, unable to meet your gaze. You trail
off, uncertain of what to say. He tenses, discomfort reeling off of him.
It doesn’t take any stretch of the imagination to know there’s
something he doesn’t want to tell you.
“What?” you press.
“She’s an assassin,” he says abruptly. “Malsara is a League assassin.
Non-magic surgical skills are part of their training—”
“Yes, I know that, Aeran,” you interrupt. Your brows knit together in
confusion and you lower your chin and rest a hand against your forehead.
You’re familiar with the Erebian League. As an order of assassins whose
history stretches back centuries, the League’s operatives usually keep
to the shadows. That one is so forthcoming with her identity strikes you
as… odd.
Something doesn’t feel right about this.
<<if $activepoison is true>>He clears his throat warily.
“You had nightrose poisoning,” he adds. “She gave you the antidote for
it.”
You frown and rub your forehead. “So this assassin, she… what… did this
willingly out of the kindness of her heart?”<<else>>You rub
your forehead. “So this assassin, she… what… did this willingly out of
the kindness of her heart?”<</if>>
He exhales a long breath. “No,” he says quietly. “She’s under
assignment. Do you remember the woman who followed us from <<if
$vlvillafirst is true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>the Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
You freeze and your mouth runs dry. “…yeah.”
“That’s her.”
He glances at you cautiously, watching you carefully as he waits for
your reaction. You glare back at him, your eyes narrowing darkly. None
of this makes any sense.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s going on here, Aeran? Where are
we?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Try to remember… The woman who
followed you… what did she want?|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Everything hurts too much to think.
Lie down and close your eyes.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you say slowly. “What the hell is going on? Where are we?”
He pales and draws away, tensing up. You fold your arms, gingerly
working around your bandages, and fix him with an unblinking stare.
You’re not going to let him get away without answering you.
After a moment, he groans and exhales a long breath, letting his
shoulders slump. “We’re on an Arathian ship called the
<i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you ask, pushing down your surprise. <<if (def
$marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has told you floods
your mind. Your fingers clench, curling into a fist.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV VELANTIS BRANCH
2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words rip hoarsely from your throat, muffled by the back of your hand.
You glare at him as you speak. You won’t take anything less than a clear
answer.
He pales and draws away, tensing up. He rubs the back of his neck
nervously and looks away, unable to meet your gaze. “It’s a long story,”
he says.
“I don’t care. Spit it out.”
He groans, exhaling a long breath as his shoulders slump. “We’re on an
Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you murmur, pushing down your surprise. <<if (def
$marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has told you floods
your mind. Your fingers clench, curling into a fist.
<i>Shit, shit, shit!</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV VELANTIS BRANCH
2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The words rip from your throat
with a strangled cry. Aeran draws back sharply and falls silent, giving
you as much space as he can. Your shoulders shake and you clasp your
hands tight around your knees, threading your fingers together. Your
skin feels clammy. Sweat beads your brow and a feverish chill runs from
the nape of your neck and across your shoulders.
The cabin is so cramped, the air so stale… You cast an eye around and
the dark walls seem to move, closing in on you, suffocating you.
You squeeze your eyes shut and force yourself to breathe.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>One.</i>
You hear the creak of the ship, the crash of the waves. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>You can make out distant voices—the calls of
the crew as they go about their tasks and keep the ship on
course.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Two.</i>
You feel the cabin lurch as the ship rocks, rolling to and fro on the
sea. You must be far from any shore, lost somewhere in the Rhesainian
Ocean…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Three.</i>
You feel the heat of the sun as it streams through the window, brushing
your skin with comforting warmth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>><i>Four.</i>
You can feel Aeran nearby. The familiar sound of his breath… the sense
of his movements, however miniscule… You don’t need to look at him to
know that he is watching you with worry, frozen with indecision on how
best to help, unwilling to go anywhere until he knows you are all right.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=8>>[[1. [ROMANCE]
Reach out for him. You need him.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 02 A
ROM][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif
$aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Reach out for him. You need him. You need
your friend.|CHAPTER 1BSHIP RAV 02 B HIGH APP][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[1. Reach out for him. Things between you might
be strained right now, but you need someone.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 02 C
LOW APP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. The panic is passing. You’ll be all
right.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 02 D][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to true>>You
seize his hand, your fingers crushing his. He grips your hand in return,
holding tight. A trembling breath escapes your lips and you pull him
in, nearly dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself to him.
He catches you, wrapping his arms around you, and holds you tight.
You press your face to his shoulder and <i>breathe.</i>
You’re not sure how long you stay like that. You cling to him and slowly
the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your breath no
longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on him. You
hesitate before you draw away, unwilling to let go completely. His
embrace is firm, but gentle, conscious of your injuries.
You need this. You need to be held, if just for a little longer…
“$firstname,” he says softly, his voice murmuring in your ear. “Are you
all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t.” You draw back, opening your eyes and meeting his gaze. He is
pale, worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you
feel. “But I think before we do anything else, I need to know what
happened.”
He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge of your cot.
He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with yours. “What do
you remember?”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You seize his
hand, your fingers crushing his. Aeran takes it, his grip strong and
firm. A trembling breath escapes you and you pull him in, nearly
dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself to him. He embraces
you and holds you tight.
You bow your head and <i>breathe.</i>
Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him and pull away. You open your eyes and meet his gaze. He is pale,
worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you feel.
“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt, shaking your head. “I think before anything
else, I need to know what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<<else>>You seize his hand, your
fingers crushing his. Aeran takes it, his grip strong and firm. A
trembling breath escapes you. You bow your head and breathe.
Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him and pull away. Opening your eyes, you raise your head and meet his
gaze. He looks back at you, his face pale, worry lines creasing his
forehead. He looks as worn-out as you feel.
“$firstname,” he says quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing across his
face. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN SHOT
MC]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV CONLOOP COUNT POSTBASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP BASILISK
FIGHT]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP VILLA FIGHT]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TOWN SQUARE
FIGHT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranRomance>>You
let go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran catches your
searching fingers and firmly grasps your hand. A trembling breath
escapes your lips and you pull him in, nearly dragging yourself off the
cot as you crush yourself to him. He catches you, wrapping his arms
around you, and holds you tight.
You press your face to his shoulder and <i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You’re not sure how long you stay like that. You cling to him
and slowly the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him. You hesitate before you draw away, unwilling to let go completely.
His embrace is firm, but gentle, conscious of your injuries.
You need this. You need to be held, if just for a little longer…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<set $handTouch to true>>“$firstname,” Aeran says
softly, his voice murmuring in your ear. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t.” You draw back, opening your eyes and meeting his gaze. He is
pale, worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you
feel. “But I think before we do anything else, I need to know what
happened.”
He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge of your cot.
He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with yours.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN SHOT
MC][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP COUNT
POSTBASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP BASILISK
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP VILLA
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TOWN SQUARE
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranApp>>You let
go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran gently takes your wrist
and clasps your hand with his. A trembling breath escapes you and you
pull him in, nearly dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself
to him. He embraces you and holds you tight.
You bow your head and <i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and
your breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip
on him and pull away. You open your eyes and meet his gaze. He is pale,
worry lines creasing his forehead.
He looks as worn-out as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN SHOT
MC][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP COUNT
POSTBASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP BASILISK
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP VILLA
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TOWN SQUARE
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranApp>>You let
go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran takes it, his grip
strong and firm. A trembling breath escapes you. You bow your head and
<i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and
your breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip
on him and pull away. Opening your eyes, you raise your head and meet
his gaze. He looks back at you, his face pale, worry lines creasing his
forehead.
He looks as worn-out as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing
across his face. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN SHOT
MC][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP COUNT
POSTBASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP BASILISK
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP VILLA
FIGHT][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TOWN SQUARE
FIGHT][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
exhale a long breath and open your eyes. Aeran meets your gaze. His
face is pale and worry lines crease his forehead. He looks as worn-out
as you feel.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are
you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt, shaking your head. “I think before anything
else, I need to know what happened.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
true>>He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge
of your cot. He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with
yours.<<else>>He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly
on the edge of your cot. “What do you
remember?”<</if>><<else>>“$firstname,” he says
quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing across his face. “I’m sorry, I
shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN SHOT
MC]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV CONLOOP COUNT POSTBASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP BASILISK
FIGHT]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP VILLA FIGHT]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TOWN SQUARE
FIGHT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>Aeran looks down at your entwined
hands.<<else>>Aeran looks down at his hands. “You don’t
remember, do you?”<</if>>
“I…” Your shoulder throbs, the pain flaring across your chest. “I…”
You close your eyes. You remember lying on the ground, an arrow shaft
sprouting from your shoulder. For some reason, you can recall the way
the cold hard tile pressed into your back more clearly than the arrow
itself. Blood on your tunic, blood on your hands… the Count laughing… A
gold light bursting high above you…
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
true>>Your grip constricts, squeezing his hand
tight.<<else>>Your hand grasps the quilt, squeezing the
fabric as your fingers curl into a fist.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You shot me.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look at him. You don’t need to say
anything.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer him. You don’t want to
think about this…|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 4>>Aeran
lets out a long, tired sigh. “After it… after it took you out, I
thought…” The words fade. “I thought it killed you. And Rho and I… we
killed it. Somehow. A lucky hit. And when it was dead, the Count was
laughing…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he interrupts.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“I’ll get to her,” he adds quickly. “After the basilisk was dead, the
Count extended a truce. He was willing to let me go. And I refused.” He
glances at you. “I… fought him. And I killed him. And I… well… I think I
lost part of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure. Had you been given the chance, maybe you would have
killed him yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN 01][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN 02][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>>Aeran
lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “I really thought we were done after that
mess with the basilisk. But then Rho went and… And you…” The words
fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “When you attacked the Count, I
thought he killed you. I stood there watching and I couldn’t move. I
couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he says quietly. “The Count was killed on her orders.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 4>>Aeran
lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “I thought the Count killed you,” he says
quietly. “I stood there watching and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.
All I felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he interrupts.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“I’ll get to her,” he says. “I killed Cere Nalos, $firstname. He struck
you down and I killed him and I… well… I think I lost part of myself
there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of his actions. You had no love for the Count, that’s for
sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself when you
blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s actions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN 01][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP AERAN 02][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS SECOND INJURY BLACKOUT")>>Aeran lets
out a slow, shaking sigh. “After you blacked out, the town square
collapsed,” he says. “The fire was out of control, burning the supports,
the houses, everything… We would have been trapped under all of it if
Zenaida hadn’t pulled us out in time.”<<else>>Aeran lets out
a slow, shaking sigh. “The town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire
was out of control, burning the supports, the houses, everything… We
would have been trapped under all of it if Zenaida hadn’t pulled us out
in time.”<</if>>
“…Zenaida?” You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“You remember the gold light?”
You nod.
He hesitates, searching for the right words.<<if $aeranrom
>=10>><<set $handTouch to true>> His fingers twine
around yours and gently ease up on their grip.<</if>> “That
was her,” he says. “Her people had been tracking us the entire day,
following everything we did. And when we were trapped in the town
square, she did everything she could to get us out alive.”
He trails off, noting your deepening frown. The more he tells you, the
more confused you become.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP TQUARE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
nods.<<if $aeranrom >=2>> You lean forwards and press a
hand to his cheek. He stares at you, his eyes wide.<</if>>
The ghost of a smile flickers across his face.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranrom >=2>><<set $handTouch to false>>Aeran
draws away sharply and lets go of your hand.<<else>>Aeran’s
fingers curl inward, shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he
says.<</if>>
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“I killed him,” he snaps, anger flaring. “That’s all you need to know.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He hesitates, trying to find the
right words to continue his story. <<if $handTouch is
true>>His fingers twine around yours and gently ease up on their
grip.<</if>> “The light you saw,” he says. “That was Zenaida
breaking down the barriers. Her people were tracking us the entire day,
following everything we did. The moment we went into the villa, she
started the process of dissolving the Count’s security enchantments. If
she had been faster…”
He trails off, noting your deepening scowl. The more he tells you, the
more confused you become.
“Do you remember the woman who followed us from <<if $vlvillafirst
is true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>the Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
he asks.
Your brows knit together. You remember something… Ashen hair, brown
eyes, oval face… and the most annoying use of Dispersion magic you have
witnessed in a long time. “Yeah,” you say. “I remember her.”
“Her name is Malsara Markal,” he says. “She’s a League assassin—”
A shaky laugh escapes your lips. You’re familiar with the Erebian
League. As an order of assassins whose history stretches back centuries,
its operatives usually keep to the shadows. That one has been so
forthcoming with her identity is odd.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“What was a League assassin doing chasing us around Rona?” you
ask.
He rubs the back of his neck. “Malsara is assigned to Zenaida Anaxas,”
he continues. “The heir to the Velantian Protectorate. This is her
ship—”
You snort with disbelief. “What’s an Imperial aristocrat doing all the
way out here?” you say.
“Would you just listen?” he says sharply. “She’s not just an aristocrat.
She’s a Savant. From Diradan Tower.”
Your eyes widen. “A Guild mage?”
This doesn’t bode well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” Aeran says. “We may have
pissed her off by refusing to go to her after Malsara approached us,
but she wasn’t going to give up that easily. <<if $CountB_Branch1
is true or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>And after what happened at the
villa… I didn’t have much choice.”<<else>>And after what
happened at the town square… I didn’t have much
choice.”<</if>>
He raises his head and meets your eyes. <<if $CountB_Branch1 is
true or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>“With the Count dead, it wouldn’t
be long until the Viridian Lady acted in retribution. If there’s
anything the Seven hate more than each other, it’s those who question
their power. You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting
Zenaida’s offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re
headed to Velantis.”<<else>>“We barely made it out alive.
You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s
offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re headed to
Velantis.”<</if>>
<<if $handTouch is true>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>>
“Velantis,” you repeat. “We’re headed to <i>Velantis.”</i>
He looks away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
VELANTIS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Annexation of
Velantis<</notify>><<set $velantisannexcodex to
true>>Velantis.
City of mages, city of fools, and the beating heart of the Arathian
Empire. Situated on the coast of the Lotharic Sea, Velantis is a
labyrinthine metropolis spanning the entirety of the peninsula it is
built upon. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, surviving
natural disasters, plagues, countless wars, and the ever-changing hand
of modern politics. It is an ancient place and rife with the stink of
magic.
The city was not always part of the Arathian Empire. Some two hundred
years ago, Velantis was one of six independent city-states flourishing
on the Lotharic Sea. But when a bloody war with Farandor devastated the
region, the Arathian Empire offered aid to push the invading armies out.
That aid turned into an occupation, and the occupation, in turn, turned
into another war.
The war was short and ugly. Velantis was the last of the six Lotharic
city-states to resist the Arathian Empire. In the end, it was never
truly conquered. A pro-Imperial faction from within the city executed a
successful coup, assassinating the Velantian kings. Without leadership,
the government was dissolved, the remaining royals executed, and the
territory absorbed into the Empire. Over the course of the following
decades, it was transformed into the centre of magical research, study,
and trade it is today.
With the city’s Imperial ties secured, the Council of Mages moved its
headquarters from Ameidan Tower in Vestra to Diradan Tower, located in
the northern region of the Velantian peninsula. To this day, the Council
is a major political power within the city with close ties to the
governing family, House Anaxas. From their lofty seats within Diradan
Tower, the Council observes the world like a chess board, nudging the
pieces wherever they see fit.
Like most Wayfarers, you’ve avoided Velantis like the plague.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B1
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Do you remember the woman who
followed us from <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the South
Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the Cove<<elseif
$edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
he asks.
Your brows knit together. You remember something… Ashen hair, brown
eyes, oval face… and the most annoying use of Dispersion magic you have
witnessed in a long time. “Yeah,” you say. “I remember her.”
“Her name is Malsara Markal,” he says. “She’s a League assassin—”
A shaky laugh escapes your lips. You’re familiar with the Erebian
League. As an order of assassins whose history stretches back centuries,
its operatives usually keep to the shadows. That one has been so
forthcoming with her identity is odd.
“What was a League assassin doing chasing us around Rona?” you ask.
He rubs the back of his neck. “Malsara is assigned to Zenaida Anaxas,”
he continues. “The heir to the Velantian Protectorate. This is her
ship—”
You snort with disbelief. “What’s an Imperial aristocrat doing all the
way out here?” you say.
“Would you just listen?” he says sharply. “She’s not just an aristocrat.
She’s a Savant. From Diradan Tower.”
Your eyes widen. “A Guild mage?”
This doesn’t bode well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” Aeran says. “We may have
pissed her off by refusing to go to her after Malsara approached us,
but she wasn’t going to give up that easily. And after she saved us from
the square, we… I didn’t have much choice.”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “You were injured… I couldn’t
think straight. I didn’t know what else to do. I had to accept her
offer. Whether we like it or not, we’re headed to Velantis.”
<<if $handTouch is true>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>>
“Velantis,” you repeat. “We’re headed to <i>Velantis.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
VELANTIS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
words burst incredulously from your mouth. You stare at your knees,
your arms hanging limply at your sides as the shock of your realization
washes over you.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
false>>Aeran pulls his hand from
yours.<<else>>“$firstname, I…”<</if>>
“You… shot me.”
He pauses. “Yeah.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Laugh. You can’t control it. This entire
situation is, frankly, ridiculous.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
SHOT MC 02 B">2. It’s all flooding back to you now and you are
<i>angry.</i> You trusted him to make that shot. You
<i>trusted</i>
him.</a></div></div><</nobr>>He
meets your eyes and says nothing. The silence weighs heavily on you
both. For a moment, you let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the
distant calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of
the ship, the flutter of the sails. You’re not sure either of you know
how to have this conversation.
What do you say when your best friend shoots you by accident?
“You almost died because of me,” he says finally.
You exhale softly. “Aeran—”
He shakes his head, cutting across you. “You almost died, $firstname.
Even after we got on this ship, I didn’t know whether you’d survive.
I’ve spent the past three days thinking that I killed you and I…” He
closes his eyes and exhales a trembling breath. “I could have made that
shot. I <i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the
Count took you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He
got in my head and…”
He trails off and turns away, unable to look at you anymore. <<if
$handTouch is true>><<set $handTouch to false>>He
pulls his hand from your grasp and stares across the cabin, absently
focusing on a discoloured mark on the opposite
wall.<<else>>He stares across the cabin, absently focusing
on a discoloured mark on the opposite wall.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s not your fault.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
10B">2. “I trusted you, you know. I <i>trusted</i> you
to make that shot.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. This is painful and awkward for both
of you. Let it go and move on.|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
10C]]</div></div><</nobr>>An
uncomfortable silence settles between you. <<if $handTouch is
true>><<set $handTouch to false>>You pull your hand
from his grasp and let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the distant
calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of the ship,
the flutter of the sails.<<else>>You push it away, trying
to block it out, and let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the
distant calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of
the ship, the flutter of the sails.<</if>>
“Say something, $firstname,” he says.
You press your lips together. Your mouth is dry, your mind blank.
“$firstname,” he presses. “Please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want me to say?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
SHOT MC 20A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t want to talk about
this.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC 20B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
20C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Hoarse
laughter bubbles past your lips. You bury your face in your hands, your
shoulders shaking, your knees knocking together, and
<i>laugh</i>. Pain flares from your injuries, tearing
through your body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth,
fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
Tears well in your eyes, running down your cheeks—whether they’re from
the pain or the laughter or both is anyone’s guess.
Aeran draws away, the floor creaking underfoot as he stares at you in
shock. “$firstname,” he says. “Stop. You’ll tear your stitches.”
You lower your hands and turn to him, but your incoherent laughter is
uncontrollable.
He watches you, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as he waits for
your laughter to subside. His discomfort is palpable; you have a feeling
he would bolt from the cabin if he could. He lets out a hoarse chuckle
and a strange expression flickers across his face.
“Not the response I was expecting,” he says as your laughter finally
subsides.
“How else are you supposed to react when your best friend shoots you?”
you say. “I’m fairly certain $master never covered that at the Spire.”
His lips twitch as he fights a strained smile. “You almost died because
of me.”
You shrug, glancing around the cabin. “Well, I didn’t.”
“$firstname—”
You poke your wound experimentally and wince at the aching pain. “It was
an accident,” you interrupt.
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
You drop your hand, resting it on the quilt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t blame you. It was my fault for
getting taken hostage in the first place.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC
03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine. If it makes you feel better,
it’s your fault. I am so mad. See how mad I am? Very mad.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 03 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 0,
100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just forget about it.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 03 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 0,
100)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause. You feel… hollow. The silence between you is tangible.
“$firstname?”
“You’re an idiot,” you say, unable to keep the bitter tone from your
voice. “I trusted you to make that shot—”
“I know—”
“I <i>trusted</i> you.” You raise your head and turn to him,
a piercing look in your eyes.
He flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. “I know,” he
repeats. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
You push yourself up and try to swing yourself out of bed. Pain flares
from your injuries and tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes
shut and grit your teeth, fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly
to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He grimaces and looks away, staring blankly at the opposite wall. You
shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
your anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to hold
onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re not
sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
rests a hand against his chin, his fingers partially covering his
mouth. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…” He pauses, lowering his hand. He closes his eyes and exhales a
soft breath. “I thought I killed you.”
You raise your head and meet his eyes as a strange, uneasy silence
settles between you. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself to
stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I meant what I said, Aeran. I don’t blame
you.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 04 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT
MC 04 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
smiles faintly. “All right,” he says wearily, rubbing the back of his
head. “I get your point.”
You pause. “I’m not sure if you do,” you say. “It was an accident. I
don’t want you blaming yourself and dragging along your guilt just
because you think you should. I’m all right. I’m alive. My shoulder will
heal.”
He looks away and becomes absorbed in staring at a discoloured mark on
the opposite wall.
“I mean it, Aeran,” you say. “Don’t feel guilty for this.”
He links his hands behind his neck. “Yeah,” he replies. “I hear you.
I’ll try—I promise.”
Your shoulder throbs. You ignore it.
“Good.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
glances at you. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But I didn’t and I hurt
you and—”
Your shoulder throbs painfully. “Aeran,” you say sharply. “I said to
forget about it.”
His jaw clenches. He looks away, becoming absorbed in staring at a
discoloured mark on the opposite wall. You shift uncomfortably on the
cot and lean against the headboard. Staring at the ceiling, you cross
your arms and let out a weary breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
looks away, becoming absorbed in staring at a discoloured mark in the
opposite wall. “I know,” he says. “Thank you, $firstname. It’s just… I
can’t help but blame myself.”
You nod. Leaning against the headboard, you stare at the ceiling and
exhale softly. What else is there to say? What else can you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else can you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
3>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV BRANCH
3")>>The silence stretches out uncomfortably, even as a hundred
other questions swirl in your mind.
You close your eyes and try to think. “I remember a golden light,” you
say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he says.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“Zenaida Anaxas,” he clarifies. “The heir to the Velantian Protectorate.
This is her ship.”
Your frown deepens. “What’s an Imperial aristocrat doing all the way out
here?”
“She’s the only reason we survived,” he continues, ignoring your
question. “After I shot you, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t… She broke
through the barriers. She’d been unravelling them the entire time we
were in the villa. Pure luck she managed to break through in time,
otherwise the Count would have killed us both.”
He pauses and leans forward, resting his hands loosely on his knees.
“She killed him,” he says. “Or, rather, one of her retainers did. And
then offered a hundred apologies for not getting here sooner…” He shakes
his head. “Do you remember the woman who followed us from <<if
$vlvillafirst is true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is
true>>the Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
Your brows knit together. You remember something… Ashen hair, brown
eyes, oval face… and the most annoying use of Dispersion magic you have
witnessed in a long time. “Yeah,” you say.
“Her name is Malsara Markal,” he says. “She’s a League assassin assigned
to Zenaida’s retinue—”
You freeze. You’re familiar with the Erebian League. As an order of
assassins whose history stretches back centuries, its operatives usually
keep to the shadows. That one has been so forthcoming with her identity
is odd.
“—she’d been following us ever since we refused to go with her,” Aeran
continues. “That’s how they knew where we were.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” you say. “Why is an Imperial aristocrat
so interested in us?”
“She’s not just an Imperial aristocrat,” he interrupts sharply. “She’s a
Savant. From Diradan Tower.”
Your eyes widen. “A Guild mage?”
This doesn’t bode well.
“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” he says. “She wasn’t going to
give up on us easily. And after what happened… when the Count nearly
killed us… I didn’t have much of a choice. You were injured… Dying. I
couldn’t think straight.”
[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 42 CONNECT]]<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 2")>>The silence stretches out
uncomfortably, even as a hundred other questions swirl in your mind.
You close your eyes and try to think. “I remember a golden light,” you
say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he says.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“Zenaida Anaxas,” he says. “She’s powerful, politically and magically.
She’s the heir to the Velantian Protectorate, but she is also a Savant.
From Diradan Tower.”
You pause, your gut twisting. “A Guild mage?”
“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” Aeran says. “We may have pissed
her off by refusing to go to her after Malsara approached us, but she
wasn’t going to give up that easily. She’s the only reason we survived.
After I shot you, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t… She broke through the
barriers. She’d been unravelling them the entire time we were in the
villa. Pure luck she managed to break through in time, otherwise the
Count would have killed us both.”
He glances at you. “She killed him. Or, rather, one of her retainers
did. And then offered a hundred apologies for not getting here sooner.
After that, I didn’t have much of a choice. You were injured… Dying. I
couldn’t think straight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 42
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
silence stretches out uncomfortably, even as a hundred other questions
swirl in your mind.
“What’s going on here, Aeran?” you ask after a moment. “How did we get
on this ship? Where exactly are we?”
He groans, letting his shoulders slump. “We’re on an Arathian ship
called the <i>Dareia,”</i> he says after a moment.
You frown. “Imperials?” you ask, pushing down your surprise. <<if
(def $marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode
well.<<else>>The Arathian Empire shares a complicated and
terse history with the Wayfarer Order. This doesn’t bode
well.<</if>>
“What do you remember?” he asks.
You rub the back of your neck. “I remember a golden light. What was—”
“Zenaida,” he says.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“Zenaida Anaxas,” he clarifies. “She’s the heir to the Velantian
Protectorate. We’re on her ship.”
Your frown deepens. “What’s an Imperial aristocrat doing all the way out
here?”
“She’s the only reason we survived,” he continues, ignoring your
question. “After I shot you, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t… She broke
through the barriers. She’d been unravelling them the entire time we
were in the villa. Pure luck she managed to break through in time,
otherwise the Count would have killed us both.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t say that—”
“It was my fault for getting taken hostage in the first place,” you
press. “The Count used us against each other. If you want someone to
blame, blame him. Don’t put this guilt on yourself.”
He draws away and rests a hand against his chin, his fingers partially
covering his mouth. “I… I can try.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take his hand.|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
11A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. There’s nothing more you can say
here. Time to move on.|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
11B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know.”
You pause. You feel… hollow. “I <i>trusted</i> you.” You
raise your head and turn to him, a piercing look in your eyes. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away.
“I know,” he repeats. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
You push yourself up and try to swing yourself out of bed. Pain flares
from your injuries and tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes
shut and grit your teeth, fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly
to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He grimaces and looks away, staring blankly at the opposite wall. You
shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
your anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to hold
onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re not
sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else <i>can</i> you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself. Pushing this further will
only serve to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Too
far away to reach him, you shuffle to the edge of the cot, push
yourself up and try to swing out of the bed. As you move, pain from your
injuries flares, tearing through your body. You gasp and squeeze your
eyes shut, gritting your teeth as you fight through it. You press a hand
gingerly to your wound.
“$firstname,” Aeran says. “Stop. You’ll pull your stitches—” He catches
your hand and lowers it to the quilt.
You open your eyes. Tears well in the corners, blurring your vision. You
blink them back and fall still, waiting as the pain slowly dissipates.
Aeran watches you, pale with concern. You can sense his hesitation—the
desire to say something, but the inability to act upon it.
It only serves to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is,
you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else <i>can</i> you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself. Pushing this further will
only serve to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words rush out in a mumbled mess. You barely realize that you have
spoken until you hear them in your own ears. You gingerly fold your arms
and sink further into your cot.
He presses a hand to his chin, his fingers partially covering his mouth.
“I don’t know,” he says. “Shout at me. Blame me. Just don’t sit there
in silence—”
You raise your head, focusing on the ceiling.
“$firstname, I shot you. I almost killed you. Please, I need… I need you
to say something.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not going to yell at you, Aeran,
because I don’t blame you for what happened. It was an
accident.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC 21A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Shut up. I don’t want to talk about
it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC 21B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 RAV SHOT MC
21C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head as you speak, fixing him with a piercing gaze. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. Sensing that he’s
not ready to stop pressing you on this, you push yourself up and try to
swing out of bed. Pain flares from your injuries and tears through your
body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth, fighting through
it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap.
He freezes. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
staring at the floor. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself
to stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
“I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says after a moment “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and—”
“Aeran?” you interrupt, a flare of anger twisting in your stomach.
“Yeah?”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it.”
He flinches. He nods and looks away, avoiding your gaze.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
the flare of anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to
hold onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re
not sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
Your shoulder aches. Aeran says nothing, accepting your silence. When
you glance at him, he actively avoids your gaze, casting an eye around
the cabin to focus on anything but you. He is pale and tense; he must be
forcing himself to stay here to work through this, which only serves to
make this moment more… Odd? Abnormal?
Whatever it is, you don’t like it. It’s probably best for you both that
you forget this ever happened.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pauses. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…” He closes his eyes and exhales a soft breath.
You raise your head and meet his eyes as a strange, uneasy silence
settles between you. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself to
stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I meant what I said, Aeran. I don’t blame
you.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 04 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT
MC 04 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head as you speak, fixing him with a piercing gaze. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. Sensing that he’s
not ready to stop pressing you on this, you push yourself up and try to
swing out of bed. Pain flares from your injuries and tears through your
body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth, fighting through
it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He freezes. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
staring at the floor.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
the flare of anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to
hold onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re
not sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
Your shoulder aches.
“I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says after a moment “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…”
“Aeran?” you murmur.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
He flinches. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
doing everything he can to avoid looking at you. He is pale and tense;
he must be forcing himself to stay here to work through this, which only
serves to make this moment more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ASK WHAT HAPPENED
BRANCH 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>He pauses and leans forward,
resting his hands loosely on his knees. “She killed him,” he says. “Or,
rather, one of her retainers did. And then offered a hundred apologies
for not getting here sooner…” He shakes his head. “Do you remember the
woman who followed us from <<if $vlvillafirst is true>>the
South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the
Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
Your brows knit together. You remember something… Ashen hair, brown
eyes, oval face… and the most annoying use of Dispersion magic you have
witnessed in a long time. “Yeah,” you say.
“Her name is Malsara Markal,” he says. “She’s a League assassin assigned
to Zenaida’s retinue—”
You freeze. You’re familiar with the Erebian League. As an order of
assassins whose history stretches back centuries, its operatives usually
keep to the shadows. That one has been so forthcoming with her identity
is odd.
“—she’d been following us ever since we refused to go with her,” Aeran
continues. “That’s how they knew where we were.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” you say. “Why is an Imperial aristocrat
so interested in us?”
“She’s not just an Imperial noble,” he interrupts sharply. “She’s a
Savant. From Diradan Tower.”
Your eyes widen. “A Guild mage?”
This doesn’t bode well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” he says. “She wasn’t
going to give up on us easily. And after what happened… when the Count
nearly killed us… I didn’t have much choice. Accepting Zenaida’s offer
was the only way out. We’re headed to Velantis.”
<<if $handTouch is true>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>>
“Velantis,” you repeat. “We’re headed to <i>Velantis.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV CONLOOP
VELANTIS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B1 01A")>>“Great,” you mutter.
“So we’re stuck on a ship, sailing to a city absolutely brimming with
Guild mages. What could go wrong?”
He hesitates, staring hollowly at the same spot on the floor. <<if
$handTouch is true>>From the tension in his shoulder and the iron
grip on your hand, you have a feeling the answer to that is something
along the lines of <i>it gets
worse</i>.<<else>>From the tension in his shoulders
and the way he’s evading you, you have a feeling the answer to that is
something along the lines of <i>it gets
worse</i>.<</if>><<else>>“Great,” you
mutter. “So we’re in Imperial custody, in debt to a Savant, and sailing
to a city absolutely brimming with Guild mages.”
“Yeah,” he says hollowly. “That’s where we’re at.”<</if>>
You close your eyes and exhale slowly. Your body aches, pain spiking
through your side with every breath.
“Zenaida got us out of Rona,” he says. “Cared for our wounds—well,
Malsara did, on her orders. As a League assassin, she was the only one
onboard with surgical skill. <<if $activepoison is
true>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at all. Aside from your
injuries, you had nightrose poisoning. She gave you the
antidote.<<else>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at
all.”<</if>>
You pause, an uncomfortable silence settling between you. “That’s a
pretty big debt to be in, Aeran,” you say.
“I know. And she’s going to make good on it.”
You press your lips together. You don’t like where this is going.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…what do you mean?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
WHAT DO YOU MEAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What the hell did you do?”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV WHAT DID YOU DO][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
looks away, shifting uncomfortably on the edge of your cot. “She needs
us,” he says. “She needs a Wayfarer. There’s something big happening in
the Guild of Mages and she plans to put a stop to it. And with you in
the condition you were in, I didn’t… I couldn’t refuse her.”
Silence falls between you. The ship creaks, rolling up and down on the
waves. The ocean thunders in your ears. Aeran glances at you, his eyes
seeking yours. His discomfort is tangible; there’s a tenseness in the
way he carries himself and the way he is looking at you… You can feel
the desperate, unspoken plea for forgiveness.
Two Wayfarers in service to a Guild mage, and an Imperial one at that.
This is not the news you would want to wake up to, if you had a choice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t be angry at him. Aeran hates the
Guild with every fiber of his being. If he can agree to it, then it’s
proof he had no choice.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[2.
You’re furious. He shouldn’t have made this kind of decision without
you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B ROMANCE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>[[2. You’re
furious. He shouldn’t have made this kind of decision without
you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B FRIEND][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[2. You’re furious. He shouldn’t have
made this kind of decision without you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B LOW
APP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
looks away, shifting uncomfortably on the edge of your cot, a tense
look on his face. <<if $handTouch is true>><<set
$handTouch to false>>He lets go of your hand.<</if>>
“I did what I had to,” he says. “With you in the condition you were in, I
didn’t… I couldn’t refuse her—”
“What does that mean, Aeran? Spit it out!”
“Stop shouting!”
“Just tell me!”
“She needs us,” he snaps, rising to his feet. “She needs a Wayfarer.
There’s something big happening in the Guild of Mages and she plans to
put a stop to it. And, unfortunately, we have to help her—”
<i>“Fuck—”</i>
Pain tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your
teeth, fighting through it. You let one hand lie loosely at your side
and press the other gingerly to your wounds.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>The cabin floor creaks underfoot as
Aeran rushes to your side. “Careful,” he says gently. “You’ll tear your
stitches.”<<else>>The cabin floor creaks underfoot as Aeran
steps towards you. You can feel him wavering, silently debating whether
he should stay or go.<</if>>
An incoherent grouse bubbles across your lips. Tears well in your eyes,
an unwanted response to the pain.
The cabin lurches, seeming to spin around you as the ship rolls up and
down in the waves. You can hear the ocean thundering in your ears. Aeran
watches you, concern in his eyes. His discomfort is tangible; there’s a
tenseness in the way he carries himself and the way he is looking at
you… You can feel the desperate, unspoken apology.
Two Wayfarers in service to a Guild mage, and an Imperial one at that.
This is not the news you would want to wake up to, if you had a choice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t be angry at him. Aeran hates the
Guild with every fiber of his being. If he can agree to it, then it’s
proof he had no choice.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[2.
You’re furious. He shouldn’t have made this kind of decision without
you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B ROMANCE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 1, 5, 90)]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>[[2. You’re
furious. He shouldn’t have made this kind of decision without
you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B FRIEND][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]<<else>>[[2. You’re furious. He shouldn’t have
made this kind of decision without you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 50 B LOW
APP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
pales and draws away, tensing up. You fold your arms, gingerly working
around your bandages, and fix him with an unblinking stare. You’re not
going to let him get away without answering you.
After a moment, he groans and exhales a long breath, letting his
shoulders slump. “We’re on an Arathian ship called the
<i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you ask, pushing down your surprise. <<if (def
$marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has told you floods
your mind. Your fingers clench, curling into a fist.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV VELANTIS BRANCH
2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
close your eyes and bury your face in your hands. Your body aches, your
wounds throbbing with pain. The cabin rocks, swaying to and fro as the
ship cuts its way through rough waters. You can hear the roar of the
ocean outside, the waves crashing against the ship like the beat of a
thunderous drum.
Malsara… the assassin… You remember her. Ashen-blonde hair, dark brown
eyes, an oval face and a propensity for the most annoying use of
Dispersion magic you have witnessed in a long time. She wanted you to
speak to her employer, some mysterious person she would not name, about a
secretive contract… And when you declined, she said the one she served
could not be refused.
Looks like she made good on her word.
You groan. “So I’m guessing her employer rescued us?” you say.
Aeran rubs the back of his neck. “Something like that,” he replies.
“We’re on an Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia.”</i>
“Imperials?” you ask, pushing down your surprise. <<if (def
$marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has told you floods
your mind. Your fingers clenched, curling into a fist.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV VELANTIS BRANCH
2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You slide down until your head
touches the pillow and close your eyes. Your body aches, your wounds
throbbing with pain. The cabin rocks, swaying to and fro as the ship
cuts its way through rough waters. You can hear the roar of the ocean
outside, the waves crashing against the ship like the beat of a
thunderous drum.
“$firstname?” Aeran says quietly. “I…”
His voice trails away. You say nothing and keep your eyes closed, lying
still as you focus on your breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>One…</i>
“You’re not going to like this,” he continues. Despite his proximity,
you can barely hear him. His voice is distant, overpowered by the sound
of waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Two…</i>
“…we’re on an Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia.”</i>
You breathe out slowly, barely registering his words. Something in you
stirs… If you weren’t focusing on your breathing, you would be shocked.
<<if (def $marciancodex)>>This doesn’t bode
well.<<else>>The Arathian Empire shares a complicated and
terse history with the Wayfarer Order. This doesn’t bode
well.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Three…</i>
“We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
You open your eyes. The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has
told you floods your mind. You push yourself up, your back scraping
uncomfortably against the headboard, and your fingers clench, curling
into a fist.
“Velantis?” you echo.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV VELANTIS BRANCH
2-3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Annexation of
Velantis<</notify>><<set $velantisannexcodex to
true>>Velantis.
City of mages, city of fools, and the beating heart of the Arathian
Empire. Situated on the coast of the Lotharic Sea, Velantis is a
labyrinthine metropolis spanning the entirety of the peninsula it is
built upon. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, surviving
natural disasters, plagues, countless wars, and the ever-changing hand
of modern politics. It is an ancient place and rife with the stink of
magic.
The city was not always part of the Arathian Empire. Some two hundred
years ago, Velantis was one of six independent city-states flourishing
on the Lotharic Sea. But when a bloody war with Farandor devastated the
region, the Arathian Empire offered aid to push the invading armies out.
That aid turned into an occupation, and the occupation, in turn, turned
into another war.
The war was short and ugly. Velantis was the last of the six Lotharic
city-states to resist the Arathian Empire. In the end, it was never
truly conquered. A pro-Imperial faction from within the city executed a
successful coup, assassinating the Velantian kings. Without leadership,
the government was dissolved, the remaining royals executed, and the
territory absorbed into the Empire. Over the course of the following
decades, it was transformed into the centre of magical research, study,
and trade it is today.
With the city’s Imperial ties secured, the Council of Mages moved its
headquarters from Ameidan Tower in Vestra to Diradan Tower, located in
the northern region of the Velantian peninsula. To this day, the Council
is a major political power within the city with close ties to the
governing family, House Anaxas. From their lofty seats within Diradan
Tower, the Council observes the world like a chess board, nudging the
pieces wherever they see fit.
Like most Wayfarers, you’ve avoided Velantis like the plague.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B1 01A")>>“So we’re in Imperial
custody?” you hiss. “Sailing to a city absolutely brimming with Guild
mages?”
He looks away. “Yeah. That’s where we’re at.”
You close your eyes and exhale slowly, forcing yourself to slow down.
Your body aches, pain spiking through your side with every breath.
Grunting in pain, you raise your hands and thread your fingers together,
pressing them into the back of your neck.<<else>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 01C")>>Gritting your teeth,
you push yourself up and meet Aeran’s eyes. He pales and looks away,
casting an eye around the cabin as he avoids your
gaze.<<else>>You grit your teeth and glance at Aeran. He
pales and looks away, casting an eye around the cabin as he avoids your
gaze.<</if>>
“Great,” you mutter. “So we’re in Imperial custody, sailing to a city
absolutely brimming with Guild mages.”
His jaw clenches. He twists his fingers together, pressing down so hard
his knuckles turn white. “Yeah,” he says hollowly. “That’s where we’re
at.”
You close your eyes and exhale slowly. Your body aches, pain spiking
through your side with every breath. Grunting in pain, you raise your
hands and thread your fingers together, pressing them into the back of
your neck.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. “Just
tell me what happened… Please...”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
3A]]<<else>>[[1. “Just tell me what happened.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV B2 3A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Breathe deeply. The world feels like
it’s spinning out of control and you can barely remember what happened
to you.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 3B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[3.
This is Aeran’s fault, isn’t it? Fuck it. Fuck him. Fuck all of
it.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 3C]]<<else>>[[3. This is Aeran’s
fault, isn’t it? Fuck it. Fuck him. Fuck all of it.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
B2 3C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
closes his eyes, sighing wearily as he passes a hand over his face.
“Yeah,” he says. “I guess I owe you an explanation, don’t I?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He pauses, his eyes flickering to
you. You smile faintly and lower your hands to your sides, forcing your
body to relax. He shifts closer to you, his hand resting close by.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
true>>You reach out and twine your fingers with his. He hesitates,
then squeezes your hand tight. Despite the lingering tension between
you, there’s something comforting about this simple
gesture.<</if>><<else>>He pauses, his eyes
flickering to you, waiting for your reaction. You frown, pressing your
lips together in a tight line. You can feel the tension growing between
you. Your patience is running out.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 4 WHAT
HAPPENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You inhale slowly, your body
protesting as your lungs expand. A groan escapes your lips and you cover
your face with your hands.
You hate this.
You hate every part of this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“$firstname?”
Aeran’s voice echoes distantly, as if he is calling from another room.
You ignore him and focus on your breathing, desperately pushing down
your panic.
$master once told you that the only thing within your control is
yourself. You can almost hear <<if $master is
"Sero">>their<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>her<<else>>his<</if>> voice, as
if <<if $master is "Sero">>they are<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>she is<<else>>he is<</if>> in
the cabin with you, guiding you through the crushing labyrinth of your
own mind.
<i>What do you know, <<if $master is
"Sero">>$lastname<<else>>$firstname<</if>>?
What about your situation is within your control?</i>
You are safe—or, at least, relatively so. No one is trying to kill you
(though Aeran may be trying to kill your patience). That’s good.
You were badly wounded, but your injuries have been cared for by an
expert. Though you certainly do feel like it, you aren’t dying. That’s
good.
You are on a ship, headed to the worst city you can imagine… But given
that you must have spent days at sea, you must be in the middle of the
Rhesainian Ocean by now. There is little you can do about it. It is not
in your control.
But… if you’re on a ship, then you’re no longer in Rona. At least, after
all of this, you finally got out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You exhale and open your eyes. Aeran is watching you, concern
on his face.
“Are you all right?” he asks.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You smile faintly. “Fine,” you say.
“Just needed a moment.”
He nods and looks away, running a hand through his hair. Lingering
tension clings to the silence that follows. You relax and rest your
hands loosely at your sides.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
true>>Aeran hesitates, shooting you a sideways glance. He rests a
hand on the edge of your cot, his fingers gently toying with the quilt.
You look at him and take his hand, entwining your fingers with his.
“$firstname,” he murmurs. “I…”
You squeeze his hand. Comforted by the gesture, he raises his head and
meets your eyes.
“I guess I owe you an explanation, don’t I?”<<else>>Aeran
hesitates, shooting you a sideways glance. He rests a hand on the edge
of your cot, his fingers gently toying with the quilt.
“$firstname,” he murmurs. “I… Guess I owe you an explanation, don’t
I?”<</if>><<else>>You roll your eyes. “Fine,”
you say shortly.
He nods and turns away, running a hand through his hair. You can feel
the lingering tension bristle between you, waiting to snap.
“Guess I owe you an explanation, don’t I?” he says.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 4 WHAT
HAPPENED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeranapp
<=59>><<aeranDisapp>><</if>>Anger
flares in the pit of your stomach. Your hands dig into the nape of your
neck and a sharp twinge of pain flares across your skin. “Fuck you,” you
hiss.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He blinks, a hurt expression
flickering across his face. “$firstname?”<<else>>He frowns.
“$firstname?”<</if>>
“Fuck you!” you shout, gesturing wildly. “Going to the Empire? To
Velantis? Fuck—”
His expression hardens. “Stop it, $firstname.”
“We’re going to get ourselves killed thanks to you—”
“$firstname—”
<i>“Fuck!”</i>
Pain tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your
teeth, fighting through it. You let one hand lie loosely at your side
and press the other gingerly to your wounds.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran stands swiftly, the cabin
floor creaking underfoot as he rushes to your side. You feel him nearby,
his hand resting close to yours.<<else>>Aeran stands
swiftly, the cabin floor creaking underfoot as he hesitates at your
side. You can feel him wavering, silently debating whether he should
stay or go.<</if>>
“Careful,” he says gently. “You’ll tear your stitches.”
An incoherent grouse bubbles across your lips. Tears well in your eyes,
an unwanted response to the pain.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re still angry. You didn’t agree to get
on this ship. Tell him to fuck off.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
04A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Maybe you’re overreacting. However
you got on this ship, he likely didn’t have a choice in the matter.
Apologize for your outburst.|CHAPTER 1 RAV B2 04B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranshotmc is true>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>><<if $handTouch
is true>>Aeran looks down at your entwined
hands.<<else>>Aeran looks down at his hands. “Before you
blacked out… what do you remember?”<</if>>
“I…” Your shoulder throbs, the pain flaring across your chest. “I…”
You close your eyes. You remember lying on the ground, an arrow shaft
sprouting from your shoulder. For some reason, you can recall the way
the cold hard tile pressed into your back more clearly than the arrow
itself. Blood on your tunic, blood on your hands… the Count laughing… A
gold light bursting high above you…
<<if $handTouch is true>>Your grip constricts, squeezing his
hand tight.<<else>>Your hand grasps the quilt, squeezing
the fabric as your fingers curl into a fist.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You shot me.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look at him. You don’t need to say
anything.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer him. You don’t want to
think about this…|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV SHOT MC
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$CountGotMC is true>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 4>>Aeran lets out a
long, tired sigh. “I really thought we were done after that mess with
the basilisk,” he says quietly. “But then Rho went and… And you…” The
words fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “When you attacked the
Count, I thought he killed you. I stood there watching and I couldn’t
move. I couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he interrupts.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“I’ll get to her,” he says. “I killed Cere Nalos, $firstname. He struck
you down and I killed him and I… well… I think I lost part of myself
there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of his actions. You had no love for the Count, that’s for
sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself when you
blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s actions.
[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
RAV B2 30A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]
[[2. “What did you do? What happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
30B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch1 is true>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 4>>Aeran lets out a
long, tired sigh. “After the basilisk took you out, I thought…” The
words fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “I thought it killed you.
And Rho and I… we killed it. Somehow. A lucky hit. And when it was dead,
the Count was laughing…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he interrupts.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“I’ll get to her,” he adds quickly. “Once the basilisk was dead, the
Count extended a truce. He was willing to let me go. And I refused.” He
glances at you. “I… fought him. And I killed him. And I… well… I think I
lost part of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure. Had you been given the chance, maybe you would have
killed him yourself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 30A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 30B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 4>>Aeran lets out a
slow, shaking sigh. “I thought the Count killed you,” he says quietly.
“I stood there watching and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. All I
felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was—”
“Zenaida,” he interrupts.
You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“I’ll get to her,” he says. “I killed Cere Nalos, $firstname. He struck
you down and I killed him and I… well… I think I lost part of myself
there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of his actions. You had no love for the Count, that’s for
sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself when you
blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s actions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 30A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 30B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
- 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$CountB_Branch3 is true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS
SECOND INJURY BLACKOUT")>>Aeran lets out a slow, shaking sigh.
“After you blacked out, the town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire
was out of control, burning the supports, the houses, everything… We
would have been trapped under all of it if Zenaida hadn’t pulled us out
in time.”<<else>>Aeran lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “The
town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire was out of control, burning
the supports, the houses, everything… We would have been trapped under
all of it if Zenaida hadn’t pulled us out in time.”<</if>>
“…Zenaida?” You frown. The name means nothing to you.
“You remember the gold light?”
You nod.
He hesitates, searching for the right words.<<if $handTouch is
true>> His fingers twine around yours and gently ease up on their
grip.<</if>> “That was her,” he says. “Her people had been
tracking us the entire day, following everything we did. And when we
were trapped in the town square, she did everything she could to get us
out alive.”
He trails off, noting your deepening frown. The more he tells you, the
more confused you become.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV BRANCH
2")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
41]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV MALSARA
INSERT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranapp <=39>><<set $completeInfo to false>>You
open your eyes and blink away the tears. Despite your best efforts, your
vision still blurs. “Fuck off,” you spit.
A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the sides of the
ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its hooks, casting a
tangled shadow on the wall.
“Right,” Aeran mutters. The floor creaks as he heads for the door.
“There’s no point talking to you when you’re like this. Zenaida saved
our lives, $firstname. I’m the last person who wants to be in debt to a
Guild mage, but… just keep that in mind before you make things worse.”
You glare at him, hot anger boiling in your chest. “I’m not—”
He slams the door behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling. “Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
open your eyes and blink away the tears. Despite your best efforts,
your vision still blurs. “Fuck off,” you spit.
A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the sides of the
ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its hooks, casting a
tangled shadow on the wall.
“No,” Aeran says. The floor creaks and you feel a slight pressure as he
sits down on the edge of the cot next to you. “You’re going to have to
do better than that to get rid of me.”
Your jaw clenches and you glare at him. “Fuck off,” you repeat, though
the words come out far less harsh this time. Try though you might to
hold onto it, your anger is evaporating.
He chuckles. “You were always a terrible patient.”
“Oh, for the love of…” You throw your head back and stare at the
ceiling, stubbornly folding your arms. You hate that he’s right
and—worse—that he knows it. Your patience is always stretched to a
breaking point when you’re recovering.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Just tell me what happened.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV B2 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Apologize for your outburst.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP RAV B2 05B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranApp>>You
open your eyes and blink away the tears. Despite your best efforts,
your vision still blurs. “Sorry,” you breathe, your anger slowly
vanishing. “I… Sorry.” You press your lips together and look away, an
uncomfortable feeling twinging in your gut.
“It’s fine.”
You glance at him.
A faint smile plays across his lips as he looks at you, concern in his
eyes. “You always were a terrible patient,” he says.
Your eyes narrow. “Oh, shut up.”
He raises an eyebrow. “It’s true and you know it.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You roll your eyes, but you can’t
keep from smiling. The tension between you fades. You relax, resting
your arms loosely at your sides.<<if $aeranrom
>=10>><<set $handTouch is true>> Aeran hesitates,
then reaches for your hand, entwining his fingers with
yours.<</if>>
“I guess I owe you an explanation, don’t I?” he says
softly.<<else>>You roll your eyes. You can still feel the
tension bristling between you, waiting to snap.
He pauses, hesitating over his next words. Finally, he shifts closer to
you and looks you in the eye. “Guess I owe you an explanation, don’t I?”
he says.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 4 WHAT
HAPPENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Left alone, you lean back in bed
and ignore the hollow feeling twisting in your gut. <<if
$hairlength is "shaved">>You run a hand over your shaved scalp,
fingers brushing across the light stubble as you contemplate what to do
next.<<else>>You run your fingers through your mussed hair,
tugging gently at the $haircolour <<if $hairtexture is
"locked">>locs<<elseif $hairtexture is "coily" or
$hairtexture is "kinky">>coils<<elseif $hairtexture is
"curly">>curls<<elseif $hairtexture is
"wavy">>waves<<else>>strands<</if>> as you
contemplate what to do next.<</if>>
With Aeran gone, you could go back to sleep. Your aching body would be
thankful for it. But already you’re growing tired of these same four
walls and it is becoming difficult to fight the feeling of restless
constriction. And after your conversation, your mind is racing so
quickly you don’t know if you could sleep, even if you wanted to.
Carefully, you inch yourself over to the edge of the cot and swing your
legs over. The long bed shirt twists around you, tangling between your
legs. It dawns on you that—aside from your bandages—it’s the only thing
you’re wearing. You wonder what happened to your clothes.
<i>Probably in the chest.</i>
You place your feet on the floor, shakily get to your feet—and your legs
forget how to work.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The ship lurches, sending you staggering into the opposite
wall. You trip, painfully stubbing your toes on the chest, and throw out
a hand. Your palm connects with the hammock and slams it against the
wood panels. <<if $agility >=7>>You steady yourself,
carefully regaining your sense of balance before you fall
over.<<else>>You fall over, landing unceremoniously on the
floor. A flare of pain ripples through your torso. Grunting in pain, you
carefully prod your bandages to check for damages, and slowly push
yourself up.<</if>>
You kneel next to the chest and grasp the lid. It’s heavier than you
expect and your weak muscles strain at the effort, but you eventually
manage to prop it open. Inside is a collection of familiar items—your
weapons, your pack, a few of Aeran’s belongings. You don’t see your
clothes, but you find a pair of utilitarian dark trousers and a dark
tunic, similar to the ones Aeran wore.
You pull them out and quickly dress. They may not be what you’re used
to, but it’s better than a scratchy bed shirt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>After a quick search, you find your boots pushed under the bed.
You sit on the floor and pull them on, your shoulders aching from the
movement. You’re exhausted by the time you’re done and you flop back on
the floor, staring at the ceiling. Your mind races, flickering through
the events that led you here, to this particular ship, to this
particular floor…
You pass a hand over your face. Maybe in another life things would have
played out differently, but you can’t turn back time.
The door opens.
“$lastname?” a voice calls.
You raise your head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 4>>A
woman stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment. For
someone who has been living on a ship, she looks immaculate. She is
dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional Arathian robe belted
at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one shoulder. The
fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed into neat
pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a long
braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
This must be Malsara Markal.
“I did not realize you had awakened,” she says coolly, clasping her
hands in front of her. “Are you all right? Should I fetch my surgical
kit?”
You groan and sit up. “No,” you say, wincing as you prod your bandages.
“Everything’s fine. I’m just…”
<i>What? You’re just what, $firstname? Gods, you don’t even know
anymore, do you?</i>
“Then I am glad you are healing well,” she says. “When you were first
brought onboard, I feared you would perish, that I was not skilled
enough to heal you.”
“Yeah, well…” You shift uncomfortably under her gaze and rub a hand
across the back of your neck. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
A faint smile tugs at the corners of her lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. She saved your life. You should probably
thank her.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT 01A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN
ALEFT 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>He
nods and rubs the back of his neck. “Ah, gods…” He exhales sharply and
glances at you, meeting your eyes. “I guess I owe you an explanation,
don’t I?”
You grimace, your expression darkening. You drop your arms to your
sides, your fingers gripping the quilt. It’s very difficult not to snap
at him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 4 WHAT
HAPPENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“Sorry,”
you breathe. You relax your arms, dropping them to your sides as you
glance at him and warily meet his eyes.
He smiles faintly. “It’s fine,” he says. “Though I guess I owe you an
explanation, don’t I?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2 4 WHAT
HAPPENED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
nods.<<if $aeranrom >=2>> You lean forwards and press a
hand to his cheek. He stares at you, his eyes wide.<</if>>
The ghost of a smile flickers across his face.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
40]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$handTouch is true>><<set $handTouch to false>>Aeran
draws away sharply and lets go of your hand.<<else>>Aeran’s
fingers curl inward, shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he
says.<</if>>
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“I killed him,” he snaps, anger flaring. “That’s all you need to know.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV B2
40]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
hesitates, trying to find the right words to continue his
story.<<if $handTouch is true>> His fingers twine around
yours, gently easing up on his grip.<</if>> “The light you
saw,” he says finally. “That was Zenaida breaking down the barriers. Her
people were tracking us the entire day, following everything we did.
The moment we went into the villa, she started the process of dissolving
the Count’s security enchantments. If she had been faster…”
He trails off, noting your deepening scowl. The more he tells you, the
more confused you become.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV BRANCH
2")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
41]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV MALSARA
INSERT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Zenaida
is powerful,” he says. “Politically and magically. She’s the heir to
the Velantian Protectorate, but she is also a Savant. From Diradan
Tower.”
You pause, your gut twisting. “A Guild mage?”
“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” Aeran says. “We may have pissed
her off by refusing to go to her after Malsara approached us, but she
wasn’t going to give up that easily. <<if $CountB_Branch1 is true
or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>And after what happened at the villa… I
didn’t have much choice.”<<else>>And after what happened at
the town square… I didn’t have much choice.”<</if>>
He raises his head and meets your eyes. <<if $CountB_Branch1 is
true or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>“With the Count dead, it wouldn’t
be long until the Viridian Lady acted in retribution. If there’s
anything the Seven hate more than each other, it’s those who question
their power. You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting
Zenaida’s offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re
headed to Velantis.”<<else>>“We barely made it out alive.
You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s
offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re headed to
Velantis.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 42
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Do
you remember the woman who followed us from <<if $vlvillafirst is
true>>the South Isle<<elseif $covefirst is true>>the
Cove<<elseif $edgewaterfirst is
true>>Edgewater<<else>>Deadwood<</if>>?”
he asks.
Your brows knit together. You remember something… Ashen hair, brown
eyes, oval face… and the most annoying use of Dispersion magic you have
witnessed in a long time. “Yeah,” you say. “I remember her.”
“Her name is Malsara Markal,” he says. “She’s a League assassin—”
A shaky laugh escapes your lips. You’re familiar with the Erebian
League. As an order of assassins whose history stretches back centuries,
its operatives usually keep to the shadows. That one has been so
forthcoming with her identity is odd.
“What was a League assassin doing chasing us around Rona?” you ask.
He rubs the back of his neck. “Malsara is assigned to Zenaida Anaxas,”
he continues. “The heir to the Velantian Protectorate—”
You purse your lips. It’s starting to make sense now.
“—but she’s not just an aristocrat. She’s a Savant. From Diradan Tower.”
You pause, your gut twisting. “A Guild mage?”
“She came to Rona for us, $firstname,” Aeran says. “We may have pissed
her off by refusing to go to her after Malsara approached us, but she
wasn’t going to give up that easily. <<if $CountB_Branch1 is true
or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>And after what happened at the villa… I
didn’t have much choice.”<<else>>And after what happened at
the town square… I didn’t have much choice.”<</if>>
He raises his head and meets your eyes. <<if $CountB_Branch1 is
true or $CountB_Branch2 is true>>“With the Count dead, it wouldn’t
be long until the Viridian Lady acted in retribution. If there’s
anything the Seven hate more than each other, it’s those who question
their power. You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting
Zenaida’s offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re
headed to Velantis.”<<else>>“We barely made it out alive.
You were injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s
offer was the only way out. Whether we like it or not, we’re headed to
Velantis.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 42
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
hesitates, staring hollowly at the same spot on the floor. <<if
$handTouch is true>> From the tension in his shoulder and the iron
grip on your hand, you have a feeling that you’re not going to like
what he says next.<<else>>From the tension in his shoulders
and the way he’s evading you, you have a feeling you’re not going to
like what he says next.<</if>>
“Zenaida got us out of Rona,” he says. “Cared for our wounds—well,
Malsara did, on her orders. As a League assassin, she was the only one
onboard with surgical skill. <<if $activepoison is
true>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at all. Aside from your
injuries, you had nightrose poisoning. She gave you the
antidote.<<else>>It’s thanks to her that you’re alive at
all.<</if>>”
You pause, an uncomfortable silence settling between you. “That’s a
pretty big debt to be in, Aeran,” you say.
“I know. And she’s going to make good on it.”
You press your lips together. You don’t like where this is going.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…what do you mean?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
WHAT DO YOU MEAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What the hell did you do?”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV WHAT DID YOU DO][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$handTouch is true>>You smile and squeeze his hand. He smiles in
return and lets out a long breath.<<else>>You
smile.<</if>> “If you were the one who nearly died, I think I
would have done the same,” you say.
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah,” he says. “It’s a bit of a shit situation,
isn’t it? Though we are under her protection now. Anyone who wants to
get to us has to go through her and every mage sworn to her.” He picks
at a stray thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to
be untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your bandages
experimentally and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP RAV RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
RAV RHO DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif $CountGotMC is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE POST
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranRom_Confession to true>><<set $aeranromance to
true>><<set $completeInfo to true>>Anger flares in the
pit of your stomach. “Fuck you, Aeran,” you hiss.
He blinks, a hurt expression flickering across his face. “$firstname?”
“Fuck you!” you shout. “Handing us over to a Guild mage? And an Imperial
one at that? What the hell were you thinking?”
<<if $handTouch is true>><<set $handTouch to
false>>He rips his hand from yours and rises to his
feet.<<else>>He rises to his feet.<</if>> “I was
thinking I didn’t want the person I’m in love with to die!” he shouts.
You pause, his words echoing in your head. Pain flares in your body,
your injuries throbbing to the beat of your heart. You feel disoriented,
confused… Your head is pounding as you fight a flurry of muddled
emotions.
<i>…what?</i>
Aeran closes his eyes and passes a hand over his face. “Fuck.”
“No,” you breathe. “No no no no—what did you just say?”
He looks away, unable to meet your gaze. “Just forget it, $firstname.”
“What did you just say, Aeran?”
The floor creaks. He turns, heading for the door. “We shouldn’t talk
when you’re like this,” he says quietly.
You stare at him. You push yourself up, struggling to get out of the
cot. A red-hot ache throbs across your body, forcing you to stop.
“Aeran—”
He opens the door and pauses, one hand resting on the doorframe.
“Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname,” he says. “I’m the last person who
wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but…”
“That’s not—”
“I’ll see you later, all right?”
He disappears through the door and closes it behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling.
“Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flares in the pit of your stomach. “Fuck you, Aeran” you hiss.
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>He blinks, a hurt expression
flickering across his face. “$nickname?”<<else>>He frowns.
“$firstname?”<</if>>
“Fuck you!” you shout.
<<if $handTouch is true>>His jaw clenches and he lets go of
your hand.<<else>>His jaw clenches and he draws away from
you.<</if>>
“Handing us over to a Guild mage? And an Imperial one at that? What the
hell were you thinking?”
“I was thinking I didn’t want my best friend to die!” he shouts.
You pause, his words echoing in your head. Pain flares in your body,
your injuries throbbing to the beat of your heart. You feel disoriented,
confused… Your head is pounding as you fight a flurry of muddled
emotions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I… I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 51
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are we even friends?”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV 51 B][$aeranapp to
50]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$completeInfo to true>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger flares in
the pit of your stomach. “Fuck you, Aeran” you hiss.
He frowns. “$firstname?”
“Fuck you!” you shout. “Handing us over to a Guild mage? And an Imperial
one at that? What the hell were you thinking?”
The floor creaks as he rises to his feet. “I was thinking I didn’t want
you to die!” he shouts. “There’s no one else left, $firstname. We’re the
only ones—”
“Oh, fuck you,” you spit.
You know exactly what he was going to say: <i>We’re the only ones
left.</i>
Somehow, it always comes back to the fall of the Spire and the Wayfarer
Order’s collapse. While you know there may be other survivors, five
years on and you’ve yet to find any of them—except for Aeran.
A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the sides of the
ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its hooks, casting a
tangled shadow on the wall.
“Right,” Aeran mutters, heading for the door. “There’s no point talking
to you when you’re like this. Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname. I’m
the last person who wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but… just keep
that in mind before you make things worse.”
You glare at him, hot anger boiling in your chest. “I’m not—”
He slams the door behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling.
“Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
pause, the apology lingering faintly on your lips. An uncomfortable
shiver runs down your spine and you lean back, staring at the ceiling.
“I don’t know why I said that,” you add after a moment.
“You’re in pain,” he says. “You never were the greatest patient.”
You chuckle hoarsely. An awkward silence falls between you, your
conversation soured by your outburst.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
RAV RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV RHO
DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif $CountGotMC is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE POST
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranAsk_Friend to true>><<set $completeInfo to
true>>You bite the words out, their bitter taste lingering in your
mouth. Aeran looks away and rises to his feet, the floorboards creaking
underfoot. A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the
sides of the ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its
hooks, casting a tangled shadow on the wall.
“Right,” Aeran mutters, heading for the door. “There’s no point talking
to you when you’re like this. Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname. I’m
the last person who wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but… just keep
that in mind before you make things worse.”
You glare at him, hot anger boiling in your chest. “I’m not—”
He slams the door behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling.
“Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship lurches and your stomach drops as you’re jolted to one side. You
throw out a hand, pressing it into the wall as you steady yourself. You
gaze absently around the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words,
trying to reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You
feel like there’s something missing…
Rhodarth.
The last you saw of the mercenary captain, he was lying crumpled on the
ground, alive but slowly dying from the effects of a blood oath…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
He pales and looks away, staring intently at a single spot on the floor.
“He’s dead,” he says hollowly. “By the time the Count was killed, the
blood oath had done its work.”
“Aeran…”
Your voice trails away, your words fading before you can even speak. You
barely knew Rhodarth, but you know he meant something to Aeran. You can
feel the quiet grief reflected in his stony silence.
“I’m sorry—”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sound worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
ship lurches and your stomach drops as you’re jolted to one side. You
throw out a hand, pressing it into the wall as you steady yourself. You
gaze absently around the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words,
trying to reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You
feel like there’s something missing…
Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to mind. You barely knew him, but
you know he meant something to Aeran. He must be carrying the weight of
that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
You pause, your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth. There’s a
hundred things you can say, but each sound worse than the last.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“But thank you,” he says quietly.
“For… well…”
He trails off.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words, trying to reconstruct
what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like there’s
something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask quietly. “You haven’t mentioned
him.”
Aeran sighs heavily. “He’s gone,” he says.
Your gut twists. The scene wrenches itself from the depths of your
memory—a lone half-melusine warrior, in the throes of pain as he fights
the magic slowly killing him from the inside…
“He’s dead?” you ask hollowly.
Aeran shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips. “No,” he says. “The
blood oath’s power broke with the Count’s death. He’s alive. Gone,
probably. Away from Rona with his company.”
“Oh,” you say, relief washing over you. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor—and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST 03]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST 04]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words, trying to reconstruct
what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like there’s
something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
Aeran falls silent. “Gone,” he says. “Away from Rona, with his company.
With the Count dead, he’s free from his blood oath.”
“Blood oath?” Your brows draw together in confusion. This is the first
you’ve heard of it.
Aeran nods. “I’m not sure of the circumstances—Rho’s not the most
forthcoming person—but some years back, he swore a blood oath to the
Count to keep his company safe. I… broke it when I killed the Count.
Their pact is over.”
“Oh,” you say. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor,” he adds solemnly. “And in more than a literal sense.
I’m sure he’ll find his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST 03]]
</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST 04]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words, trying to reconstruct
what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like there’s
something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask quietly. “You haven’t mentioned
him.”
Aeran sighs heavily. “He’s gone,” he says.
Your gut twists. The scene wrenches itself from the depths of your
memory—a lone half-melusine warrior, in the throes of pain as he fights
the magic slowly killing him from the inside…
“He’s dead?” you ask hollowly.
Aeran shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips. “No,” he says. “The
blood oath’s power broke with the Count’s death. He’s alive. Gone,
probably. Away from Rona with his company.”
“Oh,” you say, relief washing over you. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor—and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST
03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV RHO QUEST 04]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Nothing,” you say, a little more defensively than
you intended. “It’s just not every day that we run into one of your
previous… uh…” You trail off, avoiding his gaze as he glowers at you,
and awkwardly rub the back of your neck.
A muscle twitches in his jaw. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
You grimace. “Honestly, Aeran, I don’t know—”
“I’m not digging around in your personal life,” he says curtly. “Leave
mine alone.”
“Fine. Forget I brought it up.”
“Good. I will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Just wondering,” you say. “He clearly meant
something to you—”
“That was a long time ago, $firstname,” he interrupts wearily. “And if
I’m being honest, it’s not something that will happen ever again. It was
never a relationship that deserved to be saved.”
You fall silent, your gut twisting guiltily at the painful tinge in his
voice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Think
we will see him again?” you ask.
He frowns. “No idea,” he replies. “Why?”
“Just curious, that’s all,” you say, shrugging.
He grimaces. “Well, for the sake of your curiosity—I doubt it. Never had
the chance to get an answer, but it’s strange that he was this far from
Corsida and without any other Brightblades. My guess is that he left
the order. The overseers won’t be happy. If he returns to the Lotharic
Sea, he’ll have to deal with them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Then
hopefully he won’t be our problem anymore,” you say.
Aeran frowns. “Little harsh, don’t you think, $firstname?”
You shrug. You’ve got enough problems to worry about without the added
problem of Aeran’s past catching up with you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran gets to his feet,
folding his arms as he walks the few short steps to the window. He peers
out at the sea beyond, the sunlight streaming through the glass and
bleaching his hair to a near blonde. The warm light is at odds with the
grave expression on his face.
“What is it?” you ask.
He glances at you, his eyes sweeping over you. He lingers on your
injuries. “You should rest,” he murmurs. “Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye. “I… I don’t
know. I don’t know what to say anymore—”
“Hey.”
You push yourself up and swing your legs over the edge of the cot. You
reach out and catch his hand. He freezes, nearly pulling away from your
touch, then squeezes your hand in return. He allows you to pull him away
from the window and he settles on the edge of the cot, his hand firmly
in yours.
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
Aeran meets your eyes. He holds your gaze for a moment, then exhales a
trembling breath. <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>He leans in,
his hand brushing the back of your neck.<<else>>He leans
in, his hand brushing the back of your neck as he slides his fingers
through your hair.<</if>> He presses his forehead to yours.
“Move forwards,” he echoes.
“Yeah,” you whisper.
Your heart pounds at the warmth and familiarity of his touch. There’s a
deep ache within you, one that has nothing to do with your wounds. An
ache you’ve been at odds with for two years, ever since your reunion.
You’ve buried your feelings, time and again, reasoning that there isn’t
time in your life for such things, and you’ve failed, time and again, to
keep those feelings from emerging.
And now… Especially now…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ENDCONVO
ROMALLO">1. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You
nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your desire—your need—for
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
ENDCONVO ROMACE">2. [ <i class="far fa-heart"></i>
ROMANCE] You nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your feelings
for him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. No. This is a risk for you both. You
can’t afford to become distracted, especially when you are facing
Velantis and the Guild of Mages.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP ENDCONVO DENY
ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
gets to his feet, folding his arms as he walks the few short steps to
the window. He peers out at the sea beyond, the sunlight streaming
through the glass and bleaching his hair to a near blonde. The warm
light is at odds with the grave expression on his face.
“What is it?” you ask.
He glances at you, his eyes sweeping over you. He lingers on your
injuries. “You should rest,” he says. “Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye.
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
He exhales softly. “Move forwards…” he echoes.
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 70 MALSARA
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You wrap your hands around the
back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He doesn’t pull away,
doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you close, his body
pressed to yours. You can feel his breath on your cheek, his lips so
close to yours. He sighs, your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ROM
INTERRUPT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You wrap your hands around the
back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He doesn’t pull away,
doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you close. He sighs,
your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV ROM
INTERRUPT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw away. Aeran pulls back a split second later, letting go of your
hand. His eyes dart around the room, unable to meet your gaze. He
swallows, clearing his throat, and runs a hand through his hair, an
embarrassed flush creeping onto his cheeks.
“Sorry,” he says. “I…”
“No,” you say. “It was me, I—”
“I’ll just—”
“No, you don’t have—”
“$firstname—”
“Aeran—”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
62]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
apologize for the interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her Grace
would like—”
Aeran pulls away and abruptly turns to face the door.
A woman stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks immaculate.
She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional Arathian robe
belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one shoulder.
The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed into neat
pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a long
braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
You recognize her. You know without a doubt that this must be Malsara
Markal.
Malsara’s gaze passes from Aeran to you. “I did not realize $lastname
had awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah.” Aeran’s hand remains in yours. He squeezes it tightly.
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“Her Grace will be delighted to hear of your recovery,” she says. “I
will inform her at once. If you are feeling well enough, you should come
to her cabin and meet her in person. There is much she would like to
discuss with you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “About this agreement you forced Aeran to
make while I was unconscious?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 60A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I look forward to it.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV 60B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
60C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
hear a faint snort of laughter from Aeran. Despite it, he somehow
manages to keep a straight face.
Malsara looks less than pleased. “Quite,” she replies stiffly, turning
to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis.” Her eyes
flicker past him to focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
61]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
faint smile plays across her lips. “I am glad,” she says. “I feared you
would prove… resistant to your circumstances once you awakened.”
She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis,”
she says quickly, before you can interrupt. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
61]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
stony frown flickers across her face. “I feared you would prove
resistant to your circumstances once you awakened,” she says. “Before
you think of doing anything questionable, I would remind you who
prevented you from succumbing to your wounds.”
You clench your teeth, bristling at the threat.
She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis,”
she adds quickly, before you can interrupt. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
61]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs. “I have to go,” he says.
A sharp ache tugs at your heart. “Do you?” you ask. If only you could
reverse time, just a few seconds…
“You learn pretty quickly that ‘at your leisure’ means ‘as soon as
possible,’” he says darkly, rising to his feet. He pauses, half turned
to the door, his hand still in yours. “I’ll see you out on the deck.”
He lets you go and slips through the cabin door, quietly closing it
behind him.
You exhale sharply, staring at the ceiling.
<i>Fuck.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Left alone, you lean back in
bed.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>You run a hand over your
shaved scalp, fingers brushing across the light stubble as you
contemplate what to do next.<<else>>You run your fingers
through your mussed hair, tugging gently at the $haircolour <<if
$hairtexture is "locked">>locs<<elseif $hairtexture is
"coily" or $hairtexture is "kinky">>coils<<elseif
$hairtexture is "curly">>curls<<elseif $hairtexture is
"wavy">>waves<<else>>strands<</if>> as you
contemplate what to do next.<</if>>
You could go back to sleep. Your aching body would be thankful for it.
But already you’re growing tired of these same four walls and it is
becoming difficult to fight the feeling of restless constriction. Surely
a short walk on the ship deck would do you some good…
And besides, you can’t put off meeting this Zenaida Anaxas forever.
You’re awake now. Might as well see the extent of what Aeran got you
into.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Carefully, you inch yourself over to the edge of the cot and
swing your legs over. The long bed shirt twists around you, tangling
between your legs. It dawns on you that—aside from your bandages—it’s
the only thing you’re wearing. You wonder what happened to your clothes.
Probably in the chest.
You place your feet on the floor, shakily get to your feet—and your legs
forget to work.
The ship lurches, sending you staggering into the opposite wall. You
trip, painfully stubbing your toes on the chest, and throw out a hand.
Your palm connects with the hammock and slams it against the wood
panels. <<if $agility >=8 or $origin is "merchant">>You
steady yourself, carefully regaining your sense of balance before you
fall over.<<else>>You fall over, landing unceremoniously on
the floor. A flare of pain ripples through your torso. Grunting in pain,
you carefully prod your bandages to test your wounds and slowly push
yourself up.<</if>>
You kneel next to the chest and grasp the lid. It’s heavier than you
expect and your weak muscles strain at the effort, but you eventually
manage to prop it open. Inside is a collection of familiar items—your
weapons, your pack, a few of Aeran’s belongings. You don’t see your
clothes, but you find a pair of utilitarian dark trousers and a dark
tunic, similar to the ones Aeran wore.
You pull them out and quickly dress. They may not be what you’re used
to, but it’s better than a scratchy bed shirt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>After a quick search, you find your boots pushed under the bed.
You sit on the floor and pull them on, your shoulders aching from the
movement. You’re exhausted by the time you’re done and you flop back on
the floor, staring at the ceiling. Your mind races, flickering through
the events that led you here, to this particular ship, to this
particular floor…
You pass a hand over your face. Maybe in another life things would have
played out differently, but you can’t turn back time.
You groan and, gripping the edge of the bed for support, slowly pull
yourself up.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>You dust yourself off and
smooth down the creases in your clothes.<<elseif $hairlength is
"cropped" or $hairlength is "short">>You run your hands through
your hair, arranging it as best you can, and smooth down the creases in
your clothes.<<else>>You run your hands through your hair
and tie it back, then smooth down the creases in your
clothes.<</if>> You pause, wavering by the chest as you
consider what to do with your weapons. Deciding that leaving the cabin
armed may send the wrong idea, you take your pack and strap it to your
hip. You may have to forgo weapons for now, but it’s comforting to have
at least one thing you’re familiar with.
Satisfied you’re as respectable as you’re going to get, you hobble
through the cabin door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You limp down a corridor panelled in a rich, dark wood.
Conjured lights bob an inch or two from the ceiling, lighting the
way.<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">> You
duck your head and slouch, trying not to bump into them. You’d rather
not be the cause of a complete blackout below decks.<</if>>
As you pass a handful of doors that lead to other cabins, you are left
with the distinct impression this is the nicest ship you have ever
stepped foot on. The ship is handsomely outfitted, with enough space to
house dozens of passengers alongside the crew. Considering the ship’s
origins, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
You find the ladder to the deck a little further down the corridor. You
pause, resting a hand on the rungs, and grit your teeth. You pull
yourself up and your body protests with every move.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Opening the hatch, you emerge from the depths of the ship to
bright daylight and sunny skies. A trio of tall, broad masts tower over
the deck, their burgundy sails full with a strong wind. You spot an
ensign flying from the tip of the tallest one—a deep red flag, adorned
with a golden phoenix. The symbol of the Arathian Empire.
Sailors rush to and fro, busy with their work. Some perch in the sails,
hanging from ropes, their hands and fingers glowing as they manipulate
the wind. Others hover near the stern, manipulating the flow of water
around the keel. Every so often, the captain—recognizable by their
brightly-coloured headwrap—barks at the crew, ordering an adjustment in
speed and direction.
You turn and walk shakily across the deck, aimless in your direction.
Your boots slip on the rough wood and stumble, hands grasping uselessly
at empty air as you desperately catch yourself. Up here, the ship seems
keen on tossing you around like a rag-doll. It takes all your
concentration to keep from falling over.
Turning around, you spot the stern deck rising up over the back half of
the ship. Like most Arathian ships, a grand cabin is set below it,
framed by two twisting stairs that lead to the upper deck. Deciding the
cabin’s foyer would be a safer place to stand for the time being, you
slowly stumble your way across the deck towards it.
You are half-way there when a familiar figure in a black serithan sweeps
in front of you.
Malsara.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>“Adventuring out so soon after your return to us?” she says,
looking you up and down. “Stubborn indeed.”
You fold your arms. “I try.”
She smirks and readjusts her serithan. The silky skirts ripple around
her, pulled by the wind. There’s something different about it… Did she
change clothes?
“Impressive, is it not?” she says, nodding at the sailors. “The work of a
Velantian crew, praised for their speed and navigational skill. We
should reach the Lotharic Sea within four weeks, if not sooner.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "merchant">>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Four weeks? The Coveran merchant fleet can do it in
two.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC 01A][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. [CHILD OF THE SEAS] Origin
requirement has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m in no rush.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
01B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you say so. This isn’t my area
of expertise.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“I
apologize for the interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her Grace
would like—”
Aeran pulls away and abruptly scrambles to his feet.
A woman stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks immaculate.
She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional Arathian robe
belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one shoulder.
The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed into neat
pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a long
braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
You recognize her. You know without a doubt that this must be Malsara
Markal.
Malsara’s gaze passes from Aeran to you. “I did not realize $lastname
had awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah,” Aeran says. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe is<</if>>
feeling much better—”
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“Her Grace will be delighted to hear of your recovery,” she says. “I
will inform her at once. If you are feeling well enough, you should come
to her cabin and meet her in person. There is much she would like to
discuss with you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “About this agreement you forced Aeran to
make while I was unconscious?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 63 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I look forward to it.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV 63 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 63
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
hear a faint snort of laughter from Aeran. Despite it, he somehow
manages to keep a straight face.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP ENDCONVO DENY
ROM")>>Malsara looks less than pleased. “Quite,” she replies
stiffly, turning to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you,
Kellis.” Her eyes flicker past him to focus on you. “At your leisure, of
course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the
door.<<else>>Malsara looks less than pleased. “Quite,” she
replies stiffly and turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak to
you, Kellis. At your leisure of course.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the
door.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
64]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
faint smile plays across her lips. “I am glad,” she says. “I feared you
would prove… resistant to your circumstances once you awakened.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP ENDCONVO DENY ROM")>>She
turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis,” she
says quickly, before you can interrupt. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the
door.<<else>>She turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to
speak with you, Kellis,” she says quickly, before you can interrupt. “At
your leisure, of course.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the
door.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
64]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
stony frown flickers across her face. “I feared you would prove
resistant to your circumstances once you awakened,” she says. “Before
you think of doing anything questionable, I would remind you who
prevented you from succumbing to your wounds.”
You clench your teeth, bristling at the threat.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP ENDCONVO DENY ROM")>>She
turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis,” she
adds quickly, before you can interrupt. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.<<else>>She turns to
Aeran. “Her Grace would like to speak with you, Kellis,” she adds
quickly, before you can interrupt. “At your leisure, of course.”
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the
door.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV
64]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs. “I have to go,” he says. “You learn pretty quickly that ‘at your
leisure’ means ‘as soon as possible.’ I’ll see you out on the deck.”
He slips through the cabin door, quietly closing it behind him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
apologize for the interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her Grace
would like—”
Aeran spins around, abruptly turning to the door.
A woman stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in astonishment.
For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks immaculate.
She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional Arathian robe
belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one shoulder.
The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed into neat
pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a long
braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
You recognize her. You know without a doubt that this must be Malsara
Markal.
Malsara’s gaze passes from Aeran to you. “I did not realize $lastname
had awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah,” Aeran says. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe is<</if>>
feeling much better—”
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“Her Grace will be delighted to hear of your recovery,” she says. “I
will inform her at once. If you are feeling well enough, you should come
to her cabin and meet her in person. There is much she would like to
discuss with you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “About this agreement you forced Aeran to
make while I was unconscious?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 63 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I look forward to it.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP RAV 63 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV 63
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “I see. So naval travel is not outside your realm of
expertise.” She sounds mildly surprised.
“Is that strange?” you ask.
“No,” she replies. “Merely unexpected. You seem so reluctant to engage
with magic in any regard. I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll try my best not to get underfoot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “You seem so reluctant to engage with magic in any
regard,” she says. “I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive. To go by land would put us behind schedule by months.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll try my best not to get underfoot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. She pushes past you, sauntering to the edge of the deck. You
watch from a distance as she rests her hands against the rail and looks
out to sea. The azure waves beat against the ship, white caps cresting
in the distance.
“You aren’t what I expected,” she says. The wind tugs at her hair,
shifting her long braid. “When we arrive, what do you hope to find in
Velantis?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Give me a break. I just woke up.”|CHAPTER 1
RAV LC 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Haven’t thought that far, to be
honest.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Whatever Aeran agreed to do for
you, I don’t care—as long as we get paid.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How fascinating,” she says. “You paint an interesting picture
of yourself, Wayfarer. Are you no more than a leaf, blown to and fro by
the wind, leaving your fate to be decided by chance? Such detachment
shows a remarkable lack of agency in your own life.”
You scowl, a hot flush on your cheeks. <<if $perception
>=8>>No matter how cutting her words are, you sense a clear
will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown you before. You have a feeling
you’re not talking to Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and
your gut twists in anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “So this is what has become of your mighty order,” she says,
turning to you. “At best ignorant of your own creed, at worst willfully
negligent of it. You will do whatever is required of you, as long as you
are paid. They say Wayfarers are nothing more than glorified
mercenaries. Unfortunate, is it not, that it takes so little effort for
you to prove them right.
You scowl, a hot flush on your cheeks. <<if $perception
>=8>>No matter how cutting her words are, you sense a clear
will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown you before. You have a feeling
you’re not talking to Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and
your gut twists in anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nova!”
You turn and see a woman in a dark, pleated serithan crossing the deck.
Her plaited ashen blonde hair shines bright in the direct sunlight. You
glance at the woman beside you, an uncomfortable feeling churning in
your stomach. She smirks and a faint violet aura shimmers around her as
her hair transforms, bleeding from blonde to black. She bows, a strange
smile dancing on her lips.
“A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says. She sweeps through the doors and
disappears into the cabin beyond, leaving you standing alone in
uncomfortable surprise.
Malsara—the real one—lets out a withering sigh as she approaches you.
“Pardon my sister,” she says. “She delights in masquerading as me.”
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $perception
>=8>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] “I saw through it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
05A]]<<else>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Conditional skill
level has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$perception >=8>>[[1. “I saw through it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
05A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional skill level has not
been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Malsara
smiles. “Of course,” she says. “You are not easily fooled, even by a
simple transmogrification.”
You grimace. It appears Nova can use her powers to alter her appearance.
This was no illusion. Illusions have no bearing on you; you can see
right through them to the person beneath. Transmogrification, on the
other hand, alters its target on a physical level. Once the magic is
cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
notes your sarcastic tone and clasps her hands together. “My sister’s
primary skills lie within the sphere of Transformation,” she says.
“Though it is a serious field of magic, with much room for error and
devastating consequences, it does not stop her from transforming her
likeness at will to mimic the appearance of others.” She pauses, her
lips pressing into a fine line. “I am her usual target, of course. It is
much easier when she has only one physical aspect to change.”
You grimace. Altering appearance—both one’s own and another’s—is a
well-researched and popular form of magic, though the practice has its
dangers. While many opt for the safer route of using illusions to alter
their form, Transmogrification changes a person on a physical level.
You can see through illusions easily; the magic has no bearing on you.
Transmogrification, on the other hand, only affects its target. Once the
magic is cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am glad your wounds are healing well,” Malsara continues. “I feared you
would perish, that I was not skilled enough to heal you.”
You shift uncomfortably under her gaze and rub a hand across the back of
your neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Thank her.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC 07
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC 07
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Thank
you,” you say quietly. “Not many would do what you did.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “I am well aware,” she
says. “Nova was displeased at first, concerned that touching you during
surgery would somehow permanently dampen my powers.”
You snort. It is as ridiculous as it sounds.
“You must forgive her,” she continues. “She has been with the Guild of
Mages for many years and her perception of the world is altered by their
particular doctrine. The League knows better.”
You swallow hard. You’re not sure if this was her intention, but there’s
something ominous in the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara’s
brown eyes narrow as she takes in your stony silence. “I am not my
sister, Wayfarer,” she says. “Do not judge me as you would judge her.
She has been with the Guild of Mages for many years and her perception
is influenced by their particular doctrine. The League knows better.”
You swallow hard. You’re not sure if this was her intention, but there’s
something ominous in the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV LC
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Come,
then,” she says, gesturing toward the cabin doors. “As you are awake,
now would be a good time for you to formally meet Her Grace. She is
quite anxious to speak with you.”
Your jaw clenches and a shiver runs down your spine. Knowing there is
little you can do to avoid this meeting, you cross the deck and open the
doors.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN CONTRACT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$silentCounter to 0>><<if $origin is "merchant">>The
grand cabin is much larger than you expect. You spent your childhood at
sea, aboard a multitude of ships owned and operated by your family. Even
the most luxurious in the $lastname1 fleet can’t compare to the
<i>Dareia</i>.<<else>>The grand cabin is much
larger than you expect. Admittedly, you haven’t spent much time at sea
and don’t have much to compare it to, but you are surprised that a room
like this one could even exist on a ship.<</if>>
The doors open into a narrow antechamber. The floors are lined with
narrow panels of a rich red wood in alternating patterns of light and
dark. The walls are also paneled, with intricate carvings engraved from
floor to ceiling. The elaborate geometric designs remind you of Arathian
mosaics. Conjured lights glow softly from iron-wrought brackets spaced
evenly at shoulder-height.
The antechamber opens out into a spacious room that occupies the space
below the upper stern deck. The walls are lined with windows, providing a
spectacular view of the rolling sea. A crystal chandelier hovers an
inch or two from the ceiling, rotating quietly as it illuminates the
room with fractal light. Elegant rugs of deep violet and crimson cover
the floor, their edges embroidered in gold. A large bed draped in purple
silks occupies the space below one window, while the others are lined
with spacious window seats littered with pillows and blankets. A small,
but heavy round table sits in the centre of the chamber, its surface
swept clean except for the collection of crystal decanters and a handful
of upturned glasses.
Nova sits on a window seat, her hands folded in her lap. She looks up as
you enter, watching you with sharp, unblinking eyes. A woman sits next
to her, primly perched on the edge of the seat so her feet touch the
floor. Her posture is straight and she carries herself with a superior
elegance that speaks to her noble upbringing.
“Your Grace,” Malsara says. “Wayfarer $lastname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
01]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Thank
you,” you say quietly. “Not many would do what you did.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “I am well aware,” she
says. “My sister was quite displeased at first, out of a misguided
concern that touching you during surgery would somehow permanently
dampen my powers.”
You snort. It is as ridiculous as it sounds.
“I unfortunately know many mages who share similar beliefs. The Guild’s
doctrine is powerful, but the League… the League knows better.”
You frown. You’re not sure if it was her intention, but there’s
something ominous about the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $completeInfo is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT
02]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT INFO
INSERT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>The
smile disappears as she takes in your stony silence. “My sister was
quite displeased at first,” she says. “She thought it best to leave your
fate to chance. She held a misguided concern that touching you during
surgery would somehow permanently dampen my powers.”
You glance at her. Though it is as ridiculous as it sounds, you can’t
fathom why she is telling you this. And who is her sister?
“I unfortunately know many mages who share similar beliefs. The Guild’s
doctrine is powerful, but the League… the League knows better.”
You frown. You’re not sure if it was her intention, but there’s
something ominous about the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $completeInfo is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT
02]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT INFO
INSERT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Come
then,” she says, gesturing toward the door. “Her Grace will be
delighted to hear of your recovery. As you are awake, now would be a
good time for you to formally meet her. She is quite anxious to speak
with you.”
Your jaw clenches and a shiver runs down your spine. Her Grace… that
must be Zenaida Anaxas. The Arathian Guild mage who is responsible for
your escape from Rona.
Knowing there is little you can do to avoid this meeting, you get to
your feet and allow Malsara to usher you from the cabin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Come
then,” she says, gesturing toward the door. “Her Grace will be
delighted to hear of your recovery. As you are awake, now would be a
good time for you to formally meet her. She is quite anxious to speak
with you—”
You frown. “Her Grace…?”
Malsara pauses. “Did Kellis not tell you?” she says.
You groan and struggle to your feet. “Nothing worthwhile,” you reply
darkly, stagger the few steps across the cabin to sit on the edge of
your cot. “Who’s Her Grace? An Imperial princess or something?”
Her frown deepens. “Her Grace is Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas,” she says.
“Heir to the Velantian Protectorate and Savant of Diradan Tower. It is
by her will that you were rescued from Rona.”
Your fingers tighten, gripping the edge of the cot. “Savant?” you echo.
Not only is this Zenaida a high-ranking Imperial aristocrat, she is a
high-ranking Guild mage as well. This doesn’t bode well. “What does a
Savant want with us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT INFO INSERT
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Malsara leads you down a
corridor panelled in a rich, dark wood. Conjured lights bob an inch or
two from the ceiling, lighting the way.<<if $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">> You duck your head and slouch, trying not
to bump into them. You’d rather not be the cause of a complete blackout
below decks.<</if>> As you pass a handful of doors that
lead to other cabins, you are left with the distinct impression this is
the nicest ship you have ever stepped foot on. The ship is handsomely
outfitted, with enough space to house dozens of passengers alongside the
crew. Considering the ship’s origins, this shouldn’t come as a
surprise.
A ladder to the deck above is a little further down the corridor.
Malsara clambers quickly up it and you follow behind her, emerging from
the depths of the ship to bright daylight and sunny skies. A trio of
tall, broad masts tower over the deck, their burgundy sails full with a
strong wind. You spot an ensign flying from the tip of the tallest one—a
deep red flag, adorned with a golden phoenix.
The symbol of the Arathian Empire.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Sailors rush to and fro, busy with their work. Some perch in
the sails, hanging from ropes, their hands and fingers glowing as they
manipulate the wind. Others hover near the stern, manipulating the flow
of water around the keel. Every so often, the captain—recognizable by
their brightly-coloured headwrap—barks at the crew, ordering an
adjustment in speed and direction.
The stern deck rises up over the back half of the ship. Like most
Arathian ships, a grand cabin is set below it, framed by two twisting
stairs that lead to the upper deck. Malsara cuts quickly across the
deck, leading you towards the cabin’s grand doors. You follow her on
shaky feet, your boots slipping on the rough wood. You stumble, hands
grasping uselessly at empty air as you fight to keep your balance. Up
here, the ship seems keen on tossing you around like a rag-doll. It
takes all your concentration to keep from falling over.
You are half-way there when a woman with a remarkable resemblance to
Malsara sweeps in front of you. “Adventuring out so soon after your
return to us?” she says, looking you up and down. “Stubborn indeed.”
Your jaw clenches. “I try.”
She smirks and her dark hair ripples in the wind. <<if $haircolour
neq "black">>A faint violet aura shimmers around her and her hair
transforms, bleeding from black to $haircolour in an accurate
replication of your own hair colour.<<else>>A faint violet
aura shimmers around her and her hair transforms, changing into an
accurate replica of yours.<</if>>
“Nova,” Malsara says crossly. “Don’t.”
Nova laughs, dark eyes shining. “A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says. She
turns and crosses the deck, passing through the cabin doors without
another word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Malsara lets out an exasperated sigh. “Pardon my sister,” she
says. “She enjoys using her magic to infuriate others as much as she
can. A wasteful use of Transmogrification, if you ask me.”
You frown. Altering appearance—both one’s own and another’s—is a
well-researched and popular form of magic, though the practice has its
dangers. While many opt for the safer route of using illusions to alter
their form, Transmogrification changes a person on a physical level. It
seems Nova uses it confidently and brazenly.
“This way,” Malsara continues, leading you to the doors.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN CONTRACT
START][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“It
is perhaps best that she tell you herself,” Malsara replies. She
pauses, a strange look flickering across her face. “I told you when we
met, did I not? The one I serve will not be refused. After you and
Kellis declined to meet with her, she instructed us to follow you
throughout Rona.
<<if $CountGotMC is true>>“When it became clear that you
would not return from your meeting with Cere Nalos, she acted. She
brought down the barriers that secured his villa, allowing me to
intercept him before he could deliver the final blow. She then ensured
yours and Kellis’ escape from the city.<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>“When it became clear that you would not return from your
meeting with Cere Nalos, she acted. She brought down the barriers that
secured his villa, allowing me to intercept him before he could deliver
the final blow. She then ensured yours and Kellis’ escape from the
city.<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“When it became clear
that you would not return from your meeting with Cere Nalos, she acted.
She brought down the barriers that secured his villa and ensured yours
and Kellis’ escape from the city.<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>“When it became clear that the attack on the town square had
grown out of control, she acted. She protected you from the battle and
ensured yours and Kellis’ escape from the city.<</if>> She
went to great lengths to save your life. Remember that.”
You press your lips together, trying to remember the circumstances
before you blacked out… Your mind is still a haze and it is difficult to
peer through it. But you recall a gold light bursting to life, gleaming
like a beacon… That must have been this Zenaida.
<<if $CountGotMC is true>><<set $countDead to
true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>><<if (ndef
$bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>“What happened to the
Count?” you ask.
“Dead,” Malsara says. “I killed him myself at Her Grace’s command. He
will terrorize Rona no more.”
“And Rhodarth? The mercenary?”
She shrugs. “Gone. I believe he was under the terms of a blood oath,
which broke upon Nalos’ death. He took his company and left. I do not
know what became of them afterwards.”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>><<set $countDead to true>><<set
$countDead_How to 4>><<if (ndef
$bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>“What happened to the
Count?” you ask.
“Dead,” Malsara says. “Killed by Kellis after you fell. He will
terrorize Rona no more.”
“And Rhodarth? The mercenary?”
She shrugs. “Gone. I believe he was under the terms of a blood oath,
which broke upon Nalos’ death. He took his company and left. I do not
know what became of them afterwards.”<<elseif $rhodarthOath
<=5>><<set $countDead to true>><<set
$countDead_How to 4>><<if (ndef
$bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>“What happened to the
Count?” you ask.
“Dead,” Malsara says. “Killed by Kellis after you fell. He will
terrorize Rona no more.”
“And Rhodarth? The mercenary?”
She shrugs. “Gone. I believe he was under the terms of a blood oath,
which broke upon Nalos’ death. He took his company and left. I do not
know what became of them afterwards.”<<elseif $rhodarthOath
>=6>><<set $rhodarthDead to true>><<set
$rhodarthDead_How to 3>><<if (ndef
$bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>“What happened to the
Count?” you ask.
“Dead,” Malsara says. “Killed by Kellis after you fell. He will
terrorize Rona no more.”
“And Rhodarth? The mercenary?”
She pauses. “Dead from the effects of a blood oath, I
believe.”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>“What happened?”
you ask.
“The square collapsed,” Malsara says. “Her Grace protected us from harm,
but we were caught in the surrounding infrastructure. You and Kellis
nearly drowned before my sister was able to pull you out. The fire
burned long after we were gone. The damage to the city was severe.”
<</if>>
You nod and fall silent, your thoughts racing. It’s almost too much for
your exhausted mind to process, and you can’t help but feel a stab of
annoyance that Aeran didn’t tell you this himself.
Malsara gestures towards the door, her movements sharp and pointed.
Knowing that there is little you can do to avoid meeting your new
employer, you get to your feet and allow her to usher you from the
cabin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CABIN ALEFT
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
Anaxas smiles and fixes you with an enquiring look as she gestures for
you to sit.
She is human and looks to be around the same age as you, perhaps in her
late twenties or early thirties. She is dressed in an exquisite travel
serithan befitting of her station. The silken turquoise robes compliment
the rich, brown tone of her skin. Complex gold embroidery wrapped
around the hems of the skirt and a single, long sleeve. Her dark hair is
braided and pulled back, covered with a protective silk scarf that
flows loosely over one shoulder. Though she has forgone jewellery and
makeup, she looks like she could step into the Imperial palace for an
audience with the emperor.
“I am glad you are recovering swiftly, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says.
“How do you feel?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine, thank you.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC02
A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[2.
“Doesn’t matter. I want to know what you want with Aeran and
me.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 02B]]<<else>>[[2. “Doesn’t matter. I
want to know what the hell you want with me.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug. The last thing you want to do
is have a long, drawn-out conversation about your injuries.|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 02C][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
tone is curt, but respectful. Considering that Zenaida is an
aristocrat, a Guild mage, and the woman responsible for saving your
life, it’s probably best you tread carefully.
Her smile widens. “I can imagine waking up in your circumstances must be
quite disorienting,” she says. “You must have many questions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yes, Your Grace.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03
A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And you’re the one with the
answers. Maybe you should tell me what’s going on here.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. Let her
continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03 C][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
smile vanishes, her lips drawing downwards in a frown. She must not
care for your tone, but you don’t particularly care about her feelings.
She may be responsible for saving your life, but your patience is
stretched thin. You don’t have time to play games and cushion an
aristocrat’s feelings—especially not one who has swept you into her
service without your consent.
“Waking up in your circumstances must be quite disorienting,” she says.
“You must have many questions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Something like that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03
A-2][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And you’re the one with the
answers. Maybe you should tell me what’s going on here.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. Let her
continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03 C][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses, watching you keenly. You sense she expects you to say
something, but it only serves to bolster your silence. She may be
responsible for saving your life, but your patience is stretched thin.
You don’t have time to play games and cushion an aristocrat’s
feelings—especially not one who has swept you into her service without
your consent.
She sighs and twists her fingers together. “Waking up in your
circumstances must be quite disorienting,” she says finally. “You must
have many questions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Something like that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03
A-2][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And you’re the one with the
answers. Maybe you should tell me what’s going on here.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. Let her
continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03 C][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses, her eyes sweeping over you. There’s something calculating about
her gaze, as if she is marking you for assessment. You wonder what she
knows about you. She had people following you through Rona, so no doubt
their reports on your actions made their way back to her. And it is
possible Aeran said something about you while you were unconscious, if
pressed.
You exhale sharply and try to push down your discomfort. You may be
injured, but you’re not going to bend easily under her scrutiny.
“This is not how I wished to begin our partnership,” Zenaida says. “When
I came to Rona, I was searching for two Wayfarers with the hopes of an
easy recruitment. I never expected your time in the city to become quite
so… turbulent. However, the ordeal is now over. I hope you will not
think too poorly of me for my interference in your affairs, but I did
not want to risk losing a valuable ally.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You saved our lives. I’m not going to
complain about that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An ally? Never thought I’d be
allies with a Guild mage.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and let her continue.|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 D][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“In
due course, Wayfarer,” she says. She pauses, tilting her head as her
eyes sweep over you. There’s something calculating about her gaze, as if
she is marking you for assessment. An uncomfortable knot twists in your
stomach. You wonder what she knows about you. She had people following
you through Rona, so no doubt their reports on your actions made their
way back to her. And it is possible Aeran said something about you while
you were unconscious, if pressed.
You exhale sharply and try to push down your unease. You may be injured,
but you’re not going to bend so easily under her scrutiny.
“This is not how I wished to begin our partnership,” Zenaida says. “When
I came to Rona, I was searching for two Wayfarers with the hopes of an
easy recruitment. I never expected your time in the city to become quite
so… turbulent. However, the ordeal is now over. I hope you will not
think too poorly of me for my interference in your affairs, but I did
not want to risk losing a valuable ally.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You saved our lives. I’m not going to
complain about that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An ally? Never thought I’d be
allies with a Guild mage.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and let her continue.|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 D][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses, waiting for you to interject. When you say nothing, draws back,
twisting her fingers together as she fixes you with a calculating gaze.
“This is not how I wished to begin our partnership,” she says. “When I
came to Rona, I was searching for two Wayfarers with the hopes of an
easy recruitment. I never expected your time in the city to become quite
so… turbulent. However, the ordeal is now over. I hope you will not
think too poorly of me for my interference in your affairs, but I did
not want to risk losing a valuable ally.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You saved our lives. I’m not going to
complain about that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An ally? Never thought I’d be
allies with a Guild mage.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and let her continue.|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 D][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
frowns, her lips pressing together in a thin line. She fixes you with a
calculating gaze, as if she is marking you for assessment. An
uncomfortable knot twists in your stomach. You wonder what she knows
about you. She had people following you through Rona, so no doubt their
reports on your actions made their way back to her. And it is possible
Aeran said something about you while you were unconscious, if pressed.
You exhale sharply and try to push down your unease. You may be injured,
but you’re not going to bend so easily under her scrutiny.
“This is not how I wished to begin our partnership,” Zenaida says. “When
I came to Rona, I was searching for two Wayfarers with the hopes of an
easy recruitment. I never expected your time in the city to become quite
so… turbulent. However, the ordeal is now over. I hope you will not
think too poorly of me for my interference in your affairs, but I did
not want to risk losing a valuable ally.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You saved our lives. I’m not going to
complain about that.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An ally? Never thought I’d be
allies with a Guild mage.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just get to the point.”|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and let her continue.|CHAPTER 1
RAV CC 04 D][$silentCounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“A
wise choice,” she says.
You fold your arms. “One way or another, I got what I wanted. I’m not in
Rona anymore.”
She chuckles. “Indeed,” she replies. “I admit, I had feared you would be
more… aggressively opposed to your circumstances when you awoke.
Which—in your defense—would be entirely understandable. I am well
familiar with the volatile history of our orders. The Guild of Mages and
the Wayfarer Order are often antithetical to one another, it is true. I
do not doubt you are suspicious of me, and you are right to be so.
Wayfarer Kellis was not well pleased when he agreed to my proposition,
but even he eventually conceded.”
She pauses and smooths down her rippling skirts. “I have no intention to
do you harm, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “Quite the opposite. My
intention is to recruit you for an opportunity. One that you will be
rewarded for most grandly.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
chuckles. “I hope you will be amenable to the idea,” she says. “I
admit, I had feared you would be more… aggressively opposed to your
circumstances when you awoke. Which—in your defense—would be entirely
understandable. I am well familiar with the volatile history of our
orders. The Guild of Mages and the Wayfarer Order are often antithetical
to one another, it is true. I do not doubt you are suspicious of me,
and you are right to be so. Wayfarer Kellis was not well pleased when he
agreed to my proposition, but even he eventually conceded.”
She pauses and smooths down her rippling skirts. “I have no intention to
do you harm, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “Quite the opposite. My
intention is to recruit you for an opportunity. One that you will be
rewarded for most grandly.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses, her brows knitting together. “Very well, Wayfarer $lastname,”
she says. “I can sense your apprehension and I do not blame you for it.
Just know that I have no intention to do you harm. Quite the opposite. I
wish to recruit you for an opportunity, one that you will be rewarded
for most grandly.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$silentCounter >=3>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)>>Zenaida exhales an
exasperated breath. “Do you have nothing to say, Wayfarer $lastname?”
she says.
You shrug. She is clearly uncomfortable with your silence.
<<if $origin is "noble">>You understand why; you’re more
than familiar with the kind of culture she must have been raised in.
Most Rhesainian nobles, regardless of nationality, favour conversation
and dialogue, placing high value on acerbic wit and clever discourse. A
refusal to engage in it leaves them with very little room to
maneuver.<<else>>If she’s like any other Rhesainian
aristocrats, she must have been raised in a culture that favours
conversation and dialogue, one that places high value on acerbic wit and
clever discourse. A refusal to engage in it at all leaves her with very
little room to maneuver.<</if>>
You may be injured, but you’re not going to bend so easily under her
scrutiny. If she wants to play games, then you’re not going to follow
suit.
“Very well, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says, irritation tinging her voice.
“I can sense your apprehension and I do not blame you for it. Just know
that I have no intention to do you harm. Quite the opposite. I wish to
recruit you for an opportunity, one that you will be rewarded for most
grandly.”<<else>>She pauses, tilting her chin and meeting
your eyes.
You shrug.
She frowns, shifting restlessly. She is clearly uncomfortable with your
silence. “I admit, I had feared you would be aggressively opposed to
your circumstances when you awoke, $lastname,” she says. “I am well
familiar with the volatile history of our orders. The Guild of Mages and
the Wayfarer Order are often antithetical to one another, it is true. I
do not doubt you are suspicious of me, and you are right to be so.
Wayfarer Kellis was not well pleased when he agreed to my proposition,
but even he eventually conceded.”
She smooths down her rippling skirts. “I have no intention to do you
harm,” she continues. “Quite the opposite. My intention is to recruit
you for an opportunity. One that you will be rewarded for most
grandly.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Zenaida gestures to a nearby
window seat. “Why don’t you sit down?” she offers. “You are gravely
injured, after all.”
You pause, following her pointing finger, and decide to take the offer.
You shuffle across the cabin and sit down. The pillows and silks engulf
you, overwhelming you with luxury. It feels so good to take the weight
off your feet and the cushions are so exceedingly comfortable that you
may never want to get up again.
As you adjust your position, Malsara emerges from the antechamber and
settles against the wall.
“Though you have already met my retainers, I believe formal
introductions are in order,” Zenaida says. “I do not seek to obscure the
truth. There will be no lies in the room. No falsehoods.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You fold your arms. Pain flares in your side from the movement
and you pause, your breath caught in your throat. You wince and gingerly
press a hand to your wound, though it does little to make you feel
better.
If Zenaida noticed, she gives you no sign. She merely draws herself up,
straightening her posture, and assumes an imperious tone. “I am Zenaida
Ophelia Anaxas,” she says. “Savant of Diradan Tower and heir to the
Velantian Protectorate. Malsara and Nova Markal are my hands, sworn to
me and my house. Nova, like me, is a member of the Guild of Mages and
holds the rank of Savant. And though I am sure she would prefer I say
nothing on the subject, Malsara is a member of the Erebian League. She
serves me in many capacities.”
You glance at Malsara. She returns your gaze and clasps her hands in
front of her. Her serithan shifts around her and you catch the faint
gleam of a couple daggers strapped to her side.
“Tell me,” Zenaida continues, “what do you know of my city’s history?”
You grimace. “Enough,” you say. “Velantis isn’t exactly a small dot on
the map.”
“Then you’ll understand the gravity of the situation when I say the
journey to retrieve you and Kellis was not a simple matter of taking a
ship and sailing across the sea,” she replies. “It was an act of
betrayal against both the Council and my family. I risked my life and
the lives of my subordinates to seek you out. There is a darkness
growing in Velantis, a darkness that threatens to consume not only the
city, but the Arathian Empire itself.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>You pause, your
mind racing. It’s your talents that drew her attention, but what does a
Guild mage want with a couple of Wayfarers? How does it concern you? No
Wayfarer in their right mind would go within ten leagues of the city
that houses the Council of Mages.
But there’s something else… this talk of Velantis reminds you of the
letter you found in Aeran’s possessions. His contact—whoever they
are—asked him to meet them in Velantis… To what end? To finish what they
started? Strange that he would receive a request like that, and then be
tracked by a Guild mage who wants the same thing…
<i>Ugh.</i>
You resist the urge to rub your forehead. There will be time to unravel
this later. For now, you need to focus on
Zenaida.<<else>>You pause, your mind racing. It’s your
talents that drew her attention, but what does a Guild mage want with a
couple of Wayfarers? How does it concern you? No Wayfarer in their right
mind would go within ten leagues of the city that houses the Council of
Mages.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All this talk of darkness… I’m guessing
it’s not an exaggeration.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 06][$tempStat to 1,
$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Go on.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
06][$tempStat to 2, $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$tempStat is 1>>She laughs hollowly. “If only it were, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “I’ll be frank. The Council of Mages is corrupt. A
schism has formed, splitting the Guild into factions. Though outwardly
we pretend to be united, internally we are divided, and those divisions
grow more desperate by the day. Archsages, Savants, Guild masters… it
doesn’t matter the rank, sworn loyalties and long-standing allegiances
are abandoned and raked through the mud.”<<elseif $tempStat is
2>>She raises her chin and meets your eyes. You can see her
fingers twisting together in her lap; she tries to cover them with a
fold of her serithan, but it does little to draw your attention away.
“I’ll be frank,” she says. “The Council of Mages is corrupt. A schism
has formed, splitting the Guild into factions. Though outwardly we
pretend to be united, internally we are divided, and those divisions
grow more desperate by the day. Archsages, Savants, Guild masters… it
doesn’t matter the rank, sworn loyalties and long-standing allegiances
are abandoned and raked through the mud.”<</if>>
She takes a deep breath, shaken by her own words. “The Guild is at war
with itself and Velantis is the battleground. Those who seek dominion
over the Guild will stop at nothing in their pursuit of power, foraying
into the depths of forbidden magic, caring nothing for the lives they
destroy. If this hidden war is not stopped, Velantis will meet a
desperate and bloody end.”
Silence descends on the cabin, broken only by the sound of crashing
waves. You consider her words, your brows drawing together in a frown.
“That’s all very interesting,” you say. “But the internal politics of
the Guild are far beyond me. Why do you need Aeran and me?”
Zenaida exhales softly and tightens her hands in her lap. “Because you
are our one weakness,” she says. “The Guild cannot be controlled. But it
can be broken. You can walk through magical attacks, foil curses,
unravel enchantments with the touch of a hand. There may never be a time
when your skills are more vital.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not some tool you can just pick up and
use whenever you want!”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 07 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No, thank you. I’m not interested
in getting involved in a Guild war.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 07 B][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Go on, Your Grace. I’m
listening.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 07 C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempStat>><<unset $silentCounter>>Malsara steps
forward, alerted by the anger in your voice. Zenaida raises a hand and
she falls still.
“No, you are not,” she says. “And if I implied that to be the case, I
apologize. However, I cannot stress this enough: the Guild sees all. It
controls all. It is intrinsically tied to the city. Without your help,
Velantis will surely fall by the year’s end. But if you help me, you
will prevent thousands of deaths that would otherwise occur in this
conflict.”
You grit your teeth and bite down on your tongue, pushing back a retort.
She’s not making this easy on you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
08]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempStat>><<unset $silentCounter>>Zenaida frowns,
irritation flickering across her expression. “You may see it as
pointless, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “But I assure you, it is not.
The Guild sees all. It controls all. It is intrinsically tied to the
city. Without your help, Velantis will surely fall by the year’s end.
But if you help me, you will prevent thousands of deaths that would
otherwise occur in this conflict.”
You grit your teeth and bite down on your tongue, pushing back a retort.
She’s not making this easy on you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
08]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempStat>><<unset $silentCounter>>A smile tugs at
the corners of her lips, pleased with your response. “The Guild sees
all, Wayfarer $lastname,” she continues. “It controls all. It is
intrinsically tied to the city. Without your help, Velantis will surely
fall by the year’s end. But if you help me, you will prevent thousands
of deaths that would otherwise occur in this conflict.”
You nod. Your gaze sweeps the cabin, taking in Malsara and Nova. They
watch you calmly, their expressions unreadable. If they object to
Zenaida’s words, you would never know.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Regardless
of the Guild’s problems, I find it hard to believe Aeran agreed to this
willingly,” you say. “What did you offer him?”
Her expression hardens. “I should remind you, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
says coolly. “You are aboard my ship. Without me, you would have died in
Rona. You and Wayfarer Kellis are in my debt.”
An uncomfortable knot tightens in your stomach. You had a feeling she
would mention this eventually. Aeran already accepted her proposal on
your behalf. This is no contract negotiation; this is a briefing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Fuck it. You’re not going to sit here and
let her threaten you.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 09A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. She’s ignoring your question. Since,
you’re going to end up working for her whether you like it or not, you
want to know what she offered Aeran.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 09B][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Still… despite everything, you can’t
ignore the sincerity of her words. This is something she believes in.
And if the city is in as much danger as she says, you can’t stand
willingly by and do nothing.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 09C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 03 A") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 07
C")>>“I don’t like threats, Your Grace,” you
say.<<else>>“I don’t like threats, Zenaida,” you
say.<</if>>
“This is not a threat, Wayfarer $lastname,” she replies smoothly. “This
is a conversation between equals. If you interpret it as anything else,
it is a dilemma for you alone to handle.”
You lean back and cross your arms tightly across your chest, ignoring
the flare of pain that triggers with the movement. Somehow, it distracts
you from the temptation to curse at her, which is the last thing you
should do. You can sense the tension in the air; Zenaida is growing
frustrated with your refusal to sit down and accept her words quietly.
“Fine,” you say. “Aeran’s already agreed to this, so I don’t exactly
have a choice in the matter. You want us to help save Velantis from the
Guild? What—exactly—is involved in that? I assume there’s some plan or
mission or objective. You don’t seem the type to act first and think
about the consequences later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
didn’t answer my question,” you say shortly. “What did you offer him?
How much are you paying us?”
She sighs wearily. “Is payment truly the only thought that crosses your
mind?” she says. “Wayfarer Kellis was much the same, after a certain
point. You are the first Wayfarers I have met in some time, but I know
much of your order. Glorified mercenaries, some call you—for there will
always be a steep price attached.”
You grit your teeth at the thinly veiled insult. It’s not the first time
you’ve been told as much. You’ve been called many things over the years
due to your status as a Wayfarer—arrogant and self-serving are among
them. Nobles, merchants, peasants… no matter their status, many assume
you will only act when payment is on the table, all morals be damned.
“Fear not,” she continues. “Debt or no debt, I know what I am asking of
you. You will be fairly compensated.”
“Good,” you say. “Then what’s involved? What are we doing? I assume
there’s some plan or mission or objective. You don’t seem the type to
act first and think about the consequences later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>“The
debt doesn’t matter,” you say slowly. “If the city is in as much danger
as you say, then the Guild needs to be stopped.”
Her eyes widen, shock flickering briefly across her face. She recovers
quickly, gently readjusting her skirts and smoothing them down. “It is,”
she says. “You can imagine the power of a single mage. Now imagine what
those powers could do if they were unleashed tenfold, in a conflict
between hundreds of others like myself.”
“Then that’s what I care about,” you reply firmly.
You’ve been called many things over the years due to your status as a
Wayfarer—arrogant and self-serving are among them. Nobles, merchants,
peasants… no matter their status, many assume you will only act when
payment is on the table, all morals be damned. And while there is truth
to the sentiment—you will never work for no pay—you have always been
guided by your morals. You don’t enjoy knowing people have died when you
could have intervened.
“Then help me,” Zenaida says. “Help me save my city.”
You lean forward, resting a hand on your knee. “All right,” you say.
“What exactly is involved in that? I assume there’s some plan or mission
or objective. You don’t seem the type to act first and think about the
consequences later.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Indeed,” she says. “The details
have been in motion for many months, and the plan relies heavily on the
presence of a Wayfarer. That is why I sought you out—we cannot enact it
without you. Nova, if you would…?”
Nova rises to her feet and produces a small obsidian orb. It sits
comfortably in the palm of her hand. Its sides are as smooth as glass,
so highly polished that you can see yourself reflected in its surface.
She stares into it, brow furrowed, and a violet glow seeps from her palm
into the orb. A moment later, it explodes with light. Its surface
shimmers and a moment later, an image is reflected deep within.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
small chamber, octagonal in shape, its white walls lined with
beautifully arched stained-glass windows. The stained-glass reminds you
of the windows in the Spire, but they are different here—the mosaics are
in blues, greens and golds, a far cry from the deep violets and reds
preferred by the Spire’s architecture, and patterned in geometric shapes
whose arcane significance mean nothing to you. Conjured lights dance
around the ceiling, lighting the octagonal dais below.
The dais is raised several feet above the floor and takes up the
majority of the room. Steep white marble steps lead up to it from all
sides. A plinth rests in the middle of the dais, draped with a swath of
gold fabric that shimmers in the dancing lights. Above the plinth,
hovering in mid-air in a slow rotation, is a staff.
The staff is old, of that you have no doubt. Crafted from an earthy,
yellowish wood, it looks much more like a sturdy, well-worn weapon than
an artefact from the ancient past. At a closer look, the staff appears
to be quite long—nearly as <<if $height is "tall">>tall as
you<<else>>tall as Aeran<</if>>—and it is
reinforced with bands of dappled metal reminiscent of Alassar steel.
Embedded in the centre, near the grip, is a ruby gemstone, its colour so
dark it is nearly black.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
wave of discomfort hits you just by looking at it. This is a deeply
powerful weapon, the arcane energies contained within it unimaginable.
<<if $flotsamgrove is true>>The Chalice of Offering is a
child’s toy in comparison.<</if>>
You don’t like it.
“…what is that?” you ask.
“The greatest secret of the Guild of Mages,” Nova replies. “One that has
been guarded by generations of Archsages and Savants, stretching back a
thousand years.”
“That doesn’t help,” you point out.
“It is an Astrial,” she continues. “One of six arcane weapons wielded by
the Sentinels of Rhesaina during the Astrandium.”
You grimace. You don’t like where this is going.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 11
ASTRANDIUM][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$astrandiumcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: The Astrandium<</notify>>The story of Rhesaina and
her Sentinels is known throughout most of the continent. Millennia ago,
the world was shattered in a great cataclysm. From the sky fell
creatures from an unknown plane. These unearthly monsters, Harbingers of
death and destruction, scattered across the land, flooding the
continent with their magic. Fire and ash rained down from the sky,
mountains were levelled, the seas rose swallowed cities and villages.
From the scorched ruins of a nameless village rose a young woman named
Rhesaina. She scaled the Gairloch Mountains, making the perilous climb
to Adrasus Citadel, an ancient temple sacred to Meissa, the progenitor
deity, forebearer of the gods. The Divinity heard her plea and, blessing
her with sacred magic, commanded her to lead the world against the
otherworldly invaders.
Gathering six warriors of legend, Rhesaina sought the boons of Meissa’s
children. Her companions were blessed each in turn, one by each god, and
gifted arcane weapons. They were named Sentinels, protectors of the
world and vessels of the gods’ power, and bound to stop the world’s
destruction.
But even the power of the gods was not enough to halt the Harbingers. As
chaos surged and the land fell to ruin, Rhesaina and the Sentinels made
a choice. Sacrificing their lives to diffuse their power across the
world, they banished the Harbingers, sending them back to the void and
preventing their return for all time.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 11 ASTRANDIUM
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>To
some, the story of Rhesaina is a crucial part of the world’s history, a
stark reminder of the horrors that could have been if not for the gods.
To others, it is little more than hogwash, touted as fact by the
devout. Regardless of the truth in the tale, there are three
indisputable facts.
First: long ago, something did scar and tear the earth, leaving behind
unnatural fissures and twisted formations in the land.
Second: Adrasus Citadel is an ancient temple imbued with magic so
powerful most cannot enter its halls without suffering hallucinations,
headaches and—should they linger too long—death. Due to the inability to
research the area, no one knows when the temple was built or by who.
The origins of the citadel are fiercely debated in many universities
across the continent.
Third: the Astrials—or something very much like them—exist. Three have
been discovered in the past thousand years: an axe in the possession of
the Arathian Empire, a shield retained by the Coveran Republic, and a
bow seized by a Meissandic temple in Nesactium. Though some speculate
these artefacts are pre-Astrandium relics of no importance, all three
have been authenticated by the Meissandium itself. They are greatly
coveted by the nations that discovered them.
If this staff is a fourth Astrial, one the Guild has hidden for
centuries…
Thinking about the political and religious implications makes you ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
12]]</div></div><</nobr>>“This
Astrial has been in the hands of the Guild for centuries,” Zenaida
says. “Only the Archsages are permitted to enter the chamber. The image
captured by Nova is but a memory, and one that has been the cause of
much concern. With the Guild in chaos, the Archsages plan to use the
Astrial to quell the war. It will take time for them to unravel the
enchantments surrounding it, but they will achieve their goal by month’s
end. Such untapped power, released for the first time in millennia… it
can only spell untold disaster. No one must wield an Astrial. No one.”
She pauses, the weight of her words lying heavy in the air. She raises
her head and locks eyes with you. When she speaks, her voice is steeled
with determination. “We must take it before the Archsages unlock its
power.”
Silence descends on the room. The sea roars outside and the ship dips,
rocking the cabin to and fro.
“The chamber that houses the Astrial in Diradan Tower is magically
sealed,” Zenaida continues. “Only those who have been granted the
appropriate runes can bypass the defenses. But a Wayfarer can simply
walk through the enchantments. Unlike myself and those who stand with
me, you can reach the Astrial and take it before the Archsages can act.”
You chew the inside of your cheek, Zenaida’s words running in circles
through your thoughts. The Council, the Guild, Astrials… this isn’t your
world. This is the heart of everything you are not, the heart of
everything that loathes what you are. A Wayfarer doesn’t belong in
Velantis. A Wayfarer doesn’t involve themselves in Guild politics.
“I represent an entire Guild faction, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida
continues. “The Order of Lethalis encompasses hundreds of like-minded
mages fighting the rot at the heart of the Guild. And it is Lethalis who
you will serve, not I. I was merely the one sent to find you.”
You nod quietly. Your mind is still racing. Maybe it’s the pain from
your injuries, but you’re having struggling to comprehend the magnitude
of what she has just told you. The Guild is corrupted. The Guild is
splintering. The Guild has an Astrial.
The Guild wants you to steal it. From itself.
<i>Damn it…</i>
“As I told your partner,” Zenaida continues, “Lethalis is prepared to
compensate you handsomely for your aid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “He’s not my partner.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[2.
“Partner? Aeran and I… we’re not together, if that’s what you
mean.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 12 B]]<<else>><s>2.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “How much?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 13
C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranPartner to false>>She blinks. “Wayfarer Kellis, then,” she
says, moving on smoothly. “I am prepared to offer you the same amount I
offered him.”
“Which is?” you prompt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 13
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
chuckles, her unexpected laughter interrupting her words. Her eyes
sweep over you and a flush crosses your cheeks as you bear her scrutiny.
You wish you hadn’t said anything at all.
“As I was saying,” she continues, moving on smoothly. “I am prepared to
offer you the same amount I offered him.”
“Which is?” you prompt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 13
C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
folds her hands in her lap. “A thousand upfront when we reach
Velantis,” she says. “Two thousand to follow when the mission is
complete and the Astrial obtained. Three thousand total.”
“Three thousand,” you splutter. “Three thousand crowns?”
She nods. “Each.”
Your eyes widen. You stare incredulously at her, certain you’ve
misheard.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 12 B")>>“I believe that is
more than enough to live in comfort for a few years,” she says.
“Perhaps you and Wayfarer Kellis could find a secluded village somewhere
beyond Guild influence and never see another mage again.”
You’re not sure if this is an attempt at sarcasm or if she is being
serious. Regardless, three thousand crowns for a single contract is far
more than you have been offered in the entirety of your career. It’s a
shocking amount—which means, in addition to Zenaida’s clear desperation,
this Order of Lethalis either truly needs your skills… or it’s an
elaborate trap.<<else>>“I believe that is more than enough
to live in comfort for a few years,” she says.
You sit back, still certain you heard her incorrectly. Three thousand
crowns for a single contract is far more than you have been offered in
the entirety of your career. It’s a shocking amount—which means, in
addition to Zenaida’s clear desperation, this Order of Lethalis either
truly needs your skills… or it’s an elaborate trap.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
14]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisstatus to 1>><<notify 3000>>Faction
Unlocked: Order of Lethalis<</notify>>“And now you know the
truth of the matter,” Zenaida says. “Six thousand for the pair of you.
One Astrial. One mission. I would formally ask you to accept this
contract, but considering recent events, I believe we are quite past
that. Regardless, Wayfarer Kellis already has accepted it on your
behalf.”
You press your hands into the window seat, feeling through the soft silk
covering to the hardwood beneath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So I guess I really don’t have a choice in
the matter.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 15 A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So… there’s no chance of convincing
you to drop us off somewhere on the way?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 15
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “As long as you pay us, we won’t
have a problem.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 15 C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 15 D
ACCEPT">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT]
“Understood.”</a></div></div><</nobr>>“No,
$lastname,” she says, coolly. “You do not have a choice.”
You nod, unable to speak, anger burning in your gut. First the Count,
now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what you do, you
always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never had a chance
to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 16
ACCEPT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>>Your
throat constricts, straining your words. A strange chuckle bubbles past
your lips as you finishing speaking. The laughter does little to ease
your tension.
“No, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says. “I’m sure you realize that I
cannot do that.”
“Yeah,” you reply hollowly. The humour vanishes from your voice.
“Shame.”
First the Count, now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what
you do, you always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never
had a chance to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 16
ACCEPT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>>Her
eyes narrow. “Have no fear of that, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says
shortly. “I always ensure proper compensation.”
“Good,” you snap.
<i>Oh, we’re going to get along great.</i>
First the Count, now Zenaida and this Order of Lethalis… No matter what
you do, you always end up coerced into accepting an agreement you never
had a chance to refuse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 16
ACCEPT">1. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] Accept her
offer.</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)>>She smiles.
“I am glad,” she says. “Have no fear, Wayfarer $lastname. Trust that I
will ensure you are compensated properly for your assistance.”
“Thank you,” you reply.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 16
NEW]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>>“Fine,” you say. “I accept. But once this
is finished, we’re done.”
“Of course,” she replies. “And I will speak to my superiors and ensure
it comes to pass. It is never my intention to dupe or deceive you, or
hold you against your will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 16
NEW]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
frowns, her fingers twisting together sharply. “You are in my debt,”
she says. “Repaying it is not coercion.”
You laugh coldly. “Extortion, then,” you says. “Doesn’t matter what you
call it, what’s done is done. We’ll do your dirty work, you’ll pay us,
and then we’ll be out of each other’s lives. That good enough for you?”
She falls silent. Letting your frustration get the better of you, you
leave her be and stalk from the cabin, pushing your way out onto the
sunny ship deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC AERAN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida’s
eyes narrow and she purses her lips together in a tight line. From the
uneasy look on her face, she seems repulsed by your reply.
“Of course,” she says. “You will see your payment, Wayfarer, make no
mistake.”
She falls silent, clasping her hands tight as she fixes you with a
piercing stare. You pause, uncertain of what else she wants, then slowly
realize that she is waiting for you to leave. Turning your back on her,
you stalk from the cabin and push your way out onto the sunny ship
deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC AERAN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>>Zenaida
chuckles, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I would hate to hear what
that was,” she says. “But perhaps we shall save it for another time. Go
now. I’m sure you would like to rest. If you need anything, Captain
Xanael’s crew will be more than happy to assist you.”
She falls silent and clasps her hands in front of her, clearly expecting
some form of response. <<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing
upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite
bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the bright
sunlight.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to
do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the
bright sunlight.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching
for, you shrug and exit the cabin, emerging into the bright
sunlight.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC AERAN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Very
well,” Zenaida says. “That is all. I’m sure you would like to rest. If
you need anything, Captain Xanael’s crew will be more than happy to
assist you.”
She falls silent and clasps her hands in front of her, clearly expecting
some form of response. <<if $origin is "noble">>Drawing
upon the entrenched teachings of your childhood, you give her a polite
bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the bright
sunlight.<<elseif $lethalisapp >=50>>Uncertain of what to
do, you give her an awkward bow and leave the cabin, emerging into the
bright sunlight.<<else>>Uncertain of what she’s searching
for, you shrug and exit the cabin, emerging into the bright
sunlight.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC AERAN
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
ship deck is bustling. Somewhere high above, the crew have begun a
shanty. Their voices rise in unison, echoing on the strong sea breeze.
You linger, watching and listening, uncertain of where to go. After
waking in the dark cabin below, you have little desire to return so
soon. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>And you need to find
Aeran.<<else>>And you should find Aeran.<</if>>
You cross the deck, carefully meandering around the crew as you search
for him. The sun is warm and pleasant on your skin, the air bright and
fresh. You pause at the ship’s railing and look out at the horizon. The
Rhesainian Ocean stretches out before you and the world becomes nothing
but blue—the rich blue of the sky, the deep blue of the ocean, and the
fine blue line where the two meet. The sun glints brilliantly off the
waves, sparkling and dancing on the water.
You raise a hand and shield your eyes from the glare. How far have you
come in three days of travel?
“If you’re searching for your friend, he’s up there,” a voice calls
behind you.
You turn and follow the sailor’s pointing finger to the stern deck.
Raising a hand in thanks, you thread your way through the crew and
clamber the stairs to the upper deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP RAV AERAN
LEFT")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DECK AL
EARLY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DECK
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stands at the very back, his hands resting on the railing. A strong
wind blows over the deck, ruffling his hair and tearing at his shirt.
Out here in the daylight he looks stronger than he did below decks.
Beneath the healing cuts and bruises, he has the beginnings of a healthy
tan.
“So you talked to her,” he says quietly as you approach.
You draw up next to him and lean against the railing, peering into the
azure waves below. A wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up
around you, settling on your face and arms. You can nearly taste the
salt in the air. “Yeah.”
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>><i>I was thinking I
didn’t want the person I’m in love with to die!</i>
You can barely look at him as the ghost of his confession lingers
between you. You want nothing more than to take him aside, to ask him
what he meant, but his discomfort is so tangible, you don’t know whether
you can even broach the topic.<<else>>He pauses. The ghost
of your quarrel lingers between you, the tension nearly
tangible.<</if>>
“This… <i>this</i> thing she wants us to do for her,” he
says after a moment. “Raiding the Guild to steal an Astrial—you know
it’s mad, right?”
You rap your fingers on the railing. “There are worse things,” you say
half-heartedly. “I’ve done worse. You’ve definitely handled worse.”
“It’s the Guild, $firstname. There’s nothing worse than the Guild.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s a job. We just have to focus on
finishing it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DE 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “After Rona, I’m just happy to work
for someone who doesn’t want to kill us on a whim.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DE
01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She did save our lives. We owe
her.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DE
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
stands at the very back, his hands resting on the railing. A strong
wind blows over the deck, ruffling his hair and tearing at his shirt.
Out here in the daylight he looks stronger than he did below decks.
Beneath the healing cuts and bruises, he has the beginnings of a healthy
tan.
“Maybe you should consider becoming a sailor,” you say as you approach.
“Sea life suits you.”
“Not really,” he says. “It’s nice to have a change of scenery. I was a
little tired of overgrown trees and stagnant water and never seeing the
sun.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“And there’s a wonderful lack
of basilisks,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He chuckles quietly. “Please, $firstname,” he says. “Don’t curse it.
We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck, let’s not invite
anymore.”<<else>>“At least no one’s actively trying to kill
us,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He inhales sharply. “Please, $nickname,” he says. “Don’t curse it. We’ve
had a pretty foul run of bad luck lately, let’s not invite
anymore.”<</if>>
You draw up next to him and lean against the railing, peering into the
azure waves below. A wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up
around you, settling on your face and arms. You can nearly taste the
salt in the air.
“So you talked to her,” he says quietly.
“Yeah.”
He lets out a long breath. “Look, $firstname, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t
have agreed to it without you, but—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t blame you, Aeran. I don’t see what
else you could have done, given the circumstances.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No, you shouldn’t have. But it
doesn’t matter now.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 01B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t care. At least we’re out of
Rona.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
smiles faintly and looks away, gazing out at the horizon. “Yeah,” he
says quietly. “I guess so.” His voice trails away, drowned out by the
crash of the rolling waves.
You thread your fingers together and rest them on the railing. The wood
is dark and smooth, and an interesting pattern in the grain catches your
eye. You stare absently at it, following it down the length of the
railing as you mull over Aeran’s reaction.
The last few days have weighed heavily on him; you can feel him
struggling to let go of the crushing guilt. Combine that with his
loathing of the Guild of Mages and it leaves him in a complicated
situation. If only you hadn’t been so seriously injured, if only you had
woken up earlier, maybe—just maybe—you could have found a way out of
it…
Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>His
jaw clenches and looks away, focusing on the horizon. “Yeah,” he
grunts. “I thought you’d say as much.”
You grimace and press your hands into the railing. The wood is smooth
and firm beneath your touch, and there’s an interesting pattern in the
grain that catches your eye. You stare absently at it, following it down
the length of the railing.
Though you know the past three days must have weighed heavily on him,
you can’t help but feel a pang of anger at your circumstances. If you
hadn’t been so seriously injured, if you had woken up earlier,
maybe—just maybe—you could have talked your way out of this situation.
Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles hollowly. “Yeah,” he says. “I guess that’s the only thing that
matters.”
He falls silent and looks away, focusing on the horizon. Sensing the
lingering tension between you, you lean forwards and press your hands
into the railing. The wood is smooth and firm beneath your touch, and
there’s an interesting pattern in the grain that catches your eye. You
stare absently at it, following it down the length of the railing as you
mull over his reaction.
The last few days have weighed heavily on him; you can feel him
struggling to let go of the crushing guilt. Combine that with his
loathing of the Guild of Mages and it leaves him in a complicated
situation. If only you hadn’t been so seriously injured, if only you had
woken up earlier, maybe—just maybe—you could have found a way out of
it…
Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“This…
<i>thing</i> she wants us to do for her,” Aeran says after a
moment. “Raiding the Guild to steal an Astrial—you know it’s mad,
right?”
You rap your fingers on the railing. “There are worse things,” you say
half-heartedly. “I’ve done worse. You’ve definitely handled worse.”
“It’s the Guild, $firstname. There’s nothing worse than the Guild.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s a job. We just have to focus on
finishing it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “After Rona, I’m just happy to work
for someone who doesn’t want to kill us on a whim.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She did save our lives. We owe
her.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Right,” he mutters. “As if things didn’t go incredibly wrong
the last time we did that.”
You frown as a flicker of annoyance flares in your gut. You can’t blame
him for the cynicism, but holding onto it won’t do you any favours.
“We’ve got the trip to Velantis,” you say. “That will take—what—four
weeks? And then once we’re there, we’ll be in and out. We get the
Astrial, we get paid, we get out.”
He snorts. “I think you’re oversimplifying things, $firstname. There’s
an awful lot of room for things to go wrong.”
You pause and look down, watching the churning sea. A wave crests,
spraying a line of white across the deep blue waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DR 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles hollowly and pushes loose hair off his forehead. “You’ve got a
point there,” he says. “At least Zenaida doesn’t seem prone to a
murderous rage.”
“See?” you say, a faint smile on your lips. “Already there’s a better
standard.”
He sighs. “At least she’s paying us well.”
You pause and look down, watching the sea below. A wave crests, spraying
a line of white across the deep blue waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DR 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Yeah,” he says darkly. “Don’t remind me. The last thing I
wanted was to be in debt to a Guild mage, yet here I am…”
You frown and purse your lips together in silence. His resolute hatred
of the Guild of Mages is going to be a problem if he can’t keep it in
check. He has difficulty keeping it quiet, taking any opportunity he has
to verbally affront any passing mage. Which, now that you think of it,
makes it strange that Zenaida was sent to find him in particular… Why
would the Order of Lethalis—a coalition formed entirely of mages—want to
work with someone who so openly despises them?
You rub your forehead. That is a question for another day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DR 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
freezes. His jaw clenches and his hands grip the railing, steadying
himself. He stares resolutely out at the sea, unwilling to look you in
the eye.
“Don’t ask yourself that, $firstname,” he says darkly.
You stare at him. “What—”
“You have no idea,” he says, rounding on you. “No fucking idea.”
Your stomach drops, filling you with the familiar hollowness that
appears any time you come too close to Aeran’s past. Most days it’s easy
to forget that despite your decades-long friendship, you don’t know him
as well as you think you do. You spent years apart, travelling to
different parts of Rhesainia in pursuit of your line of work. You know
something happened to him during that time, something that must be
linked to the Guild in some way. He has a history he doesn’t want to
talk about. And as a survivor of the Spire, there are parts of his past
he has buried so deep, he fights tooth and nail to keep them there.
You look away, falling silent. This hardly seems like the time to push
him for it, but you can’t help but wonder…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. What don’t I know? What aren’t you
telling me?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 04B-2][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. You have no right to
dredge up painful memories.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
04B-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
looks away, linking his hands together and resting them on the back of
his neck. He shifts restlessly beside you, glancing over his shoulder at
the bustling ship deck. His lips move every so often, forming the start
of a response, but each time he thinks better of it and lets it go.
He’s quiet for a very long time.
“She said she would give us each a thousand upfront,” he says finally.
“If it comes down to it, we can double-cross her when we dock in
Velantis. Between the two of us, we’ll have more than enough to bribe
our way onto another ship.”
You smile faintly. “Always good to have options, I guess,” you say.
“But $firstname…” He turns, finally turning back to watch the sea. “No
matter how I look at it, this feels like a trap.”
You pause. <i>Are you saying that because we’re involved with
Guild mages? Or because of something else?</i>
“If it’s a trap,” you say, “it’s not for us. Someone like Zenaida must
have bigger problems than a couple of Wayfarers. We go in, we get the
job done, get out. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>And then we think
of somewhere to spend those six thousand
crowns.”<<else>>And then we think of somewhere to spend that
hefty payment.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true or $rhodarthDead is
true>>“Oh, trust me, I’ll be thinking of how to spend those crowns
every step of the way,” he says darkly. “It’s the only thing that will
get me through this contract.”
You shrug. “Whatever works for you.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and
$aeranrom >=2>>Aeran smirks. “I can think of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laughs softly. “Hm… I think I’ll keep it secret for now.”
You roll your eyes, though you can barely contain your smile. “Hm,” you
mimic. “You’re an ass.”<<else>>Aeran chuckles. “I can think
of a few places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Oh? You can’t say something like that and not
tell me.”
“Hm… yes, I can,” he says, leaning back comfortably and flashing you a
grin. “Need to keep some of my secrets.”
You smile. “Whatever works for you.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, shifting restlessly. Something in your pack digs sharply
into your hip. You pause, confused, and open it. Your fingers brush cold
copper.
The chalice.
You pull it out. Despite its unassuming size, it feels heavy in your
hands. So much of your aforementioned bad luck was linked to this thing
and the power it holds. Power you can never access. It may be an
ancient, priceless artefact, but to you, it’s nothing more than a very
old, very weathered lump of metal.
“You still have that?” Aeran breathes.
“I forgot about it,” you murmur. You lean out against the railing and
pass it from hand to hand. The waters churn below, the dark blue waves
open and inviting. “This stupid thing…”
“Put it away,” he hisses. “Before someone realizes what it is—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 DC 20 B")>>You glance at him. “I
wanted to give it to Hera, remember?” you say quietly. “All that
trouble, just to try to get it to her and in the end nothing came of it.
This thing is too powerful for its own good.”<<else>>You
glance at him. “We could have avoided all that trouble with the Count if
I had just given it to him,” you say. “But I couldn’t have that on my
conscience. This thing is too powerful for its own
good.”<</if>>
You pause, holding it still in one hand, your fingers grasped firmly
around its stem. It catches the sunlight and the copper gleams, almost
as if it were freshly polished. “Maybe no one should have it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Throw it into the ocean.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
05 CHALICE A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Maybe getting rid of it isn’t
the best idea…|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 CHALICE
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flashes across his face. “Forget about it,” he snaps.
“Aeran—”
“Forget it.”
He shoots you a glare and you fall silent. Minutes pass and you
awkwardly rap your fingers against the railing, waiting for him to
speak.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, your fingers curling into a fist. You hate knowing he is
hiding something from you, but now isn’t the time to address it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, shifting restlessly. A thought comes to mind, sparked by
this talk of Zenaida and the Guild. She said that she had come to Rona
not just to find a couple of Wayfarers, but specifically to search for
Aeran.
Did she tell him that? Does he know?
And if he doesn’t, should you tell him?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR TELL HIM
V1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
DON'T TELL V1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "ocean">><<drop '$questInv' 'Chalice of
Offering'>><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>You let go.
The chalice falls, glinting in the mid-day sun as it tumbles over
itself—down, down, down—and splashes into the blue waters below. It
vanishes without a trace, the wake of its passing swallowed by the
rolling waves.
Aeran breathes a sigh of relief. He’s silent for a moment, and then a
slow chuckle rumbles in his throat. He leans heavily against the rail,
throws his head back and laughs. You smile, quiet laughter shaking your
shoulders, and meet his eyes.
“Good riddance,” he says.
“Good riddance,” you echo.
He pauses. “Of course, who knows what will happen when the next clan of
passing melusine find it, but that could be… who knows—three hundred,
four hundred years from now?”
You roll your eyes.
“What? The ocean’s a big place—”
You elbow him in the side. He cuts off sharply, laughing as he leans
over the railing and takes in the sharp sea air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, your fingers clenching tight around the chalice. Aeran reaches
out, his hand clasping yours. You turn your head, your eyes meeting his.
He returns your gaze, resolve shining brightly in his eyes.
Together, you release the chalice and let it go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 CHALICE
B-02][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
joy of throwing the chalice into the sea is short-lived. You fall
silent and drum your fingers agitatedly against the railing. Something
has been bothering you ever since you spoke to Zenaida. She said that
she had come to Rona not just to find a couple of Wayfarers, but
specifically to search for Aeran.
Did she tell him that? Does he know?
And if he doesn’t, should you tell him?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR TELL HIM
V1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t tell him.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
DON'T TELL V1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "ocean">><<drop '$questInv' 'Chalice of
Offering'>><<notify 3000>>- Chalice of
Offering<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>It falls,
glinting in the mid-day sun as it tumbles over itself—down, down,
down—and splashes into the blue waters below. It vanishes without a
trace, the wake of its passing swallowed by the rolling waves.
Aeran breathes a sigh of relief. He’s silent for a moment, and then a
slow chuckle rumbles in his throat. He leans heavily against the rail,
throws his head back and laughs. You smile, quiet laughter shaking your
shoulders as relief rushes through you.
“Good riddance,” he says.
“Good riddance,” you echo.
He pauses. “Of course, who knows what will happen when the next clan of
passing melusine find it, but that could be… who knows—three hundred,
four hundred years from now?”
You roll your eyes.
“What? The ocean’s a big place—”
You elbow him in the side. He cuts off sharply, laughing as he leans
over the railing and takes in the sharp sea air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aerantell to true>><<if $aeranapp
>=20>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>“Zenaida admitted something you
should know,” you say finally.
Aeran grimaces and rubs the back of his neck. “Oh?” he says. “I don’t
like the sound of that.”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers,” you
say. “She wasn’t looking for us. She was looking for you.” The tips of
your fingers press sharply against the railing. “Her source—whoever that
is—gave her your name. I was never part of the equation.”
He pauses, falling silent for a moment. He watches the sea, barely
reacting when the ship unexpectedly lurches to the side, rocked by the
waves. “And what do you think?” he murmurs.
“I’m concerned who this source is,” you reply.
“Did you ask her?”
You shake your head.
He sighs. “I suppose she wouldn’t be forthcoming with that information
regardless,” he says. He raps his fingers along the railing, eyes
narrowed, brows drawn together. “Though the fact she told you tells us
she didn’t intend to hide it. Whoever’s tracking me must be in her inner
circle.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>A cold shiver runs down
your spine as you remember his letters. <i>Unless you already know
who it is,</i> you think. <i>What are you hiding, Aeran?
What aren’t you telling me?</i>
“$firstname?” he asks, jolting you from your thoughts.
You shake yourself. “It could be any number of people,” you say quickly.
“Pissed off anyone last time you were in Imperial
territory?”<<else>>“Which could include any number of Guild
mages.” You raise your hands, digging your fingers into the back of your
neck, massaging the sore muscles. “Pissed anyone off last time you were
in Imperial territory?”<</if>>
“Yeah,” he snorts. “At least a dozen. Probably more. I have one of those
faces.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>
<div class="choice-item">[[1. “Hm. Yes. You do.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV C
DR TELL 02A CONFESSION VERSION][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1,
5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, very helpful.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV C
DR TELL 02B CONFESSION VERSION][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1,
5, 90)]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Hm. Yes. You do.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV C DR TELL
02A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, very helpful.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV C
DR TELL 02B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Zenaida admitted something you
should know,” you say finally.
Aeran grimaces and rubs the back of his neck. “Oh?” he says. “I don’t
like the sound of that.”
“She didn’t come to Rona looking for a couple of random Wayfarers,” you
say. “She wasn’t looking for us. She was looking for you.” The tips of
your fingers press sharply against the railing. “Her source—whoever that
is—gave her your name. I was never part of the equation.”
Aeran is still. He watches the sea, barely reacting when the ship
unexpectedly lurches to the side, rocked by the waves.
He rounds on you, his eyes narrowing. “And you’re telling me this
because, what, $firstname? You’re… jealous?”
The accusation stings. “Don’t be an idiot,” you snap. “I want to know
why it’s you. Who’s her source? What do they have on you?”
“Your concern is touching,” he says coldly. “Really. Though I wonder—how
bothered are you to realize you aren’t the only Wayfarer who has left a
mark?”
You grit your teeth. “That’s not what this is about—”
“Isn’t it?” He shakes his head. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”
“Aeran—”
He draws away, eyes narrowed as he shoots you a dark look. “While you’re
playing invalid, maybe think about where you’re putting that misplaced
energy,” he says. “You might find this mess has more to do with you than
it does with me.”
He stalks away without another word, leaving you alone on the deck. You
watch him go, too exhausted to chase after him and continue this
conversation.
You sigh wearily and turn around, looking out to sea. Deep blue waves
roll and crash against the ship, splashing up the sides and spraying you
with mist. As you realize you are uncomfortably damp, you are unable to
shake your growing sense of unease.
<i>This is going to be a long journey to Velantis.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aerantell to false>><<if $aeranapp <=59>>“What is
it?” he asks.
You shrug, shaking your head. “Nothing.”
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am.” He sighs
and leans against the railing, resting his hands across each other. “All
we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each
other’s backs.”
You nod. You fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“What
is it?” he asks, his eyes searching yours. “Don’t tell me. You forgot a
vitally important tool in our shitty apartment and there’s no going
back for it now.”
You chuckle, but your laughter is short-lived.
Aeran pauses, sensing something amiss. He runs a hand through his hair.
“I won’t assume I know what you’re feeling, $firstname, but I think I
know you well enough to know you must be as on edge as I am. This
journey we’re on…” He sighs and leans against the railing, resting his
hands across each other. “All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep
one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC CONFESSION
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth wood firm
beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you say,
leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save my
life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<aeranApp>><<if
$aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true or $rhodarthDead is
true>>“You weren’t supposed to agree with that, you know,” he
says.
You smile. “I know.”
He chuckles and looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the crash of the waves, the distant calls of the
sailors working their nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves
spraying mist across your face as it cuts through the water, its sails
full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>“You weren’t
supposed to agree with that, you know,” he says.
You smile. “I know.”
He chuckles and looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "very tall" or $height is "tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<if
$aeranapp <=59 or $mareadead is true or $rhodarthDead is
true>>He snorts. “Thanks. I try.”
You shake your head, a faint smile on your lips.
He chuckles and looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran pauses. His eyes meet yours, but he looks away quickly and runs a
hand through his hair. He clears his throat and steps away. “Yeah,” he
says. “That’s how it is when you’re partners. You look out for each
other.”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you echo, leaving the moment unacknowledged.
“That’s how it is.”<<else>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “Yeah,” you say.<</if>>
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.
<<else>>He chuckles and looks away, his laughter
short-lived. “I don’t know about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me
on edge, but it’s out of our control. All we can do when we reach
Velantis is keep one eye open and watch each other’s backs.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You grip the railing, the smooth
wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that hasn’t changed,” you
say, leaning towards him. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life…”
Aeran meets your eyes. “That’s how it is when you’re partners,” he
murmurs.
You nod. He reaches out and hesitantly puts an arm around your
shoulders. You lean into him, his body firm and warm against yours.
Standing here with him, you feel grounded and more certain about the
challenges you may face in Velantis.
<<if $height is "verytall" or $height is "tall">>He turns
his head, glancing at you, a faint smile on his
face.<<else>>He turns his head, glancing down, a faint smile
on his face.<</if>> “$nickname,” he murmurs, “I…”
His words fade.
“Yes?” you prompt.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
softly. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order, just us. And maybe
then…”
You nod. He leaves the sentence unfinished, but you don’t need words to
understand his meaning.
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.<<else>>You grip the
railing, the smooth wood firm beneath your fingertips. “At least that
hasn’t changed,” you say. “You save my life, I save your life, you save
my life—”
He grins. “That’s what happens when you’re partners.”
You stand still, both leaning against the railing, watching the waves
below.
“When we finish this contract in Velantis, let’s go somewhere,” he says
after a moment. “Somewhere far away. No Guild, no order. And maybe
then…”
“Maybe then we can take a break?” you supply. “Zenaida’s paying us
enough.”
He chuckles. “Yeah,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
You and Aeran fall into silence, looking out to sea together. You feel
the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the crashing
of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their nautical
magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your face as
it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what
may.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<confidentOff>><<restedOff>><<tenaciousOff>><<poisonedOff>><<fatiguedOff>><<debilitatedOff>><<set
$activepoison to false>><<drop '$questInv' 'Viridian
treasure key'>><<set $lethalisstatus to 1>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Episode I Complete</span>
Your time in Rona has come to an end. Whether you like it or not, you
now find yourself in the employ of a Guild mage and her sect. Only time
will tell what Velantis—and the Order of Lethalis—has in store for you.
<div class="description"><span class="heading">New Factions
& Companions</span>
//Click to view relationship status.//
<div class="box">
<div class="attribute"><span class="episode"><<link
[img[images/aeranicon.png]]>><<dialog>><<include
"The
Wayfarer">><</dialog>><</link>></span></div>
<div
class="attribute"><span class="episode"><<link
[img[images/lethalisicon.png]]>><<dialog>><<include
"Order of
Lethalis">><</dialog>><</link>></span></div>
<div
class="attribute"></div>
<div class="attribute"></div>
</div>
</div>
<<if visitedTags("scarcount") or visitedTags("scarcount2") or
visitedTags("scarbasilisk") or
visitedTags("scarrhodarth")>><div
class="description"><span class="heading">New
Scars</span>
Your wounds have healed but your adventures have left a mark. <<if
visitedTags("scarcount")>><<if $scar1 is
"none">><<set $scar1 to "scarCount2">>Your shoulder
bears a <b>deep scar</b> from your duel with Cere Nalos, the
Crimson Count.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarCount2">>Your shoulder bears a <b>deep scar</b>
from your duel with Cere Nalos, the Crimson
Count.<</if>><<elseif
visitedTags("scarcount2")>><<if $scar1 is
"none">><<set $scar1 to "scarCount3">>Your stomach
bears a <b>deep scar</b> from your attempt on the Crimson
Count's life.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarCount3">>Your stomach bears a <b>deep scar</b>
from your attempt on the Crimson Count's
life.<</if>><<elseif
visitedTags("scarbasilisk")>><<if $scar1 is
"none">><<set $scar1 to "scarBasilisk4">>Your midriff
bears the marks from when the basilisk attempted to squeeze you to
death.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarBasilisk4">>Your midriff bears the <b>marks</b>
from when the basilisk attempted to squeeze you to
death.<</if>><<elseif
visitedTags("scarrhodarth")>><<if $scar1 is
"none">><<set $scar1 to "scarRhodarth">>Your shoulder
bears a <b>deep scar</b> from your fight with
Rhodarth.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarRhodarth">>Your shoulder bears a <b>deep scar</b>
from your fight with
Rhodarth.<</if>><</if>></div><<elseif
visitedTags("scar")>><div class="description"><span
class="heading">New Scars</span>
Your wounds have healed but your time in Rona has left its mark.
<<if $atralscar is true>><<if $scar1 is
"none">><<set $scar1 to "scarAtral">>Your chest bears
<b>a scar</b> from getting hit by the butt of Atral’s axe
during your fight in the townsquare.<<else>><<set
$scar2 to "scarAtral">>Your chest bears a scar from getting hit by
the butt of Atral’s axe during your fight in the town
square.<</if>><<elseif $foreheadscar is
true>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarTownSquare">>Your forehead bears <b>a small
scar</b> from getting hit on the head when Rona’s town square
collapsed.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarTownSquare">>Your forehead bears <b>a small
scar</b> from getting hit on the head when Rona’s town square
collapsed.<</if>><<elseif $mcAeranScar is
true>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarAeran">>Your shoulder bears <b>a deep scar</b>
from where Aeran shot you during your fight with the Crimson
Count.<<else>><<set $scar2 to "scarAeran">>Your
shoulder bears <b>a deep scar</b> from where Aeran shot you
during your fight with the Crimson
Count.<</if>><<elseif $countscar is
1>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarCount">>Your shoulder bears <b>a scar</b> from
where the Crimson Count stabbed you.<<else>><<set
$scar2 to "scarCount">>Your shoulder bears <b>a
scar</b> from where the Crimson Count stabbed
you.<</if>><<elseif $basiliskscar is
1>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarBasilisk1">>Your side bears <b>a deep scar</b>
from your fight with the Crimson Count’s
basilisk.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarBasilisk1">>Your side bears <b>a deep scar</b>
from your fight with the Crimson Count’s
basilisk.<</if>><<elseif $basiliskscar is
2>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarBasilisk2">>Your side bears <b>a scar</b> from
getting grazed by a basilisk’s teeth during your fight at the Crimson
Count’s villa.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarBasilisk2">>Your side bears <b>a scar</b> from
getting grazed by a basilisk’s teeth during your fight at the Crimson
Count’s villa.<</if>><<elseif $basiliskscar is
3>><<if $scar1 is "none">><<set $scar1 to
"scarBasilisk3">>Your stomach bears <b>scarring</b>
from where the Crimson Count’s basilisk almost squeezed you to
death.<<else>><<set $scar2 to
"scarBasilisk3">>Your stomach bears <b>scarring</b>
from where the Crimson Count’s basilisk almost squeezed you to
death.<</if>><</if>></div><</if>>
<center><<button
"Continue" "CHAPTER 1 END ROUTE B LEVEL
UP">><</button>></center><<nobr>>
<<dropall '$holding'>>
<<unset $wayfarerstatus>>
<<unset $solarathstatus>>
<<unset $empirestatus>>
<<unset $velantisstatus>>
<<unset $arcanistsstatus>>
<<unset $meissandiumstatus>>
<<unset $alexiastatus>>
<<unset $renstatus>>
<<unset $callastatus>>
<<unset $melchiorstatus>>
<<unset $nelanistatus>>
<<unset $felixstatus>>
<<unset $rhodarthstatus>>
<<unset $luthaiscloak>>
<<unset $luthaisfire>>
<<unset $kanetalk>>
<<unset $persuadefail>>
<<unset $daggerwound>>
<<unset $aerankane>>
<<unset $kanedead>>
<<unset $lackeysdead>>
<<unset $altroute>>
<<unset $ratalleyfire>>
<<unset $mageguild>>
<<unset $threatenyarrow>>
<<unset $paidyarrow>>
<<unset $convincedyarrow>>
<<unset $weaponsarmed>>
<<unset $malsaramet>>
<<unset $aeraninjured>>
<<unset $aeranpromise>>
<<unset $aeranfollow>>
<<unset $clothed>>
<<unset $courtyardmelee>>
<<unset $vlplan>>
<<unset $waterfall>>
<<unset $firstfloor>>
<<unset $secondfloor>>
<<unset $thirdfloor>>
<<unset $vlentry>>
<<unset $vlmark>>
<<unset $ladycounter>>
<<unset $malsaramet>>
<<unset $ladykilledkane>>
<<unset $routebThelkar>>
<<unset $routebMyn>>
<<unset $routebEmari>>
<<unset $softapproach>>
<<unset $hardapparoch>>
<<unset $coverumour>>
<<unset $merchantsThreatened>>
<<unset $newcloak>>
<<unset $alinaice>>
<<unset $greendriftinfo1>>
<<unset $greendriftinfo2>>
<<unset $servantinfo1>>
<<unset $servantinfo2>>
<<unset $servantinfo3>>
<<unset $VLOutcome>>
<<unset $EdgewaterOutcome>>
<<unset $DeadwoodOutcome>>
<<unset $finalLocation>>
<<unset $cloak>>
<<unset $luthaisHostage>>
<<unset $mareademand>>
<<unset $mareaReason>>
<<unset $crash>>
<<unset $investigatedBodies>>
<<unset $edgewaterfirst>>
<<unset $vlvillafirst>>
<<unset $covefirst>>
<<unset $deadwoodfirst>>
<<unset $tempStat>>
<<unset $mcBegged>>
<<unset $advantage>>
<<unset $countPersuaded>>
<<unset $villaAlt>>
<<unset $aerankilledcount>>
<<unset $countdead>>
<<unset $malsarakilledcount>>
<<unset $banter>>
<<unset $handTouch>>
<<unset $completeInfo>>
<<unset $silentCounter>>
<<unset $directPassage>><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Right,” he mutters. “As if things didn’t go incredibly wrong
the last time we did that.”
You frown as a flicker of annoyance flares in your gut. You can’t blame
him for the cynicism, but holding onto it won’t do you any favours.
“We’ve got the trip to Velantis,” you say. “That will take—what—four
weeks? And then once we’re there, we’ll be in and out. We get the
Astrial, we get paid, we get out.”
He snorts. “I think you’re oversimplifying things, $firstname. There’s
an awful lot of room for things to go wrong.”
You pause and look down, watching the churning sea. A wave crests,
spraying a line of white across the deep blue waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DE 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DE 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles hollowly and pushes loose hair off his forehead. “You’ve got a
point there,” he says. “At least Zenaida doesn’t seem prone to a
murderous rage.”
“See?” you say, a faint smile on your lips. “Already there’s a better
standard.”
He sighs. “At least she’s paying us well.”
You pause and look down, watching the sea below. A wave crests, spraying
a line of white across the deep blue waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DE 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DE 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Yeah,” he says darkly. “Don’t remind me. The last thing I
wanted was to be in debt to a Guild mage, yet here I am…”
You frown and purse your lips together in silence. His resolute hatred
of the Guild of Mages is going to be a problem if he can’t keep it in
check. He has difficulty keeping it quiet, taking any opportunity he has
to verbally affront any passing mage. Which, now that you think of it,
makes it strange that Zenaida was sent to find him in particular… Why
would the Order of Lethalis—a coalition formed entirely of mages—want to
work with someone who so openly despises them?
You rub your forehead. That is a question for another day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Velantis can’t be worse than Rona. Or the
dozen other cities we’ve been to.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DE 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s the Guild. Their magic can’t
hurt us, that’s the point. What’s the worse they can do?”|CHAPTER 1 RAV
CC DE 04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
looks away, linking his hands together and resting them on the back of
his neck. He shifts restlessly beside you, glancing over his shoulder at
the bustling ship deck. His lips move every so often, forming the start
of a response, but each time he thinks better of it and lets it go.
He’s quiet for a very long time.
“She said she would give us each a thousand upfront,” he says finally.
“If it comes down to it, we can double-cross her when we dock in
Velantis. Between the two of us, we’ll have more than enough to bribe
our way onto another ship.”
You smile faintly. “Always good to have options, I guess,” you say.
“But $firstname…” He turns, finally turning back to watch the sea. “No
matter how I look at it, this feels like a trap.”
You pause. <i>Are you saying that because we’re involved with
Guild mages? Or because of something else?</i>
“If it’s a trap,” you say, “it’s not for us. Someone like Zenaida must
have bigger problems than a couple of Wayfarers. We go in, we get the
job done, get out. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>And then we think
of somewhere to spend those six thousand
crowns.”<<else>>And then we think of somewhere to spend that
hefty payment.”<</if>>
“Oh, trust me, I’ll be thinking of how to spend those crowns every step
of the way,” he says darkly. “It’s the only thing that will get me
through this contract.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
freezes. His jaw clenches and his hands grip the railing, steadying
himself. He stares resolutely out at the sea, unwilling to look you in
the eye.
“Don’t ask yourself that, $firstname,” he says darkly.
You stare at him. “What—”
“You have no idea,” he says, rounding on you. “No fucking idea.”
Your stomach drops, filling you with the familiar hollowness that
appears any time you come too close to Aeran’s past. Most days it’s easy
to forget that despite your decades-long friendship, you don’t know him
as well as you think you do. You spent years apart, travelling to
different parts of Rhesainia in pursuit of your line of work. You know
something happened to him during that time, something that must be
linked to the Guild in some way. He has a history he doesn’t want to
talk about. And as a survivor of the Spire, there are parts of his past
he has buried so deep, he fights tooth and nail to keep them there.
You look away, falling silent. This hardly seems like the time to push
him for it, but you can’t help but wonder…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. What don’t I know? What aren’t you
telling me?”|CHAPTER 1 CC DE 04-A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. You have no right to
dredge up painful memories.|CHAPTER 1 CC DE
04-B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flashes across his face. “Forget about it,” he snaps.
“Aeran—”
<i>“Forget it.”</i>
He shoots you a glare and you fall silent. Minutes pass and you
awkwardly rap your fingers against the railing, waiting for him to
speak.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, your fingers curling into a fist. You hate knowing he is
hiding something from you, but now isn’t the time to address it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“You
weren’t supposed to agree with that, you know,” he says.
You smile. “I know.”
He chuckles and looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
A wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up, the damp droplets
settling gently over your face and arms. Despite the pleasantness of the
sea air and the warmth of the sun, unease twists in your stomach. It’s
not simply about Zenaida and the Guild… You can’t shake what he said
before storming out of your cabin.
He said he’s in love with you.
You grip the railing. “Aeran?” you say quietly.
“Yeah?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What you said earlier… back in the
cabin…”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR CONFESS A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…never mind.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR
CONFESS B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
snorts. “Thanks. I try.”
You shake your head, a faint smile on your lips.
He chuckles and looks away, his laughter short-lived. “I don’t know
about this, $nickname,” he says. “It puts me on edge, but it’s out of
our control. All we can do when we reach Velantis is keep one eye open
and watch each other’s backs.”
A wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up, the damp droplets
settling gently over your face and arms. Despite the pleasantness of the
sea air and the warmth of the sun, unease twists in your stomach. It’s
not simply about Zenaida and the Guild… You can’t shake what he said
before storming out of your cabin.
He said he’s in love with you.
You grip the railing. “Aeran?” you say quietly.
“Yeah?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What you said earlier… back in the
cabin…”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR CONFESS A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…never mind.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR
CONFESS B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
draws away, one hand digging into the back of his neck. “There’s
something I need to take care of, $firstname,” he says. “Try not to push
yourself too hard, you’re still injured—all right?”
He smile weakly at you and hurries across the deck. You remain where you
are, too exhausted to chase after him, and watch him clamber down the
stairs and out of sight. Deep blue waves roll and crash against the
ship, splashing up the sides and spraying you with mist. As you realize
you are uncomfortably damp, you are unable to shake your growing sense
of unease.
<i>This is going to be a long journey to Velantis.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
nods and does not push you for an explanation. You swallow
uncomfortably and push your confused feelings away. Maybe it’s best you
ignore it for now. You were fighting, after all. Maybe he didn’t mean
it.
…or did he?
<i>Stop it, $firstname. Leave it be.</i>
You and Aeran stand silently side-by-side, looking out to sea together.
You feel the roar of the wind, the warmth of the sun. You listen to the
crashing of the waves, the distant calls of the sailors working their
nautical magic. The ship dips, cresting waves spraying mist across your
face as it cuts through the water, its sails full and free.
It's a long journey to Velantis, but you will be ready for it—and
whatever waits within, come what may.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 END
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up, the damp droplets
settling gently over your face and arms. Despite the pleasantness of the
sea air and the warmth of the sun, unease twists in your stomach. It’s
not simply about Zenaida and the Guild… You can’t shake what he said
before storming out of your cabin.
He said he’s in love with you.
You grip the railing. “Aeran?” you say quietly.
“Yeah?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What you said earlier… back in the
cabin…”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR CONFESS A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…never mind.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV DR
CONFESS B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wrap your arms around your knees, grasping them tight. Your gut twists;
your heart pounds beneath your breastbone, fluttering so rapidly you
can feel it in your throat. Sweat trickles down the back of your neck.
You press the back of your hand to your mouth, though it does little to
lessen the nausea roiling in your stomach.
Aeran stares at you, concern in his eyes. He reaches out, but pauses
just short of touching you, uncertain of what to do. “$nickname—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the fuck is going on here,
Aeran?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK B1 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK
B1 01B">2. “Shut up… just <i>shut
up!”</i></a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Grab his hand. You’re disoriented,
wounded, and in an unfamiliar place. More than anything you need
something familiar right now.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK B1
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$directPassage to true>>“Malsara…” you say quietly. “Who is she?”
He glances at you, eyes wide with surprise. “You… don’t remember?”
You swallow hard. “I… uh…”
You close your eyes, trying to peer through the fog in your mind. You
grasp at the familiarity of her name, but it just slips through your
fingers…
The ship lurches. Your stomach twists as the cabin rolls, rocking from
side to side. Waves crash against the ship, their deafening roar
thundering in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s going on here, Aeran? Where are
we?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK B2 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Try to remember… Malsara…|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK B2 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Everything hurts too much to think.
Lie down and close your eyes.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK B2
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$directPassage to true>>“Aeran,” you say slowly. “What the hell
is going on? Where are we?”
He pales and draws away, tensing up. You fold your arms, gingerly
working around your bandages, and fix him with an unblinking stare.
You’re not going to let him get away without answering you.
After a moment, he groans and exhales a long breath, letting his
shoulders slump. “We’re on an Arathian ship called the
<i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you ask, pushing down your surprise. <<if (def
$marciancodex)>>If you’ve been taken by Imperials, it doesn’t bode
well.<<else>>The Arathian Empire shares a complicated and
terse history with the Wayfarer Order. This doesn’t bode
well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT
MC]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK
VILLA]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN
SQUARE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$directPassage to true>>The words rip hoarsely from your throat,
muffled by the back of your hand. You glare at him as you speak. You
won’t take anything less than a clear answer.
He pales and draws away, tensing up. He rubs the back of his neck
nervously and looks away, unable to meet your gaze. “It’s a long story,”
he says.
“I don’t care. Spit it out.”
He groans, exhaling a long breath as his shoulders slump. “We’re on an
Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you murmur. <<if (def $marciancodex)>>If you’ve
been taken by Imperials, it doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT
MC]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK
VILLA]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN
SQUARE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The words rip from your throat
with a strangled cry. Aeran draws back sharply and falls silent, giving
you as much space as he can. Your shoulders shake and you clasp your
hands tight around your knees, threading your fingers together. Your
skin feels clammy. Sweat beads your brow and a feverish chill runs from
the nape of your neck and across your shoulders.
The cabin is so cramped, the air so stale… You cast an eye around and
the dark walls seem to move, closing in on you, suffocating you.
You squeeze your eyes shut and force yourself to breathe.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>One.</i>
You hear the creak of the ship, the crash of the waves. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>You can make out distant voices—the calls of
the crew as they go about their tasks and keep the ship on
course.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Two.</i>
You feel the cabin lurch as the ship rocks, rolling to and fro on the
sea. You must be far from any shore, lost somewhere in the Rhesainian
Ocean…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Three.</i>
You feel the heat of the sun as it streams through the window, brushing
your skin with comforting warmth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>><i>Four.</i>
You can feel Aeran nearby. The familiar sound of his breath… the sense
of his movements, however miniscule… You don’t need to look at him to
know that he is watching you with worry, frozen with indecision on how
best to help, unwilling to go anywhere until he knows you are all right.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=8>>[[1. [ROMANCE]
Reach out for him. You need him.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK 02 A
ROM][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0, 100), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 0, 100), $PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif
$aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Reach out for him. You need him. You need
your friend.|CHAPTER 1BSHIP DOCK 02 B HIGH APP][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[1. Reach out for him. Things between you might
be strained right now, but you need someone.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK 02 C
LOW APP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90), $PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. The panic is passing. You’ll be all
right.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK 02 D][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to true>>You
seize his hand, your fingers crushing his. He grips your hand in return,
holding tight. A trembling breath escapes your lips and you pull him
in, nearly dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself to him.
He catches you, wrapping his arms around you, and holds you tight.
You press your face to his shoulder and <i>breathe.</i>
You’re not sure how long you stay like that. You cling to him and slowly
the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your breath no
longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on him. You
hesitate before you draw away, unwilling to let go completely. His
embrace is firm, but gentle, conscious of your injuries.
You need this. You need to be held, if just for a little longer…
“$firstname,” he says softly, his voice murmuring in your ear. “Are you
all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t.” You draw back, opening your eyes and meeting his gaze. He is
pale, worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you
feel. “But I think before we do anything else, I need to know what
happened.”
He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge of your cot.
He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with yours. “What do
you remember?”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You seize his
hand, your fingers crushing his. Aeran takes it, his grip strong and
firm. A trembling breath escapes you and you pull him in, nearly
dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself to him. He embraces
you and holds you tight.
You bow your head and <i>breathe.</i>
Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him and pull away. You open your eyes and meet his gaze. He is pale,
worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you feel.
“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt, shaking your head. “I think before anything
else, I need to know what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<<else>>You seize his hand, your
fingers crushing his. Aeran takes it, his grip strong and firm. A
trembling breath escapes you. You bow your head and breathe.
Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him and pull away. Opening your eyes, you raise your head and meet his
gaze. He looks back at you, his face pale, worry lines creasing his
forehead. He looks as worn-out as you feel.
“$firstname,” he says quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing across his
face. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT
MC]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK]]<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK
VILLA]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN
SQUARE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranRomance>>You
let go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran catches your
searching fingers and firmly grasps your hand. A trembling breath
escapes your lips and you pull him in, nearly dragging yourself off the
cot as you crush yourself to him. He catches you, wrapping his arms
around you, and holds you tight.
You press your face to his shoulder and <i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You’re not sure how long you stay like that. You cling to him
and slowly the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and your
breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip on
him. You hesitate before you draw away, unwilling to let go completely.
His embrace is firm, but gentle, conscious of your injuries.
You need this. You need to be held, if just for a little longer…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<set $handTouch to true>>“$firstname,” Aeran says
softly, his voice murmuring in your ear. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t.” You draw back, opening your eyes and meeting his gaze. He is
pale, worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks as worn-out as you
feel. “But I think before we do anything else, I need to know what
happened.”
He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge of your cot.
He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with yours.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranApp>>You let
go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran gently takes your wrist
and clasps your hand with his. A trembling breath escapes you and you
pull him in, nearly dragging yourself off the cot as you crush yourself
to him. He embraces you and holds you tight.
You bow your head and <i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and
your breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip
on him and pull away. You open your eyes and meet his gaze. He is pale,
worry lines creasing his forehead.
He looks as worn-out as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranApp>>You let
go of your knees, one hand stretching out. Aeran takes it, his grip
strong and firm. A trembling breath escapes you. You bow your head and
<i>breathe.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Slowly, the panic subsides. When your heart finally stills and
your breath no longer comes in jagged gasps, you slowly loosen your grip
on him and pull away. Opening your eyes, you raise your head and meet
his gaze. He looks back at you, his face pale, worry lines creasing his
forehead.
He looks as worn-out as you feel.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing
across his face. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
exhale a long breath and open your eyes. Aeran meets your gaze. His
face is pale and worry lines crease his forehead. He looks as worn-out
as you feel.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“$firstname,” he says quietly. “Are
you all right?”
“I’m fine now.”
He grimaces. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt, shaking your head. “I think before anything
else, I need to know what happened.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
true>>He pulls away, gently releasing you and settles on the edge
of your cot. He reaches for your hand and his fingers entwine with
yours.<<else>>He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly
on the edge of your cot. “What do you
remember?”<</if>><<else>>“$firstname,” he says
quietly. He pauses, a grimace flashing across his face. “I’m sorry, I
shouldn’t have—”
“Don’t,” you interrupt. “I think before anything else, I need to know
what happened.”
He nods, looking away as he shifts restlessly on the edge of your cot.
“What do you remember?”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath
and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>You exhale a long, slow
breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember
is Rhodarth… the Count was killing him…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean back against the
headboard. “The last thing I remember is the basilisk…”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>You exhale a long, slow breath and lean
back against the headboard. “The last thing I remember is… the
Count…”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>You exhale a long,
slow breath and lean back against the headboard. “The last thing I
remember is the town square… everything was on fire…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
pales and draws away, tensing up. He rubs the back of his neck
nervously and looks away, unable to meet your gaze. “It’s a long story,”
he says.
“I don’t care. Spit it out.”
He groans, exhaling a long breath as his shoulders slump. “We’re on an
Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you murmur. <<if (def $marciancodex)>>If you’ve
been taken by Imperials, it doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The
Arathian Empire shares a complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer
Order. This doesn’t bode well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
Velantis…?
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>A
woman in black. Ashen-hair, brown eyes, an oval-shaped face… Tracking
you to the Docks, leading you to a tavern, where you met…
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You slide down until your head
touches the pillow and close your eyes. Your body aches, your wounds
throbbing with pain. The cabin rocks, swaying to and fro as the ship
cuts its way through rough waters. You can hear the roar of the ocean
outside, the waves crashing against the ship like the beat of a
thunderous drum.
“$firstname?” Aeran says quietly. “I…”
His voice trails away. You say nothing and keep your eyes closed, lying
still as you focus on your breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>One…</i>
“You’re not going to like this,” he continues. Despite his proximity,
you can barely hear him. His voice is distant, overpowered by the sound
of waves.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><i>Two…</i>
“…we’re on an Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia.”</i>
You breathe out slowly, barely registering his words. Something in you
stirs… If you weren’t focusing on your breathing, you would be shocked.
<<if (def $marciancodex)>>If you’ve been taken by Imperials,
it doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The Arathian Empire shares a
complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer Order. This doesn’t bode
well.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><i>Three…</i>
“We’re headed for Velantis.”
Velantis…?
You open your eyes. The haze lifts and the realization of what Aeran has
told you floods your mind. You push yourself up, your back scraping
uncomfortably against the headboard, and your fingers clench, curling
into a fist.
“Oh, gods,” you murmur.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery
Weasel, the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and
steal an Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran
walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What… happened? How
did we… how did I…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK AERAN SHOT MC][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK POST BASILISK][$PassageNo = 1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK BASILISK][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK VILLA][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK TOWN
SQUARE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>Aeran looks down at your entwined
hands.<<else>>Aeran down at his hands. “You don’t remember,
do you?”<</if>>
“I…” Your shoulder throbs, the pain flaring across your chest. “I…”
You close your eyes. You remember lying on the ground, an arrow shaft
sprouting from your shoulder. For some reason, you can recall the way
the cold hard tile pressed into your back more clearly than the arrow
itself. Blood on your tunic, blood on your hands… the Count laughing… A
gold light bursting high above you…
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip constricts, squeezing his
hand tight.<<else>>Your hand grasps the quilt, squeezing the
fabric as your fingers curl into a fist.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You shot me.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Look at him. You don’t need to say
anything.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer him. You don’t want to
think about this…|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to 3>>Aeran
lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “I really thought we were done after that
mess with the basilisk,” he says quietly. “But then Rho went and… And
you…” The words fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “When you
attacked the Count, I thought he killed you. I stood there watching and I
couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was that?”
He pauses. “It was Zenaida,” he says. “Malsara killed the Count on her
orders.”
<i>Zenaida…?</i>
Your eyes flick around the cabin as you feel another lurch of waves.
<<if $origin is "merchant">>It’s a familiar rhythm, one that
reminds you far too much of your childhood.<<else>>It’s
been some time since you’ve felt the rhythm of the
ocean.<</if>> Your stomach turns and you fight down a swell
of nausea. Whether it’s your wounds or the sea, there’s no way to know.
The sea…
You groan. The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
You lean back against the headboard. Shit…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
4>><<if $directPassage is true>>Aeran lets out a long,
tired sigh. “After it… after it took you out, I thought…” The words
fade. He runs a hand through his hair. “I thought it killed you. And Rho
and I… we killed it. Somehow. A lucky hit. And when it was dead, the
Count was laughing…”
He looks away. “After the basilisk was dead, the Count extended a
truce,” he says hollowly after a moment. “He was willing to let me go.
And I refused. I… fought him. And I killed him. And I… well… I think I
lost part of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure. Had you been given the chance, maybe you would have
killed him yourself.<<else>>Aeran lets out a long, tired
sigh. “After it… after it took you out, I thought…” The words fade. He
runs a hand through his hair. “I thought it killed you. And Rho and I…
we killed it. Somehow. A lucky hit. And when it was dead, the Count was
laughing…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was that?”
He pauses. “It was Zenaida,” he says.
Zenaida…?
Your eyes flick around the cabin as you feel another lurch of waves.
<<if $origin is "merchant">>It’s a familiar rhythm, one that
reminds you far too much of your childhood.<<else>>It’s
been some time since you’ve felt the rhythm of the
ocean.<</if>> Your stomach turns and you fight down a swell
of nausea. Whether it’s your wounds or the sea, there’s no way to know.
The sea…
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
You lean back against the headboard. <i>Shit…</i>
“After the basilisk was dead, the Count extended a truce,” Aeran
continues. “He was willing to let me go. And I refused. I… fought him.
And I killed him. And I… well… I think I lost part of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of what he did at the villa. You had no love for the Count,
that’s for sure. Had you been given the chance, maybe you would have
killed him yourself.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN 01][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN 02][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
4>><<if $directPassage is true>>Aeran lets out a slow,
shaking sigh. “I thought the Count killed you,” he says quietly. “I
stood there watching and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. All I felt
was…”
He looks away. “I killed Cere Nalos, $firstname,” he says hollowly. “He
struck you down and I killed him and I… well… I think I lost part of
myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of his actions. You had no love for the Count, that’s for
sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself when you
blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s
actions.<<else>>Aeran lets out a slow, trembling sigh. “I
thought the Count killed you,” he says quietly. “I stood there watching
and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think. All I felt was…”
He falls silent.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was that?”
He pauses. “It was Zenaida,” he says.
Zenaida…?
Your eyes flick around the cabin as you feel another lurch of waves.
<<if $origin is "merchant">>It’s a familiar rhythm, one that
reminds you far too much of your childhood.<<else>>It’s
been some time since you’ve felt the rhythm of the
ocean.<</if>> Your stomach turns and you fight down a swell
of nausea. Whether it’s your wounds or the sea, there’s no way to know.
The sea…
You groan. The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
You lean back against the headboard. Shit…
“I killed Cere Nalos, $firstname,” Aeran continues. “He struck you down
and I killed him and I… well… I think I lost part of myself there.”
There’s a darkness to his tone that fills you with unease. You sigh,
leaning back, your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, wondering
the extent of his actions. You had no love for the Count, that’s for
sure, and considering you were trying to kill him yourself when you
blacked out, you’re in no position to judge Aeran’s
actions.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You did what you had to. Best not to dwell
on it.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN 01][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What did you do? What
happened?”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN 02][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$directPassage is true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 TTS
SECOND INJURY BLACKOUT")>>Aeran lets out a slow, shaking sigh.
“After you blacked out, the town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire
was out of control, burning the supports, the houses, everything… We
would have been trapped under all of it if Zenaida hadn’t pulled us out
in time.”<<else>>Aeran lets out a slow, shaking sigh. “The
town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire was out of control, burning
the supports, the houses, everything… And Zenaida, she rescued
us.”<</if>>
He pauses, shoulders slumping. “After we left the Weasel, she sent her
people to track us,” he says. “They followed us. And when we were
trapped in the town square, Zenaida did everything she could to get us
out alive. We would have been trapped under all of it if she hadn’t
pulled us out in time.”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “You were injured… I couldn’t
think straight. I didn’t know what else to do. I had to accept her
offer. Whether we like it or not, we’re headed to Velantis.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>><<else>>Aeran lets out a
slow, shaking sigh. “The town square collapsed,” he says. “The fire was
out of control, burning the supports, the houses, everything…”
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. “What was that?”
He pauses. “It was Zenaida,” he says.
<i>Zenaida…?</i>
Your eyes flick around the cabin as you feel another lurch of waves.
<<if $origin is "merchant">>It’s a familiar rhythm, one that
reminds you far too much of your childhood.<<else>>It’s
been some time since you’ve felt the rhythm of the
ocean.<</if>> Your stomach turns and you fight down a swell
of nausea. Whether it’s your wounds or the sea, there’s no way to know.
The sea…
You groan. The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
<i>Velantis.</i>
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
You lean back against the headboard. <i>Shit…</i>
“After we left the Weasel, she sent her people to track us,” he
continues. “They followed us. And when we were trapped in the town
square, Zenaida did everything she could to get us out alive. We would
have been trapped under all of it if she hadn’t pulled us out in time.”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “You were injured… I couldn’t
think straight. I didn’t know what else to do. I had to accept her
offer.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t be angry with him for this.
Knowing Zenaida, she had him backed into a corner. He couldn’t say
no.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 10A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re angry. You’re furious. That
he would put you both in this position… It’s fucked up.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
DOCKS 10B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. It doesn’t matter. You’re out of
Rona. That’s the only thing that matters.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
10C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
nods.<<if $aeranrom >=2>> You lean forwards and press a
hand to his cheek. He stares at you, his eyes wide.<</if>>
The ghost of a smile flickers across his face.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranrom >=2>><<set $handTouch to false>>Aeran
draws away sharply and lets go of your hand.<<else>>Aeran’s
fingers curl inward, shaping into a fist. “$firstname,” he
says.<</if>>
“I need to know,” you press. “I need to know what happened to the
bastard—”
“I killed him,” he snaps, anger flaring. “That’s all you need to know.”
You fall silent. You tug at the quilt, squeezing it between your
fingers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS CONLOOP AERAN
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
hesitates, trying to find the right words to continue his
story.<<if $handTouch is true>> His fingers twine around
yours, gently easing up on his grip.<</if>> “The light you
saw was Zenaida breaking down the barriers,” he says. “After we left the
Weasel, she sent her people to track us. They followed everything we
did. The moment we went into the villa, she started the process of
dissolving the Count’s security enchantments. If she had been faster…”
He trails off and passes a weary hand over his face. “We may have pissed
her off by refusing her contract, but she wasn’t going to give up on us
that easily,” he says. “She wants us. She needs us for that…
<i>mad</i> plan she has. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>And after what happened in the town square… I didn’t have
much choice but to agree to it.”<<else>>And after what
happened at the villa… I didn’t have much choice but to agree to
it.”<</if>>
He raises his head and meets your eyes. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>“We barely made it out alive. You were injured… I didn’t
know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s offer was the only way
out.”<<else>>“With the Count dead, it wouldn’t be long until
the Viridian Lady acted in retribution. If there’s anything the Seven
hate more than each other, it’s those who question their power. You were
injured… I didn’t know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s offer was
the only way out.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t be angry with him for this.
Knowing Zenaida, she had him backed into a corner. He couldn’t say
no.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 10A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re angry. You’re furious. That
he would put you both in this position… It’s fucked up.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
DOCKS 10B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. It doesn’t matter. You’re out of
Rona. That’s the only thing that matters.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
10C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words burst incredulously from your mouth. You stare at your knees,
your arms hanging limply at your sides as the shock of your realization
washes over you.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<set $handTouch to
false>>Aeran pulls his hand from
yours.<<else>>“$firstname, I…”<</if>>
“You… shot me.”
He pauses. “Yeah.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Laugh. You can’t control it. This entire
situation is, frankly, ridiculous.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 02
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK
SHOT MC 02 B">2. It’s all flooding back to you now and you are
<i>angry.</i> You trusted him to make that shot. You
<i>trusted</i>
him.</a></div></div><</nobr>>He
meets your eyes and says nothing. The silence weighs heavily on you
both. For a moment, you let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the
distant calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of
the ship, the flutter of the sails. You’re not sure either of you know
how to have this conversation.
What do you say when your best friend shoots you by accident?
“You almost died because of me,” he says finally.
You exhale softly. “Aeran—”
He shakes his head, cutting across you. “You almost died, $firstname.
Even after we got on this ship, I didn’t know whether you’d survive.
I’ve spent the past three days thinking that I killed you and I…” He
closes his eyes and exhales a trembling breath. “I could have made that
shot. I <i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the
Count took you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He
got in my head and…”
He trails off and turns away, unable to look at you anymore. <<if
$handTouch is true>><<set $handTouch to false>>He
pulls his hand from your grasp and stares across the cabin, absently
focusing on a discoloured mark on the opposite
wall.<<else>>He stares across the cabin, absently focusing
on a discoloured mark on the opposite wall.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s not your fault.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCK SHOT
MC 10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 DOCK SHOT
MC 10B">2. “I trusted you, you know. I <i>trusted</i> you
to make that shot.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. This is painful and awkward for both
of you. Let it go and move on.|CHAPTER 1 DOCK SHOT MC
10C]]</div></div><</nobr>>An
uncomfortable silence settles between you. <<if $handTouch is
true>><<set $handTouch to false>>You pull your hand
from his grasp and let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the distant
calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of the ship,
the flutter of the sails.<<else>>You push it away, trying
to block it out, and let the sounds of the ship wash over you—the
distant calls of the ship’s crew, the crash of the waves, the creak of
the ship, the flutter of the sails.<</if>>
“Say something, $firstname,” he says.
You press your lips together. Your mouth is dry, your mind blank.
“$firstname,” he presses. “Please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want me to say?”|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS SHOT MC 20A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t want to talk about
this.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC 20B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC
20C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Hoarse
laughter bubbles past your lips. You bury your face in your hands, your
shoulders shaking, your knees knocking together, and
<i>laugh</i>. Pain flares from your injuries, tearing
through your body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth,
fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
Tears well in your eyes, running down your cheeks—whether they’re from
the pain or the laughter or both is anyone’s guess.
Aeran draws away, the floor creaking underfoot as he stares at you in
shock. “$firstname,” he says. “Stop. You’ll tear your stitches.”
You lower your hands and turn to him, but your incoherent laughter is
uncontrollable.
He watches you, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck as he waits for
your laughter to subside. His discomfort is palpable; you have a feeling
he would bolt from the cabin if he could. He lets out a hoarse chuckle
and a strange expression flickers across his face.
“Not the response I was expecting,” he says as your laughter finally
subsides.
“How else are you supposed to react when your best friend shoots you?”
you say. “I’m fairly certain $master never covered that at the Spire.”
His lips twitch as he fights a strained smile. “You almost died because
of me.”
You shrug, glancing around the cabin. “Well, I didn’t.”
“$firstname—”
You poke your wound experimentally and wince at the aching pain. “It was
an accident,” you interrupt.
Aeran glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says
wearily.
You drop your hand, resting it on the quilt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t blame you. It was my fault for
getting taken hostage in the first place.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC
03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine. If it makes you feel better,
it’s your fault. I am so mad. See how mad I am? Very mad.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 03 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Just forget about it.”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 03 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause. You feel… hollow. The silence between you is tangible.
“$firstname?”
“You’re an idiot,” you say, unable to keep the bitter tone from your
voice. “I trusted you to make that shot—”
“I know—”
“I <i>trusted</i> you.” You raise your head and turn to him,
a piercing look in your eyes.
He flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. “I know,” he
repeats. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
You push yourself up and try to swing yourself out of bed. Pain flares
from your injuries and tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes
shut and grit your teeth, fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly
to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He grimaces and looks away, staring blankly at the opposite wall. You
shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
your anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to hold
onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re not
sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
rests a hand against his chin, his fingers partially covering his
mouth. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…” He pauses, lowering his hand. He closes his eyes and exhales a
soft breath. “I thought I killed you.”
You raise your head and meet his eyes as a strange, uneasy silence
settles between you. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself to
stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I meant what I said, Aeran. I don’t blame
you.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 04 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT
MC 04 B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
smiles faintly. “All right,” he says wearily, rubbing the back of his
head. “I get your point.”
You pause. “I’m not sure if you do,” you say. “It was an accident. I
don’t want you blaming yourself and dragging along your guilt just
because you think you should. I’m all right. I’m alive. My shoulder will
heal.”
He looks away and becomes absorbed in staring at a discoloured mark on
the opposite wall.
“I mean it, Aeran,” you say. “Don’t feel guilty for this.”
He links his hands behind his neck. “Yeah,” he replies. “I hear you.
I’ll try—I promise.”
Your shoulder throbs. You ignore it.
“Good.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
glances at you. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But I didn’t and I hurt
you and—”
Your shoulder throbs painfully. “Aeran,” you say sharply. “I said to
forget about it.”
His jaw clenches. He looks away, becoming absorbed in staring at a
discoloured mark on the opposite wall. You shift uncomfortably on the
cot and lean against the headboard. Staring at the ceiling, you cross
your arms and let out a weary breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
looks away, becoming absorbed in staring at a discoloured mark in the
opposite wall. “I know,” he says. “Thank you, $firstname. It’s just… I
can’t help but blame myself.”
You nod. Leaning against the headboard, you stare at the ceiling and
exhale softly. What else is there to say? What else can you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else can you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t say that—”
“It was my fault for getting taken hostage in the first place,” you
press. “The Count used us against each other. If you want someone to
blame, blame him. Don’t put this guilt on yourself.”
He draws away and rests a hand against his chin, his fingers partially
covering his mouth. “I… I can try.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Take his hand.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC
11A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. There’s nothing more you can say
here. Time to move on.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC
11B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else <i>can</i> you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself. Pushing this further will
only serve to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know.”
You pause. You feel… hollow. “I <i>trusted</i> you.” You
raise your head and turn to him, a piercing look in your eyes. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away.
“I know,” he repeats. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
You push yourself up and try to swing yourself out of bed. Pain flares
from your injuries and tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes
shut and grit your teeth, fighting through it, one hand pressed gingerly
to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He grimaces and looks away, staring blankly at the opposite wall. You
shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
your anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to hold
onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re not
sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Too
far away to reach him, you shuffle to the edge of the cot, push
yourself up and try to swing out of the bed. As you move, pain from your
injuries flares, tearing through your body. You gasp and squeeze your
eyes shut, gritting your teeth as you fight through it. You press a hand
gingerly to your wound.
“$firstname,” Aeran says. “Stop. You’ll pull your stitches—” He catches
your hand and lowers it to the quilt.
You open your eyes. Tears well in the corners, blurring your vision. You
blink them back and fall still, waiting as the pain slowly dissipates.
Aeran watches you, pale with concern. You can sense his hesitation—the
desire to say something, but the inability to act upon it.
It only serves to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is,
you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
What else is there to say? What else <i>can</i> you say?
<i>Nothing,</i> you tell yourself. Pushing this further will
only serve to make this moment more… odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
Your shoulder aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
words rush out in a mumbled mess. You barely realize that you have
spoken until you hear them in your own ears. You gingerly fold your arms
and sink further into your cot.
He presses a hand to his chin, his fingers partially covering his mouth.
“I don’t know,” he says. “Shout at me. Blame me. Just don’t sit there
in silence—”
You raise your head, focusing on the ceiling.
“$firstname, I shot you. I almost killed you. Please, I need… I need you
to say something.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not going to yell at you, Aeran,
because I don’t blame you for what happened. It was an
accident.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC 21A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Shut up. I don’t want to talk about
it.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC 21B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS SHOT MC
21C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head as you speak, fixing him with a piercing gaze. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. Sensing that he’s
not ready to stop pressing you on this, you push yourself up and try to
swing out of bed. Pain flares from your injuries and tears through your
body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth, fighting through
it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap.
He freezes. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
staring at the floor. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself
to stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
“I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says after a moment “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and—”
“Aeran?” you interrupt, a flare of anger twisting in your stomach.
“Yeah?”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it.”
He flinches. He nods and looks away, avoiding your gaze.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
the flare of anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to
hold onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re
not sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
Your shoulder aches. Aeran says nothing, accepting your silence. When
you glance at him, he actively avoids your gaze, casting an eye around
the cabin to focus on anything but you. He is pale and tense; he must be
forcing himself to stay here to work through this, which only serves to
make this moment more… Odd? Abnormal?
Whatever it is, you don’t like it. It’s probably best for you both that
you forget this ever happened.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pauses. “I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says. “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…” He closes his eyes and exhales a soft breath.
You raise your head and meet his eyes as a strange, uneasy silence
settles between you. He is pale and tense; he must be forcing himself to
stay here to work through this, which only serves to make this moment
more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you don’t like it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I meant what I said, Aeran. I don’t blame
you.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT MC 04 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK SHOT
MC 04 B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your head as you speak, fixing him with a piercing gaze. He
flinches, noting your anger, but does not look away. Sensing that he’s
not ready to stop pressing you on this, you push yourself up and try to
swing out of bed. Pain flares from your injuries and tears through your
body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth, fighting through
it, one hand pressed gingerly to your wounded shoulder.
“$firstname,” he says, reaching for you. “Stop. You’ll tear your
stitches—”
“I’m fine, Aeran,” you snap. “No thanks to you.”
He freezes. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
staring at the floor.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot and lean back against the headboard.
Staring at the ceiling, you cross your arms and let out a long breath,
the flare of anger slowly dissipating. Though some part of you wants to
hold onto it, it is exhausting you. And, if you’re being honest, you’re
not sure how much of your anger is genuine or caused by the pain in your
shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh softly and lean against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
Your shoulder aches.
“I could have made that shot, $firstname,” he says after a moment “I
<i>should</i> have made that shot. But when the Count took
you, all I could think was what would happen if I missed. He got in my
head and…”
“Aeran?” you murmur.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
He flinches. Slowly, he withdraws and settles at the end of your cot,
doing everything he can to avoid looking at you. He is pale and tense;
he must be forcing himself to stay here to work through this, which only
serves to make this moment more… Odd? Abnormal? Whatever it is, you
don’t like it.
You shift uncomfortably on the cot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 06
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$countDead to true>><<set $countDead_How to
3>><<if $directPassage is true>>The silence stretches
out uncomfortably, even as a hundred other questions swirl in your mind.
“I remember a gold light,” you say quietly. There’s a burning taste in
the back of your throat. It’s been a long time since you’ve felt this
wretched. “What happened?”
“That was Zenaida,” he says. “After I shot you, I couldn’t think, I
couldn’t… She broke through the barriers. She’d been unravelling them
the entire time we were in the villa. Pure luck she managed to break
through in time, otherwise the Count would have killed us both.”
He trails off and passes a weary hand over his face. “She killed him,”
he says. “Or, rather, Malsara did. We may have pissed Zenaida off by
refusing her contract, but she wasn’t going to give up on us that easily
and she wasn’t going to let the Count get in the way. She wants us. She
needs us for that…. mad plan she has. And after I killed the Count, we…
I didn’t have much choice but to agree to it.”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “With the Count dead, it
wouldn’t be long until the Viridian Lady acted in retribution,” he
continues. “If there’s anything the Seven hate more than each other,
it’s those who question their power. And with you injured, I… I didn’t
know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s offer was the only way out.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>><<else>>The silence
stretches out uncomfortably, even as a hundred other questions swirl in
your mind.
“What’s going on here, Aeran?” you ask after a moment. “How did we get
on this ship? Where exactly are we?”
He groans, exhaling a long breath as his shoulders slump. “We’re on an
Arathian ship called the <i>Dareia,”</i> he says.
“Imperials?” you murmur. <<if (def $marciancodex)>>This
doesn’t bode well.<<else>>The Arathian Empire shares a
complicated and terse history with the Wayfarer Order. This doesn’t bode
well.<</if>>
He pauses. “We’re headed for Velantis.”
<i>Velantis…?</i>
The haze lifts and it all comes crashing down on you.
Velantis.
Zenaida Anaxas. Malsara and Nova. The meeting in the Slippery Weasel,
the strange proposition to ally yourself with a Guild mage and steal an
Astrial from Diradan Tower. The proposition you and Aeran walked out on…
It seems Her Grace is not the type of person to take no for an answer.
“Aeran… how…” There’s a burning taste in the back of your throat. It’s
been a long time since you’ve felt this wretched. “What happened? I
remember a gold light—”
“That was Zenaida,” he says. “After I shot you, I couldn’t think, I
couldn’t… She broke through the barriers. She’d been unravelling them
the entire time we were in the villa. Pure luck she managed to break
through in time, otherwise the Count would have killed us both.”
He trails off and passes a weary hand over his face. “She killed him,”
he says. “Or, rather, Malsara did. We may have pissed Zenaida off by
refusing her contract, but she wasn’t going to give up on us that easily
and she wasn’t going to let the Count get in the way. She wants us. She
needs us for that… <i>mad</i> plan she has.”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “With the Count dead, it
wouldn’t be long until the Viridian Lady acted in retribution,” he
continues. “If there’s anything the Seven hate more than each other,
it’s those who question their power. And with you injured, I… I didn’t
know what else to do. Accepting Zenaida’s offer was the only way out.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your grip on his hand
tightens.<<else>>You lean back, folding your arms tight
across your chest.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You can’t be angry with him for this.
Knowing Zenaida, she had him backed into a corner. He couldn’t say
no.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 10A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re angry. You’re furious. That
he would put you both in this position… It’s fucked up.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
DOCKS 10B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. It doesn’t matter. You’re out of
Rona. That’s the only thing that matters.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
10C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“I
don’t blame you, Aeran,” you say.
He glances at you, an unbelieving look in his eye.
“Given the circumstances, I don’t really see what else you could have
done,” you add. “I’m just grateful to be alive.”
He smiles faintly and runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah,” he says
quietly, looking away. He stares absently across the cabin, watching
dust motes spiral in the sunlight. “I guess so.”
You can only imagine how the last few days weighed heavily on him.
despite your words, you can feel him struggling to let go of the
crushing guilt. Combine that with his loathing of the Guild of Mages and
it leaves him in a complicated situation. If only you hadn’t been so
seriously injured, if only you had woken up earlier, maybe—just
maybe—you could have found a way out of it…
Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif
$CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Fuck
you, Aeran,” you say.
He raises his head and stares at you, an uneasy look flickering across
his face. “$firstname?”
“What was going through that head of yours?” you shout. “Handing us over
to a Guild mage—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<if $handTouch is
true>><<set $handTouch to false>>He stands abruptly,
the floor creaking horribly underfoot, and rips his hand from
yours.<<else>>He stands abruptly, the floor creaking
horribly underfoot.<</if>> “I don’t like it anymore than you
do!” he yells.
“The hell you do—<i>fuck—”</i>
Pain tears through your body. You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your
teeth, fighting through it. You let one hand lie loosely at your side
and press the other gingerly to your wounds.<<elseif $aeranapp
<=59>>Aeran rushes toward you, but draws to a sudden stop. You
can feel him wavering, silently debating whether he should stay or
go.<<else>>Aeran rushes to your side and draws to a sudden
stop, uncertain whether to interfere or not. “Careful,” he says quietly.
“You’ll tear your stitches.”<</if>>
An incoherent grouse bubbles across your lips. Tears well in your eyes,
an unwanted response to the pain.
The cabin lurches, seeming to spin around you as the ship rolls up and
down in the waves. You can hear the ocean thundering in your ears. Aeran
watches you, concern in his eyes. His discomfort is tangible; there’s a
tenseness in the way he carries himself and the way he is looking at
you… You can feel the desperate, unspoken apology.
Giving yourselves over to Zenaida… Taking that damn Velantis contract…
This is not the news you wanted to wake up to.
You groan and press a hand to your forehead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your anger is dissipating. You know Aeran
hates the Guild with every fiber of his being. If he can agree to take
this contract, then it’s proof he had no choice.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
11A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[2.
You’re still furious. Fuck him.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 11B ROM
CONFESSION]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>[[2. You’re still
furious. Fuck him.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 11B CONFESSION FRIEND
V]]<<else>>[[2. You’re still furious. Fuck him.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCKS 11B CONFESSION LOW
APP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t care, Aeran,” you say. “At least we’re out of Rona.”
He chuckles hollowly. “Yeah,” he says. “That’s what we wanted, wasn’t
it?”
He falls silent and looks away. He stares absently across the cabin,
watching the dust motes spiral in the sunlight. For a moment you think
he’s going to say something else, but he stops himself and lets the
unspoken thought die.
You press your lips together and shift restlessly on the cot. You can
only imagine how the last few days weighed heavily on him. You can feel
him struggling to let go of the crushing guilt. Combine that with his
loathing of the Guild of Mages and it leaves him in a complicated
situation. If only you hadn’t been so seriously injured, if only you had
woken up earlier, maybe—just maybe—you could have found a way out of
it…
Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif
$CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>You smile and squeeze his hand. He smiles in
return and lets out a long breath.<<else>>You
smile.<</if>> “If you were the one who nearly died, I think I
would have done the same,” you say.
He chuckles hoarsely. “Yeah,” he says. “It’s a bit of a shit situation,
isn’t it? Though we are under her protection now. Anyone who wants to
get to us has to go through her and every mage sworn to her.” He picks
at a stray thread in your quilt. “I guess this is what it feels like to
be untouchable.”
“I don’t feel untouchable,” you say. You poke your bandages
experimentally and wince at the pain. “The exact opposite, in fact.”
He glances at your prodding fingers. “Don’t do that,” he says wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif
$CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranRom_Confession to true>><<set $aeranromance to
true>><<set $completeInfo to true>>Anger burns in your
chest. “Fuck you,” you hiss. “Fuck you.”
His jaw clenches. “$firstname—”
“You handed us over to the Guild! To the Empire! What the hell were you
thinking?”
A hoarse laugh bubbles across his lips. “You want to know what I was
thinking?” he shouts. “I was thinking I didn’t want the person I’m in
love with to die!”
You pause, his words echoing in your head. Pain flares in your body,
your injuries throbbing to the beat of your heart. You feel disoriented,
confused… Your head is pounding as you fight a flurry of muddled
emotions.
<i>…what?</i>
Aeran closes his eyes and passes a hand over his face. “Fuck.”
“No,” you breathe. “No no no no—what did you just say?”
He looks away, unable to meet your gaze. “Just forget it, $firstname.”
“What did you just say, Aeran?”
The floor creaks as he turns, heading for the door. “We shouldn’t talk
when you’re like this,” he says quietly.
You stare at him. You push yourself up, struggling to get out of the
cot. A red-hot ache throbs across your body, forcing you to stop.
“Aeran—”
He opens the door and pauses, one hand resting on the doorframe.
“Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname,” he says. “I’m the last person who
wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but…”
“That’s not—”
“I’ll see you later, all right?”
He disappears through the door and closes it behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling. “Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12 AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger
flares in the pit of your stomach. “Fuck you, Aeran” you hiss.
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>He blinks, a hurt expression
flickering across his face. “$nickname?”<<else>>He frowns.
“$firstname?”<</if>>
“Fuck you!” you shout.
<<if $handTouch is true>>His jaw clenches and he lets go of
your hand.<<else>>His jaw clenches and he draws away from
you.<</if>>
“Handing us over to a Guild mage? And an Imperial one at that? What the
hell were you thinking?”
“I was thinking I didn’t want my best friend to die!” he shouts.
You pause, his words echoing in your head. Pain flares in your body,
your injuries throbbing to the beat of your heart. You feel disoriented,
confused… Your head is pounding as you fight a flurry of muddled
emotions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I… I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCK 51
A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are we even friends?”|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCK 51 B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 20,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$completeInfo to true>><<aeranDisapp>>Anger burns in
your chest. “Fuck you,” you hiss. “Fuck you.”
His jaw clenches. “$firstname—”
“You handed us over to the Guild! To the Empire! What the hell were you
thinking?”
A hoarse laugh bubbles across his lips. “I was thinking I didn’t want
you to die!” he shouts. “There’s no one else left, $firstname. We’re the
only ones—”
“Oh, shut up,” you spit.
You know exactly what he was going to say: We’re the only ones left.
Somehow, it always comes back to the fall of the Spire and the Wayfarer
Order’s collapse. While you know there may be other survivors, five
years on and you’ve yet to find any of them—except for Aeran.
A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the sides of the
ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its hooks, casting a
tangled shadow on the wall.
“Right,” Aeran mutters, heading for the door. “There’s no point talking
to you when you’re like this. Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname. I’m
the last person who wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but… just keep
that in mind before you make things worse.”
You glare at him, hot anger boiling in your chest. “I’m not—”
He slams the door behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling. “Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12 AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
pause, the apology lingering faintly on your lips. An uncomfortable
shiver runs down your spine and you lean back, staring at the ceiling.
“I don’t know why I said that,” you add after a moment.
“You’re in pain,” he says. “You never were the greatest patient.”
You chuckle hoarsely. An awkward silence falls between you, your
conversation soured by your outburst.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $rhodarthDead is
true>><<if $rhodarthDead_How is 3>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER
1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD OATH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1
BSHIP DOCKS RHO DEAD COUNT]]<</if>><<elseif
$CountGotMC is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
POST BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch1 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE
BASILISK]]<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO ALIVE VILLA
FIGHT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranAsk_Friend to true>><<set $completeInfo to
true>>You bite the words out, their bitter taste lingering in your
mouth. Aeran looks away and rises to his feet, the floorboards creaking
underfoot. A wave crashes outside, the thunderous roar muffled by the
sides of the ship. The cabin lurches and the hammock sways from its
hooks, casting a tangled shadow on the wall.
“Right,” Aeran mutters, heading for the door. “There’s no point talking
to you when you’re like this. Zenaida saved our lives, $firstname. I’m
the last person who wants to be in debt to a Guild mage, but… just keep
that in mind before you make things worse.”
You glare at him, hot anger boiling in your chest. “I’m not—”
He slams the door behind him.
You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling. “Fuck…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12 AERAN
LEFT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Left alone, you lean back in bed
and ignore the hollow feeling twisting in your gut. <<if
$hairlength is "shaved">>You run a hand over your shaved scalp,
fingers brushing across the light stubble as you contemplate what to do
next.<<else>>You run your fingers through your mussed hair,
tugging gently at the $haircolour <<if $hairtexture is
"locked">>locs<<elseif $hairtexture is "coily" or
$hairtexture is "kinky">>coils<<elseif $hairtexture is
"curly">>curls<<elseif $hairtexture is
"wavy">>waves<<else>>strands<</if>> as you
contemplate what to do next.<</if>>
With Aeran gone, you could go back to sleep. Your aching body would be
thankful for it. But already you’re growing tired of these same four
walls and it is becoming difficult to fight the feeling of restless
constriction. And after your conversation, your mind is racing so
quickly you don’t know if you could sleep, even if you wanted to.
Carefully, you inch yourself over to the edge of the cot and swing your
legs over. The long bed shirt twists around you, tangling between your
legs. It dawns on you that—aside from your bandages—it’s the only thing
you’re wearing. You wonder what happened to your clothes.
<i>Probably in the chest.</i>
You place your feet on the floor, shakily get to your feet—and your legs
forget how to work.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The ship lurches, sending you staggering into the opposite
wall. You trip, painfully stubbing your toes on the chest, and throw out
a hand. Your palm connects with the hammock and slams it against the
wood panels. <<if $agility >=8 or $origin is
"merchant">>You steady yourself, carefully regaining your sense of
balance before you fall over.<<else>>You fall over, landing
unceremoniously on the floor. A flare of pain ripples through your
torso. Grunting in pain, you carefully prod your bandages to test your
wounds and slowly push yourself up.<</if>>
You kneel next to the chest and grasp the lid. It’s heavier than you
expect and your weak muscles strain at the effort, but you eventually
manage to prop it open. Inside is a collection of familiar items—your
weapons, your pack, a few of Aeran’s belongings. You don’t see your
clothes, but you find a pair of utilitarian dark trousers and a dark
tunic, similar to the ones Aeran wore.
You pull them out and quickly dress. They may not be what you’re used
to, but it’s better than a scratchy bed shirt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>After a quick search, you find your boots pushed under the bed.
You sit on the floor and pull them on, your shoulders aching from the
movement. You’re exhausted by the time you’re done and you flop back on
the floor, staring at the ceiling. Your mind races, flickering through
the events that led you here, to this particular ship, to this
particular floor…
You pass a hand over your face. Maybe in another life things would have
played out differently, but you can’t turn back time.
The door opens.
“$lastname?” a voice calls.
You raise your head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Malsara Markal stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in
astonishment. For someone who has been living on a ship, she looks
immaculate. She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional
Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one
shoulder. The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed
into neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
“I did not realize you had awakened,” she says coolly, clasping her
hands in front of her. “Are you all right? Should I fetch my surgical
kit?”
You groan and sit up. “No,” you say, wincing as you prod your bandages.
“Everything’s fine. I’m just…”
<i>What? You’re just what, $firstname? Gods, you don’t even know
anymore, do you?</i>
“Then I am glad you are healing well,” she says. “When you were first
brought onboard, I feared you would perish, that I was not skilled
enough to heal you.”
“Yeah, well…” You shift uncomfortably under her gaze and rub a hand
across the back of your neck. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
A faint smile tugs at the corners of her lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. She saved your life. You should probably
thank her.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS AL 01A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
AL 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
ship lurches and your stomach drops as you’re jolted to one side. You
throw out a hand, pressing it into the wall as you steady yourself. You
gaze absently around the cabin as your mind lingers on what Aeran told
you, trying to reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s
events. You feel like there’s something missing…
Rhodarth.
The last you saw of the mercenary captain, he was lying crumpled on the
ground, alive but slowly dying from the effects of a blood oath…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
He pales and looks away, staring intently at a single spot on the floor.
“He’s dead,” he says hollowly. “By the time the Count was killed, the
blood oath had done its work.”
“Aeran…”
Your voice trails away, your words fading before you can even speak. You
barely knew Rhodarth, but you know he meant something to Aeran. You can
feel the quiet grief reflected in his stony silence.
“I’m sorry—”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, your tongue pressed
against the back of your teeth. There’s a hundred things you can say,
but each sound worse than the last.
“But thank you,” he says quietly. “For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>You pause, your tongue pressed against
the back of your teeth. There’s a hundred things you can say, but each
sound worse than the last. <</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on what Aeran told you, trying to
reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like
there’s something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask suddenly. “You haven’t mentioned
him.”
Aeran sighs heavily. “He’s gone,” he says.
Your gut twists. The scene wrenches itself from the depths of your
memory—a lone half-melusine warrior, in the throes of pain as he fights
the magic slowly killing him from the inside…
“He’s dead?” you ask hollowly.
Aeran shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips. “No,” he says. “The
blood oath’s power broke with the Count’s death. He’s alive. Gone,
probably. Away from Rona with his company.”
“Oh,” you say, relief washing over you. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor—and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom
to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST
03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST 04]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
END CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on what Aeran told you, trying to
reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like
there’s something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask.
Aeran falls silent. “Gone,” he says. “Away from Rona, with his company.
With the Count dead, he’s free from his blood oath.”
“Blood oath?” Your brows draw together in confusion. This is the first
you’ve heard of it.
He nods. “I’m not sure of the circumstances—Rho’s not the most
forthcoming person—but some years back, he swore a blood oath to the
Count to keep his company safe. I… broke it when I killed the Count.
Their pact is over.”
“Oh,” you say. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor,” he adds solemnly. “And in more than a literal sense.
I’m sure he’ll find his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom
to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST
03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST 04]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
END CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Blood
Oath<</notify>><</if>>You gaze absently around
the cabin as your mind lingers on what Aeran told you, trying to
reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You feel like
there’s something missing…
“What happened to Rhodarth?” you ask suddenly. “You haven’t mentioned
him.”
Aeran sighs heavily. “He’s gone,” he says.
Your gut twists. The scene wrenches itself from the depths of your
memory—a lone half-melusine warrior, in the throes of pain as he fights
the magic slowly killing him from the inside…
“He’s dead?” you ask hollowly.
Aeran shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips. “No,” he says. “The
blood oath’s power broke with the Count’s death. He’s alive. Gone,
probably. Away from Rona with his company.”
“Oh,” you say, relief washing over you. “That’s good.”
“He’s a survivor—and in more than a literal sense. I’m sure he’ll find
his way to something else.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1. It’s
hard to ignore the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see
Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST ROM JEALOUS][$aeranrom
to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 0, 100)]]<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>[[1. Despite your close friendship, it’s hard to ignore
the flare of jealousy. Ask Aeran if he thinks he will see Rhodarth
again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST FRIEND JEALOUS][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Strange as it is that you crossed
paths in Rona, you are curious about the Brightblade. Ask Aeran if he
thinks you will see Rhodarth again.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST
03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Good. That means he isn’t your
problem anymore.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS RHO QUEST 04]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
END CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran gets to his feet,
folding his arms as he walks the few short steps to the window. He peers
out at the sea beyond, the sunlight streaming through the glass and
bleaching his hair to a near blonde. The warm light is at odds with the
grave expression on his face.
“What is it?” you ask.
He glances at you, his eyes sweeping over you. He lingers on your
injuries. “You should rest,” he murmurs. “Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye. “I… I don’t
know. I don’t know what to say anymore—”
“Hey.”
You push yourself up and swing your legs over the edge of the cot. You
reach out and catch his hand. He freezes, nearly pulling away from your
touch, then squeezes your hand in return. He allows you to pull him away
from the window and he settles on the edge of the cot, his hand firmly
in yours.
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
Aeran meets your eyes. He holds your gaze for a moment, then exhales a
trembling breath. <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>He leans in,
his hand brushing the back of your neck.<<else>>He leans
in, his hand brushing the back of your neck as he slides his fingers
through your hair.<</if>> He presses his forehead to yours.
“Move forwards,” he echoes.
“Yeah,” you whisper.
Your heart pounds at the warmth and familiarity of his touch. There’s a
deep ache within you, one that has nothing to do with your wounds. An
ache you’ve been at odds with for two years, ever since your reunion.
You’ve buried your feelings, time and again, reasoning that there isn’t
time in your life for such things, and you’ve failed, time and again, to
keep those feelings from emerging.
And now… Especially now…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS
ENDCONVO ROMALLO">1. [ <i class="fas fa-heart"></i>
ROMANCE] You nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your
desire—your need—for him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 1 BSHIP
DOCKS ENDCONVO ROMACE">2. [ <i class="far fa-heart"></i>
ROMANCE] You nearly died. Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring your feelings
for him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. No. This is a risk for you both. You
can’t afford to become distracted, especially when you are facing
Velantis and the Guild of Mages.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP ENDCONVO DOCKS DENY
ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
gets to his feet, folding his arms as he walks the few short steps to
the window. He peers out at the sea beyond, the sunlight streaming
through the glass and bleaching his hair to a near blonde. The warm
light is at odds with the grave expression on his face.
“What is it?” you ask.
He glances at you, his eyes sweeping over you. He lingers on your
injuries. “You should rest,” he says. “Recover your strength—”
“I’m fine.”
“You almost died, $firstname.” He turns, pressing his left forearm
against the window frame, unable to look you in the eye.
“I survived,” you say. “Like I always do. All we can do now is move
forwards.”
He exhales softly. “Move forwards…” he echoes.
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS NO ROM
MALSARA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
ship lurches and your stomach drops as you’re jolted to one side. You
throw out a hand, pressing it into the wall as you steady yourself. You
gaze absently around the cabin as your mind lingers on Aeran’s words,
trying to reconstruct what he has told you about the night’s events. You
feel like there’s something missing…
Unbidden, Rhodarth and his death come to mind. You barely knew him, but
you know he meant something to Aeran. He must be carrying the weight of
that grief.
“How are you holding up?” you ask quietly. “With Rhodarth, I mean?”
His hand curls into a fist. “I’m fine,” he says curtly. “Great.
Wonderful. Never been better—”
“Aeran.”
“I don’t want to talk about him, $firstname,” he says, rounding on you.
“All right?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, your tongue pressed
against the back of your teeth. There’s a hundred things you can say,
but each sound worse than the last.
“But thank you,” he says quietly. “For… well…”
He trails off.<<else>>You pause, your tongue pressed against
the back of your teeth. There’s a hundred things you can say, but each
sound worse than the last. <</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomanceLoss>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Nothing,” you say, a little more defensively than
you intended. “It’s just not every day that we run into one of your
previous… uh…” You trail off, avoiding his gaze as he glowers at you,
and awkwardly rub the back of your neck.
A muscle twitches in his jaw. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
You grimace. “Honestly, Aeran, I don’t know—”
“I’m not digging around in your personal life,” he says curtly. “Leave
mine alone.”
“Fine. Forget I brought it up.”
“Good. I will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
drum your fingers on the edge of the cot. “Think you’ll see him again?”
He frowns. “What are you getting at?”
You fold your arms. “Just wondering,” you say. “He clearly meant
something to you—”
“That was a long time ago, $firstname,” he interrupts wearily. “And if
I’m being honest, it’s not something that will happen ever again. It was
never a relationship that deserved to be saved.”
You fall silent, your gut twisting guiltily at the painful tinge in his
voice.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Think
we will see him again?” you ask.
He frowns. “No idea,” he replies. “Why?”
“Just curious, that’s all,” you say, shrugging.
He grimaces. “Well, for the sake of your curiosity—I doubt it. Never had
the chance to get an answer, but it’s strange that he was this far from
Corsida and without any other Brightblades. My guess is that he left
the order. The overseers won’t be happy. If he returns to the Lotharic
Sea, he’ll have to deal with them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Then
hopefully he won’t be our problem anymore,” you say.
Aeran frowns. “Little harsh, don’t you think, $firstname?”
You shrug. You’ve got enough problems to worry about without the added
problem of Aeran’s past catching up with you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS END
CONNECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You wrap your hands around the
back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He doesn’t pull away,
doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you close, his body
pressed to yours. You can feel his breath on your cheek, his lips so
close to yours. He sighs, your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS ROM
MALSARA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 0,
100)>><<aeranRomance>>You wrap your hands around the
back of his neck, linking your fingers together. He doesn’t pull away,
doesn’t flinch at your touch. He shifts, drawing you close. He sighs,
your name a ghost on his breath—
“$firstname…”
The door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS ROM
MALSARA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You draw away. Aeran pulls back a
split second later, letting go of your hand. His eyes dart around the
room, unable to meet your gaze. He swallows, clearing his throat, and
runs a hand through his hair, an embarrassed flush creeping onto his
cheeks.
“Sorry,” he says. “I…”
“No,” you say. “It was me, I—”
“I’ll just—”
“No, you don’t have—”
“$firstname—”
“Aeran—”
The door opens.
[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo + 1]]<<case
2>>“I apologize for the interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her
Grace would like—”
Aeran pulls away and abruptly scrambles to his feet.
Malsara Markal stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in
astonishment. For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks
immaculate. She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional
Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one
shoulder. The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed
into neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
Her gaze passes from Aeran to you. “I did not realize $lastname had
awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah,” Aeran says. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe is<</if>>
feeling much better—”
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once,” she says. “She will be delighted to
hear of your recovery.” She pauses and turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would
like to speak with you, Kellis,” she adds. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
Aeran sighs. “I have to go,” he says. “You learn pretty quickly that ‘at
your leisure’ means ‘as soon as possible.’ I’ll see you out on the
deck.”
He slips through the cabin door, quietly closing it behind him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS LEAVE
CABIN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I apologize for the
interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her Grace would like—”
Aeran pulls away and abruptly turns to face the door.
Malsara Markal stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in
astonishment. For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks
immaculate. She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional
Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one
shoulder. The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed
into neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
“I did not realize $lastname had awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing
as her gaze passes from Aeran to you.
“Yeah.” Aeran’s hand remains in yours. He squeezes it tightly.
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once,” she says. “She will be delighted to
hear of your recovery.” She pauses and turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would
like to speak with you, Kellis,” she adds. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran sighs. “I have to go,” he says.
A sharp ache tugs at your heart. “Do you?” you ask. If only you could
reverse time, just a few seconds…
“You learn pretty quickly that ‘at your leisure’ means ‘as soon as
possible,’” he says darkly, rising to his feet. He pauses, half turned
to the door, his hand still in yours. “I’ll see you out on the deck.”
He lets you go and slips through the cabin door, quietly closing it
behind him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS LEAVE
CABIN][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Left alone, you lean back in
bed. <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>You run a hand over your
shaved scalp, fingers brushing across the light stubble as you
contemplate what to do next.<<else>>You run your fingers
through your mussed hair, tugging gently at the $haircolour <<if
$hairtexture is "locked">>locs<<elseif $hairtexture is
"coily" or $hairtexture is "kinky">>coils<<elseif
$hairtexture is "curly">>curls<<elseif $hairtexture is
"wavy">>waves<<else>>strands<</if>> as you
contemplate what to do next.<</if>>
You could go back to sleep. Your aching body would be thankful for it.
But already you’re growing tired of these same four walls and it is
becoming difficult to fight the feeling of restless constriction. Surely
a short walk on the ship deck would do you some good…
Carefully, you inch yourself over to the edge of the cot and swing your
legs over. The long bed shirt twists around you, tangling between your
legs. It dawns on you that—aside from your bandages—it’s the only thing
you’re wearing. You wonder what happened to your clothes.
<i>Probably in the chest.</i>
You place your feet on the floor, shakily get to your feet—and your legs
forget to work.
The ship lurches, sending you staggering into the opposite wall. You
trip, painfully stubbing your toes on the chest, and throw out a hand.
Your palm connects with the hammock and slams it against the wood
panels. <<if $agility >=8 or $ancestry is "merchant">>You
steady yourself, carefully regaining your sense of balance before you
fall over.<<else>>You fall over, landing unceremoniously on
the floor. A flare of pain ripples through your torso. Grunting in pain,
you carefully prod your bandages to test your wounds and slowly push
yourself up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You kneel next to the chest and grasp the lid. It’s heavier
than you expect and your weak muscles strain at the effort, but you
eventually manage to prop it open. Inside is a collection of familiar
items—your weapons, your pack, a few of Aeran’s belongings. You don’t
see your clothes, but you find a pair of utilitarian dark trousers and a
dark tunic, similar to the ones Aeran wore.
You pull them out and quickly dress. They may not be what you’re used
to, but it’s better than a scratchy bed shirt.
After a quick search, you find your boots pushed under the bed. You sit
on the floor and pull them on, your shoulders aching from the movement.
You’re exhausted by the time you’re done and you flop back on the floor,
staring at the ceiling. Your mind races, flickering through the events
that led you here, to this particular ship, to this particular floor…
You pass a hand over your face. Maybe in another life things would have
played out differently, but you can’t turn back time.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You groan and, gripping the edge of the bed for support, slowly
pull yourself up. <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>You dust
yourself off and smooth down the creases in your clothes.<<elseif
$hairlength is "cropped" or $hairlength is "short">>You run your
hands through your hair, arranging it as best you can, and smooth down
the creases in your clothes.<<else>>You run your hands
through your hair and tie it back, then smooth down the creases in your
clothes.<</if>> You pause, wavering by the chest as you
consider what to do with your weapons. Deciding that leaving the cabin
armed may send the wrong idea, you take your pack and strap it to your
hip. You may have to forgo weapons for now, but it’s comforting to have
at least one thing you’re familiar with.
Satisfied you’re as respectable as you’re going to get, you hobble
through the cabin door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You limp down a corridor panelled in a rich, dark wood.
Conjured lights bob an inch or two from the ceiling, lighting the way.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>You duck
your head and slouch, trying not to bump into them. You’d rather not be
the cause of a complete blackout below decks.<</if>> As you
pass a handful of doors that lead to other cabins, you are left with the
distinct impression this is the nicest ship you have ever stepped foot
on. The ship is handsomely outfitted, with enough space to house dozens
of passengers alongside the crew. Considering the ship’s origins, this
shouldn’t come as a surprise.
You find the ladder to the deck a little further down the corridor. You
pause, resting a hand on the rungs, and grit your teeth. You pull
yourself up and your body protests with every move.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Opening the hatch, you emerge from the depths of the ship to
bright daylight and sunny skies. A trio of tall, broad masts tower over
the deck, their burgundy sails full with a strong wind. You spot an
ensign flying from the tip of the tallest one—a deep red flag, adorned
with a golden phoenix. The symbol of the Arathian Empire.
Sailors rush to and fro, busy with their work. Some perch in the sails,
hanging from ropes, their hands and fingers glowing as they manipulate
the wind. Others hover near the stern, manipulating the flow of water
around the keel. Every so often, the captain—recognizable by their
brightly-coloured headwrap—barks at the crew, ordering an adjustment in
speed and direction.
You turn and walk shakily across the deck, aimless in your direction.
Your boots slip on the rough wood and stumble, hands grasping uselessly
at empty air as you desperately catch yourself. Up here, the ship seems
keen on tossing you around like a rag-doll. It takes all your
concentration to keep from falling over.
Turning around, you spot the stern deck rising up over the back half of
the ship. Like most Arathian ships, a grand cabin is set below it,
framed by two twisting stairs that lead to the upper deck. Deciding the
cabin’s foyer would be a safer place to stand for the time being, you
slowly stumble your way across the deck towards it.
You are half-way there when a familiar figure in a black serithan sweeps
in front of you.
Malsara.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>“Adventuring out so soon after your return to us?” she says,
looking you up and down. “Stubborn indeed.”
You fold your arms. “I try.”
She smirks and readjusts her serithan. The silky skirts ripple around
her, pulled by the wind. There’s something different about it… Did she
change clothes so soon?
“Impressive, is it not?” she says, nodding at the sailors. “The work of a
Velantian crew, praised for their speed and navigational skill. We
should reach the Lotharic Sea within four weeks, if not sooner.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "merchant">>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Four weeks? The Coveran merchant fleet can do it in
two.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 01A][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. [CHILD OF THE SEAS] Origin
requirement has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m in no rush.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
01B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you say so. This isn’t my area
of expertise.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“I
apologize for the interruption,” a cool voice says. “But Her Grace
would like—”
Aeran spins around, abruptly turning to the door.
Malsara Markal stands in the threshold, pale eyebrows raised in
astonishment. For someone who has been at sea for three days, she looks
immaculate. She is dressed in a simple black serithan, the traditional
Arathian robe belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one
shoulder. The fabric is heavier than usual, and the skirts are pressed
into neat pleats that fall to the floor. Her ashen hair is plaited into a
long braid that cascades over her shoulder. Not a single hair is out of
place.
Her gaze passes from Aeran to you. “I did not realize $lastname had
awakened,” she says, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah,” Aeran says. <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>“$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe is<</if>>
feeling much better—”
She takes a step into the room and bows her head respectfully. “I am
glad to see you well,” she says. “I feared we would lose you.”
You crack a cautious smile. “I’m a bit more stubborn than that.”
“I shall inform Her Grace at once,” she says. “She will be delighted to
hear of your recovery.” She pauses and turns to Aeran. “Her Grace would
like to speak with you, Kellis,” she adds. Her eyes flicker past him to
focus on you. “At your leisure, of course.”
Her pointed tone is impossible to miss.
Without any ceremony, she leaves the cabin and shuts the door.
Aeran sighs. “I have to go,” he says. “You learn pretty quickly that ‘at
your leisure’ means ‘as soon as possible.’ I’ll see you out on the
deck.”
He slips through the cabin door, quietly closing it behind him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS LEAVE
CABIN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “I see. So naval travel is not outside your realm of
expertise.” She sounds mildly surprised.
“Is that strange?” you ask.
“No,” she replies. “Merely unexpected. You seem so reluctant to engage
with magic in any regard. I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll try my best not to get underfoot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
raises an eyebrow. “You seem so reluctant to engage with magic in any
regard,” she says. “I hope you do not find our means of travel
offensive. To go by land would put us behind schedule by months.”
You roll your eyes. “If you’re worried about me breaking your ship,
forget it. I’ll try my best not to get underfoot.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
smiles. She pushes past you, sauntering to the edge of the deck. You
watch from a distance as she rests her hands against the rail and looks
out to sea. The azure waves beat against the ship, white caps cresting
in the distance.
“You aren’t what I expected,” she says. The wind tugs at her hair,
shifting her long braid. “When we arrive, what do you hope to find in
Velantis?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Give me a break. I just woke up.”|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Haven’t thought that far, to be
honest.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t care. I just want to be
paid.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “A job that needs doing, I
suppose.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How fascinating,” she says. “You paint an interesting picture
of yourself, Wayfarer. Are you no more than a leaf, blown to and fro by
the wind, leaving your fate to be decided by chance? Such detachment
shows a remarkable lack of agency in your own life.”
You scowl, a hot flush on your cheeks. <<if $perception
>=8>>No matter how cutting her words are, you sense a clear
will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown you before. You have a feeling
you’re not talking to Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and
your gut twists in anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “So this is what has become of your mighty order,” she says.
“At best ignorant of your own creed, at worst willfully negligent of it.
You will do whatever is required of you, as long as you are paid. And
you claim the Guild is corrupt.”
You flush. “It is corrupt. Isn’t that why Zenaida hired us?”
“It is not the same,” Malsara says. “Ours is a corruption of power and
politics, the kind you see echoed in the courts of monarchs and
sovereigns. Yours is a corruption of the self.”
You scowl, a hot flush on your cheeks. <<if $perception
>=8>>No matter how cutting her words are, you sense a clear
will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown you before. You have a feeling
you’re not talking to Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and
your gut twists in anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
laughs. “How industrious,” she says. “How focused. Her Grace will be
pleased with such work ethic, of course, but I cannot help but wonder
how the remnants of your order will respond to you working with their
nemesis. Would they consider it a betrayal, I wonder?”
“We make do with what we can,” you snap. “Anyone who survived the Spire
will understand that.”
“Will they?”
You scowl, a hot flush on your cheeks. <<if $perception
>=8>>No matter how cutting her words are, you sense a clear
will to antagonize you she hasn’t shown you before. You have a feeling
you’re not talking to Malsara.<<else>>Her words cut deep and
your gut twists in anger.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nova!”
You turn and see a woman in a dark, pleated serithan crossing the deck.
Her plaited ashen blonde hair shines bright in the direct sunlight. You
glance at the woman beside you, an uncomfortable feeling churning in
your stomach. She smirks and a faint violet aura shimmers around her as
her hair transforms, bleeding from blonde to black. She bows, a strange
smile dancing on her lips.
“A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says. She sweeps through the doors and
disappears into the cabin beyond, leaving you standing alone in
uncomfortable surprise.
Malsara—the real one—lets out a withering sigh as she approaches you.
“Pardon my sister,” she says. “She delights in masquerading as me.”
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $perception
>=8>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] “I saw through it.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
05A]]<<else>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Conditional skill
level has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$perception >=8>>[[1. “I saw through it.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
05A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional skill level has not
been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…great.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Malsara
smiles. “Of course,” she says. “You are not easily fooled, even by a
simple transmogrification.”
You grimace. It appears Nova can use her powers to alter her appearance.
This was no illusion. Illusions have no bearing on you; you can see
right through them to the person beneath. Transmogrification, on the
other hand, alters its target on a physical level. Once the magic is
cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
notes your sarcastic tone and clasps her hands together. “My sister’s
primary skills lie within the sphere of Transformation,” she says.
“Though it is a serious field of magic, with much room for error and
devastating consequences, it does not stop her from transforming her
likeness at will to mimic the appearance of others.” She pauses, her
lips pressing into a fine line. “I am her usual target, of course. It is
much easier when she has only one physical aspect to change.”
You grimace. Altering appearance—both one’s own and another’s—is a
well-researched and popular form of magic, though the practice has its
dangers. While many opt for the safer route of using illusions to alter
their form, Transmogrification changes a person on a physical level.
You can see through illusions easily; the magic has no bearing on you.
Transmogrification, on the other hand, only affects its target. Once the
magic is cast, you cannot exert any influence over it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am glad your wounds are healing well,” Malsara continues. “I feared you
would perish, that I was not skilled enough to heal you.”
You shift uncomfortably under her gaze and rub a hand across the back of
your neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Thank her.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
07A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
07B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Thank
you,” you say quietly. “Not many would do what you did.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “I am well aware,” she
says. “Nova was displeased at first, concerned that touching you during
surgery would somehow permanently dampen my powers.”
You snort. It is as ridiculous as it sounds.
“You must forgive her,” she continues. “She has been with the Guild of
Mages for many years and her perception of the world is altered by their
particular doctrine. The League knows better.”
You swallow hard. You’re not sure if this was her intention, but there’s
something ominous in the way she says it.
“I am not my sister, Wayfarer,” Malsara says. “All I ask is that you
remember that. If you are to work closely with us, it will serve you
well.” She bows, bending low. “I shall leave you be.”
She turns and sweeps across the deck without another word, her robes
flaring out behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC MEET ZENAIDA ON
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara’s
brown eyes narrow as she takes in your stony silence. “I am not my
sister, Wayfarer,” she says. “Do not judge me as you would judge her.
She has been with the Guild of Mages for many years and her perception
is influenced by their particular doctrine. The League knows better.”
You swallow hard. You’re not sure if this was her intention, but there’s
something ominous in the way she says it.
“I am not my sister, Wayfarer,” Malsara says. “All I ask is that you
remember that. If you are to work closely with us, it will serve you
well.” She bows, bending low. “I shall leave you be.”
She turns and sweeps across the deck without another word, her robes
flaring out behind her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC MEET ZENAIDA ON
DECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisstatus to 1>><<notify 3000>>Faction
Unlocked: Order of Lethalis<</notify>>With Malsara gone, you
wander the ship. The sailors give you a wide berth, working around you
as you walk the deck. Though you can’t quite relax, the sun is bright
and warm against your skin and there’s a lulling quality to the crashing
waves. You climb the stairs to the upper deck, expecting to find Aeran
up there, and draw to a halt.
Zenaida stands at the back of the ship, gazing out at sea. She is
dressed in an exquisite travel serithan befitting of her station. The
silken robes are long and flowing, their deep turquoise colour
complimenting the sea. Complex gold embroidery wraps around the hems of
the skirt and the single long sleeve. Her dark hair is braided and
pulled back, and covered with a protective silk scarf that flows loosely
over one shoulder. She has forgone jewellery and makeup and still looks
like she could step into the Imperial palace for an audience with the
emperor.
“You have had quite an unexpected week, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says,
gesturing for you to approach. “Such a brush with death is not easily
forgotten.”
Your body flares with pain. “Yeah, well… Nothing I’m not used to.” You
limp forward to stand beside her, your hand gripping the railing. Your
eyes scan the horizon—you see nothing but blue sky and blue sea. Rona is
out there somewhere, but it’s not even a speck in the distance. The
town—your life for the past year—is well and truly gone.
Zenaida glances at you, noting your change of clothes. “Your old
clothing was not recoverable,” she says. “I had it burned. I hope you
find your new attire satisfactory.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll manage.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s just clothes.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS
LC 10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “They’re fine. Thank you.”|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 10C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
presses her lips together into a fine line. “I hope the recklessness
you displayed five nights ago is not a recurring trait,” she says after a
moment. “I am no stranger to rash decisions, but you have shown
yourself to have a particularly impulsive streak.”
“Are you reprimanding me, Your Grace?” you reply. <<if $hairlength
is "shaved">>The wind picks up, tearing at your
shirt.<<else>>The wind picks up, tearing at your
hair.<</if>> You can taste salt on your tongue.
“Your actions concern me, yes,” she says. “While some may praise your
bravery, I do not wish to lose such a valuable asset to my cause.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So I’m an asset now? I never agreed to
that, you know.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 11A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Right… I’ll keep that in
mind.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 11B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’ll try to take more care in the
future.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
11C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles, visibly pleased with your answer, but the smile is short-lived.
“I hope the recklessness you displayed five nights ago is not a
recurring trait,” she says. “I am no stranger to rash decisions, but you
have shown yourself to have a particularly impulsive streak.”
“Are you reprimanding me, Your Grace?” you reply. <<if $hairlength
is "shaved">>The wind picks up, tearing at your
shirt.<<else>>The wind picks up, tearing at your
hair.<</if>> You can taste salt on your tongue.
“Your actions concern me, yes,” she says. “While some may praise your
bravery, I do not wish to lose such a valuable asset to my cause.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So I’m an asset now? I never agreed to
that, you know.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 11A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Right… I’ll keep that in
mind.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 11B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’ll try to take more care in the
future.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
11C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
expression hardens. “I should remind you, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says
coolly. “You are aboard my ship. Without me, you would have died in
Rona. You and Wayfarer Kellis are in my debt.”
You pause, an uncomfortable knot twisting in your gut. A wave crashes
against the side of the ship, spraying you with mist. You can hear the
displeasure in Zenaida’s voice. She came to Rona in search of Wayfarers,
and she left with what she wanted. Like it or not, you work for her
now. You have no doubt that she will be unhappy with any resistance on
your part.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t like threats, Zenaida.”|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 12A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20,
79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 12B
CONNECT ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
hope you will,” she replies coolly. “I cannot afford the kind of errors
you made with Cere Nalos. The situation with the Guild is perilous at
best. To act such as you did that night could prove devastating once we
reach Velantis.”
You clench your jaw, nearly biting your tongue as you force yourself not
to snap back at her. <<if $master is "Varyn">>Somehow, she
is making you feel like a youth again, trying to one-up Varyn in a
conversation and failing miserable.<<else>>Somehow, she is
making you feel like a youth again, under the sharp scrutiny of
$master’s eye.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll do my best not to make any more
mistakes.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t bother trying to goad me,
Zenaida, it won’t work.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then I suppose I’ll have to put
some effort in. You’re lucky I like you, I don’t do this for
everyone.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and say nothing.|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’d
much rather you did, rather than try,” she says coolly. “I cannot
afford the kind of errors you made with Cere Nalos. The situation with
the Guild is perilous at best. To act such as you did that night could
prove devastating once we reach Velantis.”
You clench your jaw, nearly biting your tongue as you force yourself not
to snap back at her. <<if $master is "Varyn">>Somehow, she
is making you feel like a youth again, trying to one-up Varyn in a
conversation and failing miserable.<<else>>Somehow, she is
making you feel like a youth again, under the sharp scrutiny of
$master’s eye.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll do my best not to make any more
mistakes.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t bother trying to goad me,
Zenaida, it won’t work.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then I suppose I’ll have to put
some effort in. You’re lucky I like you, I don’t do this for
everyone.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 13C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and say nothing.|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“This
is not a threat, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says flatly. “This is a
reminder of the facts. If you interpret it as anything else, that is a
dilemma for you alone to handle. Wayfarer Kellis accepted my proposal on
your behalf, and you will fulfill your duties to the Order of
Lethalis.”
You clench your jaw.
“I am not a politician, like my mother, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
continues. “I have no fondness for barbed words and concealed threats.
When I choose to show my dissatisfaction, there will be no room for
misinterpretation.”
You nod, chewing the inside of your cheek. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact Forged<</notify>>The
ship dips in the sea, waves crashing against its sides. A spray of sea
water flies up over the railing, misting across your face. Zenaida
blinks, unruffled. She adjusts her silk scarf, her gaze still focused on
the horizon. For a moment, it looks like she is about to say something,
but she hesitates, leaving her thought unspoken.
“What?” you say.
“You know you are not the first of your kind I have met,” she says.
“Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade or
so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
15]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
satisfied smile crosses her lips. “Good,” she says. “I am paying you
extravagantly, after all. I believe that deserves some extra effort on
your part.”
“I don’t go out of my way trying to get myself killed,” you say. “Not
purposefully.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“If
you believe that is a goad, you are greatly mistaken,” she says
sharply. “I am not a politician, like my mother. I have no fondness for
barbed words and concealed threats. When I choose to show my
dissatisfaction, there is no room for misinterpretation.”
You nod, chewing the inside of your cheek. “Noted.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>>Zenaida’s
face lights up with a brilliant smile as she tries to conceal her
laughter. “You honour me,” she says. “I look forward to our partnership.
I hope I will not disappoint.”
You nod, a little lost for words. Did she really think what you said was
that funny?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 12B CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,”
she replies. “Your Grandmaster and Ambassador, correct? They were
intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent individuals immensely dedicated to
their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted to you have served you
well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“I didn’t realize Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn had been
on friendly terms with the Guild,” you say.
“The history of our orders has never been as simple as frank
antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when Wayfarer and
mage have worked together to unite against a common cause.” She pauses,
sighing deeply. “Wayfarer $lastname, I have something to confess.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“You are not the $person I expected to find when I came to Rona.”
You frown. “Who did you expect?”
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
says. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer Kellis.
It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership with
him.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1">>You swallow hard. So, someone tipped
her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who would be keen
to track his whereabouts?
Your gut twists. You know of at least one person who is—the person who
has been writing to him for years. The person who asked him to meet them
in Velantis.
<i>Stop it. Don’t jump at the first coincidence, $firstname. The
world’s a big place.</i>
<<else>>You swallow hard. So, someone tipped her off about
Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who would be keen to track
Aeran’s whereabouts? And if they are keeping such a close eye on him,
why didn’t they know you were with him?<</if>>
Your fingers tighten on the railing. “Lucky you,” you say quickly,
scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I am fortunate. You are skilled, Wayfarer
$lastname. Despite your recklessness, you have a keen will to survive. I
am certain that will serve you well when we reach Velantis.”
She pauses, her brown eyes searching yours. “Our partnership is
irregular,” she says. “You and I both know that. And yet, I hope it will
be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer working together towards a
common goal… no one among the fractured pieces of the Guild will suspect
it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful for your aid.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Little hard to
be thankful when you coerced us into it.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
16A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’d do pretty much anything for
three thousand crowns.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC 16B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Strangely, I’m looking forward to
it. This isn’t the worst contract I’ve taken.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
16C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing. You have nothing else
to say to her.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
16D]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
frowns, her fingers twisting together sharply. “You are in my debt,”
she says. “Repaying it is not coercion.”
You laugh coldly. “Extortion, then,” you says. “Doesn’t matter what you
call it, what’s done is done. We’ll do your dirty work, you’ll pay us,
and then we’ll be out of each other’s lives. That good enough for you?”
She falls silent. “I know what it is to be backed into a corner,” she
says after a moment. “I only hope, for your sake, that you curb your
cynicism before it prevents you from recognizing much needed allies when
they approach you with open arms.” She turns, the hem of her scarf
fluttering in the wind. “We shall converse again later. Take the time
you need to recover. You clearly need it.”
Without a further word, she walks away and disappears down the stairs to
the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12
AERAN LEFT")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
EARLY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida’s
eyes narrow and she purses her lips together in a tight line. From the
uneasy look on her face, she seems repulsed by your reply.
“Of course,” she says. “You will see your payment, Wayfarer, make no
mistake.” She turns, the hem of her scarf fluttering in the wind. “We
shall converse again later. Take the time you need to recover. You
clearly need it.”
Without a further word, she walks away and disappears down the stairs to
the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12
AERAN LEFT")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
EARLY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>>Zenaida
chuckles, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I would hate to hear what
that was,” she says. “But perhaps we shall save it for another time.
Please, take the time you need to rest. If you need anything, Captain
Xanael’s crew will be more than happy to assist you.”
Without a further word, she walks away and disappears down the stairs to
the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12
AERAN LEFT")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
EARLY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
turns, scarf fluttering in the wind. “We shall converse again later,”
she says, walking away. “Take the time you need to recover. If you need
anything, Captain Xanael’s crew will be more than happy to assist you.”
Without a further word, she walks away and disappears down the stairs to
the deck below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS 12
AERAN LEFT")>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
EARLY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC AERAN DECK
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“She
found you, I see,” Aeran’s voice says behind you.
You glance over your shoulder. He stands some feet away, open shirt
flapping in the wind, backlit by the sun. Out here in the daylight he
looks stronger than he did below decks. Beneath the healing cuts and
bruises, he has the beginnings of a healthy tan.
“Maybe you should consider becoming a sailor,” you say as you approach.
“Sea life suits you.”
“Not really,” he says. “It’s nice to have a change of scenery. I was a
little tired of overgrown trees and stagnant water and never seeing the
sun.”
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>“And there’s a wonderful lack
of basilisks,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He chuckles quietly. “Please, $firstname,” he says. “Don’t curse it.
We’ve had a pretty foul run of bad luck, let’s not invite
anymore.”<<else>>“At least no one’s actively trying to kill
us,” you add. “Can’t forget that.”
He inhales sharply. “Please, $nickname,” he says. “Don’t curse it. We’ve
had a pretty foul run of bad luck lately, let’s not invite
anymore.”<</if>>
Aeran draws up next to you and looks out at the horizon, the wind
tangling his hair. Together, you lean against the railing and peer out
into the azure waves below. A wave crashes against the ship and mist
sprays up around you, settling on your face and arms. You can nearly
taste the salt in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $questInv.has('Chalice of
Offering')>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05
CHALICE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 05 NO
CHALICE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“She
found you, I see,” Aeran’s voice says behind you.
You glance over your shoulder. He stands some feet away, open shirt
flapping in the wind, backlit by the sun. Out here in the daylight he
looks stronger than he did below decks. Beneath the healing cuts and
bruises, he has the beginnings of a healthy tan.
“Yeah,” you say.
He draws up next to you and looks out at the horizon, the wind tangling
his hair. Together, you lean against the railing and peer out into the
azure waves below. A wave crashes against the ship and mist sprays up
around you, settling on your face and arms. You can taste the salt in
the air.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>><i>I was thinking I
didn’t want the person I’m in love with to die!</i>
You can barely look at him as the ghost of his confession lingers
between you. You want nothing more than to take him aside, to ask him
what he meant, but his discomfort is so tangible, you don’t know whether
you can even broach the topic.<<else>>He pauses. The ghost
of your quarrel lingers between you, the tension nearly
tangible.<</if>>
“This… this <i>thing</i> she wants us to do for her,” he
says after a moment. “Raiding the Guild to steal an Astrial—you know
it’s mad, right?”
You rap your fingers on the railing. “There are worse things,” you say
half-heartedly. “I’ve done worse. You’ve definitely handled worse.”
“It’s the Guild, $firstname. There’s nothing worse than the Guild.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s a job. We just have to focus on
finishing it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “After Rona, I’m just happy to work
for someone who doesn’t want to kill us on a whim.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC DR
03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She did save our lives. We owe
her.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Thank
you,” you say quietly. “Not many would do what you did.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “I am well aware,” she
says. “My sister was quite displeased at first, out of a misguided
concern that touching you during surgery would somehow permanently
dampen my powers.”
You snort. It is as ridiculous as it sounds.
“I unfortunately know many mages who share similar beliefs. The Guild’s
doctrine is powerful, but the League… the League knows better.”
You frown. You’re not sure if it was her intention, but there’s
something ominous about the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS AL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
smile disappears as she takes in your stony silence. “My sister was
quite displeased at first,” she says. “She thought it best to leave your
fate to chance. She held a misguided concern that touching you during
surgery would somehow permanently dampen my powers.”
You glance at her. Though it is as ridiculous as it sounds, you can’t
fathom why she is telling you this. And who is her sister?
“I unfortunately know many mages who share similar beliefs. The Guild’s
doctrine is powerful, but the League… the League knows better.”
You frown. You’re not sure if it was her intention, but there’s
something ominous about the way she says it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 BSHIP DOCKS AL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“If you wish to leave your
cabin, I can escort you to the deck,” Malsara says “I believe Her Grace
wishes to speak to you.”
“Oh?” you say. <i>That should be interesting…</i>
Malsara shrugs and gestures more pointedly at the door. Knowing that
there is little you can do to stall this meeting, you get to your feet
and allow her to usher you from the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Malsara leads you down a corridor panelled in a rich, dark
wood. Conjured lights bob an inch or two from the ceiling, lighting the
way.<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">> You
duck your head and slouch, trying not to bump into them. You’d rather
not be the cause of a complete blackout below decks.<</if>>
As you pass a handful of doors that lead to other cabins, you are left
with the distinct impression this is the nicest ship you have ever
stepped foot on. The ship is handsomely outfitted, with enough space to
house dozens of passengers alongside the crew. Considering the ship’s
origins, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
A ladder to the deck above is a little further down the corridor.
Malsara clambers quickly up it and you follow behind her, emerging from
the depths of the ship to bright daylight and sunny skies. A trio of
tall, broad masts tower over the deck, their burgundy sails full with a
strong wind. You spot an ensign flying from the tip of the tallest one—a
deep red flag, adorned with a golden phoenix.
The symbol of the Arathian Empire.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Sailors rush to and fro, busy with their work. Some perch in
the sails, hanging from ropes, their hands and fingers glowing as they
manipulate the wind. Others hover near the stern, manipulating the flow
of water around the keel. Every so often, the captain—recognizable by
their brightly-coloured headwrap—barks at the crew, ordering an
adjustment in speed and direction.
The stern deck rises up over the back half of the ship. Like most
Arathian ships, a grand cabin is set below it, framed by two twisting
stairs that lead to the upper deck. Malsara cuts quickly across the
deck, leading you towards the back of the ship. You follow her on shaky
feet, your boots slipping on the rough wood. You stumble, hands grasping
uselessly at empty air as you fight to keep your balance. Up here, the
ship seems keen on tossing you around like a rag-doll. It takes all your
concentration to keep from falling over.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Nova Markal sweeps in front of you, blocking your way. Her dark
eyes look you up and down and a strange smile forms on her lips.
“Stubborn indeed,” she says.
Your jaw clenches. “I try.”
She smirks and her dark hair ripples in the wind. <<if $haircolour
neq "black">>A faint violet aura shimmers around her and her hair
transforms, bleeding from black to $haircolour in an accurate
replication of your own hair colour.<<else>>A faint violet
aura shimmers around her and her hair transforms, changing into an
accurate replica of yours.<</if>>
A chill runs down your spine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“Nova,” Malsara says crossly. “Don’t.”
Nova laughs, dark eyes shining. “A pleasure, Wayfarer,” she says. She
turns and crosses the deck, passing through the cabin doors without
another word.
Malsara lets out an exasperated sigh. “Pardon my sister,” she says. “She
enjoys using her magic to infuriate others as much as she can. A
wasteful use of Transmogrification, if you ask me.”
You frown. Altering appearance—both one’s own and another’s—is a
well-researched and popular form of magic, though the practice has its
dangers. While many opt for the safer route of using illusions to alter
their form, Transmogrification changes a person on a physical level. It
seems Nova uses it confidently and brazenly.
“This way,” Malsara continues, leading you up the stairs to the stern
deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>Zenaida stands at the back of the ship, gazing out at sea. She
is dressed in an exquisite travel serithan befitting of her station. The
silken robes are long and flowing, their deep turquoise colour
complimenting the sea. Complex gold embroidery wraps around the hems of
the skirt and the single long sleeve. Her dark hair is braided and
pulled back, and covered with a protective silk scarf that flows loosely
over one shoulder. She has forgone jewellery and makeup and still looks
like she could step into the Imperial palace for an audience with the
emperor.
She turns, observing you carefully as you approach. “You have had quite
an unexpected week, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says, gesturing for Malsara
to leave. The assassin nods and retreats down the stairs, leaving you
alone with her. “Such a brush with death is not easily forgotten.”
Your body flares with pain. “Yeah, well… Nothing I’m not used to.”
You limp forward to stand beside her, your hand gripping the railing.
Your eyes scan the horizon—you see nothing but blue sky and blue sea.
Rona is out there somewhere, but it’s not even a speck in the distance.
The town—your life for the past year—is well and truly gone.
“You wanted to speak to me?” you say after a moment.
Zenaida pauses and glances at you, noting your change of clothes. “Your
old clothing was not recoverable,” she says, ignoring your question. “I
had it burned. I hope you find your new attire satisfactory.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll manage.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS LC
10A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s just clothes.”|CHAPTER 1 DOCKS
LC 10A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “They’re fine. Thank you.”|CHAPTER 1
DOCKS LC 10C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79),
$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Level Up</span>
<<if $health is "full">><<set $skillpoints to
3>>Your time in Rona has left you with new insights. You have
received <b>3 skill
points.</b><<else>><<set $skillpoints to
2>>Your time in Rona has left you with new insights. Due to your
injuries, you have received <b>2 skill
points.</b><</if>>
<span class="heading">Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $skillpoints >= 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|Chapter 1 Level Up][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><center><span
class="heading">[[Start Chapter II|Chapter I
Save]]</span></center><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Level Up</span>
You have <b>$skillpoints skill point(s)</b> remaining.
<span class="heading">Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $skillpoints is 3>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|Chapter 1 Level Up][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 2>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|Chapter 1 Level Up][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|Chapter 1 Level Up][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|Chapter 1 Level
Up][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 0>><center><<button 'Start Episode
II'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter I
Save")>><</button>></center><</if>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: The Dareia">><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<set $health to
"full">><<set $actionpoints to 4>><<set
$gamechapter to 2>><div class="chaptertitle"><<fadein
3s 0s>>Episode II ✦ House of the
Phoenix<</fadein>></div><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>Aboard the
<i>Dareia</i>, the flagship of <b>Zenaida
Anaxas</b>, $firstname and Aeran sail for
<b>Velantis.</b> The journey is long, but the seas are kind,
giving them ample time to prepare for what awaits them in the City of
Mages...
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "Chapter 2
Pause">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><<timed 1s>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 2 START")>><</timed>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Save Your Progress?</span></center>
Do you wish to save your progress? It is highly recommended to save
before you proceed to Episode II.
<div class="promptbutton"><div class="box"><div
class="save-1"><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span> Save Game'>><<run
UI.saves()>><</button>></div><div
class="save-2"><<button '→ Proceed'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1 End
2")>><</button>></div></div></div><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Sensing your audience has
reached its end, you rise to your feet and head for the antechamber.
You’ve had enough of mages and aristocrats for now. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>As much as you hate the idea, you need to find
Aeran.<<else>>You want nothing more right now than to find
Aeran.<</if>>
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida calls hastily, interrupting before you can
leave.
You turn back, glancing over your shoulder. She has risen from the
window seat and stands with her hands clasped in front of her. Sunlight
streams through the windows behind her, catching the gold embroidery on
her serithan. It glimmers, shining bright against the turquoise fabric.
“What?” you say.
“You know you are not the first of your kind I have met,” she says.
“Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade or
so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft
is an understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put
you through all those years ago. The level of precision they required
from their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival
skills was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed,
bruised and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though
your training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted to you have served
you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
“I didn’t realize Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn had been on friendly
terms with the Guild,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“The history of our orders has never been as simple as frank
antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when Wayfarer and
mage have worked together to unite against a common cause.” She pauses,
her hands whispering over the silken fabric as she smooths down her
skirts. “Wayfarer $lastname, I have something to confess.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“You are not the $person I expected to find when I came to Rona.”
You frown. “Who did you expect?”
“Our source indicated the presence of a single Wayfarer, not two,” she
replies. “When we began our journey, I was searching for Wayfarer
Kellis. It wasn’t until we arrived that we discovered your partnership
with him.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>You swallow hard. So,
someone tipped her off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who
would be keen to track his whereabouts?
Your gut twists. You know of at least one person who is—the person who
has been writing to him for years. The person who asked him to meet them
in Velantis.
Stop it. Don’t jump at the first coincidence, $firstname. The world’s a
big place.<<else>>You swallow hard. So, someone tipped her
off about Aeran. Someone knew he was in Rona. But who would be keen to
track Aeran’s whereabouts? And if they are keeping such a close eye on
him, why didn’t they know you were with him?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Your
arms pull tight against your chest. “Lucky you,” you say quickly,
scrambling to cover your growing unease.
“Indeed,” Zenaida replies. “I am fortunate. You are skilled, Wayfarer
$lastname. Despite your recklessness, you have a keen will to survive. I
am certain that will serve you well when we reach Velantis.”
She pauses, her brown eyes searching yours. “Our partnership is
irregular,” she says. “You and I both know that. And yet, I hope it will
be fruitful for us both. Mage and Wayfarer working together towards a
common goal… no one among the fractured pieces of the Guild will suspect
it. The Order of Lethalis is grateful for your aid.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Little hard to
be thankful when you coerced us into it.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
17A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’d do pretty much anything for
three thousand crowns.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC 17B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Strangely, I’m looking forward to
it. This isn’t the worst contract I’ve taken.”|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
17C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 20, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing. You have nothing else
to say to her.|CHAPTER 1 RAV CC
17D]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$crestpattern is "vines" or $crestpattern is "bark">><<set
$heritage to "Asterian">><<elseif ($crestcolour is "gold" or
$crestcolour is "bronze" or $crestcolour is "brown")>><<set
$heritage to "Arinnan">><<elseif ($crestcolour is "silver"
or $crestcolour is "white" or $crestcolour is
"black")>><<set $heritage to
"Synan">><<else>><<set $heritage to
"Asterian">><</if>><div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><i
class="icon-sigil"></i></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">9 Sovereign,
1252</div></div></div>The ocean waves thunder against
the ship to a steady beat. Mist brushes against your skin, settling
lightly on your face and arms. You lean against the railing and inhale a
breath—the air is cool and sharp today, a far cry from the heavy Ronan
humidity you left behind four weeks ago.
//A month… Can’t keep track of time…//
<<if $blackout >=1>>The first few weeks of the trip were
nightmarish. Your wounds left you fatigued and ill; you had little
choice but to spend most of your time confined to your cabin, resting.
Once you fully recovered, you were free to roam the ship. Though the
crew had their misgivings, Captain Xanael was more reasonable than you
expected and allowed you and Aeran to go wherever you wished.
Which—admittedly—wasn’t very far. There isn’t much for a passenger to do
on a ship and, soon enough, one hot, salty day blurred into the
next.<<else>>Though the crew had their misgivings, Captain
Xanael was more reasonable than you expected. They allowed you and Aeran
to go wherever you wished, provided you didn’t impede the crew’s work.
While you appreciated the freedom, there admittedly isn’t much for a
passenger to do onboard a ship. Soon enough, one hot, salty day blurred
into the next.<</if>>
You shake your head and exhale softly, linking your hands together as
you lean out over the railing. The dark grey waters part smoothly before
the prow, churning up rustling white caps as the ship glides forward.
Dense fog swirls around the ship, undulating along its sides. It fans
out everywhere, swelling over the rough waters and obscuring the view.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>>
<<if $origin is "nomad">><<set $language to
"Sathiric">>
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">><<set $language to
"Artanisian">>
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">><<set $language to
"Coveran">>
<<elseif $origin is "noble">><<set $language to
"Vestran">>
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">><<set $language to
"Arsenian">>
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">><<set $language to
"Arsenian">><</if>>
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">><<set $hairlength to
"cropped">>
<<elseif $hairlength is "cropped">><<set $hairlength
to "short">>
<<elseif $hairlength is "short">><<set $hairlength to
"shoulder-length">><</if>>
<<if $master is "Cenric">><<set $master_their to
"his">><<elseif $master is "Varyn">><<set
$master_their to "her">><<else>><<set
$master_their to "their">><</if>>
<<set $contented to false>>
<<set $tenacious to false>>
<<set $confident to false>>
<<set $rested to false>>
<<set $focused to false>>
<<set $poisoned to false>>
<<set $intoxicated to false>>
<<set $debilitated to false>>
<<set $hungover to false>>
<<set $fatigued to false>>
<<set $lethalisstatus to 1>>
<<set $aeranstatus to 1>>
<<if $aeranrom >=9>><<set $aeranromance to
true>><</if>>
<<unset $wayfarerstatus>>
<<unset $solarathstatus>>
<<unset $empirestatus>>
<<unset $velantisstatus>>
<<unset $arcanistsstatus>>
<<unset $meissandiumstatus>>
<<unset $alexiastatus>>
<<unset $renstatus>>
<<unset $callastatus>>
<<unset $melchiorstatus>>
<<unset $nelanistatus>>
<<unset $felixstatus>>
<<unset $rhodarthstatus>>
/* COMPANION TRACKING */
/* AERAN */
<<set $aeran_approval to {
"ep1": 0,
"ep2": 0,
"ep3": 0,
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<<set $aeran_romance to {
"ep1": 0,
"ep2": 0,
"ep3": 0,
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* ALEXIA */
<<set $alexia_approval to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<<set $alexia_romance to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* REN */
<<set $ren_approval to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<<set $ren_romance to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* CALLA */
<<set $calla_approval to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<<set $calla_romance to {
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* MELCHIOR */
<<set $melchior_approval to {
"ep2": 0,
"ep3": 0,
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<<set $melchior_romance to {
"ep2": 0,
"ep3": 0,
"ep4": 0,
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* NELANI */
<<set $nelani_approval to {
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
/* FELIX */
<<set $felix_approval to {
"ep5": 0,
"ep6": 0,
"ep7": 0,
"ep8": 0,
"ep9": 0,
"ep10": 0,
"ep11": 0,
"ep12": 0,
"ep13": 0,
"ep14": 0,
"ep15": 0,
"ep16": 0,
}>>
<</nobr>><span
class="storyversion2" style="float:
right;"><<patch>></span>
<span class="heading"><center>Wayfarer Alpha
Content</center></span>
This is the start of Wayfarer’s alpha content. Please note that this
version of the build is considered <b>unstable.</b> This
means that flags and variables may change and you may need to start a
fresh save file in the future.
As of <span class="accent">2021-05-12</span>, Episode II
contains:
<ul><li>5/5 scenes</li>
<li>~ 347,000 words of cumulative content (Patch 1.6 adds Scenes 4
and 5, which is an additional 125k of total material from the last
content update)</li>
<li>An average playthrough of the episode is estimated to be
around 81,000 words</li>
<li>New codex entries</li></ul>It is highly
recommended that you make a separate save file before progressing. Until
Episode II is declared stable, relying on a single save may result in
your player character being unable to access certain content later if
you met the pre-requisites. You can make as many saves as you like by
saving to your device with <b>Save to Disk</b> at the bottom
of the Save menu.
<b>If you are playing on iOS or MacOS, it is //highly
recommended// that you backup your saves to your device as Apple
products automatically clear your browser cache.</b>
If you want to check for changes when the alpha build updates, see the
list on the alpha build’s itch.io game page for details.
Episode II is currently private and exclusively available to Patrons and
Playtesters.
Enjoy!
<blockquote><span class="idrellegames">~ IDRELLE
GAMES</span></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_approval.ep1 to $aeranapp>><<set $aeran_romance.ep1
to $aeranrom>>“Weird weather, don’t you think?” Aeran says. He
draws up beside you and loops his hands together on the railing, his
eyes narrowing as he peers through the fog. Despite the grey skies
today, his face and arms are deeply tanned from long days out in the
bright ocean sun. His stubble has grown out and from the way he rubs at
his chin, you know he is desperate to shave it off.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>“Yeah,” you murmur,
staring stubbornly out at sea. Discomfort prickles at the back of your
neck. Things between you and Aeran have been strange. While he hasn’t
actively avoided you, there’s an uneasy tension between you. You can
feel it whenever he’s near—a strange push-pull, as if he can’t decide
whether he wants to be with you or if he’d rather run away from you.
And, true to his nature, he refuses to talk about what he said that day.
It’s almost as if he never said anything at all.
Almost.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom
>=60>>“Yeah,” you say, glancing at him. A strange, elated
shiver runs down the back of your neck. Things between you and Aeran
have been different these past few weeks. He’s quieter, softer—more
attentive. At first you thought it was due to your injury—you’ve lost
count of the amount of times you’ve nursed each other back to health—but
once you healed, those feelings remained.
Sometimes, when his hand brushes yours, his fingers linger for just a
moment too long.
Sometimes, when he looks at you, he stares at you as if he’s too
enthralled to look away.
True to his nature, he hasn’t said anything. And maybe—if you’re being
honest with yourself—you could be imagining it. But whatever it is,
something has changed.
And you’re not sure where it could lead.<<elseif $aeranAsk_Friend
is true or $aeranapp <=39>>You grunt, barely vocalizing a
response. Tensions between you and Aeran are strained and he’s spent
most of the voyage avoiding you. You like it like that, if you’re being
honest—after what happened in Rona, you need your space. The longer the
two of you share that cramped cabin, the clearer it is that this
contract will be your last.<<else>>“Yeah,” you say,
following his gaze. A strange knot twists in your stomach; your
anticipation has been growing ever since Xanael announced that you were
drawing close to the Velantian peninsula. While the time aboard the
//Dareia// has given you a much needed reprieve, you know it cannot
last. Velantis—and Diradan Tower—are waiting for you.<</if>>
Aeran inhales sharply. “Not magical,” he says, his brow furrowing. “But I
don’t think it’s natural.”
You nod. Aside from a few stormy days as you rounded the Arsenian coast,
your journey has been filled with bright blue skies and sparkling
turquoise waters. A fog this dense doesn’t feel right, but if it were
magical, you’d be able to see straight through it. <<if $ancestry
is "elven">>You have a vague sense that you must be passing by
large rocks and islands, but even your keen eyesight can’t penetrate
haze this thick.<<elseif $perception >=9>>You have a
vague sense that you must be passing by large rocks and islands, but you
can’t tell for sure—even your eyesight can’t pierce haze this
thick.<<else>>You wonder what’s out there, beyond the haze.
Not that you’ll ever know—your eyesight can’t pierce fog this
thick.<</if>>
“Something must be causing it,” you say.
Aeran nods and raises a hand to brush hair out of his eyes. A black
leather bracer is strapped around his dominant hand—a gift from Zenaida.
She bequeathed you both with better garb than the worn and patched
clothing you had in Rona.
Dressed head to toe in black, you and Aeran make a daunting pair,
particularly now that you carry your weapons with you. At first, Captain
Xanael announced their discomfort with your Alassar steel, but their
opinion changed quickly after the ship was targeted by Faran privateers.
The battle was quick and messy, but you fended them off, irreparably
damaging their ship in the process.
“Any ideas?” you prompt.
“Not really,” he says.
A gull screams overhead, its cry echoing across the water. You raise
your head, your eyes searching the sky. Through the thick, grey clouds,
you spot the shadow of a bird’s wingspan, soaring high above.
“Though I guess we must be close to shore,” he adds, following your
gaze.
“It’s the Themistrya,” a voice says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsara_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Malsara Markal<</notify>>Malsara stands a few feet
behind you, her hands clasped in front of her as she observes you
through cool, brown eyes. Her ashen hair is pulled back from her
forehead and braided into a single, tight plait. Unlike Zenaida and
Nova, you’ve yet to see her wear anything but black. At this point,
you’re not sure whether it’s because she prefers the colour, or because
the Erebian League has a strict dress code.
“Themistrya?” you ask, frowning at the unfamiliar name.
She glances past you, staring deep into the fog. “The Velantian prison,”
she says. “An island fortress off the peninsula’s southwestern coast.
It is among the most secure strongholds in the Empire.”
Aeran scowls. “I thought the Arathian Empire didn’t detain prisoners.
Don’t you usually force them into blood oaths and execute anyone who
refuses? That’s what happened in Tyridia.”
Malsara presses her lips into a fine line. From the way her jaw is
clenched, you have a feeling she is fighting the urge to snap back at
him. “I do not control the Empire’s judicial system, Wayfarer Kellis,”
she says finally. “Nor do I have an opinion on it.”
Aeran snorts and looks away, folding his arms across his chest. “So this
prison,” he says. “The Themistrya. It does—what? Change the natural
weather patterns?”
“Yes,” she says. “The security enchantments surrounding the isle disrupt
the peninsula’s weather and creates the fog.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "merchant">>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Velantis is a major port, isn’t it? Seems a little
dangerous for approaching ships.”|CHAPTER 2 01
3A]]<<else>><s>1. [CHILD OF THE SEAS] Origin
requirement has not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And the Guild of Mages hasn’t done
anything about that?”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 3B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. No need to inquire further. The
Themistrya isn’t the Velantian stronghold you’re here for.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 3C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
do not know, Wayfarer $lastname,” Malsara replies. “I am not a sailor.
But Captain Xanael has traversed the Themistryan fog many times. We are
in safe hands.”
You bite the inside of your cheek, forcing down a backhanded—but
unnecessary—comment. Your family’s fleet never sailed the route to
Velantis, but you remember all too well the complaints whenever you
docked in Imperial ports.
“Still,” you say finally, “it must be disruptive for trade. Isn’t there
another route Xanael could take?”
A flash of annoyance crosses Malsara’s face. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran stirs next to you—you can feel he’s moments away
from elbowing you in the ribs.<<else>>Aeran stirs next to
you—you can feel he’s moments away from snapping at
you.<</if>>
“There are,” Malsara says. “But the other routes are dotted with
islands. If Xanael navigated an easier path, doubtless our arrival in
Velantis would be known long before we reached the port. Her Grace
wishes to keep her return to the city discreet.”
You frown. While you’re not surprised Zenaida wants to avoid attention,
there’s something about Malsara’s statement that leaves you with more
questions than before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MALSARA QUESTION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
believe it is not within the Guild’s interests to interfere with the
Themistrya,” Malsara says pointedly. “The stronghold’s enchantments are
ancient; any attempts to adjust them could go awry.”
You bristle. There’s something about her tone you dislike—as if she’s
explaining basic principles to a very small child.
“The city sleeps soundly knowing the Themistrya is secure and there are
other routes to the harbour,” she continues. “I doubt altering the
Themistryan fog would ever be on Archon Anaxas’ agenda.”
“If there are safer paths into the city, why take this one?” you ask
bluntly.
A flash of annoyance crosses Malsara’s face. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran stirs next to you—you can feel he’s moments away
from elbowing you in the ribs.<<else>>Aeran stirs next to
you—you can feel he’s moments away from snapping at
you.<</if>>
“There are,” Malsara says. “But the other routes are dotted with
islands. If Xanael navigated an easier path, doubtless our arrival in
Velantis would be known long before we reached the port. Her Grace
wishes to keep her return to the city discreet.”
You frown. While you’re not surprised Zenaida wants to avoid attention,
there’s something about Malsara’s statement that leaves you with more
questions than before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MALSARA QUESTION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Can’t
imagine this fog is good for trade,” Aeran says bluntly after a moment.
“If there are safer routes into the city, why is Xanael taking this
one?”
A flash of annoyance crosses Malsara’s face. “It is by Her Grace’s
request,” she says. “All other routes are dotted with islands. If our
captain navigated an easier path, doubtless our arrival in Velantis
would be known long before we reached the port. Her Grace wishes to keep
her return to the city discreet.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. While you’re not surprised Zenaida wants
to avoid attention, there’s something about Malsara’s statement that
leaves you with more questions than before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MALSARA QUESTION
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gull cries again, this time joined by another. For a brief moment, you
see the birds dip down below the clouds and circle the ship, only to
disappear moments later on an updraft. Behind you, the ship deck bustles
with activity. Xanael’s crew seethes with tension; you hear more than
one shouted curse echo down from the rigging. Steering the ship through
this fog cannot be easy.
<<if $origin is "merchant" or $agility >=9>>The ship
crests a wave and tilts forward. You feel the pull of gravity as the
ship lurches downward, but you stand firm, accustomed to the swaying
deck. A surge of water rushes over the side, splattering across the deck
and soaking your boots.
You grimace. “Fuck…”<<else>>The ship crests a wave and tilts
forward. You feel the pull of gravity as the ship lurches downward and
you grip the railing, desperately trying to keep your balance on the
swaying deck. <<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>Aeran grabs
your elbow, steadying you. You glance at him, meeting his eyes. He
pauses, then abruptly looks away, a flush on his cheeks. His fingers
linger on your arm.
“Aeran—”
A surge of water rushes over the side, splattering the deck and soaking
your boots. He lets go and steps back, the moment evaporating as quickly
as it came.<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>>Aeran grabs your
elbow, steadying you. You glance at him and he returns your gaze, a
faint smile tugging at his lips. His fingers linger on your arm.
“Aeran—”
A surge of water rushes over the side, splattering the deck and soaking
your boots. He lets go and steps back, the moment evaporating as quickly
as it came.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran grabs your
elbow, steadying you. You glance at him and he returns your gaze, a
faint smile tugging at his lips. As he lets go and steps back, a surge
of water rushes over the side, splattering the deck and soaking your
boots.
You grimace. “Fuck…”<<else>>Though the deck threatens to
slip out from under you, you manage to steady yourself just as a surge
of water rushes over the side, splattering the deck and soaking your
boots.
You grimace. “Fuck…”<</if>><</if>>
“It won’t be long now,” Malsara says, noting your restlessness. “Once we
clear the Themistrya, the harbour will be in sight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Great. Can’t wait to get off this
boat.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 QUEST LOOP 4A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And then what?”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
QUEST LOOP 4B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug noncommittally. You’re not
feeling very talkative and you’d rather she leave you alone.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 QUEST LOOP 4C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
steps up beside you and exhales a slow breath. “You’re not alone,” she
says quietly, folding her arms and resting them on the rail. “I am not
one for sea travel.”
You fall silent and watch the rolling, grey sea. There’s a vulnerability
about her now that you haven’t seen before. Considering Zenaida and her
retainers have remained generally detached and withdrawn throughout
your voyage, you can’t fathom why Malsara has approached you like this
now. <<if $blackouyt >=1>>At best, she may have taken an
interest in you because she tended your wounds and saved your life. At
worst, you barely have a connection—other than the fact that you serve
the same woman.<<else>>Your connection is, at best, that you
serve the same woman.<</if>>
Still, as a Velantian citizen, a League assassin and Zenaida’s personal
bodyguard, Malsara holds a wealth of valuable information. Despite your
formal agreement with the Savant, you still know very little about
Velantis—and even Zenaida herself. The closer you get to the city, the
closer you are to Diradan Tower and the Astrial. As you near the end of
your journey, any information you can glean could be vital.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask Malsara for more information. You might
not be able to pry much out of her, but it’s worth a try.|CHAPTER 1
SCENE 1 MAL INFO START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it be. No sense stirring the
pot. Anything you need to know, you can put together yourself once
you’re in the city.|CHAPTER 1 SCENE 1 NO MAL
INFO]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
glances at you, her lips turning downwards in a frown. “And then we
head for the Order’s safe house,” she says. “Though Her Grace sent word
of her success in advance, the Order of Lethalis will be anxious to
greet you in person and confirm your skills.”
“Confirm?” Aeran says bluntly, rounding on her. “What the hell is there
to confirm?”
“The situation in Velantis is complicated, Wayfarer Kellis,” Malsara
says. “Though the Guild is internally fractured, outwardly it presents
itself as a whole. Suspicion runs rampant amongst its members. No one
knows who they can trust, and the Order of Lethalis is not immune to
such reservations. They will want undeniable proof that you are what you
say you are before you proceed.”
His jaw clenches. “Fine,” he says, folding his arms as he leans back
heavily against the rail. “I guess that’s… understandable.”
She gives him a flat smile. You can feel her annoyance simmering under
the surface; it wouldn’t be the first time. In your experience, Malsara
is usually unflappable—except when talking to Aeran. There is something
about him that gets under her skin. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>You can’t blame her. You understand the feeling all too
well.<<else>>You understand the feeling. Aeran’s <<if
$aeranapp >60>>a close friend<<else>>an old
friend<</if>><</if>>, but sometimes he can be a
little too much, even for you.
You roll your fingers into a fist. Despite living on the same ship for
four weeks, you still do not have a good reading on Zenaida and her
retainers. They have been generally detached and withdrawn throughout
your voyage, with very little communication. You can’t fathom why
Malsara has approached you like this now. <<if $blackout
>=1>>At best, she may have taken an interest in you because she
tended your wounds and saved your life. At worst, you barely have a
connection—other than the fact that you serve the same
woman.<<else>>Your connection is, at best, that you serve
the same woman.<</if>>
Still, as a Velantian citizen, a League assassin and Zenaida’s personal
bodyguard, Malsara holds a wealth of valuable information. Despite your
formal agreement with the Savant, you still know very little about
Velantis—and even Zenaida herself. The closer you get to the city, the
closer you are to Diradan Tower and the Astrial. As you near the end of
your journey, any information you can glean could be vital.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask Malsara for more information. You might
not be able to pry much out of her, but it’s worth a try.|CHAPTER 1
SCENE 1 MAL INFO START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it be. No sense stirring the
pot. Anything you need to know, you can put together yourself once
you’re in the city.|CHAPTER 1 SCENE 1 NO MAL
INFO]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn away, staring out to sea. Malsara’s a League assassin—aren’t they
supposed to be perceptive? Hopefully she will take your meaning and
leave—
“And then what?” Aeran says.
You close your eyes. <<if $aeranapp <=39>>//Fucking hell,
Aeran…//<<else>>//Not now, Aeran…//<</if>>
“You’ve said precious little about exactly what we’ll be doing once we
arrive,” he continues bluntly. “Care to shed some light on that,
Malsara, or are you in the dark as much as me and $firstname?”
“Once we dock, we’ll head for the Order’s safe house before proceeding
to Diradan,” she says. “Though Her Grace sent word of her success in
advance, the Order of Lethalis will be anxious to greet you in person
and confirm your skills.”
“Confirm? What the hell is there to confirm?”
Malsara draws in a sharp breath. “The situation in Velantis is
complicated, Wayfarer Kellis,” she says. “Though the Guild is internally
fractured, outwardly it presents itself as a whole. Suspicion runs
rampant amongst its members. No one knows who they can trust, and the
Order of Lethalis is not immune to such reservations. They will want
undeniable proof that you are what you say you are before you proceed.”
“Fine,” he says sharply, crossing his arms as he leans back against the
rail. “I guess that’s… understandable.”
You don’t need to look at Malsara to feel the annoyance simmering under
the surface; it’s almost palpable. In your experience, the assassin is
usually unflappable—except when talking to Aeran. There is something
about him that gets under her skin. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>You can’t blame her. You understand the feeling all too
well.<<else>>You understand the feeling. Aeran’s <<if
$aeranapp <=60>>a close friend<<else>>an old
friend<</if>>, but sometimes he can be a little too much,
even for you.<</if>>
You roll your fingers into a fist. Despite living on the same ship for
four weeks, you still do not have a good reading on Zenaida and her
retainers. They have been generally detached and withdrawn throughout
your voyage, with very little communication. You can’t fathom why
Malsara has approached you like this now. <<if $blackout
>=1>>At best, she may have taken an interest in you because she
tended your wounds and saved your life. At worst, you barely have a
connection—other than the fact that you serve the same
woman.<<else>>Your connection is, at best, that you serve
the same woman.<</if>>
Still, as a Velantian citizen, a League assassin and Zenaida’s personal
bodyguard, Malsara holds a wealth of valuable information. Despite your
formal agreement with the Savant, you still know very little about
Velantis—and even Zenaida herself. The closer you get to the city, the
closer you are to Diradan Tower and the Astrial. As you near the end of
your journey, any information you can glean could be vital.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask Malsara for more information. You might
not be able to pry much out of her, but it’s worth a try.|CHAPTER 1
SCENE 1 MAL INFO START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it be. No sense stirring the
pot. Anything you need to know, you can put together yourself once
you’re in the city.|CHAPTER 1 SCENE 1 NO MAL
INFO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsara_questions to 0>><<nobr>>You pick absently at
the dirt beneath your nails. Four weeks at sea and you’re in desperate
need of a proper bath. You’re in desperate need of a… well,
//everything,// if you’re being honest. Naval travel always makes it
difficult to care about your appearance.
<<if $facialhair is "none">><<if $hairlength is
"cropped">>Your once shaved head now sports a short layer of
hair<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>Your once cropped hair
now brushes past your ears<<elseif $hairlength is
"shoulder-length">>Your once short hair now brushes your
shoulders<<else>>Your hair has grown some<</if>>
and could probably use a trim.
<<elseif $facialhair is "beard" and $hairlength is
"long">>Your hair and beard have grown some and could probably use
a trim.
<<else>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>Your once
shaved head now sports a short layer of hair
<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>Your once cropped hair now
brushes past your ears
<<elseif $hairlength is "shoulder-length">>Your once short
hair now brushes your shoulders<<else>>Your hair has grown
some<</if>>
<<if $facialhair is "clean shaven" or $facialhair is
"stubble">><<set $facialhair to "beard">>and the
beginnings of a full beard grace your cheeks.
<<elseif $facialhair is "moustache" or $facialhair is
"goatee">><<set $facialhair to "beard">>and your
carefully maintained moustache has grown out into a full beard.
<<elseif $facialhair is "goatee">><<set $facialhair to
"beard">>and your carefully maintained goatee has grown out into a
full beard.
<<else>>and your beard could probably use a
trim.<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
Gritting your teeth, you scratch the back of your neck, trying to keep
your movements casual as you consider your approach. Malsara is loyal to
Zenaida; she may not appreciate you rooting around for information. You
should consider your questions carefully.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only are they the
rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their influence will
be impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01][$malsara_questions
+=1]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis.
Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling
the strings and guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know
who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with
her arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in
Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to
cause a stir, or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a
Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no
possible way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04][$malsara_questions
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Malsara
purses her lips, her eyes passing over you as she takes in your
silence. Sensing that you have nothing more to say, she bows her head
and steps away from the railing.
“I suspect we shall pass the Themistrya soon,” she says. “Her Grace may
wish to speak to you before we reach the harbour. You are newcomers to
Velantis; doubtless there is information she will wish to pass on before
you enter the city.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for her,” you reply.
The assassin nods curtly and walks away, threading her way effortlessly
through the bustling crew as she disappears across the deck. You watch
her go, then turn back to the churning, grey waters below.
Aeran loops his hands over the edge of the railing and lets out a long
sigh. “Strange one, that one,” he says. “I can’t get a read on her.
Never know what she’s thinking.”
You shrug. “Wouldn’t expect anything less from a League assassin.”
“What I don’t understand,” he continues, “is what is she doing with the
Order of Lethalis? She’s not a mage. Why is the League interested in
Guild politics?”
A wave crashes against the ship, spraying you with mist. You wrinkle
your nose, smelling salt, and pass a hand over your face, wiping
droplets from your forehead. You’ve spent enough time on this ship to
notice the dynamic between the three Velantian women. While Nova treats
Zenaida with a certain amount of flippancy, it’s in the manner of a
friend or peer—someone of the same standing. Malsara, on the other hand,
treats Zenaida with detached politeness. While she is unquestionably
loyal to her, their relationship seems to be more professional than
personal.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with the League, Aeran,” you say
after a moment. “The League is apolitical. I don’t think it cares what
Lethalis does, as long as Malsara’s work is compensated.”
“Maybe,” he replies. “Maybe there’s something else going on.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$lethalisapp <=39 and $malsara_questions is 2>><<if
$origin is "noble">>You pause, considering how best to ask your
question. Though you are unfamiliar with House Anaxas, you were raised
in the Vestran aristocracy and you know the name. There are enough
similarities between Vestra and the Arathian Empire’s social structures
that you have a good idea of what to expect.
“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you tell me of House
Anaxas? Is there anything I should be aware
of?”<<else>>“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you
tell me of House Anaxas? Is there anything I should
expect?”<</if>>
The assassin exhales sharply and rounds on you. “It is not my place to
say,” she says. “If you want an answer to such questions, you should ask
Her Grace yourself.”
The warning tone in her voice is impossible to miss.
Your jaw clenches. “Noted.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting something,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MAL LOW APPROVAL
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$lethalisapp >=40>><<if $origin is "noble">>You
pause, considering how best to ask your question. Though you are
unfamiliar with House Anaxas, you were raised in the Vestran aristocracy
and you know the name. There are enough similarities between Vestra and
the Arathian Empire’s social structures that you have a good idea of
what to expect.
“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you tell me of House
Anaxas? Is there anything I should be aware
of?”<<else>>“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you
tell me of House Anaxas? Is there anything I should
expect?”<</if>>
The assassin glances at you. “Why not ask Her Grace herself? She knows
her house better than I—”
“Oh, come on, Malsara. Do you really think Zenaida’s going to answer a
question like that honestly?”
Malsara’s lips twitch and, for a brief moment, you think you spot a
faint smile. “Perhaps,” she says. Her gaze passes from you to Aeran as
she considers her next words; then she sighs softly and turns around,
folding her arms as she leans her back against the rail.
“Nova believes you should not know more than necessary,” she says. “But I
do not agree. If all goes well, you are not likely to be entangled with
Her Grace’s house. The archon does not typically involve herself in
Guild affairs—unless she is feeling particularly
cross.”<<else>><<if $origin is "noble">>You
pause, considering how best to ask your question. Though you are
unfamiliar with House Anaxas, you were raised in the Vestran aristocracy
and you know the name. There are enough similarities between Vestra and
the Arathian Empire’s social structures that you have a good idea of
what to expect.
“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you tell me of House
Anaxas? Is there anything I should be aware
of?”<<else>>“Malsara,” you say after a moment. “What can you
tell me of House Anaxas? Is there anything I should
expect?”<</if>>
The assassin fixes you with a penetrating look. “Such a question is
better posed to someone else,” she says. “My sister, perhaps. I am
assigned to guard Her Grace, not to serve her house.”
“Good,” you say. “Then you’ll have an unbiased opinion.”
Her frown deepens. “You think me unbiased? I have served Her Grace for
nearly ten years—”
“As unbiased an opinion as I can get,” you correct. “Nova is her friend.
You are her bodyguard. Your opinion is far more valuable than hers.”
A flare of amber light shines in her eyes. For a moment, you wonder
whether she’s going to disappear into the void and escape this
conversation, but the light vanishes almost as soon as it appeared. Her
gaze passes from you to Aeran; then she exhales sharply and turns
around, folding her arms as she leans her back against the rail.
“Nova believes that you should not know more than is necessary,” she
says after a moment. “But I don’t agree. If all goes well, you are not
likely to be entangled with Her Grace’s house. The archon does not
typically involve herself in Guild affairs—unless she is feeling
particularly cross.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$lethalisapp <=39 and $malsara_questions is 2>>You swallow
hard, thinking how to phrase the question you want to ask. From the
onset of your journey, Zenaida has been tight-lipped about her Order.
You don’t know more about it than you did when you accepted this
contract. Someone sent Zenaida on her mission to recruit a Wayfarer. Not
many mages would think outside the box like that. Whoever it is, they
could potentially be a valuable ally—or a dangerous enemy.
“You said Lethalis wanted to confirm our skills in person before we
proceed to the tower,” you say. “Who made that decision?”
Malsara frowns. “I see your intentions, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says.
“If you think you have cleverly hid them, I’m afraid you are mistaken. I
think you have asked enough today. You will learn more when it is
time—and not before.”
The warning tone in her voice is impossible to miss.
Your jaw clenches. “Noted.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting something,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MAL LOW APPROVAL
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
swallow hard, thinking how to phrase the question you want to ask. From
the onset of your journey, Zenaida has been tight-lipped about her
Order. You don’t know more about it than you did when you accepted this
contract. Someone sent Zenaida on her mission to recruit a Wayfarer. Not
many mages would think outside the box like that. Whoever it is, they
could potentially be a valuable ally—or a dangerous enemy.
“You said Lethalis wanted to confirm our skills in person before we
proceed to the tower,” you say. “Who made that decision?”
An approving smile appears on Malsara’s lips. “I see your intentions,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “You’re preparing for the inevitable. You
want to know who the players are so when disaster strikes, you know who
you can trust and who you must eliminate.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So you expect this mission to end in
disaster?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 02-1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t like being kept in the
dark, Malsara. Who are we working for?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
02-01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You’d do the same, wouldn’t
you?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
02-01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$lethalisapp <=39 and $malsara_questions is 2>><<if not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01")>>You press your lips together
as you consider how to raise this topic. Something here isn’t adding
up; you need more information.
“Why the need for discretion?” you ask. “Zenaida’s mother is the
Velantian archon. Surely she can go wherever she
wants.”<<else>>You press your lips together as you consider
Malsara’s earlier words. Raising this topic won’t be easy, but you want
to confirm your growing suspicions.
“I imagine Zenaida’s relationship with her mother must be strained,” you
say. “Daughter of the archon, Savant of the Guild. No wonder she wants
her return to be discreet. She wants to avoid Archon Anaxas, doesn’t
she?”
Malsara exhales sharply and rounds on you. “It is not my place to say,”
she says. “If you want an answer to such questions, you should ask Her
Grace yourself.”
The warning tone in her voice is impossible to miss.
Your jaw clenches. “Noted.”<</if>>
“I hope I’m not interrupting something,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MAL LOW APPROVAL
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01")>>You press your lips
together as you consider how to raise this topic. Something here isn’t
adding up; you need more information.
“Why the need for discretion?” you ask. “Zenaida’s mother is the
Velantian archon. Surely she can go wherever she wants.”
Malsara exhales sharply and rounds on you. “It is not so simple,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says, unable to hide the irritation in her
voice. “There are many factors at play. The archon did not approve Her
Grace’s voyage to Rona and it has been nearly three months since our
departure. I can’t imagine she is content with Her Grace’s
absence.”<<else>>You press your lips together as you
consider Malsara’s earlier words. Raising this topic won’t be easy, but
you want to confirm your growing suspicions.
“I imagine Zenaida’s relationship with her mother must be strained,” you
say. “Daughter of the archon, Savant of the Guild. No wonder she wants
her return to be discreet. She wants to avoid Archon Anaxas, doesn’t
she?”
Malsara’s eyes narrow and her lips turn down in the faintest of frowns.
Though her change in expression is subtle, you know you must have said
the right thing. A gust of wind blows across the deck, tugging at her
hair and blowing a loose strand across her face. She deftly tucks it
behind her ear and readjusts her braid.
“Her Grace did not depart on good terms with her mother,” she says.
“Archon Anaxas did not give her blessing for our voyage to Rona. It has
been nearly three months since our departure; I can’t imagine she is
pleased with Her Grace’s decisions.”<</if>>
You catch Aeran’s eye. He grimaces and looks away; he’s never been fond
of delicate politics like this. From the sounds of it, Zenaida’s mother
could easily disrupt Lethalis’ plan, which does not bode well for you
and your <<if $lethalisMoney is true>>twelve
thousand<<else>>six thousand<</if>> crowns.
<<if $malsara_questions is 4>>“The archon has eyes all over
the city,” Malsara continues. “As do many. She will not be the only one
watching the harbour upon out arrival. Entering the city is—”
“Is what, Malsara?” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 03 ZEN
INT][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“The
archon has eyes all over the city,” Malsara continues. “As do many. She
will not be the only one watching the harbour upon our arrival.
Entering the city is but the first of many difficult steps we must take
towards our goal.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01")>>[[1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only are they the rulers of
Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their influence will be
impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01][$malsara_questions
+=1]]<<else>><s>1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only
are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their
influence will be impossible to
avoid.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>3. Ask why Zenaida needs
discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful
person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention because she
doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else going
on?</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04")>>[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant,
sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no possible
way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
04][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>4. Ask about
Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the
Velantian heir. There is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to
ask. No sense on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<if
$lethalisapp <=39 and $malsara_questions is 2>>“I’ll be
honest, Malsara,” you say slowly, choosing your words with care.
Broaching Zenaida as a topic will be difficult. You’re not sure how
willing the assassin will be to talk openly about her. “I thought
Arathian nobles couldn’t inherit administrative positions. How is it
that Zenaida can be a Savant and also the Velantian heir?”
Malsara exhales sharply and rounds on you. “It is not my place to say,”
she says. “If you want an answer to such questions, you should ask Her
Grace yourself.”
The warning tone in her voice is impossible to miss.
Your jaw clenches. “Noted.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting something,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MAL LOW APPROVAL
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“I’ll
be honest, Malsara,” you say slowly, choosing your words with care.
Broaching Zenaida as a topic will be difficult. You’re not sure how
willing the assassin will be to talk openly about her. “I thought
Arathian nobles couldn’t inherit administrative positions. How is it
that Zenaida can be a Savant and also the Velantian heir?”
“Because her mother wills it so,” Malsara says. “Until the archon names
another member of the house, Her Grace will inherit the archon’s rule
when she passes.”
“Isn’t it a conflict of interest? Mages are sworn to put the Guild’s
interests first, are they not?”
She shoots you a flat look. “Yes.”
<<if $origin is "nomad" or $origin is "merchant" or $origin is
"farmer" or $origin is "urchin">><<if $origin is
"nomad">>“Sathir<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>“The
Coveran Republic<<elseif $origin is "farmer" or $origin is
"urchin">>“Arsenia<</if>> has regulations against
that,” you continue. “The law prevents any Guild mage from holding
office.”
“This is not <<if $origin is "nomad">>Sathir<<elseif
$origin is "merchant">>the Coveran Republic<<elseif $origin
is "farmer" or $origin is "urchin">>Arsenia<</if>>,
Wayfarer $lastname,” Malsara says sharply. “This is the Empire. As long
as the Guild holds favour with Emperor Ariston, mages of noble birth may
also govern.” She glances out at the sea, harsh lines contorting her
expression. “Whatever you intend to infer with this line of thinking
matters little. The Guild no longer exists. It is splintered,
divided—Her Grace does not answer to it. Her loyalties lie with Lethalis
alone. And as for her political duties to the city… I cannot speak to
her preferences. If you want an answer, ask her yourself.”<<elseif
$origin is "hunter">>“Artanis has regulations against that,” you
say. “The law prevents any Guild mage from holding office—”
“Perhaps it did once,” she interrupts. “But Artanis is now an Imperial
protectorate, is it not? Imperial law applies to all its territories;
there are no exceptions.”
You exchange dark looks with Aeran—a wordless anger at the reminder that
your home country is no longer independent. Though you were raised in
very different regions, you both clearly remember the Artanis of your
childhoods—before the royal court bowed to Emperor Ariston and Imperial
annexation.
“Regardless,” Malsara continues brusquely, “Velantis is Imperial
territory. As long as the Guild holds favour with Emperor Ariston, mages
of noble birth may also govern.” She glances out at the sea, harsh
lines contorting her expression. “Whatever you intend to infer with this
line of thinking matters little, Wayfarer $lastname. The Guild no
longer exists. It is splintered, divided—Her Grace does not answer to
it. Her loyalties lie with Lethalis alone. And as for her political
duties to the city… I cannot speak to her preferences. If you want an
answer, ask her yourself.”<<else>>You exhale sharply. “Thank
you for confirming what I thought,” you say. “Vestra has similar
policies. If I remember correctly, many crucial figures in King Vasco’s
court are mages—”
“Whatever you intend to infer with this line of thinking matters little,
Wayfarer $lastname,” Malsara interrupts. “The Guild no longer exists.
It is splintered, divided—Her Grace does not answer to it. Her loyalties
lie with Lethalis alone. And as for her political duties to the city… I
cannot speak to her preferences. If you want an answer, ask her
yourself.”<</if>>
<<if $malsara_questions is 4>>You frown. Malsara clearly
will not elaborate further.
“That is easily done,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST ZENAIDA
INTERRUPT][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAL QUEST CONT
ON]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You grip the railing, pressing
your fingers into it. You’ve pressed Malsara enough for now; she’s been
surprisingly amicable in answering your questions. You don’t want to try
your luck with another.
She glances at you and raises an eyebrow. “Is that all, Wayfarer
$lastname?” she asks pointedly.
//Damn it.//
You smile as politely as you can, trying to obscure your unease. She
must have sensed your caution—and now you don’t know where that puts
you. Speaking to Malsara has always been a double-edged sword; whether
you speak to her or not, she always seems to glean something from you.
“Entertaining our friends, Malsara?” a voice says behind you.
[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo + 1]]<<case
2>>Zenaida stands some feet away, a curious look on her face. Nova
stands at her side, the familiar antagonistic mirth dancing in her
eyes. Her dark eyes pass over you and she raises her chin, shooting you a
wicked smile. If it were not for Zenaida’s presence, you have no doubt
Nova would do or say something to get under your skin. She never lets a
chance to aggravate you go.
Malsara casts a careful eye in your direction. “I was merely answering
some of Wayfarer $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> questions, Your
Grace,” she says. “$HeShe <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>are<<else>>is<</if>> unfamiliar with
Velantis and <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>wish<<else>>wishes<</if>> to be
prepared.”
Zenaida raises an eyebrow. A strange look passes between her and
Malsara, some unspoken, mutual understanding that is beyond you. “Of
course,” she says. “It is good that I am here. I wish to speak to
Wayfarer $lastname and Wayfarer Kellis alone.”
Malsara nods. She gives a short bow and marches across the deck to
collect her sister. You see Nova’s silent protest as she is ushered
aside; she throws a look over her shoulder, her dark eyes lingering on
you as she walks away.
Zenaida sweeps towards you, the skirts of her travel serithan rustling
about her in the breeze. She is dressed in deep scarlet and gold today;
the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian flags fluttering high
above the sails. As always, she carries herself with such natural
elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate beauty. You’re
beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it would still look
gorgeous.
She slips between you and gently rests a hand on the railing. The gold
rings shine bright even in the grey light, and her nails have been
freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match her garb. Tiny gold
clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the depths of her coiled, black
braids like stars in the night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Zenaida
stands some feet away, a curious look on her face. Nova stands at her
side, the familiar antagonistic mirth dancing in her eyes. As her gaze
passes over you, she raises her chin and shoots you a wicked smile. If
it were not for Zenaida’s presence, you have no doubt Nova would do or
say something to get under your skin. She never lets a chance to
aggravate you go.
“Of course not, Your Grace,” Malsara says, eyeing you. “I was merely
answering some of Wayfarer $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> questions. $HeShe
<<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>are<<else>>is<</if>> unfamiliar with
Velantis and <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>wish<<else>>wishes<</if>> to be
prepared.”
Zenaida raises an eyebrow. A strange look passes between her and
Malsara, some mutual unspoken, mutual understanding that is beyond you.
“Well, then,” she says. “It is good that I am here. I wish to speak to
Wayfarer $lastname and Wayfarer Kellis alone.”
Malsara nods. She gives a short bow and marches across the deck to
collect her sister. You see Nova’s silent protest as she is ushered
aside; she throws a look over her shoulder, her dark eyes lingering on
you as she walks away.
Zenaida sweeps towards you, the skirts of her travel serithan rustling
about her in the breeze. She is dressed in deep scarlet and gold today;
the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian flags fluttering high
above the sails. As always, she carries herself with such natural
elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate beauty. You’re
beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it would still look
gorgeous.
She slips between you and gently rests a hand on the railing. The gold
rings shine bright even in the grey light, and her nails have been
freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match her garb. Tiny gold
clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the depths of her coiled, black
braids like stars in the night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>//Interesting…//
“Does that happen often?” you ask, trying to keep your tone casual. “Is
Archon Anaxas typically… cross?”
Aeran snorts. You glare at him, silently telling him to stay quiet. If
you’re going to get anything out of Malsara, you can’t have him
interrupting. Thankfully, she doesn’t notice. Or—if she did—she chooses
to ignore it.
“Publicly, the archon supports the Guild,” Malsara continues. “The Guild
of Mages is traditionally in good standing with the Velantian
government, even before the city became Imperial territory. It is a
mutually beneficial relationship. The archon provides generous funding
to the Guild, and the Guild invests its best artisans and researchers to
improving the city.”
She pauses, her brows drawing together in a dark furrow. “Privately,
however,” she continues, “Archon Anaxas does not approve of Guild
activities. They hold too much sway over the city’s counsellors. That
Grand Archsage Quirinus was able to recruit Her Grace into the Guild’s
ranks has long been a point of contention between the Guild and the
archon.”
//Quirinus…//
You press your tongue against the back of your teeth, your thoughts
whirling as you try to place the name. While you’ve never had a reason
to acquaint yourself with the Council of Mages, there is something
familiar about that name. But you can’t figure out why…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Another wave crashes against the ship and water rushes over the
side. Aeran shifts restlessly beside you, one hand curling into a fist
as he looks down the length of the ship. Captain Xanael stands at the
helm, scarlet headscarf flapping in the wind, their voice magically
amplified as they shout their orders. The crew scrambles and the ship
lurches, turning sharply to the right.
A cliff emerges out of the fog, mere feet from the port side. You,
Aeran, and Malsara fall silent, staring up at the sheer, salt-stained
rockface as you pass. You’re so close, you can spot the green and white
lichen crawling across the black rock. The cliff overshadows the deck,
climbing nearly vertically into the sky to disappear into the grey
clouds above. There’s no telling how high it goes.
The ship creaks and settles onto its new trajectory, the near-collision
deftly avoided.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that the Themistrya?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 01-2 A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait for Malsara to
continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01-2B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$themistrya_codex to true>><<set $themistrya_info to
1>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: The
Themistrya<</notify>>Your question lies heavy in the air as
the cliff passes by. Malsara doesn’t look at you; she tilts her head
back, her eyes searching the grey skies, as if she’s trying to peer
through the dense fog to whatever lies beyond.
“Yes,” she says after a moment. “The south-eastern tip. On days when the
enchantments shift, you can see the stronghold from shore. Sixty feet
of black stone stretching above the cliffs, blocking out the sky.”
You crane your neck and imagine what you would see on the other side of
the fog—daunting walls, climbing into the heavens. It’s no surprise the
Themistrya is considered among the most secure prisons in the
Empire—even if a prisoner escapes its enchantments, the drop from the
walls into the sea would be lethal.
Fog billows around the ship’s prow, obscuring the cliffs. A moment
later, you sail past and they disappear from view, as if they were never
there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$themistrya_codex to true>><<set $themistrya_info to
4>><<set $aeran_quirinus_ask to true>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: The Themistrya<</notify>>You
fall silent, glancing at Malsara as you wait for her to continue. She
tilts her head back, her eyes searching the grey skies, as if she’s
trying to peer through the dense fog to whatever lies beyond.
“Themistrya…” she murmurs, distaste curling her tone.
“Is the Grand Archsage in Velantis?” Aeran asks abruptly.
Malsara blinks, drawn out of her reverie. “I do not know,” she says. “He
was absent from Velantis when Her Grace departed for Rona. If he has
returned, we have not heard word.”
Aeran grunts and does not press the question. His fingers tighten, his
fist curling so tight his knuckles turn white. Fog billows around the
ship, swirling in the wind. A moment later, the black cliffs fade into
the haze and disappear from view, as if they were never there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
kind of person is Archon Anaxas?” you ask, returning to your original
line of questioning. While it’s helpful to know about the tensions
between the archon and the Guild, your picture of House Anaxas remains
incomplete. “I don’t know much about her.”
“Sophia Anaxas is a divisive figure, Wayfarer,” Malsara says.
“Well-liked among the populace, but she has her fair share of detractors
amongst the nobility. House Anaxas does the city well; it pays its
tithes to the Meissandium, oversees its holdings with competency, and
negotiates favourable alliances and trade agreements. The archon consort
is even an avid supporter of the arts. Half the playing companies in
the city have received funding from his personal accounts and
invitations to perform for him personally at the Lyranaeum.”
She pauses. “However,” she continues, careful of her words, “Archon
Anaxas’ rule has not been without a certain amount of controversy. She
inherited the position young, chosen ahead of other, more suitable
candidates from a junior branch of the house. Her youth led to many
mistakes at the start of her term. Furthermore, Velantis has only known
one governing family since the city was folded into the Empire nearly a
hundred years ago. There are many Velantian nobles who believe it is
time the city’s governance is handled by someone else. Someone more
adept and less prone to… debacle.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Debacle? What kind of debacle are we talking
about?”
<<if $origin is "nomad">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my
place to say,” she says brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been
contentious—many Imperial governing houses are. You must be familiar
with such politics. The $lastname1 family is renown throughout Sathir
for its involvement in Queen Ares’ coup.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I wouldn’t know anything about
that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know my birth
family?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Good for them. I don’t
care.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $origin
is "hunter">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my place to say,” she
says brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been contentious—many Imperial
governing houses are. Though I suppose you aren’t familiar with such
politics. Clan $lastname1’s territories are far from the Tyridian court
and they have never involved themselves in such
affairs.”<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I wouldn’t know anything about
that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know about my
clan?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Good for them. I don’t
care.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $origin
is "farmer">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my place to say,” she
says brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been contentious—many Imperial
governing houses are. I suppose you aren’t familiar with such politics
personally, but I imagine there is similar pettiness to be found in the
Arsenian markets. The $lastname1 family is infamous in their town for
their bartering skills, are they not?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I wouldn’t know anything about
that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know about my
family?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t
care.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $origin
is "urchin">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my place to say,” she
says brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been contentious—many Imperial
governing houses are. You may not be personally familiar with such
politics, but I imagine all sorts of struggles happened on Nesactium’s
streets. Gang leaders jostling for power. Did you know they remember
you? A child with the surname $lastname1 left $hisher mark.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wouldn’t know about that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How the hell do you know
that?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Whatever. Good for me, I
guess.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $origin
is "merchant">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my place to say,” she
says brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been contentious—many Imperial
governing houses are. Though I suppose you must be familiar with such
politics. The $lastname1 fleet is known in all major centres of trade
from Erenvor to Varthrandir. I hear soliciting favourable agreements and
dominating trade routes is nearly as cutthroat a practice as politics
in the Imperial court.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I wouldn’t know anything about
that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know about my
family?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure it is. And good for them. I
don’t give a fuck.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $origin
is "noble">>Malsara rounds on you. “Not my place to say,” she says
brusquely. “House Anaxas has always been contentious—many Imperial
governing houses are. Is it not the same in Vestra, Wayfarer $lastname?
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>>Your own house is rife with internal
politics, recently manipulating its way into King Vasco’s
favour.”<<else>>House $lastname1 is rife with internal
politics, recently manipulating its way back into King Vasco’s
favour.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I wouldn’t know anything about
that.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How do you know about my
house?”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Good for them. I don’t
care.”|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BACKGROUND
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<nobr>><<if
$origin is "noble">>Malsara looks away, trying to hide the guilt
in her eyes. “Of course,” she says. “The lost child of the $lastname1
warriors. They renounced you when you joined the Order.”
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>Malsara looks away, trying to
hide the guilt in her eyes. “Of course,” she says. “The lost child of
Clan $lastname1. They renounced you when you joined the Order.”
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>Malsara looks away, trying to
hide the guilt in her eyes. “Of course,” she says. “Your family knows
little else but pettiness. They disowned you when you joined the Order.”
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>Malsara looks away, trying to
hide the guilt in her eyes. “Of course,” she says. “You were a child of
the streets. Life must not have been easy for you, without parents.
Without family.”
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>Malsara looks away, trying
to hide the guilt in her eyes. “Of course,” she says. “The lost child of
<<print $lastname1>>, spirited away by the Wayfarer Order
in exchange for a hefty price.”
<<else>> Malsara looks away, trying to hide the guilt in her
eyes. “Of course,” she says. “The lost child of House $lastname1. They
disowned you when you joined the
Order.”<</if>><</nobr>>
Your jaw clenches. “Something like that.”
“I should not have mentioned it. I am sorry.”
You cross your arms, your fingers digging deep into your flesh. “Forget
about it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST HOUSE
ANAXAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsara_profile to true>><<if (ndef
$lastname2)>>Malsara raises a pale eyebrow. “I was responsible for
reconnaissance when we arrived in Rona,” she says matter-of-factly. “We
had a profile on Wayfarer Kellis when we left Velantis; you were a
surprise. I was tasked with gathering information on you and your
activities. <<if $origin is "nomad">>Fortunately for me,
your connection to a certain family of famed Sathiran warriors made it
simple to trace. $lastname carries a legacy.”<<elseif $origin is
"hunter">>Fortunately for me, your connection to the clans of
Brennath made it simple to trace. Not many with the name $lastname have
left their territory.”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>Fortunately for me, your connection to that little
farming town in eastern Arsenia made it simple to trace. The name
$lastname is remembered quite well.”<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>Fortunately for me, you made quite a name for yourself
even as a child. The streets of Nesactium remember a thief called
$lastname quite well.”<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>Fortunately for me, your connection to the $lastname
merchant fleet made it simple to trace.”<<else>>Fortunately
for me, your connection to House $lastname made it simple to
trace.”<</if>><<else>>Malsara raises a pale
eyebrow. “You truly have to ask?” she says.
“Yes,” you say sharply. “I abandoned that name a long time ago. How the
hell did you find out about it?”
She presses her lips together. “I was responsible for reconnaissance
when we arrived in Rona,” she says. “We had a profile on Wayfarer Kellis
when we left Velantis; you were a surprise. I was tasked with gathering
information on you and your activities. Though you bear $master_their
name, I knew you could not be $master’s <<if $gender is
"male">>son<<elseif $gender is
"female">>daughter<<else>>child<</if>>. It
took time and effort, but the trail was there. <<if $origin is
"nomad">>And once I made the connection to a certain family of
famed Sathiran warriors, the rest was simple to trace. $lastname1
carries a legacy.”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>And once I
made the connection to a certain clan from the Forest of Brennath, the
rest was simple to trace. Not many with the name $lastname1 have left
their territory.”<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>And once I
made the connection to a certain little farming village in eastern
Arsenia, the rest was simple to trace. The name $lastname1 is remembered
quite well.”<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>And once I made
the connection to a certain old urchin gang on the streets of Nesactium,
the rest was simple to trace. The city remembers a young thief called
$lastname1 quite well.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>And
once I made the connection to the $lastname1 merchant fleet, the rest
was simple to trace.”<<else>>And once I made the connection
to House $lastname1, the rest was simple to
trace.”<</if>><</if>>
You grit your teeth. “And what did you find out?”
She shrugs. “Of your childhood past? Nothing important. But of your
recent history, I found records befitting a Wayfarer active on the
continent, going back a decade or so. You were present in Vestra during
the civil war in 1247, destroyed a sandwraith near Karth in 1250…
nothing out of the ordinary for one of your calibre.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BK B AERAN
TELL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST BK B AERAN NO
TELL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$malsara_questions is 4>>The ship pushes onward. <<if
$themistrya_info is 1>>You wonder how far you’ve come since you
passed the black cliffs; if that was the Themistrya, then surely you
must be breaching the fog soon.<<else>>You wonder how far
you’ve come since you passed the black cliffs; this fog has to come to
an end eventually.<</if>>
“I hope I’m not interrupting something,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 MAL LOW APPROVAL
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
ship pushes onward. <<if $themistrya_info is 1>>You wonder
how far you’ve come since you passed the black cliffs; if that was the
Themistrya, then surely you must be breaching the fog
soon.<<else>>You wonder how far you’ve come since you passed
the black cliffs; this fog has to come to an end
eventually.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only are
they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their
influence will be impossible to avoid.</s></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 03")>>[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with her
arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in Velantis. Is
she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to cause a stir,
or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>3. Ask why
Zenaida needs discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the
most powerful person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention
because she doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else
going on?</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04")>>[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant,
sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no possible
way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
04][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>4. Ask about
Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the
Velantian heir. There is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s><</if>></div>
<<if $malsara_questions >=1>><div
class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to ask. No sense
on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
END]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><</if>>A
chill runs down your spine.
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>><<if $origin is "nomad" or
$origin is "merchant" or $origin is "noble">>You’ve never
considered yourself to have a famous surname, but it is unsettling how
bearing the name $lastname gave Malsara enough to easily trace your
history.<<else>>You’ve never thought much about your
<<if $origin is "hunter">>clan’s name,<<elseif $origin
is "farmer">>family’s name,<<else>> your surname, the
one thing you have left of your family,<</if>> but it is
unsettling how easily Malsara used it to trace your
history.<</if>><<else>>$lastname1…
You let that name go so long ago, you thought it gone forever. And yet
here it is, thrown back in your face as if it had never been forgotten.
It is unsettling how easily Malsara found and used it to trace your
history.<</if>>
You feel Aeran’s eyes on you. You cast a sideways glance at him and he
returns your gaze, <<if $aeranapp >=40>>a worried look on
his face.<<else>>a deep scowl on his
face.<</if>> First there was Zenaida’s mysterious source who
leaked his whereabouts, and now Malsara has confessed that she has an
established profile on you. Already the Order of Lethalis has proved to
be more dangerously thorough than your typical employers—and you have
yet to meet their leader.
You exhale sharply. “Just forget about it. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST HOUSE
ANAXAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $aerantell_extra to
true>>You feel Aeran’s eyes on you. You cast a sideways glance at
him, expecting to see a scowl, but instead you find pure ire. Anger
burns in his blue eyes, boiling hot. His hand falls reflexively to his
quiver, his fingers gripping the shaft of an Alassar arrow.
“Profile?” he snarls.
“Yes,” Malsara says coolly. Her eyes sweep over him, narrowing with
confusion. “The Order of Lethalis knew of your whereabouts long before
we set sail for Rona. As you are only one of the few Wayfarers left in
Rhesainia, Her Grace was sent to enlist your aid—did $lastname not tell
you of this?”
Aeran pauses, falling very still. He does not look at you. <<if
$aeranapp >=40>>You can feel the hurt emanating from him; it’s
almost palpable. An uncomfortable knot twists in your stomach. You reach
out a hesitant hand, but he brushes by you, knocking you aside as he
approaches Malsara.<<else>>You exhale sharply. He’s angry
with you; you can feel it emanating from him, it’s almost palpable. You
open your mouth to snap at him before he snaps at you, but to your
surprise, he brushes by you, pushing you out of the way as he strides
toward Malsara.<</if>>
“This is the first I’m hearing of it,” he says, his voice dangerously
low.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Anyone else would take a step back, but Malsara stands firm.
She raises her chin and stares him straight in the eye, unwilling to
bend. Though he’s close enough to touch her, close enough to suppress
her magic and dispel her abilities, he does not intimidate her.
“My apologies,” she says. “Her Grace thought you were informed.”
He snorts derisively. “Yeah,” he replies, not taking his eyes off her.
“I’ll get to that—”
“Can I assist you, Wayfarer Kellis—”
“Tell me something, Malsara. It’s not easy to disappear entirely. I have
a lot of practice at it. If Lethalis sent you after me, then who told
Lethalis?”
Malsara blinks. “I’m not at liberty to say—”
He laughs coldly. “That’s a bullshit answer,” he says, cutting across
her. “You know perfectly well who it was. I have a few guesses. If S—”
“What is going on here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Zenaida’s voice rings out behind you. Aeran pulls away from
Malsara, his hand clenched into a fist at his side. His face is pale
with anger and tension ripples in his arms. Malsara gives him a cold
glare and deftly steps away, her black serithan flowing about her as she
moves across the deck to join her mistress.
“Nothing of interest, Your Grace,” she says smoothly. “A small
disagreement with Wayfarer Kellis, but I assure you, it is nothing he
won’t recover from.”
//“Tsch.”// Aeran grimaces, but says nothing. You can feel him itching
for a fight, but now is hardly the time. Not when Velantis looms ahead.
“I am glad to hear it,” Zenaida says coolly, her gaze passing from you
to Aeran. Nova hovers at her shoulder, the familiar antagonistic mirth
dancing in her eyes. “Our mission is upon us. Diradan Tower and the
Astrial are within our grasp. We do not have time for petty
disagreements.”
Without waiting for a response, Zenaida leaves Nova behind and crosses
the deck, quickly closing the distance between you. The skirts of her
travel serithan whisper about her, the hems cut at her ankles so as not
to drag on the wet deck. She is dressed in deep scarlet and gold today;
the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian flags fluttering high
above the sails. As always, she carries herself with such natural
elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate beauty. You’re
beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it would still look
gorgeous.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says as she approaches. “A
word, if I may.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Malsara quietly slip
past Zenaida. She marches across the deck and collects her sister,
ushering her towards the stern. You see Nova’s silent protest as she is
ushered away; she throws a look over her shoulder, her dark eyes
lingering on you as she walks away.
“I have a feeling we can’t say no,” Aeran grunts.
The corners of Zenaida’s lips tighten, but otherwise her expression does
not betray her annoyance. She slips between you and gently rests a hand
on the railing. The gold rings shine bright even in the grey light, and
her nails have been freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match
her garb. Tiny gold clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the depths of
her coiled, black braids like stars in the night.
If you didn’t know better, she seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$zenaida_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Zenaida Anaxas<</notify>><<if (ndef
$themistrya_codex)>>You expect her to speak, but instead are met
with silence. You wait, as patiently as you can manage. When she
continues to say nothing, you exchange wary looks with Aeran; neither of
you are willing to press her.
<<if $lethalisapp <=39>>Considering how coolly she treats
you, the last thing you want to do is irritate her further—she is your
main point of contact with Lethalis. If you’re going to get paid for
this job, you’re going to have to put up with her for a little
longer.<<else>>You’ve managed to stay on good terms with her
so far; you’d rather not upset that balance. Zenaida is your main point
of contact with Lethalis. If you’re going to get paid, you’ll need to
stay on her good side.<</if>>
“I have been planning this day for quite some time,” she says quietly.
The breeze picks up, rustling her delicate clothes and tugging at her
hair. A loose curl flutters against her cheek; she ignores it, letting
it dance in the wind until she sweeps it back behind her ear. <<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Despite the time and risks it
took, the journey to Rona was the easier part of this venture by
far—”<<else>>“Despite everything that happened in Rona, it
was the easier part of this venture by far—”<</if>>
A cliff erupts out of the fog, the sheer rockface towering above the
ship. Zenaida draws back swiftly, nearly bumping into you in her rush to
step away. Behind you, Captain Xanael shouts orders from the helm,
their voice magically amplified to carry across the deck. The crew
scrambles and the ship lurches, turning sharply to the right.
The ship creaks and settles onto its new trajectory, the near-collision
deftly avoided.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
THEMISTRYA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
expect her to speak, but instead are met with silence. You wait, as
patiently as you can manage. When she continues to say nothing, you
exchange wary looks with Aeran; neither of you are willing to press her.
<<if $lethalisapp <=39>>Considering how coolly she treats
you, the last thing you want to do is irritate her further—she is your
main point of contact with Lethalis. If you’re going to get paid for
this job, you’re going to have to put up with her for a little
longer.<<else>>You’ve managed to stay on good terms with her
so far; you’d rather not upset that balance. Zenaida is your main point
of contact with Lethalis. If you’re going to get paid, you’ll need to
stay on her good side.<</if>>
“I have been planning this day for quite some time,” she says quietly.
The breeze picks up, rustling her delicate clothes and tugging at her
hair. A loose curl flutters against her cheek; she ignores it, letting
it dance in the wind until she sweeps it back behind her ear. <<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Despite the time and risks it
took, the journey to Rona was the easier part of this venture by
far.<<else>>“Despite everything that happened in Rona, it
was the easier part of this venture by far.<</if>> Once we
land in Velantis, everything will become far more… complicated.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA CONT
02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
stands some feet away with a frown on her face and Nova at her side.
Familiar, antagonistic mirth dances in Nova’s dark eyes; she seems quite
pleased that she has caught her sister saying something she should not.
“An interesting conversation,” she says. “I did not take you for a
gossip, Wayfarer $lastname.”
You grit your teeth. Nova chuckles, her dark eyes dancing.
“No matter,” Zenaida continues. “Malsara, Nova—I wish to speak to
Wayfarer Kellis and Wayfarer $lastname alone.”
Malsara bows her head. She crosses the deck without comment, collecting
her sister and ushering her towards the stern. You see Nova’s silent
protest as she is shepherded along; she throws a look over her shoulder,
her gaze lingering on you as she walks away.
Zenaida sweeps towards you, the skirts of her travel serithan rustling
about her in the breeze. She is dressed in deep scarlet and gold today;
the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian flags fluttering high
above the sails. As always, she carries herself with such natural
elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate beauty. You’re
beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it would still look
gorgeous.
“What do you want?” Aeran asks bluntly.
Zenaida ignores the forcefulness of his comment and slips between you,
gently resting a hand on the railing. The gold rings shine bright even
in the grey light, and her nails have been freshly painted and
manicured—deep red, to match her garb. Tiny gold clasps adorn her hair,
glinting from the depths of her coiled, black braids like stars in the
night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grimace. Malsara clearly will not elaborate further. Best move on.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01")>>[[1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only are they the rulers of
Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their influence will be
impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01][$malsara_questions
+=1]]<<else>><s>1. Ask about House Anaxas. Not only
are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s family. Their
influence will be impossible to
avoid.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 03")>>[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with her
arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in Velantis. Is
she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to cause a stir,
or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>3. Ask why
Zenaida needs discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the
most powerful person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention
because she doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else
going on?</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><s>4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is
she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There
is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to ask.
No sense on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$umbria_intro to true>>Malsara’s smile fades. “That is not what I
said,” she says. “But in my profession, it is always wise to expect the
worst outcome and prepare accordingly. I sense it is much the same for
you.”
Aeran scoffs derisively, but says nothing.
She ignores him. “Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of Lethalis,” she
continues. “She is an Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the
esteemed rank. Prior to the schism, she sat on the Council of Mages,
where she often voiced her concerns about the Guild’s direction. She
openly contested many of the Grand Archsage’s directives—he has no love
for her, just as she has no love for him.”
//So, they’re arch-enemies,// you think. //Great.//
If this holds true, at least you won’t be involved with the Grand
Archsage. Working with the Order of Lethalis is difficult enough; Aeran
might snap entirely if he’s forced to work with the highest ranking
member of the Guild.
<<if $malsara_questions is 4>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAL QUEST 02-01A ZENAIDA INTERRUPT 1][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01")>>[[1. Ask about House Anaxas.
Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s
family. Their influence will be impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>1. Ask about
House Anaxas. Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are
Zenaida’s family. Their influence will be impossible to
avoid.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 03")>>[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with her
arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in Velantis. Is
she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to cause a stir,
or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>3. Ask why
Zenaida needs discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the
most powerful person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention
because she doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else
going on?</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04")>>[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant,
sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no possible
way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
04][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>4. Ask about
Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the
Velantian heir. There is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to ask.
No sense on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Malsara
frowns. “You will meet them soon enough,” she says coolly. “It is
better this way; the Order’s leader is a crucial figure. Any description
I give you will pale in comparison to meeting her in person. It would
not serve us well for you to twist my words to pass judgement on her
prematurely.”
She nods as she finishes speaking, silently stating that she will say no
more on the topic.
//Great. So much for that.//
<<if $malsara_questions is 4>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAL QUEST 02-01B ZENAIDA INT
UNIQUE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01")>>[[1. Ask about House Anaxas.
Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s
family. Their influence will be impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>1. Ask about
House Anaxas. Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are
Zenaida’s family. Their influence will be impossible to
avoid.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 03")>>[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with her
arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in Velantis. Is
she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to cause a stir,
or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>3. Ask why
Zenaida needs discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the
most powerful person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention
because she doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else
going on?</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04")>>[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant,
sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no possible
way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
04][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>4. Ask about
Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the
Velantian heir. There is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to ask.
No sense on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$umbria_intro to true>>Her smile widens and she glances at you, a
strange look in her eye. If you didn’t know better, you’d almost read
it as respect. “Indeed, I would,” she says. “In my profession, it is
always wise to expect the worst outcome and prepare accordingly. I sense
it is much the same for you.”
“You’re not wrong,” you say, trying not to think about the veritable
mess you left in Rona. “If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.”
<<if $scar1 is "scarBasilisk1" or $scar1 is "scarBasilisk2" or
$scar1 is "scarBasilisk3" or $scar2 is "scarBasilisk1" or $scar2 is
"scarBasilisk2" or $scar2 is "scarBasilisk3">>Your words trail off
as a deep ache throbs in your side. You fight the urge to press your
fingers against it. Though your wound has long since healed, you will
always bear the scar.
“I am glad to hear it,” Malsara replies. “In my experience, mages are
prone to brazen displays and to acting without thinking through the
consequences. My sister is proof enough of that.”<<elseif $scar1
is "scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar1 is "scarAtral" or
$scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is
"scarAtral">>Your words trail off as a deep ache throbs in your
shoulder. You fight the urge to press your fingers against it. Though
your wound has long since healed, you will always bear the scar.
“I am glad to hear it,” Malsara replies. “In my experience, mages are
prone to brazen displays and to acting without thinking through the
consequences. My sister is proof enough of that.”<<else>>“I
am glad to hear it,” Malsara replies. “In my experience, mages are prone
to brazen displays and to acting without thinking through the
consequences. My sister is proof enough of that.”<</if>>
Aeran snorts and mutters a curse under his breath.
You ignore him.
“Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of Lethalis,” Malsara continues. “She
is an Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed rank. Prior
to the schism, she sat on the Council of Mages, where she often voiced
her concerns about the Guild’s direction. She openly contested many of
the Grand Archsage’s directives—he has no love for her, just as she has
no love for him.”
//So, they’re arch-enemies,// you think. //Great.//
If this holds true, at least you won’t be involved with the Grand
Archsage. Working with the Order of Lethalis is difficult enough; Aeran
might snap entirely if he’s forced to work with the highest ranking
member of the Guild.
<<if $malsara_questions is 4>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAL QUEST 02-01A ZENAIDA INTERRUPT 1][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST 01")>>[[1. Ask about House Anaxas.
Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are Zenaida’s
family. Their influence will be impossible to avoid.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
01][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>1. Ask about
House Anaxas. Not only are they the rulers of Velantis, but they are
Zenaida’s family. Their influence will be impossible to
avoid.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02")>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the
Order’s representative, but someone else must be pulling the strings and
guiding their little revolution. You’d like to know who.|CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 02][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>2. Ask
about the Order of Lethalis. Zenaida is the Order’s representative, but
someone else must be pulling the strings and guiding their little
revolution. You’d like to know
who.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 03")>>[[3. Ask why Zenaida needs discretion with her
arrival. She’s the daughter of the most powerful person in Velantis. Is
she looking to avoid attention because she doesn’t want to cause a stir,
or is there something else going on?|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
03][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>3. Ask why
Zenaida needs discretion with her arrival. She’s the daughter of the
most powerful person in Velantis. Is she looking to avoid attention
because she doesn’t want to cause a stir, or is there something else
going on?</s><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MAL
QUEST 04")>>[[4. Ask about Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant,
sworn to the Guild, but she is the Velantian heir. There is no possible
way those two positions have never conflicted.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
04][$malsara_questions +=1]]<<else>><s>4. Ask about
Zenaida. Not only is she a Savant, sworn to the Guild, but she is the
Velantian heir. There is no possible way those two positions have never
conflicted.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing else you want to ask.
No sense on pushing Malsara longer than you need to.|CHAPTER 2 MAL QUEST
END]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>>“I
didn’t take you for a gossip, Malsara.”
Zenaida stands some feet away with a frown on her face and Nova at her
side. Familiar, antagonistic mirth dances in Nova’s dark eyes; she seems
quite pleased that she has caught her sister saying something she
should not.
Malsara holds her gaze, unwilling to look away. “My apologies, Your
Grace,” she says formally. “Wayfarer $lastname sought information that
could help $himher and Wayfarer Kellis. They are new to Velantis and are
unfamiliar with its politics. If I have overstepped my bounds—”
“You have.”
The assassin falls silent. “Then I shall take my leave,” she says, guilt
in her voice. She pushes past you without further comment and makes her
way across the deck.
“Nova, you too,” Zenaida says. “I wish to speak to Wayfarer Kellis and
Wayfarer $lastname alone.”
The dark-haired mage rolls her eyes, but withdraws as asked.
“What do you want?” Aeran asks bluntly.
The corners of Zenaida’s lips tighten, but otherwise her expression does
not betray her annoyance. She slips between you and gently rests a hand
on the railing. The gold rings shine bright even in the grey light, and
her nails have been freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match
her scarlet serithan. Tiny gold clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the
depths of her coiled, black braids like stars in the night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“An
interesting conversation,” a voice says. “I did not take you for a
gossip, Wayfarer $lastname.”
Zenaida stands some feet away with a frown on her face and Nova at her
side. Familiar, antagonistic mirth dances in Nova’s dark eyes; she seems
quite pleased that she has caught her sister saying something she
should not.
You grit your teeth. Nova chuckles, her dark eyes dancing.
“No matter,” Zenaida continues. “Malsara, Nova—I wish to speak to
Wayfarer Kellis and Wayfarer $lastname alone.”
Malsara bows her head. She crosses the deck without comment, collecting
her sister and ushering her towards the stern. You see Nova’s silent
protest as she is shepherded along; she throws a look over her shoulder,
her gazing lingering on you as she walks away.
Zenaida sweeps towards you, the skirts of her travel serithan rustling
about her in the breeze. She is dressed in deep scarlet and gold today;
the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian flags fluttering high
above the sails. As always, she carries herself with such natural
elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate beauty. You’re
beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it would still look
gorgeous.
“What do you want?” Aeran asks bluntly.
She ignores the forcefulness of his comment and slips between you,
gently resting a hand on the railing. The gold rings shine bright even
in the grey light, and her nails have been freshly painted and
manicured—deep red, to match her garb. Tiny gold clasps adorn her hair,
glinting from the depths of her coiled, black braids like stars in the
night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
stands some feet away with a frown on her face and Nova at her side.
Familiar, antagonistic mirth dances in Nova’s dark eyes; she seems quite
pleased that she has caught her sister saying something she should not.
“I didn’t take you for a gossip,” Zenaida continues, her brow furrowed
with deep disappointment.
Malsara holds her gaze, unwilling to look away. “My apologies, Your
Grace,” she says formally. “Wayfarer $lastname sought information that
could help $himher and Wayfarer Kellis. They are new to Velantis and are
unfamiliar with its politics. If I have overstepped my bounds—”
“You have.”
The assassin falls silent. “Then I shall take my leave,” she says, guilt
in her voice. She pushes past you without further comment and makes her
way across the deck.
“Nova, you too,” Zenaida says. “I wish to speak to Wayfarer Kellis and
Wayfarer $lastname alone.”
The dark-haired mage rolls her eyes, but withdraws as asked.
“What do you want?” Aeran asks bluntly.
The corners of Zenaida’s lips tighten, but otherwise her expression does
not betray her annoyance. She slips between you and gently rests a hand
on the railing. The gold rings shine bright even in the grey light, and
her nails have been freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match
her garb. Tiny gold clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the depths of
her coiled, black braids like stars in the night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
Considering the conversation you just had with Malsara, you can’t shake
the sneaking suspicion that docking in the Velantian harbour is not
going to go as planned.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pick absently at the dirt beneath your nails. Four weeks at sea and
you’re in desperate need of a proper bath. You’re in desperate need of
a… well, //everything,// if you’re being honest. Naval travel always
makes it difficult to care about your appearance.
<<nobr>><<if $facialhair is "none">><<if
$hairlength is "cropped">>Your once shaved head now sports a short
layer of hair<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>Your once
cropped hair now brushes past your ears<<elseif $hairlength is
"shoulder-length">>Your once short hair now brushes your
shoulders<<else>>Your hair has grown some<</if>>
and could probably use a trim.
<<elseif $facialhair is "beard" and $hairlength is
"long">>Your hair and beard have grown some and could probably use
a trim.
<<else>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>Your once
shaved head now sports a short layer of hair
<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>Your once cropped hair now
brushes past your ears
<<elseif $hairlength is "shoulder-length">>Your once short
hair now brushes your shoulders<<else>>Your hair has grown
some<</if>>
<<if $facialhair is "clean shaven" or $facialhair is
"stubble">><<set $facialhair to "beard">>and the
beginnings of a full beard grace your cheeks.
<<elseif $facialhair is "moustache" or $facialhair is
"goatee">><<set $facialhair to "beard">>and your
carefully maintained moustache has grown out into a full beard.
<<elseif $facialhair is "goatee">><<set $facialhair to
"beard">>and your carefully maintained goatee has grown out into a
full beard.
<<else>>and your beard could probably use a
trim.<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Her sister’s a Lethalis mage. That must be
why.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 03 A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She’s Zenaida’s bodyguard. Maybe
her presence here has less to do with the League and Lethalis, and more
to do with Zenaida herself.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 03 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Doesn’t matter. The only thing that
does is finishing the job and getting out of here.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
NO MAL 03 C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
runs a hand through his hair. “Maybe,” he says. “Probably.”
You glance at him. He grimaces, shifting his weight restlessly from foot
to foot as he stares out at the water. Despite his words, you know
without a doubt that he suspects some ulterior motive. He was already
wary of Zenaida after your disastrous exit from Rona. After four weeks
on a ship with no new information, that wariness has only compounded. He
doesn’t trust them.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He doesn’t even trust
you.<<elseif $aeranapp <=59>>You don’t know if he even
trusts you.<<else>>The only person he trusts is
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp
>=40>>[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him. No matter the
uncertainties you face, as long as you have each other, you’ll be all
right.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04
ROMANCE]]<<else>><s>1. [ROMANCE] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t trust them either. But
we’re in this together. If something goes wrong, we’re more than a match
for them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Look, Aeran, you don’t have to like
them. Gods, you don’t even need to trust them. But you have to learn to
work with them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp <=39>>[[4.
Drop the subject. Anything else you can say on the matter will only
further antagonize your deteriorating relationship.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO
MAL 04 D]]<<else>><s>4. Conditional relationship
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
shoots you a sideways look. “What do you mean?”
You sigh wearily. “It can’t be easy hiring a League assassin for
bodyguard work,” you say. “Someone hired her to do a job and she’s going
to fill her obligations to the letter. Maybe it was Zenaida, maybe it
was someone else—gods know, contracting the League is expensive.
Regardless, Malsara is doing a job, the same as we are. Zenaida and
Nova, on the other hand… they’re fulfilling a greater purpose.”
“Maybe,” he says, running a hand through his hair. “Probably.”
He grimaces and shifts his weight restlessly from foot to foot as he
stares out at the water. You know Zenaida, Nova, and Malsara make him
uncomfortable. He was already wary of Zenaida after your disastrous exit
from Rona. After four weeks on a ship with no new information, that
wariness has only compounded. He doesn’t trust them.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He doesn’t even trust
you.<<elseif $aeranapp <=59>>You don’t know if he even
trusts you.<<else>>The only person he trusts is
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp
>=40>>[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him. No matter the
uncertainties you face, as long as you have each other, you’ll be all
right.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04
ROMANCE]]<<else>><s>1. [ROMANCE] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t trust them either. But
we’re in this together. If something goes wrong, we’re more than a match
for them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Look, Aeran, you don’t have to like
them. Gods, you don’t even need to trust them. But you have to learn to
work with them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp <=39>>[[4.
Drop the subject. Anything else you can say on the matter will only
further antagonize your deteriorating relationship.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO
MAL 04 D]]<<else>><s>4. Conditional relationship
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>A
hollow smile plays across his lips. “Right,” he says grimly. “Can’t
wait to get there so we can turn around and leave.”
He falls silent, shifting his weight restlessly from foot and foot as he
stares out at the water. You sense his unspoken apprehension—Zenaida,
Nova, and Malsara make him uncomfortable. He was already wary of Zenaida
after your disastrous exit from Rona. After four weeks on a ship with
no new information, that wariness has only compounded. He doesn’t trust
them.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He doesn’t even trust
you.<<elseif $aeranapp <=59>>You don’t know if he even
trusts you.<<else>>The only person he trusts is
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp
>=40>>[[1. [ROMANCE] Reach out to him. No matter the
uncertainties you face, as long as you have each other, you’ll be all
right.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04
ROMANCE]]<<else>><s>1. [ROMANCE] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t trust them either. But
we’re in this together. If something goes wrong, we’re more than a match
for them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Look, Aeran, you don’t have to like
them. Gods, you don’t even need to trust them. But you have to learn to
work with them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp <=39>>[[4.
Drop the subject. Anything else you can say on the matter will only
further antagonize your deteriorating relationship.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO
MAL 04 D]]<<else>><s>4. Conditional relationship
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>You reach out to him, your hand
touching his shoulder. He flinches at your touch and pulls away,
refusing to look at you.
A cold knot twists in your gut.
Your hand drops. You lean against the railing, your fingers pressing
deep into the weathered wood. The coarse grain is abrasive beneath the
pads of your fingertips. Though part of you wants to lash out at him,
you can’t bring yourself to do it. Instead, you turn to face the sea and
watch the swirling fog. An awkward silence settles between you.
A shadow falls over the deck.<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>>You
reach out to him, your hand touching his shoulder. His skin is warm
beneath your fingers. He turns, glancing at you out of the corner of his
eye, a hesitant smile on his lips.
“$nickname,” he murmurs.
“Yeah?”
He sighs softly. You can sense his hesitation, the lingering thought he
has yet to voice.
“What is it?” you press.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved" or $hairlength is "cropped" or
$hairtexture is "locked">>He raises a hand, his fingers gently
brushing your cheek.<<else>>He raises a hand and gently
brushes a loose lock of hair behind your ear.<</if>> His
eyes find yours—bright, shining, taking you in with an intensity that
feels so very new and unfamiliar.
“I—”
A shadow falls over the deck.<<else>>You reach out to him,
your hand brushing his shoulder. His skin is warm beneath your fingers;
for a moment, he leans into the touch, drawing closer to you. He glances
at you, his eyes meeting yours, a curious smile on his lips.
“What is it?” he asks.
You pause, uncertain of how to answer him. You’re not sure what you
meant by the gesture—a display of affection? An attempt to start a
conversation you have no idea how to have with him? You’ve been dancing
around the subject for years; there’s never been a good time to bring it
up.
And this is another one of those times.
You drop your hand and lean against the railing as casually as you can
manage. “Nothing, really,” you say. “Whatever happens in Velantis… we’ll
be fine, won’t we?”
He nods. “Yeah,” he says quietly. “We’ll be fine.”
A shadow falls over the deck.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
CLIFFS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
smiles grimly. “Yeah,” he says. “Two Wayfarers against an entire order
of mages. What could go wrong.”
It’s not a question. You can hear the cynicism in his voice. He’s
already resigned himself to this mission ending in disaster—you just
hope his feelings aren’t prophetic. Though you have your own fair share
of doubts, you aren’t going to let them get in the way.
A shadow falls over the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
CLIFFS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
grimaces. “Didn’t think you’d be so easily taken by them,” he says.
“Since you clearly trust them so much already.”
“I didn’t say that,” you reply. “We have a job to do. I’m just asking—”
“I know what you’re asking!” he says sharply. His eyes are dark, his
mouth contorted into harsh scowl. You can feel the anger simmering
beneath his words; it radiates off of him like heat reflected from stone
that has been out in the sun for too long. “Do you think I haven’t
thought about it? I know what I’ve—what we’ve—gotten ourselves into. I
accept that. I don’t need you reminding me.”
Your jaw clenches. Irritation prickles the back of your neck. “Then be
fucking reasonable,” you say shortly. “Or you’ll only make things worse
for yourself.”
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He shoots you a dark look. “You’re
going to do well in Velantis,” he says, spite curdling his tone. “Maybe
you should consider staying—since you seem to like our friends so much.”
Anger twists in your gut. You round on him, ready to snap back, and a
shadow falls across the deck.<<else>>He exhales slowly and
closes his eyes. He leans heavily against the rail, his head hanging
low. “Sorry,” he murmurs. “I’m being an ass.”
“Yeah,” you say. “Yeah, you are.”
“Again.”
“Mhm.”
A shadow falls across the deck.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
CLIFFS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shut your mouth, biting back any lingering words. Aeran shoots you a
sideways look; you can feel his restlessness, like he’s on the verge of
snapping at you. To your surprise, he stays quiet. Either he’s come to
the same conclusion and wants to preserve what little remains of your
friendship—or he’s tired of talking to you.
An awkward silence settles between you.
You twist your fingers together and try to ignore it. You didn’t realize
until now just how much you want to get off this ship. After four weeks
together, you’re desperate to have your feet on solid ground and to put
some distance between yourself and Aeran.
“$firstname,” Aeran says, jolting you from your thoughts.
“What?” you snap.
“I—”
A shadow falls across the deck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
CLIFFS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04 ROMANCE")>>A sheer cliff
erupts from the fog, mere feet from the port side. Aeran seizes you
around the waist and pulls you back from the rail. The cliff is so
close, you could reach out and touch it.<<else>>A sheer
cliff erupts from the fog, mere feet from the port side—you’re so close
you could reach out and touch it. The salt-stained rocks are crawling
with green and white lichen that glisten in the damp
air.<</if>>
A shout echoes across the deck. Glancing over your shoulder, you spot
Captain Xanael at the helm, scarlet headscarf flapping in the wind. They
shout their orders, their magically amplified voice carrying across the
ship as the crew scrambles to follow through. The ship lurches and
turns sharply to the right. It creaks as it settles onto its new
trajectory, the near-collision deftly avoided.
You and Aeran tilt your heads, craning your necks as you stare up at the
cliff and watch it pass. It towers high above you, stretching up and up
until it disappears into the grey clouds above. There’s no telling how
high it goes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
THEMISTRYA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$themistrya_info to 3>><<set $themistrya_codex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: The
Themistrya<</notify>>The back of your neck prickles. “Is
that it?” you ask quietly. “The Themistrya?”
“Must be,” Aeran replies. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO
MAL 04 ROMANCE")>>His grip on you tightens.<<else>>He
shifts uncomfortably next to you and crosses his
arms.<</if>> Even though you are free from the island’s
effects, there is something incredibly wrong about it. “The fortress is
massive—on days when you can see it from shore, it blocks out the
horizon. The walls are supposed to be sixty feet high, not including the
cliffs. There’s a reason it’s the most impenetrable stronghold in the
Empire. Even if a prisoner did manage to escape, there’s nowhere for
them to go. The fall into the sea would be lethal.”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>//Unless they can fly…//
You shiver. Now that the thought has occurred to you, it doesn’t take
much to imagine the many horrific ways the Empire could ensure no aeda
escapes. You push it aside; you’d rather not think about the
implications.<<else>>Your fingers curl into a fist. Being
trapped up there, surrounded by towering walls, separated from everyone
you know… The thought alone is nightmarish.<</if>>
“Someone must have escaped,” you say. “No fortress is completely
impenetrable.”
He tenses, going still. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL
04 ROMANCE")>>His fingers dig sharply into your side, though you
know it’s an unintended reflex.<</if>> An unspoken truth
wedges itself between you, the one neither of you want to openly
discuss. The Spire was once said to be impenetrable. You know all too
well how that turned out.
“If they have, the Empire keeps it quiet,” Aeran says. “Their security
is more than just walls and isolation. The wards are thick to prevent
Planeswalkers from teleporting in and out. And I’ve heard they have ways
of suppressing magic. The prisoners couldn’t use their abilities even
if they tried.”
You frown. “How?” you say. “It’s not like they have access to Alassar
steel—”
“They don’t,” he interrupts abruptly. “Not for lack of trying. Varyn
told me once that the Empire has been trying to re-create Alassar steel
for decades, but they’ve never come close. There are metals that
suppress magic, or block it, but those properties are magical in and of
themselves. Alassar is the only true anti-magical material.”
You swallow hard. Aeran seems surprisingly knowledgeable on the subject,
but he has spent more time in Imperial territory than you. <<if
$heramet is true>>You, on the other hand, have heard rumours of
this kind of thing, though you hadn’t seen it in practice until Hera
gave you that little bronze sphere. She had called it “magically inert”…
Somehow, the metal creates a protective barrier between the gemstone on
the inside and the world on the outside. Maybe the Themistrya uses
something similar to keep its prisoners in check.
You don’t really want to know. The thought of being locked up in that
monstrosity sends chills down your spine.<<else>>You, on the
other hand, have heard rumours of this kind of thing, though you’ve
never seen it in practice. You know that certain types of Preservation
magic can entrap magical energies within a designated space, but those
enchantments are difficult to create and maintain over long periods of
time. If the Empire has created an easier way to suppress or suspend
magic…<</if>>
//Ugh.//
The complexities give you a headache.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL THEM
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“It’s not our problem,” you say,
watching the wall of black rock pass. Water crashes violently against
the cliffs, as if it is desperate to tear it down. “Velantis is a big
place. As far as big, imposing strongholds go, Diradan Tower is the one
we should be worried about.”
He nods in silent agreement, his gaze lingering on the cliffs. Fog
billows around the ship, streaming past its sides to collect at the base
of the cliffs. A moment later, you sail past the last stretch of cliffs
and back out into open water. The rockface is obscured by the fog and
disappears from view, as if it was never there.
“It is,” a voice says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Zenaida stands some feet away, observing you and Aeran with a
curious look on her face. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO
MAL 04 ROMANCE")>>Aeran immediately lets go of you, pulling away
and dropping his arms to his sides.<<else>>Aeran shifts away
from you and folds his arms, returning Zenaida’s gaze with a terse
look.<</if>>
Nova stands at Zenaida’s side, familiar antagonistic mirth dancing in
her eyes. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 NO MAL 04
ROMANCE")>>As her gaze passes from you to
Aeran,<<else>>As her gaze passes over
you,<</if>> she raises her chin and shoots you a wicked
smile. If it were not for Zenaida’s presence, you have no doubt Nova
would do or say something to get under your skin. She never lets a
chance to aggravate you go.
Zenaida touches Nova’s arm and leans in, murmuring something in the
dark-haired mage’s ear. Nova makes a face, then turns and stalks across
the deck, threading her way through the bustling crew as she disappears
towards the stern.
“Velantis is a vibrant, but complex city,” Zenaida continues, clasping
her hands neatly in front of her as she turns to address you. “You will
only see a part of it during your time with my order. I would advise you
not to get distracted by the districts that do not apply to our
mission.”
You shrug. “Fair enough.”
She smiles curtly and sweeps towards you, the skirts of her travel
serithan rustling about her in the breeze. She is dressed in deep
scarlet and gold today; the colours are remarkably close to the Arathian
flags fluttering high above the sails. As always, she carries herself
with such natural elegance and grace that she cannot help but radiate
beauty. You’re beginning to think she could wear a burlap sack and it
would still look gorgeous.
She slips between you and gently rests a hand on the railing. The gold
rings shine bright even in the grey light, and her nails have been
freshly painted and manicured—deep red, to match her garb. Tiny gold
clasps adorn her hair, glinting from the depths of her coiled, black
braids like stars in the night.
She seems prepared to make an impression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA
CONVO][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $themistrya_info to
2>><<set $themistrya_codex to true>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: The Themistrya<</notify>>“What
is that?” you ask, craning your neck as you stare up at the sheer, black
rockface. Green and white lichen crawl across the salt-stained rock,
weaving their way up the cliff.
“The Themistrya,” Zenaida says, her lip curling with distaste. Her eyes
narrow, a soft golden gleam shining in the centre of her irises.
Something about the fortress has caused her to instinctively pull on her
magic. “I did not think Xanael would take us so close to its walls…”
She shakes her head. “It is a blight on Velantis, obscuring everything
on the south-western horizon. If it were in my power, I would be rid of
it entirely, but alas… its wards cannot be so easily undone.”
“You don’t approve, I take it?” you say quietly, crossing your arms as
you peer through the swirling fog at the unending wall of black rock.
Even though the fortress has no effect on you, there is something
incredibly wrong about it.
“Approve?” Zenaida says sharply. “Of course I do not approve, Wayfarer
$lastname. Suppressing one’s magic to the point where it can no longer
manifest is a fate I do not wish on anyone, not even the most hardened
criminal.”
A knot twists in the pit of your stomach. You don’t think she meant it
as a jibe towards you—she’s not one to rely on thinly-veiled insults—but
considering you suppress magic simply by existing, this conversation
has become more than a little uncomfortable. “Yeah,” you say. “Can’t
imagine what that’s like.”
She glances at you, her expression softening. “I… apologize, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “I did not mean to insult you and I am not
referring to your own abilities. The Themistrya… There are vile
practices that go on within those walls sanctioned by the Emperor
himself. Ways of suppressing and siphoning magic until there is little
left. It is unnatural and inhumane.”
“Then why doesn’t the archon do something about it?” Aeran says darkly.
Zenaida laughs hollowly. “Though it may be on Velantian soil, the
Themistrya is the Emperor’s domain,” she says. “You think my mother can
cross him so easily? No. Her hands are tied, as every Velantian archon
has been. The Emperor allows her certain liberties thanks to the
historical ties between the Imperial house and House Anaxas, but there
is a limit. Some lines she cannot cross.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The three of you fall silent, watching as the wall of black
rock passes. Water crashes violently against the cliffs, as if it is
desperate to tear them down. Fog billows around the ship, streaming past
its sides to collect at the base of the cliffs. A moment later, you
sail past the last stretch of cliffs and back out into open water. The
rockface is obscured by the fog and disappears from view, as if it was
never there.
“I hope you are prepared,” Zenaida says, breaking the silence. “Once we
land in Velantis, everything will become far more… complicated.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDA CONT
02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Aeran
snorts. “Well, that’s ominous.”
“I do not intend to alarm you,” Zenaida says quickly. “I merely—”
“You think that’s enough to worry us?” he scoffs. He shakes his head and
rests a hand against the rail, his fingers gripping the wood so
tightly, his knuckles turn white. “You’re going to have to try harder
than that.”
She stiffens, her expression turning to steel. “Velantis is changing,”
she says, disregarding his interruption. “Even now, it stands on a
precipice. If it is pushed too far in either direction, it will fall.”
“We know,” he says shortly. “The Guild’s schism will destroy the city if
we don’t do something about it—”
“The Guild is not the only factor at play, Wayfarer Kellis,” she
interrupts. “The Guild—or more aptly, Lethalis, Solarath, and what other
sects have risen in my absence—is only one piece of the puzzle. My
mother has delicately balanced many opposing factions for years. She is
strong, but even she has her limits. It’s a wonder the city has not gone
up in flames.”
She inhales a sharp breath. “I tell you this not as a threat, but to
give warning. Keep your focus. Do not allow yourselves to become
distracted. Trust no one.”
A gust of wind blows across the deck. High above, the Arathian flags
flap furiously in the breeze. You cast an eye upwards and catch a brief
glimpse of an elegant gold phoenix unfurl in the wind, only to be
crushed moments later as the ensign folds in on itself and is torn in
another direction.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Not even Lethalis?”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
ZENDCONT 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not even you?”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
ZENDCONT 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let Zenaida continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 ZENDCONT 06]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
raises her chin and fixes you with a piercing look. “What do you think,
Wayfarer $lastname? You’re the expert here. What do all of those years
of experience tell you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Contractual obligations only take you so
far. I tread very lightly around anyone I don’t know—even if I have an
agreement with them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT 04A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know shit about Lethalis,
Zenaida, because you haven’t told me much. They may be paying me, but I
sure as hell don’t trust them.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
04B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If I’ve made a promise, then I’ll
follow through on it. I expect Lethalis to do the same.”|CHAPTER 2 SCENE
1 ZENDCONT 04C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and don’t say anything.
Zenaida has flipped the question around on you and you don’t like it.
You’re not in the mood to play games.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
04D][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
lets out a startled laugh. “No, Wayfarer $lastname,” she say. “Not even
me. <<if $chapter1route is "ratalley">>Given the manner of
our first meeting, I should hope not.”<<else>>Given how I
approached you in Rona, I should hope not. These are strange times. We
must all be on our guards.”<</if>>
You glance at Aeran. He scowls and leans heavily against the rail,
pressing his hands firmly against the wood—you can see the tension in
his arms. He dislikes Zenaida’s answer, but that was a given—he openly
dislikes everything about her. You doubt there is anything she could say
that would change that fact.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>She chuckles
softly and gives you an approving smile. “Wise words,” she says. “With
such a frank perspective, there’s no surprise why you’ve managed to stay
alive all these years, despite the dangers of your trade.<<if
$blackout is 1>> Barring the events of your final evening in Rona,
of course.<</if>>”
<<if $facialhair is "none">>You scratch the back of your
neck. “Yeah, well… no one’s perfect.”<<elseif $facialhair is
"stubble">>You rub a hand over your chin, the stubble coarse
beneath your fingers.<<else>>You run a hand over your chin,
tugging at your beard.<</if>>
Aeran snorts and turns away. He runs a hand vigorously through his hair
and mutters a curse under his breath. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>You roll your eyes and shoot him an exasperated look,
resisting the urge to snap at him. It doesn’t matter what you say—if you
so much as speak to Zenaida without being overtly standoffish, he
disapproves.<<else>>You shoot him a dark look, your temper
rising. It never matters what you say—if you so much as speak to Zenaida
without being overtly standoffish, he disapproves. And you, frankly, do
not have time for this shit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>She nods
approvingly. “Such frankness is appreciated, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
says. “I can see it has served you well. You are in a dangerous
profession—no doubt such a forthright attitude has helped you stay
alive.” <<if $blackout is 1 and $CountB_Branch3 neq
true>>She pauses. “Barring the events of your final evening in
Rona, of course.”<</if>>
<<if $facialhair is "none">>You scratch the back of your
neck. “Yeah, well… no one’s perfect.”<<elseif $facialhair is
"stubble">>You rub a hand over your chin, the stubble coarse
beneath your fingers.<<else>>You run a hand over your chin,
tugging at your beard.<</if>>
Aeran snorts and turns away. He runs a hand vigorously through his hair
and mutters a curse under his breath. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>You roll your eyes and shoot him an exasperated look,
resisting the urge to snap at him. It doesn’t matter what you say—if you
so much as speak to Zenaida without being overtly standoffish, he
disapproves.<<else>>You shoot him a dark look, your temper
rising. It never matters what you say—if you so much as speak to Zenaida
without being overtly standoffish, he disapproves. And you, frankly, do
not have time for this shit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>You cross your
arms and return Zenaida’s stare with a silent refusal. Her eyes narrow; a
faint crease appears between her brows and her lips turn downward in a
disapproving smile.
You don’t care. You can only be pushed so far, and you’re not here to
bend to her every whim. You’re here to do a job.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Aeran shoot you a faint smile.
You had a feeling he’d be of the same mind. <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>Though you disagree on many things, at least here you
share common ground.<<elseif $aeranapp >=59>>Though you
disagree from time to time, at least here you share common
ground.<<else>>Maybe it’s a sign of your four-year
partnership or your long friendship, but you usually share common
ground.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>Her eyes narrow
and a slight crease appears between her brows. “Of course,” she says
wearily. “You are true to your nature, and no doubt it has served you
well. You are still alive in a dangerous profession, after all.”
You frown. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Your Grace?”
“Lethalis will give you the first half of your payment,” she replies
curtly. “Do not be concerned for that.”
Aeran snorts. You glance at him. He grimaces and shakes his head—you
don’t need words to understand his meaning. Zenaida already thinks
you’re a glorified mercenary whose only concern is for money—and you’re
not doing much to prove her otherwise.
You shrug. It doesn’t matter. Let her think what she wants—you won’t be
around her forever.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
06]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
wield extraordinary talents,” Zenaida continues. “Two Wayfarers in a
city that thrives on magic? You hold an incredible power, one that can
be utilized to devastating effect. From the minute you set foot on
Velantian soil, it will only be a matter of time before your presence is
known. There are those who will give anything—do anything—to put those
talents to use… or remove them entirely.”
You glance at Aeran. <<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom
>=10>>He meets your gaze and his mouth tightens. You know him
well enough to spot the subtle signs of worry, but there’s something
different. Maybe you’re misinterpreting things from a single glance, but
you have a feeling he’s less concerned about the situation and more
concerned for you.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>Your gut twists and you
look away, casting an eye at the sky.<<else>>You look away
and cast an eye at the sky, a deep ache within your
chest.<</if>><<if $blackout is 1>> For a moment,
you almost mistake it for the dull ache of healed injury, but something
about it isn’t quite right.<</if>><<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>He meets your gaze and his mouth tightens. You know him
well enough to spot the subtle signs of concern. He doesn’t like
Zenaida’s words, and, frankly, he’s right to be worried. The
implications are clear: by entering the city, your mere existence puts a
target on your backs.<<else>>He meets your gaze, a dark
look brewing in his eyes. His jaw clenches, harsh lines appearing across
his face. He has not taken Zenaida’s warning well, and, frankly, you
can’t blame him. The implications are clear: by entering the city, your
mere existence puts a target on your backs.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENDCONT
07]]</div></div><</nobr>>“With
that in mind,” Zenaida says, “I am prepared to offer some modicum of
protection.” She slips a hand into a deep pocket at her side and
withdraws a thin, hexangular object. It is small, no bigger than the
size of her palm, and bound in thick, dark red leather. The leather is
embossed with a pattern of leaves and cypress vines, fanning out from a
gold clasp set in the centre. She flicks the clasp with her thumb and
slides a medallion out of its wrapping.
The polished medallion is cut expertly from a dark red wood. A thin gold
line is engraved around the perimeter, surrounding a phoenix with its
wings spread wide. A tiny gemstone is embedded below the phoenix; it
pulses with scarlet light, casting a faint glow over the medallion.
“An emissary’s mark,” she explains. “Engraved with the Arathian phoenix
and sealed with my mother’s magic. Show this to any official, any
aristocrat, any guard-captain, and they will know you are under the
protection of House Anaxas.”
Your eyes flicker to the pulsing light. The gemstone is miniscule,
barely a fraction of the size of your smallest fingernail. It is
strangely pretty—the way the light dances, refracted endlessly within
the stone.
“Thanks for the gesture,” Aeran says, his disdainful tone impossible to
ignore. “But you do realize the minute we touch that thing, the
enchantment will break, right? And I take it that the medallion isn’t
the important thing here, but your mother’s seal—”
“And you are correct,” Zenaida interrupts. “A mark without the archon’s
seal is worthless at best and fraudulent at worst. While some may accept
it as proof of the archon’s favour, any official who knows the law will
not. That is why I have taken precautions.” She slips the medallion
back into its case and closes the clasp. “It is my understanding that
your abilities work primarily through physical contact.”
“Yeah,” he says. “Bit more complicated, but something like that—”
“Then will this casing suffice?”
She drums her fingers against the leather.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Extend a hand. If she wants to test the
medallion, you’re up for it.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Take the medallion from her. She’s
already offered it; whether it breaks or not is outside your
control.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY 01B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[3.
Let Aeran handle this.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY 01C-APP UP][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[3. Let Aeran
handle this.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY 01C-APP DOWN][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Guess
we’ll find out,” you say.
Zenaida smiles faintly and places the leather case into your hand.
You close your fingers around it. The leather is well-made and soft and
pliable to the touch. Though you can feel the shape of the medallion
beneath, there are no tears or significant holes in the case. You cannot
touch the medallion itself.
You pass the case back to Zenaida. She takes it and slips the medallion
free, holding it aloft between her index finger and thumb. The gemstone
flickers, sending a red cast over her brown skin.
She exhales softly, a relieved sigh passing her lips. “Excellent,” she
says, pushing the medallion back inside. “As I hoped. Here—take it.”
You take the medallion from her and put it away. Zenaida withdraws a
second, identical case and passes it to Aeran. He hesitates for a
second, his eyes lingering on the dark red leather, then takes it
without comment.
You’ll have to take care not to touch the gemstones by accident, but
regardless, these marks will be useful. You have a feeling Velantis
isn’t going to welcome you with open arms. If Zenaida wants to offer you
the protection of House Anaxas, you’re happy to take it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“Sure,”
you say. “Whatever. Hand it over.”
Zenaida pauses, her eyes narrowed. Her fingers press deep into the
leather case, reluctant to give it up.
You exhale sharply and pull the case from her grasp. She lets go without
resistance, but her expression hardens. Her mouth twitches, as if she’s
about to say something, but thinks better of it.
Not wanting to read too much into it, you shrug and stuff the medallion
into your pocket. Zenaida withdraws a second, identical leather case and
passes it to Aeran. He hesitates for a second, his eyes lingering on
the dark red leather, then takes it without comment.
You don’t know whether these marks will be useful or not. Though
Velantis isn’t likely to welcome you with open arms, you doubt there’s
much House Anaxas can offer you in terms of protection. At most, this is
a hollow gesture on Zenaida’s part—a contrived attempt to show she
cares about you as more than just mercenaries hired to do a job.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Emissary mark'>><<notify 3000>>+Emissary
Mark<</notify>>“Does your mother know about this?” Aeran
asks, his fist closing around his medallion’s leather case. “That you’re
giving these to us? I can’t imagine the Archon of Velantis would be
pleased that her daughter is handing out tokens of her favour without
her permission—”
“That is between my mother and myself,” Zenaida interrupts sharply,
rounding on Aeran. “It is none of your concern.” She raises her chin and
fixes him with a piercing look, unwilling to be intimidated by him.
Though she is several inches shorter, she carries herself with such
natural superiority, her status could not be clearer. She is not simply a
mage. She is an aristocrat—and the daughter of the Velantian archon.
“And then what?” he retorts. “When we’re found with illegal marks in our
possession, what do you think is going to happen?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell Aeran off. He’s out of line.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 EMIS 01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[2.
Tell Aeran off—but do it quietly. No point in making a big fuss about
it.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMIS 01B HIGH APP][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[2. Tell Aeran
off—but do it quietly. No point in making a big fuss about it.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 EMIS 01B LOW APP][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5,
5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Aeran’s right. If Zenaida gave you
these marks without the archon’s approval, then it could rebound on
you.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMIS 01C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5,
5, 95), $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
exchange looks with Aeran. He closes his eyes and exhales softly; you
can almost hear the inward groan from the expression he makes. But when
he opens his eyes, he shoots you a smile and holds out a hand to
Zenaida.
“Let’s find out,” he says. “Give it here.”
Zenaida places the leather case in his hand.
He wraps his fingers around it, nearly crushing it in his fist, and
tosses it back to her. She catches it and turns the case over, slipping
the medallion free. She holds it aloft between her index finger and
thumb. The gemstone flickers, sending a red cast over her brown skin.
“As I hoped,” she says, relief crossing her face. She pushes the
medallion back inside its case. “Here—take it.”
She hands the medallion to Aeran, then reaches inside her pocket and
withdraws a second one to pass to you.
You take it without comment and shove it inside your pocket. You’ll have
to take care not to touch the gemstone by accident, but regardless,
these marks could prove useful. You have a feeling Velantis isn’t going
to welcome you with open arms. If Zenaida wants to offer you the
protection of House Anaxas, you’ll take it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
grimaces and shoots you a steely glare. You shrug and cock your head
faintly in Zenaida’s direction. His scowl deepens, but he turns around
and proffers a hand to Zenaida.
“Give it here,” he says.
Zenaida places the leather case in his hand.
He wraps his fingers around it, nearly crushing it in his fist, and
tosses it back to her. She catches it and turns the case over, slipping
the medallion free. She holds it aloft between her index finger and
thumb. The gemstone flickers, sending a red cast over her brown skin.
“As I hoped,” she says, relief crossing her face. She pushes the
medallion back inside its case. “Here—take it.”
She hands the medallion to Aeran, then reaches inside her pocket and
withdraws a second one to pass to you.
You take it without comment and shove it inside your pocket. You’ll have
to take care not to touch the gemstone by accident, but regardless,
these marks could prove useful. You have a feeling Velantis isn’t going
to welcome you with open arms. If Zenaida wants to offer you the
protection of House Anaxas, you’ll take it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMISSARY
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>“Shut up,
Aeran,” you snap.
He scowls. “$firstname—”
“She’s done this for us,” you interrupt, cutting across him. “After
everything she’s done, you could at least be a little grateful.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>He pales and looks away, unable to
meet your gaze. He leans heavily against the rail and pauses, muttering a
curse under his breath. After a moment, he straightens and turns to
Zenaida, his arms held tersely at his sides. “Sorry,” he says, forcing
the words out. “Your… Grace.”
Zenaida says nothing. She glances at you and gives you a short,
approving nod, then draws away from you. She carefully smooths down her
skirts and clasps her hands in front of her.
<<else>>“Grateful? For what? Manipulating us into this
fucking contract?”
<<if $chapter1route is "docks" and $blackout is 1>>“You were
the one who agreed to it in the first place!”
A painful look crosses his face. “You know I couldn’t
refuse—”<<else>>“What would you have preferred? That we stay
in Rona?”
“That’s not—”<</if>>
“Enough of this!” Zenaida shouts. “Lyrana, help me, you’re no better
than… children.” She exhales a sharp, exasperated breath and draws away
from you, clasping her hands tightly in front of her.
You grit your teeth. Aeran tenses beside you and turns away, crossing
his arms as he leans against the railing.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>>You
send a deft kick in his direction and your foot connects sharply with
his ankle. He hisses in pain and rounds on you, shooting you a dark
glare. You shrug indifferently and tilt your head in Zenaida’s
direction.
He sighs, the tension deflating, and runs a hand through his hair.
“Sorry,” he mutters. “Your… Grace.”
She blinks, saying nothing, and smooths down her skirts before clasping
her hands together.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You send a
deft kick in his direction and your foot connects sharply with his
ankle. He hisses in pain and rounds on you, shooting you a dark glare.
You shrug indifferently and tilt your head in Zenaida’s direction.
He grimaces, shooting you a dark scowl. You can feel the retort brewing,
but to your surprise, he says nothing. He simply shrugs and crosses his
arms, drawing away from you as he leans his back against the railing.
She says nothing. She smooths down her skirts and clasps her hands
together.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>“The same
thought has occurred to me, Your Grace,” you say, pulling the mark from
your pocket. “If these are official marks, then how does the archon know
how they are being used?”
Zenaida’s lips press together in a firm line. She is usually so
composed, but something in your words has her rattled. “The marks are
yours to do with as you wish, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “I am of
House Anaxas. If anyone gives you trouble for it, give them my name. My
mother may be the archon, but I hold a certain amount of influence on my
own.”
You grip the soft leather, the pads of your fingers pressing into the
fine embossment. “That doesn’t answer the question.”
“Do you wish to keep the marks or not, Wayfarer $lastname?” she says
curtly. “If you would rather not have them, there are others who may
wish to make use of them.”
She holds out a hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give her your mark. You don’t want it. You
don’t need it.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 EMIS RETURN MARK][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Keep the mark.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
EMIS KEEP MARK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>- Emissary
Mark<</notify>><</timed>><<drop '$packInv'
'Emissary mark'>>You shove the leather case into her hand and
pull away. “More trouble than it’s worth,” you say. “I don’t need it.”
Aeran pauses, then abruptly passes over his as well. A relieved look
washes over his face.
Zenaida stares at the marks in her hand, her brown eyes wide with
astonishment. She stands still, frozen with disbelief. She clearly did
not expect you to follow through on her request.
A gull screeches high above and jolts her out of her shock. “Very well,”
she says finally, slipping the marks back inside her pocket. “It is for
the best. They are delicate instruments in your hands; for all I know,
you could have broken them within the hour.” She gives you a cold smile,
smoothing down her skirts and clasping her hands in front of her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,
no,” you say, slipping the mark into your pocket. “You offered it—I’ll
keep it.”
“Good,” she replies, her eyes narrowed. “I’m glad we have come to an
understanding, Wayfarer $lastname. It bodes well for our alliance.”
You smile shortly. “I’m sure.”
She returns the smile with a cool look in her eye, and draws away. She
calmly smooths down her skirts and clasps her hands in front of her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Upon our arrival, we will
travel as swiftly as possible to Oriath District,” Zenaida announces.
“Once inside, we must avoid the Mahanin Palace and its grounds and make
our way directly to Diradan Tower—”
“Already?” you say sharply. “So we’re stealing the Astrial tonight?”
Zenaida blinks. A wave crashes against the side of the ship, spraying
mist through the air. “Not at all, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “The
tower is much larger than you presume. It occupies an entire complex on
the shores of Lake Messeida.”
You frown. True, you don’t know much about Diradan Tower, aside from its
status as the most highly acclaimed Guild academy in the world and the
headquarters of the Guild of Mages. Because the room Nova showed you had
similarities to the Spire, you assumed it was the same size. The Spire
was a citadel, but it was compact, contained to a single courtyard and
one stronghold. From Zenaida’s description, it sounds like the tower is
much grander than that.
“Archsage Bellaris is aware of our return,” Zenaida says. “The Order of
Lethalis will convene at the tower tonight. She is quite anxious to make
your acquaintance. There is much to discuss before we can retrieve the
Astrial.”
“Yeah, I gathered as much,” you say grimly. “What’s happening at this…
meeting?”
“While I was sent to retrieve you from Rona, the Order has been working
to counteract our opposing sects,” she says. “Namely the Order of
Solarath. Grand Archsage Quirinus is a magnetic leader and many have
fallen under his sway. Since the schism, he has gathered the strongest
Savants and Archsages to his side. Solarath is, without a doubt, the
greatest opponent to our endeavour. We cannot let the Astrial fall into
their hands—”
“Will he be there?” Aeran says coldly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You glance at him. <<if $aeran_quirinus_ask is
true>>This is the second time he has asked about the Grand
Archsage. He has gone quite pale and his eyes burn with a dangerous
rage.<<else>>He is pale and his eyes burn with a dangerous
rage.<</if>>
Zenaida pauses, momentarily lost for words.
“At the tower?” he presses. “Will Sabien be at the tower?”
“Perhaps,” she says slowly, treading carefully around his outburst.
“Diradan Tower is the headquarters of the Guild. Most of the Council
remains in office. Remember that outwardly, the Guild presents a unified
face.”
Aeran lets out a savage breath and turns away, glaring across the deck.
One hand rests on his hip, his fingers brushing the tips of his arrows.
You shift uncomfortably as a dozen questions fill your mind, and decide
to let him seethe. This is not the time for this conversation.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“So, what you’re saying, Your Grace,” you say, “is that outside
of the Guild, no one knows about the… schism?”
Zenaida presses her lips together. “My mother is aware of the… upheaval
in the Guild, but I doubt she knows its full extent,” she replies. “Even
if she did know, there is little she could do—she can only exert so
much influence over the Guild of Mages.”
She draws herself up to her full height and raises her chin, her brown
eyes passing over you and Aeran. “I cannot stress this enough to you
both,” she says. A faint hint of gold light swirls in her irises. “The
Guild is preparing for war. Against //itself.// If we are to stop the
carnage before it begins, Lethalis must wrest control from its opposing
sects and re-instigate order. No matter the cost.”
She smiles firmly, indicating that the conversation is now closed. She
sweeps by you, her scarlet skirts rustling around her, and makes her way
across the deck. You rest a hand on the railing and watch her go. You
were already growing apprehensive as your journey nears its end—after
this conversation, those feelings are hardly soothed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>You sigh and lean against the railing, pressing your hands into
the weathered wood. The grain is rough beneath your palms. The grey
waters churn below the ship, the waves frothing as they roll and crash
to their own steady rhythm. The fog seems lighter now; its dense haze
has faded, and you can see further out to port. As the ship cuts through
the water, you catch glimpses of sharp rocks and sandy shores. They
must be the islands that dot the way to the Velantian harbour.
Aeran paces to and fro, one hand digging into the back of his neck. He
is on edge—thanks to Zenaida’s words, no doubt. You cast a careful eye
in his direction, observing him as he walks and turns, walks and turns,
far too tense to speak. If this were Rona, he would leave and put as
much distance between himself and the person aggravating him as
possible.
But this is not Rona. And there are a limited number of places you can
escape to on a ship like this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>>[[1. Comfort him. You understand his apprehension. You feel
it, too.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT COMFORT CONFESSION][$PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>>[[1. Comfort him. You
understand his apprehension. You feel it, too.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
ZENAIDCONT COMFORT ROMANCE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 5, 95), $PassageNo =
1]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Comfort him. You
understand his apprehension. You feel it, too.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1
ZENAIDCONT COMFORT HIGH APP][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95), $PassageNo = 1]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore him. Best let him sort it out
on his own.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT 11B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Tell him to stop. After four weeks
stuck in a cabin, you can’t take much more of this. And besides, you
have a few questions for him.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
11C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
turn away, looping your hands together as you stare out at the grey
waters. The anticipation of arriving in Velantis gnaws at you; you’ve
done your best to ignore it, but the fact of the matter is that no
matter how you’ve prepared, no matter what Zenaida and Malsara have told
you, you don’t know what to expect from the city.
Velantis is so deep in imperial territory that everything you know about
it is second-hand information. No Wayfarers dared to travel here; at
least, not in your day. Not before the Spire fell. The Imperial
restrictions on your order saw to that. The city is new and unfamiliar;
even if you had months to plan in advance, you still wouldn’t be
prepared. You don’t know the districts. You don’t know the layout. You
don’t know the people, the politics…
You don’t know anything.
Except that there’s an Astrial in Diradan Tower and it’s fallen on you
to steal it out from under the Guild’s nose.
You groan and pass a hand wearily across your face. A gust of wind
crosses the deck, tearing at your clothes and rustling your hair,
carrying with it the familiar scent of sea air and brine. A gull
screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your ears. The sea roars,
waves thundering against the ship as they spray mist and foam.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_pushed to true>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>“Fucking hell,” you mutter. “Can you stop
that?”
Aeran draws to a halt. He glances at you, his mouth twitching as he
fights back a retort. “Have something you want to say, $firstname?” he
asks.
You fold your arms. “You need to get a grip,” you say. “This isn’t doing
you any favours—”
He cuts you off with a harsh laugh. “Favours? Thanks for the concern,
$firstname, but you have //no idea// what it’s like coming here. I
should never have agreed to this, I should have…” He trails off, taking
in your flat stare. “What?”
“Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?” you ask. “You’re a
mess! We haven’t even reached the city and already you’re falling
apart! What’s the deal with you and the Grand Archsage?”
He raises his head, rubbing the back of his neck as he stares at the
sky, doing everything in his power to avoid looking at you.
“$firstname…”
“Just tell me, Aeran.”
“I—”
“Just tell me!”
He rounds on you. “There’s nothing to tell!” he shouts. “You don’t want
to go there, $firstname. You weren’t at the Spire—”
Your gut twists. “So, this is about the Spire.”
He closes his eyes and passes a hand over his face. “That’s not what I
meant—”
You nearly choke on flabbergasted laughter. “Then what the hell did you
mean? Because it seems pretty clear—”
He rams a hand into your sternum and shoves you forcefully into the
railing. You stare at Aeran, too stunned for words as a flare of pain
spreads from the impact point. He has you cornered, his hand pressed
into your collarbone, pinning you to the rail.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 AERAN PINS MC HIGH
APP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Fucking
hell,” you mutter. “Would you stop already?”
Aeran draws to a halt. “Fuck off, $firstname.”
You grit your teeth, an ugly flare of anger and irritation twisting in
your gut. “I will when you finally start talking,” you say. “Can’t
imagine what you’re feeling, this close to Velantis and all those mages.
What’s the deal with you and the Grand Archsage?”
He freezes. Panic briefly flashes across his face, but he reigns it in
and forces himself to remain composed. Despite the effort, he can’t hide
everything—his arms drop to his sides, his hands curling into fists.
“That’s not important,” he mutters.
“Oh, really?” you say flatly. “Doesn’t seem that way. <<if
$aeran_quirinus_ask is true>>First you ask Malsara, then Zenaida…
You seem pretty keen on knowing whether he’s in the city or
not.<<else>>You seemed pretty keen on knowing his
whereabouts when you asked Zenaida.<</if>> Why’s that? Since
when is a Wayfarer concerned about the fucking Grand Archsage of the
Guild of Mages—”
He rams a hand into your sternum and shoves you forcefully into the
railing. Your back hits the rail and pain blossoms from the impact
point. <<if $height is "very tall">>You gasp in pain and
stare down at him,<<else>>You gasp in pain and raise your
head to meet his eyes,<</if>> your lip curling into a
satisfied sneer.
Looks like you found a weak point.
Aeran’s hand presses into your collarbone, pinning you to the railing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 AERAN PINS MC LOW
APP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
grab him as he passes, your fingers digging deep into his forearm. He
draws to a halt, head bowed, staring in any direction that is not at
you.
“Aeran,” you murmur. “It’s one job, in one city. Even if we don’t trust
Zenaida, she needs us on her side. She’s in a powerful position.
Regardless of your feelings—or my feelings—towards her, it would only
damage her cause to betray us now. We’ll be all right—”
He wrenches free from your grip and pulls away, putting distance between
you. A painful ache pangs in your heart; you want to say more but you
can’t get the words out. You grit your teeth and turn to watch the
waves. This is more of the same shit he’s been giving you for the past
four weeks. Four weeks of this unbearably awkward dance, avoiding any
admission of what he said to you that day—
A familiar presence appears at your side. Aeran folds his arms and leans
them against the railing as he looks out at sea. He watches the waves,
the wind ruffling his hair, and stares at the obscured horizon.
“I haven’t been very fair to you, have I?” he says quietly.
You swallow hard. Though part of you wants to reach out to him with
comforting assurances, you cannot shake the stinging vexation that has
grown during the course of your journey. All those long days of abrupt
silence, brusque conversations, and his absolute insistence on
pretending he didn’t say the thing he did, have swollen into one
painful, exasperated ache.
“Say something, $nickname,” he says. “Please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Answer him. If he wants to talk about this…
then you need to talk about it.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 COMFORT CONFESS
ANSWER][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You can’t deal with this now. Cut
him off and change the subject.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 COMFORT CONFESS CUT
OFF][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. He’s the one who fucked it up. He’s
going to have to do better than some half-hearted apology.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 1 COMFORT CONFESS MAD][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>You
grab him as he passes, your fingers digging deep into his forearm. He
draws to a halt, head bowed, staring in any direction that is not at
you.
“Aeran,” you murmur. “It’s one job, in one city. Even if we don’t trust
Zenaida, she needs us on her side. She’s in a powerful position.
Regardless of your feelings—or my feelings—towards her, it would only
damage her cause to betray us now. We’ll be all right—”
He turns and pulls you into an embrace, crushing you against him. Your
voice catches in your throat and your words falter, your train of
thought forgotten.
<<if $height is "very tall">>You feel the warmth of his
hands, radiant against the chill of the morning sea air. He rests his
chin on your shoulder and says nothing. Your heart hammers in your chest
so frenetically, you swear he must be able to hear it. You close your
eyes and try to let go of the anxieties pressing in on
you.<<elseif $height is "tall">>You feel the warmth of his
hands, radiant against the chill of the morning sea air. He rests his
forehead against yours and says nothing. You close your eyes and try to
let go of the anxieties pressing in on you, but your heart is hammering
frantically in your chest. You swear he must be able to hear
it.<<else>>His hands are warm as he presses you to his
chest, radiant against the chill of the morning sea air. His heart
hammers frantically, thundering in his chest—yours does, too. You close
your eyes and melt into him, trying to let go of all the anxieties
pressing in on you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stay with him. You’d hate for anything to
disrupt this moment now…|CHAPTER2 SCENE 1 COMFORT ROM A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Draw away. This is too much for you
right now.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 COMFORT ROM
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
grab him as he passes, your fingers digging deep into his forearm. He
draws to a halt, head bowed, staring in any direction that is not at
you.
“Aeran,” you murmur. “It’s one job, in one city. Even if we don’t trust
Zenaida, she needs us on her side. She’s in a powerful position.
Regardless of your feelings—or my feelings—towards her, it would only
damage her cause to betray us now. We’ll be all right—”
He turns suddenly and grips your arm, his eyes finding yours. Your words
falter, your train of thought interrupted. You can sense his confusion,
the battle of conflicting feelings raging inside him as he treads
around the matters he wants to tell you, but cannot bring himself to. He
can’t hide it from you—you know him too well. You can read him like a
book.
Just as he can read you.
Finally, he exhales a long breath and looks away, shaking his head. “I
hope so, $firstname,” he says, looping his hands loosely together as he
stares out at the grey waters. “I hate that we’re here. I hate that we
don’t have a choice. But if you think we’ll make it through in the end…”
He glances at you, a faint smile on his lips. “Then I guess I have to
believe that. You’re always right, one way or another.”
You chortle and step up next to him, folding your arms on the railing.
“Am I now? You put far too much faith in me.”
“One of us needs to have their head on straight. It’s never going to be
me, so…” He chuckles, his words fading into his laughter.
You shake your head, the corners of your lips twitching as you fight
your smile. A gust of wind crosses the deck, tearing at your clothes and
rustling your hair, carrying with it the familiar scent of sea air and
brine. A gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your ears.
The sea roars, waves thundering against the ship as they spray mist and
foam.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>>“What
do you want me to say?” you say softly. Without thinking, you edge
closer to him and rest your hands together on the railing, close to his.
“Do you want me to disagree? Say that’s fine? Because you know that
it’s not—”
“I know—”
“You said that you—”
“I //know// what I said, $firstname.” He lets out a long breath and
stares straight ahead, refusing to look at you. “And maybe…”
“Maybe what?”
His hand inches across the weathered wood, his fingers brushing yours.
“Maybe…”
A gull screeches, drowning out his words. The sea roars, waves
thundering against the ship, spraying mist and foam in the air.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
let out a hollow laugh. “Wonder when this fog is going to clear,” you
say, rapping your hands against the railing. The drumming echoes dully,
drowned out by the crashing waves. “I thought we were done with shit
weather when we left Rona.”
Aeran does not smile. “$firstname—”
“You know what this reminds me of?” you continue, raising your arms
above your head and stretching as casually as you can manage. “That
really long wagon ride to the Spire. You remember that, don’t you? So
much waiting. How long did it take Cenric to get us from Tyridia to—”
“$firstname,” he says flatly.
You drop your arms. “Yeah,” you reply dully. “I know.”
A gull screeches and a shadow passes over you from above. The sea roars,
waves thundering against the ship, spraying mist and foam in the air.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Velantis Harbour">><<set
$velantis_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Velantis<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Map Unlocked:
Velantis<</notify>><</timed>>Red cliffs ascend
from the glimmering sea, their vibrant hues cutting a majestic swath
across the turquoise waves. Brilliant white walls line the cliffs,
stretching along the coast as far as the eye can see. Above the walls
rise dwellings and tenements, pavilions and roof-top markets, all strung
with colourful banners and bedecked with flags and garlands. Temples
and palaces rise higher still, their blue and gold domes sparkling in
the shining sun.
And beyond it all lie the Gairloch Mountains. They loom over the city
with an imposing will, immortal guardians to all who live in their
shadow. Snow-capped peaks dominate the sky, shining brilliantly in the
summer sun. As you raise your head to take in the breath-taking sight,
you note that the snows have a strange red cast to them. Something
pulses within the peaks—a red spark, flickering like a star.
You blink and the glimmer disappears. It must have been a trick of the
light.
<<if hasVisited ("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT COMFORT
CONFESSION") or hasVisited ("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT COMFORT
ROMANCE") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT COMFORT HIGH
APP")>>“Gods,” Aeran murmurs breathlessly. His hand brushes your
shoulder as he leans out over the railing, blue eyes wide as he takes in
the fast-approaching city. “That’s really it.”<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT 11B")>>“Aeran,” you
breathe. “Aeran!”
You glance over your shoulder. Alerted by your voice, he stops pacing
and glances at you. He looks right by you to the rising cliffs and his
eyes widen with awe. He crosses the deck and steps up beside you,
hesitantly leaning over the railing as he takes in the fast-approaching
city.
“Gods,” he breathes. “That’s really it, isn’t
it?”<<else>>“Gods,” Aeran murmurs. Keeping some distance
between you, he leans out over the railing, his eyes scanning the red
cliffs and white walls as he takes in the fast-approaching city. “That’s
really it, huh.”<</if>>
The //Dareia// picks up speed, its sails ballooning outwards, its
scarlet pennons streaming in the wind, the Arathian ensign flying high
and proud. It surges through the waves, heading for the rising cliffs.
The rigging creaks. A lattice of shadows falls over you from the nearby
shroud, the sun shining through the nets as the ship changes directions.
You grip the railing, a mix of apprehension and awe twisting in your
gut, and fight the childish urge to clamber on top of it to get a better
view.
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $origin is
"merchant">>[[1. [CHILD OF THE SEAS] Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2
HARBOUR APPROACH AG PASS]]<<elseif random(1,20) + $agility >=
15>>[[1. [AGILITY] Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH AG
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY] Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR
APPROACH AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay where you are. Falling off the
ship and into the bay seems like a bad idea right about now.|CHAPTER 2
HARBOUR APPROACH
STAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $origin is
"merchant">>[[1. [CHILD OF THE SEAS] Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2
HARBOUR APPROACH AG PASS]]<<elseif random(1,20) + $agility >=
15>>[[1. Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH AG
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Do it anyway.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH
AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay where you are. Falling off the
ship and into the bay seems like a bad idea right about now.|CHAPTER 2
HARBOUR APPROACH
STAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>>“What
do you want me to say?” you snap. “No, it wasn’t fair. You said what you
did and then pretended like it never happened.”
He grimaces and bows his head, his cheeks flushed.
“The least you could do is admit that,” you continue. “At least then I’d
believe you meant what you said.”
He raises his head and rounds on you. “What the hell do you mean by
that?” he says sharply.
“What do you think?”
“I don’t know, $firstname, I don’t know—”
“If you say ‘anything at all,’ I swear by the gods, Aeran Kellis, I am
never listening to a word you say again—”
“You don’t have to be such a—”
“Such a //what?”//
A gull screeches overhead, drowning out your words. The sea roars, waves
thundering against the ship, spraying mist and foam in the air.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
cling to each other, standing firm on the swaying deck. You can feel
the crew’s eyes on you, but you don’t care. You’ve shared a cabin for
four weeks—there’s already been whispers about the extent of your
relationship.
Frankly, it’s none of their business. And once you disembark, it’s not
like you’ll be returning to this ship anyway.
A gust of wind crosses the deck, tearing at your clothes and rustling
your hair, carrying with it the familiar scent of sea air and brine. A
gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your ears. The sea
roars, waves thundering against the ship as they spray mist and foam.
“$firstname,” Aeran murmurs. “Look.”
You open your eyes. The haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds,
and the //Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free,
open waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull away, an ache twisting in the pit of your stomach. You glance at
him, expecting to see a hurt expression, but instead he looks at you
with bright eyes, a small smile playing across his lips.
“I’m sorry, $nickname,” he says, leaning against the railing. “Should
have asked first.”
You shrug and join him, standing side by side. “It’s fine,” you say. “I
didn’t entirely mind.”
He chuckles and exhales a long breath. He raises his head, eyes scanning
the fog, watching the grey waters as if he expects them to reveal some
hidden secret. A gust of wind crosses the deck, tearing at your hair and
rustling your clothes, carrying with it the familiar scent of sea air
and brine. A gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your
ears. The sea roars, waves thundering against the ship as they spray
mist and foam.
“$firstname,” Aeran murmurs, nodding to the obscured horizon. “Look.”
You raise your head and follow his gaze. The haze lifts, the sun bursts
through the clouds, and the //Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog
and out into free, open waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranromm >=10>>“Aeran,” you murmur.
He is breathing heavily and, for a moment, he doesn’t seem to understand
what he has done. His face is very close to yours; you can feel his
breath on your cheek as his full weight presses into you, trapping you.
<<if $strength >=9>>Though you could easily throw him
off, you’re frozen, unable to move—unable to do or say anything except
meet those burning blue eyes.<<else>>You doubt you could
throw him off, even if you tried. You’re frozen, unable to move—unable
to do or say anything, except meet those burning blue
eyes.<</if>>
The moment breaks.
Aeran blinks, his eyes widening with shock. He lets go and stumbles
back, scrambling away from you, his cheeks flushed with shame.
“$firstname, I…”
You rub a hand across your collarbone, soothing the place where he
struck you. “Aeran…”
He runs a hand through his hair and averts his gaze. He can’t bring
himself to look at you. Lost for words, you fall silent. You half expect
him to leave, to flee across the deck and put as much distance between
you as possible, but he doesn’t.
Closing his eyes, he exhales an uneven breath and grips the railing,
steadying himself on the uneven deck. A gust of wind crosses the deck,
tearing at his clothes and rustling his hair, carrying with it the sharp
scent of brine and fish. A gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing
harshly in your ears. The sea roars, waves thundering against the ship
as they spray mist and foam in the air.
“It’s complicated, $firstname,” he says finally. “I’m sorry. I swear,
I’ll tell you… I just… can’t. Not yet.”
You pause, at a loss for the right words as you search for something to
say—
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.<<else>>“What the hell are you doing?” you say.
Aeran blinks, his eyes widening with shock. He lets go and stumbles
back, scrambling away from you, his cheeks flushed with shame.
“$firstname, I…”
You rub a hand across your collarbone, soothing the place where he
struck you. “What’s gotten into you?”
He runs a hand through his hair and averts his gaze. He can’t bring
himself to look at you. You half expect him to leave, to flee across the
deck and put as much distance between you as possible, but he doesn’t.
You fold your arms and rub the sore spot on your collarbone, watching
him carefully as he leans against the railing. He closes his eyes and
exhales an uneven breath, his fingers gripping the rail to keep himself
steady on the uneven deck. A gust of wind blows, tearing at his clothes
and rustling his hair, carrying with it the sharp scent of brine and
fish. A gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your ears.
The sea roars, waves thundering against the ship as they spray mist and
foam in the air.
“It’s complicated, $firstname,” he says finally. “I’m sorry. I swear,
I’ll tell you… I just… can’t. Not yet.”
You pause, at a loss for the right words as you search for something to
say—
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
don’t want to fucking go there, $firstname,” he snarls. “You weren’t at
the Spire—”
You laugh harshly. “So, this has something to do with the Spire, huh?”
He grips your tunic and pulls you close, anger burning in his eyes.
“Don’t,” he hisses. “You don’t know //anything—”//
//“Let me go.”//
<<if $strength >=9>>He pauses, his fingers tightening on
your collar. Snarling under your breath, you wrench yourself free from
his grasp and shove him back. He stumbles away, momentarily caught
off-balance, and draws to a halt.<<else>>He pauses, his
fingers tightening on your collar. You briefly think of shoving him back
or kicking him in the knees, but when it comes to pure physical
strength, Aeran has always been stronger than you. Instead, you raise
your chin and meet his gaze, a silent challenge in your eyes.
Suddenly, he lets go and pushes you away from him.<</if>>
You half expect him to leave, to march across the deck and put as much
distance between you and him as possible, but he lingers. Closing his
eyes, he exhales an uneven breath and grips the railing, steadying
himself. A gust of wind crosses the deck, tearing at his clothes and
rustling his hair, carrying with it the pungent scent of brine and fish.
A gull screeches overhead, its cry echoing harshly in your ears. The
sea roars, waves thundering against the ship as they spray mist and foam
in the air.
Aeran opens his eyes. “When this is over, $firstname…” he says darkly.
“We’re done.”
You cross your arms, one hand rubbing the sore spot on your collarbone.
And then the haze lifts, the sun bursts through the clouds, and the
//Dareia// cuts through the last of the fog and out into free, open
waters.
Your retort dies on your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 HARBOUR
APPROACH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin neq
"merchant">><<agilityPass>><</if>><<set
$mc_rigging to true>>You press your hands into the rail and hoist
yourself up. The rail is narrow, the wood slippery with brine and mist,
but you quickly find your footing. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran curses and reaches for you, grabbing your wrist.
You brush him aside and grip the shroud, clutching the thick ropes
between your fingers.<<else>>Aeran shoots you a dark look,
his mouth twisting as he forces back a snide remark. You roll your eyes
and grip the shroud, clutching the thick ropes between your
fingers.<</if>>
It only takes a moment for you to find your balance. The wind tears at
your clothing as the waves crash below, mist settling over your face and
arms. You take a deep breath and turn to face the looming city, eyes
wide with wonder and curiosity.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
press your hands into the rail and hoist yourself up. You crouch on the
railing, hands flung wide, unwilling to stand up fully until you have
found your balance. The rail is narrow, the wood slippery with
brine—this is much more difficult than you thought.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“$firstname—”
Aeran grabs your wrist. You look down at him, noting the concern in his
eyes. He glances at the churning water, then back at you.
“Come back down?” he asks.
<<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 ZENAIDCONT
11C")>><<set $mc_rigging is true>>An impish smile tugs
at your lips. “No,” you say. Grasping his hand firmly with yours, you
reach for the shroud and catch it. The ropes slide painfully between
your fingers, but once you’ve got a good grip, you let go of Aeran’s
hand and pull yourself up.
The wind pulls at you as the waves crash below, and mist settles over
your face and arms. You take a deep breath and turn to face the looming
city, eyes wide with wonder and curiosity.<<else>>You purse
your lips. “No,” you say, pulling your hand free.
A wave hits the side of the ship. You lose your balance, your feet
slipping on the wood—
You fall backwards.
Aeran grabs you before you hit the deck and sets you upright.
<<if $aeranrom >=10 is true>>He holds onto you,
supporting you as you find your footing. His hands linger on your waist,
strong and steady, unwilling to let you go.
“$firstname,” he says quietly. “I—”
“You can say it,” you interrupt. “That was stupid.”
His grip on you tightens. For a moment, you think he’s going to pull you
close, but he doesn’t. Instead, he exhales softly and lets go, turning
back to the sea. An aching pang twists deep in your chest.
“You’re not stupid,” he says quietly.
“Thanks,” you say, wrinkling your nose as you join him. The salt air
smells more pungent than before. “Appreciate it.”
He nods, but says nothing else as he watches the red cliffs. An awkward
silence settles between you. The wind pulls at you as the waves crash
below and mist over your face and arms.
You take a deep breath and turn to face the looming
city.<<else>>He holds onto you as you find your feet, then
pulls sharply away. “That was stupid,” he says, turning back to the sea.
“Yeah,” you say, wrinkling your nose as you join him. The salt air
smells more pungent than before. “Add it to the list of everything I do
wrong, why don’t you.”
A pained expression flickers across his face. “That’s not what I meant—”
“I’m not really in the mood for talking,” you interrupt.
He nods and falls silent, linking his hands together as he watches the
red cliffs. The wind pulls at you as the waves crash below, and mist
settles over your face and arms.
You take a deep breath and turn to face the looming
city.<</if>><</if>><<else>>You purse
your lips. “No,” you say, pulling your hand free.
A wave hits the side of the ship. You lose your balance, your feet
slipping on the wood—
You fall backwards.
Aeran grabs you before you hit the deck and sets you upright. He pulls
away immediately and turns back to the sea, leaving you to find your
balance.
“Thanks,” you mutter, feet slipping on the wet deck as you stumble over
to him.
He shrugs. “I’ve been saving your ass for how many years?” he says,
gazing at the red cliffs. “Can’t fight instincts, I guess.”
You grunt noncommittally and resist the urge to snap at him. The wind
tugs at you as the waves crash below, and mist settles over your face
and arms.
You take a deep breath and turn to face the looming
city.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
thread your hands together and peer across the water. The wind tears at
your clothing as the waves crash below, mist settling over your face
and arms. Beside you, Aeran stares at the red cliffs, his frown growing
stronger with every passing second.
Taking a deep breath, you raise your head and face the looming city.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARBOUR APPROACH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The closer you get, the more
imposing the city becomes. You know Velantis is among the largest cities
in the world; a composite of villages and towns that fused together
over time to create a single, lavish metropolis that fills the entire
peninsula. But you had little idea of what that size meant—until now.
The ship dips, crashing through the waves, heading for a gap in the
cliffs where an inlet carves its way out to sea. Here, the
fortifications draw to a point. The entrance to the bay is flanked by
two enormous dragons who stand guard on either side. Carved from the
same stone as the walls, they overlook the inlet with their wings and
jaws spread wide, silently judging all who pass beneath their gaze.
Ships of all kinds stream in and out of the waterway, moving around each
other in <<if $origin is "merchant">>a familiar dance that
reminds you of home.<<else>>a coordinated dance that is far
beyond you.<</if>> Warships five times the //Dareia’s// size
sail sluggishly through the waves, their broad decks cutting a wide
berth as they head for open waters. Merchant galleys slip by, ensigns
from every Lotharic city fluttering from their masts. A flotilla of
fishing boats skim the waves, threading their way through the maze of
ships with ease, their sailors whooping and hollering at the other crews
as they pass.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The //Dareia// slows its pace as it enters the inlet. You raise
your head, staring up at the eastern dragon as you sail below its gaze.
Even from this distance, you can make out the intricate details carved
into the stone. Threads of gold weave their way from the dragon’s heart
to the tips of its claws and the ends of its wings. Its wings meld into
the fortifications, flowing seamlessly into the walls. Its eyes are
carved from magic-infused gemstones, pulsing with a brilliant gold
light. You’re certain the eyes have a purpose beyond looking
pretty—perhaps they house defense mechanisms intended to protect the
harbour should the city fall under siege.
The inlet narrows, creating a natural chokepoint to slow the passage of
ships. The fortifications continue here, following the edge of the
cliffs and overshadowing the water below. You squint painfully and raise
a hand, shielding your eyes. The white walls shine with an enhanced
brilliance, reflecting the morning sun.
The effect is so blinding, you nearly miss the intricate mosaics that
line the walls. Pristine tiles of blues, greens and golds create a
soaring tapestry as one wall’s art flows seamlessly into the next: a
phoenix wreathed in flame and crowned with the sun; a twisted tree whose
roots seep into the moon; two swans intertwined, their wings spread
wide; a falcon soaring above a field of broken spears; an unfurled
scroll backdropped against the celestial heavens; an upturned hourglass
in an empty void.
You recognize the iconography. Symbols of the Hexatheon, the gods of the
Meissandium.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The //Dareia// slows to a crawl. The cliffs are so close here
that they overshadow the water and nearly block out the sun. <<if
$mc_rigging is true>>You grip the rigging, pulling yourself across
the ropes as you peer through the crowded
waterway.<<else>>You lean out and peer through the crowded
waterway.<</if>> Beyond this point, you see rolling water
and cresting waves. If you had to guess, the inlet must open up into a
wide bay.
You watch with curiosity as a small sloop stops in the centre of the
chokepoint. Green light flashes over it once—twice—and then lurches
forward, slowly picking up speed. The sloop passes by the //Dareia//,
nearly bumping into its side as it cuts a path down the inlet. A small
family gathers on the deck. <<if $origin is "nomad">>You
catch a murmur of Sathiric and your heart aches; it’s been a long time
since you’ve heard your native tongue.<<else>>You catch a
murmur of Sathiric, but cannot understand the words.<</if>> A
child wanders away from their parents, kicking at the deck as they
fiddle with a hole in their tunic. They look up at you as you pass,
their brown eyes shining, and point in your direction, jabbering
enthusiastically.
You raise a hand and wave. The movement catches the mother’s eye. She
stares at you, her mouth open in shock, then her eyes narrow as she
takes in your weapon and black uniform. She catches her child’s wrist
and ushers them below decks before you can say a word.
Your gaze lingers on the sloop as it sails away, heading in the opposite
direction. Suddenly, light flares in your peripheral vision, bathing
the entire deck in green. You glance at Aeran through narrowed eyes,
squinting against the painful glare. The light has turned his hair
green. He shields his eyes with the back of his hand and shrugs.
Whatever security measures guard the port are of little concern to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 4>>A
moment later, the light vanishes and the //Dareia// shoots forwards,
urged on by Xanael’s crew. The red cliffs part and the inlet opens into a
wide bay. Free from the narrow waterway, the ship’s sails are full
again, catching the sharp sea wind as it sails to its destination.
The waters are surprisingly rough for a protected bay. Mist sprays your
face as the ship jerks up and down, cutting across the centre. The ship
rounds a small island—you spot a lighthouse tower jutting out from the
tangle of trees below—and heads for the shore. <<if $mc_rigging is
true>>You grip the rigging, craning your head as you take in the
sights.<<else>>You grip the railing, craning your head as
you take in the sights.<</if>> Everywhere you look, there is
something new.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>><<if $origin is "merchant">>A bustling harbour
rings around the bay. You inhale a sharp breath, taking in the familiar
scents of your childhood. The Velantian harbour is impressive, dwarfing
most ports you’ve travelled to. Every inch of shoreline is threaded with
a network of docks stretching out into deep
waters.<<else>><<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>If you thought the Docks in Rona were lively, the
Velantian harbour is overwhelming. The port is at least five times the
size and rings around the entire bay. Every inch of shoreline is
threaded with a network of docks stretching out into deep
waters.<<else>>A bustling harbour rings around the bay. It
is overwhelming in its size and breadth; every inch of shoreline is
threaded with a network of docks stretching out into deep
waters.<</if>><</if>>
The waters are thick with traffic as ships of all sizes come and go,
their captains navigating the lively bay with expertise. A wide
river-mouth splits the harbour evenly down the centre. Judging from the
colourful flags streaming in the wind, one half is for foreign vessels
and the other for Velantian ships.
Beyond the dockyards rises the city’s port district. Wide streets lined
with warehouses, inns and small shops wind their way up the bluffs.
Street vendors peddle their wares beneath bright blue and red marquees,
and a jostling fish market spreads out from a central square near the
river.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>You raise your head, peering past flat-topped roofs and
multicoloured canopies to the top of the bluffs. A bizarre edifice rises
in the distance—a twisting spire of blue-white crystal, jutting sharply
into the sky. Threads of crystal curve downward, arching out of sight.
The crystal is too far away to make out any details, but judging from
how clearly you can see it from the bay, it must be massive in size.
“The Crystalis,” a familiar drawl says behind you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA
INTROED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$nova_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Nova Markal<</notify>><<if $mc_rigging is
true>>You grip the ropes and twist, using gravity to spin yourself
around.<<else>>You glance over your
shoulder.<</if>> Nova stands some feet away, arms crossed,
her violet serithan rustling in the breeze. Like Zenaida, she is dressed
to impress. Delicate silks are gathered and pinned at her shoulder,
flowing into a single, long sleeve that connects to a small ring on her
middle finger. Small silver clasps sparkle in the midnight of her
braided hair. You cannot spot a trace of makeup on her face, but knowing
her skillset, you doubt she would bother. She can shape her appearance
at will, changing and enhancing it to whatever she wants.
<<if $mc_rigging is true>>Her dark eyes pass over Aeran and
land on you. She takes in your position hanging in the rigging and
shakes her head, tutting quietly.
“The what?” you ask. You sway in the breeze, the ropes creaking loudly
in your ears.<<else>>“The what?” you ask. The ship creaks
around you, sails and rigging straining in the strong
breeze.<</if>>
“The Crystalis,” Nova repeats. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard of
it—though perhaps I shouldn’t be. It is ancient magic. I imagine your
Order had little reason to be concerned with it.”
Aeran grunts at the slight, but says nothing. After four weeks, both of
you are accustomed to her taunts. Unlike her sister and Zenaida, Nova
has never masked her convictions. She has loathed you from the day you
met and she won’t let you forget.
<<if $mc_rigging is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What does it
do?”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOV 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her keep talking. The sooner she
talks herself out, the sooner she will leave.|CHAPTER 2 NARAPP NOV
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What does it
do?”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA NO RIG 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let her keep talking. The sooner she
talks herself out, the sooner she will leave.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA NO
RIG
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Nova
throws back her head and laughs. “Nothing at all, of course,” she says.
“It is merely one of Velantis’ many geological oddities, a remnant of
the Astrandium. Its power has long since dwindled away. It is nothing
more than a pretty formation of rock and crystal, of interest only to
scholars and pilgrims.”
You shoot her a flat look. “I see. Thanks, I guess.”
Her lips press into a thin line. “Are you a sailor or are you a
Wayfarer?” she asks brusquely. “Come down before you make a fool of
yourself.”
You grasp the ropes, holding on tight. “Just taking in the sights—”
“Which you can do from the safety of the deck,” she interrupts. “Throw
yourself into the harbour on your own terms, $lastname, I don’t care.
But for now, you represent Zenaida. You are a part of her entourage, and
I will not have you embarrass her.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
pauses, waiting for you to say something. When you do not rise to her
barb, she tosses her head and smooths down her skirts. “Since this is
clearly an unfortunate gap in your knowledge, I shall have to tell you,”
she continues scathingly. “Every Imperial citizen is aware of the
Crystalis. To know nothing of it makes you look like an idiot—which
makes Zenaida look like an idiot.”
You shrug and turn away, watching the approaching harbour. The port is
packed with people, the crowd ten times thicker than Rona’s town square
on market day. The morning cacophony echoes out over the water, filling
the air with the clamorous sounds of urban life.
“The Crystalis is a geological oddity of the natural world,” she says.
“As a remnant of the Astrandium, its magic has been extinct for
millennia. Its power has long since dwindled away and it is nothing more
than a pretty formation of rock and crystal, of interest only to
scholars and pilgrims.”
You shoot her a flat look. “I see. Thanks, I guess.”
Her lips press into a thin line. “Are you a sailor or are you a
Wayfarer?” she asks coolly. “Come down before you make a fool of
yourself.”
You grasp the ropes, holding on tight. “Just taking in the sights—”
“Which you can do from the safety of the deck,” she interrupts. “Throw
yourself into the harbour on your own terms, $lastname, I don’t care.
But for now, you represent Zenaida. You are a part of her entourage, and
I will not have you embarrass her.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOV
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grit your teeth, a retort forming on your lips. Feeling Nova’s
penetrating eyes bore into you, you let it go with a weary sigh.
Shifting your weight on the ropes, you climb down from the rigging and
drop onto the deck.
Nova smiles. “See, Wayfarer? It’s not so difficult to comply with basic
decorum, now is it?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Anything to keep Zenaida happy. You, on the
other hand…”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I wanted to come down
anyway.”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer her. She’ll take any
reason to hound you.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
throws back her head and laughs. “Nothing at all, of course,” she says.
“It is merely one of Velantis’ many geological oddities, a remnant of
the Astrandium. Its power has long since dwindled away. It is nothing
more than a pretty formation of rock and crystal, of interest only to
scholars and pilgrims.”
You shoot her a flat look. “I see. Thanks, I guess.”
Her eyes narrow and she raises her chin, watching you quietly with that
familiar, persistent smirk. You can feel her searching for another barb,
another cutting remark—some way for her to turn your words against you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If you’re done being helpful, I’m sure you
have something better to do.”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore her. She’ll take any reason
to hound you.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
pauses, waiting for you to say something. When you do not rise to her
barb, she tosses her head and smooths down her skirts. “Since this is
clearly an unfortunate gap in your knowledge,” she continues scathingly,
“I shall have to tell you. Every Imperial citizen is aware of the
Crystalis. To know nothing of it makes you look like an idiot—which
makes Zenaida look like an idiot.”
You shrug and turn away, watching the approaching harbour. The port is
packed with people, the crowd ten times thicker than Rona’s town square
on market day. The morning cacophony echoes out over the water, filling
the air with the clamorous sounds of urban life.
“The Crystalis is a geological oddity of the natural world,” Nova says.
“As a remnant of the Astrandium, its magic has been extinct for
millennia. Its power has long since dwindled away and it is nothing more
than a pretty formation of rock and crystal, of interest only to
scholars and pilgrims.”
You shoot her a flat look. “I see. Thanks, I guess.”
Her eyes narrow and she raises her chin, watching you quietly with that
familiar, persistent smirk. You can feel her searching for another barb,
another cutting remark—some way for her to turn your words against you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If you’re done being helpful, I’m sure you
have something better to do.”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore her. She’ll take any reason
to hound you.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA CONT ALL][$temp to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=60 and $temp is 1>><<set $aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 5, 95)>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
chortles. You glance at him and catch the hint of a smile, his blue eyes
shining playfully. You shoot him a smile. Anything to get under Nova’s
skin.
The mage clicks her tongue.<<else>>Nova clicks her
tongue.<</if>> “Careful, $lastname,” she says. “Zenaida may
be lenient of your more egregious personality traits, but believe me
when I say your charming attitude will not—”
She cuts off abruptly, her retort left unfinished. She rushes across the
deck, pressing her hands to the railing and raises her head, staring at
the bluffs. She grips the rail, frozen in shock, her eyes wide with
horror.
<<if $perception >=9>>You follow her gaze. You see
nothing but the bustling port, the shining Crystalis, and the higher
city districts rising above it—
//No. Wait.//
You frown. It’s so far away, you’re not surprised you didn’t notice it
before. A cloud of dark smoke billows in the distance, hanging above a
distant district like a raincloud. You cock your head, your eyes
narrowing in confusion.
//Is something burning?//
A flare catches your eye. You raise your head, taking in the Gairloch
Mountains. The mysterious light is back, pulsing between the peaks,
casting its red haze across the snow. You’re not sure what it is, other
than it must be magical in origin. Maybe that is what has caught Nova’s
attention?<<else>>You follow her gaze. You see nothing but
the bustling port district, the shining Crystalis, and the Gairloch
Mountains looming behind it all. The mysterious light is back, casting
its red haze across the snow. You’re not sure what it is, other than it
must be magical in origin. Maybe that is what has caught her
attention?<</if>>
“Nashira take it,” Nova curses under her breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Something wrong with that light, I
take it?”|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $perception >=9>>[[3.
“That smoke’s a bit ominous. Something’s gone wrong—hasn’t it?”|CHAPTER
2 HARAPP NOVA 03C]]<<else>><s>3. [PERCEPTION]
Conditional skill requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Nova
lets out a strangled laugh. “Wouldn’t you like to know—”
“That’s why I’m asking.”
The light in the mountains flickers. For a moment, it seems like the red
cast deepens, but you blink and it returns to what it was before. You
must be imagining things.
You clear your throat. “That light—”
“Is Adrasus Citadel,” Nova interrupts. “It’s always like that. You want
to know what’s wrong, Wayfarer? //That’s// what’s wrong.”
<<if $perception >=9>>She points at the city skyline. You
follow her gesture and take in the billowing
smoke.<<else>>She points sharply at the city skyline. You
follow her gesture, craning your neck as you stare into the upper
echelons of the city, far above the port. A cloud of dark smoke billows
in the distance, hanging above a distant district like a
raincloud.<</if>> It hangs heavily in the air, a thick plume
of blackened haze, coiling and wafting in on itself.
“Care to explain more?” you ask.
Nova curses. “That’s Diradan,” she says, her voice strangled. “That’s
the fucking tower.”
Your stomach drops. //Shit.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What?
No!” She glances at you, her brow creased, anger in her eyes, looking
at you like you’re an idiot. Outrage tinges her voices. “No, that’s
Adrasus, it’s always like that. No. //That’s// what’s wrong.”
<<if $perception >=9>>She points at the city skyline. You
follow her gesture and take in the billowing
smoke.<<else>>She points sharply at the city skyline. You
follow her gesture, craning your neck as you stare into the upper
echelons of the city, far above the port. A cloud of dark smoke billows
in the distance, hanging above a distant district like a
raincloud.<</if>> It hangs heavily in the air, a thick plume
of blackened haze, coiling and wafting in on itself.
“Care to explain more?” you ask.
Nova curses. “That’s Diradan,” she says, her voice strangled. “That’s
the fucking tower.”
Your stomach drops. //Shit.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Nova
glances at you, her eyes wide with surprise. “Yes,” she says, her voice
strangled. “That’s Diradan. That’s the tower.”
Your stomach drops. //Shit.//
“And the light in the mountains?” you press. “That wouldn’t have
anything to do—”
“No, Wayfarer,” she says coldly. “That’s Adrasus Citadel, it’s always
there. No, our concern is that smoke. Something has happened to the
tower.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP NOVA
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Nova turns to you, meeting your
eyes. She opens her mouth to speak, but her next words are drowned out
by a roar from Xanael and their crew. The //Dareia// turns sharply and
draws gracefully into port, pulling up alongside a long, elegant dock
marked by red banners. The Arathian phoenix is barely visible as the
flags flap to and fro in the wind.
You lean out over the rail and take in your surroundings. The dock is
spacious, free from the persistent chaos found everywhere else in the
harbour. If you had to guess, this is a private mooring reserved for
House Anaxas. A detachment of guards in red armour gather on the dock,
standing at attention as the gangplank lowers. A tall elven man stands
at their head, his deep blue serithan rustling gently in the breeze, the
sun glinting off his golden hair. He carries no weapons.
From the way he holds himself, you imagine he is //exactly// the kind of
person who doesn’t need a weapon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Shit,” Nova says, pulling back from the rail. //“Shit—”//
You frown. “Who’s the committee? I thought no one was supposed to know
we were coming—”
“They weren’t,” she says, paling in anger. “Shit. Fuck.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. You haven’t even set foot on Velantian
soil and already things have not gone according to plan.
Nova exhales sharply. “Come with me,” she says. “And for the love of the
gods, don’t say //anything//—got it?” She looks past you, jerking her
head toward Aeran. She glares daggers at him.
He shrugs, muttering something darkly under his breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Together, you follow Nova down the length of the ship.
Zenaida and Malsara stand at the edge of the gangplank. They turn to
Nova, silently acknowledging her as she takes up her spot beside them.
Zenaida is struggling to keep her composure. Though she carries herself
with her usual grace, her brow is creased with worry and a golden light
flickers in her eyes. Whether she is conscious of it or not, she is
drawing on her magic to strengthen herself. Malsara, meanwhile, hovers
behind her, still as a statue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“An auspicious day, Your Grace,” the elf in blue says, bowing
elegantly. “Your return to the city has been greatly anticipated. You
left in so much haste, we feared you were kidnapped.”
“A strange assumption,” Zenaida replies smoothly. “I am a daughter of
House Anaxas. Am I not free to travel as I see fit? My cousins often
do—”
“Of course you are,” he says, raising his head to meet her eyes. “I
would never dare imply that you cannot. However, I am certain the archon
will certainly be pleased to have her flagship returned. Incidentally,
she sends her regards.”
Her lips twitch. “So, you speak for my mother now? How unexpected of
you, Sabien. Last I heard, you and my mother were not on speaking
terms.”
The elf chuckles and sweeps out of his bow, straightening to his full
height. His ageless face is pale, despite the sun, and his grey eyes
glint with a dangerous intensity. His shoulder-length blonde hair is
elegantly styled and a short, well-maintained beard covers his cheeks
and chin. His ears are studded with gold earrings and ear cuffs. It is
the only jewellery he wears, except for a single gold ring on the little
finger of his left hand.
“That’s the difficulty with travel, Your Grace,” he says amiably. “The
city is not frozen in time the moment you leave its borders. It has
been—what—three months since your departure? That is time enough for
many changes to take place in your absence.”
There’s something familiar about his face, his voice… You frown, your
eyes narrowing as you struggle to place him.
“Even so,” Zenaida replies coolly, “my mother could have easily sent an
envoy, given that she already took the trouble to send her honour guard.
How is it that the Grand Archsage now runs the archon’s errands?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Aeran stiffens beside you. Pale anger rages across his face;
his whole body tenses as he struggles to stop himself from drawing his
weapons and barreling past Zenaida to attack the man. <<if
$aeranapp >=60>>You grasp his arm, steadying him. He glances at
you and you give him a careful smile. He exhales and lowers his head.
Though the tension slowly recedes, the anger
remains.<<else>>You grasp his arm, grabbing him before he
does anything stupid. He glares at you and rips his arm free. You grit
your teeth—if anything, all you’ve done is made him
angrier.<</if>>
Keeping a careful eye on Aeran, you turn your attention towards the
elven mage on the dock. Sabien Quirinus smiles widely, unbothered by
Zenaida’s remark. So this is the Grand Archsage, the leader of the Guild
of Mages, and the supposed head of the Order of Solarath… Lethalis’
rival.
Whatever he is doing here, surrounded by the House Anaxas honour guard,
does not bode well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>“It is hardly an errand if your objectives are aligned, Your
Grace,” Quirinus says. “As I said, many things have changed in your
absence. Archon Anaxas wishes to ensure you return to the Mahanin
Palace; and I wish to intercept two rogue Savants who failed to inform
the Guild of unsanctioned activities in a little place called Rona.”
His expression hardens to steel. Gone is the amicable tone, the friendly
guise. This is an ambush, and the Grand Archsage holds the advantage.
You swallow hard, Nova’s warning ringing in your ears. You are here to
serve the Order of Lethalis; Quirinus cannot discover your purpose, at
least not until the Astrial is retrieved. You need to stay out of this.
Zenaida raises her chin and straightens her shoulders, attempting to
reassert herself. “It was a personal venture,” she says. “Nova is my
friend. I simply requested her aid—”
“An appeal that should have been approved before you departed,” he says.
“Requesting her help as a Savant of the Guild is one matter. Requesting
her help as Lady Anaxas is a different one entirely.”
He fixes her with an inescapable stare and she falls silent. Though she
refuses to cower beneath his steely gaze, her hands fall to her sides,
her fingers brushing the elegant scarlet silks of her serithan. For the
first time since you met her, Zenaida Anaxas is well and truly
speechless.
“Grand Archsage, I can explain—”
“And you will, in due course,” Quirinus interrupts, silencing her. “I
suspect it will be an interesting explanation indeed. I’m interested to
hear how you justify your waste of Velantian and Guild resources on your
little sojourn. You must know, Zenaida, that you put yourself in this
position by your own hand. Keep that in mind when your punishment comes
to fruition.”
Malsara’s hand flexes, discreetly moving towards her belt. Zenaida
glances at her, lips pursed, and subtly shakes her head.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>>“And what punishment would that be?” she asks. “Does it come
from the Guild or my mother? Remember, Sabien, that you may command me
as Grand Archsage, but in all other matters, the will of House Anaxas
supersedes your own—”
“Then it’s fortunate that Archon Anaxas and I have come to an
understanding,” he says. “The events of the past month have forced us to
put aside our differences. After all, wanton destruction brings
together the unlikeliest of allies.”
Zenaida’s brow creases. “Events? What events?”
Quirinus smiles coldly. “Look behind me, Savant,” he says. “Take in your
beloved city. What do you see? What clouds the skyline?”
Her eyes flicker upwards, past the bluffs to the city’s upper tiers. You
follow her gaze, once again looking to the surging coil of black haze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
8>>“Three weeks ago, an explosion destroyed the west wing of
Diradan Tower,” he continues. “The detonation of so much concentrated
magical energy ran rampant through the grounds, threatening to destroy
the entire complex. We were able to contain it to the tower, preventing
its spread to the rest of the city. It has been nearly a month and the
energies have yet to disperse. Diradan is abandoned; no one can set foot
within it until the remnants settle.”
Your gut twists and you glance at Aeran, exchanging dark looks. You
haven’t even set foot on Velantian soil and already your mission is
jeopardized. If the tower exploded, what does that mean for the Astrial?
Did it survive? Is it even still there?
“The tower was attacked?” Zenaida breathes. “But—”
“Did I say it was attacked?” Quirinus interrupts coldly.
She pauses. “No one informed me—”
He laughs coldly. “And who would inform you, Savant? You were at sea for
three months, cloaked from the Guild’s eyes while you had your merry
little adventure to the ass-end of the world. I hope it was a worthwhile
endeavour.” For the first time, he looks past her, his grey eyes
sweeping over Malsara and Nova to land on you. He raises a curious
eyebrow, his lip curling into a dangerous smile.
Zenaida clasps her hands together, her fingers digging forcefully into
the back of her palms. “Were there any casualties? Where is the Guild
now?”
“Relocated to the Ruval Palace,” Quirinus replies. “Archon Anaxas has
been quite accommodating in our time of need. It will serve as Guild
headquarters until Diradan can be successfully recovered.”
She says nothing, her expression impassive, and directs her attention to
the honour guard. The red-uniformed officers are silent, quietly
standing by until they receive orders.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
9>>“As for casualties…” He trails off, drawing out the moment.
“Our numbers are accounted for, save one. Archsage Bellaris’ apprentice.
That is all you need to know at present.”
“Good.” Nova folds her arms, shifting her weight impatiently from foot
to foot. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough chatter for now.
Are you going to let us off this boat or not?”
He chuckles and steps aside, gesturing to the pier behind him. “By all
means,” he says, his gaze lingering on Zenaida. “Welcome home, Lady
Anaxas.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
10>>Zenaida raises her chin and walks imperiously down the
gangplank, flanked by Malsara and Nova on either side. You follow
several paces behind, eyeing both Quirinus and the honour guard
cautiously. Your fingers itch for your sword, but something tells you
that taking an openly threatening stance will only make matters worse.
“The honour guard will escort you to the Pallaedrion,” Quirinus says.
“And from there to the Mahanin Palace—”
“Malsara can see us home, thank you,” Zenaida says. “The Pallaedrion
attracts attention I would rather avoid. I do not wish to travel through
it.”
The red-uniformed guards spread out, blocking her path. Their spears
glitter in the sunlight, their tips buzzing with the faint sound of
imbued steel. She draws to a halt, her jaw clenched with anger. For a
moment, her composure slips and you see the rage simmering behind the
mask. Gold light swirls in her eyes, burning briefly before she regains
control and snuffs it out.
“What is this?” she says.
“The honour guard will escort you to the Pallaedrion and from there to
the Mahanin Palace,” Quirinus repeats. “There will be no shortcuts
taken, no excursions begotten. The archon commanded that you be returned
to her immediately upon your arrival. She will be quite cross if that
order is not obeyed.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP SABIEN
01][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
(ndef $magianiscodex)>><<set $magianiscodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Magianis<</notify>><</if>>“Very well,” Zenaida
says. “Then we will go by barge. I do not wish to take the Pallaedrion—”
“That reluctance would have nothing to do with your new bodyguards, now
would it?” He glances at you and Aeran, a slight smirk on his lips. “I
sensed the void of //magianis// before your ship entered the harbour.
You must have an interesting story to tell, Lady Anaxas. I am fascinated
to know how not one, but two Wayfarers came to be in your employ.”
“A matter of luck and coincidence,” she says coldly. “Why should I bore
you with the details when it is, frankly, none of your business? Their
presence here relates to my political standing, not my ties to the
Guild.”
“Of course,” he replies. “Then they will reunite with you at Mahanin
Palace. Between the honour guard and Lady Markal’s talents, you are
protected well enough. You will take the Pallaedrion and return to the
archon.”
She raises her head, meeting his eyes. Silence falls over the pier,
broken only by the beating waves and the muddled discord of the bustling
harbour-side streets. They are at a standstill, both parties refusing
to bend. Quirinus may be the Grand Archsage, but Zenaida has a forceful
personality that should not be underestimated. One way or another, she
always gets her way. No doubt she will say something to manipulate the
situation or impress her authority as the archon’s daughter.
“If it is my mother who summons me, then I have no choice but to go
without complaint,” Zenaida says, breaking the silence.
You blink, taken aback by her sudden capitulation.
“But I have a request,” she continues. “As my bodyguards cannot
accompany me through the Pallaedrion and you deprive me of their
services, I leave it to you to escort them to Mahanin Palace. Unless
their presence makes you uncomfortable? In that case, we will travel by
barge.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 HARAPP SABIEN
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>//Huh,// you think. She’s trying
to bait Quirinus, hoping that he is repulsed enough by you and Aeran
that he won’t have a choice but to stand down.
“I have known many Wayfarers in my lifetime, Lady Anaxas,” he says
smoothly. “Their talents are not some unknown mystery to be feared and
circumvented at all costs, like many of our order believe. It would be
an honour to oversee their passage.” He glances at you again, a wicked
smile on his lips.
//So much for that.//
Your gut twists and you struggle to curb your rising alarm. Already, the
plan has dissolved—Diradan Tower has exploded, Zenaida is being taken
away by an honour guard, and you’re to be escorted through the city by
the Grand Archsage himself. That would be troublesome enough on its own,
but according to Zenaida, he is the leader of Lethalis’ rival faction.
And then there’s Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>He
tenses beside you, trembling with rage, too furious to speak. He glares
at Quirinus with uncontrolled anger in his eyes, which the Grand
Archsage has either overlooked or ignored on purpose. You sigh inwardly,
your fingers reflexively gripping your sword hilt. This is going to be a
challenge—one that hopefully doesn’t end with a public murder.
Zenaida turns her head, her eyes seeking yours with a silent plea: stay
low and let Quirinus do what he wants. As long as you reach Mahanin
Palace, you can regroup with her later.
You nod and release your sword. It’s one trip. You can manage that
much—and maybe even turn the situation to your advantage. As far as the
Grand Archsage knows, you’re an unknown element, a wild card. Maybe you
can get information out of him that Lethalis could never.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Zenaida descends the gangplank in stormy silence, head held
high, eyes forward. She sets foot on the pier and the honour guard
surround her, moving swiftly in a practiced formation. Malsara clicks
her tongue, a dissatisfied look creasing her brow. Amber light swirls
around her. The air rips and she disappears, reappearing seconds later
in the centre of the formation, one hand on Zenaida’s arm.
Nova lets out an exasperated sigh and marches down the gangplank, intent
on following them.
Quirinus seizes her shoulder. “Not you, Savant Markal. You fall under my
jurisdiction and you will answer for your actions.”
She grimaces, her lips twisting as she forms her retort, but something
in his expression silences her. She pulls free from his grasp and turns
away, lingering on the edge of the pier. “Fine,” she snaps, her violet
silks rustling around her. She raises her head, eyes squinting against
the sun’s glare, and stares at the distant smoke. “Fine.”
He tilts his head. “How gracious of you, Nova. You always find ways to
surprise me.”
She laughs darkly, blatant dislike flashing across her face. “Can we go
already?” she says bitterly, taking off down the pier. “It’s going to
take all day to get to Mahanin at this rate.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 01][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$solarathstatus to 3>><<notify 3000>>Faction
Unlocked: Order of Solarath<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Velantis">>The Velantian port is an
assault on the senses. The streets are full, the milling crowds pressing
against each other in the flow of traffic. Unlike other ports in the
region, there are no pack animals in sight. Delivery carriers weave
their way in and out, guiding levitating carts overflowing with wrapped
goods and cargo. Red-faced warehouse clerks holler at their workers,
waving one down only to lose another.
Vendors shout into the mess, ferociously competing to claim any
wandering customers. Music rises from somewhere, though no amount of
searching will reveal the nearby buskers. Scraps of indistinct languages
buzz in your ears, too tangled for you to make sense of them, though
you overhear the familiar sounds of your native $language. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>You tug uncomfortably at an ear; your hearing
has always been sensitive, but at this rate, you’re going to get a
headache.<</if>>
You follow Quirinus, walking several feet behind as you wind your way
through the streets. He sets an unexpectedly fast pace, his height
giving way to long strides and quick steps. Despite the teeming roads,
it is impossible to lose track of him. He cuts a wide berth, his golden
hair shining like a beacon, the crowd pulling back whenever he draws
near. It seems no one is keen to incumber him. Though he is dressed
relatively plainly for one of his station, the way he carries himself
sends a different message.
Sabien Quirinus is a powerful man—and it is not simply the power that
comes with wealth and status. Most aristocrats would never dare to
venture through a harbour district without a guard. Quirinus does not
need a guard. He could crush anyone in his path without batting an eye.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Sweat
trickles down the back of your neck, prickling your skin. Though it is
nice to have solid ground beneath your feet once more, you already miss
the fresh sea air. Here, it has all but evaporated, replaced with the
suffocating stink of urbanity. The summer sun beats down, searing your
face and arms. You are boiling in the heat, your black garments
absorbing the sun’s rays indiscriminately. Dust settles around your
boots, clouding every step. It’s been a long time since the city saw
rain.
Aeran keeps pace with you, striding along in silence. He hasn’t spoken
since you entered the city, unfazed by the multitude of new sights and
sounds. His eyes bore into Quirinus’ back, following the mage with such
single-minded determinedness the harbour barely exists to him.
You wet your lower lip and swallow hard. Your mouth remains
uncomfortably dry.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[1. Check in
with him. He might be on the verge of doing something stupid.|CHAPTER 2
BARGE TRANS 03A HIGH APP]]<<else>>[[1. Check in with him.
He might be on the verge of doing something stupid.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE
TRANS 03A LOW APP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shouldn’t speak to him now, not
when Quirinus or Nova could overhear.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $origin is
"hunter">><<if $aeranapp >=60>>[[3. [CHILD OF THE
WILDS] You can always switch languages. Stake your chances on Quirinus
being unfamiliar with Artanisian.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 WILDS HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[3. [CHILD OF THE WILDS] You can always switch
languages. Stake your chances on Quirinus being unfamiliar with
Artanisian.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 WILDS LOW APP][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. [CHILD OF THE
WILDS] Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
shake your head, forcing yourself not to interfere. Whatever Aeran’s
dealing with… hopefully it can wait until you’re safely away from
Quirinus.
You can’t blame him—not entirely. It’s not magic that’s the problem;
it’s the Guild and its political and social influence. The Guild of
Mages and its members are untouchable. Their connections within the
Rhesainian social strata far surpass your own, even before the Wayfarer
Order fell. While <<if $master neq "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn<<else>>Master Varyn<</if>> carried out her
duties as the Order’s ambassador proficiently for many years, she was
only one person. She could never match the reach and influence the Guild
has mustered over nearly a millennia.
Though the laws banning Wayfarers from Imperial territory ended over a
decade ago, your kind is not beloved here. And with the Order gone, you
and Aeran have no protection.
To put it simply: you are dancing in the palm of Quirinus’ hand. If he
wanted to lock you away in the Themistrya or destroy you utterly, there
is little you can do to stop him.
All that being said, Aeran takes it too far. His dislike of mages runs
deep—more than revulsion, more than loathing. His hatred is
unconditional. He would tear the entire establishment down and raze it
to the ground if he could. While he has always been uneasy around mages,
those feelings have intensified in the past few years. Ever since your
reunion, he has been unreservedly open in his loathing of the Guild and
everything it stands for.
Though you know Varyn suspected the Guild or the Empire had a hand in
the Wayfarer Order’s fall, as far as you know, she never found
conclusive proof. That is not enough for you to hate every mage in
existence. But for Aeran…
His anger simmers. You never know when it is about to boil over and burn
everyone.
“Something wrong, $lastname?” a sharp voice says.
You raise your head, squinting blearily against the bright sun. Nova
stands a few paces ahead, her mouth twisting with aversion. You didn’t
realize you had drawn to a complete stop, lost in thought.
“No,” you reply shortly. “Everything’s fine.”
“Good,” she says. “Do keep up. The Grand Archsage doesn’t wait around.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_overhears to true>>You reach out, your hand resting
gently on his arm. He tenses at your touch, shaken out of his trance.
“Are you all right?” you murmur, the familiar Artanisian syllables thick
on your tongue. It’s been a long time since you’ve spoken your native
language.
Aeran casts an eye in Quirinus’ direction and gives you a discreet nod.
“Yeah,” he murmurs, switching easily. His accent is smoother than yours,
with the flat tones of Tyridian inflection. “Fine.”
“You look like you want to murder him.”
He snorts. “I won’t lie. The thought has crossed my mind.”
“Dare I ask why?”
His jaw clenches. “He’s the Grand Archsage, $firstname,” he says flatly.
“Do I need a better reason?”
You pause, your tongue pressing against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. He does need a better reason. You understand
being wary of mages, but he takes it to the extreme.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE
TRANS 03 AERAN A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You understand the feeling
perfectly. Zenaida and Nova are difficult enough; being in Quirinus’
presence sends chills running down your spine.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03
AERAN B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
grab his arm, slowing him to a crawl. “What the hell is wrong with
you?” you hiss, the familiar Artanisian syllables thick on your tongue.
It’s been a long time since you’ve spoken your native language. “Get it
together. Quirinus doesn’t know why we’re here and I’d like to keep it
that way. Piss him off and he won’t stay off our backs.”
Aeran grunts, his eyes flashing dangerously. He rips free from your
grasp so forcefully he nearly knocks you backwards. “Right,” he spits,
stepping in front of you and blocking your way. “Because you can’t
//wait// to please another mage. Thinking of joining the Guild,
$firstname? It might suit you—if you had magic.”
Your jaw clenches.
Aeran’s hatred of the Guild runs deep. It’s more than revulsion, more
than loathing—it’s unconditional. He would tear the entire establishment
down and raze it to the ground if he could. While he has always been
uneasy around mages, those feelings have intensified in the past few
years. Ever since your reunion, he has been unreservedly open in his
loathing of the Guild and everything it stands for.
Though you know <<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn<<else>>Master Varyn<</if>> suspected the
Guild or the Empire had a hand in the Wayfarer Order’s fall, as far as
you know, she never found conclusive proof. That is not enough for you
to hate every mage in existence. But for Aeran…
His anger simmers. You never know when it is about to boil over and burn
everyone.
//Whatever. Don’t have time for this.//
You shove him away. “Fuck off,” you snarl in Arathian and take off down
the street.
Nova raises an eyebrow as you pass. “Problem?”
“No.”
She shrugs. “Good,” she says, tossing her hair. “Don’t fall behind. The
Grand Archsage doesn’t wait around.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_overhears to true>>You reach out, your hand resting
gently on his arm. He tenses at your touch, shaken out of his trance.
“Are you all right?” you murmur.
Aeran casts an eye in Quirinus’ direction. “$firstname, I don’t think—”
“Look at him,” you interrupt, following Aeran’s gaze. “He’s too busy
being the Grand Archsage. He’s not going to care what we’re talking
about.”
His jaw clenches. “Fine.”
“You look like you want to murder him.”
He snorts. “I won’t lie. The thought has crossed my mind.”
“Dare I ask why?”
“He’s the Grand Archsage, $firstname,” he says flatly. “Do I need a
better reason?”
You pause, your tongue pressing against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. He does need a better reason. You understand
being wary of mages, but he takes it to the extreme.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE
TRANS 03 AERAN A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You understand the feeling
perfectly. Zenaida and Nova are difficult enough; being in Quirinus’
presence sends chills running down your spine.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03
AERAN B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab his arm, slowing him to a crawl. “What the fuck is wrong with
you?” you grunt. “Get it together. Quirinus doesn’t know why we’re here
and I’d like to keep it that way. Piss him off and he won’t stay off our
backs—”
Aeran’s eyes flash dangerously. He rips free from your grasp and slams a
hand so forcefully over your mouth he nearly knocks you backwards.
“Shut up,” he hisses. “Don’t think for a second he can’t hear us, that
he’s not listening in. If you want to keep our cover, then //don’t say
anything.”//
You meet his eyes, glaring daggers. He grunts and lets go, whirling
around and taking off down the street. Dust clouds around his boots,
lingering in his wake.
Aeran’s hatred of the Guild runs deep. It’s more than revulsion, more
than loathing—it’s unconditional. He would tear the entire establishment
down and raze it to the ground if he could. While he has always been
uneasy around mages, those feelings have intensified in the past few
years. Ever since your reunion, he has been unreservedly open in his
loathing of the Guild and everything it stands for.
Though you know <<if $master neq "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn<<else>>Master Varyn<</if>> suspected the
Guild or the Empire had a hand in the Wayfarer Order’s fall, as far as
you know, she never found conclusive proof. That is not enough for you
to hate every mage in existence. But for Aeran…
His anger simmers. You never know when it is about to boil over and burn
everyone.
You exhale sharply. “Fuck it,” you mutter, hurrying to catch up with
him. “Don’t have time for this…”
Nova raises an eyebrow as you pass her. “Problem?”
“No.”
She shrugs. “Good. Don’t fall behind. The Grand Archsage doesn’t wait
around.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Nova ushers you down the street
and you fall behind Quirinus. The Grand Archsage barely acknowledges
your presence; he hasn’t so much as looked at you since you left the
pier. You haven’t decided whether such forced silence is obnoxious or
not when he leads you around a curve in the road and you’re hit with a
wave of heat and aroma.
A market spreads across a wide intersection. Food stalls and vendors are
pressed in tight knots, squeezed together in concentric circles from
the edge of the street to the river mouth. The market is an explosion of
colour, with variegated tents and pavilions standing out against the
backdrop of off-white stone and blue roof tiles. Brightly coloured
streamers dance on the wind, signalling the different kinds of goods on
offer to the busy throng. The shadows of passing ships glide over the
grounds, their sails rising high above as they float down the river.
The sizzle of oil fills your ears and you inhale the intoxicating scent
of fried fish and meat. Your stomach growls. The smell is
mouth-watering.
“This way,” Nova says, cutting through the crowd. “Don’t get
distracted.”
Your gaze lingers on a nearby food stall. You shake your head and press
onwards, disappointment twisting in your gut. The street food looks
better than any feast you can imagine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Beyond the market, a small stone mooring juts into the river. A
single river barge is anchored there, bobbing gently in the water. The
ship, though utilitarian, is beautiful—a wide, rectangular boat with
uniform seating dispersed across its deck. A raised platform rests near
the bow, with the best seats placed below a white canopy.
A queue stretches out from the pier, winding its way back up the steps
and onto the street. Couriers escorting overflowing carts wait
impatiently, tapping their feet as they fumble with paperwork. Exhausted
parents hang onto excitable children entranced by the barges’ sails. A
Meissandic cleric in white and red robes closes their eyes, tilting
their face to the sun as they expel an impatient breath. A clerk wearing
gold spectacles crouches down in line to dig through their pack,
littering the ground with odds and ends as they search their belongings
in an increasing panic.
Quirinus steps around the line and clatters down the steps, head held
high as he walks directly to the ferry master. The ferry master blanches
as he approaches and, bowing deeply, gestures to the barge. Without so
much as a thank you, Quirinus boards the ship and settles onto a seat
below the canopy, waiting expectantly.
Nova urges you and Aeran forwards. “Get on the barge,” she mutters, her
lips barely moving as she leads you past the waiting line. Her dark eyes
linger on Quirinus. “Don’t speak until spoken to. He’s going to
question you. Say as little as possible, but always answer him. Refusing
to answer will only make him more suspicious. And whatever you do,
don’t antagonize him. It will only make him worse.”
<<if $CountB_Branch2 is true>>Your gut twists. You know all
too well what happened last time your tongue got the better of you in
the presence of a powerful man. The Count may have been a remorseless
villain, at least his corruption was clear. Quirinus is an unknown
political force with powerful connections within the city. Goading him
into a fight is not a viable tactic.
“So,” you whisper back, “what you’re saying is that we need to be as
boring as possible?”<<else>>You frown, wrinkling your nose.
You can smell the street food wafting over the pier and it has only made
you hungrier. “So, what you’re saying is that we need to be as boring
as possible?”<</if>>
She draws up short, nearly tripping over her feet on the pier’s uneven
pavement. “I am not playing, Wayfarer,” she hisses, tilting her face
down as she makes a big show of smoothing down her robes. “Fuck this up
and I will personally ensure that Malsara hunts you down and guts you.”
You exhale sharply. “Thanks. What’s life without a little threat between
allies?”
She scowls. “Shut up and move.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You board the barge and a murmur of disjointed outrage echoes
in your ears. You can feel the eyes of a dozen passengers boring into
your back and their helpless aggravation is scalding. You have no idea
how long they’ve been waiting for this boat. Though you’re unfamiliar
with Velantian geography, it’s clear to you that many rely on the river
barges to travel between the city’s districts. In a metropolis like
this, there is little other choice—there are no pack animals and
travelling on foot would take days.
The deck shakes as the barge pulls away from its mooring and glides out
to the middle of the river, cutting through the emerald waters with
ease. The canopy’s sheer drapes flutter in the breeze as the boat picks
up speed, their hems whispering gently against the deck.
Aeran mutters under his breath, stalking across the deck and past the
canopy to take up a position by the prow. He folds his arms, his tanned
face wrinkling as he takes in the city sights with a scowl. He avoids
looking at Quirinus, acting as if the Grand Archsage is not observing
you with a look of enrapt curiosity.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Nova pushes past you, ducking below
the canopy and sweeping into a seat near Quirinus. She glares at you and
nods sharply, indicating for you to join her. You shake your head—the
Grand Archsage seems content to observe you for now. You don’t need to
open yourself up for questioning sooner than you have to. Ignoring the
mages, you slip by the canopy and join Aeran by the
prow.<<else>>Nova pushes past you, ducking below the canopy
and sweeping into a seat near Quirinus. She glares at you and nods
sharply, indicating for you to join her. You ignore her—the Grand
Archsage seems content to observe you for now. Stuck on a boat with
three people who loathe you, you choose the fiend you know and join
Aeran by the prow.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 4>>A
shadow falls across the water, turning the emerald green dark. The
bluffs have reached their peak, soaring high above the river as it
curves around a bend and flows northward. A large, majestic building of
red stone is erected at the summit, its towering walls flowing directly
into the cliffs. Six towers crowned with golden domes are evenly spaced
around a central, six-sided building. Curved archways lead inside, their
wide, landscaped steps bustling with traffic.
You raise your head, one hand shielding your eyes as you stare at it.
The sun beats down, searing your skin. Despite the cool mist spraying up
from the river, it’s unbearably hot on the deck.
You frown. There’s something odd about the building… As you watch, you
notice there are far more people coming out of it than going in. Where
are they all coming from?
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>Aeran’s familiar presence
appears at your side. He follows your gaze, following the moving throng
with narrowed eyes. He shifts his weight, one hand reaching for
you—then he pauses, letting it drop awkwardly to his side.
A twinge of hurt burns in your chest.
He clears his throat and runs a hand awkwardly through his
hair.<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>> Aeran’s familiar presence
appears at your side. He follows your gaze, following the moving throng
with narrowed eyes. He touches your arm and grips it tight, almost as if
he’s about to pull you into him. He doesn’t—but the protective touch
remains. <<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran’s familiar
presence appears at your side. He follows your gaze, following the
moving throng with narrowed eyes. He touches your shoulder, gripping it
tight.<<else>>You see Aeran approach out of the corner of
your eye. He keeps his distance, shifting restlessly from foot to foot
as he stares up at the building, watching the moving throng with
narrowed eyes.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“The Pallaedrion,” Nova says, her voice echoing behind you.
You glance over your shoulder. She leans against one of the canopy’s
pillars, resting at the edge of its shade. Her serithan rustles around
her in the breeze, the violet skirts mingling with the soft, sheer
drapes. She purses her lips, an unreadable expression on her face.
<<if $perception >=9>>Though you usually pride yourself
on your ability to read others<<if $master is "Varyn">> (a
gift from Varyn’s training)<</if>>, it’s impossible to know
what Nova is thinking.<<else>>It’s impossible to know what
she’s thinking—it always is.<</if>> She radiates dislike
like a fire emanates heat. At this point, you’re certain nothing in the
world can satisfy her, she will always be unhappy. As for right now, you
can’t tell who she hates more—you or Quirinus.
“Zenaida should have reached it by now,” Nova continues, adjusting the
pinned silks gathered at her shoulder. “Maybe she’s even reached the
palace. No doubt she will have time to bathe and change, eat a fancy
meal, and negotiate with her mother by the time we arrive.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What Zenaida does isn’t really my
business.”|CHAPTER 2 BARGE NOV 01A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What’s your problem now?”|CHAPTER 2
BARGE NOV 01B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95),
$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her. Quirinus is
listening.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE NOV 01C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Magic
can’t harm you. While it’s true that mages have killed Wayfarers in
combat, it has been through manipulation of the environment or other
mitigating factors. Magic has never been the thing you need to be wary
of—it’s the Guild’s political and social influence. The Guild of Mages
and its members are untouchable. Their connections within the Rhesainian
social strata far surpass your own, even before the Wayfarer Order
fell. While <<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn<<else>>Brissa Varyn<</if>> carried out her
duties as the Order’s ambassador proficiently for many years, she was
only one person. She could never match the reach and influence the Guild
has mustered over nearly a millennia.
Though the laws banning Wayfarers from Imperial territory ended over a
decade ago, your kind is not beloved here. And with the Order gone, you
and Aeran have no protection.
To put it simply: you are dancing in the palm of Quirinus’ hand. If he
wanted to lock you away in the Themistrya or destroy you utterly, there
is little you can do to stop him.
All that being said, Aeran takes it too far. His dislike of mages runs
deep—more than revulsion, more than loathing. His hatred is
unconditional. He would tear the entire establishment down and raze it
to the ground if he could. While he has always been uneasy around mages,
those feelings have intensified in the past few years. Ever since your
reunion, he has been unreservedly open in his loathing of the Guild and
everything it stands for.
Though you know Varyn suspected the Guild or the Empire had a hand in
the Wayfarer Order’s fall, as far as you know, she never found
conclusive proof. That is not enough for you to hate every mage in
existence. But for Aeran…
His anger simmers. You never know when it is about to boil over and burn
everyone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 AERAN
A-2][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>It’s
not that you fear physical harm. You know full well that Quirinus
cannot hurt you—at least, not through conventional means. Mages have
killed Wayfarers in combat, but only through manipulation of the
environment or other mitigating factors. Magic itself cannot harm you.
No. What scares you is the political and social power the Guild of Mages
embodies. They are untouchable. Their connections within the Rhesainian
social strata far surpass your own, even before the Wayfarer Order
fell. While <<if $master neq "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn<<else>>Master Varyn<</if>> carried out her
duties as the Order’s ambassador proficiently for many years, she was
only one person. She could never match the reach and influence the Guild
has mustered over nearly a millennia.
Though the laws banning Wayfarers from Imperial territory ended over a
decade ago, your kind is not beloved here. And with the Order gone, you
and Aeran have no protection.
To put it simply: you are dancing in the palm of Quirinus’ hand. If he
wanted to lock you away in the Themistrya or destroy you utterly, there
is little you can do to stop him.
There is too much power in the Guild. You can’t blame Aeran for hating
them. His loathing runs deep, his hatred bordering on unconditional. He
would tear the entire establishment down and raze it to the ground if he
could. While he has always been uneasy around mages, those feelings
have intensified in the past few years. Ever since your reunion, he has
been unreservedly open in his loathing of the Guild and everything it
stands for.
Varyn suspected the Guild or the Empire had a hand in the Wayfarer
Order’s fall. You never did hear if she found conclusive proof, but for
all you know, you may be following the man who orchestrated the massacre
of your order. Aeran was at the Spire. It’s no wonder he looks like
he’s about to murder the Grand Archsage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 AERAN
B-2][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“You
do,” you say finally, steeling your words. “You do need a better reason
than that. Dislike him all you want, you’re going to do us no favours
if you piss him off. He may be the Grand Archsage, but even if he has
somehow personally accosted you, now’s not the time to handle him.”
Aeran tenses. He avoids your gaze, tilting his head back as he eyes the
skyline and the dark clouds obscuring Diradan Tower.
“We just need to put up with him long enough to find Zenaida and figure
out what the hell is happening,” you continue. “We’re abnormalities. The
last thing we need is him asking questions about why we’re here. Keep
him happy and we keep him off our backs.”
He draws to an abrupt stop. “Right,” he says. “Because that’s all we do
now—keep //mages// happy.”
You grit your teeth and your grip digs reflexively into his arm. A
retort bubbles on your lips.
“Hey!” a voice snaps. “We never said you could stop.”
You raise your head.
Nova stands a few feet ahead of you, glaring daggers. “You’re not
fucking tourists,” she says. “Let’s //go.”//
She jerks her head sharply, gesturing for you to hurry. Quirinus marches
on ahead, slowing for no one. His blonde hair gleams in the sunlight, a
sharp contrast in the sea of brown and black-haired Velantians.
Aeran grunts and pulls his arm free, striding down the road at a furious
pace. He passes Nova, who grimaces and shrugs, watching him go with an
unreadable look on her face.
You exhale wearily. //So much for that…//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“It’s
not for long,” you murmur under your breath, watching the back of
Quirinus’ head as he strides further down the road, the crowds parting
before him like water pulling back from shore. His shoulder-length
blonde hair gleams in the sun, a stark contrast in the sea of brown and
black-haired Velantians. “We just have to put up with him until we find
Zenaida and figure out what the hell is going on.”
He chuckles hollowly. “Yeah,” he mutters. “I don’t know what we were
expecting. Of course things have already gone to shit. Can’t trust a
mage to do anything right.”
You squeeze his arm. He draws to a halt and turns to you, smiling
tightly.
“Hey!” a voice snaps.
You raise your heads.
Nova stands some feet ahead of you, glaring daggers. “We never said you
could stop,” she says, squinting at you as she shields her eyes with the
back of her hand. “You’re not fucking tourists. Let’s //go.”//
Exchanging looks with Aeran, you take off once again down the street. He
walks a little taller now, a little less forcefully, striding
comfortably at your side as you hurry to catch up with Quirinus.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
clicks her tongue and shakes her head. “You don’t understand,” she
mutters, leaning heavily against the pillar. “Of course you wouldn’t.”
You turn back to the rippling river and the passing cliffs. The water is
surprisingly clean for a city this size—no floating refuse, no tangled
reeds, no unwanted blooms of algae. “Then why don’t you try explaining
it, instead of throwing half-hearted insults at my face?”
<<if $lethalisapp >=60>>She snorts derisively, but you
can hear a tinge of laughter in her voice. Maybe she is warming up to
you after all.<<else>>She snorts.<</if>> “If not
for you, I could have gone with her,” she says. “The Pallaedrion is the
connection point between every Velantian district. Within a matter of
minutes anyone can travel from one end of the peninsula to the other.
Well… //almost// anyone. To you it’s little more than a glorified
fortress guarding thirty-six useless pieces of rock.”
You crane your neck, glancing up at the towering building and its
bustling crowds. An uncomfortable knot tightens in your chest. Your work
has carried you to many places, but you have kept your distance from
cities on the forefront of magical invention. The Pallaedrion is only
one of Velantis’ many great engineering feats, crafting and sustaining a
network of portals capable of transferring hundreds of thousands of
people across the city.
Yet another ordinary part of life from which you are exempt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE NOV
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>She
snorts derisively. “What do you think?” she says spitefully. “If not
for you, I could have gone with her. The Pallaedrion is the connection
point between every Velantian district. Within a matter of minutes
anyone can travel from one end of the peninsula to the other. Well…
//almost// anyone.”
You turn back to the rippling river and the passing cliffs. The water is
surprisingly clean for a city this size—no floating refuse, no tangled
reeds, no unwanted blooms of algae.
“To you it’s little more than a glorified fortress guarding thirty-six
useless pieces of rock.”
You crane your neck, glancing up at the towering building and its
bustling crowds. An uncomfortable knot tightens in your chest. Your work
has carried you to many places, but you have kept your distance from
cities on the forefront of magical invention. The Pallaedrion is only
one of Velantis’ many great engineering feats, crafting and sustaining a
network of portals capable of transferring hundreds of thousands of
people across the city.
Yet another ordinary part of life from which you are exempt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE NOV
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn back to the rippling river and the passing cliffs. The water is
surprisingly clean for a city this size—no floating refuse, no tangled
reeds, no unwanted blooms of algae.
“If not for you, I could have gone with her,” Nova says.
You close your eyes and bite your tongue. The spite is impossible to
miss.
“The Pallaedrion is the connection point between every Velantian
district,” she continues. “Within a matter of minutes anyone can travel
from one end of the peninsula to the other. Well… //almost// anyone. To
you it’s little more than a glorified fortress guarding thirty-six
useless pieces of rock.”
You open your eyes and crane your neck, glancing up at the towering
building and its bustling crowds. An uncomfortable knot tightens in your
chest. Your work has carried you to many places, but you have kept your
distance from cities on the forefront of magical invention. The
Pallaedrion is only one of Velantis’ many great engineering feats,
crafting and sustaining a network of portals capable of transferring
hundreds of thousands of people across the city.
Yet another ordinary part of life from which you are exempt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 BARGE NOV
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$pallaedrion_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: The Pallaedrion<</notify>>“Didn’t realize it was
so //busy,”// Aeran mutters.
Nova shrugs. “Why would you? As I said—it’s not for you. None of this is
for //you.”//
You pause, your brows drawing together. Why is she trying to antagonize
you now? This feels more pointed than her usual spite, but she also
warned against bringing undue attention to yourself. <<if
$perception >=9>>Unless she’s doing this on purpose in an
attempt to distance herself from you in front of the Grand
Archsage…<<else>>What is she playing at?<</if>>
“Nova,” Quirinus calls. “Your disrespect does you no credit.”
She tilts her head back, brushing a strand of loose hair behind an ear.
“I don’t particularly care,” she says, glaring at you. “Respect is
earned—only fools give it away freely. As far as I’m concerned, they
have done nothing to receive mine.”
“Then perhaps this is an opportunity to learn about our wayfaring
friends,” he says, turning to you. Beneath the shadow of the canopy, his
grey eyes gleam with interest. “Why don’t you all sit down? It is far
too hot for heated arguments and raised tempers.”
You glance at Aeran. He stands tersely on the deck, the wind rustling
his hair, one hand resting reflexively on his quiver. He stares at the
water, jaw clenched, forcing himself to stay quiet.
Leaving him at the prow, you duck beneath the canopy and settle onto a
seat across from Quirinus.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN BRANCH
1][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Nova told you not to say anything
unless he speaks first. Stay quiet until he asks you something
directly.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN BRANCH 2][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>>The words
come out harsh and sharp. Though it is not yet noon and you are hardly
fatigued from your morning, your patience is running thin. Your seat is
softly cushioned and annoyingly comfortable; no doubt this area is
typically reserved for elite passengers. Your scabbard rubs
uncomfortably at your hip, jerked out in an awkward direction.
Nova scowls. She shoots you a dark look, but is otherwise silent.
Quirinus smiles. “This is an unprecedented event, Wayfarer,” he says,
leaning back luxuriously. He crosses one leg over the other and observes
you with those penetrating grey eyes. “I never thought I’d see the day
when your kind returned to Velantis.”
There is something so familiar about his face… What is it? Where have
you seen him before?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wayfarers have always travelled far and
wide. It’s in the name. Velantis is just another city on the way to
other places.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 01A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “What do you mean,
//my// kind?”' 'CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 01B'>><<set $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Heed Nova’s warning and shut
up.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 01C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp +
1, 5, 95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>>You fold
your arms and lean back into your seat. It is softly cushioned and
annoyingly comfortable; no doubt this area is typically reserved for
elite passengers. Your scabbard rubs uncomfortably at your hip, jerked
out in an awkward direction.
“This is an unprecedented event, Wayfarer,” Quirinus says after a
moment. He shifts in his seat, leaning back and crossing one leg over
the other. “I never thought I’d see the day when your kind returned to
Velantis.”
Your gut twists. Without thinking, you round on him and meet his gaze.
His penetrating grey eyes stare back at you, eerily observant.
There is something so familiar about his face… What is it? Where have
you seen him before?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wayfarers have always travelled far and
wide. It’s in the name. Velantis is just another city on the way to
other places.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 01A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “What do you mean,
//my// kind?”' 'CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 01B'>><<set $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. He hasn’t asked you a question yet.
Technically. Heed Nova’s words and stay quiet.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
01C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“Incorrect,”
he counters.
You blink. “Excuse me?”
“Velantis is no mere pause on the voyage to a greater destination,”
Quirinus continues. “Journey’s end is in the lifeblood of this city.
Pilgrims venture to Eidrania to seek the blessings of the Meissandic
gods. Scholars come to study the Crystalis, seeking to untangle the
secrets of an ancient history scarred into the very earth. Students the
world over arrive on our shores with the naïve hope that their
acceptance into Diradan Tower will bring them the prestige and clout
they so sorely seek. Delegates seek the favour of House Anaxas, hoping
their ties to the Imperial family will further their political gains.
There is nothing beyond Velantis, save Velantis itself.”
Your fingers dig into your seat. There’s something about this man’s
effortlessly self-important tone that resonates in your mind, shaking
lose memories from years ago… But you’ve never had much to do with the
Guild and have only met a handful of mages over the course of your
career. And none of them could have been the //Grand Archsage.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Nice speech. How long have you had that one
memorized?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 02A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '“Thanks for enlightening
me. Fortunately, Master $master taught me to see through the bullshit.”'
'CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 02B'>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nova looks like she’s about to throw
you overboard. Better shut up.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>He
scoffs. “We are in the heart of the Empire, child,” he says. “Even
after Brissa Varyn negotiated a release on the laws banning your order
from Imperial territory, your kind is far from welcome here. Velantians
pride themselves on their magical prowess. To walk among them freely,
prowling the streets… You’re like a fiend from a folktale, come to haunt
them all.”
You grit your teeth. You received a few odd looks as you passed through
the harbour, but nothing you’re unused to. Most people are too busy to
look that closely. Most don’t have time to care.
“That’s a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you think?” you say.
“Hardly,” he replies coolly. “You’re a void, Wayfarer. No aura, no
power, no //light.// Even the weakest person can draw on the thinnest
thread of magic. But you…” He tilts his head and blinks slowly, as if
trying to discern some invisible force around you. “Nothing. Surely you
must understand how such an abnormality is… repellent to the general
public.”
A flush sears your skin. “We’re not—”
“I do not find you repellent, of course,” he continues, cutting sharply
across you. “I would never think less of you for a condition outside
your control. The Meissandium teaches that magic is a gift of the
Hexatheon, a blessing of the gods, and that those without it are cursed.
Ancient, misguided rhetoric, a blatant attempt to explain that which is
not understood. The source of magic remains a mystery, but we
understand more and more about it with every passing decade. Magic is no
more mystical than the rise and fall of the sun. It is unfortunate that
so many in the Empire—and in Velantis itself—ascribe to refuted
beliefs.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Huh. There might even be a compliment
buried in all that chatter. Thanks, I guess.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
01B-2][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Are you done?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
01B-2B][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5,
70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nova looks like she’s about to throw
you overboard. Better shut up.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
01B-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>>You
press your lips together and look away, focusing on the river. The
green waters part seamlessly by the boat, barely rippling as it heads
upstream. The sunlight dances on the waters, sparkling brightly. It
nearly burns your eyes.
In your peripheral vision, you see Nova relax. Though she is far too
high-strung to drop her guard completely, her expression softens and she
loosens her arms, folding her hands quietly in her lap.
You can feel Quirinus watching you. You refuse to look at him; if he
wants to break the silence, then it’s up to him.
You hear a rustle of fabric as he shifts in his seat. “What is your
name, Wayfarer?” he calls casually. “We journey together now. It is
impolite not to know the names of one’s traveling companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Quirinus
throws his head back, chortling with laughter. “Think me another
arrogant, officious mage if you wish, Wayfarer,” he says. “You would be
in good company with your former masters; they never thought well of me,
even before I achieved my rank.”
Out of the corner of your eye you see Aeran snort derisively and look
away, folding his arms tightly across his chest.
“They weren’t wrong, of course,” Quirinus continues. “And neither are
you. I am just that, I will not deny it. But I have lived in Velantis
for thrice your lifetime, so believe me when I say no one ventures here
without purpose. //No one.// And I am curious to know what is yours.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Is that supposed to be a question?”|CHAPTER
2 SABIEN B1 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $master is "Varyn">>[[2.
“Then what is your purpose? What brought you here?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
03B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)]]<<elseif $master is "Sero">>[[2. “Bit rude, don’t you
think? We hardly know each other and here you are asking for personal
details.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1 03B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[2. “Good for
you. Keep that curiosity to yourself.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN B1
03B][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Quirinus
pauses. Watching you carefully, he leans back and rests an elbow on the
next seat’s backrest, fiddling with his fingers. He presses the pads of
each finger to his thumb over and over again, a strange smile slowly
crossing his face.
“Of course,” he says finally. <<if $master is "Varyn">>“I
thought I recognized the tone. Far more crass than Brissa herself, of
course, but <<if $origin is "hunter">>perhaps that’s your
backwoods upbringing.”<<else>>Wayfarers aren’t known for
their diplomacy. //Most// Wayfarers, that
is.”<</if>><<elseif $master is "Sero">>“I
thought I recognized the tone. Amali’s apprentices always have a certain
crass panache about them. <<if $origin is "hunter">>Or
perhaps that’s your backwoods upbringing.”<<else>>Then
again, most Wayfarers aren’t known for their
diplomacy.”<</if>><<else>>“I thought I
recognized the tone. Rindan’s bluntness certainly leaves a mark; for a
moment I thought I was speaking to the man himself. <<if $origin
is "hunter">>Or perhaps that’s your backwoods
upbringing.”<<else>>Then again, most Wayfarers aren’t known
for their diplomacy.”<</if>><</if>>
You grit your teeth. “Come again?”
“What is your name, Wayfarer?” he says, passing over your remark. “We
journey together now. It is impolite not to know the names of one’s
traveling companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
snap your mouth shut and look away, focusing on the river. The green
waters are parted seamlessly by the boat, barely rippling as it heads
upstream. The sunlight dances on the waters, sparkling brightly. It
nearly burns your eyes.
“What is your name, Wayfarer?” Quirinus says after a moment. “We journey
together now. It is impolite not to know the names of one’s traveling
companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>He
shrugs and folds his hands, linking his long, pale fingers together. “A
statement,” he says. “But you may answer it, if you like.”
“Don’t encourage $himher, Sabien,” Nova says flatly, fixing you with a
scowl. “You haven’t been trapped on a ship for four weeks with $himher.
You have no idea how tiresome $hisher voice can be.”
He raises a pale eyebrow and runs a hand across his chin. “Raised the
ire of Savant Markal already?” he says. “Fascinating.”
You shrug, throwing Nova a dark look. “Didn’t have to do much, to be
honest,” you say. “I annoy her simply by existing.”
She meets your eyes. For a brief moment, her lips twitch in an approving
smile—and then it twists into a deep scowl, her open hostility
magnified tenfold.
“You are not alone, Wayfarer,” Quirinus says, noting Nova’s dark glare.
“There are very few people on this planet whom Nova Markal approves.
Savant Anaxas is one; her sister is another, and…” He trails off, grey
eyes dancing wickedly. “No, I believe that is all—save herself, of
course. Us mages are so self-centered, after all. Even if you were
trained by Brissa Varyn herself, you would never win her over.”
You sit up straight, your sword hilt digging into your side. “You know
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn<<else>>Varyn?”<</if>>
His smile vanishes. “Of course I do,” he says. “The Guild and the
Order’s histories are far more intertwined than your beloved masters
ever told you. I knew Brissa and Rindan well over the decades—long
before that upstart of a grandmaster began their command and stripped
your Order of its effectiveness.” He pauses, leaning forwards with his
elbows balanced on his knees, and fixes you with a calculating look.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MANNERISMS
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Quirinus
pauses. He leans back, resting an elbow on the next seat’s backrest. He
fiddles, pressing the pads of each finger to his thumb over and over
again as he observes you with unblinking eyes. “I recognize that tone,”
he says after a moment, the corners of his lips turning upward. “You
were trained by <<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn<<elseif $master is "Sero">>Amali
Sero<<else>>Rindan Cenric<</if>>, were you not?”
A chill prickles the back of your neck. How did he know? You barely said
anything. He’s a powerful man; he must have informants everywhere, no
doubt. Considering he was waiting for Zenaida before the //Dareia// even
pulled into port, you wouldn’t be surprised if he had profiles on every
single person onboard that ship.
“Yeah, I was,” you say finally. “What about it?”
He chuckles. “Oh, nothing at all,” he says coolly. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>“I can see her in you, child. Her mark is all over
you.”<<elseif $master is "Cenric">>“Rindan leaves a
particular impression on his apprentices. They are notoriously…
defensive.”<<else>>“I can hear the shadow of that upstart
they call a grandmaster in your words, child. They never fail to leave
an impression.”<</if>>
You give him a flat stare. “What do you mean?”
“What is your name, Wayfarer?” he says, passing over your question. “We
journey together now. It is impolite not to know the names of one’s
traveling companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_mentor to true>><<if ($persuasion gt $strength)
&& ($persuasion gt $agility) && ($perception gt
$strength) && ($perception gt $agility)>>“You were trained
by Brissa Varyn, were you not? Your mannerisms betray you.”
<<if $master is "Varyn">>A chill prickles the back of your
neck. “Yeah. I was. What about it?”
Quirinus raises his chin. “Oh, nothing at all,” he says coolly. “I can
see her in you, child. Her mark is all over you.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “What do you
mean?”<<elseif $master is "Cenric">>A cool smile tugs at the
corner of your lip. “No, I wasn’t,” you say, a flush of pride flaring
in your chest. “I was trained by Rindan Cenric.”
“Yes, I can see that now,” Quirinus says sharply. “Rindan always leaves a
mark on his students. They are notoriously… //defensive.”//
You frown. “What does that mean?”<<else>>A cool smile tugs
at the corner of your lip. This misclassification of your talents is, no
doubt, exactly what Sero would want. “No, I wasn’t,” you say. “I was
trained by that upstart you clearly dislike. What did Sero do to you? It
wasn’t the stone trick, was it?”
You clearly remember Sero’s ongoing rivalry with Cenric. Every day,
Cenric would remove a stone from under the wobbly step leading to his
office. And every day, the rock would somehow find its way back to its
original place. No matter where he disposed it or how far he threw it,
the exact same rock would always return to haunt Cenric’
step.<</if>><<elseif ($strength gt $perception)
&& ($strength gt $perception) && ($agility gt
$persuasion) && ($agility gt $persuasion)>>“You were
trained by Rindan Cenric, were you not? Your mannerisms betray you.”
<<if $master is "Cenric">>A flush burns in your chest, pride
mixed with annoyance that Quirinus has seen right through you. “Yeah, I
was,” you say sharply. “What about it?”
Quirinus raises his chin. “Oh, nothing at all,” he replies coolly.
“Rindan leaves a particular impression on his students. They are
notoriously… //defensive.”//
You frown. “What does that mean?”<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>You smirk. If Varyn were here, she’d be quite satisfied
at Quirinus’ inability to read you. “No, I wasn’t,” you say. “I was
trained by Brissa Varyn.”
He blinks. For a moment, the arrogant mask shatters as a sliver of doubt
flashes across his face. “Of course,” he says. “I see it now. Her mark
is all over you.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “What do you
mean?”<<else>>A cool smile tugs at the corner of your lip.
This misclassification of your talents is, no doubt, exactly what Sero
would want. “No, I wasn’t,” you say. “I was trained by that upstart you
clearly dislike. What did Sero do to you? It wasn’t the stone trick, was
it?”
You clearly remember Sero’s ongoing rivalry with Cenric. Every day,
Cenric would remove a stone from under the wobbly step leading to his
office. And every day, the rock would somehow find its way back to its
original place. No matter where he disposed it or how far he threw it,
the exact same rock would always return to haunt Cenric’
step.<</if>>
<<else>>“You were trained by Amali Sero, were you not? Your
mannerisms betray you.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>A chill prickles the back of your
neck. “Yeah,” you say. “I was. I was trained by that //upstart// you so
clearly dislike. What did Sero do to you, by the way? It wasn’t the
stone trick, was it?”
You clearly remember Sero’s ongoing rivalry with Cenric. Every day,
Cenric would remove a stone from under the wobbly step leading to his
office. And every day, the rock would somehow find its way back to its
original place. No matter where he disposed it or how far he threw it,
the exact same rock would always return to haunt Cenric’
step.<<elseif $master is "Cenric">>A cool smile tugs at the
corner of your lip. “No, I wasn’t,” you say, a flush of pride flaring in
your chest. “I was trained by Rindan Cenric.”
“Yes, I can see that now,” Quirinus says sharply. “Rindan always leaves a
mark on his students. They are notoriously… //defensive.”//
You frown. “What does that mean?”<<else>>You smirk. If Varyn
were here, she’d be quite satisfied at Quirinus’ inability to read you.
“No, I wasn’t,” you say. “I was trained by Brissa Varyn.”
He blinks. For a moment, the arrogant mask shatters as a sliver of doubt
flashes across his face. “Of course,” he says. “I see it now. Her mark
is all over you.”
An uncomfortable knot twists in your gut. “What do you
mean?”<</if>><</if>>
“What is your name, Wayfarer?” he says, passing over your question. “We
journey together now. It is impolite not to know the names of one’s
traveling companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause. Nova stirs in her seat and gives you a sharp nod, clearly urging
you to answer the question and not to make a fuss about it.
Aeran turns his back on Quirinus and leans against the prow, staring
determinedly at the passing city. The wind ruffles his hair. The barge
is moving quickly now; you’re surprised how smooth it is in the water.
You can barely feel the river.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (ndef $lastname2)>>[[1. Tell him
your name.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME OG NAME][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 10, 79), $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]<<else>>[[1. Tell him
your name.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME MENTOR NAME][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95), $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse to answer him.|CHAPTER 2
SABIEN REFUSE NAME][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95),
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5,
70)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>>He
smiles. “You do not understand,” he says. “Velantis is not a city built
//for// you. Look around, Wayfarer. You see the river, the buildings,
the city stretching out beyond it—but what have you missed? Magic pulses
through the peninsula’s very bones, from the architectural bindings
that prevent rust and decay to the enchantments that guide the very
barge you’re sitting on.”
Your lips twitch. “Don’t see what the problem is. I haven’t broken it
yet.”
“Congratulations,” he retorts, a tinge of annoyance in his voice.
“Already you have proven yourself better behaved than that upstart of a
grandmaster.”
Your throat constricts. “You knew <<if $master neq
"Sero">>Grandmaster
Sero.”<<else>>Sero?”<</if>>
“Of course I did,” Quirinus says sharply. “I knew all the major players,
from the idiots like Avennor to your most talented field surgeons like
Sethira. The Guild and the Order’s histories have been intertwined for
centuries. I knew Brissa Varyn and Rindan Cenric long before Amali Sero
began their command and stripped your order of its effectiveness.”
He pauses, leaning forwards with his elbows balanced on his knees, and
fixes you with a calculating look.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MANNERISMS
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
snap your mouth shut and look away, focusing on the river. The green
waters are parted seamlessly by the boat, barely rippling as it heads
upstream. The sunlight dances on the waters, sparkling brightly. It
nearly burns your eyes.
Quirinus exhales sharply; you feel him debating about whether to say
more, but in the end he decides against it. “What is your name,
Wayfarer?” he asks, casually switching subjects. “We journey together
now. It is impolite not to know the names of one’s traveling
companions.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<solarathGain>><</timed>>“$firstname
$lastname.”
<<if $origin neq "urchin">><<if $origin is
"nomad">>He arches an eyebrow. “$lastname?” he says. “Curious. You
have a grand pedigree to live up to. Your family’s warriors are legends
from the Osian delta to Karth.”
You press your lips together. “I know. I’m fine on my own.”
“Are you?” he asks, smiling widely. “The years since the Spire’s fall
have not been kind to you, I take it. How else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Why not
return to your family? I’m sure they would welcome one of your talents
with open arms—”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>His eyes
narrow. “$lastname?” he says. “Of course. I can hear the Artanisian
backwoods in your accent. They say we can never truly shake our
origins…”
You grit your teeth. “Your point being?”
“The years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you, I take it,”
he says. “How else would you find yourself in Rona, engaging in the
work of a common mercenary? The clans of Brennath do not easily let
their own go. You could always return—”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>He purses his lips. “$lastname?” he says. “I do not
recognize it.”
You chuckle coldly. “Of course not. When would someone like you be
interested in Arsenian farmers? We’re far below you.”
His grey eyes gleam. “If you believe so. I find it curious, however,
that you never thought to return to them. The years since the Spire’s
fall have not been kind to you, I take it—how else would you find
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Surely
there are more… uncomplicated paths for you to take. You could always
return—”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>He arches an
eyebrow. “$lastname?” he says. “One can hardly sail within the Lotharic
without hearing that name. These days your family’s emblems take up half
the Corsida port.”
You grit your teeth. “Yeah, they’re good at that.”
He chuckles. “They are ferocious at their trade and have ensured every
port city in Rhesainia knows it,” he says. “Have you considered
returning to them? I’m sure a merchant fleet like theirs could use your
talents. And the years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you,
I take it—how else would you have found yourself in Rona, engaging in
the work of a common mercenary? On a merchant fleet—”<<elseif
$origin is "noble">>He arches an eyebrow. “House $lastname?” he
says, his eyes sweeping over you. “I see it now. The resemblance is
striking.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks.”
“I’ve heard House $lastname has fared quite well in the years since the
Vestran Civil War,” he continues lightly. “Have you not considered
rejoining them? You may not be much of an aristocrat anymore, but there
would be plenty of uses for your talents. I can see the years since the
Spire’s fall have not been kind to you—how else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? If House
$lastname—”<</if>>
A cold knot tugs in your gut. “It’s not your damned business,” you say
sharply. “If you think you can exploit my connection to them, think
again. The Wayfarer Order is the only family I know
now.”<<else>>He looks blankly at you. “$lastname,” he
murmurs. “Interesting. An uncommon name.”
“If you were hoping for some rich pedigree or secret connection to
exploit, you’re out of luck,” you say. “The only family I know is the
Wayfarer Order.”<</if>>
Quirinus clicks his tongue, but says nothing more. You shift
uncomfortably in your seat, desperate to shake off his penetrating
stare. You don’t like where this conversation has led—you can’t shake
the feeling you’ve had it before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC RECOGNIZES SABIEN
VERSION 1 OG NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<solarathGain>><</timed>>“$firstname
$lastname.”
<<if $master is "Varyn">><<if $ancestry is
"elven">>His eyes widen in surprise. “Varyn?” he says, his eyes
sweeping you up and down, searching for resemblances. <<if
$haircolour is "auburn" or $haircolour is "red" or $haircolour is
"ginger">>His gaze lingers on your $haircolour hair.<<elseif
$eyecolour is "golden">>His gaze lingers on your golden
eyes.<</if>> “I didn’t realize Brissa had blood relatives.”
“I’m not,” you reply shortly. “She’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>His eyes widen in surprise. “Varyn?” he say,
his eyes sweeping over you. “You’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “She’s more to me than
that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. You’re not the
first. Tell me, what did you do when she never returned from the
Spire?”
A cold chill runs down your spine. Your fingers flex, itching for your
sword. It takes all your will and self control not to draw your blade
and put it to his throat. “That’s hardly your business,” you say.
“Unless you happen to know her whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If she
lived, you would know long before I did.”
You swallow hard. The last you heard of Varyn was her urgent message
informing you that she was headed to Erenvor to investigate the attack
on the Spire. Five years later and you do not know the outcome of that
investigation. She could be dead, for all you know.
But the world is large and messages easily go astray, particularly when
the recipient moves around as much as you do. It is just as probable
that she hasn’t been able to reach you.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">><<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>His eyes widen
in surprise. “Cenric?” he says, his eyes sweeping you up and down,
searching for resemblance. <<if $haircolour is "black" or
$haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is "brown">>His gaze
lingers on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is "black" or
$eyecolour is "brown">>His gaze lingers on your dark
eyes.<</if>> Suddenly, his mouth splits into a wide grin.
“That bastard. Didn’t realize he went and had children.”
A uncomfortable feeling burns in your chest. “I’m not his kid,” you say.
“Not by blood anyway. He’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>His eyes widen in surprise. “Cenric?” he says,
his eyes sweeping over you. “Come now. You’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “He means more to me than
family.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Rindan always
had that touch. Who would have guessed that gnarly old archivist would
raise hundreds of children in his time. Tell me—what did you do when he
never returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Not your damn business,” you spit. “Unless you happen to know
his whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If he
lived—and I doubt he did—you would know long before I did.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. The last you heard from
Cenric was before the Spire’s fall, in a note attached to Grandmaster
Sero’s summons. He believed the summit would change the future of the
Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know he was right—just not in a way he could have
predicted.<<else>><<if $ancestry is "human">>His
eyes widen in surprise. “Sero?” he says, his eyes sweeping you up and
down, searching for resemblances. <<if $haircolour is "black" or
$haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is "brown">>His gaze
lingers on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is "black" or
$eyecolour is "brown">>His gaze lingers on your dark
eyes.<</if>> “Strange. Never thought them to be the
parenting type.”
Your chest constricts uncomfortably at the remark. “I’m not their kid,”
you say. “Not by blood, anyway. I’m more than
that.”<<else>>His eyes widen in surprise. “Sero?” he says,
his eyes sweeping over you. “Come now. Look at you. You’re hardly a
relation—”
“Do you think that matters?” you interrupt. “The Wayfarer Order is my
family. Sero is my family. I took their name for a reason—not that I
expect you to understand that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Unexpected for
the late grandmaster, I suppose. They never had much patience for
children when I knew them. Tell me—what did you do when they never
returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Fuck off,” you spit. “They’re not dead.”
“Aren’t they? How can you be certain they were not among the Spire’s
fallen when you weren’t there to see it?”
“How do you know that?” you hiss through clenched teeth.
He smiles. “Because, dear //Sero,// you are here speaking to me.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. Though part of you hopes Sero
is alive, the fact of the matter is you do not know whether they are
alive or dead. The last you heard from them was before the Spire’s fall,
in a note attached to their summons.
They were suspicious of the summit, but failed to say more. They said it
would change the future of the Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know they were right.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME MENTOR NAME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>>You shrug.
“What does it matter? Once this barge docks, we’ll go our separate
ways—”
Quirinus rises in his seat, his posture dangerously straight. “Have you
forgotten already?” he says. “Your new mistress is a Savant; she reports
to the Guild, and therefore to me. If you think this is the last time
our paths will cross, Wayfarer, you are sorely mistaken.”
You pause, jaw clenched. You can feel Nova glaring daggers at you.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran remains distant; you half
expect him to interrupt and pull Quirinus’ attention off of you, but he
is adamant in staying uninvolved.<<else>>Aeran remains
distant. In another time or another place, he’d probably interrupt and
pull Quirinus’ attention off of you, but it’s clear he has no intention
of doing that. He won’t willingly come to your rescue
anymore.<</if>>
It’s probably for the best—last thing you need is to be on the run for
the murder of the Grand Archsage.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Doesn’t mean we have to be on friendly
terms. Wayfarer is fine enough.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN REFUSE
01A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Do you usually show such interest
in Zenaida’s bodyguards?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN REFUSE 01B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nova’s going to lose her shit over
this. Tell him your name.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN REFUSE 01C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. None of this matters. Refuse to
answer him.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN REFUSE 01D][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
chuckles quietly to himself and leans back, observing you intently. You
shift uncomfortably in your seat, desperate to shake off his
penetrating stare. You don’t like where this conversation has led—you
can’t shake the feeling you’ve had it before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC RECOGNIZES HIM
MENTOR NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
memory brushes your mind—a snowy night in the Frostmark Mountains, the
sky ablaze with the southern lights. The trampled snow flush with blood.
A fannarl corpse, three Wayfarers, and a mage who asked too many
questions…
//Ah, fuck.//
Quirinus is no longer the enigmatic leader of the Guild of Mages, he is a
robed mage strolling through a snowbound forest as if he owns it.
Though it’s been nearly twenty years since you encountered him that
night, he looks as ageless as he did all those years ago. The same
styled hair, the beard, the effortlessly arrogant composure.
Your interaction with him was short, hardly memorable compared to the
whirlwind that followed; your journey to the Spire was insignificant
compared to your initiation into the Wayfarer Order. Quirinus questioned
you in that naturally insulting tone of his, then took the fannarl’s
corpse and disappeared through the portal.
And now he is the Grand Archsage. He’s been the Grand Archsage for
years.
Your jaw clenches and your body tenses, sitting straight-backed in your
seat. Quirinus does not remember you. Since you boarded this barge, he
has been angling for any information that will give him the upper hand.
You could keep it that way. However, there’s a small, niggling part of
you that wants him to know. You remember who he was twenty years ago;
you won’t be fooled by him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I remember you.”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN RECOGNIZE
MENTOR V 01A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95),
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Don’t draw more attention to
yourself than necessary. The less Quirinus knows about you, the
better.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN RECOGNIZE MENTOR V
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set
$sabien_recognizes_mc to true>>“$lastname,” Quirinus murmurs,
breaking the silence. “I remember you. A bedraggled little <<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>melusine<<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>aeda<<else>>$ancestry<</if>>
$child Cenric dragged through the snow. The fannarl nearly killed you.”
Aeran raises his head and stiffens, half glancing over his shoulder.
Your breath catches in your throat. A memory brushes your mind—a snowy
night in the Frostmark Mountains, the sky ablaze with the southern
lights. The trampled snow flush with blood. A fannarl corpse, three
Wayfarers, and a mage who asked too many questions…
//Ah, fuck.//
You return Quirinus’ gaze, eyes narrowed with recognition. He is no
longer the enigmatic leader of the Guild of Mages, he is a robed mage
strolling through a snowbound forest as if he owns it. Though it’s been
nearly twenty years since you encountered him that night, he looks as
ageless as he did all those years ago. The same styled hair, the beard,
the effortlessly //arrogant// composure.
Your interaction with him was short, hardly memorable compared to the
whirlwind that followed; your journey to the Spire was insignificant
compared to your initiation into the Wayfarer Order. Quirinus questioned
you in that naturally insulting tone of his, then took the fannarl’s
corpse and disappeared through the portal.
And now he is the Grand Archsage. He’s been the Grand Archsage for
years.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Well, it didn’t,” you say. “And neither have the multitude of
monsters that came after it.”
<<if $sabien_mentor is true>>He smirks. “$master trained you
well.”
“<<if $master is "Varyn">>She<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">>He<<else>>They<</if>>
did.”<<else>>He smirks. “Your master must have trained you
well.”
You cross your arms and shrug. You can feel him trying to piece you
together, angling for any information that will give him the upper hand.
“My talents have been honed, if that’s what you’re
after.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $solarathapp <=49>>“I’ll be curious to see
how you conduct yourself, now you are no longer a sniveling child
shaking in their furs.”
You smile flatly. “I hope it won’t come to that. I’m here for Zenaida
Anaxas, not you.”
“Quite.”<<else>>“You have survived your order’s twilight
years and are among the last of their kind,” he says languidly. “I am
curious to see how you conduct yourself.”
You smile flatly. “You already have, haven’t you?”
He chuckles. “Not quite.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR WEAPON
START][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathGain>><</timed>>Nova tenses
and throws you a furious look, her fingers digging sharply into her
folded arms.
A dark look crosses Quirinus’ face. For a moment you think he’s going to
snap and lose that infuriatingly cool composure—but instead he throws
back his head and laughs, his blazing voice echoing out across the
river. “I suppose your stubbornness should be applauded,” he says. “It’s
a defining trait of your order. I understand your desire to keep your
identity hidden, particularly in times such as these. It’s a futile
effort, of course, but this little exercise has proven quite…
informative.”
He smiles widely and leans back, his gaze sweeping the barge. He lingers
on Aeran for a moment, then passes on.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN NOVA TELLS
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$malsara_hired to true>>Nova tenses and throws you a furious
look, her fingers digging sharply into her folded arms.
Quirinus chuckles. “No,” he says. “Her Grace has had many bodyguards
throughout the years. This is in part due to her status as the Velantian
heir—there are many, even within House Anaxas itself, who would benefit
greatly from her capture or demise. However, I suspect Malsara Markal’s
employment was for another purpose than simply protecting Her Grace’s
life.”
He pauses, noting your surprise. “Oh, yes. She was hired by Lord Anaxas;
//he// is her employer, not Her Grace herself. You and your brooding
friend over there would be the first bodyguards Zenaida has chosen for
herself. You make an interesting choice.”
“Because we’re Wayfarers?” you reply, meeting his eyes. It’s hard not to
look at Aeran and drag him into this interrogation.
“What do you think?”
“When is that ever the case? When am I not judged on what I am, as
opposed to my skillset?”
“Are those not the same thing? You //repel// magic, the very essence
that binds this world together. Even if you were not trained, even if
you did not carry that blighted sword, magic would still flee at your
touch. They are as much a part of you as breathing.”
You swallow hard. Your chest is tight.
“If Zenaida wanted a mercenary, she would have hired a mercenary,” he
continues. “Undercity sellswords, Corsida Brightblades—she did not need
to sail across a continent to find a new guardian. But she did. And she
returned with you.”
“I’m just here for the money,” you mutter, your throat raw.
Quirinus smiles, his eyes glinting. “Of course,” he replies silkily.
“Thank you for indulging me. This little exercise has proven to be
quite… informative.”
He smiles widely and leans back, his gaze sweeping the barge. He lingers
on Aeran for a moment, then passes on.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN NOVA TELLS
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“You
don’t need my name,” you say darkly. “Stop asking.”
//“Nashira take it!”//
Nova nearly rises from her seat, a faint violet glow shimmering around
her. Her grimace twists into a dark scowl. “$firstname $lastname,
Sabien,” she spits, gesturing pointedly at you. “Wayfarer and a fucking
asshole. You’re welcome.”
She sits down sharply and folds her hands in her lap, her cheeks flushed
red.
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>>Quirinus arches an eyebrow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC OG NAME
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Quirinus
arches an eyebrow. <<if $master is "Varyn">><<if
ancestry is "elven">>“Varyn, hm?” he says. His eyes sweep you up
and down, searching for resemblances. <<if $haircolour is "auburn"
or $haircolour is "red" or $haircolour is "ginger">>He lingers on
your $haircolour hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is "golden">>He
lngers on your golden eyes.<</if>> “I didn’t realize she had
blood relatives.”
“I’m not,” you reply shortly. “She’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>“Varyn, hm?” he says. “You’re hardly a
relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “She’s more to me than
that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. You’re not the
first. Tell me, what did you do when she never returned from the
Spire?”
A cold chill runs down your spine. Your fingers flex, itching for your
sword. It takes all your will and self control not to draw your blade
and put it to his throat. “That’s hardly your business,” you say.
“Unless you happen to know her whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If she
lived, you would know long before I did.”
You swallow hard. The last you heard of Varyn was her urgent message
informing you that she was headed to Erenvor to investigate the attack
on the Spire. Five years later and you do not know the outcome of that
investigation. She could be dead, for all you know.
But the world is large and messages easily go astray, particularly when
the recipient moves around as much as you do. It is just as probable
that she hasn’t been able to reach you.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">><<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>“Cenric, hm?”
he says. His eyes sweep you up and down, searching for resemblances,
<<if $haircolour is "black" or $haircolour is "dark brown" or
$haircolour is "brown">>lingering on your dark hair.<<elseif
$eyecolour is "black" or $eyecolour is "brown">>lingering on your
dark eyes.<</if>> Suddenly, his mouth splits into a wide
grin. “That bastard. Didn’t realize he went and had children.”
A uncomfortable feeling burns in your chest. “I’m not his kid,” you say.
“Not by blood anyway. He’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>“Cenric, hm?” he says. “Come now. You’re
hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “He means more to me than
family.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Rindan always
had that touch. Who would have guessed that gnarly old archivist would
raise hundreds of children in his time. Tell me—what did you do when he
never returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Not your damn business,” you spit. “Unless you happen to know
his whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If he
lived—and I doubt he did—you would know long before I did.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. The last you heard from
Cenric was before the Spire’s fall, in a note attached to Grandmaster
Sero’s summons. He believed the summit would change the future of the
Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know he was right—just not in a way he could have
predicted.<<else>><<if $ancestry is
"human">>“Sero, hm?” he says. His eyes sweep you up and down,
searching for resemblances, <<if $haircolour is "black" or
$haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is "brown">>lingering
on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is "black" or $eyecolour is
"brown">>lingering on your dark eyes.<</if>> “Strange.
Never thought them to be the parenting type.”
Your chest constricts uncomfortably at the remark. “I’m not their kid,”
you say. “Not by blood, anyway. I’m more than
that.”<<else>>“Sero, hm?” he says. “Come now. Look at you.
You’re hardly a relation—”
“Do you think that matters?” you interrupt. “The Wayfarer Order is my
family. Sero is my family. I took their name for a reason—not that I
expect you to understand that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Unexpected for
the late grandmaster, I suppose. They never had much patience for
children when I knew them. Tell me—what did you do when they never
returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Fuck off,” you spit. “They’re not dead.”
“Aren’t they? How can you be certain they were not among the Spire’s
fallen when you weren’t there to see it?”
“How do you know that?” you hiss through clenched teeth.
He smiles. “Because, dear //Sero,// you are here speaking to me.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. Though part of you hopes Sero
is alive, the fact of the matter is you do not know whether they are
alive or dead. The last you heard from them was before the Spire’s fall,
in a note attached to their summons.
They were suspicious of the summit, but failed to say more. They said it
would change the future of the Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know they were right.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME MENTOR NAME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“$firstname
$lastname,” you say quickly.
Nova slowly relaxes, though her scowl remains.
“$firstname $lastname?” Quirinus echoes, an eyebrow arched. “Pleasure to
meet your acquaintance.”
“If you say so.”
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SABIEN OG NAME ALT
VERSION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$master is "Varyn">><<if ancestry is "elven">>His
eyes sweep you up and down, searching for resemblances. <<if
$haircolour is "auburn" or $haircolour is "red" or $haircolour is
"ginger">>He lingers on your $haircolour hair.<<elseif
$eyecolour is "golden">>He lngers on your golden
eyes.<</if>> “I didn’t realize she had blood relatives.”
“I’m not,” you reply shortly. “She’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>His eyes sweep you up and down, searching for
resemblances. “Pardon me for saying this, but you’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “She’s more to me than
that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. You’re not the
first. Tell me, what did you do when she never returned from the
Spire?”
A cold chill runs down your spine. Your fingers flex, itching for your
sword. It takes all your will and self control not to draw your blade
and put it to his throat. “That’s hardly your business,” you say.
“Unless you happen to know her whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If she
lived, you would know long before I did.”
You swallow hard. The last you heard of Varyn was her urgent message
informing you that she was headed to Erenvor to investigate the attack
on the Spire. Five years later and you do not know the outcome of that
investigation. She could be dead, for all you know.
But the world is large and messages easily go astray, particularly when
the recipient moves around as much as you do. It is just as probable
that she hasn’t been able to reach you.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">><<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>His eyes sweep
you up and down, searching for resemblances, <<if $haircolour is
"black" or $haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is
"brown">>lingering on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is
"black" or $eyecolour is "brown">>lingering on your dark
eyes.<</if>> Suddenly, his mouth splits into a wide grin.
“That bastard. Didn’t realize he went and had children.”
A uncomfortable feeling burns in your chest. “I’m not his kid,” you say.
“Not by blood anyway. He’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>His eyes sweep you up and down, searching for
resemblances. “Pardon me for saying this, but you’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “He means more to me than
family.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Rindan always
had that touch. Who would have guessed that gnarly old archivist would
raise hundreds of children in his time. Tell me—what did you do when he
never returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Not your damn business,” you spit. “Unless you happen to know
his whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If he
lived—and I doubt he did—you would know long before I did.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. The last you heard from
Cenric was before the Spire’s fall, in a note attached to Grandmaster
Sero’s summons. He believed the summit would change the future of the
Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know he was right—just not in a way he could have
predicted.<<else>><<if $ancestry is "human">>His
eyes sweep you up and down, searching for resemblances, <<if
$haircolour is "black" or $haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is
"brown">>lingering on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is
"black" or $eyecolour is "brown">>lingering on your dark
eyes.<</if>> “Strange. Never thought them to be the
parenting type.”
Your chest constricts uncomfortably at the remark. “I’m not their kid,”
you say. “Not by blood, anyway. I’m more than
that.”<<else>>His eyes sweep you up and down, searching for
resemblances. “Pardon me for saying this, but look at you. You’re hardly
a relation—”
“Do you think that matters?” you interrupt. “The Wayfarer Order is my
family. Sero is my family. I took their name for a reason—not that I
expect you to understand that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Unexpected for
the late grandmaster, I suppose. They never had much patience for
children when I knew them. Tell me—what did you do when they never
returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Fuck off,” you spit. “They’re not dead.”
“Aren’t they? How can you be certain they were not among the Spire’s
fallen when you weren’t there to see it?”
“How do you know that?” you hiss through clenched teeth.
He smiles. “Because, dear //Sero,// you are here speaking to me.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. Though part of you hopes Sero
is alive, the fact of the matter is you do not know whether they are
alive or dead. The last you heard from them was before the Spire’s fall,
in a note attached to their summons.
They were suspicious of the summit, but failed to say more. They said it
would change the future of the Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know they were right.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME MENTOR NAME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Nashira
take it,” Nova mutters, nearly rising from her seat. “$firstname
$lastname. That’s $hisher name, Sabien.” She gestures half-heartedly at
you and sits down, fingers curling into a fist.
Quirinus smiles softly. “Thank you, Nova,” he says, turning to you. He
barely acknowledges her as he speaks. “I knew you would save me the
trouble.”
A tense silence falls over the barge. You press your tongue against the
back of your teeth. Your skin is crawling with irritation—when can you
get off this damn boat? At this point, you might as well jump in the
river.
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC OG NAME
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$master is "Varyn">><<if ancestry is "elven">>“Varyn,
hm?” Quirinus mutters after a moment, breaking the silence. His eyes
sweep you up and down, searching for resemblances. <<if
$haircolour is "auburn" or $haircolour is "red" or $haircolour is
"ginger">>He lingers on your $haircolour hair.<<elseif
$eyecolour is "golden">>He lngers on your golden
eyes.<</if>> “I didn’t realize she had blood relatives.”
“I’m not,” you reply shortly. “She’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>“Varyn, hm?” Quirinus says after a moment,
breaking the silence. “You’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “She’s more to me than
that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. You’re not the
first. Tell me, what did you do when she never returned from the
Spire?”
A cold chill runs down your spine. Your fingers flex, itching for your
sword. It takes all your will and self control not to draw your blade
and put it to his throat. “That’s hardly your business,” you say.
“Unless you happen to know her whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If she
lived, you would know long before I did.”
You swallow hard. The last you heard of Varyn was her urgent message
informing you that she was headed to Erenvor to investigate the attack
on the Spire. Five years later and you do not know the outcome of that
investigation. She could be dead, for all you know.
But the world is large and messages easily go astray, particularly when
the recipient moves around as much as you do. It is just as probable
that she hasn’t been able to reach you.<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">><<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>“Cenric, hm?”
Quirinus mutters after a moment, breaking the silence. His eyes sweep
you up and down, searching for resemblances, <<if $haircolour is
"black" or $haircolour is "dark brown" or $haircolour is
"brown">>lingering on your dark hair.<<elseif $eyecolour is
"black" or $eyecolour is "brown">>lingering on your dark
eyes.<</if>> Suddenly, his mouth splits into a wide grin.
“That bastard. Didn’t realize he went and had children.”
A uncomfortable feeling burns in your chest. “I’m not his kid,” you say.
“Not by blood anyway. He’s more to me than
that.”<<else>>“Cenric, hm?” Quirinus mutters after a moment,
breaking the silence. “Come now. You’re hardly a relation—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “He means more to me than
family.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Rindan always
had that touch. Who would have guessed that gnarly old archivist would
raise hundreds of children in his time. Tell me—what did you do when he
never returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Not your damn business,” you spit. “Unless you happen to know
his whereabouts—”
“I don’t oversee the movements of Wayfarers,” he interrupts. “If he
lived—and I doubt he did—you would know long before I did.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. The last you heard from
Cenric was before the Spire’s fall, in a note attached to Grandmaster
Sero’s summons. He believed the summit would change the future of the
Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know he was right—just not in a way he could have
predicted.<<else>><<if $ancestry is
"human">>“Sero, hm?” Quirinus mutters after a moment, breaking the
silence. His eyes sweep you up and down, searching for resemblances,
<<if $haircolour is "black" or $haircolour is "dark brown" or
$haircolour is "brown">>lingering on your dark hair.<<elseif
$eyecolour is "black" or $eyecolour is "brown">>lingering on your
dark eyes.<</if>> “Strange. Never thought them to be the
parenting type.”
Your chest constricts uncomfortably at the remark. “I’m not their kid,”
you say. “Not by blood, anyway. I’m more than
that.”<<else>>“Sero, hm?” Quirinus mutters after a moment,
breaking the silence. “Come now. Look at you. You’re hardly a relation—”
“Do you think that matters?” you interrupt. “The Wayfarer Order is my
family. Sero is my family. I took their name for a reason—not that I
expect you to understand that.”<</if>>
He clicks his tongue. “Ah, an attached apprentice, I see. Unexpected for
the late grandmaster, I suppose. They never had much patience for
children when I knew them. Tell me—what did you do when they never
returned from the Spire?”
Your stomach drops, anger boiling in your chest. You nearly rise out of
your seat, your fingers flexing as they reach for your sword. It takes
all your will and self control not to draw your blade and put it to his
throat. “Fuck off,” you spit. “They’re not dead.”
“Aren’t they? How can you be certain they were not among the Spire’s
fallen when you weren’t there to see it?”
“How do you know that?” you hiss through clenched teeth.
He smiles. “Because, dear //Sero,// you are here speaking to me.”
A painful knot tugs in your gut and you sit down abruptly, feeling like
you’ve had a rug swept out from under you. Though part of you hopes Sero
is alive, the fact of the matter is you do not know whether they are
alive or dead. The last you heard from them was before the Spire’s fall,
in a note attached to their summons.
They were suspicious of the summit, but failed to say more. They said it
would change the future of the Wayfarer Order.
It hurts to know they were right.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MC NAME MENTOR NAME
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$origin neq "urchin">><<if $origin is "nomad">>His
eyes narrow. “$lastname, hm? Curious. You have a grand pedigree to live
up to. Your family’s warriors are legends from the Osian delta to
Karth.”
You press your lips together. “I know. I’m fine on my own.”
“Are you?” he asks, smiling widely. “The years since the Spire’s fall
have not been kind to you, I take it. How else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Why not
return to your family? I’m sure they would welcome one of your talents
with open arms—”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>His eyes
narrow. “$lastname, hm? Of course. I can hear the Artanisian backwoods
in your accent. They say we can never truly shake our origins…”
You grit your teeth. “Your point being?”
“The years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you, I take it,”
he says. “How else would you find yourself in Rona, engaging in the
work of a common mercenary? The clans of Brennath do not easily let
their own go. You could always return—”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>He purses his lips. “$lastname?” he says. “I do not
recognize it.”
You chuckle coldly. “Of course not. When would someone like you be
interested in Arsenian farmers? We’re far below you.”
His grey eyes gleam. “If you believe so. I find it curious, however,
that you never thought to return to them. The years since the Spire’s
fall have not been kind to you, I take it—how else would you find
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Surely
there are more… uncomplicated paths for you to take. You could always
return—”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>He arches an
eyebrow. “$lastname, hm? One can hardly sail within the Lotharic without
hearing that name. These days your family’s emblems take up half the
Corsida port.”
You grit your teeth. “Yeah, they’re good at that.”
He chuckles. “They are ferocious at their trade and have ensured every
port city in Rhesainia knows it,” he says. “Have you considered
returning to them? I’m sure a merchant fleet like theirs could use your
talents. And the years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you,
I take it—how else would you have found yourself in Rona, engaging in
the work of a common mercenary? On a merchant fleet—”<<elseif
$origin is "noble">>He arches an eyebrow. “House $lastname, hm? I
see it now. The resemblance is striking.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks.”
“I’ve heard House $lastname has fared quite well in the years since the
Vestran Civil War,” he continues lightly. “Have you not considered
rejoining them? You may not be much of an aristocrat anymore, but there
would be plenty of uses for your talents. I can see the years since the
Spire’s fall have not been kind to you—how else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? If House
$lastname—”<</if>>
A cold knot tugs in your gut. “It’s not your damned business,” you say
sharply. “If you think you can exploit my connection to them, think
again. The Wayfarer Order is the only family I know
now.”<<else>>He looks blankly at you. “$lastname,” he
murmurs. “Interesting. An uncommon name.”
“If you were hoping for some rich pedigree or secret connection to
exploit, you’re out of luck,” you say. “The only family I know is the
Wayfarer Order.”<</if>>
Quirinus clicks his tongue, but says nothing more. You shift
uncomfortably in your seat, desperate to shake off his penetrating
stare. You don’t like where this conversation has led—you can’t shake
the feeling you’ve had it before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC RECOGNIZES SABIEN
VERSION 1 OG NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin neq "urchin">><<if $origin is
"nomad">>“$lastname, hm? Curious. You have a grand pedigree to
live up to. Your family’s warriors are legends from the Osian delta to
Karth.”
You press your lips together. “I know. I’m fine on my own.”
“Are you?” he asks, smiling widely. “The years since the Spire’s fall
have not been kind to you, I take it. How else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Why not
return to your family? I’m sure they would welcome one of your talents
with open arms—”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>“$lastname,
hm? Of course. I can hear the Artanisian backwoods in your accent. They
say we can never truly shake our origins…”
You grit your teeth. “Your point being?”
“The years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you, I take it,”
he says. “How else would you find yourself in Rona, engaging in the
work of a common mercenary? The clans of Brennath do not easily let
their own go. You could always return—”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>“$lastname, hm?” he says. “I do not recognize it.”
You chuckle coldly. “Of course not. When would someone like you be
interested in Arsenian farmers? We’re far below you.”
His grey eyes gleam. “If you believe so. I find it curious, however,
that you never thought to return to them. The years since the Spire’s
fall have not been kind to you, I take it—how else would you find
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? Surely
there are more… uncomplicated paths for you to take. You could always
return—”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>“$lastname, hm? One
can hardly sail within the Lotharic without hearing that name. These
days your family’s emblems take up half the Corsida port.”
You grit your teeth. “Yeah, they’re good at that.”
He chuckles. “They are ferocious at their trade and have ensured every
port city in Rhesainia knows it,” he says. “Have you considered
returning to them? I’m sure a merchant fleet like theirs could use your
talents. And the years since the Spire’s fall have not been kind to you,
I take it—how else would you have found yourself in Rona, engaging in
the work of a common mercenary? On a merchant fleet—”<<elseif
$origin is "noble">>“House $lastname, hm? I see it now. The
resemblance is striking.”
You grit your teeth. “Thanks.”
“I’ve heard House $lastname has fared quite well in the years since the
Vestran Civil War,” he continues lightly. “Have you not considered
rejoining them? You may not be much of an aristocrat anymore, but there
would be plenty of uses for your talents. I can see the years since the
Spire’s fall have not been kind to you—how else would you have found
yourself in Rona, engaging in the work of a common mercenary? If House
$lastname—”<</if>>
A cold knot tugs in your gut. “It’s not your damned business,” you say
sharply. “If you think you can exploit my connection to them, think
again. The Wayfarer Order is the only family I know
now.”<<else>>“$lastname, hm? Interesting. An uncommon name.”
“If you were hoping for some rich pedigree or secret connection to
exploit, you’re out of luck,” you say. “The only family I know is the
Wayfarer Order.”<</if>>
Quirinus clicks his tongue, but says nothing more. You shift
uncomfortably in your seat, desperate to shake off his penetrating
stare. You don’t like where this conversation has led—you can’t shake
the feeling you’ve had it before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC RECOGNIZES SABIEN
VERSION 1 OG NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
pommel of your sword digs uncomfortably into your side. You shift in
your seat and adjust your scabbard. You can feel Quirinus’ eyes on you.
“Ah,” he breathes. “Your weapon. Alassar steel, is it not? If I may
ask—”
Your jaw clenches. //Please, don’t.//
“—which one is it?”
Your breath catches in your throat. “Excuse me?”
He draws back in his seat, his brows drawing together. He pauses and
wets his lower lip before speaking. “There are some two hundred and
fifty Alassar weapons left in existence, are there not?” he says. “The
most prized possessions of your order, gifted from master to apprentice
in a tradition spanning a thousand years. It was Cenric’s duty as
archivist to trace, record, and update those weapons’ histories, was it
not?”
Your mouth is dry. “Yeah. What of it?”
He smiles widely. “Call it a scholar’s curiosity. Alassar is unique.
Despite Arathian attempts at forging their own variety, none of their
attempts have come close to the properties of the originals. All we can
do is look to the artefacts that remain. And a thousand years is a long
time for its history to grow.”
He gestures at Aeran, his long fingers pointing to his back. His bow
glints in the sun, the silvery white steel shining fiercely. “Consider
your friend’s bow,” Quirinus continues. “A weapon with such variegated
history, one can almost consider it cursed.”
Aeran stiffens. For the first time, he looks at the Grand Archsage,
meeting his gaze with fire in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $deadwood is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
01A]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
01B]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_recognizes_mc to
true>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathGain>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>Quirinus
raises an eyebrow. “Oh?” he says, a smirk dancing on his lips. He leans
back and casually loops his long fingers together. “My memory is long.
I’m sure I would recall a Wayfarer of your calibre had we met.”
“I was a child,” you say sharply. “It was winter. Do you remember a
fannarl’s corpse?”
The smirk vanishes. “I see,” he says slowly. “You are one of those
children. The poor, bedraggled fools Rindan dragged through the snow and
muck on a tedious journey. As I remember, the fannarl nearly killed
you, did it not?”
“Well, it didn’t,” you say. “And neither have the multitude of monsters
that came after it.”
<<if $sabien_mentor is true>>“Then $master must have trained
you well.”
“<<if $master is "Varyn">>She<<elseif $master is
"Cenric">>He<<else>>They<</if>> did.”
“I’ll be curious to see how you conduct yourself, now you are no longer a
sniveling child shaking in their furs.”<<else>>“Then your
master must have trained you well. I’ll be curious to see how you
conduct yourself, now you are no longer a sniveling child shaking in
their furs.”
You smile coldly. “I hope it won’t come to that,” you say. “I’m here for
Zenaida Anaxas, not you.”
“Quite.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR WEAPON
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_recognizes_mc to false>>You turn and look away, focusing
on anything other than the mage sitting across from you. This barge ride
cannot be over fast enough.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR WEAPON
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Are
you familiar with Darius Avennor, Wayfarer?” Quirinus calls to him.
“The man who held that bow before you?”
Aeran pales, freezing beneath his gaze.
“It’s not important,” you interrupt sharply, recalling what happened
last time a mage talked about Avennor. Aeran would have attacked
Aegineta if you hadn’t pulled him back. “It’s a tool of the trade. Aeran
doesn’t have to answer for Avennor’s actions just because he happened
to inherit his bow.”
“Of course,” Quirinus says, turning to you. “Any reasonable person would
come to such a conclusion—but not everyone is capable of seeing reason.
There are those who would seek to kill Avennor’s successor simply
because he wields the weapon that killed their loved ones. Which begs
the question: what of you? Where has your blade been and what has it
done?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $marciancodex)>><<set $marciancodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked: Marcian
Conspiracy<</notify>><</if>>“Are you familiar
with Darius Avennor, Wayfarer?” Quirinus calls to him. “The man who held
that bow before you?”
Aeran pales, freezing beneath his gaze. It’s not the kind of paleness
that comes with horror or alarm; it’s the one that comes with anger.
White, hot virulent anger.
Quirinus clicks his tongue. “You must be,” he says. “While it is a
history that can be twisted to favour the preferred party, it is not one
that can be hidden. The Marcian Conspiracy is a black mark in the
Imperial annals. Though Brissa Varyn negotiated the acquittal of your
order’s exile, Avennor’s involvement in the conspiracy has not been
forgotten. He killed many that day—”
“It’s not important,” you interrupt sharply. “It’s a tool of the trade.
Aeran doesn’t have to answer for Avennor’s actions just because he
happened to inherit his bow.”
Silence settles over the deck, broken only by the rush of water as the
barge sails onward.
“Of course,” Quirinus says finally, turning to you. “Any reasonable
person would come to such a conclusion—but not everyone is capable of
seeing reason. There are those who would seek to kill Avennor’s
successor simply because he wields the weapon that killed their loved
ones. Which begs the question: what of you? Where has your blade been
and what has it done?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
gust of wind rushes across the deck, blowing the canopy’s drapes to and
fro. You watch them move, pulled this way and that by the breeze,
tangled in an unwanted dance. Your hand rests on your blade’s pommel,
imprinting the familiar grip into your palm.
This sword is yours. It’s been yours for over a decade, presented to you
by $master during your inauguration ceremony. While some Wayfarers
inherited their master’s weapon, <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador. She had no
intentions to retire, and so she could not bequeath her bow and arrows.
Instead, she gained permission to pass on a recently deceased Wayfarer’s
sword, which—admittedly—suited your fighting style better than a bow.
She gifted it to you, instructing you to use it well and forge a new
history.<<elseif $master is "Cenric">>Cenric was one of the
oldest remaining Wayfarer masters and the Order’s archivist. Though he
was approaching his third century, he had no intention of retiring, and
so he could not bequeath his own sword. Instead, he gained permission to
pass on a recently deceased Wayfarer’s sword, which suited your
fighting style. He gifted it to you, instructing you to use it well and
forge a new history.<<else>>Sero was the Grandmaster. They
had no intention of retiring, and so they could not bequeath their own
daggers. Instead, they passed on a recently deceased Wayfarer’s sword,
which—admittedly—suited your fighting style better than a pair of
daggers.<</if>>
The histories of Alassar weapons were well-documented at the Spire. The
records were readily available for any Wayfarers curious about the
wielders who came before them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CHOOSE BLADE HISTORY] Upon receiving your
sword, you were curious to look into its history.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
HISTORY SET]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You never cared about your sword’s
history; you’re its wielder now. Even back then, you preferred to stay
in the present, instead of obsessing over the past.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
HISTORY IGNORE]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Blade’s History</span>
As Alassar steel can no longer be forged, Alassar weapons have been
handed down throughout the centuries, passing from deceased or retired
Wayfarers to recently inaugurated ones.
Each weapon’s history is storied and varied. Some weapons have elaborate
histories, becoming symbols in significant wars or ascending into the
realm or legends or folklore. While nothing noteworthy has happened to
your blade in recent history, it is remembered for its most famous
wielder.
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/slayer.png" alt="The Beast
Slayer" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The Beast
Slayer'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Beast Slayer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Beast Slayer").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The Beast
Slayer</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/kingkiller.png" alt="The
Kingkiller" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The
Kingkiller'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Kingkiller");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Kingkiller").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The
Kingkiller</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/quester.png" alt="The Quester"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The Quester'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Quester");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Quester").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The
Quester</span></center></div></div>
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/magehunter.png" alt="The Mage
Hunter" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The Mage
Hunter'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Mage Hunter");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Mage Hunter").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The Mage
Hunter</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/fated.png" alt="The Fated"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The Fated'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Fated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Fated").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The Fated</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/unknown.png" alt="The Unwritten"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'The
Unwritten'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Unwritten");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Unwritten").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">The
Unwritten</span></center></div></div><<set
$blade_history to "unknown">><<set $blade to
"Starsong">>“I don’t know,” you say with a shrug. “It doesn’t
matter to me who held it before. It’s mine now.”
Quirinus’ frown of disappointment is oddly satisfying.
“How insufferably practical,” he says. “Though to fly in the face of
tradition can be considered admirable. I suppose you refused the other
great tradition of your order. Did you name your blade?”
You pause, running your thumb across the pommel. The steel is cold to
the touch, a sharp contrast to the hot city air and the clammy sweat
trickling down your neck.
While naming your weapon is a traditional part of making it your own,
not all Wayfarers did. Some weapons were never re-named, carrying the
original down through the centuries to its current wielder. Others were
named anew with each successive inheritor. And others carried the name
that was given to them after the event that defined them.
Aeran discarded Avennor’s name as soon as he learned Varyn intended to
give his bow to him. He didn’t spend much time thinking about it and
named it Taraniel, after a small flower indigenous to the plains around
Tyridia.
Without the shadow of your blade’s history, making the decision had been
an easy one. The Wayfarer who wielded it before you had named it
Starsong.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [SET NAME] You named your blade, creating
something unique to you.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR BLADE NAME SET]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [KEEP NAME] Practicality has always
won out. You never named your blade; it is a weapon and a tool, not a
person. You kept the name its previous wielder chose.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
BLADE NAME CONT 01]]</div></div><</nobr>>Six
hundred years ago, your sword was wielded by Tavrien, a human Wayfarer.
Tavrien made a name for himself protecting the Artanisian countryside
from beast attacks. He eventually left Artanis, travelling Rhesainia as a
famed monster hunter.
He slew the last known dragon, who had made a lair in caverns below
Sunderfell Tower.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"slayer">><<set $blade_owner to "Tavrien">><<set
$blade to "Dragonfang">><<goto "CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>During
the height of the Wayfarer Order some eight hundred years ago, your
sword was wielded by Mathari, an elven Wayfarer. The Sathiric Empire had
laid claim to Rhesainia. Contesting the Grandmaster’s decision not to
meddle, Mathari left the Order and joined the Erebian League. Working as
an assassin and under the League’s protection, she systemically
assassinated the empire’s heads of state, bringing about a civil war
that signalled the empire’s end and the creation of Sathir, Arsenia and
the Coveran Republic.
Mathari’s actions are said to be the reason the Wayfarer Order does not
involve itself in international politics.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"kingkiller">><<set $blade_owner to
"Mathari">><<set $blade to "Longclaw">><<goto
"CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Three
hundred years ago, your sword was half of a pair wielded by Vaisran, a
dwarven Wayfarer. Vaisran left the Spire, pledging to travel the world
on a mission to discover the cause of magical immunity. Leaving
Rhesainia behind, they crossed the Greywind Mountains and travelled
east.
Not much is known about their journey. Fifty years after their
departure, a Faran delegate arrived at the Spire with Vaisran’s blade in
hand, a number of leatherbound journals, and a report that the Wayfarer
had appeared in southern Farandor. They walked into the Ring of the
Firebird and never returned. Their second blade could not be recovered.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"quester">><<set $blade_owner to
"Vaisran">><<set $blade to "Soulrender">><<goto
"CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Five
hundred years ago, your sword was wielded by Nemera, a half-melusine
Wayfarer. Abandoning the Order to create her own mercenary company,
Nemera hunted and killed members of the Guild of Mages who had wronged
her. She quickly became a terrifying force, and mages across Rhesainia
lived in fear that she would come for them next.
Nemera’s reign of terror did not last long. She was cornered in the
streets of Nemain, where she and her company were annihilated by the
Guild.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"magehunter">><<set $blade_owner to
"Nemera">><<set $blade to "Scourgebane">><<goto
"CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>While
there is no singular event that defines your sword’s history, it was
gifted to you with great caution. Forged over a thousand years ago, your
sword was wielded by a Wayfarer known as Drust. Not much is known about
Drust, save that they met an early end in combat and the weapon was all
that was left of them.
Throughout the centuries, the story has remained the same, though the
players have changed. With a few exceptions, every wielder has died in
combat, far from the Spire.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"fated">><<set $blade_owner to "Drust">><<set
$blade to "Vanariel">><<goto "CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Despite
the lengthy records listing nearly a millennia’s worth of wielders,
your sword has never been marked by anything special. Its history is
that of a tool to be used, not an artefact to be displayed in some
wealthy gallery’s collection.
On the other hand, that means you aren’t overshadowed by its history. It
is yours—and yours alone.
<center><<button 'Select This History'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $blade_history to
"unknown">><<set $blade to "Starsong">><<goto
"CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY NAME">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Quirinus
gives you a measured look, waiting for your response.
“$lastname?” he prompts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. There’s no harm in telling him.
Probably.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY CONT 01A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s not any of his damn
business.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY CONT 01B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$solarath_blade to true>><<lethalisGain>><<if
$blade_history is "unknown">>“I don’t know,” you say. “There’s
never been anything special about this blade.”
“Ah,” he replies, disappointment flickering across his face. “And how
has it served you, this unremarkable
blade?”<<else>><<if $blade_history is
"slayer">>“There’s not much to tell,” you say. “It once belonged
to the man who slew the last dragon.”<<elseif $blade_history is
"kingkiller">>“There’s not much to tell,” you say. “It once
belonged to the Wayfarer who broke the Sathiric Empire.”<<elseif
$blade_history is "quester">>“There’s not much to tell,” you say.
“It once belonged to a Wayfarer who travelled the world, searching for
the cause of our immunity to magic.”<<elseif $blade_history is
"magehunter">>“There’s not much to tell,” you say. “It once
belonged to a Wayfarer who hunted mages. I hear she killed quite a few
before the Guild took her down.”<<else>>“There’s not much to
tell,” you say. “Everyone who wielded this sword before me died
tragically in combat.”<</if>>
“Ah,” Quirinus replies, a glimmer of recognition passing across his
face. “So you inherited $blade_owner’s blade. Fascinating. It has quite
the legacy. I wonder how it has served you—does it live up to its
history?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $blade_history is
"slayer">><<if $basiliskslain is true>>[[1. “I’ve
dealt with my fair share of beasts, if that’s what you’re asking. Most
recently a basilisk.”|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
02A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>><<elseif $blade_history
is "kingkiller">><<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How
is 5 or $countDead_How is 6>>[[1. “I’ve killed a count. Is that
enough to satisfy you?”|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
02B]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>><<elseif $blade_history
is "quester">>[[1. “I don’t know. I’ll have to wait and see—maybe
next time I leave the continent, I’ll never come back.”|CHAPTER 2
ALASSAR HISTORY 02C]]<<elseif $blade_history is
"magehunter">>[[1. “I haven’t killed any mages, if that’s what
you’re asking. But you know that already—don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
HISTORY 02D]]<<elseif $blade_history is "fated">>[[1. “I’m
still alive, so if it does, it’s doing a shit job of it.”|CHAPTER 2
ALASSAR HISTORY 02E]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It has served me well over the
years, if that’s what you’re trying to get at.”|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
HISTORY 03][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5,
70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t see the point of that
question. It’s a tool, nothing more.”|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
04][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and remain silent.|CHAPTER 2
ALASSAR HISTORY TRANSITION][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5,
5, 70), $tempstat to 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$solarath_blade to false>><<lethalisLoss>>Nova shoots
you a glare before the words even leave your mouth.
“I don’t see how that’s any of your damn business,” you say sharply.
Her scowl darkens. She passes a hand across her face and leans back,
valiantly fighting to keep her composure. You can feel her silently
seething; she no doubt wanted you to play nice with the Grand Archsage,
but frankly your patience is running out. This bullshit has gone on long
enough.
You don’t need to answer to her and you certainly do not need to answer
to Quirinus. The only person whose word matters is Zenaida, and she left
you to your own devices.
Quirinus taps a foot against the deck, observing you through narrowed
eyes. A flicker of annoyance crosses his face, but it disappears as
quickly as it appeared.
“Very well,” he says. “Though I do enjoy the tales of your remarkable
relics, I understand that you are unwilling to share such personal
information with a stranger. May I at least inquire whether you followed
in the great tradition of your order? Did you name your blade?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY NAME ALT
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>>He clicks
his tongue. “That is quite the humble boast.”
“I’m good at what I do.”
“Oh, I have no doubt of that, $lastname. Considering the dangers of your
profession, you wouldn’t be alive if you weren’t.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>>He raises
his chin. “Ah, yes,” he says. “That nasty business with Cere Nalos. I’m
sure the citizens of fair Rona would thank you for your service, but
half the city has been destroyed.”
You blink. “What?”
He waves a hand, brushing over your shock. “Nalos had, by my estimates,
prowled that coastline for over seven hundred years. I’m sure they will
do quite well with him gone—after the dust settles, of course.”
You grit your teeth, tempted to ask more, but Nova shoots you a glare
and you fall silent.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>>He throws
back his head and laughs. “And where would you go, $lastname? The centre
of the modern world is here in Rhesainia.”
You shrug. “And? Not everyone wants that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>>His eyes
narrow. “Indeed,” he says. “I know every recorded instance of conflict
between the Guild and the Wayfarer Order. I know the names of every mage
who died—and which Wayfarer slew them. For instance, I am quite aware
of your friend’s actions a decade or so ago in Vestra. The capture and
containment of a former Guild mage who had turned to foul criminal acts.
I hear his actions were quite… admirable.”
You glance at Aeran. He says nothing, ignoring Quirinus’ pointed words.
The incident was a long time ago, occurring shortly after your
inauguration—he stopped a former mage-turned-serial killer who had been
stalking Vodena’s streets. You don’t know much about what happened,
other than that was how he received the scar through his eye. He doesn’t
like to talk about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>>He throws
his head back and laughs. “Oh, I have no doubt, $lastname,” he says.
“Considering the dangers of your profession, you wouldn’t be here if it
had. It appears you are quite competent at thwarting fate.”
You grit your teeth. “It’s less about fate and more about skill. I don’t
need a special weapon to be good at what I do.”
“Indeed.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>>He
laughs coolly. “Of that I have no doubt. Considering the dangers of
your profession, you wouldn’t be alive if it didn’t.”
“Wayfarers are far more than Alassar steel,” you say flatly. “A sword is
a sword. It’s a useful tool, but I don’t need Alassar to do what I do.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>>“Is
it?” he presses. “You are aware that to some, Alassar holds a
near-mythic quality. Your weapon is hardly comparable to contemporary
blades, even those forged by his Imperial Majesty’s swordsmiths.”
“A sword is a sword,” you say flatly. “It’s a useful tool, but you’re a
fool if you think I need Alassar to do what I do.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HISTORY
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is
1>><<solarathLoss>><</if>>Quirinus pauses,
his gaze lingering on your sword. His curiosity has not been dampened
in the slightest.
<<if $blade_history is "unknown">>“That blade has been
waiting for someone to define its history,” he says. “Did you name
it?”<<else>>“$blade_owner’s mark has no doubt defined that
blade for many a century,” he says. “$blade, it was called, in the past.
Tell me, did you part with it? Did you find a new
name?”<</if>>
You pause, running your thumb across the pommel. The steel is cold to
the touch, a sharp contrast to the hot city air and the clammy sweat
trickling down your neck.
While naming your weapon is a traditional part of making it your own,
not all Wayfarers did. Some weapons were never re-named, carrying the
original down through the centuries to its current wielder. Others were
named anew with each successive inheritor. And others carried the name
that was given to them after the event that defined them.
<<if $blade_history is "unknown">>To name your Alassar
weapon was considered a grave decision—and some Wayfarers preferred not
to engage in that tradition. Aeran, on the other hand, discarded
Avennor’s name as soon as he learned Varyn intended to give his bow to
him. He didn’t spend much time thinking about it and named it Taraniel,
after a small flower indigenous to the plains around Tyridia.
Without the shadow of your blade’s history, making the decision had been
an easy one. The Wayfarer who wielded it before you had named it
Starsong.<<else>>To name your Alassar weapon was considered a
grave decision—and some Wayfarers preferred not to engage in that
tradition. Aeran, on the other hand, discarded Avennor’s name as soon as
he learned Varyn intended to give his bow to him. He didn’t spend much
time thinking about it and named it Taraniel, after a small flower
indigenous to the plains around Tyridia.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [SET NAME] You named your blade, creating
something unique to you.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR BLADE NAME SET]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [KEEP NAME] Practicality has always
won out. You never named your blade; it is a weapon and a tool, not a
person. You kept the name its previous wielder chose.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR
BLADE NAME CONT 01]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, running your thumb across the pommel. The steel is cold to the
touch, a sharp contrast to the hot city air and the clammy sweat
trickling down your neck.
While naming your weapon is a traditional part of making it your own,
not all Wayfarers did. Some weapons were never re-named, carrying the
original down through the centuries to its current wielder. Others were
named anew with each successive inheritor. And others carried the name
that was given to them after the event that defined them.
Aeran discarded Avennor’s name as soon as he learned Varyn intended to
give his bow to him. He didn’t spend much time thinking about it and
named it Taraniel, after a small flower indigenous to the plains around
Tyridia.
<<if $blade_history is "unknown">>Without the shadow of your
blade’s history, making the decision had been an easy one. The Wayfarer
who wielded it before you had named it
Starsong.<<else>>Yours was named $blade, the bearer of
$blade_owner’s legacy.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [SET NAME] You discarded the name upon your
inauguration, giving it something wholly new.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR BLADE
NAME SET]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [KEEP NAME] Practicality won out and
you kept the name.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR BLADE NAME
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span class="chaptertitle">Name Your Blade</span>
<<textbox "$blade" "Voidkeeper">>
<<link 'View Suggestions'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Blade Names");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Blade Names").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>>
<<button "Confirm">><<if $blade is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter a name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter a name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fuck">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fucker">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Bastard">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Bitch">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Asshole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fucks">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Cunt">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Ass">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Arse">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Arsehole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fuck">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fucker">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "bastard">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "bitch">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "asshole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fucks">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "cunt">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "ass">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "arse">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "arsehole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Alexia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Ren">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Calla">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Melchior">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Nelani">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Felix">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Aeran">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Rindan">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Brissa">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Amali">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Zenaida">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Malsara">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Nova">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Sophia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Sandro">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Sabien">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Umbria">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Allegra">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Raven">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Ves">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Kellan">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Vara">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Rhodarth">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Athana">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Phaedra">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Hypatia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Lyrian">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Iaera">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fuck">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fucker">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Bastard">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Bitch">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Asshole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Fucks">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Cunt">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Ass">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Arse">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Arsehole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fuck">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fucker">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "bastard">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "bitch">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "asshole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "fucks">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "cunt">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "ass">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "arse">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "arsehole">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Antonis">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Varadon">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Tormond">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Larkspur">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "an'Zoraia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Navorre">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Kellis">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Cenric">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Varyn">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Sero">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Anaxas">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Markal">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Quirinus">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Bellaris">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Arantir">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Sithia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Osgar">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Helmi">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Nairan">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Amestris">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Blushrose">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Amatheia">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Taraniel">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Starsong">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Dragonfang">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Longclaw">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Soulrender">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Scourgebane">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $blade is "Vanariel">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please select a different name.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR BLADE NAME SET CONT">>
<</if>><</button>><span id="textbox-error"></span></center><<drop
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<pickup '$gearInv'
'$blade'>><<notify 3000>>Inventory
Updated<</notify>>“It’s called $blade,” you say tersely,
your fingers tightening on the hilt. “I didn’t name it that, if you
really want to know.”
“Ah,” he says, sighing softly. “I see. Disappointing, perhaps, but I do
find it fascinating that you so wantonly throw away your order’s
traditions. <<if $sabien_mentor is true>>What did $master
think?”<<else>>Did your master not
object?”<</if>>
You shrug indifferently and keep your mouth shut.
At your refusal to answer, Quirinus pauses and leans back in his seat,
folding his hands neatly in his lap. He watches you in silence, taking
in your defensive posture, noting the hand on your sword’s hilt. “You
are not what I expected to find in a Wayfarer,” he says. “Particularly
not $master’s former apprentice.”
“Then maybe you don’t know us as well as you think.”
His gaze lingers on your sword. “Would you be willing to draw it for
me?”
“I—what?”
“Your weapon, $lastname. If you are agreeable, I would like to see it.”
Your chest tightens. Forcing down your surprised panic, you glance at
Nova. She gives you a sharp nod, silently urging you to comply to the
request.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow suit.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse.|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70), $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempstat>><<lethalisGain>><<timed
5s>><<solarathGain>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>//The
sooner you do what he asks, the sooner he’ll leave you alone.//
The words ring hollow in your mind. For all you know, this will only
invite further questioning. Then again, you have a feeling that Quirinus
would not back down easily if you refused. He wants something from you;
he’s not the type to bow down easily.
Rising to your feet, you wrap your fingers tightly around the grip and
draw $blade from its scabbard.
Even in the canopy’s shade, the Alassar steel gleams silver-white. The
watered patterns veined into the blade almost seem to dance, weaving
their way along the edge. Having been in close proximity of Alassar for
most of your life, you’ve never thought much of it. However, when
considering the perspective beyond your own, even you have to admit
there is something unnatural about Alassar. Your blade was forged a
thousand years ago or more, and yet the steel never stains nor dulls. It
simply exists.
Quirinus exhales softly. He places his hands on his knees and leans
forward, staring keenly at the blade. Nova mutters a curse and turns
away; even her spiteful attitude isn’t enough to hide her intense
discomfort.
<<if $blade_history neq "unknown">>“Fascinating,” he says.
“It truly is $blade_owner’s blade.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $solarath_blade is true>>[[1.
“You recognize it or something?”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 01A][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79)]]<<else>>[[1. “…how
the hell do you know that?”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 01A][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $solarath_blade is
true>>[[2. “You think I’d lie to you?”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE
01B][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 10,
79)]]<<else>><s>2. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “$blade is mine,
Quirinus. It’s my sword, not some relic of the past.”' 'CHAPTER 2 DRAW
BLADE
01C'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Fascinating,”
he says.
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “It’s just a sword. Nothing special—”
“Is that what you believe?” he interrupts sharply, nearly rising out of
his seat. “You would whittle it down to its base properties—a unique,
precious commodity that cannot be reforged, crafted from a resource that
is terminally finite?”
Your tongue presses against the back of your teeth. This is not a
reaction you expected from the Grand Archsage.
“Alassar steel isn’t the reason I can do what I do,” you say finally.
“No,” he agrees. “But that weapon in your hand is no mere sword. The
Wayfarer Order are not the sole proprietors of Alassar history. Alassar
is wholly unique and has drawn the eye of many over the years. Though
some may see their properties as repugnant, there are those who know
their value beyond their association with your order.”
You pause, an uncomfortable lump forming in your throat. The city air is
unbearably hot; your tongue feels sluggish, your mouth constricted. You
glance at Aeran, seeking some sign that Quirinus’ words have unnerved
him as much as they have you. He catches your eye and turns away,
staring resolutely at the barge’s deck.
“Did you not know?” Quirinus continues. “The study of Alassar steel is a
popular field among the Imperial universities and the Arcanists’
Lodge—no doubt spurned by Arathian attempts to re-create it. To those
who study it, $blade is far more than a Wayfarer’s tool.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Recognition is one thing; using it is
something else. I’d like to see these so-called scholars kill a
sandwraith or a fannarl.”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 02A][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is getting on your last nerve.
Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 5, 70), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’ve had enough of his poking and
prodding. Sheathe your sword and sit down. You don’t owe him
anything.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE SHEATHE SWORD][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5,
70)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<unset
$tempstat>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>“No.”
A harsh look flickers across Quirinus’ face. “No?”
“You asked if I was agreeable. I am not. So unless you mean to say I
don’t have a choice, I am not accepting your request.”
He pauses and leans back in his seat. He glances at Nova, who shrugs and
twists her fingers together, staring intently at the drapes behind you.
Failing to get a reaction from her, he turns back to you and wets his
lower lip.
“A shame,” he says finally. “I should very much like to study a weapon
like your $blade.”
You grit your teeth. “Then pay me to show up at a symposium or whatever
it is you do in that tower.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“I don’t think you could afford it.”
“Try me.”
“My fee is quite high.”
“Naturally. How else would a Wayfarer come to work for Zenaida Anaxas?”
You swallow hard. The last thing you need is Quirinus questioning you
about your relationship to Zenaida. The less he knows, the better. If he
even suspects that Lethalis is the one that hired you…
//Why can’t things ever be simple?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<pickup '$gearInv'
'$blade'>><<notify 3000>>Inventory
Updated<</notify>>“It’s still called $blade,” you say
tersely, your fingers tightening on the hilt.
“Ah,” he replies, sighing softly. “I see. Disappointing, perhaps, but I
do find it fascinating that you so wantonly throw away your order’s
traditions. Did $master not object?”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
He pauses and leans back in his seat, his hands folded neatly in his
lap. He watches you in silence, taking in your defensive posture, noting
the hand on your sword’s hilt. “You are not what I expected to find in a
Wayfarer,” he says. <<if $sabien_mentor is
true>>“Particularly not $master’s former
apprentice.”<</if>>
“Then maybe you don’t know us as well as you think.”
His gaze lingers on your sword. “Would you be willing to draw it for
me?”
“I—what?”
“Your weapon, $lastname. If you are agreeable, I would like to see it.”
Your chest tightens. Forcing down your surprised panic, you glance at
Nova. She gives you a sharp nod, silently urging you to comply to the
request.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow suit.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse.|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70), $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="record"><span
class="record-item">Moonraiser</span>
<span class="record-item">Shadowshard</span>
<span
class="record-item">Nightfall</span></div><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<drop
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword'>><<pickup '$gearInv'
'$blade'>><<notify 3000>>Inventory
Updated<</notify>>“I named it $blade,” you say tersely, your
fingers tightening on the hilt. “Does it matter?”
Quirinus smiles, a strangely triumphant look glinting in his eyes. “No,”
he says nonchalantly. “Though I find your choice… fascinating. What did
$master think?”
You frown, your eyes narrowing. “I don’t see how that’s any of your
business.”
He pauses, his smile fading, and leans back in his seat. He watches you
in silence, taking in your defensive posture, noting the hand on your
sword’s hilt. “You are not what I expected to find in a Wayfarer,” he
says. “Particularly not $master’s former apprentice.”
“Then maybe you don’t know us as well as you think.”
His gaze lingers on your sword. “Would you be willing to draw it for
me?”
“I—what?”
“Your weapon, $lastname. If you are agreeable, I would like to see it.”
Your chest tightens. Forcing down your surprised panic, you glance at
Nova. She gives you a sharp nod, silently urging you to comply to the
request.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow suit.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse.|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW
BLADE][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70), $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
raises his head, an unsettling smirk on his lips. You hold still,
maintaining a steady grip on the hilt despite your clammy hands. Sweat
trickles down the back of your neck.
“The Wayfarer Order are not the sole proprietors of Alassar history,” he
says silkily. “Your weapons have been an interest to many throughout
the years. Though some may see their properties as repugnant, there are
those who know their value beyond their association with your order.”
You pause, an uncomfortable lump forming in your throat. The city air is
unbearably hot; your tongue feels sluggish, your mouth constricted. You
glance at Aeran, seeking some sign that Quirinus’ words have unnerved
him as much as they have you. He catches your eye and turns away,
staring resolutely at the barge’s deck.
“Did you not know?” Quirinus continues. “The study of Alassar steel is a
popular field among the Imperial universities and the Arcanists’
Lodge—no doubt spurned by Arathian attempts to re-create it. It is a
unique and, more importantly, finite resource. Any Alassar scholar would
recognize your blade’s patterns in a heartbeat.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Recognition is one thing; using it is
something else. I’d like to see these so-called scholars kill a
sandwraith or a fannarl.”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 02A][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is getting on your last nerve.
Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 5, 70), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’ve had enough of his poking and
prodding. Sheathe your sword and sit down. You don’t owe him
anything.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE SHEATHE SWORD][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5,
70)]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
mouth thins into a harsh smile. “Not this time,” he says. “Frankly, I
do not believe you could, even if you tried. But to hold a shadow of
doubt has always been a practice of mine; no one is beyond their own
shortcomings.” <<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is
"scarTownsquare" or $scar2 is "scarTownsquare">>His gaze rakes
over you, lingering on your scar. “Something you are familiar with, I’m
sure.”
“Sure,” you reply flatly.<</if>>
He pauses. “The Wayfarer Order are not the sole proprietors of Alassar
history, $lastname,” he continues after a moment. “You’d be a fool to
think so. Your weapons have been an interest to many throughout the
years. Though some may see their properties as repugnant, there are
those who know their value beyond their association with your order.”
An uncomfortable lump forms in your throat. The city air is unbearably
hot; your tongue feels sluggish, your mouth constricted. You glance at
Aeran, seeking some sign that Quirinus’ words have unnerved him as much
as they have you. He catches your eye and turns away, staring resolutely
at the barge’s deck.
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. “Did you not know?” he asks, though he
barely seems surprised. “The study of Alassar steel is a popular field
among the Imperial universities and the Arcanists’ Lodge—no doubt
spurned by Arathian attempts to re-create it. It is a unique and, more
importantly, //finite// resource. Any Alassar scholar would recognize
your blade’s patterns in a heartbeat.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Recognition is one thing; using it is
something else. I’d like to see these so-called scholars kill a
sandwraith or a fannarl.”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 02A][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is getting on your last nerve.
Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 10, 79), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’ve had enough of his poking and
prodding. Sheathe your sword and sit down. You don’t owe him
anything.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE SHEATHE SWORD][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 10,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws his head back and laughs. “You sound very much like <<if
$sabien_mentor is true and $master is "Cenric">>your former
master<<else>>a certain dwarven
Wayfarer<</if>>,” he says. “Rindan once said as much to the
head of the Arcanists’ Lodge—”
“The Arcanists’ Lodge?” you interrupt. “Why would they be interested in
Alassar?”
He pauses, a flicker of annoyance flashing across his face. “Alassar
steel has been an interest to many throughout the years, $lastname,” he
says. “It does not belong to the Wayfarer Order anymore than the
Astrials belong to the Guild of Mages. Though some may see their
properties as repugnant, there are those who know their value beyond
their association with your order.”
An uncomfortable lump forms in your throat. The city air is unbearably
hot; your tongue feels sluggish, your mouth constricted. You glance at
Aeran, seeking some sign that Quirinus’ words have unnerved him as much
as they have you. He catches your eye and turns away, staring resolutely
at the barge’s deck.
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. “Did you not know?” he asks, though he
barely seems surprised. “The study of Alassar steel is a popular field
among the Imperial universities and the Arcanists’ Lodge—no doubt
spurned by Arathian attempts to re-create it. It is a unique and, more
importantly, //finite// resource. Any Alassar scholar would recognize
your blade’s patterns in a heartbeat.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Recognition is one thing; using it is
something else. I’d like to see these so-called scholars kill a
sandwraith or a fannarl.”|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE 02A][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 10, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is getting on your last nerve.
Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 10, 79), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’ve had enough of his poking and
prodding. Sheathe your sword and sit down. You don’t owe him
anything.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE SHEATHE SWORD][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 10,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>>“Perhaps
we shall see that some day,” Quirinus replies, chuckling. “You and I
both.”
He rises to his feet, the deck creaking underfoot as he takes a step
towards you. Despite the long walk through the harbour streets,
<<if $height is "very tall">>you didn’t realize you were
matched in height until now.<<elseif $heihght is "tall">>you
didn’t realize he was taller than you until now.<<else>>you
didn’t realize how tall he is until now.<</if>> There’s a
strange, almost ethereal beauty about him, beyond what you’ve come to
associate with high-ranking mages.
He extends a hand. “May I?”
You pause, frozen, certain you heard wrong.
“…what?”
A flash of annoyance flickers across his face. His fingers curl
slightly. “May I?” he repeats, gesturing to your sword.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Hand over $blade.' 'CHAPTER 2
ALASSAR HAND OVER BLADE'>><<set $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Refuse.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR REFUSE TO
HAND OVER][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70),
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>>The breeze
picks up, singing in your ears. The canopy’s drapes rustle, fluttering
to and fro in the wind.
“You’re putting a lot of faith in me not to run you through right now,”
you say.
He raises an eyebrow. “Do you want to? I didn’t take you for a thuggish
brute who takes life without reason, but I suppose senseless murderers
have found their way into both our orders before.”
Your jaw clenches. His answer isn’t what you expected—come to think of
it, you weren’t sure what to expect. Quirinus has the brazen disregard
for personal safety that you’ve come to associate with powerful
spellcasters. Even his close proximity to Alassar steel doesn’t faze
him.
“Since you appear to lack the astuteness of your silent friend over
there, let us consider what would happen if you did—as you say—run me
through,” he says coolly. “The moment you raise that blade or reach for
any other weapon, this barge will sink. Savant Markal and I will be
spirited safely to shore, leaving you and your companion to be crushed
beneath its hull. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>You may not
drown instantly, but you will certainly be trapped with no avenue for
escape.<<else>>If the sinking barge does not kill you,
drowning certainly would. I hear it is an unpleasant
death.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You think you can get away with that? Did
you forget that I can stop your spells?”|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN TELL OFF
A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Bite your tongue. He clearly has
more to say, let him talk himself out.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN TELL OFF
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>>Biting
your tongue before you say something inadvisable, you slip $blade back
into its sheathe and sit down. A wave of relief washes over you; you
feel better having its familiar weight at your side.
Quirinus watches you with a strange look on his face. It’s impossible to
know whether he is disappointed or fascinated. Beside him, Nova stares
unblinkingly at the canopy drapes fluttering behind you. She twists her
fingers again and again, lost in thought.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_blade to true>><<solarathGain>>
<<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>You lower the
blade, reversing the grip, and proffer it to him.
Quirinus smiles broadly and takes it. Your heart nearly jumps into your
throat as he pulls it away and turns it upward to inspect the blade. He
manoeuvres it with great care, showing none of the panic that usually
strikes others when in proximity to the steel. His fingers remain on the
grip, careful not to touch the pommel or the blade itself.
You have a feeling he’s done this before.
Aeran watches you from the prow, his expression growing darker by the
second. You can feel his gaze boring into you—you can already hear the
argument coming. Quirinus is an enemy—an unknown one, to be sure, but an
enemy nonetheless. Not only is he the leader of Lethalis’ rival
faction, he has some questionable history with Aeran. Even though you
are following Nova’s orders as best you can, you have been too friendly
with him.
Far too friendly.
“You inherited an excellent weapon,” Quirinus says, lowering the blade.
“I hope $blade has served you well.”
You smile flatly. “It has.”
He pauses, his fingers lingering on the grip. “Thank you for indulging
me,” he says finally, holding it out. “You are generous to allow a
scholar to pander his curiosity.”
You seize $blade, slip it back into its sheathe and find your seat. A
wave of relief washes over you; you feel better having its familiar
weight at your side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_blade to false>><<solarathLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>>“No,” you
grunt.
Quirinus sighs and returns to his seat. “As is within your right, I
suppose,” he says, the sharp tang of dissatisfaction lingering in his
voice. “Reconsider, next time we meet. It does not hurt to indulge a
scholar’s curiosity.”
<<if $solarathapp <=49>>//Sure, I’ll reconsider,// you
think bitterly. //Reconsider not stabbing you.//
He pauses, watching you intently, almost as if he can sense the violence
in your thoughts. Your gut twists, the flowing river roaring in your
ears. You thought four weeks on the //Dareia// was suffocating; this is
far worse.<<else>>You frown and the flowing river around you
roars in your ears. You thought four weeks on the //Dareia// was
suffocating; this is far worse.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE
TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 10, 79),
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Sit down. He’s not worth the
effort.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE SHEATHE SWORD][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 10,
79)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR HAND OVER BLADE")>>Quirinus sits
down. He watches you in silence, rubbing a hand over his bearded
chin.<<else>>Quirinus watches you in silence, rubbing a hand
over his bearded chin. Every so often, he glances at Aeran, noting his
silent position at the prow.<</if>>
You tap a foot against the deck, bouncing your leg up and down. How far
have you travelled? Craning your neck around, you stare out from under
the canopy at the passing shoreline. The sun is high, searing the city
with noonday heat. You are well past the Pallaedrion now, and sailing
through an entirely new district.
The buildings here are different—larger and wider, though somehow
simpler than the ones around the harbour. Their painted doors and wall
mosaics shine bright in the sunlight. The amount of colour the
Velantians favour would be considered an eyesore in <<if $origin
is "nomad">>Sathir<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>Tol
Covere<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>Artanis<<elseif
$origin is
"noble">>Vestra<<else>>Arsenia<</if>>, but
somehow their artisans have crafted something vivid without becoming
garish. The Crystalis rises in the background, its twisted spires
looking even odder from this angle. From here, its crystal reflects the
clear blue of the cloudless sky, nearly disappearing into the skyline.
Though the river is still flooded, the traffic has thinned considerably
compared to the harbour. The river branches, stretching its fingers out
to unseen districts. All manner of boats and barges turn down waterways
and canals, heading further into the city. Moorings jut out from the
shore, crowded with lines jostling for spots on the few available
ferryboats. Your barge sails by without stopping, pressing forward on
its journey north.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $solarathapp
>=55>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAGIC
QUESTION]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
TRANSITION]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_threatened to
true>><<lethalisLoss>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>>He laughs
coldly. “You’re an utter disappointment, $lastname,” he says. “I thought
your master would have trained you better. You may be able to destroy
magical bindings with a touch, but even you cannot halt the forces of
nature.”
You shut your mouth, biting back a retort. He’s right—though magic
itself cannot harm you, forces set in motion //by// magic can.
“I command the power of three spheres of magic,” Quirinus continues.
“You cannot touch me. Even if you survived, what then? What do you think
you could accomplish by murdering the Grand Archsage in his own city?
Every guard, assassin, and mercenary-for-hire would be searching for
you. You wouldn’t last a week.”
A clammy chill prickles the back of your neck. You’re starting to regret
snapping at him.
“I don’t appreciate empty threats, $lastname,” he finishes. “It’s
blatant posturing that only succeeds at wasting time. Come back when you
can make good on them.”
“Noted,” you grunt.
He smiles broadly. “Excellent. It appears you have some sense after
all.”
You shrug and turn towards Aeran, making to leave the canopy.
“Sit down, $lastname,” Quirinus calls. “This barge’s journey is far from
over.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW BLADE")>>Closing
your eyes and exhaling a curse, you look away across the deck. You watch
the rippling emerald waves and passing ships in silence, feeling
Quirinus’ eye on you. You have a feeling he’s not done with you
yet.<<else>>Closing your eyes and exhaling a curse, you
nudge $blade out of the way and find your seat. Nova glares at you,
shaking her head with exasperation.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_threatened to true>>“I command the power of three spheres
of magic,” Quirinus continues. “You cannot touch me. Even if you
survived, what then? What do you think you could accomplish by murdering
the Grand Archsage in his own city? Every guard, assassin, and
mercenary-for-hire would be searching for you. You wouldn’t last a
week.”
A clammy chill prickles the back of your neck. You’re starting to regret
snapping at him.
“I don’t appreciate empty threats, $lastname,” he finishes. “It’s
blatant posturing that only succeeds at wasting time. Come back when you
can make good on them.”
“Noted,” you grunt.
He smiles broadly. “Excellent. It appears you have some sense after
all.”
You shrug and turn towards Aeran, making to leave the canopy.
“Sit down, $lastname,” Quirinus calls. “This barge’s journey is far from
over.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW BLADE")>>Closing
your eyes and exhaling a curse, you look away across the deck. You watch
the rippling emerald waves and passing ships in silence, feeling
Quirinus’ eye on you. You have a feeling he’s not done with you
yet.<<else>>Closing your eyes and exhaling a curse, you
nudge $blade out of the way and find your seat. Nova glares at you,
shaking her head with exasperation.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
force a smile. “What can I say? My talents and tools are hard to come
by.”
“Quite,” he replies. “That sword of yours is a precious commodity. An
artefact that cannot be reforged, crafted from a terminally finite
resource. Anyone with wherewithal would pay well for access to Alassar
steel.”
Your tongue presses against the back of your teeth. This is not a line
of thought you expected from the //Grand Archsage.//
“Alassar steel isn’t the reason I can do what I do,” you say finally.
“No,” he agrees. “But that weapon in your hand is no mere sword. The
Wayfarer Order are not the sole proprietors of Alassar history. Alassar
is wholly unique and has drawn the eye of many over the years. Though
some may see their properties as repugnant, there are those who know
their value beyond their association with your order.”
You pause, an uncomfortable lump forming in your throat. The city air is
unbearably hot; your tongue feels sluggish, your mouth constricted. You
glance at Aeran, seeking some sign that Quirinus’ words have unnerved
him as much as they have you. He catches your eye and turns away,
staring resolutely at the barge’s deck.
“Did you not know?” Quirinus continues. “The study of Alassar steel is a
popular field among the Imperial universities and the Arcanists’
Lodge—no doubt spurned by Arathian attempts to re-create it. To those
who study it, $blade is far more than a Wayfarer’s tool.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’d like to see these so-called scholars
kill a sandwraith or a fannarl. Maybe they’ll have an idea of what
they’re dealing with.”|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE TO DRAW 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He is getting on your last nerve.
Tell him to back off.|CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 10, 5, 70), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’ve had enough of his poking and
prodding. Don’t answer him. You don’t owe him anything.|CHAPTER 2 REFUSE
TO DRAW 03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Perhaps
we shall see that some day,” he replies coolly. “You and I both.”
You nod and fall silent, casting an eye across the deck to the flowing
river. You watch the rippling emerald waves and passing ships in
silence, feeling Quirinus’ eye on you. You have a feeling he’s not done
with you yet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>>Biting
your tongue before you say something inadvisable, you turn away and
look across the deck. You watch the rippling emerald waves and passing
ships in silence, feeling Quirinus’ eye on you. You have a feeling he’s
not done with you yet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ALASSAR LAST
SECTION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if $sabien_overhears is
true>>“We are halfway to Oriath District,” Quirinus calls behind
you. “Have patience. Velantis is a large city. Crossing it in any
reasonable amount of time can prove challenging—particularly when
there’s a pesky Grand Archsage you have to…how did you put it…//put up//
with?”
A chill runs down your spine. So he did overhear. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 WILDS HIGH APP")>>And he
understood the Artanisian.<</if>>
//Fuck.//
You exhale sharply and keep your eye on the distant shore. You pass a
wide, open boulevard that ends at the river, turning into a wharf. In
the centre of the boulevard, six tall, bronze statues stand in a circle
around a vibrant green field. Couples and families lie on the green,
basking in the sun. They seem so peaceful.
You can’t remember the last time you had a moment of calm or quiet. You
can’t remember the last time you could afford to simply
stop.<<else>>“We are halfway to Oriath District,” Quirinus
calls behind you. “Have patience. Velantis is a large city. Crossing it
in any reasonable amount of time can prove challenging.”
You exhale sharply and keep your eye on the distant shore. You pass a
wide, open boulevard that flows directly into a white stone wharf. In
the centre of the boulevard, six tall, bronze statues stand in a circle
around a vibrant green field. Couples and families lie on the green,
basking in the sun. They seem so peaceful, your heart aches.
You can’t remember the last time you had a moment of calm or quiet. You
can’t remember the last time you could afford to simply stop.
“I know, I know,” you mutter. “If only we could take the Pallaedrion…”
You glance over your shoulder, shooting a dark look at Nova. She
grimaces and rolls her eyes, blowing out a sharp puff of air. She’s been
oddly quiet this entire time. She must need to mind herself around
Quirinus as much as you do.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Do you ever wish you had magic?” Quirinus asks.
The question hits you like a punch to the gut.
You turn around, half-rising out of your seat, one hand on the pommel of
your sword. You’ve been asked this question before. You heard it so
often in your childhood—//what if, what if, what if?// What if you
weren’t the way you were? What if you had what everyone else did
naturally?
What would you do with such a power?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yes. I do.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ YES][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70), $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. Never.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ
NO][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70), $PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I can’t answer that.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ
MAYBE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<if $sabien_overhears is
true>>“We are halfway to Oriath District,” Quirinus calls behind
you. “Have patience. Velantis is a large city. Crossing it in any
reasonable amount of time can prove challenging—particularly when
there’s a pesky Grand Archsage you have to…how did you put it…//put up//
with?”
A chill runs down your spine. So he did overhear. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 BARGE TRANS 03 WILDS HIGH APP")>>And he
understood the Artanisian.<</if>>
//Fuck.//
You grit your teeth so hard you nearly bite your tongue. Covering your
discomfort, you exhale sharply and turn around in your seat, gazing at
the distant shore. You pass a wide, open boulevard that flows directly
into a white stone wharf. In the centre of the boulevard, six tall,
bronze statues stand in a circle around a vibrant green field. Couples
and families lie on the green, basking in the sun. They seem so
peaceful, your heart aches.
You can’t remember the last time you had a moment of calm or quiet. You
can’t remember the last time you could afford to simply stop.
You can still feel Quirinus’ eyes on you.
Deciding you’ve had quite enough of his company, you rise to your feet
and duck out from under the canopy. With little else to go, you cross
the deck and find Aeran at the prow.<<else>>“We are halfway
to Oriath District,” Quirinus calls behind you. “Have patience. Velantis
is a large city; crossing it in any reasonable amount of time can prove
challenging.”
You exhale sharply and keep your eye on the distant shore. You pass a
wide, open boulevard that flows directly into a white stone wharf. In
the centre of the boulevard, six tall, bronze statues stand in a circle
around a vibrant green field. Couples and families lie on the green,
basking in the sun. They seem so peaceful, your heart aches.
You can’t remember the last time you had a moment of calm or quiet. You
can’t remember the last time you could afford to simply //stop.//
“I know, I know,” you mutter. “If only we could take the Pallaedrion…”
You glance over your shoulder, shooting a dark look at Nova. She
grimaces and rolls her eyes, blowing out a sharp puff of air. She’s been
oddly quiet this entire time. She must need to mind herself around
Quirinus as much as you do.
Deciding you’ve had quite enough of the Grand Archsage’s company, you
rise to your feet and duck out from under the canopy. With little else
to go, you cross the deck and find Aeran at the prow.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Could have done that earlier,” he grunts. “Should have done
that earlier—”
“I was doing what Nova asked me to do,” you mutter, careful not to raise
your voice. Though the sharp breeze masks your words, you have no doubt
the Grand Archsage is still listening. “Unlike //someone// else.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He flinches. “Trust me, $firstname,”
he says. “It’s better this way. You don’t want me involved in this.”
//So you keep telling me.//
The thought simmers in your mind. What the hell is he hiding? You have
half a mind to demand an explicit explanation once you’re alone.
<<if $aerandeal is "secret">>It’s a little juvenile, but you
remember the bet you made in Rona. And he owes you a
secret…<<elseif $aerandeal is "favour">>It’s a little
juvenile, but you remember the bet you made in Rona. Maybe it’s time to
call in that favour…<</if>><<else>>He glares at
you. “You don’t want me involved in this—”
“Yeah, you keep saying that,” you snap. “You don’t need to tell me
again.”
A wave of irritation rises in your chest. What the hell is he hiding?
You have half a mind to demand an explicit explanation once you’re
alone. If you have to force it out of him, so be it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<solarathGain>><<set
$mc_magic to 1>>Despite the truth of your words, you can’t shake
the hollowness that accompanies them. This is something you have rarely
spoken of—a deeply buried desire to be like everyone else, a craving for
the one thing that could make you have that inherent acceptance open to
the rest of the world. Your lack of magic has always been a barrier no
matter where you go, invisible yet always felt.
What you wouldn’t give to know what it’s like to live without it. Like
everyone else.
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. “I must admit, I am surprised,” he says. “Of
all the Wayfarers I have known, very few are willing to confess they
wish for a different lot in life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”|CHAPTER 2
MQ YES A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Call it curiosity—who doesn’t want
to learn how to throw fire from their fingertips or travel through a
portal?”|CHAPTER 2 MQ YES B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug indifferently. You don’t want
to continue this line of thought.|CHAPTER 2 MQ
CONTINUE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>><<set
$mc_magic to 2>>Quirinus raises an eyebrow. “You are very adamant
about that.”
“Why? Did you want me to say something different?”
There were Wayfarers at the Spire—apprentices only a few years your
senior—who quietly lamented their lack of magic. For some, it was part
of the acclimatisation process. The Spire was foreign to many new
recruits, in part because of its frigid climate, and in part because it
was the only location in the world where magic did not exist.
After seeing how the older apprentices—and sometimes even the recently
inaugurated Wayfarers—clung to the idea that their lives would have been
better if they only had magic, you derived a theory. So many recruits
arrived with the notion that magic is a natural part of life. No matter
what walk of life they came from, every Wayfarer had the shared
experience of their community expecting to lament their lack of magic by
wishing they could have it.
You’ve never wanted magic. You don’t need it. If anything, it’s more
trouble than it is worth.
“I merely wondered whether you had considered the possibility,” Quirinus
says. “There is no danger in speculation. Though I see you are cut from
the same cloth as many of your contemporaries. Very few Wayfarers are
willing to confess they wish for a different lot in life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”|CHAPTER 2
MQ YES A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug indifferently. He’s trying to
get under your skin. Best ignore him. |CHAPTER 2 MQ
CONTINUE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_magic to 3>>Quirinus raises an eyebrow. From his expression,
you know he doesn’t believe you.
Whether the Grand Archsage believes you or not, it’s the truth. You’ve
thought about it, of course—nearly every Wayfarer has—but you’ve never
come to any conclusive feelings about magic. It’s complicated. Too
complicated.
Why wish for something you can never have? Why hate something you can
never understand? While other apprentices at the Spire grappled with
hating and wanting, you walked an even line between them.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have magic.
Reckoning with the facts will only open you up to hurt and frustration.
It’s easier not to think about it.
“I don’t know,” you say finally. “It’s not that important to me.”
“Ah, but there is no danger in speculation, is there?” he counters. “I
suppose you are cut from the same cloth as many of your contemporaries.
Very few Wayfarers are willing to confess they wish for a different lot
in life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”|CHAPTER 2
MQ YES A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug indifferently. He’s trying to
get under your skin. Best ignore him. |CHAPTER 2 MQ
CONTINUE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“In
the eyes of many, there is,” he counters. “Meissandic doctrine believes
that magianis are a curse. Modern physicians believe the condition is a
disease. One may be correct—or the other. Perhaps neither. Regardless,
you were condemned from the moment of your birth to lead this life. I
wonder what would have happened, if you hadn’t?”
Your fingers curl into a fist. His prodding insult isn’t the worst
you’ve heard, but as it comes from the mouth of the Grand Archsage, it
infuriates you. You resist the urge to punch him in the face.
“I don’t know,” you say finally. “Maybe I was always cut out to be a
mercenary.”
<<if $origin is "nomad" or $origin is "hunter" or $origin is
"urchin">>“Yes,” he murmurs. “Perhaps you
were.”<<else>>“No,” he murmurs. “I don’t believe
so.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MQ
CONTINUE]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles and shakes his head. “Then perhaps it will soothe your
disappointment to know that such skills are not easily manifested. Not
only must an individual resonate with the corresponding sphere, but it
takes time, effort and practice to attune themself to their powers. Many
a person has shared your discontent when they learned the magic they
wished they had was not the one they were born with.”
You shrug. Being attuned to one sphere or another isn’t really
comparable, but you don’t have the patience to argue Quirinus’ point.
It’s difficult enough to resist the urge to punch him in the face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MQ
CONTINUE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
leans back, stretching his arms unconcernedly, and throws a look in
Aeran’s direction. Though his back is to the canopy, you know he is
listening to every word you speak.
“Answer me this, $lastname,” he says, though his gaze remains firmly on
Aeran. “If it were possible for you to attune to magic, here and
now—would you?”
Though his words ring in your ears, you’re certain you’ve misheard him.
You blink and try to swallow his meaning. Your throat has gone strangely
dry.
//Would you?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If I’m being honest… yes. Maybe.”|CHAPTER 2
MQ CONT A][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ CONT
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you’re asking me if I’d give up
who I am in exchange for magic, then no. Never.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ CONT
C][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Ask me that again and the only
answer you’ll get is a fist to the face.”|CHAPTER 2 MQ CONT
D][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70), $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<set
$mc_wants_magic to 1>>“Fascinating,” Quirinus says, leaning in.
“Not the answer I expected. I will remember this.”
A chill runs down your spine. Smiling as politely as you can manage, you
return his gaze and bite your tongue, forcing down the urge to snap at
him.
“$firstname,” Aeran calls sharply.
A wave of relief rushes over you. “Excuse me,” you say, rising to your
feet.
Quirinus leans back, gesturing grandly. “By all means.”
Turning your back on him, you duck out from under the canopy and join
Aeran at the prow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_wants_magic to 2>>Quirinus closes his eyes and exhales an
impatient breath. “Of course,” he says. “The easiest way to avoid having
an opinion on a complicated matter is to avoid it entirely.”
A wave of irritation rushes over you. “Sorry for not giving your useless
speculations more of my time than it deserves,” you snap, rising to
your feet. “It’s a stupid question anyway.”
“$firstname,” Aeran calls sharply.
Giving Quirinus a bitter smile, you turn your back on him and duck out
from under the canopy to join Aeran at the prow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>><<set
$mc_wants_magic to 3>>Quirinus frowns. “Of course,” he says.
“After what you’ve experienced, you cannot imagine your life any other
way.”
A wave of irritation rushes over you. “I’m not going to indulge your
useless speculation, Quirinus,” you snap, rising to your feet. “Whatever
you’re after, leave me out of it.”
“$firstname,” Aeran calls sharply.
Giving Quirinus a rude gesture, you turn your back on him and duck out
from under the canopy to join Aeran at the prow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>><<set
$mc_wants_magic to 4>><<timed
5s>><<aeranApp>><</timed>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 DRAW BLADE TELL BACK OFF")>>Quirinus clicks
his tongue. “Have you forgotten the barge already, $lastname? The
warning I gave?”
Your jaw clenches. You feel desperately hot; you want nothing more than
to get off this fucking boat. “No,” you spit.
“Good,” he replies. “I should very much like to avoid any crass
incidents.”
“$firstname!” Aeran calls sharply.
Giving Quirinus a rude gesture, you turn your back on him and duck out
from under the canopy to join Aeran at the
prow.<<else>>Quirinus clicks his tongue. “I would very much
like to avoid any crass incidents, $lastname,” he says. “They take far
too much effort for the amount of time they waste.”
Your jaw clenches. You feel desperately hot; you want nothing more than
to get off this fucking boat. “As if this whole conversation hasn’t been
a fucking waste of time,” you snap, rising to your feet.
Giving Quirinus a rude gesture, you turn your back on him and duck out
from under the canopy to join Aeran at the prow.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
CONVO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=59>>“Gods,” you mutter under your breath. “Thought
he was going to talk forever—”
“Seems like that’s what you wanted. You certainly went along with it
easily enough.”
You shoot him a flat look. Annoyance curls in your gut. It’s one of
those days—everything that comes out of his mouth is something designed
to get under your skin.
“I did what Nova asked me to—”
“You did a little bit more than that—”
“I was playing //nice—”//
“No one can //play nice// with Sabien Quirinus,” he says scathingly.
“<<if $persuasion >=9>>Not even
you.”<<else>>Especially not you.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fuck off, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN CONVO
D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you didn’t like it, you could
have said something. Next time, don’t put it all on me.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
CONVO E]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN CONVO
F]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MQ CONT D") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MQ CONT
C")>>“Gods,” you mutter under your breath. “Thought he was going
to talk forever—”
“Seems like that’s what you wanted. You certainly went along with it
easily enough.”<<else>>“Thanks,” you mutter under your
breath. “Thought he was going to talk forever—”
“You certainly indulged him enough,” he snaps.<</if>>
A gust of wind blows across the prow, rustling your clothing. The breeze
is a welcome reprieve in the blazing hot sun, but it does little to
lessen the sticky clamminess clinging to the back of your neck.
Sweat drips down your spine. You force back a shiver.
“I wasn’t,” you say finally. “I did what Nova asked me to—”
“You did a little bit more than that—”
“I was playing //nice—”//
He snorts. “You’re a fool. No one can //play nice// with Sabien
Quirinus. <<if $persuasion >=9>>Not even
you.”<<else>>Especially not you.”<</if>>
You exhale sharply, calming the twisting ache in your chest. You hate
arguing with him. You hate seeing him like this. You don’t like what
Velantis is doing to him and you haven’t even been here for a day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Aeran…”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN CONVO
A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You could be a little more helpful,
you know. You didn’t have to put it all on me.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN CONVO
B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN CONVO DROP
IT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
summer sun turns unforgiving as the barge continues its steady journey
northwards. Despite the cool breeze, the afternoon heat is unbearable.
The glare from the river stabs at your eyes, the sun sears your exposed
skin, and a dry thirst rises in the back of your throat.
You almost consider retreating beneath the canopy—Quirinus and Nova seem
perfectly comfortable in the shade—but after your conversation with
Aeran, you have little desire to open yourself up to questioning again.
Instead, you try to distract yourself by watching the city pass by. The
Crystalis has finally disappeared from the southern skyline, replaced
with temples and residences that rise above the broad streets. It’s a
pretty view, so long as you look in the right direction. The
north-western skyline remains clouded with dark smoke, emanating
outwards from Diradan Tower. On any other day, you’d find the changing
sights fascinating, but as the journey carries on, your mind drifts to
thick, sluggish boredom.
“$firstname,” Aeran says, <<if $aeranapp >=60>>gently
nudging you in the side.<<else>>elbowing you sharply in the
side.<</if>> “Look.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>He flinches at his name and draws
away from you. “I know,” he murmurs, unable to meet your gaze. “I’m
sorry, $nickname. I… You have to trust me on this. You don’t want me
involved.”<<elseif $aeranrom >=10>>He closes his eyes as
you call his name and exhales softly. “I know,” he says, turning to you.
“I’m sorry, $nickname. I know you have questions, but you have to trust
me on this. You don’t want me involved.”<<else>>He lets out
a long sigh and runs a hand through his hair. “I know,” he says,
turning to you. “I’m sorry, $nickname, I’m being… Look, I know you have
questions, but you have to trust me on this. You don’t want me
involved.”<</if>>
You nod, falling silent, but you can’t shake the nagging thought that
chips away at your mind. What the hell is he hiding? You have half a
mind to demand an explicit explanation once you’re alone. <<if
$aerandeal is "secret">>It’s a little juvenile, but you remember
the bet you made in Rona. And he owes you a secret…<<elseif
$aerandeal is "favour">>It’s a little juvenile, but you remember
the bet you made in Rona. Maybe it’s time to call in that
favour…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
flinches. “Trust me, $firstname,” he says. “It’s better this way. You
don’t want me involved.”
//So you keep telling me.//
The thought simmers in your mind. What the hell is he hiding? You have
half a mind to demand an explicit explanation once you’re alone.
<<if $aerandeal is "secret">>It’s a little juvenile, but you
remember the bet you made in Rona. And he owes you a
secret…<<elseif $aerandeal is "favour">>It’s a little
juvenile, but you remember the bet you made in Rona. Maybe it’s time to
call in that favour…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Shaking
your head, you fold your arms and turn to watch the river. There will
be time to deal with this later.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
laughs harshly. “Gladly.”
He falls silent, but it does little to soothe the wave of irritation
rising in your chest. What the hell is he hiding? You have half a mind
to demand an explicit explanation once you’re alone. If you have to
force it out of him, so be it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>His
expression darkens. “Trust me, you don’t want me involved in this—”
“Yeah, you keep saying that,” you snap. “You don’t need to tell me
again.”
A wave of irritation rises in your chest. What the hell is he hiding?
You have half a mind to demand an explicit explanation once you’re
alone. If you have to force it out of him, so be it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rolling
your eyes, you fold your arms and turn to watch the river. Arguing with
him now is pointless. It’s only going to end in a fight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TRANSITION REACH
GATES][$PassageNo = 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You blink, jolted out of your
reverie. A shadow passes over the barge, shielding you from the sun. You
raise your head, your mouth parting in awe. An imposing wall rises
above the river and cuts across the city, separating the lower districts
from the upper. Like the walls at the city’s entrance, its white stone
is engraved with intricate mosaics. The barge sails through a curved
archway and disappears below the wall, throwing you into near darkness.
Magic dances around you, glimmering with the pinpricks of a thousand
security spells.
Nova clears her throat and lets out a sharp breath. She squeezes her
eyes shut and folds her hands tightly in her lap, muttering to herself
under her breath. She looks distinctly uncomfortable, if not in pain.
Whatever the security enchantments do to those who pass through them,
you’re glad you don’t have to experience it.
Quirinus, meanwhile, lounges in his seat, either unbothered or untouched
by the spellwork.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>When the barge emerges into the sunlight, you are greeted by
wide boulevards and lustrous parks, magnificent temples and pavilions,
villas and mansions, all beautifully sculpted from white stone. Statues
and mosaics decorate the streets and verdant gardens dot every corner.
The Gairloch Mountains rise above it all, their snow-capped peaks
glimmering in the bright sun.
This must be Oriath District.
The river narrows as it winds its way through the district. The barge is
one of the few vessels on the water, having left most of the river
traffic behind in the lower city. It slows down as it approaches a
broad, canopied pier on the edge of open, green grounds. A domed,
hexagonal pavilion rises behind it, a trickle of passersby entering and
exiting through its arched doorways. If you had to guess, this is
another Pallaedrion, albeit much smaller than the one near the harbour.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Great,” Aeran mutters, eyeing the pier.
A handful of guards in red armour stand at attention, watching as the
barge approaches. A dwarven aristocrat stands in the centre, their
flowing white and red serithan shining bright in the sunlight. Though
their beard is cropped short, their dark hair hangs loosely about their
shoulders, adorned with small gold clasps similar to the ones Zenaida
wore. As you get closer, you notice they are watching you with a deeply
dissatisfied look, a scowl etched permanently into their brow.
“You’ve returned, Grand Archsage,” the aristocrat says as the barge
pulls into the pier. “Quite belatedly, I might add.”
Quirinus ducks out from under the canopy, ushering Nova alongside him as
he steps off the boat. “Someone had to escort Lady Anaxas’ new
bodyguards,” he says. “I elected to oblige. I hope Archon Anaxas
appreciates the gesture—”
“You can ask her yourself,” they interrupt. “Your invitation to
tonight’s gala stands. I trust you will be there?”
“I’ll consider it,” he says. He glances at Nova and smiles blithely. “I
have Guild matters to attend to.”
She rolls her eyes, her mouth twisting furiously as she bites back a
retort.
“Here is where I leave you, Wayfarer $lastname,” he continues, turning
to you. “You are in good hands. Rasmira is a fair bit prickly, but
you’ll have to forgive them—they lost their last shred of patience
sometime in the last century and have yet to recover it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Sweeping by the guards with Nova in tow, Quirinus climbs the
stairs to the pavilion above. As he reaches the top step, he thrusts a
hand downwards and slices the air open. A portal opens, the black void
undulating outwards, tinged in blue. Quirinus seizes Nova by the
shoulder and escorts her into the portal. They disappear and it seals
itself behind them, as if it was never there.
Rasmira puffs exasperatedly and turns to you, looking you and Aeran up
and down. Their orange eyes linger on your weapons. “I am Rasmira,” they
say briskly. “Steward of Mahanin Palace and chief chamberlain to House
Anaxas. Lady Zenaida sent me to greet you. She was concerned you would
disappear into the city and never be found again.”
Aeran snorts. “Bit of an exaggeration that, don’t you think?”
Rasmira pauses, fixing him with a blank look. “Lady Anaxas is quite
anxious to see you,” they say, continuing over the interruption. “She
is, however, in conference with the Archon. I am to escort you to your
chambers, where you will stay until you are called upon.”
You grimace. While you don’t like the idea of being confined, at least
it’s not a boat.
“Now kindly hand over your weapons and we can be on our way.”
You pause, frozen to the barge’s deck, one hand firmly on $blade’s hilt.
Rasmira has already turned away, heading for the stairs with the
expectation you will follow. The guards stiffen, their hands on their
weapons, ready to be drawn.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not handing over anything.”|CHAPTER 2
REACH GATES 03A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up your sword. You doubt
Rasmira will let you enter the grounds while armed and there’s enough
guards here to force you to comply. You’d rather not humiliate
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES 03B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Defer to Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 REACH
GATES 03C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Rasmira
halts, one foot on the first step. “This is not a slight against you,
Wayfarer $lastname,” they say. “No weapons are allowed within Oriath
District.”
You frown, your fingers tightening around the hilt. Out of the corner of
your eye, you see Aeran hesitate. His scowl is nearly as deep as yours.
The steward sighs wearily. “Lady Zenaida warned me you might be…
resistant. I assure you, your weapons will be kept safe. But until you
leave the district or you are granted permission to carry them, you
cannot enter the district, let alone Mahanin Palace.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re not taking them. We’re Zenaida’s
bodyguards. Can’t really do that job if unarmed.”|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. Give up your sword.
Pressing the issue will likely only cause problems later on.' 'CHAPTER 2
REACH GATES
04B'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>>Shaking
your head, you jump the gap from the barge and land squarely on the
pier. “I hope there’s a good reason for this,” you say as you pull your
scabbard free from your belt.
“No weapons are allowed in Oriath District, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira
replies, watching as you hand $blade to the closest guard. “This isn’t a
slight against you, it holds true for everyone entering the district. I
assure you, your weapons will be kept safe until you leave the district
or you are granted permission to carry them.”
The guard takes $blade, handling it so gingerly they look like they will
drop it.
You roll your eyes. “It’s not a thundersphere, it’s not going to hurt
you,” you say as Aeran reluctantly hands over his bow and quiver.
The guards do not let you pass.
“What now?” you say crossly.
“The rest, please,” Rasmira says bluntly. “The wards detected other
weapons when you passed through the gate. Remove them.”
You let out an exasperated breath and hand over the rest of your gear.
Once the steward is satisfied that you aren’t hiding any other weapons,
they indicate for the guards to let you through and follow them up the
steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
jumps the gap from the barge, landing quietly on the pier. “Just do it,
$firstname,” he says, handing over his bow and quiver.
Gnashing your teeth, you follow suit. You fumble with your scabbard and
pull it free, thrusting $blade into the hands of the nearest guard. They
take it, handling it so gingerly they look like they’re about to drop
it.
“It’s not a thundersphere, it’s not going to hurt you,” you snap.
Your comment does nothing to soothe the guard’s trembling hands. You
take a step forward, intending to reach Rasmira on the stairs, but the
guards form a line in front of you, blocking your way.
“What now?” you say crossly.
“The rest, please,” Rasmira says bluntly. “The wards detected other
weapons when you passed through the gate. Remove them.”
You let out an exasperated breath. “I hope there’s a good reason for
this,” you grunt as you reach for the rest of your gear.
“No weapons are allowed in Oriath District, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira
explains, watching you with an approving look in their eye. “This isn’t
a slight against you, it holds true for everyone entering the district.
I assure you, your weapons will be kept safe until you leave the
district or you are granted permission to carry them.”
“Great,” you mutter.
Once the steward is satisfied that you aren’t hiding any other weapons,
they indicate for the guards to let you through and follow them up the
steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$weapons_refused to true>>Rasmira pauses, their gaze passing from
you to Aeran in silence. For a moment, it seems like they are about to
acquiesce, but instead they throw up a hand and gesture sharply at you.
“What—I—”
The guards manhandle you without warning, holding you back as they strip
you of your gear. Your jaw clenches, fury boiling in your chest, a
flush searing your cheeks. A group of curious passersby gather near the
stairs, tittering to each other from the pavilion as you are forcibly
searched for hidden weapons.
Once you have been thoroughly searched, they push you past the line and
turn to Aeran. He submits as tactfully as he can manage, handing over
his bow and quiver in silence. His scowl is impossible to miss.
“As I said, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira says, “your weapons will be
returned to you. There is no need to behave in such an unruly manner.”
“I get it, thanks,” you seethe through gritted teeth. “Can we go now?”
They nod and indicate for you to follow them up the stairs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
10]]</div></div><</nobr>>Pushing
down your frustration, you jump the gap from the barge and land
squarely on the pier. You pull your scabbard free from your belt and
hand it to the closest guard. They take it, handling it gingerly
You roll your eyes. “It’s not a thundersphere, it’s not going to hurt
you,” you say as Aeran reluctantly hands over his bow and quiver.
The guards do not let you pass.
“What now?” you say crossly.
“The rest, please,” Rasmira says bluntly. “The wards detected other
weapons when you passed through the gate. Remove them.”
You let out an exasperated breath and hand over the rest of your gear.
Once Rasmira is satisfied that you aren’t hiding any other weapons, they
indicate for the guards to let you through and follow them up the
steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH GATES
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$hide_gear to true>><<notify 3000>>Gear and
Consumables Removed<</notify>>Rasmira leads you past the
Pallaedrion and onto a thoroughfare that cuts its way through the
grounds. The streets are lined with flowers and ornamental trees and
paved with bright white stones decorated with vibrant mosaics. The
gardens are lush, filling the space between the paths with verdant
greenery. Rushing water flows from extravagant fountains scattered
around the grounds, spraying high into the bright blue sky.
Lavishly dressed aristocrats thread their way up and down the landscaped
boulevards. Some appear to be out on an afternoon stroll; others walk
with great haste, heading for any one of many temples or pavilions at
the perimeter of the gardens. To the west, the sculpted domes of a small
palace glimmer in the distance.
All of it pales in comparison to the immense red fortress that
overshadows the grounds. Though it is not as tall as some of the other
Velantian buildings, its presence cannot be ignored. The red stone
contrasts sharply with the gardens and avenues that surround it, its
arched ramparts overlooking the grounds with an elegant, yet severe,
air. The Arathian phoenix flies from the battlements, the familiar
scarlet pennants draped over the walls. Domed towers flank either side
of a great, carved gate that leads into the complex.
This is not a palace, but a stronghold, built to resist and outlast. And
it is old—far older than the city that has sprung up around it.
The sun disappears behind the towers are you approach the fortress,
casting you into shadow. Rasmira sweeps in front of you, ushering you
and Aeran towards the gate.
“Welcome to Mahanin Palace,” they say. “Follow me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PARTY PREP
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div
class="heading-title">Later...</div></div></div><<set
$aeran_argued to 0>><<set $areaname to " Episode II:
Mahanin Palace">>“Now what?”
You raise your head and look at Aeran from across the room. He leans
against a column, arms folded, and stares through the fluttering drapes
that lead out onto the balcony. The view of the palace grounds is quite
spectacular—or it would be, if you could convince yourself to get up.
You exhale sharply and settle down, sinking into the plush divan, and
stare at the ceiling. The intricately carved beams frame a constellation
of mosaics that spread outwards from the highest point, creating a
complex pattern of rich blues, whites and golds. It’s a feast for the
eyes—the longer you look at it, the more detailed it becomes. If that
wasn’t enough to remind you that you are in the lap of luxury, the divan
is insultingly comfortable. You haven’t been able to get up since you
sat down.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PARTY PREP
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Mahanin
Palace is not what you expected. The massive stronghold hides a
labyrinthine complex behind its walls, an endless maze of galleries,
courtyards, gardens, and rotundas. It is more of a small city than a
palace. <<if $origin is "nomad">>Even the royal residence in
Sarin, which you saw once as a child, does not compare.<<elseif
$origin is "hunter">>Even the manor estates of Tyridia cannot
compare.<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>Even the estates
dotting the Arsenian countryside cannot compare.<<elseif $origin
is "urchin">>Oddly, it reminds you of Nesactium—the same
suffocating magnitude, except the dirty buildings and tight alleyways
are traded for a lavish beauty that can only come from
wealth.<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>Even the grand villas
of Tol Covere, with their white walls and spectacular views, cannot
compare.<<elseif $origin is "noble">>Even your family estate
in Vodena cannot compare.<</if>> Buildings adorned with
frescos dot the complex, interconnected by a web of broad halls and open
promenades. They flow with people—some visitors, some delegates, some
palace residents. The guard watches over the area with a quiet, but
ubiquitous presence, their deep red armour standing out amongst the sea
of serithans.
<<if $perception >=9>>Even with your strong sense of
direction and Rasmira as a guide, within minutes you were hopelessly
lost.<<else>>Even with Rasmira as a guide, within minutes
you were hopelessly lost.<</if>> The stuffy steward escorted
you through the palace without pause, ushering you quickly past any
points of interest and refusing to answer your questions. They led you
to the north-west wing, where they unceremoniously ushered you into a
suite on the second floor and firmly instructed you to stay where you
are.
“Where’s Zenaida?” you pressed, catching the door before the steward
could slam it closed.
“As I said, Lady Anaxas is in conference with her mother,” they replied.
“Your services are not currently required. Stay here until you are
informed otherwise. Make use of the amenities Her Grace has graciously
provided—you must be famished after such a long journey.”
Rasmira did not exaggerate. The suite is elegant, with furnishings and
fineries fit for royalty. An antechamber decorated with idyllic frescos
leads into a central sitting room. A thick, rich rug covers the majority
of the floor, embroidered with the geometric patterns so common in
Arathian art. A trio of divans are clustered in the centre of the room,
arranged to face a low, circular table laden with food. Arched windows
line the outer wall, their carved frames illuminated by the warm
afternoon sun. Two bedchambers—one of which must have been a converted
study—connect to the central room, one at either end. The tall double
doors are constructed and engraved from the same rich wood used so
generously throughout the palace.
You haven’t investigated further. After Rasmira shut the door in your
face, you set down your pack, threw yourself on the nearest divan, and
haven’t moved since. The food prepared for your arrival is a veritable
feast, more than enough to feed the both of you. Spiced stews and rice,
roasted vegetables and flatbreads, savoury meats—the rich aroma of it
all is overwhelming, striking at your ravenous hunger. You picked away
at the plentiful offerings, washing it down with cool water that leaves
the tang of citrus on your tongue. <<if $origin is
"noble">>The food is exquisite, harkening back to the flavours of
your childhood. You once ate very similar meals, in the pavilions of
your family’s estate…<<else>>While the food is exquisite, a
part of you still hungers for the smells of the harbour market.
If you could go back…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PARTY PREP 03][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Now
what?” Aeran repeats.
You close your eyes and rest a hand across your face, blocking out the
light.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know. We
wait and see.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just sit down and eat
something.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer him.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH
APP
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know,
Aeran. We wait and see.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just sit down and eat
something.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t answer him.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW
APP
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
grunts, scoffing under his breath.
<<if $aeran_pushed is true>>You lower your hand and sit up,
recalling the anger in his eyes when he shoved you into the railing this
morning.<<else>>You lower your hand and sit up, biting your
tongue as you force down a flare of frustration.<</if>>
Aeran was already on edge before you arrived in the city and Quirinus’
appearance has magnified his unease. The barge ride put him in a foul
mood and he is worn raw. It won’t take much to make him snap.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Get up and comfort him.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP
05A COMFORT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Reason with him. Though you don’t
have your weapons, you’re safe, sheltered, and fed. This is hardly the
worst situation you’ve been in.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP 05B
REASON]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Honestly? He just needs to
eat.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP 05C
EAT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
scowls. <<if $master is "Varyn">>“What are you—Varyn? Don’t
mother me.”<<else>>“Don’t patronize me.”<</if>>
You roll over and sit up. As if to demonstrate your point, you grab a
flatbread and tear into it, shoving a piece into your mouth. “Sit down
and eat,” you say firmly. “You’ll feel better.”
He folds his arms, staring at the plentiful food as if it is poison.
Knowing he can’t be reasoned with right now, you give up and finish the
flatbread, staring at the opposite wall as you eat. The afternoon sun
streams in, cutting warm panels across the floor. Dust motes dance in
the air, spiraling freely.
You feel Aeran’s eyes on you. He irritably taps his foot, wavering with
indecision. Finally, he lets out a sharp breath and ducks through the
fluttering drapes, escaping onto the balcony. Grimacing, you wipe your
hands and rise to your feet. You pad across the plush rug and follow him
outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP GO
OUTSIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You exhale softly and ignore
him. You can feel a wretched conversation brewing and, frankly, you’re
too tired to let Aeran drag you into it. After four weeks at sea and a
barge ride that felt nearly twice as long, all you want to do is rest
and think about absolutely nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>//Tap tap tap tap tap.//
You hear Aeran’s foot tapping relentlessly against the floor. You
scrunch your eyes tight, as if that will somehow block out the sound.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>//Tap tap tap tap tap.//
You press your hands to your ears, blocking out the sound.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>//Tap tap tap tap tap.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“Fuck //off,”// you grunt, dropping your hands to your sides
and opening your eyes. You push yourself up, rubbing the stiffness out
of your neck, and shoot Aeran a glare.
He grimaces, a slight flush on his cheeks, and looks away guiltily. He’s
never been good at masking his anxiety—especially not when he’s alone
with you. Thinking back, it’s a miracle you didn’t strangle each other
in your closet-sized apartment in Rona.
He sighs heavily and ducks through the fluttering drapes, escaping onto
the balcony. You pause, uncertain whether you should follow him. You’re
tempted to stay where you are, to lie back on the divan, close your eyes
and shut out the world, but you don’t trust him to stay out of trouble.
Shaking your head, you rise to your feet, pad across the plush rug, and
follow him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>Like the inside of your apartment, the red stone balcony is
lavishly furnished. It is decorated with ornamental plants, their vines
and leaves insultingly large and an excessively healthy shade of green.
No doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush and vibrant.
You find Aeran at the far side of the balcony, leaning heavily against
the balustrade as he watches the palace grounds. They stretch out below,
extending all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone
pathways weave their way through the water gardens, descending to the
shore of a small lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into
the hills, using the natural decline to support its structure. A stage
is set in the centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full
circle. A pavilion rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the
highest point. To the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula
jutting into the lake, its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL TRUE][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>He
grunts, scoffing under his breath, and mutters something
unintelligible.
Irritation gnaws at you. Aeran was already in a foul mood before you
arrived in the city; now he is single-mindedly determined to make the
worst out of your situation. Quirinus’ appearance has sapped away his
last vestiges of optimism and you’re the one who has to contend with it.
<<if $aeran_pushed is true>>You lower your hand and sit up,
rubbing a fist across your chest. You can feel the echo of his hand
against your sternum, shoving you into the railing. His flare of anger
was not an isolated event; he’s pissed at you. At Quirinus. At
everything and the world. It won’t take much to make him
snap.<<else>>You lower your hand and sit up. The barge ride
put him in a foul mood and he is worn raw. He’s pissed at you. At
Quirinus. At everything and the world. It won’t take much to make him
snap.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=20>>You don’t know if you can bring
yourself to care anymore.<<else>>If you didn’t have
contractual obligations, you wouldn’t care.<</if>> But until
your agreement with the Order of Lethalis is concluded, you and Aeran
are stuck together. You have no choice but to tolerate him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “We can’t do anything until we hear from
Zenaida. Stop bitching and make the best of it.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP
05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fucking hell, just sit down and eat
something.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP 05B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore him. No point in talking to
him if he’s going to be like this…|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
snorts. <<if $master is "Varyn">>“What are you—Varyn? Don’t
patronize me.”<<else>>“Don’t patronize
me.”<</if>>
You roll over and sit up, irritation gnawing at you. Aeran was already
in a foul mood before you arrived in the city; now he is single-mindedly
determined to make the worst out of your situation. Quirinus’
appearance has sapped away his last vestiges of optimism and you’re the
one who has to contend with it.
<<if $aeran_pushed is true>>You lower your hand and sit up,
rubbing a fist across your chest. You can feel the echo of his hand
against your sternum, shoving you into the railing. His flare of anger
was not an isolated event; he’s pissed at you. At Quirinus. At
everything and the world. It won’t take much to make him
snap.<<else>>You lower your hand and sit up. The barge ride
put him in a foul mood and he is worn raw. He’s pissed at you. At
Quirinus. At everything and the world. It won’t take much to make him
snap.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=20>>You don’t know if you can bring
yourself to care anymore.<<else>>If you didn’t have
contractual obligations, you wouldn’t care.<</if>> But until
your agreement with the Order of Lethalis is concluded, you and Aeran
are stuck together. You have no choice but to tolerate him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re dead on your feet. Eat before you
fall over.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 04B-1A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Whatever. Your loss.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
LOW APP 04B-1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore him. No point in talking to
him if he’s going to be like this…|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeran_pushed is true>>You lower your hand and sit up, rubbing a
fist across your chest. You can feel the echo of his hand against your
sternum, shoving you into the railing.<<else>>You lower your
hand and sit up.<</if>> Irritation gnaws at you. Aeran was
already in a foul mood before you arrived in the city; now he is
single-mindedly determined to make the worst out of your situation.
Quirinus’ appearance has sapped away his last vestiges of optimism and
you’re the one who has to contend with it. The barge ride put him in a
foul mood and he is worn raw. He’s pissed at you. At Quirinus. At
everything and the world. It won’t take much to make him snap.
<<if $aeranapp >=20>>You don’t know if you can bring
yourself to care anymore.<<else>>If you didn’t have
contractual obligations, you wouldn’t care.<</if>> But until
your agreement with the Order of Lethalis is concluded, you and Aeran
are stuck together. You have no choice but to tolerate him.
“$firstname?” he prompts again.
You ignore him and reach for a flatbread. You tear the fresh bread
between your fingers, the soft, delectable smell wafting over you as you
shove a piece into your mouth. You stare across the room, watching the
dust motes spiral freely in the afternoon light. The sun streams in
through the windows, cutting warm panels across the floor. There’s
almost a pleasant peacefulness about being here, free from the chaos of
the city and out of the eye of scheming, conniving mages.
Almost.
You can feel Aeran’s eyes boring into you.
You swallow the bread. “What?” you snap.
He scowls and looks away, eyeing the plentiful food like it is poison.
For a moment, he seems to want to say something—some retort or tart
remark—but he thinks better of it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quietly,
you rise to your feet and pad across the room, your feet sinking into
the plush rug.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>You step up beside him,
the palm of your hand brushing his shoulder. He flinches at your touch,
but does not draw away. He turns his head, unable to meet your gaze, and
stares adamantly at the edge of the balcony.<<elseif $aeranrom
>=10>>You step up beside him, the palm of your hand brushing
his shoulder. He turns to you, meeting your eyes, and exhales
softly.<<else>>You step up beside him. He glances at you,
meeting your eyes. His mouth twists, on the verge of saying something,
but he thinks better of it.<</if>>
“He’s gone,” you say. “And if everything goes well, he won’t bother us
again.”
He grimaces, a hollow laugh strangled in his throat. “That’s exactly
what he does, $firstname. He worms his way in until he has his hands on
everything, pulling every string. Lethalis is a fool if they think they
can outmaneuver him—and we’re fools for helping them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “He can’t know everything yet. As far as
he’s concerned, we’re Zenaida’s bodyguards.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP
06A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Then he’s Lethalis’ problem, not
ours. They can deal with him after we recover the Astrial.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
HIGHAPP 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “He’s a petty, insufferable man high
on his own power. That kind of arrogance doesn’t last forever.”|CHAPTER
2 PP HIGHAPP 06C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Like
the inside of your apartment, the red stone balcony is lavishly
furnished. It is decorated with ornamental plants, their vines and
leaves insultingly large and an excessively healthy shade of green. No
doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush and vibrant.
Aeran draws to a stop at the edge of the balcony and leans heavily
against the balustrade. The palace grounds stretch out below, extending
all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone pathways weave
their way through the water gardens, descending to the shore of a small
lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into the hills, using
the natural decline to support its structure. A stage is set in the
centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full circle. A pavilion
rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the highest point. To
the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula jutting into the lake,
its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Don’t underestimate him,” he says. “It wasn’t a coincidence
that he was there to intercept Zenaida this morning. He knows more than
he’s letting on—”
“He can’t know everything yet.”
“And we know //nothing.”// <<if $aeranrom >=10>>He pushes
away from the column, ripping free from your grasp, and ducks through
the fluttering drapes.<<else>>He pushes away from the column
and ducks through the fluttering drapes.<</if>> Striding
across the balcony, he walks to the very edge and rests his hands on
the balustrade.
You follow, squinting as you step into the bright afternoon sun, and
hang back a few paces. Like the inside of your apartment, the red stone
balcony is lavishly furnished. It is decorated with ornamental plants,
their vines and leaves insultingly large and an excessively healthy
shade of green. No doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush and
vibrant.
“This was supposed to be simple, $firstname,” Aeran says after a moment.
“A chance for Lethalis to act before its enemies. But if my gut feeling
is right, Solarath has us outplayed before we even started. That tower
explosion…”
“We don’t know what happened.”
“And that’s the problem. How do we know the Astrial wasn’t involved? Is
it even still there?”
Your jaw clenches. Unable to answer him, you fall silent and turn to
watch the palace grounds. They stretch out below, extending all the way
to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone pathways weave their way
through the water gardens, descending to the shore of a small lake. To
the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into the hills, using the
natural decline to support its structure. A stage is set in the centre,
with seating fanned out around it in a full circle. A pavilion rests at
the very top, overlooking the stage from the highest point. To the west,
a small temple rises from a peninsula jutting into the lake, its blue
and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Aeran snorts. “Funny. Don’t
underestimate him.”
<<if $countDead is true>>“I’m not,” you say sharply. “They
said the same thing about the Count and look what happened to him. He
ruled Rona for, what—three hundred years? More? And we took him down.”
He glances at you, folding his arms tightly across his chest. For a
moment, he seems like he’s about to answer, to fall into that familiar
friendly banter and give you a quick-witted reply, but instead he falls
silent.
He seems tired. Strained. Quirinus is eating away at him like
acid.<<else>>“I’m not,” you say sharply. “I know my history.
Men like Quirinus attract enemies, and—eventually—they fall. Don’t turn
him into a bigger threat than he is. It will only give him more power
over you.”
He glances at you, folding his arms tightly across his chest. His brow
furrows, creasing with worry. Your words have done nothing to assuage
him. He seems tired. Strained. Quirinus is eating away at him like
acid.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<set $sabien_stab to true>>“If it helps,” you say,
desperate to fill the silence, “next time I see him, I will punch him
for you. I’m willing to resort to murder if it calls for it.”
You expect a laugh, or at least the hint of a smile. <<if
$aeranrom >=10>>But instead, he shakes his head and pushes away
from the column, pulling free from your grasp.<<else>>But
instead, he shakes his head and pushes away from the
column.<</if>> He ducks through the fluttering drapes and
strides across the balcony. Like the inside of your apartment, the red
stone balcony is lavishly furnished. It is decorated with ornamental
plants, their vines and leaves insultingly large and an excessively
healthy shade of green. No doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush
and vibrant.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You follow Aeran outside, squinting as you step into the bright
afternoon sun. He draws to a stop at the edge of the balcony and leans
heavily against the balustrade. The palace grounds stretch out below,
extending all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone pathways
weave their way through the water gardens, descending to the shore of a
small lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into the hills,
using the natural decline to support its structure. A stage is set in
the centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full circle. A
pavilion rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the highest
point. To the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula jutting into
the lake, its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL TRUE][$PassageNo =
1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE][$PassageNo =
1]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeran_argued +=1>><<aeranDisapp>>“He’s not stupid,
$firstname,” he says sharply. “He knows we’re not bodyguards. If he
bought it for even a second, I’ll—”
“Fine,” you interrupt. “So he knows Zenaida’s up to something. How
unusual is that? Seems to me that every political figure in Velantis is
up to something.”
He grimaces. Shaking his head, he ducks through the fluttering drapes
and strides across the balcony. Like the inside of your apartment, the
red stone balcony is lavishly furnished. It is decorated with ornamental
plants, their vines and leaves insultingly large and an excessively
healthy shade of green. No doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush
and vibrant.
You follow Aeran outside, squinting as you step into the bright
afternoon sun. He draws to a stop at the edge of the balcony and leans
heavily against the balustrade. The palace grounds stretch out below,
extending all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone pathways
weave their way through the water gardens, descending to the shore of a
small lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into the hills,
using the natural decline to support its structure. A stage is set in
the centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full circle. A
pavilion rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the highest
point. To the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula jutting into
the lake, its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees, and clasp your hands
together. “It could always be worse,” you say. “At least we have
Zenaida’s protection. I’m not going to complain about the benefits that
come with it.”
Aeran glances at you with narrowed eyes, observing the plentiful food as
if it is poison. “Don’t be blinded by all this… nonsense,” he says,
waving a hand at the room. “It might be pretty, but trust me—whether we
have Zenaida’s protection or not, Mahanin Palace is more dangerous than
Rona ever could be.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Because of Quirinus?”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
07A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Because of the Empire?”|CHAPTER 2
PP HIGH APP 07B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You could try a little optimism,
you know. Might be good for you.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP 07C][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Don’t answer. There’s no point in
talking to him when he’s like this.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
07D]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab another flatbread and tear into it, shoving the pieces into your
mouth. “Aeran,” you manage through your bites. “Sit down and eat. You’ll
feel better.”
He scowls. <<if $master is "Varyn">>“What are you—Varyn?
Don’t mother me.”<<else>>“Don’t patronize
me.”<</if>>
You shrug and finish the flatbread, staring at the opposite wall as you
eat. The afternoon sun streams in, cutting warm panels across the floor.
Dust motes dance in the air, spiraling freely.
You feel Aeran watching you. He irritably taps his foot, wavering with
indecision. Finally, he lets out a sharp breath and ducks through the
fluttering drapes, escaping onto the balcony. Grimacing, you wipe your
hands and rise to your feet. You pad across the plush rug and follow him
outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
nods curtly. “He’s a threat, $firstname. Whatever’s going on between
Zenaida and the archon, that’s between them. But Quirinus…” He trails
off, turning back to the balcony as he folds his arms tight across his
chest. “As long as he’s here, as long as he’s free to meddle, we’re not
safe.”
You swallow hard, a dozen questions flooding your mind. You press your
tongue against the back of your teeth, biting back your reply. You can
feel the invisible line, the growing barrier between you and Aeran, the
one marked by his past. Though you’re desperate to ask, you don’t know
what will happen if you do.
He doesn’t like people prying into his past. Especially not you.
“Then we’ll deal with him,” you say finally. Despite your assured tone,
your words sound hollow to your ears. <<nobr>><<if
$sabien_threatened is true and $countDead is true>>The Grand
Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the barge. And while you
have dealt with untouchable men and lived to tell the tale, the Count
was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you survived. Quirinus is
another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened neq true and $countDead is
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. And while you have dealt with untouchable men and lived to tell
the tale, the Count was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you
survived. Quirinus is another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened is true and $countDead neq
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. You have no idea how to handle him—if you even can.
<<else>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable. You have no idea
how to handle him—if you even
can.<</if>><</nobr>>
Shaking his head, Aeran ducks through the fluttering drapes and
disappears onto the balcony. You make a face and rise to your feet,
padding across the plush rug and following him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
exhales sharply. “Yeah,” he says after a moment. “The Velantian
aristocracy is Arathian and Imperial nobility has more than enough
reasons to hate Wayfarers. Zenaida gave us fair warning. We can’t trust
anyone inside this palace.”
Your jaw clenches and you twist your fingers together, staring blankly
at the opposite wall. Despite the beautiful mosaics, the intricate
engravings, and the plush furniture, you can’t ignore the weight of
Aeran’s words. Maybe there was a reason Rasmira whisked you away to this
apartment, out of sight and out of mind.
Shaking his head, Aeran ducks through the fluttering drapes and
disappears onto the balcony. You make a face and rise to your feet,
padding across the plush rug and following him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
08]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_argued +=1>><<aeranDisapp>>He scowls. “Am I
ruining this for you?” he says bitterly. “Didn’t realize all it takes is
a little food and a little glamour to turn you into a starry-eyed
fool.”
You flush, his words cutting deep. <<nobr>><<if
$origin is "nomad">>You’ve never had much to your name—at least,
not in the way Rhesainian society finds value. You were raised in the
desert; wealth, coin and material things never meant much there. The
sparseness of Wayfarer life was not a difficult adjustment.
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>You’ve never had much to your
name—at least, not in the way Rhesainian society finds value. You were
raised in the wilderness; wealth, coin and material things never meant
much there. The sparseness of Wayfarer life was not a difficult
adjustment.
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>You’ve never had much to your
name. While your family was decently well-off for a small village,
you’ve never known true wealth and luxury. The sparseness of Wayfarer
life was not a difficult adjustment.
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>You’ve never had much to your
name; even your residence at the Spire was sparse. Wealth and luxury
were never much of a concern for you, for they were never attainable.
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>You once lived a wealthy
life. While the villas of Tol Covere and your family’s merchant fleet is
nothing compared to the wealth of the Arathian elite, you had anything
you could ask for. The Spire’s sparseness came as a shock, one you had
difficulty adjusting to in your youth. As much as you hate to admit it,
part of you misses the easy life that comes with wealth.
<<else>>You once lived a wealthy life. While your family’s
estate is nothing compared to the wealth of the Arathian elite, you had
anything you could ask for. The Spire’s sparseness came as a shock, one
you had difficulty adjusting to in your youth. As much as you hate to
admit it, part of you misses the easy life that comes with
wealth.<</if>><</nobr>>
“What’s that supposed to mean?” you ask, rising out of your seat.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>He flushes and looks away. “Sorry,
$nickname,” he mutters. “I…” He trails off. “Never
mind.”<<else>>He scowls and falls silent, irritably tapping
one foot against the floor.<</if>> Shaking his head, he
ducks through the fluttering drapes and disappears onto the balcony.
You make a face and rise to your feet, padding across the plush rug and
following him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fall silent, twisting your fingers together as you stare at the
opposite wall. The afternoon sun streams in, cutting warm panels across
the floor. Dust motes dance in the air, spiraling freely.
You feel Aeran’s eyes on you. He irritably taps his foot, wavering with
indecision. Finally, he lets out a sharp breath and ducks through the
fluttering drapes, escaping onto the balcony. Grimacing, you rise to
your feet, pad across the plush rug, and follow him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
08]]</div></div><</nobr>>Like
the inside of your apartment, the red stone balcony is lavishly
furnished. It is decorated with ornamental plants, their vines and
leaves insultingly large and an excessively healthy shade of green. No
doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush and vibrant.
Aeran draws to a stop at the edge of the balcony and leans heavily
against the balustrade. The palace grounds stretch out below, extending
all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone pathways weave
their way through the water gardens, descending to the shore of a small
lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into the hills, using
the natural decline to support its structure. A stage is set in the
centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full circle. A pavilion
rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the highest point. To
the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula jutting into the lake,
its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“We’re
fucked, $firstname,” Aeran says quietly after a moment, watching the
flurry of movement below. “Zenaida’s gone. Quirinus has Nova—”
“She won’t tell him anything,” you say firmly. Nova Markal is pricklier
than a thorn. If anyone can circumvent a man like Sabien Quirinus, it
would be her.
He snorts. “Maybe. Though if something does slip through, I wouldn’t put
it past her to pin it on us. I have a feeling she didn’t agree to this
plan to recruit us, but got caught up in it anyway.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>><<if $aerantell is
true>>“You,” you say. “The plan to recruit you. I’m just… a bonus,
remember?”
A tired smile flickers across his face. “One whole extra Wayfarer. What
will Umbria Bellaris think?”<<else>>“You,” you say. “The
plan to recruit you. I’m a… bonus at best.”
He grimaces. “Right. Sorry for forgetting that vital piece of
information you should have told me sooner.”
An uncomfortable lump rises in your throat. “Aeran—”
“Never mind,” he interrupts. “I’m sure Umbria Bellaris will appreciate
having a spare.”<</if>>
Umbria Bellaris. The enigmatic leader of the Order of Lethalis. You feel
fortunate to have pried her name out of Malsara, but a name isn’t much
to go on. With Zenaida’s plan gone awry and so many unknown elements at
play, you feel unsteady, as if you’re balancing on the edge of a
fog-shrouded cliff. You could fall at any moment with no idea what waits
for you at the bottom.
<<if $aerantell is true>>You try to smile at Aeran’s joke,
but you can’t.<<else>>Though your gut still twists at
Aeran’s bitter tone, a darker thought clouds your
mind.<</if>> An unspoken subject lingers in the air—the
matter of how the Order of Lethalis found you. Zenaida’s source. The
person who seemingly tracked Aeran across continents, then gave his
location to a sect of Guild mages.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Judging from his reaction to Quirinus, Aeran
has had encounters with the Guild long before Rona. Umbria Bellaris is
an Archsage. Could she be the one who knew his location and sent Zenaida
to recruit him?|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP UMBRIA KNOWN 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. It’s a stretch to believe Bellaris
was responsible. There is nothing to indicate that she is the
source.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP UMBRIA KNOWN
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$aerantell is true>>“You,” you say. “The plan to recruit //you.//
I’m just… a bonus, remember?”
A tired smile flickers across his face. “One whole extra Wayfarer. Lucky
them.”<<else>>“You,” you say. “The plan to recruit you. I’m
a… bonus at best.”
He grimaces. “Right. Sorry for forgetting that vital piece of
information you should have told me sooner.”
An uncomfortable lump rises in your throat. “Aeran—”
“Never mind,” he interrupts. “Lethalis should consider themselves lucky.
They have a spare.”<</if>>
<<if $aerantell is true>>You try to smile at Aeran’s joke,
but you can’t.<<else>>Though your gut twists at his bitter
tone, a darker thought clouds your mind.<</if>> With
Zenaida’s plan gone awry and so many unknown elements at play, you feel
unsteady, as if you’re balancing on the edge of a fog-shrouded cliff.
You could fall at any moment with no idea what waits for you at the
bottom.
An unspoken subject lingers in the air—the matter of how the Order of
Lethalis found you. Zenaida’s source. The person who seemingly tracked
Aeran across continents, then gave his location to a sect of Guild
mages. <<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>And you haven’t
forgotten the letters you found in Rona. Someone is connected to him.
Someone who wanted him to meet them in this very
city…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Judging from his reaction to Quirinus, Aeran
has had encounters with the Guild long before Rona. Could another
member of Lethalis be responsible?|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP UMBRIA NOT
10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. A Guild mage is unlikely. You’re
grasping at straws.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP UMBRIA NOT
10B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“We’re
fucked, $firstname,” Aeran says quietly after a moment, watching the
flurry of movement below. “Zenaida’s gone. Quirinus has Nova—”
“She won’t tell him anything,” you say firmly. Nova Markal is pricklier
than a thorn. If anyone can circumvent a man like Sabien Quirinus, it
will be her.
He snorts. “Maybe. Though if something does slip through, I wouldn’t put
it past her to pin it on us. I have a feeling she didn’t agree to this
plan to recruit us, but got caught up in it anyway—”
“You,” you say, your throat raw. “The plan to recruit //you.// I’m just a
bonus, remember?”
Silence settles over the balcony, broken only by the hot summer breeze.
“What?” Aeran says.
You bite your tongue and recoil at his tone. You never told him what
Zenaida told you—that she was given his location and sent to find him.
You were never part of the equation.
“What does that mean, $firstname?” he says sharply, rounding on you.
“What do you mean you’re a… a //bonus?”//
You exhale, one hand pressed to your mouth.
“Fuck…” He stalks across the balcony, running a hand across his chin as
he considers your words. You can feel his anger simmering—he’s moments
away from snapping. “Lethalis was after me this whole time, weren’t
they?”
You nod. “Yeah.”
“How long did you know?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL FALSE
02][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1">>“Could she be the one?” you ask,
remembering the letters you found in Rona. You don’t have proof that the
letter writer and Zenaida’s source are one and the same, but it’s a
possibility. The tone was certainly sophisticated enough to come from an
Archsage.<<else>>“Could she be the one?” you
ask.<</if>> “The one who knew your location?”
He tenses, falling still, his fingers scraping against the balustrade.
“No. I don’t see how.”
“Why?”
He pauses. “$nickname, the year before Karth… I did a lot of things,
after the Spire fell. Things I’m not proud of. There are a lot of people
out there who want to know where I am.” His voice trails off, nearly
breaking. “It’s complicated being back here, all right? There are some
things you don’t need to know. It’s better that way, believe me.”
You fold your arms, an uneasy feeling gnawing at your gut. Most of the
time, you feel like you know Aeran better than you know yourself. It’s
an easy reverie, a source of comfort in the hell that followed the
Wayfarer Order’s collapse. But there are times he says something—does
//something//—that throws you unceremoniously from the dream and reminds
you that you don’t know him.
Not fully.
There are parts of his history that he’s desperately fighting to keep
hidden. And the closer you get, the more it feels like he wants it
hidden from you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, Aeran.
Everyone has.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02A DISAPPROVES
1][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you mean, being back here?
You’ve been to Velantis before?”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02B
DISAPPROVES 2][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it. He needs to broach the
topic on his own terms. You can’t force it on him.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
AERANTELL 02C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1">>You sigh, shaking your head, and
throw the idea from your mind. Until you get more information—or someone
in Lethalis tells you—the identity of Aeran’s tracker remains a
mystery.
You haven’t forgotten the letters you found in Rona. Someone is
connected to him. Someone who wanted him to meet them in this very city.
As tempted as you are to confront him about it now, you know you
shouldn’t. He keeps his past closely guarded; considering the day you’ve
had, prying into his past now will only push him closer to
snapping.<<else>>You sigh, shaking your head, and throw the
idea from your mind. Until you get more information—or someone in
Lethalis tells you—the identity of Aeran’s tracker remains a
mystery.<</if>>
Aeran glances at you, surprised at your prolonged silence. When you say
nothing more, a grateful look flashes across his face and he smiles
tightly. Stretching his arms above his head, he pushes past you and
slips inside the apartment.
You watch him go, intending to follow, but something gives you pause.
Mahanin Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
Desperately hoping that you will get some answers soon, you sweep the
drapes aside and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran,”
you say tentatively, “Lethalis had a profile on you long before Zenaida
even set sail for Rona. Someone in their organization must be
responsible—”
“It’s not Lethalis,” he interrupts. He tenses, his fingers scraping
against the balustrade. “I don’t see how.”
You pause, uncertain of what to make of his answer. “Why?”
His jaw clenches and he falls silent. “$nickname,” he says at last, “the
year before Karth… I did a lot of things, after the Spire fell. Things
I’m not proud of. There are a lot of people out there who want to know
where I am.” His voice trails off, nearly breaking. “It’s complicated
being back here, all right? There are some things you don’t need to
know. It’s better that way, believe me.”
You fold your arms, an uneasy feeling gnawing at your gut. Most of the
time, you feel like you know Aeran better than you know yourself. It’s
an easy reverie, a source of comfort in the hell that followed the
Wayfarer Order’s collapse. But there are times he says something—does
//something//—that throws you unceremoniously from the dream and reminds
you that you don’t know him.
Not fully.
There are parts of his history that he’s desperately fighting to keep
hidden. And the closer you get, the more it feels like he wants it
hidden from you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, Aeran.
Everyone has.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02A DISAPPROVES
1][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you mean, being back here?
You’ve been to Velantis before?”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02B
DISAPPROVES 2][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it. He needs to broach the
topic on his own terms. You can’t force it on him.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
AERANTELL 02C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh, shaking your head, and throw the idea from your mind. Until you
get more information—or someone in Lethalis tells you—the identity of
Aeran’s tracker is one mystery you can’t unravel.
Aeran glances at you, surprised at your prolonged silence. When you say
nothing more, a grateful look flashes across his face and he smiles
tightly. Stretching his arms above his head, he pushes past you and
slips inside the apartment.
You watch him go, intending to follow, but something gives you pause.
Mahanin Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
Desperately hoping that you will get some answers soon, you sweep the
drapes aside and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_argued +=1>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 6>>He rounds on you before you finish
speaking, his mouth twisting cruelly. “Oh? Like how you killed Rhodarth
in cold blood?” he spits.
A cold chill passes over you. You haven’t discussed Rhodarth since he
died, but Aeran certainly hasn’t forgotten what happened that night.
Nor, it seems, has he forgiven you.
“It was a fight, Aeran,” you say. “He almost killed us—”
“Yeah,” he interrupts bitterly. “Keep telling yourself that. Guess that
makes two of us.”
You pause. “Makes us what?”
He stiffens, hands at his sides, and stares at the ground. “Think of the
worst thing a Wayfarer could do, $firstname,” he says finally. “Think
long and hard about it. And if you can bring yourself to forgive me for
it, then maybe we can finally share all the sins we’ve committed. Yours
and mine.”<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is 5>>He rounds on you
before you finish speaking, his mouth twisting cruelly. “Oh? Like how
you ordered me to… to…”
He’s shaking. You don’t need him to say it; you know he’s talking about
Rhodarth. About the decision you made.
“Fuck…” Aeran lowers his head and falls silent. You haven’t discussed
Rhodarth since he died, but he certainly hasn’t forgotten what happened
that night. “That makes two of us, I guess.”
You pause. “Makes us what?”
He stiffens, hands at his sides, and stares at the ground. “Think of the
worst thing a Wayfarer could do, $firstname,” he says finally. “Think
long and hard about it. And if you can bring yourself to forgive me for
it, then maybe we can finally share all the sins we’ve committed. Yours
and mine.”<<elseif $mareadead is true>>He rounds on you
before you finish speaking, his mouth twisting cruelly. “Oh? Like
killing an innocent woman for a fucking cup?”
Your gut twists. You haven’t forgotten Marea—or what happened that night
in Flotsam Grove. “Yeah,” you say quietly. “Like that.”
He notes the ashen look on your face. “Sorry,” he mutters. “Guess that
makes two of us.”
You pause. “Makes us what?”
He stiffens, hands at his sides, and stares at the ground. “Think of the
worst thing a Wayfarer could do, $firstname,” he says finally. “Think
long and hard about it. And if you can bring yourself to forgive me for
it, then maybe we can finally share all the sins we’ve committed. Yours
and mine.”<<else>>He stiffens, hands at his sides, and
stares at the ground. “Think of the worst thing a Wayfarer could do,
$firstname,” he says finally. “Think long and hard about it. And if you
can bring yourself to forgive me for it, then maybe we can finally share
all the sins we’ve committed. Yours and mine.”<</if>>
With that, he pushes past you and slips inside the apartment. You watch
him go, intending to follow, but something gives you pause. Mahanin
Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
Desperately hoping that you will get some answers soon, you sweep the
drapes aside and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeran_velantis to true>>He rounds on you, a dark look in his
eye. “Yeah,” he says sharply. “I did plenty of contracts in the area
when Rhodarth and I were together. What of it?”
You frown. There’s a defensiveness about his answer that gives you
pause. “I’m just surprised,” you say, shrugging. “You hate the city.
It’s full of Guild mages.”
“Yeah, well…” His mouth twists and he scratches absently at the back of
his neck. “Things were different then.”
With that, he pushes past you and slips inside the apartment. You watch
him go, intending to follow, but something gives you pause. Mahanin
Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
Desperately hoping that you will get some answers soon, you sweep the
drapes aside and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$tempstat>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL FALSE
03B") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 11C") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
PP LOW APP 10B")>>The food-laden table lies before you, but
somehow it no longer looks appetizing. You pause halfway across the
room, <<if $facialhair neq "none">>running a hand over your
bearded chin as you consider where to go.<<else>>rubbing the
back of your neck as you consider where to go.<</if>> The
apartment feels suffocating.
The drapes rustle behind you and you sense Aeran follow you into the
sitting room. <<if $aeranapp >=40>>He steps around you,
giving you a wide berth, and sits down on the nearest divan and begins
to eat.<<else>>He brushes you aside without comment, sits
down on the nearest divan and begins to
eat.<</if>><<else>>Aeran sits on the edge of a
nearby divan, balancing a full plate on his lap. You pause halfway
across the room, eyeing the food-laden table. Somehow, it no longer
looks appetizing. Leaving him to his meal, you pace across the rug,
<<if $facialhair neq "none">>running a hand over your
bearded chin as you considered where to go.<<else>>rubbing
the back of your neck as you consider where to go.<</if>>
The apartment feels suffocating.<</if>>
Despite the fancy food and the beautiful rooms, you can’t ignore your
growing resentment. You have been tucked away, far from the eyes of the
Velantian elite, where your presence won’t cause a scene. You feel naked
without $blade. Your fingers itch for the comfort of its grip, and your
body is unbalanced without its familiar weight at your hip.
<<nobr>><<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom
>=10>>While part of you is thankful that you and Aeran finally
have a moment to yourselves—away from Malsara’s prying eyes and Nova’s
scathing remarks—this isn’t exactly what you hoped for. Aeran is
distracted and your conversation has done little to soothe his
anxieties. You’re just as confined here as you were on the //Dareia.//
<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>While part of you is thankful to
have a moment to yourself, this isn’t exactly what you hoped for. Aeran
is distracted and your conversation has done little to soothe his
anxieties. You’re just as confined here as you were on the //Dareia.//
<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>While you’re thankful that you
have a moment to yourself, you still feel trapped. You’re just as
confined here as you were on the //Dareia.//
<<else>>While it’s nice having a moment to yourself, you’re
not alone. You’re trapped here with Aeran—and you’re just as confined
here as you were on the
//Dareia.//<</if>><</nobr>>
The apartment door opens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP RASMIRA
ENTERS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
pause and shut your mouth, pushing away the many questions racing
through your mind.
Aeran glances at you, surprised at your silence. When you say nothing
more, he looks at you, a grateful look flickering across his face, and
smiles tightly. He pushes past you and slips inside the apartment.
You watch him go, intending to follow, but something gives you pause.
Mahanin Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
Desperately hoping that you will get some answers soon, you sweep the
drapes aside and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>The
question rings in your ears. You fold your arms and try to ignore the
guilt twisting in the pit of your stomach—an impossible task under his
piercing gaze.
You wet your lower lip. “Since we left Rona,” you say finally. “Zenaida
told me; I thought she would have told you by now. But Aeran, I didn’t
mean to hide it from you. There was too much going on—”
“Yeah,” he snaps. “Keep telling yourself that.”
You pause, uncertain what to say. You shift your weight uncomfortably
from foot to foot, caught between the conflicting desire to flee the
balcony and his anger, or to stay and make amends.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry.”|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL FALSE
03A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t know what to say. Leave
the balcony.|CHAPTER 2 PP AERAN TELL FALSE
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
lowers his head, unable to look at you. “Yeah, well,” he mutters. “No
point being upset about it now.”
You nod, your throat raw. “So, what are you going to do?”
He runs a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his neck. “I
don’t know,” he says heavily.
“Someone out there knew your location and gave it to Lethalis—”
He laughs darkly. “Could be anyone. If you haven’t noticed, no matter
where I go, I tend to piss people off.”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1">>You frown, recalling the
letters you found in Rona. You don’t have proof that the letter writer
and Zenaida’s source are one and the same, but it’s a
possibility.<<else>>You grimace. Self-deprecation aside,
there is truth to his words.<</if>>
Aeran turns away and leans against the balcony, his finger scraping
against the balustrade. “Look, $firstname,” he says. “The year before
Karth… I did a lot of things, after the Spire fell. Things I’m not proud
of. There are a lot of people out there who want to know where I am.”
His voice trails off, nearly breaking. “It’s complicated being back
here, all right? There are some things you don’t need to know. It’s
better that way, believe me.”
You fold your arms, an uneasy feeling gnawing at your gut. Most of the
time, you feel like you know Aeran better than you know yourself. It’s
an easy reverie, a source of comfort in the hell that followed the
Wayfarer Order’s collapse. But there are times he says something—does
something—that throws you unceremoniously from the dream and reminds you
that you don’t know him.
Not fully.
There are parts of his history that he’s desperately fighting to keep
hidden. And the closer you get, the more it feels like he wants it
hidden from you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, Aeran.
Everyone has.”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02A DISAPPROVES
1][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you mean, being back here?
You’ve been to Velantis before?”|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP AERANTELL 02B
DISAPPROVES 2][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it. He needs to broach the
topic on his own terms. You can’t force it on him.|CHAPTER 2 PP HIGH APP
AERANTELL 02C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_argued +=1>>With a pained discomfort rising in your chest,
you want nothing more than to escape Aeran’s accusing gaze. You turn,
intending to enter the apartment, but something gives you pause. Mahanin
Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise lake, and the
mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic. But you can’t
ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western horizon like
an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at Diradan Tower hangs
over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not what it seems.
A chill runs down your spine. Ignoring it, you sweep the drapes aside
and return inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
snorts derisively.
“What?” you snap. “We have Zenaida’s protection for now, at least. I’m
not going to complain about the benefits that come with it.”
He rounds on you, a deep scowl on his face, and looks at the plentiful
food as it if is poison. “You’re not an idiot, $firstname,” he says.
“Thanks. Glad you think so highly of me.”
He pauses, his jaw clenched, fighting the urge to retort. “Don’t be
blinded by all this nonsense,” he continues forcefully, waving a hand at
the room. “It might be pretty, but trust me—whether we have Zenaida’s
protection or not, Mahanin Palace is more dangerous than Rona ever could
be.”
You reach for a flatbread, tearing it between your fingers. “What’s that
supposed to mean?”
He scowls and looks away, folding his arms tightly against his chest.
The afternoon sun streams in through the windows, cutting warm panels
across the floor. He falls silent and watches the dust motes dance in
the air, spiraling freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab a flatbread as you finish speaking. You tear into it and shove it
unceremoniously into your mouth.
Aeran pauses, watching you eat with a disgusted look on his face.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>“What are you—Varyn? Don’t
patronize me.”<<else>>“Don’t patronize
me.”<</if>>
You shrug and continue your meal. He scowls, eyeing the plentiful food
as if it is poison, and looks away. The afternoon sun streams in through
the windows, cutting warm panels across the floor. He falls silent and
watches the dust motes dance in the air, spiraling freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and reach for a flatbread. The soft, delectable smell
wafts over you and you tear into it, shoving a piece into your mouth.
You stare across the room, watching the dust motes spiral freely in the
afternoon light. The sun streams in through the windows, cutting warm
panels across the floor. There’s almost a pleasant peacefulness about
being here, free from the chaos of the city and out of the eye of
scheming, conniving mages.
Almost.
You can feel Aeran’s eyes boring into you.
“What?” you say sharply, reaching for another flatbread.
He scowls and looks away, eyeing the plentiful food like it is poison.
For a moment, he seems to want to say something—some retort or tart
remark—but he thinks better of it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>//Tap tap tap tap tap.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The sound grates at your ears. You pause, a piece of flatbread
halfway to your mouth, and shoot Aeran a sideways look. His foot taps
relentlessly against the floor. He’s never been good at masking his
anxiety—especially not when he’s alone with you. Thinking back, it’s a
miracle you didn’t strangle each other in your closet-sized apartment in
Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>//Tap tap tap tap tap.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“Fuck //off,”// you snap. You throw your remaining flatbread
down so forcefully it nearly misses the table.
The tapping stops. “Am I ruining this for you?” Aeran says bitterly.
“Didn’t realize all it takes is a few nice things to turn you into an
idiot.”
You scowl, a flush searing your cheeks and chest. His words cut deeper
than you’d like to admit. <<if $origin is "nomad">>You’ve
never had much to your name—at least, not in the way Rhesainian society
finds value. You were raised in the desert; wealth, coin and material
things never meant much there. The sparseness of Wayfarer life was not a
difficult adjustment.<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>You’ve
never had much to your name—at least, not in the way Rhesainian society
finds value. You were raised in the wilderness; wealth, coin and
material things never meant much there. The sparseness of Wayfarer life
was not a difficult adjustment.<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>You’ve never had much to your name. While your family
was decently well-off for a small village, you’ve never known true
wealth and luxury. The sparseness of Wayfarer life was not a difficult
adjustment.<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>You’ve never had
much to your name; even your residence at the Spire was sparse. Wealth
and luxury were never much of a concern for you, for they were never
attainable.<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>You once lived a
wealthy life. While the villas of Tol Covere and your family’s merchant
fleet is nothing compared to the wealth of the Arathian elite, you had
anything you could ask for. The Spire’s sparseness came as a shock, one
you had difficulty adjusting to in your youth. As much as you hate to
admit it, part of you misses the easy life that comes with
wealth.<<elseif $origin is "noble">>You once lived a wealthy
life. While your family’s estate is nothing compared to the wealth of
the Arathian elite, you had anything you could ask for. The Spire’s
sparseness came as a shock, one you had difficulty adjusting to in your
youth. As much as you hate to admit it, part of you misses the easy life
that comes with wealth.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 5>>“I
haven’t forgotten why were here,” you say sharply, wiping your hands
and rising out of your seat. “Sorry I decided to enjoy myself a little.
At least I know how—unlike someone else we know.”
He snorts. Cursing under his breath, he ducks through the fluttering
drapes and escapes onto the balcony. It’s not much of a retreat; while
this suite is larger and nicer than all your apartments of the past two
years combined, it isn’t enough for you both. No matter where he goes,
you can always feel his presence—a glowering, pessimistic force drowning
in its own cynicism.
Even so, leaving him be will only make his doubts and fears fester. You
can’t work with him when he’s like this, which does not bode well for
your future mission. Lethalis’ goal has already been compromised by the
explosion at Diradan Tower. Intolerable though Aeran has become, if
you’re going to make it through the next few days, you will need to
trust him to have your back.
Grimacing, you pad across the plush rug and follow him outside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>Like the inside of your apartment, the red stone balcony is
lavishly furnished. It is decorated with ornamental plants, their vines
and leaves insultingly large and an excessively healthy shade of green.
No doubt magic has a hand in keeping them lush and vibrant.
You find Aeran at the far side of the balcony, leaning heavily against
the balustrade as he watches the palace grounds. They stretch out below,
extending all the way to the northernmost wall. A maze of stone
pathways weave their way through the water gardens, descending to the
shore of a small lake. To the northeast, an amphitheatre is built into
the hills, using the natural decline to support its structure. A stage
is set in the centre, with seating fanned out around it in a full
circle. A pavilion rests at the very top, overlooking the stage from the
highest point. To the west, a small temple rises from a peninsula
jutting into the lake, its blue and gold domes sparkling in the sun.
The grounds are bustling with activity. Several marquees have been
erected near the gardens, their pennants streaming in the wind, the
amphitheatre has attracted a cluster of performers, and a steady stream
of servants hurry to and from the palace. Now that you come to think of
it, Rasmira mentioned a gala… It seems like it will be quite the grand
event.
Aeran glances over his shoulder, barely looking at you before he turns
back to the flurry of movement below. “What are you doing, $firstname?”
he says dully. “Just leave me alone.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Believe me, I’d like to.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
LOWAPP CONT][$tempstat to 1, $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not going to happen.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
LOWAPP CONT][$tempstat to 2, $PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “We need to talk.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
LOWAPP CONT][$tempstat to 3, $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranDisapp>>You
grab a flatbread as you finish speaking and tear into it, shoving a
piece into your mouth.
Aeran pauses, watching you eat with a disgusted look on his face. “I
said not to patronize me, $firstname,” he snarls.
You shrug and continue your meal. He scowls, eyeing the plentiful food
as if it is poison, and looks away. The afternoon sun streams in through
the windows, cutting warm panels across the floor. He falls silent and
watches the dust motes dance in the air, spiraling freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab a flatbread as you finish speaking and tear into it, shoving a
piece into your mouth.
Aeran pauses, watching you eat with a disgusted look on his face. For a
moment, he seems to want to say something—some retort or tart remark—but
he thinks better of it.
You shrug and continue your meal. He scowls, eyeing the plentiful food
as if it is poison, and looks away. The afternoon sun streams in through
the windows, cutting warm panels across the floor. He falls silent and
watches the dust motes dance in the air, spiraling freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOWAPP TAPPING
FOOT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>He closes his eyes and exhales a long breath.
“Fine,” he says. “I’ll humour you. Spit it out.”<<elseif $tempstat
is 2>>He closes his eyes and exhales a long breath.
“Why?”<<else>>“I have nothing to say to
you.”<</if>>
You can feel the strained remnants of your <<if $aeranapp
<=19>>dead<<else>>failing<</if>>
friendship in his voice. A chill prickles the back of your neck and a
pang of regret twists in your stomach. It’s been one obstacle after
another with him. When did things go wrong?
<<if $rhodarthDead neq true>><<if $mareadead is
true>>You remember that night in Flotsam Grove, Marea dead by your
hand.<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>If it hadn’t been for
Atral’s attack,<<else>>If the business with the Count hadn’t
ended the way it did,<</if>> you have no doubt he would
have refused to speak to you for weeks.
Pushing this thought from your mind, you join him at the
balustrade.<<else>>Pushing this thought from your mind, you
join him at the
balustrade.<</if>><<else>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 5 or $rhodarthDead_How is 6>><<if
mareadead is true>>You remember that night in Flotsam Grove, Marea
dead by your hand. And what followed after… Rhodarth, also dead. You
haven’t discussed Rhodarth since he died, but you’re certain Aeran
hasn’t forgiven you.<<else>>You remember that night in Rona,
<<if $rhodarthDead_How is 5>>Rhodarth dead at your
command<<else>>Rhodarth dead by your
hand<</if>>. You haven’t discussed him since he died, but
Aeran certainly hasn’t forgotten the circumstances of his death. Nor has
he forgiven you.<</if>>
Pushing this dark line of thought from your mind, you join him at the
balustrade.<<else>>Pushing this thought from your mind, you
join him at the balustrade.<</if>><</if>>
You fold your arms, resting your elbows against the stone, and face the
gorgeous mountain view. The balustrade is <<if $origin is
"nomad">>warm<<else>>uncomfortably
warm<</if>> to the touch, having absorbed the heat of a full
day of sun. Mahanin Palace, with its vibrant green gardens, turquoise
lake, and the mountains in the background, seems pristine and idyllic.
But you can’t ignore the black smudge in the air that clouds the western
horizon like an oncoming storm. The aftermath of the explosion at
Diradan Tower hangs over it all, a looming reminder that Velantis is not
what it seems.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aerantell is true or $aerantell_extra
is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP AERAN TELL
TRUE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP AERAN TELL
FALSE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Zenaida’s
in over her head,” you say finally.
Aeran snorts. “That’s putting it lightly. We’re fucked.”
//“Zenaida’s// fucked. But she’s just one part of the Order of Lethalis.
She’s not even the leader. It doesn’t matter what Quirinus does to her;
an organization like this will have contingencies. <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>We have no reason to assume Umbria Bellaris
is compromised. Until we know more, it’s too early to look for a way
out.”<<else>>There’s no reason for us to assume their leader
is compromised. Until we meet them, we don’t have a reason to look for a
way out.”<</if>>
He scowls. “Don’t underestimate Quirinus, $firstname. He’s more
dangerous than you know.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “To who? Us? He’s Lethalis’ problem, not
ours. They can deal with him after we recover the Astrial.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
LOW APP AT 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “He’s a petty, insufferable man high
on his own power. That kind of arrogance doesn’t last forever.”|CHAPTER
2 PP LOW APP AT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $sabien_threatened is
true>>[[3. “He’s a mage. He can throw all the magic he wants at
us, it won’t matter.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP AT 01C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Zenaida’s in over her head,”
you say finally.
Aeran snorts. “That’s putting it lightly. We’re fucked.”
//“Zenaida’s// fucked. But she’s just one part of the Order of Lethalis.
She’s not even the leader. It doesn’t matter what Quirinus does to her;
an organization like this will have contingencies. <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>We have no reason to assume Umbria Bellaris
is compromised. Until we know more, it’s too early to look for a way
out.”<<else>>There’s no reason for us to assume their leader
is compromised. Until we meet them, we don’t have a reason to look for a
way out.”<</if>>
He scowls. “Don’t underestimate Quirinus, $firstname. We should cut our
losses while we can—”
<<if $zenaidarefused is true>>“And do what? Run? This isn’t
like dealing with the Count, Aeran, Lethalis is an organization. We
don’t know how many mages, in how many countries, they have under their
thumb. If they have the resources to hunt you down in Rona from halfway
across the world, they’ll have the resources to track us if we leave the
city.”<<else>>“And default on another contract? How well
did that turn out for us last time?” you interrupt. “Lethalis isn’t the
Count, it’s an organization. If they have the resources to hunt you down
from halfway across the world, they’ll have the resources to track us
if we leave the city.”<</if>>
He pauses, falling silent. His expression grows darker with each passing
second.
“What do you mean, //hunt me down?”// he says.
//Fuck.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Your jaw clenches. You never told him what Zenaida told
you—that she was given his location and sent to find him. You were never
part of the equation.
Aeran rounds on you. “What do you mean, $firstname?” he snarls, his
voice dangerously low. “What didn’t you tell me?”
You swallow hard, your throat dry. “It wasn’t important,” you reply,
shrugging. “Zenaida wasn’t sent to Rona to find a couple of Wayfarers.
She was sent to recruit you.”
“Fuck—”
He pushes away from the balustrade, stalking across the balcony.
“Lethalis was after me this whole time, weren’t they?”
“Yeah.”
“How long did you know?”
“Since we left Rona.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP AERAN TELL FALSE
02][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 95), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“And
you trust them to do that?” he says sharply. “It wasn’t a coincidence
Quirinus intercepted Zenaida this morning. Solarath has us outplayed
before we even started. The tower explosion—”
“We don’t know what happened.”
“How do we know the Astrial wasn’t involved? Is it even still there?”
Your jaw clenches. The thought had crossed your mind, but you’re
hesitant to make assumptions without more information.
“He’s a threat, $firstname,” Aeran continues. “As long as he’s here, as
long as he’s free to meddle, none of us are safe.”
You pause, pressing your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><<if $sabien_threatened is true and $countDead
is true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on
the barge. And while you have dealt with untouchable men and lived to
tell the tale, the Count was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you
survived. Quirinus is another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened neq true and $countDead is
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. And while you have dealt with untouchable men and lived to tell
the tale, the Count was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you
survived. Quirinus is another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened is true and $countDead neq
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. You have no idea how to handle him—if you even can.
<<else>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable. You have no idea
how to handle him—if you even
can.<</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran has a history with him, that much is clear. It’s a history
shrouded in secrets, past the invisible line that marks the parts of his
past he refuses to discuss. He doesn’t like people prying into his
past—especially not you—but you’re growing tired of being kept in the
dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is going on, Aeran? What is
it with you and Quirinus?”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 10A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop it. You’re too tired to fight
with him.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP
10B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“He’s
not—”
<<if $countDead is true>>“They said the same thing about the
Count and look what happened to him,” you interrupt. “He ruled Rona
for, what—three hundred years? More? And we took him
down.”<<else>>“Men like Quirinus attract enemies,” you
interrupt, “and—eventually—they fall. Don’t turn him into a bigger
threat than he is. It will only give him more power over
you.”<</if>>
He falls silent, but his expression only grows darker. Quirinus is
eating away at him like acid.
“He’s a threat, $firstname,” he says finally. “As long as he’s here, as
long as he’s free to meddle, none of us are safe.”
You pause, pressing your tongue against the back of your teeth.
<<nobr>><<if $sabien_threatened is true and $countDead
is true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on
the barge. And while you have dealt with untouchable men and lived to
tell the tale, the Count was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you
survived. Quirinus is another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened neq true and $countDead is
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. And while you have dealt with untouchable men and lived to tell
the tale, the Count was one thing. It was by sheer luck that you
survived. Quirinus is another matter entirely.
<<elseif $sabien_threatened is true and $countDead neq
true>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable—he made that clear on the
barge. You have no idea how to handle him—if you even can.
<<else>>The Grand Archsage is untouchable. You have no idea
how to handle him—if you even
can.<</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran has a history with him, that much is clear. It’s a history
shrouded in secrets, past the invisible line that marks the parts of his
past he refuses to discuss. He doesn’t like people prying into his
past—especially not you—but you’re growing tired of being kept in the
dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is going on, Aeran? What is
it with you and Quirinus?”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 10A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop it. You’re too tired to fight
with him.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP
10B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
closes his eyes and leans heavily against the balustrade, his
expression twisting. “Don’t be a fucking idiot, $firstname.”
You bristle at the insult. “I—”
“Sabien Quirinus is among the most powerful mages in Guild history. He’s
attuned to three spheres of magic. Maybe he can’t hurt you directly,
but he can crush you under a building or make the ground fall out from
under your feet before you can even move. You don’t fuck with him.”
The hatred in his voice is palpable. Aeran has a history with him, that
much is clear. It’s a history shrouded in secrets, past the invisible
line that marks the parts of his past he refuses to discuss. He doesn’t
like people prying into his past—especially not you—but you’re growing
tired of being kept in the dark.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is going on, Aeran? What is
it with you and Quirinus?”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 10A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop it. You’re too tired to fight
with him.|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP
10B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
shrugs, his hand idly brushing a nearby potted plant, twisting a leaf
between his fingers. “He’s the Grand Archsage. That’s enough of a reason
to hate him.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He snaps the leaf and throws it over the balustrade. It flutters in the
wind, tossed to and fro by the wind as it spirals downward and out of
sight. “Look, $firstname,” he says sharply. “I did a lot of things after
the Spire fell. Things I’m not proud of. It’s complicated being back
here. There are some things you just don’t need to know. I can handle it
on my own.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, Aeran.
Everyone has.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 11A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you mean, being back here?
You’ve been to Velantis before?”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP 11B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fine. But whatever it is, if it
fucks us over, I’m not forgiving you.”|CHAPTER 2 PP LOW APP
11C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
trickle of sweat drips down your neck. <<if $origin is
"nomad">>Deciding that it is too stifling out here even for
you,<<else>>Deciding that it is too stifling out
here,<</if>> you turn and march across the balcony, heading
indoors.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 6>>“Oh?” he spits. “Like how you killed
Rhodarth in cold blood?”
Your gut twists. “It was a fight, Aeran, he almost killed us—”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
He shoves you aside and slips inside the apartment. You watch him go,
rooted to your spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck. The sun is unbearably hot.<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
5>>“Oh?” he spits, eyes blazing. “Like how you ordered me to…
to…”
He’s shaking. You don’t need him to say it; you know he’s talking about
Rhodarth. And the decision you made.
“It was a fight, Aeran. He almost killed us.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
He shoves you aside and slips inside the apartment. You watch him go,
rooted to your spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck. The sun is unbearably hot.<<elseif $mareadead is
true>>“Oh?” he says, his mouth twisting cruelly. “Like killing an
innocent woman for a fucking cup?”
Your gut twists. “Yeah,” you say. “Like that.”
“Guess that makes two of us.”
He shoves you aside and slips inside the apartment. You watch him go,
rooted to your spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck. The sun is unbearably hot.<<else>>He shoves you
aside and slips inside the apartment. You watch him go, rooted to your
spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the back of your neck. The
sun is unbearably hot.<</if>>
Gritting your teeth, you escape the heat and follow him inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeran_velantis to true>>“I did plenty of contracts in the area
when Rhodarth and I were together,” he says sharply. “What of it?”
You frown. You don’t like the defensiveness of his answer. “I’m just
surprised,” you reply, shrugging. “You hate the city. It’s full of Guild
mages.”
“Yeah, well…” His mouth twists and he scratches absently at the back of
his neck. “Things were different then.”
He shoves you aside and slips inside the apartment. You watch him go,
rooted to your spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the back of
your neck. The sun is unbearably hot.
Gritting your teeth, you escape the heat and follow him inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>With
that, you push away from the balustrade and march across the balcony.
“$firstname,” Aeran calls.
You stop. “What?”
“Thank you.”
A trickle of sweat drips down the back of your neck. Uncertain where
that leaves you, you push the drapes aside and slip inside the
apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
curses and kicks a nearby plant. It falls over and its pot shatters,
loosing a flood of soil across the stone.
“I didn’t intentionally hide it from you,” you say. “It never came up.”
“Yeah,” he snaps. “Keep telling yourself that.”
He sweeps the drapes aside and disappears into the apartment. You watch
him go, rooted to your spot by the balustrade. Sweat trickles down the
back of your neck. The sun is unbearably hot.
Gritting your teeth, you escape the heat and follow him inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP GO INSIDE
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rasmira
strides through the antechamber and up the steps into the sitting room,
the hems of their serithan sweeping across the floor. They move with
such grace and authority, it’s a wonder they never seem to entangle
themselves in their own robes.
“Good,” they say, their attention drawn to the table and its half-eaten
contents. “I see you have helped yourselves. I hope the food is
passable?”
Aeran ignores them and continues eating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s fine, thank you. But you don’t look
like you’re here to make small-talk. Has Zenaida sent for us?”|CHAPTER 2
PP RAS 02][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Haven’t you heard of knocking
first?”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS 02][$tempstat to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let them continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
02][$tempstat to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>“In a manner of speaking,” they reply, gesturing
for you to sit. They halt in front of the divans, their back to the
windows, and clasp their hands tightly in front of them. <<if
$perception >=9>><<set $ras_zenaida to true>>The
mannerism is familiar; it’s the same stance Zenaida often takes,
particularly when she’s under pressure.<<else>>There’s
something familiar about the mannerism that you can’t quite
place.<</if>> “Her Grace has a formal
request.”<<elseif $tempstat is 2>>Rasmira gives you a flat
look. “Her Grace has a formal request,” they say, drawing to a stop in
front of the divans, their back to the windows. They gesture for you to
sit and clasp their hands tightly in front of them. <<if
$perception >=9>><<set $ras_zenaida to true>>The
mannerism is familiar; it’s the same stance Zenaida often takes,
particularly when she’s under pressure.<<else>>There’s
something familiar about the mannerism that you can’t quite
place.<</if>><<elseif $tempstat is 3>>“Her Grace
has a formal request,” Rasmira announces, gesturing for you to sit.
They halt in front of the divans, their back to the windows, and clasp
their hands tightly in front of them. <<if $perception
>=9>><<set $ras_zenaida to true>>The mannerism is
familiar; it’s the same stance Zenaida often takes, particularly when
she’s under pressure.<<else>>There’s something familiar
about the mannerism that you can’t quite
place.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><<if $aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued
<=1>><<set $aeran_eating to false>>You settle onto
the divan next to Aeran and exchange a sideways glance. He grimaces and
sets down his plate, a silent indication that he’s willing to listen.
<<else>><<set $aeran_eating to true>>You settle
onto a nearby divan, as far from Aeran as you can manage. Aeran reaches
for a flatbread, rips it into strips, and dips a piece into his stew.
Rasmira watches him, disapproval creasing their brow, and turns to
you.<</if>><</nobr>>
“She wishes you to attend tonight’s gala,” Rasmira continues. “Though
she hoped her return to the city would be a quiet affair, her timing was
unfortunate. Tonight is perhaps the most singularly important political
event of the year, and it is her duty as the Protectorate’s heir to
attend.”
You frown, your thoughts a whirlwind. Not only has Diradan Tower
exploded, Zenaida detained by the archon, and Nova taken by the Order of
Solarath, but now the day of your arrival coincides with a major
political event? What was supposed to be a simple journey to Velantis is
so far past simple, it feels like fate is playing with you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. “What’s this gala? Why is it so
important?”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 1]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “Why does Zenaida want us to attend? I
can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the nobility would
make the Velantian aristocracy comfortable.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION
LOOP 2]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party isn’t
exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 3]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><s>4. You have nothing else to
say.</s></div><</nobr>>“For
the past five years, Archon Anaxas has negotiated a territory dispute
on the emperor’s behalf,” Rasmira says plainly. “The Velantian peninsula
borders Aos to the north, but the mountains make the boundaries
difficult to discern. The rest of the continent may have deemed Aos a
distant, insignificant state far from civilization, but it is our
closest neighbour. While the Aosians keep to themselves, they were
supporters of the former Velantian government. To say they are unhappy
with the Empire’s presence on the peninsula is an understatement. Archon
Anaxas hopes to make amends and solidify an alliance.”
You cross your arms and lean back in your seat, the cushions so plush
you nearly sink into them. You know a little of Aos, albeit not much. It
is a city-state high in the Gairloch Mountains, populated almost
entirely by aeda. Like other aeda cities, it is self-sustaining and
rarely looks beyond its own borders—though if what Rasmira says is true,
that understanding may be coloured by Rhesainian stereotypes.
<<if $aeran_eating is true>>Keen to make his disinterest
known, Aeran reaches for another flatbread and noisily tears into it.
“And that alliance is happening—what—tonight?” you say, ignoring
him.<<else>>Aeran straightens, pushing himself to the edge
of his seat. “And that alliance is happening tonight?” he
asks.<</if>>
Rasmira sighs, a weary look crossing their face. “No, of course not,”
they say. “Tonight is an invitation, a show of Velantian hospitality.
The gala is a festival honouring the Aosian delegation. A celebration of
the new bonds Velantis and Aos could forge. Anyone of importance will
be in attendance—city councillors, the heads of the great Velantian
houses, merchants of the Arcanists’ Lodge, Meissandic clerics, Guild
mages… It is a crucial event not many will willingly miss, lest they
wish to send a clear message to the archon.”
//That explains the mess in the palace grounds,// you think. Judging
from the number of marquees, the preparations in the amphitheatre, and
the number of servants rushing about, the archon has spared no expense
to impress the Aosians. You have a feeling that anyone with even the
slightest bit of significance will be in attendance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION
LOOP 1")>><s>1. “What’s this gala? Why is it so
important?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What’s this gala? Why is
it so important?”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 2")>><s>2. “Why does Zenaida want us to
attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the nobility
would make the Velantian aristocracy
comfortable.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Why does Zenaida want
us to attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the
nobility would make the Velantian aristocracy comfortable.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
RAS QUESTION LOOP 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 3")>><s>3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”</s><<else>>[[3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
3]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 1") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 2")>><div
class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to say.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTIONS DONE]]</div><<else>><div
class="exit-item"><s>4. You have nothing else to
say.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“A
correct assumption,” Rasmira says. “Your order is a curiosity at best.
While some of the gala’s guests will no doubt find you fascinating, many
will find your presence here… troubling.”
“Great,” you grunt.
They sigh, restlessly tugging at their beard. “Wayfarer $lastname, I am
trying to be delicate,” they say. “Arathian prejudice runs deep and the
Marcian Conspiracy is not forgotten. Though we are far from Erenvor,
there are many among the aristocracy’s ranks whose families and loved
ones were killed thanks to your order’s actions. Some were even
present—including myself.”
You pause and a cold realization dawns on you. Rasmira is dwarven; if
the grey in their hair is any indication, they could be well into their
second century. They have not only lived through the Conspiracy, but the
Velantian annexation as well.
<<if $aeran_eating is true>>Aeran reaches for the nearby jug
and pours himself a glass of citrus water.
“Fine,” you say finally. “If that’s the case, then maybe it’s best we
stay here. I can’t imagine Zenaida’s mother will be pleased when two
Wayfarers crash her party.”<<else>>“Then why ask us to be
there?” Aeran says. “If the archon is concerned about presentation, then
I doubt she will be happy when she finds out we’re
attending.”<</if>>
“Yes,” Rasmira answers bluntly.
<<if $aeran_eating is true>>Aeran pauses, a cup halfway to
his lips. Despite his show of disinterest, he has paid attention and his
concern matches yours.<<else>>You glance at Aeran. He
frowns, jostling his leg, his knee bouncing up and down as he considers
Rasmira’s words.<</if>> Tension is brewing between Zenaida
and Archon Anaxas. Either you’re caught in the middle by sheer
coincidence, or Zenaida is purposefully using you while she can.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION
LOOP 1")>><s>1. “What’s this gala? Why is it so
important?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What’s this gala? Why is
it so important?”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 2")>><s>2. “Why does Zenaida want us to
attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the nobility
would make the Velantian aristocracy
comfortable.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Why does Zenaida want
us to attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the
nobility would make the Velantian aristocracy comfortable.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
RAS QUESTION LOOP 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 3")>><s>3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”</s><<else>>[[3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
3]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 1") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 2")>><div
class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to say.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTIONS DONE]]</div><<else>><div
class="exit-item"><s>4. You have nothing else to
say.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_reluctant to true>>“Do you really think it’s so easy to
refuse?” Rasmira says flatly. “You are a guest of Mahanin Palace, a
position you obtained solely because Her Grace vouched for you. Do you
think the archon would have allowed you inside these walls if she had
not? It is by Her Grace’s will and hers alone that you are permitted to
remain. Do not cross her.”
Your jaw clenches. Looks like you’re attending a party, whether you like
it or not.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION
LOOP 1")>><s>1. “What’s this gala? Why is it so
important?”</s><<else>>[[1. “What’s this gala? Why is
it so important?”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 2")>><s>2. “Why does Zenaida want us to
attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the nobility
would make the Velantian aristocracy
comfortable.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Why does Zenaida want
us to attend? I can’t imagine a couple of Wayfarers mingling with the
nobility would make the Velantian aristocracy comfortable.”|CHAPTER 2 PP
RAS QUESTION LOOP 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTION LOOP 3")>><s>3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”</s><<else>>[[3. [REFUSE] “Attending some party
isn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. Tell Zenaida I’m not
going.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP
3]]<</if>></div>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 1") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP RAS QUESTION LOOP 2")>><div
class="exit-item">[[4. You have nothing else to say.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
QUESTIONS DONE]]</div><<else>><div
class="exit-item"><s>4. You have nothing else to
say.</s></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees as you stare at an
intricate bit of embroidery on the rug. You can feel Rasmira’s eyes on
you, watching you, waiting for a response.
Zenaida wants you at the gala. Why? If Rasmira is to be believed, it’s a
calculated move to defy her mother—perhaps punishment for detaining her
at the harbour. But that alone feels uncharacteristically petty; she is
too composed to stoop to such tactics. And you doubt it has much to do
with the Aosian delegation. Aos has never welcomed the Guild into its
territories, and the political talks between it and Velantis have been
ongoing for years.
Even so, showing up to an official function with Wayfarer bodyguards
would send a message. A powerful one. Whoever is watching—the Velantian
aristocracy, the Order of Solarath, the Aosian delegates, even the
archon herself—would know where she stands.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. You won’t make much of a
bodyguard if you attend unarmed. Ask Rasmira to return $blade.' "CHAPTER
2 PP RAS BLADE RETURN">><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You highly doubt they will allow you
to attend a political function armed. Besides, Zenaida has Malsara. She
is more of an asset in an environment like this than you could ever
be.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS CONNECT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“If
we’re going to act as Zenaida’s bodyguards, we’ll need our weapons
back,” you say.
Rasmira closes their eyes and passes a hand across their face. “I cannot
allow that,” they say. “As I’ve already told you, no weapons are
allowed inside Oriath District.”
“But—”
“Her Grace is protected by Malsara Markal,” they interrupt. “Should the
unthinkable occur, Lady Markal is more than capable of ensuring Her
Grace’s escape. I trust Her Grace’s wellbeing to a Planeswalker over
you.”
You bristle.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Thanks for the shining endorsement,
Ras.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS 03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. Despite the number of
retorts lingering on your tongue, you don’t want to be rude.|CHAPTER 2
PP RAS CONNECT ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fine,”
you say finally. “We’ll attend this gala. Is there anything else we
should know?”
Rasmira pauses, weighing their words carefully. “Be careful of what you
say, and to whom,” they warn. “Keep to yourself, if at all possible.
Observation will be more than adequate. There are some who know you are
part of her entourage, but only a handful of the palace staff are aware
that you are Wayfarers. Until Her Grace chooses to play this card, the
fewer who know your origins, the better.”
An uncomfortable lump forms in your throat. “Understood.”
“I am trusting you not to make a fool of yourself, Wayfarer $lastname,”
Rasmira says. “It would reflect poorly on Her Grace, and that I cannot
abide. Remember that.”
You smile tightly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS RAS
LEAVES]]</div></div><</nobr>>They
round on you, eyes narrowed, lips pursed together so tightly they
nearly disappear. For the first time since you met them, the stuffy
steward is close to losing their composure.
“Do not call me that,” they say flatly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Whatever you want, Ras.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
04 SPECIAL][$Ras to "Ras", $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. Antagonizing Zenaida’s
steward may not be the best idea.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS CONNECT ALL][$Ras to
"Rasmira"]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rasmira
sighs wearily and shakes their head. “I hope you are not always so
glib, Wayfarer $lastname,” they say. “I may not have the patience for
it, but there is little that will offend me. The rest of the aristocracy
may not be so… favourable. Be careful of what you say—and to whom.”
<<if $origin is "noble">>“Oh, I have an idea,” you reply.
“If they’re anything like Vodena’s nobility, I know exactly how to get
under their skin.”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>
“Considering my accent is offensively backwoods, I can’t make any
promises.”<<else>>“Oh, of course,” you reply. “Wouldn’t want
to needlessly offend someone who prefers I didn’t
exist.”<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran snorts with laughter, nearly
choking as he covers his laugh with a cough.<<else>>Aeran
rolls his eyes and a flash of irritation crosses his
face.<</if>>
Rasmira is not impressed. “Mind your tongue tonight,” they say.
“Observation alone should be more than adequate. I am trusting you not
to make a fool of yourself. It would reflect poorly on Her Grace, and
that I cannot abide. Remember that.”
You smile tightly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS RAS
LEAVES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(ndef $Ras)>><<set $Ras to
"Rasmira">><</if>>Ever the professional, Rasmira
leaves you with a number of briskly announced directives before they
depart. You are to prepare for the gala at once; servants and
appropriate clothing will be sent to your apartment while you bathe.
Once you are ready, guards will escort you to the palace grounds.
Tardiness will not be appreciated.
Though their brisk tone remains professional and they insinuate nothing
else about your character, the longer they remain in your apartment, the
more drained they become. You have a feeling they are telling you all
of this as a formality; no doubt they expect you to deviate from their
instructions at a moment’s notice.
You have yet to decide whether you will follow them to prove them wrong,
or to ignore them out of spite.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>><<if $aeran_eating is
true>>“This is a waste of time,” Aeran grunts, finally wiping his
hands and rising from the divan. The table’s plates have been picked
clean; between you and him, you’ve devoured most of the food. “We’re not
here for politics, we’re here for an Astrial. Zenaida can’t afford to
get distracted. She needs to take us to
Lethalis.”<<else>>Aeran sighs heavily. “This is a waste of
time, $firstname,” he says, scratching at his chin. “We’re not here for
politics, we’re here for an Astrial. Zenaida can’t afford to get
distracted. She needs to take us to Lethalis.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I know. Fuck this party…”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS
LEAVES HIGH 01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s better than being trapped up
here. Zenaida will be at the gala. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to talk
to her and figure out our next move.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES HIGH
01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeran_eating is
true>>[[3. “Oh, so you were listening? Couldn’t tell over the
sound of you eating.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES HIGH 01C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]<<else>><s>3.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. If he’s looking for an answer, he
won’t find one. You’re too tired to think.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES HIGH
01D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“This
is a waste of time,” Aeran grunts, finally wiping his hands and rising
from the divan. The table’s plates have been picked clean; between you
and him, you’ve devoured most of the food. “We’re not here for politics,
we’re here for an Astrial. Zenaida can’t afford to get distracted. She
needs to take us to Lethalis.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Oh, so you were listening? Couldn’t tell
over the sound of you eating.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES LOW
01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s better than being trapped up
here. Zenaida will be at the gala. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to talk
to her and figure out our next move.”|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES LOW
01B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Leave him alone. You’re done talking
to him.|CHAPTER 2 PP RAS LEAVES LOW
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$fuss to true>><<aeranApp>>You fold your arms and
pace restlessly in front of the windows. It must be late afternoon now;
the sun, though bright in the cloudless sky, is descending rapidly
towards the horizon.
“No,” Aeran says quietly after a moment. “It’s not a party; it’s a
cover.”
You draw to a halt. “What?”
He turns to you, his eyes wide with a stark realization. “Don’t you see,
$firstname?” he says. “Rasmira included Guild mages in the list of
invitees. <<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is an
Archsage. Even if Quirinus and Solarath is closing in on her, she will
have to attend.<<else>>Lethalis’ followers are all mages;
there’s likely a number of Savants in their ranks. Even if Quirinus and
Solarath are closing in on them, they will have to
attend.<</if>> To refuse would be… social and political
suicide.”
You pause. “Are you sure?”
“Trust me, $firstname. Lethalis will be there.”
You nod slowly. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense.
“Good,” you say quietly. “Then hopefully we’re one step closer to
getting some answers—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>A familiar weight closes around your
hand. <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>You
turn your head and meet Aeran’s eyes.<<else>>You look up
and meet Aeran’s eyes.<</if>> He smiles gently and, for the
first time since your arrival in Velantis, seems genuinely content.
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says. “We just need to show up, not
cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and squeezes your hand. “Go get yourself ready. And who
knows? Maybe we’ll even enjoy ourselves tonight.”<<else>>A
familiar hand clasps your shoulder. <<if $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">>You turn your head and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<<else>>You look up and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<</if>>
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says firmly. “We just need to show
up, not cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can
introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and lets you go. “Go get yourself ready,” he says, crossing
the sitting room to his bedchamber. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll even
enjoy ourselves tonight.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$fuss to true>>He pauses, eyes going wide. “Oh, //fuck.”//
“What?”
“She’s using this as a cover,” he says. “Don’t you see? Rasmira included
Guild mages in the list of invitees. <<if $umbria_intro is
true>>Umbria Bellaris is an Archsage. Even if Quirinus and
Solarath is closing in on her, she will have to
attend.<<else>>Lethalis’ followers are all mages; there’s
likely a number of Savants in their ranks. Even if Quirinus and Solarath
are closing in on them, they will have to attend.<</if>> To
refuse would be… social and political suicide.”
You pause. “Are you sure?”
“Trust me, $firstname. Lethalis will be there.”
You nod slowly. The more you think about it, the more it makes sense.
“Good,” you say quietly. “Then hopefully we’re one step closer to
getting some answers—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>A familiar weight closes around your
hand. <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>You
turn your head and meet Aeran’s eyes.<<else>>You look up
and meet Aeran’s eyes.<</if>> He smiles gently and, for the
first time since your arrival in Velantis, seems genuinely content.
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says. “We just need to show up, not
cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and squeezes your hand. “Go get yourself ready. And who
knows? Maybe we’ll even enjoy ourselves tonight.”<<else>>A
familiar hand clasps your shoulder. <<if $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">>You turn your head and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<<else>>You look up and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<</if>>
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says firmly. “We just need to show
up, not cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can
introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and lets you go. “Go get yourself ready,” he says, crossing
the sitting room to his bedchamber. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll even
enjoy ourselves tonight.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
closes his eyes and exhales sharply. “Ouch,” he says with an
exaggerated grimace. “I’m a little hurt.”
You fold your arms, your irritation with him punctured by his banter.
“You should be,” you reply grudgingly. “You’ve won us no favours with
$Ras, that’s for sure.”
<<if $Ras is "Rasmira">>“And you have? Forget about me, did
you see their expression when you called them
Ras?”<<else>>“Doesn’t matter. They seem to like you well
enough. I’m just the annoying partner who fades into the background
while you do the important things.”<</if>>
You smile faintly.
“Don’t worry about Rasmira, $nickname,” he continues. “Worry about
Lethalis. If my hunch is right, Zenaida’s using this thing as a cover.
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is an Archsage.
Even if Quirinus and Solarath is closing in on her, she will have to
attend.<<else>>Lethalis’ followers are all mages; there’s
likely a number of Savants in their ranks. Even if Quirinus and Solarath
are closing in on them, they will have to attend.<</if>> To
refuse would be… social and political suicide.”
“Are you sure?”
“Judging from what Rasmira said, anyone important will be in
attendance,” he says. “And they included Guild mages on the list of
invitees. Trust me—Lethalis will be there.”
You exhale a long breath. “Then hopefully we’re one step closer to
getting some answers—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>A familiar weight closes around your
hand. <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>You
turn your head and meet Aeran’s eyes.<<else>>You look up
and meet Aeran’s eyes.<</if>> He smiles gently and, for the
first time since your arrival in Velantis, seems genuinely content.
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says. “We just need to show up, not
cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and squeezes your hand. “Go get yourself ready. And who
knows? Maybe we’ll even enjoy ourselves tonight.”<<else>>A
familiar hand clasps your shoulder. <<if $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">>You turn your head and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<<else>>You look up and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<</if>>
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says firmly. “We just need to show
up, not cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can
introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and lets you go. “Go get yourself ready,” he says, crossing
the sitting room to his bedchamber. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll even
enjoy ourselves tonight.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
groan and sink into the cushions. Staring absently at the floor, you
raise your hands and rub your temples, hopelessly trying to stave off
the headache throbbing across your forehead. Gala this, gala that… all
you want to do now is sleep.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran sits down, his knee knocking
against yours as he squeezes next to you on the
divan.<<else>>Aeran sits down beside you. “I know what she’s
doing, $firstname,” he says quietly. “It’s not a party; it’s a
cover.”<</if>>
You glance at him. “What are you on about?”
“Don’t you see? Rasmira included Guild mages in the list of invitees.
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is an Archsage.
Even if Quirinus and Solarath is closing in on her, she will have to
attend.<<else>>Lethalis’ followers are all mages; there’s
likely a number of Savants in their ranks. Even if Quirinus and Solarath
are closing in on them, they will have to attend.<</if>> To
refuse would be… social and political suicide.”
You pause, considering his words. The more you think about it, the more
it makes sense. “Good. Then hopefully we’re one step closer to getting
some answers—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>A familiar weight closes around your
hand. <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>You
turn your head and meet Aeran’s eyes.<<else>>You look up
and meet Aeran’s eyes.<</if>> He smiles gently and, for the
first time since your arrival in Velantis, seems genuinely content.
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says. “We just need to show up, not
cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and squeezes your hand. “Go get yourself ready. And who
knows? Maybe we’ll even enjoy ourselves tonight.”<<else>>A
familiar hand clasps your shoulder. <<if $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">>You turn your head and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<<else>>You look up and meet Aeran’s
eyes.<</if>>
“We’ll figure it out, $nickname,” he says firmly. “We just need to show
up, not cause a fuss, and hold out long enough until Zenaida can
introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm? Since when
were we good at that?”
He chuckles and lets you go. “Go get yourself ready,” he says, crossing
the sitting room to his bedchamber. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll even
enjoy ourselves tonight.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>His
mouth twists, his expression dark. He grabs his pack from a nearby
divan and stalks across the room.
“Fuck off, $firstname,” he grunts, kicking the doors to one of the
bedchambers open. He disappears into it and slams the doors behind him.
Rolling your eyes, you cross the apartment to your own bedchamber.
Though anger still burns in your chest, you welcome the opportunity to
be alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
pauses, absently scratching at his chin. “Oh, fuck,” he murmurs after a
moment.
“What?”
He closes his eyes. “She’s using this as a cover,” he says, exhaling
softly. “Don’t you see? Rasmira included Guild mages in the list of
invitees. <<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is an
Archsage. Even if Quirinus and Solarath is closing in on her, she will
have to attend.<<else>>Lethalis’ followers are all mages;
there’s likely a number of Savants in their ranks. Even if Quirinus and
Solarath are closing in on them, they will have to
attend.<</if>> To refuse would be… social and political
suicide.”
You pause. “Are you sure?”
“Trust me, Lethalis will be there.” He opens his eyes and collects his
pack from a nearby divan. “We just need to show up, not cause a fuss,
and hold out long enough until Zenaida can introduce us.”
A faint smile tugs at your lips. “‘Not cause a fuss,’ hm?” you say.
“Since when were we good at that?”
He chuckles, but the laugh is hollow. “Go get yourself ready,
$firstname. I’ll see you down there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes. Grabbing your pack off the nearby divan, you stalk
across the room. Aeran says nothing as you kick the doors open and enter
one of the bedchambers, but you can feel his eyes boring into your
back.
“Fuck off,” you mutter under your breath. “You absolute cretin.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES]]</div></div><</nobr>>Like
the rest of the apartment, your bedchamber is lavishly furnished and
decorated. While the rugs are rich, the bed is large and comfortable,
and the delicate mosaics are beautiful, you are far more interested in
the private bath.
The small, rectangular room contains a small pool sunk into the marble
floor and filled with scented water. Sunlight streams through the
shuttered windows, waving dappled patterns across the floor. It’s been a
long time since you’ve been able to privately bathe; rooms like this
are typically reserved for the residences of the elite. Mahanin Palace
was royal once, belonging to the Velantian royal family for centuries
prior to the city-state’s annexation. For all you know, you could be
staying in the apartments of a bygone princess.
You bathe slowly, giving yourself permission to luxuriate in the warm
water. While it feels indulgent, you rarely have moments like this, much
less ones with scented soaps and bath oils. You close your eyes and
lean back, enjoying the silence. The temptation to fall asleep is very
great…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“For
Lyrana’s sake, this simply will not do.”
You open your eyes.
A brisk, no-nonsense woman stares down at you with her hands on her
hips. Her dark, greying hair is tied back in a long braid that reaches
her waist. She is dressed in a practical red serithan, hemmed neatly at
the ankle, and wears a sturdy apron tied around her waist. A pair of
attendants—one middle aged, the other barely out of their adolescent
years—hover behind her, watching you carefully.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…can I help you?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Has no one in this palace heard of
knocking?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. <i>“Get
out.”</i>' "CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES
03C">><</link>></div></div><</nobr>>“Venka
Amaria,” the woman says. “Get out of the bath.”
You pause. “I beg your pardon?”
“Get out of the bath, Wayfarer,” she repeats tersely, adjusting her
apron. “I have little time to spend on you; I’d rather not waste it
entirely.”
“You’re the servants $Ras promised, I take it,” you say begrudgingly as
you climb out of the bath. Despite the humidity in the room, the air is
quite chilly. An unwanted shiver runs down your spine as your skin
breaks out in goosebumps.
Venka smiles approvingly. “I was warned you would be difficult,” she
says, rummaging in her apron as you retrieve a towel and wrap it around
yourself. “Now sit.”
You do as you are told and find a seat on a small bench. “Glad to know
I’ve made an impression,” you say. “That’s better than no impression, I
guess.”
<<nobr>>“To be frank, $lastname, I wish you were not here,”
she replies, bustling around you. “Lady Zenaida does not need foreigners
in her entourage.” Her eyes scan your naked body with a perfunctory
air,
<<if $scar1 neq "none" and $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over
your scarred and tattooed skin
<<elseif $scar1 neq "none">>passing over the scars
<<elseif $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over your tattooed
skin
<<else>>passing over your weathered skin<</if>>
and <<if $facialhair neq "none">>dishevelled
beard.<<else>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>new
growth of hair.<<else>>dishevelled
hair.<</if>><</if>>
She grips your chin, raising it upwards. “But I, like you, have little
choice in the matter. We serve House Anaxas. Their desires come first.
And for you to play your role, you must look the
part.”<</nobr>>
You freeze, shocked by the cavalier way she touches you. Magical
suppression occurs with physical contact whether you like it or not; it
is not something you can control. You’ve been told the sensation is odd
and uncomfortable. Not many are willing to touch a Wayfarer so… freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And I suppose you’re here to help with
that?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What? Can’t be trusted to do that
on my own?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARED 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Let go of me.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES 04C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Let
me be frank, $lastname,” the woman says brusquely. “You are granted the
veneer of privacy, but it is little more than that. The archon would
never allow a Wayfarer to walk these halls freely.”
You grimace. //So much for the private bath…//
“Venka Amari,” she continues, introducing herself. “Rasmira sent me. Now
get out of the bath and sit down. We need to do something about that…
face.”
You roll your eyes and climb out of the bath. Despite the humidity in
the room, the air is quite chilly. An unwanted shiver runs down your
spine as your skin breaks out in goosebumps.
Venka smiles approvingly. “I was warned you would be difficult,” she
says, rummaging in her apron as you retrieve a towel and wrap it around
yourself.
“Glad to know I’ve made an impression,” you grunt, sitting down on a
nearby bench. “Better than no impression, I guess.”
<<nobr>>She shoots you a flat look. “To be frank, $lastname,
I wish you were not here,” she replies, bustling around you. “Lady
Zenaida does not need foreigners in her entourage.” Her eyes scan your
naked body with a perfunctory air,
<<if $scar1 neq "none" and $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over
your scarred and tattooed skin
<<elseif $scar1 neq "none">>passing over the scars
<<elseif $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over your tattooed
skin
<<else>>passing over your weathered skin<</if>>
and <<if $facialhair neq "none">>dishevelled
beard.<<else>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>new
growth of hair.<<else>>dishevelled
hair.<</if>><</if>>
She grips your chin, raising it upwards. “But I, like you, have little
choice in the matter. We serve House Anaxas. Their desires come first.
And for you to play your role, you must look the
part.”<</nobr>>
You freeze, shocked by the cavalier way she touches you. Magical
suppression occurs with physical contact whether you like it or not; it
is not something you can control. You’ve been told the sensation is odd
and uncomfortable. Not many are willing to touch a Wayfarer so… freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And I suppose you’re here to help with
that?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What? Can’t be trusted to do that
on my own?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARED 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Let go of me.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES 04C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
blinks, her expression unchanged. “Venka Amari,” she says. “Get out of
the bath.”
You flush and point forcefully at the door. //“You// get out of the
bath—”
“Don’t make this difficult on yourself, $lastname,” she interrupts,
stepping back as water sloshes up over the lip of the pool. “I have
little time to spend on you and I’d rather not waste it entirely.”
“Then don’t spend it at all.”
She lets out an exasperated sigh and folds her arms. “Resist all you
want, $lastname, it will get you nowhere. You can either do as I ask
willingly or by force.”
Grimacing, you drag yourself out of the bath and wrap yourself in a
towel. Venka smiles approvingly and gestures to a nearby bench.
“Thank you,” she says as you sit down. “I was warned you would be
difficult.”
You snort. “By who? Rasmira?”
<<nobr>>She ignores the question. “I’ll be frank,
$lastname,” she says, bustling around you, “I wish you were not here.
Lady Zenaida does not need foreigners in her entourage.” Her eyes scan
your naked body with a perfunctory air,
<<if $scar1 neq "none" and $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over
your scarred and tattooed skin
<<elseif $scar1 neq "none">>passing over the scars
<<elseif $tattoo1 neq "none">>passing over your tattooed
skin
<<else>>passing over your weathered skin<</if>>
and <<if $facialhair neq "none">>dishevelled
beard.<<else>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>new
growth of hair.<<else>>dishevelled
hair.<</if>><</if>>
She grips your chin, raising it upwards. “But I, like you, have little
choice in the matter. We serve House Anaxas. Their desires come first.
And for you to play your role, you must look the
part.”<</nobr>>
You freeze, shocked by the cavalier way she touches you. Magical
suppression occurs with physical contact whether you like it or not; it
is not something you can control. You’ve been told the sensation is odd
and uncomfortable. Not many are willing to touch a Wayfarer so… freely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “And I suppose you’re here to help with
that?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What? Can’t be trusted to do that
on my own?”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARED 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Let go of me.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES 04C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Venka
lets out a small //hm// and lets go of your chin, satisfied with her
examination. “You certainly can’t be trusted to on your own,” she says
frankly.
You roll your eyes. “I’m not a complete heathen.”
She exhales sharply and steps back. “This has nothing to do with your
upbringing or personal habits, $lastname,” she says. “Call it a
necessary precaution.”
You pause. A realization dawns on you as she patters around you and
roughly examines your damp hair. //Right…// you think, grimacing as
Venka drags her fingers roughly across your scalp. //No weapons in
Oriath District.//
It seems you cannot be trusted to cut your own hair.
<<if $facialhair neq "none">><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 NO FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Venka
lets out a small //hm// and lets go of your chin, satisfied with her
examination. “Of course not.”
You grimace. “Thanks for that.”
She steps back, laughing coolly. “This is no judgement on your
upbringing or personal habits, $lastname,” she says. “It’s a necessary
precaution.”
“Precaution? Against what?”
She patters around you and examines your damp hair. “Lady Zenaida may
trust you, but the rest of the house does not,” she says. “Surely you
can reach the correct conclusion on your own.”
You grimace as she drags her fingers roughly across your scalp. //Right…
No weapons in Oriath District.//
It seems you cannot be trusted to cut your own hair.
<<if $facialhair neq "none">><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 NO FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Her
grip tightens. “You don’t intimidate me, $lastname. You are far from
the first mercenary I have met. Suppress my magic all you like—I will
hardly notice.”
You pause. “You’re not…”
She draws away and throws her head back with laughter. “No, I am not
magianis. I simply have very little magic and my connection to it is
negligible at best. I do not mind—I have other talents.” Without waiting
for a reply, she patters around you and examines your damp hair. “Lady
Zenaida may trust you, but the rest of the house does not. Surely you
can reach the correct conclusion on your own.”
She drags her fingers roughly across your scalp.
You grimace. //Right… No weapons in Oriath District.//
It seems you cannot be trusted to cut your own hair.
<<if $facialhair neq "none">><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES 05 NO FACIAL
HAIR]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>A
loud //pop// of an uncorked bottle echoes across the bath and the
entrancing smell of scented oils and soaps hits you. Venka releases her
hold on your head and turns her attention to your chin.
“This scraggle should be cleaned up,” she says, indicating <<if
$facialhair is "stubble">>the stubble on your
cheeks<<else>>your beard<</if>>. “What do you
want?”
“I get a choice?” you reply acidly.
She snorts. “It’s your beard. The only requirement is that it looks
presentable. Can’t have you wandering the palace looking like you
wandered out of an Undercity fighting grounds.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CLEAN SHAVEN] “Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$facialhair to "clean
shaven"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [MOUSTACHE] “Leave a
moustache.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$facialhair to
"moustache"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [GOATEE] “Leave a goatee.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$facialhair to
"goatee"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Trim it if you have to, but
otherwise leave it alone.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT
SELECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
loud //pop// of an uncorked bottle echoes across the bath and the
entrancing smell of scented oils hits you. Venka parts your hair,
continuing her unrelenting war on your scalp.
“This mess should be cleaned up,” she says, finally resting her hands on
your shoulders. “What do you want?”
“I get a choice?” you reply acidly.
She snorts. “It’s your hair. The only requirement is that it looks
presentable. Can’t have you wandering the palace looking like you
wandered out of an Undercity fighting grounds.”
<<nobr>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT
AFTER][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT
AFTER][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to "cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "shoulder-length">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "long">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it. Most of
it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [SHOULDER-LENGTH] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER
2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to
"shoulder-length"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "waist-length">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it. Most of
it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Cut it short.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [SHOULDER-LENGTH] “Just cut it.”
|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to
"shoulder-length"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [LONG] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to "long"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[6. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>>Though
brusque, Venka is cool and efficient. Once finished, she turns back to
your hair and lets out a disgruntled //hm.//
“What do you want?” she asks.
<<nobr>><<if $hairlength is "cropped">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT
AFTER][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "short">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT
AFTER][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to "cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "shoulder-length">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "long">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it. Most of
it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Cut it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [SHOULDER-LENGTH] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER
2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to
"shoulder-length"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div>
<<elseif $hairlength is "waist-length">>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [SHAVED]
“Shave it. Get rid of it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER
SPECIAL][$hairlength to "shaved"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [CROPPED] “Cut it. Most of
it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"cropped"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [SHORT] “Cut it short.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT AFTER SPECIAL][$hairlength to
"short"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [SHOULDER-LENGTH] “Just cut it.”
|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to
"shoulder-length"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[5. [LONG] “Trim it.”|CHAPTER 2 MC
PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hairlength to "long"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[6. “Leave it the way it is.”|CHAPTER 2
MC PREPARES HAIR CUT AFTER][$hair_leave to
true]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>><<if
$hair_leave is true>>“Very well,” Venka says. You rise from the
bench, but she grabs your shoulder, forcing you back down. “Stay there,
we’re not finished.”
Gritting your teeth, you let her return her hands to your head. She
snaps her fingers at her assistants and they crowd around you, quickly
working together to style your hair. <<if $hairtexture is
"locked">>They pull your locs back and add a scattering of hair
cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and Rasmira
wear.<<else>><<if $hairlength is "short" or
$hairlength is "shoulder-length">>They leave most of it down and
add a scattering of small hair cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and
Rasmira wear.<<elseif $hairlength is "cropped">>They style
your hair (as much as it can be styled), then add a scattering of small
hair cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and Rasmira
wear.<<else>>They braid and coil it up in an Arathian style,
then add a scattering of small hair cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida
and Rasmira wear.<</if>><</if>>
“That will do, I suppose,” Venka says, satisfied. “This
way.”<<else>>Venka works quickly. <<if $hairlength is
"shaved" or $hairlength is "cropped">><<if $hairlength is
"shaved">>When she’s finished, you run a hand over your shaved
scalp, marveling at the freedom. You feel better now you’re free from
the unwanted hair. It’s an insignificant change in the long run—the hair
will grow back—but you’re pleased with the
result.<<else>>When she’s finished, you run a hand through
your cropped hair, marveling at the freedom. You feel better now you’re
free from the unwanted hair. It’s an insignificant change in the long
run—the hair will grow back—but you’re pleased with the
result.<</if>>
“That will do, I suppose,” she says, satisfied. “This
way.”<<else>><<if $hairlength is "short">>When
she’s finished, you run a hand through your short hair, marveling at the
freedom. You feel better now you’re free from the unwanted hair. It’s
an insignificant change in the long run—the hair will grow back—but
you’re pleased with the result.<<elseif $hairlength is
"shoulder-length">>When she’s finished, you turn your head from
side to side, marveling at the feel. It’s an insignificant change in the
long run—the hair will grow back—but you’re pleased with the
result.<<elseif $hairlength is "long">>When she’s finished,
you turn your head from side to side, satisfied with the cut. It’s an
insignificant change in the long run—the hair will grow back—but you’re
pleased with the result.<<elseif $hairlength is
"waist-length">>When she’s finished, you turn your head from side
to side, satisfied with the trim. It’s an insignificant change in the
long run—the hair will grow back—but you’re pleased with the
result.<</if>>
“Sit down,” Venka says sharply as you rise from the bench. She puts a
hand on your shoulder and forces you back down. “I’m not finished.”
Gritting your teeth, you let her return her hands to your head. She
snaps her fingers at her assistants and they crowd around you, quickly
working together to style your hair. <<if $hairtexture is
"locked">>They pull your locs back and add a scattering of hair
cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and Rasmira
wear.<<else>><<if $hairlength is "short" or
$hairlength is "shoulder-length">>They leave most of it down and
add a scattering of small hair cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and
Rasmira wear.<<elseif $hairlength is "cropped">>They style
your cropped hair, then add a scattering of small hair cuffs, not unlike
the ones Zenaida and Rasmira wear.<<else>>They braid and
coil it up in an Arathian style, then add a scattering of small hair
cuffs, not unlike the ones Zenaida and Rasmira
wear.<</if>><</if>>
“That will do, I suppose,” Venka says, satisfied. “This
way.”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LEAVE THE
BATHROOM]]</div></div><</nobr>>[[1. Cropped|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$hairlength to "cropped"]]
[[1. Short|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$hairlength to "short"]]
[[1. shoulder-length|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$hairlength to "shoulder-length"]]
[[1. long|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$hairlength to "long"]]
[[1. Waist-length|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES FACIAL HAIR CUT SELECT][$hairlength to "waist-length"]]“Very
well,” she says, inspecting your hair once again. “Are you sure?
Arathian society prizes long hair—”
“Just get rid of it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC PREPARES HAIR CUT
AFTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
leave the bath to discover that Venka’s assistants have brought a
selection of appropriate attire. Three elegant garments are draped
across the bed, their colourful silks contrasting sharply with the dark
linens. <<if $origin is "noble" or $origin is
"merchant">>You run a hand over each, marveling at the lush
fabric. It’s been a long time since you’ve worn clothing as nice as
this.<<else>>Curious, you run a hand over each, marveling at
the lush fabric. You have never worn anything as nice as
this.<</if>> Rasmira has spared no expense—you are
officially part of the Anaxas entourage, and they are insistent you look
the part.
The first garment is a deep turquoise serithan embroidered with gold.
Cut in a traditionally feminine fashion, it is a one-shouldered garb
with an asymmetrical bodice and long skirts that fall flush to the
floor.
The second is a dark purple serithan embroidered with silver. Cut in a
traditionally masculine style, it is an off-shoulder robe belted at the
waist, with a sash thrown over one shoulder
The last is an abberan, an Arathian garment composed of loose trousers
and a long-sleeved, flowing tunic, belted at the waist. The scarlet
tunic is embroidered with white designs to match the silk trousers and
the accompanying loose-fitting coat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE
CLOTHES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tattoo1 is "wayfarer" or $tattoo2 is "wayfarer">>“I hope these
will suffice,” Venka says, appearing in the doorway. She holds her
shears in one hand and deftly wipes them clean before slipping them into
her apron. “If I may, I would recommend the abberan. Cover that tattoo
of yours.”
You look down, rubbing a thumb over the Wayfarer sigil imprinted in your
skin. “What’s wrong with it?”
She shrugs. “It’s a memorable sigil, $lastname,” she says
matter-of-factly. “There are many in the Arathian aristocracy who
remember what it is and know what it means. I would consider how much
attention you wish to draw.”<<elseif $scar1 is "scarburn" or
$scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar1 is
"scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2" or $scar2
is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>“I hope these will suffice,” Venka says, appearing in
the doorway. She holds her shears in one hand and deftly wipes them
clean before slipping them into her apron. “If I may, I would recommend
the abberan. Cover that scar of yours.”
You press a hand to your shoulder. The rough knots of healed scar tissue
bulge against your skin, a tapestry of errors carved into your body.
“What’s wrong with that?”
She shrugs. “Scars are rare in Arathian society, $lastname,” she says
matter-of-factly. “I would consider how much attention you wish to
draw.”
You grimace. She doesn’t need to state the obvious. Most wounds, if
healed by a proper physician, leave no mark. They are the sign of either
veteran warriors, the poor…
Or a magianis.
Wayfarer.<<else>>“I hope these will suffice,” Venka says,
appearing in the doorway. She holds her shears in one hand and deftly
wipes them clean before slipping them into her apron.
<<nobr>><<if $skintone is "teal">>“If I may
suggest the turquoise serithan, match that complexion of yours. This
season is fond of coordinated colours. You will blend right in.”
<<elseif $skintone is "violet">>“If I may suggest the purple
serithan, match that complexion of yours. This season is fond of
coordinated colours. You will blend right in.”
<<elseif $skintone is "scarlet">>“If I may suggest the
abberan, match that complexion of yours. This season is fond of
coordinated colours. You will blend right in.”
<<elseif $hairlength neq "shaved" and $haircolour is "teal" or
$haircolour is "blue">>“If may suggest the turquoise serithan, it
would complement that hair of yours. This season is fond of coordinated
colours. You will blend right in.”
<<elseif $hairlength neq "shaved" and $haircolour is "violet" or
$haircolour is "amethyst">>“If I may suggest the purple serithan,
it would complement hair of yours. This season is fond of coordinated
colours. You will blend right in.”
<<elseif $hairlength neq "shaved" and $haircolour is "ruby" or
$haircolour is "scarlet">>“If I may suggest the abberan, it would
complement that hair of yours. This season is fond of coordinated
colours. You will blend right in.”
<<else>>“Then what do you suggest?”
<br><br>“The choice is yours. Any of the three will do
nicely.”<</if>><</nobr>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the turquoise serithan.|CHAPTER 2
CHOOSE CLOTHES 02][$dressed to true, $garb to "serithan",
$serithan_colour to "turquoise"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wear the purple serithan.|CHAPTER 2
CHOOSE CLOTHES 02][$dressed to true, $garb to "serithan",
$serithan_colour to "purple"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wear the scarlet abberan.|CHAPTER 2
CHOOSE CLOTHES 02][$dressed to true, $garb to "abberan"]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You don’t want any of these. Wear
the black gear Zenaida gifted you. You’re a warrior; you might as well
dress like one.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES 02 GEAR VERSION][$dressed to
false, $garb to "gear"]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
your decision made, the servants gather up the rejected garments and
file from the room.
“A wise decision, $lastname,” Venka calls, lingering in the threshold.
“Perhaps the first one you’ve made today.”
Uncertain how to feel about her parting words, you wait for her to close
the door, then dress quickly. <<if $serithan_colour is
"turquoise">><<if $height is "average" or $height is
"tall">>The turquoise serithan fits you surprisingly
well.<<elseif $height is "very tall">>The turquoise serithan
fits you surprisingly well, though the skirts may be a bit short,
cutting off awkwardly at your calf.<<else>>The turquoise
serithan fits you surprisingly well, though the skirts are a bit too
long and drag on the floor.<</if>>
<<if $skinmarks is "vitiligo" or $skinmarks is "freckles" or
$skinmarks is "moles">>The asymmetrical bodice leaves your
shoulders bare, showing more of your $skinmarks than you are accustomed
to.<<else>>The asymmetrical bodice leaves your shoulders
bare.<</if>> The rich fabric is smooth and cool against your
skin, its colour <<if $haircolour is "sapphire" and $crestcolour
is "sapphire">>contrasting with your $skintone complexion and
complementing your sapphire hair and
crest.<<else>>complementing your
complexion.<</if>><<elseif $serithan_colour is
"purple">><<if $height is "average" or $height is
"tall">>The purple serithan fits you surprisingly
well.<<elseif $height is "very short" or $height is
"short">>The purple serithan fits you surprisingly well, though
the skirts are a bit too long and drag on the
floor.<<else>>The purple serithan fits you surprisingly
well, though the skirts may be a bit short, cutting off awkwardly at
your calf.<</if>> The rich fabric is smooth and cool against
your skin, its colour <<if $haircolour is "amethyst" and
$crestcolour is "amethyst">>contrasting with your $skintone
complexion and complementing your amethyst hair and
crest.<<else>>complementing your
complexion.<</if>><<else>><<if $height is
"average" or $height is "tall">>The scarlet abberan fits you
surprisingly well.<<elseif $height is "very tall">>The
scarlet abberan fits you surprisingly well, though the trousers may be a
bit short, cutting off at your calf.<<else>>The scarlet
abberan fits you surprisingly well, though the trousers are a bit long
and billow around your ankles.<</if>> The rich fabric is
smooth and cool against your skin, its colour <<if $haircolour is
"ruby" and $crestcolour is "ruby">>contrasting with your $skintone
complexion and complementing your amethyst hair and
crest.<<else>>complementing your
complexion.<</if>><</if>>
Rasmira will be pleased and your choice will no doubt help you blend in
with the crowd. The longer you can pretend to be one of them, the longer
you will avoid any unwanted questions.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t want any of it,” you say sharply.
Venka frowns. “Very well,” she replies and gestures for her assistants
to gather up the garments. “Do as you please, $lastname. I have done
what I can.”
Content with your decision, you wait for her to leave the room, then
dress quickly. Rasmira won’t be pleased with your choice, but you don’t
care. You’re not an aristocrat; you don’t need fancy garments. You may
be without your sword, but you’re still a Wayfarer. They will know what
you are the moment they look at you and sense your lack of magic. Why
try to hide it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES GEAR
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$tattoo1 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "serithan">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to true>>
<<elseif $tattoo2 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "serithan">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to true>>
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "abberan">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to false>>
<<elseif $tattoo2 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "abberan">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to false>>
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "gear">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to true>>
<<elseif $tattoo2 is "wayfarer" and $garb is "gear">>
<<set $tattoo_visible to true>>
<</if>><</nobr>>The early evening sun descends
behind the mountains. The sky has turned an astonishing golden pink and
the first evening stars glimmer in the dusk. The grounds below are alive
with conjured light, illuminating the complex paths through the
gardens. Already, a crowd has begun to gather. Guests are arriving,
spilling across the estates as they are drawn to different marquees,
investigating the wealth of food and entertainment the archon has
arranged.
You shift restlessly from foot to foot, a strange feeling gnawing in the
pit of your stomach. Despite the extravagant garb, you still feel
naked. It’s as if you are a player about to step in front of a grand
audience and you have forgotten your lines. You’re desperate for the
comfort of something familiar, but everywhere you turn, you’re
surrounded by the foreign. The unknown.
If only you had $blade with you…
<<if $junkInv.has('Necklace', 'Bracelet', 'Ring')>>An idea
crosses your mind. You grab your pack and dig through it, searching for
something you had nearly forgotten about. In his panic to get you out of
his shop, Lars Drakehand had shoved jewelry into your hands. You kept
it, intending to sell it for extra crowns, but you may have another use
for it…
//Got you.//
You withdraw the jewelry and dump it on the bed. It’s a pitiful
collection compared to the lavishness of your room, but it’s something
that’s yours. A gold necklace, a ring adorned with a small amethyst, and
a golden bracelet that is wide enough to be a cuff… <<if
$packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>And tangled in the centre is a
familiar silver pendant, the Wayfarer sigil gleaming in the soft
light.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the jewelry.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES
JEWELRY][$jewelry_worn to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer
pendant')>>[[2. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES
PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true]]<<else>><s>2.
[WAYFARER PENDANT] You do not have the required inventory
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Put it all back. You don’t need
anything extraneous.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES NOTHING
EXTRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>An idea crosses your mind. You
grab your pack and dig through it, searching for your pendant. It’s been
a long time since you’ve worn it; you had almost forgotten about it.
Your fingers close around the cool silver. You draw it out, untangle the
chain, and hold it in the palm of your hand. The Wayfarer sigil gleams
in the soft light, the delicate spokes of its design a comforting
familiarity.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES
PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it back.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE
CLOTHES PUT IT
BACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>The door creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
You look up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>With
no other way to stave off the inevitable, you leave your room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
stands in the threshold, one hand resting on the doorframe. Though his
trimmed hair and clean shaven face indicate that he accepted the same
compulsory pampering as you, he has rejected Rasmira’s clothing and worn
his basic black gear, albeit without the bracers and cloak. In the
darkening evening light, you can just make out his tattoo—the trio of
geometric lines that wrap around his upper left arm.
“Yeah?” you ask, fidgeting with your clothes.
He doesn’t answer. <<if $pendant_worn is true>>His gaze
sweeps over you, lingering on the pendant around your neck. His
expression breaks into a strange smile.<<else>>His gaze
sweeps over you and his expression breaks into a strange
smile.<</if>>
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>You frown. “What?”
“You look… nice,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s that supposed to mean?”|CHAPTER 2 PP
AER ROMDRESS 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Do I? I don’t even know if I did
this right—”|CHAPTER 2 PP AER ROMDRESS 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thank you.”|CHAPTER 2 PP AER
ROMDRESS
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
frown. “What?”
He pauses, digging around in his pockets, and withdraws a small object.
He places it in his palm and extends his hand, proffering it to you. You
pause, lips pursed—a familiar pendant gleams back at you, the Wayfarer
sigil shining in the soft light.
“I know you lost yours,” he says. “Take mine—”
“Aeran, I can’t. It’s yours—”
He pushes it into your hands and closes your fingers around it. “Take
it,” he insists. “I’m not going to wear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 PP AER ROMDRESS
02A GET PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it in your pack.|CHAPTER 2 PP
AER ROMDRESS
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
sitting room is empty, the apartment still. You walk the perimeter, a
frown on your face, puzzled by Aeran’s disappearance. It seems strange
that he would have gone to the grounds before you—<<if $aeranapp
<=19>>even your company is preferable to what awaits
below.<<else>>you’re not his favourite person right now, but
even your company is preferable to what awaits for you
below.<</if>>
“Aeran?” you call.
No response.
A light on the far side of the apartment catches your eye. The door to
his room is ajar.
“Come on, we need to go—”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is
"putaway">>You draw to a halt, one hand resting on the door
handle. A pile of elegant garments lie discarded on the bed, rejected
and tossed aside without care. He has upended his pack, strewing his
possessions across the room in a desperate search for something. Tools
and supplies—everything he had on him when you were whisked away aboard
Zenaida’s ship—are scattered on every available surface.
There’s no sign of him.
Sighing wearily, you shake your head and shut the door. Looks like
you’re on your own.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ENTER PARTY
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
draw to a halt, one hand resting on the door handle. A pile of elegant
garments lie discarded on the bed, rejected and tossed aside without
care. He has upended his pack, strewing his possessions across the room
in a desperate search for something. Tools, supplies—anything Rasmira
did not deem a weapon—are scattered on every available surface. A
leather pouch lies open on a nearby desk, a heap of crumpled letters and
documents spilling out across the wood.
//The letters…//
You pause, your gaze lingering on the pouch. Aeran is gone and you are
left to your own devices. While you could head to the grounds now,
nothing is stopping you from taking a little more time. He is hiding
something from you. The letters could be the key to finding out what…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Investigate the letters.|CHAPTER 2 PP
LETTERS 01]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it be. Go to the
party.|CHAPTER 2 ENTER PARTY ALONE
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Pleased
with the idea, you quickly put the jewelry on and check your reflection
in the mirror. It’s a small change, but it helps soothe the anxiety
gnawing away at you. If you’re going to make a fool of yourself in front
of the Velantian aristocracy, you might as well do it in style.
<<if $aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>The door
creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
You look up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
GEAR]]<<elseif $dressed is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND DRESSED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND
GEAR]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>With
no other way to stave off the inevitable, you leave your room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Pleased
with the idea, you untangled the pendant’s chain and string it around
your neck. It’s a small change, but it helps soothe the anxiousness
gnawing away at you. There’s little point in hiding who you are; they’re
going to know, regardless. You might as well bring a small token of
comfort with you.
<<if $aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>The door
creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
You look up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
GEAR]]<<elseif $dressed is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND DRESSED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND
GEAR]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>With
no other way to stave off the inevitable, you leave your room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>You exhale wearily.
//Drakehand may have said it wasn’t fake, but it probably is,// you
think, shoving the jewelry back into your pack. Your fingers linger on
your pendant. For a brief moment, you wonder whether you should
reconsider taking it with you. The aristocracy will eventually figure
out who and what you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
You stuff the pendant into your pack.
The door creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
You look up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
GEAR]]<<elseif $dressed is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND DRESSED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND
GEAR]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
exhale wearily.
//Drakehand may have said it wasn’t fake, but it probably is,// you
think, shoving the jewelry back into your pack. For a brief moment, you
wonder whether you should reconsider taking it with you. The aristocracy
will eventually figure out who and what you are—you don’t need to
accelerate the discovery.
You stuff the pendant unceremoniously into your pack. With no other way
to stave off the inevitable, you leave your room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>You exhale wearily.
The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what you are—you
don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
You stuff the pendant into your pack.
The door creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
GEAR]]<<elseif $dressed is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND DRESSED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND
GEAR]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
exhale wearily. The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what
you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
You stuff the pendant unceremoniously into your pack. With no other way
to stave off the inevitable, you leave your room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
early evening sun descends behind the mountains, darkening your room.
The sky has turned an astonishing golden pink and the first evening
stars glimmer in the dusk. The grounds below are alive with conjured
light, illuminating the complex paths through the gardens. Already, a
crowd has begun to gather. Guests are arriving, spilling across the
estates as they are drawn to different marquees, investigating the
wealth of food and entertainment the archon has arranged.
You shift restlessly from foot to foot, a strange feeling gnawing in the
pit of your stomach. It’s as if you are a player about to step in front
of a grand audience and you have forgotten your lines. You’re desperate
for the comfort of something familiar, but everywhere you turn, you’re
surrounded by the foreign. The unknown.
If only you had $blade with you…
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>An idea crosses your
mind. You grab your pack and dig through it, searching for your pendant.
It’s been a long time since you’ve worn it; you had almost forgotten
about it.
Your fingers close around the cool silver. You draw it out, untangle the
chain, and hold it in the palm of your hand. The Wayfarer sigil gleams
in the soft light, the delicate spokes of its design a comforting
familiarity.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE CLOTHES
PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it back.|CHAPTER 2 CHOOSE
CLOTHES PUT IT
BACK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$aeranapp >=40 and $aeran_argued <=1>>The door creaks open.
“$nickname, I—”
You look up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
DRESSED]]<<elseif $aeranrom >=60 and $dressed is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP MEET AERAN ROMANCE
GEAR]]<<elseif $dressed is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND DRESSED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP
MEET AERAN FRIEND
GEAR]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
let out a long breath and straighten your back. With no other way to
stave off the inevitable, you leave the room.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP APARTMENT
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
stands in the threshold, one hand resting on the doorframe. Though his
trimmed hair and clean shaven face indicate that he accepted the same
compulsory pampering as you, he has rejected Rasmira’s clothing and worn
his basic black gear, albeit without the bracers and cloak. In the
darkening evening light, you can just make out his tattoo—the trio of
geometric lines that wrap around his upper left arm.
“Yeah?” you ask.
“I see we had the same ideas,” he says, gesturing at his own clothing.
You snort with laughter. “Rasmira’s not going to be happy when we show
up like this…”
“I think we can handle a steward.”
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>He pauses, folding
his arms as he looks at you, a curious look on his face. <<if
$pendant_worn is true>>His eyes linger at your throat, staring at
the familiar pendant.<</if>>For a moment it seems as though
he wants to say something, but can’t get the words out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Prompt him.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Whatever it is, it can wait. You
have a gala to get to.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
pauses, folding his arms as he looks at you, a curious look on his
face.
“What?”
In response, he digs around in his pockets and withdraws a small object.
He places it in his palm and extends his hand, proffering it to you.
You pause, lips pursed—a familiar pendant gleams back at you, the
Wayfarer sigil shining in the soft light.
“I know you lost yours,” he says. “Take mine—”
“Aeran, I can’t. It’s yours—”
He pushes it into your hands and closes your fingers around it. “Take
it,” he insists. “I’m not going to wear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 PP AER ROMGEAR
00 GET PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp
+ 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it in your pack.|CHAPTER 2 PP
AER ROM GEAR
00B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
stands in the threshold, one hand resting on the doorframe. Though his
trimmed hair and clean shaven face indicate that he accepted the same
compulsory pampering as you, he has rejected Rasmira’s clothing and worn
his basic black gear, albeit without the bracers and cloak. In the
darkening evening light, you can just make out his tattoo—the trio of
geometric lines that wrap around his upper left arm.
“Yeah?” you ask, fidgeting with your clothes.
He doesn’t answer. <<if $pendant_worn is true>>His gaze
sweeps over you, lingering on the pendant around your neck. His
expression breaks into a strange smile.<<else>>His gaze
sweeps over you and his expression breaks into a strange
smile.<</if>>
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>You frown. “What?”
“You look nice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You sound surprised.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks. Someone needs to keep
Rasmira happy.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND DRESS 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Oh, no, you found me out. Me and my
secret desire to be as frivolous as possible.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
frown. “What?”
He pauses, digging around in his pockets, and withdraws a small object.
He places it in his palm and extends his hand, proffering it to you. You
pause, lips pursed—a familiar pendant gleams back at you, the Wayfarer
sigil shining in the soft light.
“I know you lost yours,” he says. “Take mine—”
“Aeran, I can’t. It’s yours—”
He pushes it into your hands and closes your fingers around it. “Take
it,” he insists. “I’m not going to wear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 PP AER FRIEND
DRESS 00 GET PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it in your pack.|CHAPTER 2 PP
FRIEND DRESS
00B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
stands in the threshold, one hand resting on the doorframe. Though his
trimmed hair and clean shaven face indicate that he accepted the same
compulsory pampering as you, he has rejected Rasmira’s clothing and worn
his basic black gear, albeit without the bracers and cloak. In the
darkening evening light, you can just make out his tattoo—the trio of
geometric lines that wrap around his upper left arm.
“Yeah?” you ask.
“I see we had the same ideas,” he says, gesturing at his own clothing.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>His gaze lingers on your throat,
staring at the familiar pendant.<</if>>
You snort with laughter. “Rasmira’s not going to be happy when we show
up like this…”
“I think we can handle a steward.”
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>You nod and push past
him. “I hope so,” you say, heading for the antechamber. “Come on. Let’s
get this over with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“I
hope so.”
Aeran pauses. You watch him curiously as he digs around in his pockets
and withdraws a small object. Placing it in his palm, he extends his
hand and proffers it to you. You pause, lips pursed—a familiar pendant
gleams back at you, the Wayfarer sigil shining in the soft light.
“Take it,” he says. “I want you to have it.”
“Aeran, I can’t. It’s yours—”
He pushes it into your hands and closes your fingers around it. “Take
it,” he insists. “I’m not going to wear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Wear the pendant.|CHAPTER 2 PP AER FRIEND
GEAR 00 GET PENDANT][$pendant_worn to true, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Put it in your pack.|CHAPTER 2 PP
FRIEND GEAR
00B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“I’m
not teasing!” he says, barely holding back his laughter. “I swear I’m
not. You really do look nice. It suits you.”
<<if $dressed is true>><<if $garb is
"serithan">>You smooth down your skirts<<else>>You
smooth down your robes<</if>><<else>>You tug at
your tunic<</if>> and raise your head. “A compliment from
you?” you reply archly, a little thrill running down your spine. “Guess I
better enjoy it while it lasts.”
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>His smile fades and the
little thrill plummets.
<<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is true>>His gaze
lingers on the scar that mangles your shoulder, the knotted flesh a
stark contrast to the elegance of your clothing. The blunt, unavoidable
reminder of what he did to you in Rona.<<else>>An awkward
silence fills the room, keeping you apart. The ghost of what he said on
the ship echoes in your mind. You know from his expression that he’s
thinking about it, too. This mountainous obstacle that neither of you
know how to pass.<</if>>
He clears his throat. “Come on, $nickname,” he says awkwardly,
scratching the back of his neck. “We’re late as it
is.”<<else>><<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc
is true>>His smile fades and the little thrill plummets.
<<if $jewelry_worn is true>>He eyes the necklace clasped
around your throat and stiffens, staring at the scar that mangles your
shoulder. The knotted flesh is a stark contrast to the elegance of your
clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did to you in
Rona.<<else>>His gaze lingers on your exposed shoulder,
staring at the scar that mangles your flesh. The blunt, unavoidable
reminder of what he did to you in Rona.<</if>>
He clears his throat. “Come on, $nickname,” he says awkwardly,
scratching the back of his neck. “We’re late as it
is.”<<else>><<if $jewelry_worn is true>>He
smiles back, blue eyes dancing mischievously, and eyes the necklace
clasped around your throat. “Nice touch. Where’d you get that?”
“Lars Drakehand.”
He snorts with laughter. “Right. I forgot about that.”
You pause, looking him up and down, and raise an eyebrow. “I see you’re
blatantly ignoring Rasmira’s instructions.”
“Someone needs to keep them on their toes,” he says, shrugging. “Come
on, $nickname. We’re late as it is.”
<<else>>“I see you’re blatantly ignoring Rasmira’s
instructions,” you say, looking him up and down.
He snorts with laughter. “Yeah, well… someone needs to keep them on
their toes. Come on, $nickname. We’re late as it
is.”<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>Aeran takes a step towards you. You
fall silent, your words caught in your throat, <<if $height is
"very tall">>and you lower your head to meet his
eyes.<<else>>and raise your head to meet his
eyes.<</if>> He stops. <<if $garb is "serithan" and
$aeranshotmc is true>>His gaze lingers on the scar that mangles
your shoulder, the knotted flesh a stark contrast to the elegance of
your clothing. The blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did to you in
Rona.<<else>>The ghost of what he said on the ship echoes in
your mind. You know from his expression that he’s thinking about it,
too. This mountainous obstacle that neither of you know how to
pass.<</if>>
“I’m sure it’s fine,” he says finally, scratching the back of his neck.
“Come on, $nickname. We’re late as it is.”<<else>>He steps
in front of you and takes your hands, interrupting your restless
fiddling. His touch is warm. Familiar. Comforting. You pause, your words
caught in your throat, <<if $height is "very tall">>and
lower your head to meet his eyes.<<else>>and raise your head
to meet his eyes.<</if>>
“It’s going to be fine, $nickname,” he says. “With any luck they’ll be
too distracted by the festivities to pay us much attention.”
<<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is true>>You
squeeze his hands. “Let’s hope so.”
<<if $jewelry_worn is true>>He eyes the necklace clasped
around your throat and stiffens. His gaze lingers on the scar that
mangles your shoulder, the knotted flesh a stark contrast to the
elegance of your clothing. The blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he
did to you in Rona.<<else>>His smile fades as his gaze
lingers on your exposed shoulder, staring at the scar that mangles your
flesh. The ugly, knotted wound is stark compared to the elegance of your
clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did to you in
Rona.<</if>>
“Aeran—”
His mouth tightens and he draws away, letting go of your hands. “Come
on, $nickname,” he says, turning to the door. “We’re late as it
is.”<<else>><<if $jewelry_worn is true>>You
squeeze his hands. “Let’s hope so.”
He eyes the necklace clasped around your throat. “Nice touch. Where’d
you get that?”
“Lars Drakehand.”
He snorts with laughter. “Right,” he says, grinning. “I forgot about
that.”
You pause, looking him up and down, and raise an eyebrow. “I see you’re
blatantly ignoring Rasmira’s instructions.”<<else>>You
squeeze his hands. “Let’s hope so.” You pause, looking him up and down,
and raise an eyebrow. “I see you’re blatantly ignoring Rasmira’s
instructions.”
He lets go and draws away, awkwardly running a hand through his hair.
“Yeah, well… someone needs to keep them on their toes,” he says with a
wan laugh. “Come on, $nickname. We’re late as it
is.”<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>You grin, a little thrill running
down your spine—only for it to plummet as he stiffens, his smile fading.
<<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is true>>His gaze
lingers on the scar that mangles your shoulder, the knotted flesh a
stark contrast to the elegance of your clothing. The blunt, unavoidable
reminder of what he did to you in Rona.<<else>>An awkward
silence fills the room, keeping you apart. The ghost of what he said on
the ship echoes in your mind. You know from his expression that he’s
thinking about it, too. This mountainous obstacle that neither of you
know how to pass.<</if>>
He clears his throat. “Come on, $nickname,” he says awkwardly,
scratching the back of his neck. “We’re late as it
is.”<<else>><<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc
is true>>You grin, a little thrill running down your spine. He
smiles back, blue eyes dancing mischievously—
The smiles fades. <<if $jewelry_worn is true>>He eyes the
necklace clasped around your throat and stiffens, staring at the scar
that mangles your shoulder. The knotted flesh is a stark contrast to the
elegance of your clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did
to you in Rona.<<else>>His gaze lingers on your exposed
shoulder, staring at the scar that mangles your flesh. The blunt,
unavoidable reminder of what he did to you in Rona.<</if>>
He clears his throat. “Come on, $nickname,” he says awkwardly,
scratching the back of his neck. “We’re late as it
is.”<<else>><<if $jewelry_worn is true>>You
grin, a little thrill running down your spine.
He smiles back, blue eyes dancing mischievously, and eyes the necklace
clasped around your throat. “Nice touch. Where’d you get that?”
“Lars Drakehand.”
He snorts with laughter. “Right. I forgot about that.”
You pause, looking him up and down, and raise an eyebrow. “I see you’re
blatantly ignoring Rasmira’s instructions.”
“Someone needs to keep them on their toes,” he says, shrugging. “Come
on, $nickname. We’re late as it is.”<<else>>You grin, a
little thrill running down your spine. “I see you’re blatantly ignoring
Rasmira’s instructions,” you say, looking him up and down.
He snorts with laughter. “Yeah, well… someone needs to keep them on
their toes. Come on, $nickname. We’re late as it
is.”<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Aeran’s
Pendant<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh and string it around your
neck. It’s a small change, but it’s comforting to feel the familiar
weight of a Wayfarer pendant around your neck once more.
Aeran smiles happily. “You look… nice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s that supposed to mean?”|CHAPTER 2 PP
AER ROMDRESS 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 PP AER
ROMDRESS 01B">2. “Do I? I don’t even know if I did this $garb
right—”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thank you.”|CHAPTER 2 PP AER
ROMDRESS 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Aeran’s Pendant<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh, accepting it, and place it
in your pack. The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what
you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
Aeran watches you, a strange look in his eyes. “You look… nice,
$firstname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s that supposed to mean?”|CHAPTER 2 PP
AER ROMDRESS 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 PP AER
ROMDRESS 01B">2. “Do I? I don’t even know if I did this $garb
right—”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thank you.”|CHAPTER 2 PP AER
ROMDRESS 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$arrive_together to true>>As expected, you find a pair of
red-armoured guards waiting outside your apartment. They escort you down
the hall, leading you through the complex without any fanfare. Though
they maintain a professional silence, the younger of the two shoots you
the occasional furtive look, curiosity shining in their eyes.
Down the curving stairs, through a wide hall adorned with elaborated
mosaics, past a circular courtyard of dancing fountains… The palace is
infinitely less convoluted now that you’re fed and rested. You take
careful stock of your steps, memorizing the route back to your
apartments.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>><<if $dressed is
true>>Despite your best efforts and the beautiful clothing,
anxiety coils in your gut.<<else>>Despite the comfort of
your familiar gear, anxiety coils in your gut.<</if>> Though
you doubt you can leave until you find Zenaida, mapping an escape route
helps keep the unease at bay. Aeran flashes you a smile, but even his
expression seems strained. He’s as apprehensive about this as you
are.<<else>>A trill of excitement shivers down your spine.
Despite the lingering apprehension about throwing yourself to the mercy
of the Velantian aristocracy, there’s something exhilarating about it.
Noting your burgeoning excitement, Aeran nudges you and flashes a
strained smile. Try though he might, he can’t quite hide his
apprehension.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ARRIVE TOGETHER
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
is it?” you ask.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>He takes a step towards
you, his arms held stiffly at his sides. “I…” His mouth twists and he
closes his eyes, tilting his head back. “Fuck. I wish there was a better
way to say this.”
Your mouth is dry. The ghost of what he said on the ship echoes in your
mind—you know from his expression that he must be thinking about it,
too. This mountainous obstacle that neither of you know how to pass.
“What?” you say quietly. “What do you want to say?”
An aching silence settles between you. Your heart pounds in your chest
as you wait for his reply, shaking you to your core.
“Nothing,” he says finally. “Just forget about it. Let’s go.”
You nod. His words have broken more than just
silence.<<else>>He takes a step towards you. There is
something uncharacteristically cautious about him, yet you can feel the
burgeoning anticipation beneath it. “I…” He pauses, tripping over his
own words and running a hand awkwardly through his hair. “Ah, fuck. I
wish there was a better way to say this—”
“Say what?” you ask quietly. Your heart trembles in your chest.
He exhales, a light flush on his cheeks. “I… maybe we can talk about
this later. After the… after the gala.”
You raise an eyebrow. “All right,” you say, watching him curiously as he
hurries across the room to join you. “If you want.”
“Forget I said anything,” he says, shaking his head. “Let’s
go.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
slip by him, passing through the threshold. He tenses as your shoulder
brushes his. You can feel his eyes on you as you cross the room.
“$nickname,” he calls.
You stop and look back at him. “Yeah?”
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>><<if $aeranshotmc
is true>>He stiffens. His gaze lingers on your shoulder, as if
seeking out the mangled flesh beneath. The blunt, unavoidable reminder
of what he did to you in Rona.
An awkward silence fills the room. The ghost of what he said on the ship
echoes in your mind. You know from his expression that he’s thinking
about it, too. This mountainous obstacle that neither of you know how to
pass.<<else>>He stiffens. An awkward silence fills the
room. The ghost of what he said on the ship echoes in your mind and you
know from his expression that he must be thinking about it, too. This
mountainous obstacle that neither of you know how to pass.
“It’s nothing,” he says finally, hurrying across the room to join you.
“Let’s go.”<</if>><<else>><<if
$aeranshotmc is true>>He stiffens. His gaze lingers on your
shoulder, as if seeking out the mangled flesh beneath. The blunt,
unavoidable reminder of what he did to you in Rona.
“It’s nothing,” he says finally, hurrying across the room to join you.
“Let’s go.”<<else>>He stiffens, his gaze lingering on you as
an awkward silence grows between you. “It’s nothing,” he says finally,
hurrying across the room. “Let’s
go.”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Aeran’s
Pendant<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh and string it around your
neck. It’s a small change, but it’s comforting to feel the familiar
weight of a Wayfarer pendant around your neck once more.
You can feel him watching you. He folds his arms, shifting restlessly
from foot to foot. For a moment, it seems as though he wants to say
something, but can’t get the words out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Prompt him.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Whatever it is, it can wait. You
have a gala to get to.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Aeran’s Pendant<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh, accepting it, and place it
in your pack. The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what
you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
He watches you from across the room, folding his arms and shifting
restlessly from foot to foot. For a moment, it seems as though he wants
to say something, but can’t get the words out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Prompt him.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Whatever it is, it can wait. You
have a gala to get to.|CHAPTER 2 PP AEROM GEAR
01B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
at all,” he says, shifting his weight and leaning against the
doorframe. “You were always better at adapting to new environments than
me. Gods know Varyn was on my ass all the time about that.”
You smile tightly. Aeran bumped heads more than once with Master
Varyn—he was too stubborn for her. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Most months they couldn’t go a week without a
disagreement or a fight, with you trapped in the
middle.<<else>>Most months they couldn’t go a week without a
disagreement or a fight, with you trapped in the
middle.<</if>> But despite his resistance to her teachings,
he is undoubtedly her student. The similarity in their fighting styles
in undeniable.
“You’re being smart, $firstname,” he continues. “You, at the very least,
have a chance at making those people down there take you seriously.”
You frown, noting the resentment in his voice. “You could, too.
Nothing’s stopping you—”
“Not on your life,” he says blithely. “You know me; I make everyone
miserable. No amount of fancy clothing is going to change that.”
<<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is true>>His
expression hardens, his gaze lingering on your shoulder and the scar
that mangles your skin. The knotted flesh is a stark contrast to the
elegance of your clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did
to you in Rona.<</if>>
You pause, folding your arms across your chest. You have half a mind to
grab him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him. He seems
determined to be relentlessly cynical—about himself, about this palace,
about Velantis. You hate what it’s done to him. The bright-eyed,
optimistic boy you knew at the Spire is long gone.
“Aeran—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“When I said nice, $firstname,” he
interrupts, “I meant gorgeous. The $garb suits you.”
You freeze, rooted to the spot, your words a jumbled mess. A flush burns
your cheeks, your heart pounding traitorously at the compliment.
Chortling at your reaction, Aeran heads for the antechamber. “We should
go,” he calls. “Wouldn’t want to keep Rasmira
waiting.”<<else>>“The $garb suits you,” he says quickly,
rising to his feet. “You should wear one more often.”
You frown, your words tangled in your mouth, uncertain of how to respond
to the compliment.
He turns, heading for the antechamber. “We should get going. Wouldn’t
want to keep Rasmira waiting.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
raises an eyebrow. “And you think I won’t?”
“You have a spiteful streak a mile long and you’re blatantly ignoring
their instructions,” you retort, gesturing to his black gear. “If you
wanted to purposefully piss them off, you could have at least been
subtle about it.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “Fine, fine, I admit it. But in my
defense, someone needs to keep them on their toes. It’s good for them.”
You roll your eyes. <<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is
true>>He cocks his head, watching you closely as he waits for your
response, and his laughter fades. His gaze lingers on your shoulder and
the scar that mangles your skin. The knotted flesh is a stark contrast
to the elegance of your clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what
he did to you in Rona.
“Aeran—”<<else>>“Aeran—”<</if>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“When I said nice, $firstname,” he
interrupts, “I meant gorgeous. The $garb suits you.<<if $master is
"Varyn">> Varyn would be proud, if she were
here.<</if>>”
You freeze, rooted to the spot, your words a jumbled mess. A flush burns
your cheeks, your heart pounding traitorously at the compliment.
Chortling at your reaction, Aeran turns and heads for the antechamber.
“We should go,” he calls. “Wouldn’t want to keep Rasmira
waiting.”<<else>>“The $garb suits you,” he says quickly.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>“Varyn would be proud, if she were
here.”<<else>>“You should wear it more
often.”<</if>>
You frown, your words tangled in your mouth, uncertain of how to respond
to the compliment.
Taking your silence as a sign that the conversation is over, he turns
and heads for the antechamber. “We should get going. Wouldn’t want to
keep Rasmira waiting.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It’s
not frivolous,” he says, entering your room and perching on the edge of
your bed. “It’s smart. You, at least, have a chance at making those
people down there take you seriously.”
You frown, noting the resentment in his voice. “You could, too.
Nothing’s stopping you—”
“Not on your life,” he says blithely. “You know me; I make everyone
miserable. No amount of fancy clothing is going to change that.”
<<if $garb is "serithan" and $aeranshotmc is true>>His
expression hardens, his gaze lingering on your shoulder and the scar
that mangles your skin. The knotted flesh is a stark contrast to the
elegance of your clothing—a blunt, unavoidable reminder of what he did
to you in Rona.<</if>>
You pause, folding your arms across your chest. You have half a mind to
grab him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him. He seems
determined to be relentlessly cynical—about himself, about this palace,
about Velantis. You hate what it’s done to him. The bright-eyed,
optimistic boy you knew at the Spire is long gone.
“Aeran—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>“When I said nice, $firstname,” he
interrupts, “I meant gorgeous. The $garb suits you.<<if $master is
"Varyn">> Varyn would be proud, if she were
here.<</if>>”
You freeze, rooted to the spot, your words a jumbled mess. A flush burns
your cheeks, your heart pounding traitorously at the compliment.
Chortling at your reaction, Aeran turns and heads for the antechamber.
“We should go,” he calls. “Wouldn’t want to keep Rasmira
waiting.”<<else>>“The $garb suits you,” he says quickly.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>“Varyn would be proud, if she were
here.”<<else>>“You should wear it more
often.”<</if>>
You frown, your words tangled in your mouth, uncertain of how to respond
to the compliment.
Taking your silence as a sign that the conversation is over, he turns
and heads for the antechamber. “We should get going. Wouldn’t want to
keep Rasmira waiting.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Aeran’s
Pendant<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh and string it around your
neck. It’s a small change, but it’s comforting to feel the familiar
weight of a Wayfarer pendant around your neck once more.
Aeran smiles happily. “You look nice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You sound surprised.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks. Someone needs to keep
Rasmira happy.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND DRESS 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Oh, no, you found me out. Me and my
secret desire to be as frivolous as possible.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Aeran’s Pendant<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh, accepting it, and place it
in your pack. The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what
you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
Aeran watches you, a strange look in his eyes. “You look nice,
$firstname.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You sound surprised.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thanks. Someone needs to keep
Rasmira happy.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND DRESS 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Oh, no, you found me out. Me and my
secret desire to be as frivolous as possible.”|CHAPTER 2 PP FRIEND
DRESS 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Aeran’s
Pendant<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s Pendant'>>You sigh and string it around your
neck. It’s a small change, but it’s comforting to feel the familiar
weight of a Wayfarer pendant around your neck once more.
“Come on,” you say, pushing past him and heading for the antechamber.
“Let’s get this over with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Aeran’s pendant<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Aeran’s pendant'>>You sigh, accepting it, and place it
in your pack. The aristocracy will eventually figure out who and what
you are—you don’t need to accelerate the discovery.
“Come on,” you say, pushing past him and heading for the antechamber.
“Let’s get this over with.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP ARRIVE
TOGETHER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$arrive_together to false>><<if $mc_late is true>>The
guard escorts you into the hall, where you are joined by a second
sentry. You frown, bristling at the implication that you require extra
security, but decide not to say anything. The guards lead you through
the complex without any fanfare.<<else>>As expected, you
find a pair of red-armoured guards waiting outside your apartment. They
escort you down the hall, leading you through the complex without any
fanfare.<</if>> Though they maintain a professional silence,
the younger of the two shoots you the occasional furtive look,
curiosity shining in their eyes.
Down the curving stairs, through a wide hall adorned with elaborate
mosaics, past a circular courtyard of dancing fountains… The palace is
infinitely less convoluted now that you’re fed and rested. You take
careful stock of your steps, memorizing the route back to your
apartments.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>><<if $dressed is
true>>Despite your best efforts and the beautiful clothing,
anxiety coils in your gut.<<else>>Despite the comfort of
your familiar gear, anxiety coils in your gut.<</if>> Though
you doubt you can leave until you find Zenaida, mapping an escape route
helps keep the unease at bay.<<else>>A trill of excitement
shivers down your spine. Despite the lingering apprehension about
throwing yourself to the mercy of the Velantian aristocracy, there’s
something exhilarating about it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC
LATE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT
LATE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_late to true>>You grab the pouch, ripping the drawstring
open, and pull out the letters. The topmost one is addressed to Aeran in
<<if $master is "Varyn">>an elegant
script<<else>>a familiar script<</if>>. At first
glance, the words are nonsensical, but then the realization settles in.
The letter is written in the Wayfarer Order’s code, created and
introduced by Cenric almost a century ago.
It’s been years since you’ve read coded communications. You still carry
the last two you received: <<if $master is
"Sero">>Sero’s<<else>>the
Grandmaster’s<</if>> summons to the fateful summit five
years ago and Varyn’s urgent memo sent thereafter.
//What the hell…?//
So, he’s been in contact with another Wayfarer? Another survivor?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LETTERS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Gritting your teeth, you stuff
the letters into your hand and sit down on the edge of the bed,
spreading them out across the bedspread. You flip through them,
searching for names and dates, noting that each one bears the same
handwriting.<<if $master is "Varyn">> You frown and press
your lips together. You swear it’s familiar, but you can’t quite place
it.<</if>> The dates are scribbled predictably in the upper
left corner.
//18 Ivernian 1251, 29 Harrowmere 1251… 5 Firstfall 1250… 17 Sunreach
1249, 8 Eventide 1249, 19 Stormwind 1249… 15 Guardian 1248, 3 Firstfall
1248… 9 Guardian 1247…//
The letters stretch back to the time just after the Spire’s attack, a
year before you met Aeran in the Osian desert. Whoever has been writing
to him has been doing so regularly since then.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You take the most recent letter. It’s crumpled and creased, as
if Aeran has read and re-read it multiple times. You smooth it out on
the floor and stare at the coded script. Your eyes narrow as you try to
remember how to decipher it.
//Ugh.//
You rub your forehead. Your mind feels sluggish. Reading the Wayfarer
code is like reading a foreign language—the more you use it, the more
natural it becomes. But take an extended break and you’re bound to
forget most of it.
After several minutes, you know you’re going to have to do this the hard
way.
Fetching a pen and a fresh piece of paper, you sit cross-legged on the
bed and get to work. A faint strand of music wafts in through the open
windows, signalling the start of the gala. You ignore it. Fuck the
gala—this is more important.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You’re not sure how long it takes you, but eventually you have
the letter deciphered. Rolling your stiff shoulders, you raise the
letter to eye level and read the decoded words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 THE LETTER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeranletters to "chapter2">>18 Ivernian, 1251
Aeran,
I will not begin with the usual pleasantries. Though you refuse to
answer my letters, I know you receive them. There is little I can say
now that will convince you to return to the Empire, but nevertheless, I
will try.
I am finished in Arsenia. Sunderfell did not offer the answers I sought.
Though I believe it is part of the larger picture somehow, the
connection point eroded long ago. Whatever evidence there was—if there
was any at all—is lost to time.
S. will soon finish their excavation of the Spire. I know you do not
want to hear this (it pains me, too, to discuss our home in such a
fashion), but they have unearthed… something. Another key to this
puzzle. And it points to the same road as the others: Velantis.
Consider this my last letter. If you have an ounce of conscience left,
inform $firstname of what has transpired. Would you not want the truth,
if you were in $hisher stead?
Meet me in Velantis. This is larger than any of us now. We must finish
what we started.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PP LETTERS
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You set the letter down, your
mind whirling. Aeran has never told you exactly what happened the night
the Spire fell. The most you know comes from the letter Varyn sent
shortly before she disappeared in Erenvor.
But this letter… An excavation? A discovery? The citadel is ancient; not
even Cenric knew all of its secrets. Is this simply someone taking
advantage of the Order’s collapse to investigate the Spire? Or is there
something more sinister going on?
//What the hell are you involved in?//
You reach for the next letter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 2>>A
resounding knock jolts you from your thoughts. You throw the letters
aside and scramble off the bed, rushing out into the sitting room. A
red-armoured guard stands in the antechamber. Despite a valiant attempt
to remain neutral, he cannot hide the ill-tempered look on his face. You
wonder how long you’ve made him wait.
“Wayfarer $lastname,” he says firmly. “Her Grace has requested your
presence—”
“I know, I know,” you snap, roughly pushing past them. You try to put
the letter from your mind, but it lingers, its implications gnawing away
at your thoughts. “Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ENTER PARTY
ALONE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Firm
on your decision, you shake your head and shut the door. Aeran’s
secrets will have to wait for another day.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ENTER PARTY
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Music wafts through the halls,
accompanied by the murmur of a hundred people. Rounding a corner, you
enter a final gallery and come to a dead stop. Your mouth opens, your
eyes wide with astonishment as you take in the grandeur ahead of you.
The gallery is wide, tiled with Arathian mosaics that create beautiful,
spiralling patterns across the floor. A large marble fountain sinks into
the centre, rippling water spraying high into the air. Beyond it, the
gallery passes through a wall of archways and onto the palace grounds.
White flower garlands wrap around the columns, casting warm light from
the crystals embedded throughout the greenery.
A throng of guests weave their way through the gallery. Some cluster in
groups, chatting amiably by the fountain; others gather in pairs,
searching for private corners. Some are alone, passing quickly through
the archways and onto the grounds. Their clothing is elegant, their hair
immaculate, their jewelry rich and sparkling. They are effortless in
their poise and composure, self-assured in a way that only comes with
wealth and stature.
<<if $origin is "noble">>A deep dissatisfied feeling knifes
through you. You left this life a long time ago, long before you ever
truly experienced it. You never missed it. But facing what you could
have had… It’s hard to ignore the taste of envy.<<elseif $origin
is "urchin">>A strange feeling nags at you. The shimmering
fabrics, the glittering jewels… all this wealth, unprotected and within
reach. A pickpocket’s paradise. You push down the impulse, curling your
idle fingers into fists. Some habits are hard to
ignore.<<else>>A strange feeling nags at you. <<if
$dressed is true>>This world is so far from what you know. You
don’t even know if it is something you want. But facing it now—dressed
as one of them—you can’t help but feel a pang of
envy.<<else>>This world is so far from what you know. If
you’re honest, it’s not even something you want. But facing it
now—seeing the beauty, the ease of it all—you can’t help but feel a pang
of envy.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“She’s not here,” Aeran says quietly, eyes scanning the
gallery.
You blink, distracted. “What?”
“Zenaida. She’s not here.”
“She could be avoiding high traffic areas,” you point out. “This is the
archon’s gala—after what happened this morning, who knows how willing
she is to participate in her mother’s business?”
He makes a face. “Maybe,” he says. “Then again, she’s the Velantian heir
and this is a political event. I doubt she’s petty enough to ignore her
duties just to get back at her mother.”
“Good point. Let’s check outside.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Together, you push your way through the crowd. <<if
$dressed is true>>Though you half expect to be stopped and
interrogated, your magicless state a void in a room pulsing with magic,
no one pays you any heed. Aeran, on the other hand, draws some
attention. Black is not a colour favoured by the Velantian nobility, at
least not for functions. Dressed in his gear, he stands out as someone
who doesn’t belong—a foreigner ignorant of the customs, a warrior
without his weapon.<<else>>Though you have expect to be
stopped and interrogated, no one approaches you. You can feel them
watching you, their curiosity dampened by caution. Black is not a colour
favoured by the Velantian nobility and your gear is very clearly
tailored for combat. Dressed as you are, you and Aeran stand out as
those who do not belong—foreigners ignorant of the customs, warriors
without their weapons.<</if>>
Ducking through the archways, you follow Aeran outside and onto a
terrace. Cut into the side of a hill, the red stone half circle
overlooks the grounds, offering a magnificent view of the estate and the
lake. The evening sun casts its golden-pink glow as it descends behind
the mountains, retreating into the deep indigo of night. Conjured lights
shine brightly, illuminating the grounds, leaving no area in the dark.
The small crystals are embedded in the walkways and hung from trees and
bushes, turning the grounds into a celestial marvel.
The terrace descends a set of wide steps, intersecting with a maze of
walkways that cut through the colourful flowerbeds and ornate
shrubberies. Guests wander up and down the promenade, following it from
the gallery to the pavilions and marquees dotting the estate. North of
the pavilions lies the amphitheatre. It is the source of the music and
it glows with so much light, it almost appears to be on fire.
The water gardens lie directly below the terrace, their fountains and
waterways babbling faintly in the cool evening air. Beyond it, the
grounds descend into the lake. The temple you spotted from your balcony
is alive with light; you can just make out the iconography engraved into
its columns: Lyrana, god of love, music and theatre. Considering the
god’s association with water and House Anaxas’ love of the arts, it’s no
surprise there’s a dedicated temple on the lake. Though the path is lit
in conjured light, it is empty save for a handful of guests. Most of
the crowd is drawn to the gardens of the pavilions, with a constant
stream of people walking to and from the amphitheatre.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“They’re lucky it didn’t rain,” Aeran says, casting an eye at
the clear night sky. More stars have appeared, with the first
constellation twinkling somewhere above the mountains.
“I imagine they have augurs for that,” you reply, scanning the grounds,
hoping for some sign of your wayward Guild mage. There are hundreds of
people here and you have no idea where to start. “If anyone can afford
them, House Anaxas can.”
He snorts, shaking his head. “Must be nice, seeing the future…”
You purse your lips, uncertain what to say. Augurs are highly trained
specialists, utilizing a difficult form of temporal magic. While their
abilities can only predict near future, they are rarely wrong.
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“We should split up,” he
continues. “Cover more ground that way.”<<else>>“We
shouldn’t drink tonight,” he continues. “Need to keep our wits about
us.”
You nod distractedly, barely hearing him. You’re still thinking about
augurs.
“Split up?” he adds. “We can cover more ground that
way.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It’s a good idea. The sooner you find
Zenaida, the sooner you find Lethalis.|CHAPTER 2 ARRIVE TOGETHER
03A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You hate the idea. You’re
uncomfortable enough here as it is, you don’t want to be left
alone.|CHAPTER 2 ARRIVE TOGETHER 03B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“Good
idea.”
“If we can’t find her, meet me back here in two hours.”
You know from the emphasis that he is avoiding discussing Lethalis
outright. With the Order’s enemies likely in attendance, you need to be
careful about what you say and to whom. You don’t know these people. You
don’t know where their allegiances lie.
<<if $aeranrom >=60>><<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>>You lay a hand gently on his arm. He smiles hesitantly, but
the smile is short-lived. He looks away, an awkward flush on his cheeks,
and steps back.
“I… uh… should get going.”
He retreats down the steps and disappears into the gardens. You watch
him go, a deep ache twisting in your stomach. There’s an unfathomable
distance between you that started on the //Dareia//—and you don’t know
if it can ever be fixed.<<else>><<if $dressed is
true>>He smiles warmly and pauses, unable to keep his eyes off
you.
A flush warms your cheeks. “What?”
“Nothing, I…” He chuckles and runs a hand through his hair. “You just
look really <<if $gender is "female">>pretty.”<<elseif
$gender is
"male">>good<<else>>nice.”<</if>>
You pause, a strange feeling fluttering in your stomach. “Aeran, I—”
“I’ll see you in a couple hours,” he says, drawing away. “Good luck.”
He retreats down the steps, pausing once to look back and smile at you.
As he disappears into the gardens, a sharp pang throbs in your chest.
Your heart is pounding. You press a hand to your sternum and try to
subdue it.
Tonight. After the gala…
Maybe then you can talk to him.<<else>>He smiles warmly and
squeezes your hand. The familiar gesture makes your heart pound and an
unbidden flush warms your cheeks.
You pause. “Aeran, I—”
He draws away, pulling his hand from your grasp. “I’ll see you in a
couple hours. Good luck.”
//Damn it…//
He retreats down the steps, pausing once to look back and smile at you.
You raise a hand in farewell and watch as he disappears into the
gardens, a sharp pang throbbing in your chest. You press a hand to your
sternum and try to subdue it.
Tonight. After the gala…
Maybe then you can talk to
him.<</if>><</if>><<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>He puts a comforting hand on your shoulder. “We’ll manage
this,” he says. “Somehow. See you in a couple hours. Good luck.”
He draws away and retreats down the steps, pausing once to look back and
wave at you. You raise a hand in farewell and watch as he disappears
into the gardens. Two hours. You can survive a party for two hours.
Gods, who knows? You might even enjoy it.<<else>>“We’ll
manage this,” he says. “Somehow. See you in a couple hours. Good luck.”
Without further deliberation, he retreats down the steps and disappears
into the gardens. You watch as he goes, casting an eye out over the
grounds. Two hours. You can survive a party for two hours. Gods, who
knows? You might even enjoy it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAP
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No.
It’s better if we stay together.”
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>He reaches for your hand,
but stops half-way. Thinking better of it, he shakes his head and draws
away. Though the action is small, it does nothing to stave off the
sharp pang that twists in your stomach. There’s an unfathomable distance
between you that started on the //Dareia//—and you don’t know if it can
ever be fixed.
“I know,” he says finally. “But this is the best way to find
her.”<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>>He slips his hand into
yours and squeezes it. “I know. But this is the best way to find
her.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>He puts a comforting hand
on your shoulder. “I know. But this is the best way to find
her.”<<else>>“I know. But this is the best way to find
her.”<</if>>
You grimace. You know from the emphasis that this is not about Zenaida
herself; this is about Lethalis. But you can’t exactly walk up to any
guest and start asking questions, not when the Order’s enemies are in
attendance. You need to be careful what you say and to whom, and you
certainly cannot mention Lethalis by name. You don’t know these people.
You don’t know where their allegiances lie.
“Look, if we don’t find her in two hours, meet me back here. We’ll take
things from there.”
You swallow the lump in your throat. “Fine,” you say. “Two hours. But
that’s it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAP
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$elleshar_encounter to 0>><<set $wine to
0>><<if $mc_reluctant is true>>You let out a sharp
sigh and fold your arms tight against your chest. <<if $dressed is
true>><<if $garb is "serithan">>Your serithan flows
softly around you, the delicate fabric rippling in the light
breeze.<<else>>Your tunic ripples in the light breeze, the
delicate fabric cool and soft against your skin.<</if>> Two
hours is a nightmarish prospect. Though you are dressed for the
occasion, you can’t help but feel the sting of foreignness. You don’t
belong here, in a place like this.<<else>>Your black gear
feels unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and
delicate abberans. Two hours is a nightmarish prospect. You don’t belong
here, in a place like this.<</if>><<else>>You
wander to the edge of the terrace and look out at the sprawling grounds.
<<if $dressed is true>><<if $garb is
"serithan">>Your serithan flows softly around you, the delicate
fabric rippling in the light breeze.<<else>>Your tunic
ripples in the light breeze, the delicate fabric cool and soft against
your skin.<</if>><<else>>Your black gear feels
unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and delicate
abberans.<</if>> The gardens are flooded with guests.
Finding Zenaida and keeping a low profile from any potential enemies in
this mess is going to be interesting.<</if>>
<<if $strength >=$agility and $strength >=$perception and
$strength >=$persuasion>>You miss $blade. In your line of work,
brute force has been a favoured solution. But, unfortunately, that is
not a possibility tonight.<<elseif $agility >=$strength and
$agility >=$perception and $agility >=$persuasion>>You miss
$blade. In your line of work, nimble movements and agile fingers have
always been a favoured solution. Unfortunately, that is not a
possibility tonight.<<elseif $perception >=$strength and
$perception >=$agility and $perception >=$persuasion>>In
some ways, you feel relieved. In your line of work, insight and careful
observation have always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is
"Varyn">> This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<elseif $persuasion >=$strength and $persuasion
>=$agility and $persuasion >=$perception>>In some ways, you
feel relieved. In your line of work, clever words and charisma have
always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is "Varyn">>
This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<else>>Playtesters, let me know if this line shows
up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Music wafts through the halls,
accompanied by the murmur of hundreds of people. Rounding a corner, you
enter a final gallery and come to a dead stop. Your mouth opens, your
eyes wide with astonishment as you take in the grandeur ahead of you.
The gallery is wide, tiled with Arathian mosaics that create beautiful,
spiralling patterns across the floor. A large marble fountain sinks into
the centre, rippling water spraying high into the air. Beyond it, the
gallery passes through a wall of archways and onto the palace grounds.
White flower garlands wrap around the columns, casting warm light from
the crystals embedded throughout the greenery.
The hall is mostly empty, save for a few clusters of guests gathered in
the corners or sitting on the edge of the fountain. From their sly
glances and whispered voices, you gather a number of private
negotiations must be in order. You ignore them and duck through the
archways, stepping out onto the terrace.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Cut into the side of a hill, the red stone half circle
overlooks the grounds, offering a magnificent view of the estate and the
lake, sparkling with the light of a thousand conjured lights. Small
crystals are embedded in the stone walkways and strung from trees and
manicured bushes, ensuring no corner of the gardens go unlit. Beneath
the deep indigo sky of night, the effect is celestial.
The terrace descends a set of wide steps, intersecting with a maze of
walkways that cut through the colourful flowerbeds and ornate
shrubberies. Guests wander up and down the promenade, following it from
the gallery to the pavilions and marquees dotting the estate. North of
the pavilions lies the amphitheatre. It is the source of the music and
it glows with so much light, it almost appears to be on fire.
The water gardens lie directly below the terrace, their fountains and
waterways babbling faintly in the cool evening air. Beyond it, the
grounds descend into the lake. The temple you spotted from your balcony
is alive with light; you can just make out the iconography engraved into
its columns: Lyrana, god of love, music and theatre. Considering the
god’s association with water and House Anaxas’ love of the arts, it’s no
surprise there’s a dedicated temple on the lake. Though the path is lit
in conjured light, it is empty save for a handful of guests. Most of
the crowd is drawn to the gardens of the pavilions, with a constant
stream of people walking to and from the amphitheatre.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>“I
see you finally deign to join us,” a voice says.
You glance over your shoulder. Rasmira stands several feet behind you,
dressed in a formal scarlet serithan. It’s a different robe from
earlier; the colour is so deep, it’s nearly black.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“At least I’m here,” you say
curtly, folding your arms. “You’re lucky I came this far.”
Their mouth tightens. “Are you always this petulant, Wayfarer $lastname?
One must wonder how you manage to accomplish anything with such a sour
disposition.”
You bristle at the veiled insult and cast an eye across the grounds,
taking in the throng of guests. The Velantian elite are elegant,
graceful, and—above all—rich. Their clothing is elegant, their hair
immaculate, their jewelry rich and sparkling. They are effortless in
their poise and composure, self-assured in a way that only comes with
wealth and stature.<<else>>“Never had a good concept of
time,” you say blithely. “It’s my only weakness.”
Their mouth tightens. “Are you always this petulant, Wayfarer
$lastname?” they ask, vastly unimpressed with your joke.
You shrug. “Depends on the day. And the company.”
Ignoring Rasmira’s exasperated breath, you turn and cast an eye across
the grounds, taking in the throng of guests. The Velantian elite are
elegant, graceful, and—above all—rich. Their clothing is elegant, their
hair immaculate, their jewelry rich and sparkling. They are effortless
in their poise and composure, self-assured in a way that only comes with
wealth and stature.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC LATE 3][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Music wafts through the halls,
accompanied by the murmur of a hundred people. Rounding a corner, you
enter a final gallery and come to a dead stop. Your mouth opens, your
eyes wide with astonishment as you take in the grandeur ahead of you.
The gallery is wide, tiled with Arathian mosaics that create beautiful,
spiralling patterns across the floor. A large marble fountain sinks into
the centre, rippling water spraying high into the air. Beyond it, the
gallery passes through a wall of archways and onto the palace grounds.
White flower garlands wrap around the columns, casting warm light from
the crystals embedded throughout the greenery.
A throng of guests weave their way through the gallery. Some cluster in
groups, chatting amiably by the fountain; others gather in pairs,
searching for private corners. Some are alone, passing quickly through
the archways and onto the grounds. Their clothing is elegant, their hair
immaculate, their jewelry rich and sparkling. They are effortless in
their poise and composure, self-assured in a way that only comes with
wealth and stature.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $origin is "noble">>A deep dissatisfied
feeling knifes through you. You left this life a long time ago, long
before you ever truly experienced it. You never missed it. But facing
what you could have had… It’s hard to ignore the taste of
envy.<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>A strange feeling nags at
you. The shimmering fabrics, the glittering jewels… all this wealth,
unprotected and within reach. A pickpocket’s paradise. You push down the
impulse, curling your idle fingers into fists. Some habits are hard to
ignore.<<else>>A strange feeling nags at you. <<if
$dressed is true>>This world is so far from what you know. You
don’t even know if it is something you want. But facing it now—dressed
as one of them—you can’t help but feel a pang of
envy.<<else>>This world is so far from what you know. If
you’re honest, it’s not even something you want. But facing it
now—seeing the beauty, the ease of it all—you can’t help but feel a pang
of envy.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE 02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$origin is "noble">>A deep dissatisfied feeling knifes through
you. You left this life a long time ago, long before you ever truly
experienced it. You never missed it. But facing what you could have had…
It’s hard to ignore the taste of envy.<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>A strange feeling nags at you. The shimmering fabrics,
the glittering jewels… all this wealth, unprotected and within reach. A
pickpocket’s paradise. You push down the impulse, curling your idle
fingers into fists. Some habits are hard to ignore.<<else>>A
strange feeling nags at you. <<if $dressed is true>>This
world is so far from what you know. You don’t even know if it is
something you want. But facing it now—dressed as one of them—you can’t
help but feel a pang of envy.<<else>>This world is so far
from what you know. If you’re honest, it’s not even something you want.
But facing it now—seeing the beauty, the ease of it all—you can’t help
but feel a pang of envy.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is true>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 2 MC LATE 04A">1. “Do you expect me to be
grateful? Grateful for the clothes, grateful for the
<i>opportunity?</i>”</a><<else>><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 2 MC LATE 04A">1. “Do you expect me to be
grateful? Grateful for the
<i>opportunity?</i>”</a><</if>></div>
<div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 MC LATE 04B">2.
“I manage just fine, $Ras. Maybe I’m only sour to you because you’re
special.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mc_reluctant is
true>><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 MC LATE 04C">3. All you
want is for them to leave you alone. Don’t say
anything.</a><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$zenaida_location to true>>“No,” they say flatly. “I expect you
to be civil—which seems to be a challenge, in your case.<<if
$dressed is true>> Though I see you took my instructions to heart,
so I suppose that counts for
something.”<<else>>”<</if>>
You grimace. “Thanks.”
Rasmira lets out an exasperated sigh. “Her Grace is at the lyranaeum
with her father,” they say. “If you can stoop to consorting with the
aristocracy a little longer, she wishes to speak with you.”
You raise your head. Lethalis is here. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key. You should speak to her
as soon as you’re able.
“And your friend is lurking about,” Rasmira continues. “In the
pavilions, last I saw him.”
<<if $aeranapp <=19>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran.//
“He’s not my friend.”
“Associate, then.”
You exhale a sharp breath. Considering your previous conversation and
the letters you uncovered, the last thing you want is to track down
Aeran. You need time to sort out your thoughts before you confront
him.<<else>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran. Great.//
Considering your previous conversation and the letters you uncovered,
the last thing you want is to track down Aeran. You need time to sort
out your thoughts before you confront him.<</if>>
“Enjoy your evening, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira finishes, giving you a
short bow. “I hope it can be an unanticipated reprieve from the
veritable chaos that must be your life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC LATE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$zenaida_location to true>>They give you a flat look. Despite
their irritable silence, their mouth seems to twist, turning into the
barest hint of a smile.
“If you’re done scolding me,” you continue, “is there something you
want?”
“Her Grace is at the lyranaeum with her father,” they reply. “She wishes
to speak with you—should you find you can spare her a moment of your
time.”
You raise your head. Lethalis is here. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key. You should speak to her
as soon as you’re able.
“And your friend is lurking about,” Rasmira continues. “In the
pavilions, last I saw him.”
<<if $aeranapp <=19>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran.//
“He’s not my friend.”
“Associate, then.”
You exhale a sharp breath. Considering your previous conversation and
the letters you uncovered, the last thing you want is to track down
Aeran. You need time to sort out your thoughts before you confront
him.<<else>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran. Great.//
Considering your previous conversation and the letters you uncovered,
the last thing you want is to track down Aeran. You need time to sort
out your thoughts before you confront him.<</if>>
“Enjoy your evening, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira finishes, giving you a
short bow. “I hope it can be an unanticipated reprieve from the
veritable chaos that must be your life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC LATE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$zenaida_location to true>>You shut your mouth, your jaw
clenching as you turn away from Rasmira. The steward sighs, exasperated
with your prickliness, and clasps their hands in front of them.
“Her Grace is at the lyranaeum with her father,” they say. “She wishes
to speak with you—should you find you can spare her a moment of your
time.”
You raise your head. Lethalis is here. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key. You should speak to her
as soon as you’re able.
“And your friend is lurking about,” Rasmira continues. “In the
pavilions, last I saw him.”
<<if $aeranapp <=19>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran.//
“He’s not my friend.”
“Associate, then.”
You exhale a sharp breath. Considering your previous conversation and
the letters you uncovered, the last thing you want is to track down
Aeran. You need time to sort out your thoughts before you confront
him.<<else>>//Fuck. Right. Aeran. Great.//
Considering your previous conversation and the letters you uncovered,
the last thing you want is to track down Aeran. You need time to sort
out your thoughts before you confront him.<</if>>
“Enjoy your evening, Wayfarer $lastname,” Rasmira finishes, giving you a
short bow. “I hope it can be an unanticipated reprieve from the
veritable chaos that must be your life.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC LATE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$elleshar_encounter to 0>><<set $wine to
0>><<if $mc_reluctant is true>>As you watch them walk
away, you wander across the terrace and look out at the sprawling
grounds, your arms folded tight against your chest. <<if $dressed
is true>><<if $garb is "serithan">>Your serithan flows
softly around you, the delicate fabric rippling in the light
breeze.<<else>>Your tunic ripples in the light breeze, the
delicate fabric cool and soft against your skin.<</if>>Two
hours is a nightmarish prospect. Though you are dressed for the
occasion, you can’t help but feel the sting of foreignness. You don’t
belong here, in a place like this.<<else>>Your black gear
feels unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and
delicate abberans. Two hours is a nightmarish prospect. You don’t belong
here, in a place like this.<</if>><<else>>You
wander to the edge of the terrace and look out at the sprawling grounds.
<<if $dressed is true>><<if $garb is
"serithan">>Your serithan flows softly around you, the delicate
fabric rippling in the light breeze.<<else>>Your tunic
ripples in the light breeze, the delicate fabric cool and soft against
your skin.<</if>><<else>>Your black gear feels
unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and delicate
abberans.<</if>> The gardens are flooded with guests.
Finding Zenaida and keeping a low profile from any potential enemies in
this mess is going to be interesting.<</if>>
<<if $strength >=$agility and $strength >=$perception and
$strength >=$persuasion>>You miss $blade. In your line of work,
brute force has been a favoured solution. But, unfortunately, that is
not a possibility tonight.<<elseif $agility >=$strength and
$agility >=$perception and $agility >=$persuasion>>You miss
$blade. In your line of work, nimble movements and agile fingers have
always been a favoured solution. Unfortunately, that is not a
possibility tonight.<<elseif $perception >=$strength and
$perception >=$agility and $perception >=$persuasion>>In
some ways, you feel relieved. In your line of work, insight and careful
observation have always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is
"Varyn">> This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<elseif $persuasion >=$strength and $persuasion
>=$agility and $persuasion >=$perception>>In some ways, you
feel relieved. In your line of work, clever words and charisma have
always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is "Varyn">>
This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<else>>Playtesters, let me know if this line shows
up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp <=39>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
5, 5, 95)>><<aeranDisapp>><</if>>“So you
finally showed up,” Aeran says.
You turn and spot him by an archway. He leans casually against a column,
a grimace darkening his expression. Though his trimmed hair and clean
shaven face indicate that he accepted the same compulsory pampering as
you, he has rejected Rasmira’s clothing and worn his basic black gear,
albeit without the bracers and cloak. <<if $dressed is
false>>In the gallery’s glowing lights, his tattoo stands out on
his tanned skin—the trio of geometric lines that wrap around his upper
left arm.
Seems he had the same idea as you.<<else>>In the gallery’s
glowing lights, his tattoo stands out on his tanned skin—the trio of
geometric lines that wrap around his upper left arm.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Could have waited for me.”|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT
LATE 03A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why do you care?”|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT
LATE 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sounds like that’s your problem,
not mine.”|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE 03C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
rolls his eyes and looks away, determined to avoid your gaze. “She’s
not here, if you’re wondering.”
“Who’s not?” you say curtly, wondering what the hell he is talking
about.
//“Zenaida,”// he clarifies. “She’s not here.”
Right… Lethalis is here somewhere. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key.
“She could be avoiding high traffic areas,” you point out. “This is the
archon’s gala—after what happened this morning, who knows how willing
she is to participate in her mother’s business?”
“Maybe. Then again, she’s the Velantian heir and this is a political
event. I doubt she’s petty enough to ignore her duties just to get back
at her mother.”
You let out a long breath, unable to contain your irritation, and pass
through the archway.
“She’s not on the terrace, either,” Aeran calls.
You ignore him and push your way through the crowd.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHATER 2 MC NOT LATE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
frowns, his mouth working furiously as he fights whatever retort has
sprung to mind. To your surprise, he never says it. Instead, he falls
silent and stares at the floor, a pained look crossing his face.
“Because I hate being like this, $firstname,” he says finally.
You fold your arms, uncertain of what to think.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s your own fault.”|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT
LATE 05A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…me, too.”|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE
05B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
shoots you a flat look, his expression darkening. “Zenaida’s not here,”
he says, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice. “We should look
for her before this gala goes on too long.”
//Right…// You shove your irritation away and refocus on the problem at
hand. Lethalis is here somewhere. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key.
“She could be avoiding high traffic areas,” you point out. “This is the
archon’s gala—after what happened this morning, who knows how willing
she is to participate in her mother’s business?”
“Maybe. Then again, she’s the Velantian heir and this is a political
event. I doubt she’s petty enough to ignore her duties just to get back
at her mother.”
You let out a long breath, unable to contain your irritation, and pass
through the archway.
“She’s not on the terrace, either,” he calls.
You ignore him and push your way through the crowd.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHATER 2 MC NOT LATE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE 05B")>> Together, you push your
way through the crowd and head for the terrace.<<else>>You
force your way through and head for the terrace.<</if>>
<<if $dressed is true>>Though you half expect to be stopped
and interrogated, your magicless state a void in a room pulsing with
magic, no one pays you any heed. Aeran, on the other hand, draws some
attention. Black is not a colour favoured by the Velantian nobility, at
least not for functions. Dressed in his gear, he stands out as someone
who doesn’t belong—a foreigner ignorant of the customs, a warrior
without his weapon. <<else>>Though you have expect to be
stopped and interrogated, no one approaches you. You can feel them
watching you, their curiosity dampened by caution. Black is not a colour
favoured by the Velantian nobility and your gear is very clearly
tailored for combat. Dressed as you are, you and Aeran stand out as
those who do not belong—foreigners ignorant of the customs, warriors
without their weapons.<</if>>
The terrace is a half-circle of red stone that overlooks the grounds,
offering a magnificent view of the estate and lake. The evening sun
casts its golden-pink glow as it descends behind the mountains,
retreating into the deep indigo of night. Conjured lights shine
brightly, illuminating the grounds, leaving no area in the dark. The
small crystals are embedded in the walkways and hung from trees and
bushes, turning the grounds into a celestial marvel.
It descends a set of wide steps, intersecting with a maze of walkways
that cut through the colourful flowerbeds and ornate shrubberies. Guests
wander up and down the promenade, following it from the gallery to the
pavilions and marquees dotting the estate. North of the pavilions lies
the amphitheatre. It is the source of the music and it glows with so
much light, it almost appears to be on fire.
The water gardens lie directly below the terrace, their fountains and
waterways babbling faintly in the cool evening air. Beyond it, the
grounds descend into the lake. The temple you spotted from your balcony
is alive with light; you can just make out the iconography engraved into
its columns: Lyrana, god of love, music and theatre. Considering the
god’s association with water and House Anaxas’ love of the arts, it’s no
surprise there’s a dedicated temple on the lake. Though the path is lit
in conjured light, it is empty save for a handful of guests. Most of
the crowd is drawn to the gardens of the pavilions, with a constant
stream of people walking to and from the amphitheatre.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOTE LATE
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Right,”
he says coldly. “Because it’s never yours.”
“Aeran—”
“Zenaida’s not here, if you’re wondering. We should look for her before
this gala goes on too long.”
//Right…// You shove your irritation away and refocus on the problem at
hand. Lethalis is here somewhere. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key.
“She could be avoiding high traffic areas,” you point out. “This is the
archon’s gala—after what happened this morning, who knows how willing
she is to participate in her mother’s business?”
“Maybe. Then again, she’s the Velantian heir and this is a political
event. I doubt she’s petty enough to ignore her duties just to get back
at her mother.”
You let out a long breath, unable to contain your irritation, and pass
through the archway.
“She’s not on the terrace, either,” he calls.
You ignore him and push your way through the crowd.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHATER 2 MC NOT LATE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$mc_apology to true>>A faint smile tugs at his lips. “Zenaida’s
not here,” he says quietly. “We should look for her before this gala
goes on too long.”
You nod. Lethalis is here somewhere. If you want to find <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris<<else>>their
leader<</if>>, Zenaida is the key.
“She could be avoiding high traffic areas,” you point out. “This is the
archon’s gala—after what happened this morning, who knows how willing
she is to participate in her mother’s business?”
“Maybe. Then again, she’s the Velantian heir and this is a political
event. I doubt she’s petty enough to ignore her duties just to get back
at her mother.”
“Good point. Let’s check outside.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHATER 2 MC NOT LATE
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“They’re
lucky it didn’t rain,” Aeran says, casting an eye at the clear night
sky. More stars have appeared, with the first constellation twinkling
somewhere above the mountains.
“I imagine they have augurs for that,” you reply, scanning the grounds,
hoping for some sign of your wayward Guild mage. There are hundreds of
people here and you have no idea where to start. “If anyone can afford
them, House Anaxas can.”
He snorts, shaking his head. “Must be nice, seeing the future…”
You purse your lips, uncertain what to say. Augurs are highly trained
specialists, utilizing a difficult form of temporal magic. While their
abilities can only predict the near future, they are rarely wrong.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You need to split up. Not only will you find
Zenaida faster that way, but you’re happy to keep your distance from
Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE 07A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No matter how tense things are
between you right now, you’d rather stay with Aeran. You can search for
Zenaida together.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE
07B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Let’s
split up,” you say. “Cover more ground that way.”
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>He nods, crossing his arms. “Good
idea. If we can’t find her, meet me back here in two
hours.”<<else>>He nods, crossing his arms. “Good idea. If we
can’t find her, meet me back here in two hours. And $firstname…”
“What?”
“Don’t drink too much.”<</if>>
With that, he retreats down the steps and disappears into the gardens.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He can’t be rid of you fast
enough.<<else>>You swallow hard and watch him go, a deep
ache twisting in your stomach. There’s an unfathomable distance between
you that started long before you arrived in Velantis—and you don’t know
if it can ever be fixed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE MAP
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We
should stay together,” you say. “Head to the pavilions or the water
gardens—”
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No,” he interrupts. “That’s a
waste of time, $firstname. Let’s split up and look for her on our own.
If you can’t find her in two hours, meet me back
here.”<<else>>“No,” he interrupts. “That’s a waste of time,
$firstname. Let’s split up and look for her on our own. If you can’t
find her in two hours, meet me back here. And $firstname?”
“What?”
“Don’t drink too much.”<</if>>
With that, he retreats down the steps and disappears into the gardens.
<<if $aeranapp <=39>>He can’t be rid of you fast
enough.<<else>>You swallow hard and watch him go, a deep
ache twisting in your stomach. There’s an unfathomable distance between
you that started long before you arrived in Velantis—and you don’t know
if it can ever be fixed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MC NOT LATE MAP
TRANSITION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$elleshar_encounter to 0>><<set $wine to
0>><<if $mc_reluctant is true>>You let out a sharp
sigh and fold your arms tight against your chest. <<if $dressed is
true>><<if $garb is "serithan">>Your serithan flows
softly around you, the delicate fabric rippling in the light
breeze.<<else>>Your tunic ripples in the light breeze, the
delicate fabric cool and soft against your skin.<</if>>Two
hours is a nightmarish prospect. Though you are dressed for the
occasion, you can’t help but feel the sting of foreignness. You don’t
belong here, in a place like this.<<else>>Your black gear
feels unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and
delicate abberans. Two hours is a nightmarish prospect. You don’t belong
here, in a place like this.<</if>><<else>>You
wander to the edge of the terrace and look out at the sprawling grounds.
<<if $dressed is true>><<if $garb is
"serithan">>Your serithan flows softly around you, the delicate
fabric rippling in the light breeze.<<else>>Your tunic
ripples in the light breeze, the delicate fabric cool and soft against
your skin.<</if>><<else>>Your black gear feels
unnaturally heavy compared to the sea of swirling serithans and delicate
abberans.<</if>> The gardens are flooded with guests.
Finding Zenaida and keeping a low profile from any potential enemies in
this mess is going to be interesting.<</if>>
<<if $strength >=$agility and $strength >=$perception and
$strength >=$persuasion>>You miss $blade. In your line of work,
brute force has been a favoured solution. But, unfortunately, that is
not a possibility tonight.<<elseif $agility >=$strength and
$agility >=$perception and $agility >=$persuasion>>You miss
$blade. In your line of work, nimble movements and agile fingers have
always been a favoured solution. Unfortunately, that is not a
possibility tonight.<<elseif $perception >=$strength and
$perception >=$agility and $perception >=$persuasion>>In
some ways, you feel relieved. In your line of work, insight and careful
observation have always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is
"Varyn">> This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<elseif $persuasion >=$strength and $persuasion
>=$agility and $persuasion >=$perception>>In some ways, you
feel relieved. In your line of work, clever words and charisma have
always been a favoured solution.<<if $master is "Varyn">>
This is exactly the kind of situation Varyn trained you
for.<</if>> Your skills will serve you well
tonight.<<else>>Playtesters, let me know if this line shows
up.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathLoss>>His
eyes narrow. “You do not understand,” he says. “Velantis is not a city
built //for// you. Look around, Wayfarer. You see the river, the
buildings, the city stretching out beyond it—but what have you missed?
Magic pulses through the peninsula’s very bones, from the architectural
bindings that prevent rust and decay to the enchantments that guide the
very barge you’re sitting on.”
Your lips twitch. “Don’t see what the problem is. I haven’t broken it
yet.”
“Congratulations,” he retorts, a tinge of annoyance in his voice.
“Already you have proven yourself better behaved than that upstart of a
grandmaster.”
Your throat constricts. “You knew <<if $master neq
"Sero">>Grandmaster
Sero.”<<else>>Sero?”<</if>>
“Of course I did,” Quirinus says sharply. “I knew all the major players,
from the idiots like Avennor to your most talented field surgeons like
Sethira. The Guild and the Order’s histories have been intertwined for
centuries. I knew Brissa Varyn and Rindan Cenric long before Amali Sero
began their command and stripped your order of its effectiveness.”
He pauses, leaning forwards with his elbows balanced on his knees, and
fixes you with a calculating look.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SABIEN MANNERISMS
CHECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>>The pavilions
are surrounded by a maze of ornamental gardens. Judging from the
constant flow of traffic, they appear to be the primary location for
food, entertainment, and gossip. <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>While you dislike the idea of mingling with a crowd of
aristocrats, you have the time and there’s no sign of
Aeran.<<else>>You have the time and there’s no sign of
Aeran.<</if>> You might as well check them
out.<<else>>The pavilions are surrounded by a maze of
ornamental gardens. Judging from the constant flow of traffic, they
appear to be the primary location for food, entertainment, and gossip.
If Zenaida has decided to play her role and indulge her mother’s party,
she has likely gone where the crowd is thickest.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] Go to the
pavilions.|CHP 2 PAVILIONS START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] Reconsider|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>>The water
gardens have drawn several crowds of guests. However, they are
significantly less busy than the pavilions or the lyranaeum. <<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>You wouldn’t mind going somewhere a little
quieter.<<else>>You have the time to
spare.<</if>> You might as well check them
out.<<else>>The water gardens have drawn a small crowd of
guests. However, as they are significantly less busy than the pavilions
or the lyranaeum, it’s possible they could offer some refuge for a
certain Velantian heir looking to avoid her mother.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] Go to the water
gardens.|CHP 2 WATER GARDENS START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] Reconsider|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location neq true>>The lyranaeum is a large amphitheatre
hosting theatrical performances and music. It has drawn a large amount
of attention, though it seems guests are not required to sit through the
full performance. You’re not sure why Zenaida would be there, but maybe
she shares her house’s adoration for the arts.<<else>>You
were told Zenaida would be here. Time to check it
out.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] Go to the
Lyranaeum.|CHP 2 LYRANAEUM START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] Reconsider|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>>Nestled on a
peninsula in the lake, the temple of Lyrana is a quiet, reflective
place. There are very few guests traversing the path between the temple
and the pavilions, and it is by far the quietest area of the grounds.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>At this point, you’re desperate
to escape somewhere without any people around.<<else>>You
have the time and there’s no sign of Aeran. You might as well check it
out.<</if>><<else>>Nestled on a peninsula in the
lake, the temple of Lyrana is a quiet, reflective place. There are very
few guests traversing the path between the temple and the pavilions,
and it is by far the quietest area of the grounds. If Zenaida needed a
quiet place to be alone, you’re certain this is where she would
go.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] Go to the temple.|CHP 2
TEMPLE START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] Reconsider|CHAPTER 2 PALACE
MAP]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box">
<div class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span><div
class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent"><<if $pavilions is true>><s>The
Pavilions</s><<else>>The
Pavilions<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$water_gardens is true>><s>The Water
Gardens</s><<else>>The Water
Gardens<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$temple_lyrana is true>><s>The Temple of
Lyrana</s><<else>>The Temple of
Lyrana<</if>></span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent"><<if
$lyranaeum is true>><s>The
Lyranaeum</s><<else>>The
Lyranaeum<</if>></span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/mahanin interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $pavilions neq true>><area
alt="The Pavilions" title="Select the PAVILIONS as your destination"
data-passage="CHP 2 THE PAVILIONS INFO"
coords="554,428,539,431,525,432,518,440,498,442,481,429,457,425,436,434,427,454,437,475,452,486,458,501,455,517,439,530,440,552,451,565,460,575,455,595,445,611,443,626,458,641,483,652,518,658,544,656,580,655,608,656,638,656,650,652,662,627,670,602,678,581,687,556,694,536,696,503,680,479,659,456,635,441,615,438,598,444,577,441,567,435"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $water_gardens neq
true>><area alt="The Water Gardens" title="Select THE WATER
GARDENS as your destination" data-passage="CHP 2 THE WATER GARDENS INFO"
coords="369,483,370,465,363,444,342,438,313,439,289,436,254,437,243,439,232,439,207,438,177,436,138,437,115,438,101,449,103,470,94,478,85,479,82,489,76,502,80,515,92,526,108,538,106,555,100,566,89,575,80,581,78,590,84,607,93,623,108,644,117,652,132,652,164,652,210,650,264,652,303,653,338,655,354,653,366,652,371,637,374,625,371,605,362,582,360,570,356,550,361,535,369,526,371,510,369,497"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $temple_lyrana neq
true>><area alt="The Temple of Lyrana" title="Select THE TEMPLE
OF LYRANA as your destination" data-passage="CHP 2 THE TEMPLE INFO"
coords="224,193,195,195,176,202,163,217,164,235,151,237,155,256,139,256,123,251,103,257,95,271,95,283,105,301,111,325,122,338,143,344,174,353,198,356,234,363,248,352,252,339,236,318,230,304,208,296,193,288,209,282,227,273,247,260,254,249,252,223,251,209,238,198"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $lyranaeum neq
true>><area alt="The Lyranaeum" title="Select THE LYRANAEUM as
your destination" data-passage="CHP 2 THE LYRANAEUM INFO"
coords="587,171,65"
shape="circle"><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$pavilions is true>><s>The
Pavilions</s><<else>>[[The Pavilions|CHP 2 THE
PAVILIONS INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $water_gardens is
true>><s>The Water
Gardens</s><<else>>[[The Water Gardens|CHP 2 THE WATER
GARDENS INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is
true>><s>The Temple of
Lyrana</s><<else>>[[The Temple of Lyrana|CHP 2 THE
TEMPLE INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $lyranaeum is
true>><s>The Lyranaeum</s><<else>>[[The
Lyranaeum|CHP 2 THE LYRANAEUM
INFO]]<</if>></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/mahanin.png" width="90%"
alt="Map of the Mahanin Palace Grounds"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$pavilions is true>><s>The
Pavilions</s><<else>>[[The Pavilions|CHP 2 THE
PAVILIONS INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $water_gardens is
true>><s>The Water
Gardens</s><<else>>[[The Water Gardens|CHP 2 THE WATER
GARDENS INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is
true>><s>The Temple of
Lyrana</s><<else>>[[The Temple of Lyrana|CHP 2 THE
TEMPLE INFO]]<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $lyranaeum is
true>><s>The Lyranaeum</s><<else>>[[The
Lyranaeum|CHP 2 THE LYRANAEUM
INFO]]<</if>></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/mahanin.png" width="90%"
alt="Map of the Mahanin Palace Grounds"
class="map"></div></div></div><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Water Gardens">><<set
$water_gardens to true>><<notify 3000>><span
class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>>West of the pavilions,
a white stone path descends a gentle slope, weaving its way into the
water gardens. It deviates at the base of the hill, fracturing into a
dozen smaller, meandering walkways. Water ripples through the gardens
with little direction, coursing over stones and past clusters of reeds
and ferns as they flow into the ponds dotted around the gardens. Bridges
span the waterways and pools, providing a view of the lilies and
ornamental fish that make the water their home. Near the centre of the
gardens, a babbling stream flows over a rocky ledge, plunging into the
largest pool. The waterfall echoes throughout the gardens, its rushing
water a pleasant backdrop to the chirping birds and gentle breeze.
You cut through the gardens and head for the central pool. The paths are
shadowed on either side by ornamental trees; though you are well into
midsummer, some have yet to lose their blossoms. White flowers blow in
the breeze, scattering their petals across the garden. You breathe
deeply, enjoying their pleasant scent.
<<nobr>>On an ordinary day, these gardens would be quiet and
reserved, a refuge amidst the chaos of palace life. But tonight they
are alive, humming with conversation.
<<if $last_location is 1>>Though they aren’t nearly as
crowded as the pavilions, they have attracted a number of guests who
stroll along the walkways, chattering enthusiastically.
<<elseif $last_location is 3>>Though they aren’t nearly as
crowded as the lyranaeum, they have attracted a number of guests who
stroll along the walkways, chattering enthusiastically.
<<else>>They have attracted a number of guests who stroll
along the walkways, chattering
enthusiastically.<</if>><</nobr>> When you reach
the central pool, you immediately spot the source of the gossip: the
Aosian delegates are here.
The aeda ambassadors loiter by the edge of the pool, their resplendent
wings politely folded. Dressed in their bejewelled regalia, they have
attracted the attention of a number of young nobles. They ignore the
gawking stares and fervent whispers, content to keep to themselves.
Occasionally, one turns and casts an eye across the gardens, taking in
the crowd. From the impatient look on the ambassador’s face, you wonder
whether they disapprove of the archon’s hospitality. This gala is
supposed to be in their honour, but they don’t seem entirely impressed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mcalcohol is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG 01B NO
ALCOHOL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG 01A
ALCOHOL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>><<set
$options to 2>><<else>><<set $options to
3>><</if>><<set $areaname to " Episode II:
Pavilions">><<set $pavilions to true>><<notify
3000>><span class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>>The eastern grounds
are alive with light and life. Wide promenades lined with manicured
flowerbeds and hydrangea bushes cut through the neatly trimmed grass,
forming a hexagonal pattern with a central courtyard. A large fountain
ripples at its heart, its sprays of water dancing around a statue of the
Sentinel Biara, the dauntless one. The ancient warrior lifts her head
to the heavens, her eyes on the stars as she raises her spear in
triumph.
The promenades are overflowing with people. A rich aroma lingers on the
air, wafting over you as you push your way past knots of raucous guests.
It’s no surprise the pavilions have become the centre of the gala—the
party will always be thickest near the food and drink. Unintelligible
chatter rings in your ears as you draw near the fountain. You turn,
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>craning your neck as you take in your
surroundings.<<elseif $height is "tall">>scanning the area
as you take in your surroundings.<<else>>peering over the
crowd as you take in your surroundings.<</if>> The pavilions
are nestled in the open spaces between the promenades, their columns
and arches blazing with conjured light. Despite their grand size, they
are not enough to contain the throng. You now see the purpose for the
marquees—they stretch between the pavilions, taking the remaining space
to provide extra cover and seating for the dining guests.
Music plays faintly in the background and you catch the lilting pluck of
a pandura weaving in and out of the surrounding chatter. There must be a
bard nearby; none of the guests pay them any heed. You hope the poor
musician is compensated thoroughly for their efforts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Lyranaeum">><<set $lyranaeum to
true>><<notify 3000>><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>>Skirting the lake’s
eastern shore, you head for the northern sector of the grounds.
<<if $temple_lyrana is true>>Unlike the path to the temple,
the way to the lyranaeum is bustling with people.<<else>>The
way to the lyranaeum is bustling with people.<</if>> Some
hurry towards it, walking as quickly as politeness will allow, their
faces bright and eager. Others are on their return journey, their pace
slowed by drink and conversation.
<<if $elleshar_met is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LYR 01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$elleshar_encounter >=1>>You draw to a sudden stop as you spot
the curly-haired cleric again in the crowd. He raises a hand and waves
at you.
//Ugh.//
Cursing under your breath, you pick up your pace and hurry along the
path, hoping he won’t follow you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$elleshar_encounter +=1>>The back of your neck prickles; you have
an odd feeling that someone is watching you. You draw to a sudden halt
and turn, glancing around with a suspicious eye. You spot him almost
immediately—an elven cleric heading in the opposite direction. He
stopped when you did and stares openly at you. Despite his pleasant,
nondescript face and curly brown hair, there’s something unnerving about
the way he looks at you.
<<if $meissandium_text neq true>><<set
$meissandium_text to true>>Your mouth twists, discomfort curling
in your gut. The Meissandium has never been friendly towards the
Wayfarer Order. Their scriptures state that magic is a blessing from the
gods, the source from which all power is derived. While their texts do
not strictly affirm that magianis are cursed, it didn’t take many leaps
in logic for the Meissandium to arrive there. As far as their priesthood
is concerned, you are an abnormality in the eyes of the Hexatheon,
punished for your inevitable sins by having your magic stripped away.
Cursing under your breath, you pick up your pace and hurry along the
path. Better avoid him at all costs. The last thing you want is to be
trapped in a conversation with him…<<else>>Cursing under
your breath, you pick up your pace and hurry along the path. Better
avoid him at all costs. The last thing you want is to be trapped in a
conversation with him…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Temple of Lyrana">><<set
$temple_lyrana to true>><<notify 3000>><span
class="lnr lnr-hourglass"></span>
SAVING...<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>-1 Action
Point<</notify>><</timed>>As you cut across the
grounds, an idyllic scene rises to meet you. A full moon hangs low in
the star-studded heavens, its reflection rippling across the lake. The
Temple of Lyrana emerges from the dark waters, keeping solitary watch
over the lake and the woods beyond. <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>Eager to find some solitude, you hurry down the path,
leaving the din of revelry behind.<<else>>Enjoying the
change in scenery, you walk briskly down the path and leave the din of
revelry behind.<</if>> Small lights guide your way, glinting
from the dark earth like constellations in the sky. There are very few
people on the path; most are headed in the opposite direction.<<if
$mc_reluctant is true>> That suits you just
fine.<</if>> They nod politely as they pass, <<if
$pendant_worn is true>>though your pendant gathers a few strange
looks.<<elseif $dressed neq true>>though your black gear
gathers a few strange looks and a number of
whispers.<<else>>quietly acknowledging you before they move
on.<</if>>
<<if $elleshar_met is true>>The sound of water laps gently
in your ears as you approach the lake. Sprawling willow trees grow along
the shore, their long branches trailing idly in the water. A gentle
breeze picks up, whispering through the leaves. You shiver, your skin
prickling pleasantly. The cool, fresh air is a welcome relief after the
suffocating crowds of the <<if $last_location is
1>>pavilions<<elseif $last_location is
2>>lyranaeum<<elseif $last_location is
3>>lyranaeum<<else>>palace<</if>>. You
duck through the trees, parting the sprawling green leaves like a
curtain, and ascend the steps to the
temple.<<else>><<if $elleshar_encounter
>=1>>The elven cleric from <<if $pavilions is
true>>the pavilions<<elseif $lyranaeum is true>>the
lyranaeum<<else>>the water gardens<</if>>
appears behind a strolling couple and stares at you openly. You frown
and catch his eye, shooting him a glare. He avoids your gaze and hurries
away towards the pavilions. Sighing wearily, you continue down the
path.<<else>><<set $elleshar_encounter +=1>>A
short elf in Meissandic robes spots you and draws to a halt, staring at
you openly. You catch his eye and he looks away, awkwardly scratching
the back of his neck. Rolling your eyes, you brush past him and continue
down the path.<</if>>
The sound of water laps gently in your ears as you approach the lake.
Sprawling willow trees grow along the shore, their long branches
trailing idly in the water. A gentle breeze picks up, whispering through
the leaves. You shiver, your skin prickling pleasantly. The cool, fresh
air is welcome after the suffocating crowds of the <<if
$last_location is 1>>pavilions<<elseif $last_location is
2>>water gardens<<elseif $last_location is
3>>lyranaeum<<else>>palace<</if>>. You
duck through the trees, parting the sprawling green leaves like a
curtain, and ascend the steps to the temple.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>You halt beneath Biara’s shadow and sit on
the fountain’s edge. <<if (def $last_location)>>The
cacophony presses in on you, strangling what little composure you have
left.<<else>>Though you should be accustomed to it now, the
cacophony presses in on you, strangling what little composure you have
left.<</if>> How anyone can enjoy an event like this—let
alone host one—is beyond you.
<<nobr>><<if $origin is "noble">>You can
remember the grand parties of the House $lastname1 estate; they always
caused your family more stress than necessary. Thankfully, you were
never required to attend; you were a veritable embarrassment to the
family, your “condition” a danger to their public reputation.
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>You remember the parties of
the Merchants’ Consortium, held annually in Tol Covere. They were
important mercantile conferences disguised as grand affairs; you were
dragged along grudgingly with the rest of your family.
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>The festivals of your youth
are nothing compared to this. While you were dragged along grudgingly by
the rest of your family, there were always plenty of places to hide.
You could easily wait out the duration of the event by hiding in a barn
or stable.
<<else>>Though there was the occasional festivity at the
Spire, it was never a formal affair. With only a couple dozen Wayfarers
occupying the citadel at a time, any gatherings were less of a party and
more of an excuse to sit around the hearth and get drunk. The last
great gathering was the summit five years ago—
<br><br>Your chest tightens. You don’t want to think about
that. Not
now.<</if>><</nobr>><<else>>You halt
beneath Biara’s shadow and sit on the fountain’s edge. The crowd moves
around you, guests flocking from one pavilion to the next, passing in
and out of the marquees, strolling down the promenades… More than once,
you spot a pair or a trio traipsing through the hydrangeas, their wild
laughter barely contained, to seek the privacy of the trees.
Across cultures and continents, some things—it seems—never change.
<<nobr>><<if $origin is "noble">>You remember
the grand parties of the House $lastname1 estate—they were lively events
and it was considered a great privilege to be invited. Many affairs—and
some marriages—started and ended on the grounds of your parents’ villa.
Though you were a member of the house, your invitation was often
revoked. As a magianis, you were a veritable embarrassment to the
family, your “condition” a danger to their public reputation.
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>You remember the parties of
the Merchants’ Consortium, held annually in Tol Covere. Though they were
important mercantile conferences in disguise, you relished the chance
to mingle with others outside your family. You were too young to
understand much of what went on behind closed doors, but looking back on
it now, you wonder how many affairs started and ended at those events.
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>Though the festivals of your
youth pale in comparison, there are plenty of similarities to the
archon’s gala. The haze of indulgence, the joyous abandonment of social
propriety… You were too young to understand what went on when your older
peers disappeared to into the barns and stables. Looking back on it
now, you wonder how many affairs started and ended during those
festivities.
<<else>>Festivities were rare at the Spire. When they did
occur, they were never a formal affair. With only a couple dozen
Wayfarers occupying the citadel at a time, any gatherings were less of a
party and more of an excuse to sit around the hearth and get drunk.
But, sure enough, every time the Order had something to celebrate, a
handful of apprentices would find an excuse to sneak away to a derelict
part of the stronghold. The inevitable heartbreak that happened
afterward would wrack the citadel’s halls for weeks.
It has been years—maybe a decade, even—since you last attended any kind
of party at the Spire. The last great gathering was the summit five
years ago—
<br><br>Your chest tightens. You don’t want to think about
that. Not
now.<</if>><</nobr>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mc_reclutant is true>><<if $dressed is true>>You
adjust your $garb, fidgeting with the elegant
fabric.<<else>>You adjust your black tunic, fidgeting with
the hem.<</if>> You can feel watchful eyes on you, some
curious, others disparaging. <<if $dressed is true>>Despite
your efforts to blend in with the crowd, you are a solitary figure at a
party where everyone knows each other. You’ve drawn attention simply by
being alone.<<else>>You’re a solitary figure dressed in a
mercenary’s gear, at a party where everyone knows each other. It’s no
surprise you’ve drawn attention.<</if>>
<<if $pendant_worn is true>><<Pendant>> lies
heavy against your sternum. You fiddle with it, pulling it along its
chain as you consider your next move.<<else>>You press your
palms into the fountain’s edge, rapping your fingers against the stone
as you consider your next
move.<</if>><<else>><<if $dressed is
true>>You adjust your $garb<<else>>You adjust your
black tunic<</if>> and rise to your feet. You can feel
watchful eyes on you, some curious, others disparaging. <<if
$dressed is true>>Despite your efforts to blend in with the crowd,
you are a solitary figure at a party where everyone knows each other.
You’ve drawn attention simply by being alone.<<else>>You’re a
solitary figure dressed in a mercenary’s gear, at a party where
everyone knows each other. It’s no surprise you’ve drawn
attention.<</if>><</if>>
<<if $zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is
true>><<if $aeranapp >=60>>There’s no sign of Aeran
out here in the square, but that doesn’t mean much. If he’s here, he
likely went inside one of the pavilions. Everyone needs to eat
eventually.<<else>>If you head into the pavilions, you may
be able to shake some of the unwanted attention. At the very least, it
would give you a reason to be here. Everyone needs to eat
eventually.<</if>><<else>>You’ve yet to find
Zenaida. As there’s no sign of her in the square, she may be inside the
pavilions. Everyone needs to eat eventually.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WESTERN
PAVILION]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
western pavilion is the largest and most extravagantly decorated. With
its perimeter ringed in arches and perfectly framed with cultivated
hydrangea bushes, there’s a mind-boggling symmetry that can only have
been achieved through magic.
The crowd flows to and from the pavilion, drink or food in hand, their
laughter loud, their eyes bright, and their cheeks flushed. You twist
your way through, <<if $agility >=9>>quietly
side-stepping indecisive guests when they stop unexpectedly in the
middle of the path.<<else>>doing your best to side-step
indecisive guests when they stop unexpectedly in the middle of the
path.<</if>> <<if $mc_reluctant is true>>You
swear under your breath, cursing the unpredictability of these people
who have no sense of their surroundings. There’s no rhyme or reason to
their movements; most have had one drink too many.<<else>>
There’s no rhyme or reason to their movements; most have had one drink
too many.<</if>>
“…considering the slander being thrown around Ithyria’s lyranaeums, I’m
surprised she went ahead with it at all—”
“Is it slander if it’s the truth?”
“Don’t mistake rumours for reality, Pava. Particularly when they come
from the mouths of crown-hungry entertainers—”
“She’s never been one to hide from the public,” the first aristocrat
continues. “It will take more than simple rumour for her to address it—”
“It’s a sex scandal, Leda, she will have to address it—”
A pair of gossiping dwarven aristocrats appear in front of you, too
engrossed in their conversation to watch where they are going. Cursing
under your breath, you veer abruptly to one side—and nearly plow right
into them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">
<<if $dressed is true and $pendant_worn is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT]]
<<elseif $dressed is true and $tattoo_visible is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT]]
<<elseif $dressed is true and $pendant_worn isnot
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED NO PENTAT]]
<<elseif $dressed is true and $tattoo_visible is
false>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED NO PENTAT]]
<<elseif $dressed is false and $pendant_worn is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR PENTAT]]
<<elseif $dressed is false and $tattoo_visible is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR PENTAT]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR NO
PENTAT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>>“What in Nashira’s name—?”
The affronted aristocrat rounds on you, one hand pressed against her
shoulder. Her serithan is bright and colourful, her fingers and wrists
sparkling with jewelry. It all looks rather chaotic.
“My apologies, $mylord, I—”
She pauses, staring at <<if $pendant_worn is true>>the
pendant around your neck.<<else>>the tattoo on your
wrist.<</if>> Dawning horror passes across her face as she
recognizes the sigil and she draws back, keeping her distance.
“A Wayfarer,” she breathes. “What brings your kind here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT
01A">1. “My <i>kind?”</i></a>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An invitation from Zenaida
Anaxas.”|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her and move on.|CHAPTER 2 WP
DRESSED PENTAT 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
in Nashira’s name—?” The affronted aristocrat rounds on you, one hand
pressed against her shoulder. Her serithan is bright and colourful, her
fingers and wrists sparkling with jewelry. It all looks rather chaotic.
“My apologies, $mylord. I’m at fault.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Accept the apology and move on.|CHAPTER 2 WP
DRESSED NO PENTAT 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell her off.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED
NO PENTAT 01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>>“What in Nashira’s name—?”
The affronted aristocrat rounds on you, one hand pressed against her
shoulder. Her serithan is bright and colourful, her fingers and wrists
sparkling with jewelry. It all looks rather chaotic.
Her eyes widen as she takes in your black gear, <<if $pendant_worn
is true>>her gaze lingering on the pendant at your
throat.<<else>>her gaze lingering on the tattoo on your
wrist.<</if>> “A Wayfarer,” she says. “What brings your kind
here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT
01A">1. “My <i>kind?”</i></a>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “An invitation from Zenaida
Anaxas.”|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her and move on.|CHAPTER 2 WP
DRESSED PENTAT 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
in Nashira’s name—?”
The affronted aristocrat rounds on you, one hand pressed against her
shoulder. Her serithan is bright and colourful, her fingers and wrists
sparkling with jewelry. It all looks rather chaotic.
Her gaze sweeps over you, taking in your black gear. “A mercenary,” she
says, tsking derisively. “Tell me, sellsword, who do you serve? I’d like
to know which noble thought it wise to bring their paid muscle here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Paid muscle? Is that the best you can
do?”|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR NO PENTAT 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Zenaida Anaxas, thanks for
asking.”|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR NO PENTAT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her and move on.|CHAPTER 2 WP
GEAR NO PENTAT 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
nod, giving her a curt smile, and move on. The last thing you need is
to get entangled in Velantian gossip with a stranger. Exhaling an
annoyed breath, you duck through the archway and enter the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Watch
where you’re going next time,” you snap.
The woman’s lips purse together in a sour frown. “I don’t recognize
you,” she says coolly. “Some new addition to the Anaxas staff, I take
it?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Something like that.”|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED
NO PENTAT 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Impressive deduction. Hundreds of
people here. Think you can name all of them?”|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED NO
PENTAT 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her and move on.|CHAPTER 2 WP
DRESSED NO PENTAT 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’re
blinded by lights the moment you step inside. Garlands and delicate
curtains are strung between the arches, the verdant foliage and
fluttering fabric contrasting with the rich hues of the pavilion’s
furnishings. There is plush seating everywhere you look, the divans and
couches clustered together in groups of three with low tables
in-between. Nearly every seat is claimed, with many of their occupants
indulging in food and drink as they converse.
A long table is sequestered near the back, its surface overflowing with
food. A steady stream of guests walk up to it, taking their fill before
returning to their seats. Though dozens of people visit the table, the
food never seems to deplete, yet there are no servants about. You have
to wonder whether Rasmira’s staff is just excellent at playing
invisible, or whether there’s magic at play.
Someone bumps your shoulder. A trio of chattering young nobles shoot you
dark looks as they push past and head straight for the table. Realizing
you’re blocking the entrance, you slip through the crowd and stick to
the perimeter. Laughter rings in your ears, the threads of a dozen
conversations peppering the air.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>You draw to a halt by a nearby
archway. Pressing your back into the column, you stand as casually as
you can manage, fold your arms across your chest, and scan the
room.<<else>>You draw to a halt by a nearby archway and lean
casually against the column. Folding your arms loosely across your
chest, you raise your head and scan the room.<</if>>
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><<else>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look for
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild mages.
You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages
like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [PERCEPTION] Look for anything else
of interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><<else>>[[1. Look for Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>= 18>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re not sure
what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to make their
presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re
not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to
make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Look for anything else of
interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Then
tell Rasmira—”
You turn your back on her and walk briskly away. Her voice melds with
the cacophony around you; though you can hear her shouting at your
retreating back, you can’t make out the words. Smiling to yourself, you
duck through the archway and enter the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses, caught off-guard by your reply. Her mouth twists furiously, her
cheeks smarting red with embarrassment. Leaving her to stew, you turn
your back on her and duck through the archway into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rolling
your eyes, you turn your back on her. She lets out an annoyed little
//tsch,// but before she can say anything else, you duck through the
archway and disappear into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
eyes widen in shock. //“Oh?”// she says, rapidly overcoming her
wariness at the first hint of new gossip. “How? I mean no offense, but
you’re not very… well… I’m sure you understand how unusual this is.”
“Believe me, I know.”
She raises an eyebrow, waiting expectantly for more information.
You give her a flat smile and turn your back on her. Ignoring her
appalled little //tsch//, you duck through the archway and disappear
into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and turn your back on her. You feel her staring at you
as you walk away, rooted to the spot by her wariness of you. Shaking
your head, you duck through the archway and disappear into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Your
order, if you prefer,” she says, shrugging. “Though it was my
understanding that your order no longer exists—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Grab her.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED PENTAT
GRAB][$pava to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Walk away.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRESSED
PENTAT WALK]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her. She shouts something as you walk away, but you
don’t care to untangle her words from the cacophony around you.
“Fuck off,” you mutter and duck through the archway into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
seize her wrist. She lets out a surprised, graceless yelp as you drag
her forwards, your grip digging deep into her skin. Something shifts the
moment you touch her—her skin becomes older and sallow, the colour
fades from her cheeks, her face morphs, uncovering small blemishes and
imperfections hidden by enchantments. Whatever personal magic she has
used to enhance her appearance has fled, suppressed by your touch.
“Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong,” you hiss in her ear.
She nods quickly, her eyes wide with horror.
You let go. The colour returns the moment you break contact, a faint
green glow pulsing around her as her appearance refreshes itself. She
stares at you, absently rubbing a hand over her wrist. You can see the
imprint of your fingers in her skin.
//Fuck… Rasmira’s not going to be happy about this.//
Shaking your head, you turn your back on her, duck through the archway
and disappear into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
mouth tightens, her expression curling into a sneer. “Answer the
question, mercenary,” she commands. “I can’t imagine you’re paid to give
your betters lip.”
Irritation gnaws at you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Grab her.|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR NO PENTAT
GRAB][$pava to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Walk away.|CHAPTER 2 WP GEAR NO
PENTAT WALK AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
steps back, mouth open in surprise. “Lady Anaxas? You—you’re part of
her entourage?”
“New hire. If you have a problem with my brute strength, I’m sure she’d
love to hear you out.”
Turning your back on the shocked aristocrat, you duck through the
archway and disappear into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shrug, turn your back on her, and walk away. She bristles at the insult
and shouts something at your retreating back, but you don’t care to
listen. Her words fade into the cacophony, all but forgotten. Shaking
your head, you duck through the archway and disappear into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>>You seize her wrist. She lets out a surprised,
graceless yelp as you drag her forwards, your grip digging deep into
her skin. Something shifts the moment you touch her—her skin becomes
older and sallow, the colour fades from her cheeks, her face morphs,
uncovering small blemishes and imperfections hidden by enchantments.
Whatever personal magic she has used to enhance her appearance has fled,
suppressed by your touch.
She raises her head, staring at you with fear in her eyes. “A Wayfarer,”
she breathes. “How are you here?”
“Doesn’t matter to you, does it?” you hiss in her ear. “Don’t stick your
nose where it doesn’t belong.”
You let go and shove her away. The colour returns the moment you break
contact, a faint green glow pulsing around her as her appearance
refreshes itself. She stares at you, absently rubbing a hand over her
wrist. You can see the imprint of your fingers in her skin.
//Fuck… Rasmira’s not going to be happy about this.//
Gritting your teeth, you duck through the archway and disappear into the
pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her. She shouts something as you walk away, but you
don’t care to untangle her words from the cacophony around you.
“Fuck off,” you mutter and duck through the archway into the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$options -=1>><<perceptionEff>>You peer through the
crowd, searching for Zenaida’s familiar composed profile and
sophisticated appearance. Though there are many who share her black hair
and dark complexion, there is no sign of the Savant among the guests.
She must be somewhere else.
<<if $options is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$allegra_spotted is true>>[[1. Approach the woman in green. Find
out what she wants.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
START]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is true>>[[2.
Talk to Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN START]]<<else>>[[2. Talk
to Rasmira.|CHAPTER 2 WP RASMIRA START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcalcohol is
false>>[[3. Fuck this. Get something to eat.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
START]]<<else>>[[3. Fuck this, you need a drink.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location
is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence
known.</s><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any
possible Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in
your experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Look for
anything else of interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location is true or
$lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1. Look for
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re not
sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to make
their presence known.</s><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[2. Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. Look for anything else of
interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<set
$options -=1>><<perceptionPass>><<set
$allegra_spotted to true>>//How the hell do you find a Guild mage
in a place like this?// you think, gritting your teeth. Velantis
overflows with magic beyond the mundane and Mahanin Palace is no
exception. Power begets power and those with great magical talent often
find themselves in the upper echelons of society. It’s no surprise the
aristocracy is surging with magical energy.
You can feel it pulsing all around you, hundreds of binding points that
re-shape appearances, strengthen vitality, stave off fatigue, enhance
minds… How can you separate the magic of an ordinary aristocrat from
that of a Guild mage when mages are the aristocracy?
At this point, you half expect Sabien Quirinus to appear out of nowhere
when you least expect it—
You freeze and your breath catches in your throat.
Someone is watching you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION PASS
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$options -=1>><<perceptionFail>>//How the hell do you
find a Guild mage in a place like this?// you think, gritting your
teeth. Velantis overflows with magic beyond the mundane and Mahanin
Palace is no exception. Power begets power and those with great magical
talent often find themselves in the upper echelons of society. It’s no
surprise the aristocracy is surging with magical energy.
You can feel it pulsing all around you, hundreds of binding points that
re-shape appearances, strengthen vitality, stave off fatigue, enhance
minds… How can you separate the magic of an ordinary aristocrat from
that of a Guild mage when mages are the aristocracy?
At this point, you half expect Sabien Quirinus to appear out of nowhere
when you least expect it.
//What a mess…//
Uncertain of what to look for, you exhale an irritated breath and give
up.
<<if $options is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$allegra_spotted is true>>[[1. Approach the woman in green. Find
out what she wants.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
START]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is true>>[[2.
Talk to Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN START]]<<else>>[[2. Talk
to Rasmira.|CHAPTER 2 WP RASMIRA START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcalcohol is
false>>[[3. Fuck this. Get something to eat.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
START]]<<else>>[[3. Fuck this, you need a drink.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location
is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence
known.</s><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any
possible Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in
your experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Look for
anything else of interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location is true or
$lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1. Look for
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re not
sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to make
their presence known.</s><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[2. Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. Look for anything else of
interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<set
$options -=1>><<perceptionEff>>You exhale a breath,
your gaze passing over the sea of shimmering fabrics and sparkling
jewels. <<if $origin is "urchin">>Your fingers twitch with a
familiar ache; a gala like this would have been heaven for you when you
were a child. Thieving on the street was mundane more often than not,
snatching trivial items from the pockets of strangers. Unless you were
lucky enough to steal a money pouch or a bit of jewelry, you didn’t
often know what to do with the things you stole. But a place like this
is heaven for a pickpocket. So many rings that could be easily slipped
from a finger or bracelets from an arm…<<else>>The excess is
sickening in a way. A month ago you were sleeping on the floor of a
glorified closet with little more than five crowns to your name, a
proprietor crowing for rent, and the Count breathing down your
neck.<</if>>
<<if $mc_late is true>>You pause, pushing the thought from
your mind as movement catches your eye. Aeran enters the pavilion and
cuts a wide swath through the crowd. They visibly pull away as he walks
through, no one willing to get in his way. You can’t blame them. Though
he did bother to shave, he rejected Rasmira’s offerings and dressed in
his usual garb. The black combat gear and disgruntled look on his face
sends a clear message. He doesn’t need weapons to indicate he won’t
tolerate frivolity.
Strangely, he hasn’t spotted you yet. As you watch, he walks with
hurried purpose, marching across the pavilion <<if
$allegra_spotted
is true>>towards the woman in green.<<else>>towards a
noblewoman in green seated in the
centre.<</if>><<else>>You pause, pushing the
thought from your mind as movement catches your eye. Rasmira sweeps
unexpectedly into the pavilion with a businesslike manner, only to be
assailed by a handful of aristocrats who no doubt have something to
complain about. A weary look crosses their face, but they accept the
questions with a smile and usher the guests further into the pavilion,
guiding them slowly towards the table in the back.<</if>>
<<if $options is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$allegra_spotted is true>>[[1. Approach the woman in green. Find
out what she wants.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
START]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is true>>[[2.
Talk to Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN START]]<<else>>[[2. Talk
to Rasmira.|CHAPTER 2 WP RASMIRA START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcalcohol is
false>>[[3. Fuck this. Get something to eat.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
START]]<<else>>[[3. Fuck this, you need a drink.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location
is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence
known.</s><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any
possible Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in
your experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Look for
anything else of interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location is true or
$lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1. Look for
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re not
sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to make
their presence known.</s><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[2. Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. Look for anything else of
interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>>It
only takes a moment to spot her—a human woman in green, sitting
comfortably on a divan near the centre of the pavilion. Her green
serithan stands out among the sea of blues and scarlets, with its high
gold collar and detailed beadwork. Her olive complexion is warm in the
conjured light, complimenting the deep auburn hair flowing over one
shoulder.
You’ve gone unnoticed by the rest of the guests, mesmerized as they are
by their own conversations. But this woman is more interested in you
than those around her. She sits among a group of four, disregarding
their chatter in favour of watching you, and smiles coyly at you.
Curling her fingers around the stem of her glass, she lifts the wine as
if to toast you, then raises it to her lips and drinks.
You swallow the lump in your throat, trying to make sense of the
gesture. Does she recognize you? Does she know you? You have no idea who
she is or what she wants.
<<if $mc_outed is true>>Though you tried to blend in, it
didn’t take long for the Velantian nobility to realize you aren’t one of
them. Has gossip travelled that quickly, or does this woman make a
habit of staring at strangers?<<elseif $pendant_worn is
true>>You aren’t exactly hiding your identity, but has gossip
really travelled that quickly? Or does this woman make a habit of
staring at strangers?<<else>>As far as you know, you’ve done
decently well at blending in with the Velantian nobility. Did someone
tell her about you, or does she make a habit of staring at
strangers?<</if>>
<<if $options is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$allegra_spotted is true>>[[1. Approach the woman in green. Find
out what she wants.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
START]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is true>>[[2.
Talk to Aeran.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN START]]<<else>>[[2. Talk
to Rasmira.|CHAPTER 2 WP RASMIRA START]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $mcalcohol is
false>>[[3. Fuck this. Get something to eat.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
START]]<<else>>[[3. Fuck this, you need a drink.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location
is true or $lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence
known.</s><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$perception >= 18>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERCEPTION] Look for any
possible Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in
your experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. [PERCEPTION] Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. [PERCEPTION] Look for
anything else of interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION AUTO")>><s>1.
Look for Zenaida.</s><<elseif $zenaida_location is true or
$lyranaeum is true>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><<else>>[[1. Look for
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
AUTO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01 PERCEPTION
FAIL")>><s>2. Look for any possible Guild mages. You’re not
sure what to look for, true, but in your experience mages like to make
their presence known.</s><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[2. Look for any possible
Guild mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your
experience mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
01 PERCEPTION PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Look for any possible Guild
mages. You’re not sure what to look for, true, but in your experience
mages like to make their presence known.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 01
PERCEPTION FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER
03 AUTO")>><s>3. Look for anything else of
interest.</s><<else>>[[3. Look for anything else of
interest.|CHAPTER 2 WP ENTER 03
AUTO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<unset
$options>><<if $mc_reclutant is true>>You leave the
comfort of your out-of-the-way corner and head for the heart of the
pavilion.<<else>>You head for the heart of the
pavilion.<</if>> It’s unfavourably warm in here, the heat
from hundreds of bodies pressing in on you. Sweat trickles unpleasantly
down the back of your neck, sticking your <<if $dressed is
true>>delicate silks<<else>>rough
tunic<</if>> to your skin.
You intercept Aeran halfway across the pavilion, seizing his arm and
dragging him towards the entrance.
“$firstname—what the hell—”
“Let’s get out of here,” you grunt, ushering him down the steps into the
courtyard.
He pulls away from you. <<if $dressed is true>>“Took you
long enough to show up,” he says bluntly, scowling at your elegant
clothes.<<else>>“Took you long enough to show up,” he says
bluntly.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Could have waited for me.”|CHAPTER 2 WP
AERAN INSERT 01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why do you care?”|CHAPTER 2 WP
AERAN INSERT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sounds like that’s your problem,
not mine.”|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN INSERT 01A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$options>><<if $mc_reluctant is true>>Pushing away
from the comfort of your out-of-the-way corner, you straighten your back
and head for the heart of the pavilion.<<else>>Pushing away
from the column, you head for the heart of the
pavilion.<</if>> It’s unfavourably warm in here, the heat
from hundreds of bodies pressing in on you. Sweat trickles unpleasantly
down the back of your neck, sticking your <<if $dressed is
true>>delicate silks<<else>>rough
tunic<</if>> to your skin.
You squeeze past guests and through the tight spaces between couches,
careful not to trip and bump into anyone. A pair of aristocrats have
trapped the poor steward, gesticulating wildly as they recount their
grievances, growing redder in the face by the second.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP FIND
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<unset
$options>><<if $mc_reluctant is true>>You leave the
comfort of your out-of-the-way corner and head for the heart of the
pavilion.<<else>>You head for the heart of the
pavilion.<</if>> It’s unfavourably warm in here, the heat
from hundreds of bodies pressing in on you. Sweat trickles unpleasantly
down the back of your neck, sticking your <<if $dressed is
true>>delicate silks<<else>>rough
tunic<</if>> to your skin.
You squeeze past guests and through the tight spaces between couches,
caring little about whether you bump into anyone or not. The
intoxicating smell of food wafts over you as you approach the back and
your stomach grumbles. Though you ate your fill earlier today,
confronting the mouth-watering feast has only made you hungry again.
Slipping past a couple of bickering guests, you reach the table and
sidle over to the end, keeping out of the way as best you can. Though
much of the meats, flatbreads, and stews are the same as you had before,
you note a few delicacies that only the wealthy could afford to
find—fruits from halfway across the world, berries that are out of
season, desserts so intricate they require the skill of an artisan to
create. Crystal decanters are placed between the dishes, their insides
swirling with deep red wine.
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>You collect a plate, cramming it
full with whatever delicacies you can find, and turn around to observe
the pavilion.
<<if $mc_late is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. You came here for
a drink. Get a glass.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK WINE][$wine +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. On second thought, you’d rather
not.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK NO
WINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. You came here
for a drink. Get a glass.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK WINE][$mcalcohol to true,
$wine +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. On second thought, you’d rather
not.|CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK NO WINE][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Regardless of your
intentions, you don’t drink alcohol. Get some food
instead.'>><<dialog>><<include "PAVILIONS WINE
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<unset
$options>><<set $allegra_met to true>><<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>You leave the comfort of your
out-of-the-way corner and head for the heart of the
pavilion.<<else>>You head for the heart of the
pavilion.<</if>> It’s unfavourably warm in here, the heat
from hundreds of bodies pressing in on you. Sweat trickles unpleasantly
down the back of your neck, sticking your <<if $dressed is
true>>delicate silks<<else>>rough
tunic<</if>> to your skin.
The woman tilts her head, watching you with a discerning eye as you
thread through the crowd. She calmly sips her wine, waiting patiently
for your arrival.
“$firstname,” she calls when you’re in earshot. “My colleagues have told
me much about you. I’m pleased you found your way to me.”
You draw to a halt. “Your colleagues?”
She chuckles and takes another sip, her fingers curling around the stem
of her cup. Her nails are unusually long—nearly as long as an aeda’s—and
painted a sparkling gold. “Dear Sabien and Nova, of course,” she says.
“I can’t speak for Nova, but Sabien quite enjoyed your journey together
this morning. Called it ‘enlightening.’”
You freeze, one hand gripping the back of her divan as you desperately
fight to keep your composure. She called Quirinus a colleague. Looks
like you found your Guild mage—and, at a guess, not one you wanted to
meet. Either her familiar tone is habitual or she’s a member of
Solarath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Glad to know I made an impression.”|CHAPTER
2 WP ALLEGRA 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Enlightening isn’t what I would
call it.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$dressed is true>>She laughs a delicate little trill that feels
far from genuine. “The first of many, I am certain. You look very fine
this evening, by the way. I’m sure you will catch the eye of many
curious guests.”
<<if $mc_outed is true>>“Maybe,” you say. “But not in a good
way.”<<else>>“Doubt that,” you say, glancing at the crowd
around you. Only a handful have taken notice. To most, you’re an
unknown, invisible next to the familiar faces of the Velantian
elite.<</if>>
Her smile widens. “Regardless,” she continues, swilling her wine, “I see
you accepted Zenaida’s invitation with goodwill. She’s lucky to have
someone so devoted to the cause in her employ.”<<else>>She
laughs a delicate little trill that feels far from genuine. “The first
of many, I am certain. You’re not one to stray far from duty, I see.
Zenaida is lucky to have someone so… devoted to the cause in her
employ.”<</if>>
//Devoted to the cause…?//
The words ring in your ears, spinning round and round in your mind. Does
this mage know about Zenaida’s connection to Lethalis? Does she know
more than she’s letting on? Maybe you’re overreacting. It’s just a turn
of phrase.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “More like she’s lucky she found us when she
did.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not devoted to any cause. I
take what work I can.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02B][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can’t comment on that.”|CHAPTER 2
ALLEGRA 02C][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 1, 5,
70)]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
purses her lips and brushes a loose lock of hair off her collarbone.
“Those were his words, not mine. Though I imagine you didn’t expect to
meet the Grand Archsage himself upon your arrival. Not many Wayfarers
have.”
“We don’t have much reason to interact with the Guild. We tend to make
you more than a little uncomfortable.”
The remark rolls over her without comment. “Didn’t have,” she says idly.
You pause. “What?”
//“Didn’t have,”// she repeats. “Or has there been some coordinated
attempt to re-establish the Order that I’m unaware of? If the Wayfarers
have reunified, I’m sure the rulers of the world would like to know.
Your talents, while dangerous and unconventional, have their uses.”
Anger burns in your chest. “I—”
“Take poor, lovely Zenaida,” she continues. “The darling of Diradan
Tower, until recent events cast an unfavourable light on her. Thirty
years with the Guild and I have never seen a Savant’s standing change so
rapidly. You make an odd choice for a bodyguard, but she is lucky to
have someone so devoted to the cause in her employ.”
//Devoted to the cause…?//
The words ring in your ears, spinning round and round in your mind. Does
this mage know about Zenaida’s connection to Lethalis? Does she know
more than she’s letting on? Maybe you’re overreacting. It’s just a turn
of phrase.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “More like she’s lucky she found us when she
did.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not devoted to any cause. I
take what work I can.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02B][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can’t comment on that.”|CHAPTER 2
ALLEGRA 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
arches an eyebrow. “Come now, $firstname, surely it takes more than
that to knock a Wayfarer speechless.”
You shrug. “I’m not one for small talk.”
“And yet you sought me out. You’re clearly here for something, so you
may as well ask for it.”
She raises her head, a challenge in her vibrant green eyes. Your jaw
clenches and you fall silent, chewing the inside of your cheek as you
try to think of a response.
Irritated with your silence, the woman leans back and takes a sip of
wine. “Zenaida is lucky,” she says. “Lucky to have someone so devoted to
the cause in her employ.”
//Devoted to the cause…?//
The words ring in your ears, spinning round and round in your mind. Does
this mage know about Zenaida’s connection to Lethalis? Does she know
more than she’s letting on? Maybe you’re overreacting. It’s just a turn
of phrase.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “More like she’s lucky she found us when she
did.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not devoted to any cause. I
take what work I can.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 02B][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can’t comment on that.”|CHAPTER 2
ALLEGRA 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Oh?
You came from Rona, did you not? I’ve heard the city is in quite the
state—overrun by a criminal underworld. <<if $countDead is
true>>Some aeda pirate oversees it now, if the reports are to be
believed.<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>Though a recent
disaster left the town half-destroyed, if the reports are to be
believed.<<else>>Some melusine pirate lord, though it’s been
decades since he’s been active on the seas.<</if>> We have a
representative in the city, of course, but he purposefully shattered
his communication orb.”
<<if $deadwood is true and $aeginetaDead is true>>“Yeah, I
know,” you mutter, your mouth going dry. “He’s dead.”
Her eyes widen. “Dead?”
“Killed in that recent disaster you mentioned,” you say flatly.
She nods and falls silent, her brow furrowing as she mulls over your
comment. She doesn’t appear saddened or shocked—merely confused. “Why
don’t you sit, $firstname?” she says quickly, gesturing to the seat
beside her. “You’ve certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so
formally, you’re among friends.”
Something about the way she says it makes you feel like you can’t
refuse. Against your better judgement, you slip around the divan and
take a seat next to her.<<elseif $deadwood is
true>>//Aegineta,// you think, smiling with recognition. He was
delighted to tell you how he smashed that orb against the wall the
moment he arrived in Rona.
The woman pauses, observing you with narrowed eyes. “Why don’t you sit,
$firstname?” she says, gesturing to the seat beside her. “You’ve
certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so formally, you’re
among friends.”
Something about the way she says it makes you feel like you can’t
refuse. Against your better judgement, you slip around the divan and
take a seat next to her.<<else>><<if $blackout
>=1>>“Yeah,” you mutter, trying not to think about <<if
$countDead is true>>the Count.<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>Atral’s attack.<<else>>your eventful exit from
the city.<</if>><<else>>“Yeah,” you mutter,
trying not to think about your eventful exit from the
city.<</if>>
“Why don’t you sit, $firstname?” she says, gesturing to the seat beside
her. “You’ve certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so
formally, you’re among friends.”
Something about the way she says it makes you feel like you can’t
refuse. Against your better judgement, you slip around the divan and
take a seat next to her. Her companions eye you momentarily, then
continue with their conversation as if you were not
there.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If we’re friends, mind telling me who you
are?”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 03A][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp +
1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
03B">2. “We’re not friends. No one here is a
<i>friend.</i> I don’t even know who you
are.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait for her to speak.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
arches an eyebrow. “Naturally,” she replies. “One must be practical in
the face of a changing world. Without your order, the only loyalty you
have is to yourself. Perhaps it is for the best—history has not proven
kind to Wayfarers who meddle in politics.”
You fold your arms, uncertain of how to take the remark. There is
nothing accusatory about her tone, yet a warning lingers in her words.
“Tell me, how does mercenary work suit you?” she continues. “I imagine
your unique advantages must serve you well against your competition.”
“Hard to say,” you reply brusquely. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>“My last contract ended with half the town burning down, but
I wouldn’t say that’s a recurring issue.”<<else>>“My last
contract ended with my employer trying to kill me, but I wouldn’t say
that’s a recurring issue.”<</if>>
She chuckles. “I certainly hope not,” she says. She pauses, appraising
you with an intense curiosity, and swills her wine, lost in thought as
her nails rap harshly against the side of her cup. “Why don’t you sit,
$firstname? You’ve certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so
formally, you’re among friends.”
Something about the way she says it makes you feel like you can’t
refuse. Deciding that there can’t be any harm in indulging her, you slip
around the divan and take a seat next to her. Her companions eye you
momentarily, then continue with their conversation as if you were not
there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If we’re friends, mind telling me who you
are?”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 03A][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp +
1, 10, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
03B">2. “We’re not friends. No one here is a
<i>friend.</i> I don’t even know who you
are.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait for her to speak.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
purses her lips, irritation crossing her face. “Of course,” she says
coolly. “A professional does not discuss their clients with strangers,
particularly when said client is the heir to an Imperial province.”
You shrug.
“I have known House Anaxas for many decades now, $firstname,” she
continues nonchalantly. “The house is quite particular about who they
employ. The process to secure Malsara Markal’s services was quite the
endeavour. For Zenaida to re-appear in the city with not one, but two
unverified mercenaries in her employ is quite odd. I can’t imagine the
archon is pleased—have you met dear Sophia yet?”
<<if $temple_lyrana is true>>“Yes.”
“Hm.” She pauses and sips at her wine. “Why don’t you sit, $firstname?
You’ve certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so formally,
you’re among friends.”<<else>>“Haven’t had the pleasure.”
“Hm.” She pauses and sips at her wine. “I’m sure you will before the
night is out. In the meantime, why don’t you sit, $firstname? You’ve
certainly had a long day. You don’t need to stand so formally, you’re
among friends.”<</if>>
Something about the way she says it makes you feel like you can’t
refuse. Against your better judgement, you slip around the divan and
take a seat next to her. Her companions eye you momentarily, then
continue with their conversation as if you were not there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If we’re friends, mind telling me who you
are?”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 03A][$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp +
1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
03B">2. “We’re not friends. No one here is a
<i>friend.</i> I don’t even know who you
are.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Wait for her to speak.|CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles approvingly, her green eyes dancing with satisfaction. “Allegra
Arantir,” she says. “Archsage of Diradan Tower.”
Knew it. From her relaxed composure to her casually dismissive tone, she
exudes the same kind of natural authority you saw in Quirinus.
Archsages are among the most powerful members of the Guild. They sit on
the Council of Mages, serving directly under the Grand Archsage.
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is also an
Archsage… she must know her quite well, if that’s the
case.<</if>>
You keep your expression as straight as possible. “Pleasure.”
“Oh, no, $firstname, the pleasure is mine. Would you care for a drink?”
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say firmly.
“I’m not one for wine.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA CONVO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 10, 79)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2. Decline
her offer. You’re not drinking anything you haven’t prepared
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE DECLINE]]<<else>>[[2.
Decline her offer. You’ve had enough to drink for one night.|CHAPTER 2
WP ALLEGRA WINE
DECLINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$mcalcohol to true, $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline her offer. You’re not
drinking anything you haven’t prepared yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
WINE DECLINE][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline her offer. You
don’t drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "ALLEGRA
ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 10, 79)>>She frowns,
unable—or unwilling—to mask her annoyance at your tone. “Allegra
Arantir,” she says sharply. “Archsage of Diradan Tower.”
//Knew it.//
From her relaxed composure to her casually dismissive tone, she exudes
the same kind of natural authority you saw in Quirinus. Archsages are
among the most powerful members of the Guild. They sit on the Council of
Mages, serving directly under the Grand Archsage. <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is also an Archsage… she
must know her quite well, if that’s the case.<</if>>
“A word of advice, $firstname,” she continues. “While I can excuse your
bluntness as a character flaw brought on by fatigue or unease at unknown
surroundings, take care not to let it overwhelm you. When you see
everyone around you as a potential adversary, soon enough you will
become one. Now, would you care for a drink?”
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say firmly.
“I’m not one for wine.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA CONVO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2. Decline
her offer. You’re not drinking anything you haven’t prepared
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE DECLINE]]<<else>>[[2.
Decline her offer. You’ve had enough to drink for one night.|CHAPTER 2
WP ALLEGRA WINE
DECLINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$mcalcohol to true, $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline her offer. You’re not
drinking anything you haven’t prepared yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
WINE DECLINE][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline her offer. You
don’t drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "ALLEGRA
ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 01C")>>“Silent again?” she says,
tsking lightly. “I suppose not everyone is born to be a
conversationalist.”
You grunt.
“I suppose introductions are in order,” she continues. “I know you, but
you do not know me. Allegra Arantir, Archsage of Diradan
Tower.”<<else>>She pauses, waiting for you to say something.
Shaking her head at your silence, she clicks her tongue and continues.
“I suppose introductions are in order. I know you, but you do not know
me. Allegra Arantir, Archsage of Diradan Tower.”<</if>>
//Knew it.//
From her relaxed composure to her casually dismissive tone, she exudes
the same kind of natural authority you saw in Quirinus. Archsages are
among the most powerful members of the Guild. They sit on the Council of
Mages, serving directly under the Grand Archsage. <<if
$umbria_intro is true>>Umbria Bellaris is also an Archsage… she
must know her quite well, if that’s the case.<</if>>
You nod, keeping your expression as straight as possible.
“Would you care for a drink?”
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say firmly.
“I’m not one for wine.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA CONVO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2. Decline
her offer. You’re not drinking anything you haven’t prepared
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE DECLINE]]<<else>>[[2.
Decline her offer. You’ve had enough to drink for one night.|CHAPTER 2
WP ALLEGRA WINE
DECLINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept her
offer.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE][$mcalcohol to true, $solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 1, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline her offer. You’re not
drinking anything you haven’t prepared yourself.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
WINE DECLINE][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline her offer. You
don’t drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "ALLEGRA
ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You lower your cup,
resting it gently on your knee.<<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA 03B")>> Allegra seems to have warmed up to you. While you
don’t know how she fits into the picture as a whole, she could be a
valuable resource with insights about the Guild you could never get from
Zenaida.
You should try to learn as much as you can while she’s
amenable.<<else>> You’re still not sure how to read her.
While she seems amenable, there’s a sense of cool dislike lingering
behind every word she says. You don’t know how she fits into the picture
as a whole, but she could be a valuable resource with insights into the
Guild you could never get from Zenaida.<</if>>
<<else>>Allegra reaches for the nearby table, refills her
own glass, and quickly takes a drink. You can smell the aroma from here.
“Vestran wine,” she says, lowering her glass with a satisfied sigh. “Its
vintages are highly valued in the Empire and they have been difficult
to come by since the civil war. But House Anaxas can only serve the best
to its guests.”
You shrug and fold your arms. <<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA 03B")>> She seems to have warmed up to you. While you
don’t know how she fits into the picture as a whole, she could be a
valuable resource with insights about the Guild you could never get from
Zenaida.
You should try to learn as much as you can while she’s
amenable.<<else>> You’re still not sure how to read her.
While she seems amenable, there’s a sense of cool dislike lingering
beneath every word she says. You don’t know how she fits into the
picture as a whole, but she could be a valuable resource with insights
into the Guild you could never get from
Zenaida.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01")>><s>1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Sure,”
you say. <<if $wine is 0>>You’ve yet to have anything
tonight and you have a feeling it would be a social faux paus to
refuse.<<elseif $wine is 1 or $wine is 2>>Your mind is still
clear; you could have another.<<if $ancestry is
"dwarven">>You’ve always had a good tolerance to alcohol, thanks
to your dwarven heritage.<</if>> Besides, it would be a
social faux paus to refuse.<<else>>You’ve had a few drinks,
sure, and while you feel a little lightheaded, you’re definitely not
tipsy yet. You could have another.<</if>>
Allegra smiles and reaches for a nearby table. She takes a crystal
decanter, smoothly fills a glass, and hands it to you. You accept it,
watching the rich red liquid ripple as you swill it around in the cup.
The rich aroma hits you, making your nose crinkle and your brow furrow.
You raise the cup to your lips and drink.
//Oh, that’s strong.//
<<if $origin is "noble">>You frown, trying to place the
familiar flavour. “Vestran wine?”
She chuckles. “Of course. Your country is well-known for its vintages.
Difficult to come by since the civil war, but House Anaxas can only
serve the best to its guests.”<<else>>“Thank you,” you say,
swallowing hard. The flavour lingers heavily on your tongue.
She chuckles. “Vestran wine. Has a distinct taste, does it not? Its
vintages are highly valued in the Empire and they have been difficult to
come by since the civil war. But House Anaxas can only serve the best
to its guests.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA CONVO
START][$wine +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mcalcohol is true>>“No, thank you.” It may be a social faux pas
to refuse, but you don’t particularly care about that right now.
She shrugs. “Suit yourself.”<<else>>“No, thank you,” you say
firmly. “I’m not one for wine.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA CONVO
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You’re
an Archsage,” you say, breaking the silence.
Allegra smiles. “Yes.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You cradle
your cup in your hands, watching the wine swish back and
forth.<<else>>Your fingers dig into the sides of your
arms.<</if>> “You’re what—in your forties? Can’t have been
easy getting on the Council when you’re competing with mages who have a
hundred years of experience.”
Her smile fades. <<if $ancestry is "human">>“Of course. The
disadvantage all humans face compared to our longer-lived peers. Did you
encounter it yourself in your days at the Spire?”<<elseif
$ancestry is "aeda">>“Of course. The disadvantage all humans face
compared to our longer-lived peers. You have aeda heritage—this must be
familiar to you, as well. Did you encounter it in your days at the
Spire?”<<else>>“Of course. The disadvantage all humans face
compared to our longer-lived peers. A fact of life your $ancestry
heritage will never have to contend with. Were such feelings prevalent
among the Wayfarer ranks?”<</if>>
You pause, considering how to answer her. Though Wayfarer numbers were
overwhelmingly human, there were many dwarves and elves among the
Order’s ranks. And when you think of Cenric, Varyn, and Sero, their
skills, though different, were equally matched. <<if $master is
"Cenric">>Cenric, for all his hundreds of years in the field, was
perfectly capable of making mistakes.<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn, for all her decades in the field, was still
capable of making mistakes.<<else>>Sero, despite being
decades younger than their counterparts, was no less skilled.
Grandmasters weren’t elected on a whim.<</if>>
“Not really,” you say, shrugging. “After a certain point, it doesn’t
matter.”
“It is very much the same for us,” she replies. “While elven, dwarven
and melusine mages may have the advantage of centuries of research and
development, it is not always beneficial. Some become so firmly stuck in
their ways, their theories rot and die in the face of new innovation.
This is not the case for all—Sabien has always been innovative, it is
one of the reasons he rose to his position—but skill lies very much with
the person in question. Years of experience mean very little if those
years were never put to good use.”
“A little harsh, don’t you think?”
“The Guild is competitive, $firstname. All mages accept this when we
enter the Guild as novices. I earned my position through fifteen years
as a battlemage in the Imperial army. I don’t have time for those who
refuse to advance their skills.”
A battlemage… No wonder your presence doesn’t make her flinch.
<<if $mc_late is true>>“Nice of you to finally show up,
$firstname,” a familiar voice says sharply behind you. “Have to say,
didn’t expect it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You turn,
nearly spilling your wine as you look over your shoulder and find Aeran
standing several feet behind you.<<else>>You turn to find
Aeran standing several feet behind you.<</if>>
//Shit…// You should have known he’d eventually pick you out among the
crowd.
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks, eyeing him curiously.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp <=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01")>><s>1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 03B")>>“Maybe you can tell
me something, Allegra,” you say. “Considering we’re—ah—friends and all.”
She raises an eyebrow, chuckling quietly at the emphasis. “Then ask,”
she replies smoothly. “I’ll answer, if it’s in my power to do
so.”<<else>>“I want you to tell me something, Allegra,” you
say flatly.
Her mouth tightens into a frown. “I don’t answer kindly to demands,
$firstname,” she says. “Particularly to brash strangers who are too
impetuous to know their place. Ask your question, Wayfarer. I’ll answer
if it’s in my power to do so.”
//Great…// better be careful about this.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You throw your
head back and down a mouthful of wine, shuddering at the strong taste.
Stomach blazing with newfound confidence, you ask the first question
that comes to mind.<<else>>You pause, considering your words
carefully.<</if>>
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “What
happened at the tower? It didn’t explode itself.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 02 A PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “What
happened at the tower? It didn’t explode itself.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 02 A PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “How is the Guild managing after the
explosion? I heard there were casualties.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02
B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “How is the Guild
managing after the explosion? I heard there were casualties.”|CHAPTER 2
WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 B PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 15>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “It was kind of the archon to let the
Guild relocate to Ruval Palace. Will you be there permanently?”|CHAPTER 2
WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 C PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION]
“It was kind of the archon to let the Guild relocate to Ruval Palace.
Will you be there permanently?”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 21>>[[1. “What happened at the
tower? It didn’t explode itself.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “What happened at the tower? It didn’t
explode itself.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. “How is the Guild managing after the explosion? I
heard there were casualties.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 B PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “How is the Guild managing after the
explosion? I heard there were casualties.”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02
B PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 15>>[[3. “It was kind of the archon to let the Guild
relocate to Ruval Palace. Will you be there permanently?”|CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02 C PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “It was kind of
the archon to let the Guild relocate to Ruval Palace. Will you be there
permanently?”|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02 C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“There’s
a name I’ve heard several times,” you say. “Umbria Bellaris—”
Allegra straightens and sits up abruptly, green light flaring in her
eyes. “What about her?” she says sharply, her mouth twisting with
distaste.
You blink, surprised at the unbridled reaction. “I wanted to know about
her.”
“Umbria Bellaris is an Archsage,” she says harshly. “She is fully
undeserving of her title and occupies a seat on the Council that should
go to one of her betters. But mages are easily impressed by the young,
powerful, and naturally gifted. Those who are attuned to more than one
sphere of magic often find themselves given honours they do not deserve.
Her apprentice caused the explosion that displaced the Guild. That
should tell you all you need to know about her and her practices.”
The hate coating Allegra’s words is undeniable. Whether it’s jealousy or
envy or some other personal affront, there is no denying that this
woman despises Umbria Bellaris in her bones.
//And Umbria is the woman who leads the Order of Lethalis…//
Unsure what to make of this discovery, you tuck it away for future
reference and drop the discussion.
<<if $mc_late is true>>“Nice of you to finally show up,
$firstname,” Aeran’s voice says behind you. “Have to say, didn’t expect
it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You curse
under your breath, wine sloshing as you nearly jump out of your
seat<<else>>You curse and nearly jump out of your
seat.<</if>> <<if $perception >=9>>You didn’t
hear him approach… Gods, you’re getting sloppy.<<else>>You
didn’t hear him approach… You may not be the most perceptive person, but
this is sloppy, even for you.<</if>>
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp >=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01")>><s>1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Casting
an eye around your surroundings, you spot Rasmira several feet away.
They have managed to disentangle themselves from their original
assailants, only to attract the attention of several more guests. The
poor, harried steward looks like they can’t go two minutes without an
interruption.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>Decision made,
you set your empty glass on the table and rise to your
feet.<<else>>Decision made, you adjust <<if
$dressed>>your $garb<<else>>your
tunic<</if>> and rise to your feet.<</if>>
“Going so soon?” Allegra asks, arching an eyebrow.
“I see a steward over there who may need some help,” you reply quickly.
She glances across the pavilion and sighs. “Poor Rasmira,” she says,
shaking her head. “They never have a moment’s rest. But before you go,
$firstname, may I offer a piece of advice?”
You shrug.
“Be careful where you place your trust,” she says. “There are many in
Velantis who are more than willing to feed you high promises and take
advantage of your skills, then stab you in the back when you’re no
longer of use to them.”
A shiver runs down your spine. You pause, trying not to read too much
into her words. They could mean anything, really.
Or a warning.
//Shit… when did I get so paranoid?//
“Thanks,” you say finally, your mouth uncomfortably dry. “I’ll keep that
in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP FIND
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>>“Didn’t expect you to warm up to
mages so quickly, $firstname,” Aeran says acidly as you head outside.
You grit your teeth. “It’s called having a conversation—not that you’d
know anything about that.”
<<if $dressed is true>>He gives you a side-eyed look, taking
in your elegant $garb, and jogs down the steps.<<else>>He
rolls his eyes and jogs down the steps.<</if>> “What did she
want with you anyway?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>Allegra’s wine
flares in your stomach, burning hot.<<else>>You roll your
eyes.<</if>> “Maybe she wanted to mess with me. Maybe she
wanted to meet me. Who knows.”
He snorts derisively and draws to a halt by the fountain. Folding his
arms tightly, he tilts his head and stares up at Biara’s statue, taking
in her glittering spear. “Have you spoken to Zenaida?” he asks.
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>“I have.”
“Then you know—”
“That we have until the firelight show? Yeah.”
His jaw clenches. “Right,” he says bitterly. “Well, then… wouldn’t want
to interrupt this wonderful evening you’re
having.”<<else>>“Not yet. Wanted to check out the grounds
first.”
His jaw clenches. “Right,” he says bitterly. “Wouldn’t want to interrupt
this wonderful evening you’re having.”<</if>>
“Aeran—”
He turns and pushes roughly past you. “Don’t bother, $firstname. I’ve
got enough to deal with tonight.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Your temper flares, a dozen
sharp-tongued insults flashing through your mind, but you say nothing.
Your throat is tight, your tongue heavy. You watch him go with a painful
ache throbbing in your chest and the fountain roaring in your
ears.<<else>>Your temper flares. “Well, fuck you, too!” you
shout at his retreating back.
He doesn’t answer. You watch him go, your throat tight, your heart
hammering painfully in your chest. The fountain roars in your ears,
drowning out everything until it is just you and the
water.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP SURPRISED BY
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“No,”
Allegra says coldly. “You more than anyone should know how dangerous
uncontrolled magic can be. You’ve no doubt seen the aftermath—if not
been in the epicentre—of disasters that would kill anyone else.”
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>The memory of Rona’s burning
town square echoes in your mind. You look away, staring absently at a
spot on the floor. “Yeah,” you reply quietly. “More than
once.”<<else>>“Yeah. Something like
that.”<</if>>
She sighs heavily and sets down her drink. “This isn’t public knowledge,
but it will be soon enough. We managed to contain events with the
archon’s help, but there were too many witnesses and our students are
prone to gossip.”
You nod, silently gesturing for her to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
02-CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“No,”
Allegra says coldly. “You more than anyone should know how dangerous
uncontrolled magic can be. You’ve no doubt seen the aftermath—if not
been in the epicentre—of disasters that would kill anyone else.”
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>The memory of Rona’s burning
town square echoes in your mind. You look away, staring absently at a
spot on the floor. “Yeah,” you reply quietly. “More than
once.”<<else>>“Yeah. Something like
that.”<</if>>
“Unfortunately, I cannot discuss this further. The circumstances
surrounding this disaster are not yet public knowledge. Both the archon
and the Grand Archsage have worked diligently to keep the Guild
protected. I’m sure you understand.”
<<if $mc_late is true>>You smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure—”
“Nice of you to finally show up, $firstname,” Aeran’s voice says behind
you. “Have to say, didn’t expect it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You curse
under your breath, wine sloshing as you nearly jump out of your
seat<<else>>You curse and nearly jump out of your
seat.<</if>> <<if $perception >=9>>You didn’t
hear him approach… Gods, you’re getting sloppy.<<else>>You
didn’t hear him approach… You may not be the most perceptive person, but
this is sloppy, even for you.<</if>>
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp >=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01")>><s>1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<persuasionPass>>Allegra
sighs heavily and puts down her drink. “As well as we can in the face
of wanton destruction,” she says. “A feeling you can perhaps sympathize
with.”
An icy cold terror grips you, gnawing you apart from the inside. Your
chest heaves and you struggle for breath, memories of the Spire—and how
you imagined its destruction—flashing through your mind.
“No,” you spit. “This is nothing like that. Nothing.”
<<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA 03B")>>She pauses,
lips firmly pressed together. “Pardon me,” she says after a moment. “Of
course it is different. I should not have made such a callous
comparison.”<<else>>She pauses, irritation flashing across
her face. “I beg your pardon,” she says. “It was wrong of me to
reference the Spire’s fall in such a way.”
There is nothing genuine about her apology.<</if>>
You swallow hard and try to let the moment pass. “What happened at the
tower, exactly?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
02-CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Her
mouth tightens. “I suppose I can understand your curiosity,” she says
darkly. “You must sympathize with the situation, after all.”
An icy cold terror grips you, gnawing you apart from the inside. Your
chest heaves and you struggle for breath, memories of the Spire—and how
you imagined its destruction—flashing through your mind.
“This is nothing like that,” you spit. “Nothing.”
“No,” she says coolly. “I suppose it’s not. Fortunately for you, I
cannot discuss this further. The circumstances surrounding this disaster
are not yet public knowledge. Both the archon and the Grand Archsage
have worked diligently to keep the Guild protected. I’m sure you
understand.”
<<if $mc_late is true>>You smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure—”
“Nice of you to finally show up, $firstname,” Aeran’s voice says behind
you. “Have to say, didn’t expect it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You curse
under your breath, wine sloshing as you nearly jump out of your
seat<<else>>You curse and nearly jump out of your
seat.<</if>> <<if $perception >=9>>You didn’t
hear him approach… Gods, you’re getting sloppy.<<else>>You
didn’t hear him approach… You may not be the most perceptive person, but
this is sloppy, even for you.<</if>>
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp >=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01")>><s>1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<persuasionPass>>“Indefinitely?”
she says. “Most likely not. The excess of magical energy surrounding
the tower will fade in time. But we do not know how long it will take.
This explosion was no small event. We could be displaced for decades to
come.”
“Can I ask what happened, exactly?”
She sighs heavily and sets down her drink. “This isn’t public knowledge,
but it will be soon enough. We managed to contain events with the
archon’s help, but there were too many witnesses and our students are
prone to gossip.”
You nod, silently gesturing for her to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
02-CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>A
strange look crosses her face. “Kind, perhaps,” she says, setting down
her wine. “Though now the Guild is in the debt of House Anaxas, which is
not a favourable place to be for an organization like ours. This was a
calculated move, $firstname, one we had no choice but to accept.”
“Can you tell me what happened?” you ask, hoping she will take the bait.
“Unfortunately, I cannot discuss this further.”
//Damn it.//
“The circumstances surrounding this disaster are not yet public
knowledge. Both the archon and the Grand Archsage have worked diligently
to keep the Guild protected. I’m sure you understand.”
<<if $mc_late is true>>You smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure—”
“Nice of you to finally show up, $firstname,” Aeran’s voice says behind
you. “Have to say, didn’t expect it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>You curse
under your breath, wine sloshing as you nearly jump out of your
seat<<else>>You curse and nearly jump out of your
seat.<</if>> <<if $perception >=9>>You didn’t
hear him approach… Gods, you’re getting sloppy.<<else>>You
didn’t hear him approach… You may not be the most perceptive person, but
this is sloppy, even for you.<</if>>
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp >=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
smile flatly. “Yeah. Sure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01")>><s>1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about her position in the
Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$allegra_info to true>>“Diradan Tower is ancient, $firstname,”
Allegra says. “Its wards were cast millennia ago, created to grow in
strength and complexity over time. Any attempt to disrupt them can lead
to catastrophe. Warded chambers are protected and closely watched to
prevent interference, but it seems even our own protocols have their
weaknesses.”
//Like the chamber where the Astrial is housed?// you wonder.
“The morning of the explosion, an acolyte broke the wards in the western
wing and unleashed thousands of years of compounded magical energy,”
she continues. “Its remnants remain as the cloud that obscures the
tower. None can approach it. Not even the most advanced barriers will
prevent it from consuming flesh and bone. We hired a Brightblade to
investigate and they returned within ten minutes, too fatigued from
constant regeneration to continue.”
“Sounds pleasant,” you say darkly. “What happened to the acolyte?”
“Dead.”
You pause. Her response was too fast, too sharp, too… personal. “So, it
was an accident?” you press carefully. “Can’t imagine anyone would go
ten feet towards those wards on purpose—”
“I don’t know, $firstname,” she interrupts. “She was a promising talent,
close to her certification. Promising, though troubled in her own way. I
don’t know why she tampered with the wards that day. I never will. Even
her own instructor cannot explain her actions, though the day Umbria
explains anything will be the day the whole Council dies of shock.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>Umbria… It’s an unusual name.
She must be talking about Archsage Bellaris.
Allegra exhales sharply and adjusts her hair, smoothing it over her
shoulder.<<else>>She exhales sharply and adjusts her hair,
smoothing it over her shoulder.<</if>> “It is an
unprecedented disaster, $firstname, but the Guild will survive. An
organization like ours does not fall in one night, particularly not to
the hands of an insubordinate apprentice,” she says. “Let us talk of
something else. The thought puts a foul taste in my mouth.”
<<if $mc_late is true>>You nod. As you try to think of a
natural way to move on with the conversation, you hear movement behind
you and a familiar voice rings in your ears.
“Nice of you to finally show up, $firstname,” Aeran says. “Have to say,
didn’t expect it to be here of all places.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>>Cursing under
your breath, you set down your wine and glance over your shoulder at
him.<<else>>Cursing under your breath, you look over your
shoulder to find him scowling at you.<</if>>
“Friend of yours, $firstname?” Allegra asks, eyeing him curiously.
You clench your jaw. <<if $aeranapp <=19>>“In a manner of
speaking,”<<else>>“Unfortunately, yes,”<</if>>
you say after a moment, rising to your feet. “Excuse me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
ASIDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 01")>><s>1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about
her position in the Guild.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
ALLEGRA QUEST 02")>><s>2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about Diradan
Tower.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if $umbria_intro is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>><s>3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about Umbria
Bellaris.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
QUEST 01") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 02") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST 03")>>[[4. You have nothing
else to ask her. Find a reason to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
LEAVE]]<<else>>[[4. After this morning, the last thing you
want is to be trapped in a conversation with another mage. Find a reason
to leave.|CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST LEAVE
EARLY]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$mc_late is true>>You cast an eye around your surroundings and
spot Aeran several feet away. He is headed towards you, threading his
way through the crowd with a determined pace. Judging from the look on
his face, he’s about as uncomfortable as you feel.
//Shit…//
<<if $aeranapp <=19>>If it’s between the mage and Aeran,
you’ll have to take your former friend.<<else>>If it’s
between the mage and Aeran, you’ll take Aeran any
day.<</if>> <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA
WINE")>>Decision made, you throw back your head and down a
mouthful of wine, shuddering at the strong taste. Stomach blazing with
the warmth of alcohol, you slam the cup on the table and rise to your
feet.<<else>>Decision made, you rise quickly to your feet,
blood thumping in your head from the sudden movement.<</if>>
<<else>>You cast an eye around your surroundings and spot
Rasmira several feet away. They have managed to disentangle themselves
from their original assailants, only to attract the attention of several
more guests. The poor, harried steward looks like they can’t go two
minutes without an interruption.<</if>>
“Sorry,” you say. <<if $mc_late is true>>“I have business
with someone else.”<<else>>“I have business with
$Ras.”<</if>>
Allegra’s eyes narrow with suspicion. “Shame to cut our conversation
short. If I may offer a piece of advice, $firstname—”
“Not really, no.”
She smiles, her composure unflappable. “Be careful where you place your
trust,” she says. “There are many in Velantis who are more than willing
to feed you high promises and take advantage of your skills, then stab
you in the back when you’re no longer of use to them.”
“Thanks,” you mutter. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mc_late is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
INSERT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP FIND
RASMIRA]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
stride across the pavilion, squeezing past guests and through the tight
spaces between couches. Aeran has slowed to a stop, his back to you as
he surveys the pavilion. You seize his arm and unceremoniously drag him
towards the entrance.
“$firstname—what the hell—”
“Let’s get out of here,” you grunt, ushering him down the steps into the
courtyard.
He pulls away from you. <<if $dressed is true>>“Took you
long enough to show up,” he says bluntly, scowling at your elegant
clothes.<<else>>“Took you long enough to show up,” he says
bluntly.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Could have waited for me.”|CHAPTER 2 WP
AERAN INSERT 01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why do you care?”|CHAPTER 2 WP
AERAN INSERT 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sounds like that’s your problem,
not mine.”|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN INSERT 01A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP RASMIRA START")>>You make your way
towards Rasmira, squeezing past guests and through the tight spaces
between couches. A pair of aristocrats have trapped the poor steward,
gesticulating wildly as they recount their grievances, growing redder in
the face by the second.
“It’s ridiculous, Rasmira, really—”<<else>>“It’s ridiculous,
Rasmira, really—”<</if>>
“Tell Vardell we won’t suffer this indignation—”
“What the councillor may or may not have said has little bearing on me,
Lord Orestis,” Rasmira interrupts, doing a remarkable job at keeping
irritation out of their voice. “Take it up with him yourself—”
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“Rasmira,” you interrupt.
The steward stops speaking, a flash of annoyance crossing their face.
“My apologies, Lord Orestis, Lord Axeon,” they say with a short bow.
“There is another matter I must attend to. Good evening.”
Seizing you by the arm, they steer you through the crowd and head for
the pavilion’s entrance.<<else>>“Hey $Ras,” you interrupt,
sliding between the steward and the nobles. “Can I borrow you?”
<<if $Ras is "Ras">>Rasmira’s mouth twitches, but they let
it pass without comment.<<else>>Rasmira’s mouth twitches,
forcing back a smile.<</if>> “I gather it’s of utmost
importance? A message from Lady Anaxas, perhaps?”
“Yeah,” you say quickly, catching onto the lie. “You could say that.”
They nod and take you by the arm. “My apologies, Lord Orestis, Lord
Axeon,” they say abruptly. “There is another matter I must attend to.
Good evening.”
They turn their back on the red-faced lords and steer you through the
crowd to the pavilion’s entrance.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP FIND RASMIRA
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Enjoying
yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” a familiar voice says.
You glance over your shoulder. Rasmira stands a few feet away in their
usual stance—back straight, hands clasped in front of them.
“What do you want, $Ras? I’m busy.”
They pause, their silence ice cold. “I’m certain you are,” they say
after a moment. “But not enough to ignore the summons of a councillor.
Phaedra Amestris has taken an interest in you.”
You frown. The name means nothing to you. “Never thought you’d become a
glorified messenger, $Ras. Bit below you, don’t you think?”
They ignore the comment. “Phaedra Amestris sits on the governing
council, representing the district of Ithyria. She is a powerful woman
who has gone to great lengths to secure her position. I wouldn’t deny an
audience.”
//Great.// <<if $origin is "noble">>This taste of politics
reminds you too much of your childhood.<<else>>This taste of
politics is starting to give you a headache.<</if>>
“She is in the eastern pavilion,” they continue. <<if $lyranaeum
is true>>“Do try to keep certain… proclivities
contained.”<<else>><<set $zenaida_location to
true>>“Once you’ve spoken with her, you should find Her Grace. She
is at the lyranaeum with her father—provided you can abide consorting
with the aristocracy a little longer.”<</if>>
<<if $wine >=1>>You smirk. “Don’t worry, $Ras, I promise
not to do anything embarrassing.”
“Thank you, Wayfarer $lastname,” they say flatly. “I appreciate the
thoughtfulness.”<<else>>You frown. “You really have no faith
in me, do you, $Ras?”
“Undecided,” they say flatly. “But not very likely.”<</if>>
Rasmira leaves you at the fountain, hurrying off to handle one matter or
another. You watch the fountain bubble and consider your next move.
Looks like this councillor wants to speak with you… You might as well
indulge her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 EASTERN PAVILION
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
rolls his eyes and draws to a halt by the fountain. He stands under the
shadow of Biara’s statue, staring up at the Sentinel’s glittering
spear. “Have you spoken to Zenaida?”
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>“I have. We have a while to wait
before she needs us.”
“Then you know—”
“That we have until the firelight show? Yeah.”
He grimaces. “Right,” he says bitterly. “Well, then… wouldn’t want to
interrupt this wonderful evening you’re having.”<<else>>“Not
yet. Wanted to check out the grounds first.”
“Right,” he says bitterly. “Wouldn’t want to interrupt this wonderful
evening you’re having.”<</if>>
“Aeran—”
He pushes roughly past you. “Don’t bother, $firstname. I’ve got enough
to deal with tonight.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Your temper flares, a dozen
sharp-tongued insults flashing through your mind, but you say nothing.
Your throat is tight, your tongue heavy. You watch him go with a painful
ache throbbing in your chest and the fountain roaring in your
ears.<<else>>Your temper flares. “Well, fuck you, too!” you
shout at his retreating back.
He doesn’t answer. You watch him go, your throat tight, your heart
hammering painfully in your chest. The fountain roars in your ears,
drowning out everything until it is just you and the
water.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP SURPRISED BY
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
frowns, his mouth working furiously as he fights whatever retort has
sprung to mind. To your surprise, he never says it. Instead, he falls
silent and draws to a halt near the fountain, staring up at Biara’s
statue.
“Because I hate being like this, $firstname,” he says finally.
You fold your arms, uncertain of what to think.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s your own fault.”|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
INSERT 01B A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…me, too.”|CHAPTER 2 WP AERAN
INSERT 01B B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Right,”
he says coldly. “Because it’s never yours.”
“Aeran—”
He turns and pushes roughly past you. “Don’t bother, $firstname. I’ve
got enough to deal with tonight.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>Your temper flares, a dozen
sharp-tongued insults flashing through your mind, but you say nothing.
Your throat is tight, your tongue heavy. You watch him go with a painful
ache throbbing in your chest and the fountain roaring in your
ears.<<else>>Your temper flares. “Well, fuck you, too!” you
shout at his retreating back.
He doesn’t answer. You watch him go, your throat tight, your heart
hammering painfully in your chest. The fountain roars in your ears,
drowning out everything until it is just you and the
water.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP SURPRISED BY
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<set
$mc_apology to true>>He pauses, a hollow smile on his lips. “Have
you spoken to Zenaida?”
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>“I have. We have a while to wait
before she needs us.”
“Right,” he says grimacing. “Well, then… wouldn’t want to interrupt this
wonderful evening you’re having.”<<else>>“Not yet. Wanted
to check out the grounds first.”
“Right,” he says, grimacing. “Wouldn’t want to interrupt this wonderful
evening you’re having.”<</if>>
“Aeran—”
He turns and pushes past you. “Please don’t, $nickname,” he says. “I
have enough on my mind tonight.”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>You fall silent and watch him go, a
painful ache throbbing in your chest. The fountain roars in your
ears.<<else>>Your temper flares. “Well, fuck you, too!” you
shout at his retreating back.
He doesn’t answer. You watch him go, your throat tight, your heart
hammering painfully in your chest. The fountain roars in your ears,
drowning out everything until it is just you and the
water.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP SURPRISED BY
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mc_reluctant is true and $wine <=1>>Out in the square, the
cool evening air rushes over you and a weight lifts off your shoulders.
Without the pressing warmth of a hundred laughing, feasting and
intoxicated people, you feel like you can breathe properly
again.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>> The
wine burns in your stomach and a comforting tingle runs down your spine.
If you didn’t despise this whole gala on principle, you would almost
feel relaxed.<</if>><<else>>Out in the square,
the cool evening air rushes over you. You take a deep breath, enjoying
the pleasant coolness after the warmth of the pavilion. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>><<if $wine is
1>>The wine burns in your stomach, sending a comforting tingle
rolling down your spine. You feel far more relaxed now than you have all
day.<<else>>The wine burns happily in your stomach, its
heady aftertaste hitting you all at once. The square spins briefly and
you blink, clearing your vision. You haven’t had that much to drink yet…
have you?<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<<if $dressed is true>>“I see you took my instructions to
heart,” Rasmira says, appraising you approvingly as they guide you to
the fountain.
You look down at your $garb and smooth out the silk. “Wouldn’t want to
miss an opportunity to look my best. Got to make an impression somehow.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Their eyes linger on your
throat, taking in the silver pendant.<<else>>They chuckle,
breaking into an unexpected smile.<</if>> “By all accounts
you’ve already done so,” they say, watching the fountain ripple.
“Councillor Amestris has taken an interest in
you.”<<else>>“I see you did not take my instructions to
heart,” the steward says, appraising you disapprovingly as they guide
you to the fountain.
You shrug. “I’m a mercenary, $Ras. No point being something I’m not.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Their eyes linger on your
throat, staring at the silver pendant.<<else>>Their mouth
tightens, their frown deepening.<</if>> “Regardless, it has
garnered a certain amount of attention,” they say. “Councillor Amestris
has taken an interest in you.”<</if>>
You frown. The name—like so many you’ve encountered tonight—means
nothing to you. “Who?”
“Phaedra Amestris,” Rasmira explains. “She sits on the governing
council, representing the district of Ithyria. A powerful woman who has
gone to great lengths to secure her position. I wouldn’t deny an
audience.”
//Great.// <<if $origin is "noble">>This taste of politics
reminds you too much of your childhood.<<else>>This taste of
politics is starting to give you a headache.<</if>>
“She is in the eastern pavilion,” they continue. <<if $lyranaeum
is true>>“Do try to keep certain… proclivities
contained.”<<else>><<set $zenaida_location to
true>>“Once you’ve spoken with her, you should find Her Grace. She
is at the lyranaeum with her father—provided you can abide consorting
with the aristocracy a little longer.”<</if>>
<<if $wine >=1>>You smirk. “Don’t worry, $Ras, I promise
not to do anything embarrassing.”
“Thank you, Wayfarer $lastname,” they say flatly. “I appreciate the
thoughtfulness.”<<else>>You frown. “You really have no faith
in me, do you, $Ras?”
“Undecided,” they say flatly. “But not very likely.”<</if>>
Rasmira leaves you at the fountain, hurrying off to handle one matter or
another. You watch the fountain bubble and consider your next move.
Looks like this councillor wants to speak with you… You might as well
indulge her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 EASTERN PAVILION
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Tucked
away between the trees and the hydrangea bushes, the eastern pavilion
is similar to its western counterpart, albeit much smaller. Garlands
embedded with conjured lights wrap around its columns and hang between
the archways, illuminating it with a subdued, but sparkling light.
There are four entrances to this pavilion, one for each of the cardinal
directions. Inside, the quiet murmur of sedate conversation hums in the
air below the eloquent phrasing of a pandura. A statue of twin dragons
sits on a marble pedestal in the centre. Their wings spread wide, their
eyes shine with the glimmer of infused gemstones, and their heads are
raised, pointing at the ceiling. A glass dome seals in the pavilion,
providing an astonishing view of the night sky and its shining stars.
Lavish couches are scattered throughout the pavilion, grouped around
small tables laden with food and drink. Though every seat is occupied,
it’s calmer here than elsewhere in the grounds. Subdued. With very
little traffic in and out, you have no doubt that those who sought this
place did so with the intention of staying here for the duration of the
gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 EP
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Enjoying
yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” a familiar voice says.
Rasmira stands a few feet away, their hands clasped in front of them,
quietly watching you. Despite their polite demeanour, you can’t help but
feel like you’re being assessed. <<if $dressed is
true>>Though there is judgment in the steward’s eyes, a small,
approving smile tugs at their lips.<<else>>From the judgment
in their eyes and the frown furrowing their brow, the steward isn’t
happy with you.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK WINE")>>You avoid giving
an answer and take another sip of wine—a much smaller one this time.
Your mouth twists at the <<if $origin is "noble">>familiar
taste<<else>>taste<</if>> and you lower your
cup, fighting back another cough.
“Vestran wine,” Rasmira offers in explanation. “An acquired taste, but
popular among the Imperial houses. Difficult to come by since the civil
war, but House Anaxas can only serve the best to its guests.”
You shrug, staring into the cup, and swill the wine. The liquid swirls
enticingly, the deep red a pleasantly heady
colour.<<else>>You avoid an answer and dig into your plate.
Rasmira watches you eat, annoyance flashing across their
face.<</if>>
<<if $dressed is true>>“I see you took my instructions to
heart,” they say after a moment, eyeing your $garb.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
WINE")>>You shrug and down another mouthful of wine.<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK WINE")>>You chuckle and down
another mouthful of wine.<<else>>You
shrug.<</if>> “Wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to look
my best, $Ras. Got to make an impression somehow.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Their eyes linger on your
throat, taking in the silver pendant.<<else>>They pause,
tugging absently at their beard.<</if>> “By all accounts,
you’ve already done so,” they say, casting an eye out at the crowd.
“Councillor Amestris has taken an interest in
you.”<<else>>“I see you did not take my instructions to
heart,” they say after a moment, eyeing your gear.
You shrug. “I’m a warrior, $Ras. No point being something I’m not.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Their eyes linger on your
throat, staring at the silver pendant.<<else>>They pause,
tugging absently at their beard.<</if>> “Regardless, it has
garnered a certain amount of attention. Councillor Amestris has taken an
interest in you.”<</if>>
You frown. The name means nothing to you. “Who?”
“Phaedra Amestris,” Rasmira explains. “She sits on the governing
council, representing the district of Ithyria. A powerful woman who has
gone to great lengths to secure her position. I wouldn’t deny an
audience.”
//Great.// <<if $origin is "noble">>This taste of politics
reminds you too much of your childhood.<<else>>This taste of
politics is starting to give you a
headache.<</if>><<if $wine >=2>> Or maybe the
wine is finally getting to you.<</if>>
“She is in the eastern pavilion,” they continue. <<if $lyranaeum
is true>>“Do try to keep certain… proclivities
contained.”<<else>><<set $zenaida_location to
true>>“Once you’ve spoken with her, you should find Her Grace. She
is at the lyranaeum with her father—provided you can abide consorting
with the aristocracy a little longer.”<</if>>
<<if $wine >=1>>You smirk. “Don’t worry, $Ras, I promise
not to do anything embarrassing.”
“Thank you, Wayfarer $lastname,” they say flatly. “I appreciate the
thoughtfulness.”<<else>>You frown. “You really have no faith
in me, do you, $Ras?”
“Undecided,” they say flatly. “But not very likely.”<</if>>
Rasmira heads back into the crowd. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP
DRINK WINE")>>You remain where you are, absently swilling your
wine as you watch them go.<<else>>You remain where you are,
absently picking at your food as you watch them go.<</if>>
The steward pauses here and there, pulled this way and that by one
aristocrat or another. How they manage to keep them all happy without
losing their patience, you’ll never know.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK WINE")>>You finish off
your glass and leave it on the table. With the warmth of alcohol blazing
in your stomach, you set off for the entrance.<<else>>You
finish your plate and leave it on the table. Satisfied with your meal,
you set off for the entrance.<</if>> If this councillor
wants to speak with you, you might as well indulge her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 EASTERN PAVILION
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab a glass, fill it, and raise it to your lips. The rich aroma hits
you, making your nose crinkle and your brow furrow. Shrugging with
indifference, you tilt your head back and take a gulp of wine.
//Oof, that’s strong.//
You cough as the taste overpowers your senses, the flavour lingering
heavily on your tongue. The wine blazes in your stomach, burning merrily
as a delighted shiver rolls down your spine. Doing your best to
suppress your wheezing, you lower your cup and turn around to observe
the pavilion.
<<if $mc_late is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$wine >=2>>//Better not. You’ve had enough
tonight.<<else>>//Better not. Not right
now.//<</if>>
Passing over the wine, you collect a plate, cram it with whatever
delicacies you can find, and turn around to observe the pavilion.
<<if $mc_late is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Passing
over the wine, you collect a plate, cram it with whatever delicacies
you can find, and turn around to observe the pavilion.
<<if $mc_late is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK CONT
RASMIRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $aeran_allegra to
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK
WINE")>>Gripping your cup in one hand, you slip out of the way and
find a quiet spot by a nearby wall. You lean against it and down
another mouthful—a much smaller one this time. Your mouth twists at the
aftertaste and you fight back another cough. It’s definitely an acquired
taste.
Sipping carefully at your wine, you turn to watch the
crowd.<<else>>Satisfied with your food, you slip out of the
way and find a quiet spot by a nearby wall. You lean against it and dig
into your plate, carefully observing the bustling
crowd.<</if>>
Aeran has made his way to the centre of the pavilion. Much to your
surprise, he strides directly into the centre of a group of chatting
aristocrats and sits down, pulling <<if $allegra_spotted is
true>>the woman in green<<else>>a red-haired woman in a
green serithan<</if>> to one side. Though it is too
<<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>chaotic<<else>>loud<</if>> in here
for you to make out their words, you have a clear view of their faces.
The woman frowns as he speaks, irritably fussing with the rings on one
hand. Whatever he has said to her has failed to impress. Aeran scoffs at
her response, his expression growing dark, and irritably runs a hand
through his hair. He rises to his feet, his face flushed, and walks
away.
//What the hell…?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Suspicious curiosity grips you. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
WP DRINK WINE")>>Drinking the last of your wine, you hurry
through the crowd and follow him from a
distance.<<else>>Leaving your plate unfinished, you hurry
through the crowd and follow him from a distance.<</if>>
Aeran walks briskly, leading you back out into the square. He draws to a
halt by the fountain. Standing in the shadow of Biara’s statue, he
stares wistfully at the Sentinel’s glittering spear, a strange
expression on his face.
You hurry down the steps, moving as briskly as you can in the crowd. The
square is busier than it was before—somehow, in the time you spent in
the western pavilion, more guests have arrived. They swarm the square,
blocking your view, filling your ears with endless chatter. You push
through a knot, stepping on someone’s foot and garnering several shouts
of disapproval, and force your way to the fountain.
Aeran is gone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>//Shit.//
An uncomfortable knot twists in your stomach. What you saw was unusual
for him, given your current circumstances. He hates Velantis, so what
business did he have with that woman? Is she related to his letters
somehow, or are you jumping to conclusions?
//What are you hiding?//
The fountain roars in your ears, drowning out the sound around you.
Grimacing, you set the thought aside and consider your next move.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WP SURPRISED BY
RAS][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
walk through the pavilion, catching flashes of conversations as you
search the area for this councillor. The guests pay you no heed, too
engrossed in their own conversations to take note. Drawing near the
dragons, you throw yourself down on the marble bench that encircles
their pedestal and curse under your breath. How are you supposed to find
this Phaedra when you have no idea what she looks like? Rasmira didn’t
tell you—they probably assumed you already knew out of habit. Only an
outsider wouldn’t recognize a city councillor.
Exhaling sharply, you lean forwards and drape your hands across your
knees. Rasmira said she would be here… there must be some way to pick
her out from the crowd.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. [PERCEPTION] Look for
any identifying marks—manner of dress, posture, composure…|CHAPTER 2 EP
02 PERCEP PASS][$elleshar_encounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look
for any identifying marks—manner of dress, posture, composure…|CHAPTER 2
EP 02 PERCEP FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $perception >= 18>>[[1. Look for any identifying
marks—manner of dress, posture, composure…|CHAPTER 2 EP 02 PERCEP
PASS][$elleshar_encounter +=1]]<<else>>[[1. Look for any
identifying marks—manner of dress, posture, composure…|CHAPTER 2 EP 02
PERCEP FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask. Someone in this crowd will
surely recognize the councillor.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02 ASK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. This is stupid. If the councillor
wants to talk to you so badly, she can find you herself.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02
STUPID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionPass>>You
raise your head and cast an eye across the pavilion. The crowd fans out
before you in a sea of glamour and luxury, each guest looking more and
more like the last. The longer you look, the more difficult it becomes
to tell them apart.
<<if $elleshar_met is true>>The only person who stands out
to your discerning eye is a familiar, curly-haired cleric. Elleshar
spots you and his eyes go wide. He excuses himself from his table and
turns his back on you, darting from the pavilion.
You shake your head. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
01E")>>Looks like he got the message.<<else>>Looks
like he won’t be confronting you again any time
soon…<</if>><<elseif $elleshar_encounter
>=1>>There is one person who stands out to your discerning eye:
the curly-haired cleric. He moves confidently from table to table,
joining each conversation with ease, though his presence garners some
eye rolls from nobles more than others. As he leaves his latest table,
he raises his head and spots you by the statues.
He smiles and raises a hand.
//Ugh.//<<else>>The only person who stands out to your
discerning eye is a short elf in the robes of a Meissandic cleric. With
his pleasant, nondescript face and curly brown hair, he moves
confidently from table to table, joining each conversation with ease,
though his presence garners some eye rolls from nobles more than others.
As he leaves his latest table, he raises his head and spots you by the
statues.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>He stares unabashedly at your
pendant, then flashes you a smile and moves onto the next table as if
nothing happened.<<elseif $dressed is false>>He stares at
you unabashedly, then flashes a smile and moves onto the next table as
if nothing happened.<<else>>He locks eyes with you for an
instant, a curious look on his face. He smiles blithely, then breaks eye
contact, moving onto the next table as if nothing
happened.<</if>>
<<if $meissandium_text neq true>>//Strange…//
<<set $meissandium_text to true>>Your mouth twists,
discomfort curling in your gut. The Meissandium has never been friendly
towards the Wayfarer Order. Their scriptures state that magic is a
blessing from the gods, the source from which all power is derived.
While their texts do not strictly affirm that magianis are cursed, it
didn’t take many leaps in logic for the Meissandium to arrive there. As
far as their priesthood is concerned, you are an abnormality in the eyes
of the Hexatheon, punished for your inevitable sins by having your
magic stripped away.
Better avoid the cleric at all costs. The last thing you want is to be
trapped in a conversation with
him…<<else>>//Strange…//<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look for any identifying
marks—manner of dress, posture,
composure…</s><<else>><s>1. Look for any
identifying marks—manner of dress, posture,
composure…</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask. Someone in this crowd will
surely recognize the councillor.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02 ASK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. This is stupid. If the councillor
wants to talk to you so badly, she can find you herself.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02
STUPID]]</div></div><</nobr>><<perceptionFail>>You
raise your head and cast an eye across the pavilion. The crowd fans out
before you in a sea of glamour and luxury, each guest looking more and
more like the last. The longer you look, the more difficult it becomes
to tell them apart. With their elegant clothing falling neatly within
the parameters of Imperial fashion, there is nothing to differentiate
one aristocrat from another.
//So much for that…//
Cursing quietly under your breath, you consider a different option.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><s>1.
[PERCEPTION] Look for any identifying marks—manner of dress, posture,
composure…</s><<else>><s>1. [PERCEPTION] Look
for any identifying marks—manner of dress, posture,
composure…</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ask. Someone in this crowd will
surely recognize the councillor.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02 ASK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. This is stupid. If the councillor
wants to talk to you so badly, she can find you herself.|CHAPTER 2 EP 02
STUPID]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and search for a target.
<<if $dressed is true and $pendant_worn is true>>Someone who
looks amenable, who won’t scoff and turn up their nose the moment they
recognize your pendant…<<elseif $dressed is true and
$tattoo_visible is true>>Someone who looks amenable, who won’t
scoff and turn up their nose the moment they recognize your
tattoo…<<elseif $dressed is true>>Someone who looks
amenable, who won’t judge you too closely…<<else>>Someone
who looks amenable, who won’t scoff and turn up their nose at talking to
a Wayfarer…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. The trio of giggling women seated near the
pavilion’s entrance. They look a little drunk…|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. The servant scurrying between the
tables, collecting finished drinks and replacing them with fresh
decanters.|CHAPTER 2 EP SERVANT START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. The musician at the back. They have
set down their pandura and are taking a moment to rest their
fingers.|CHAPTER 2 EP MUSICIAN START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. The pair of solitary nobles near the
exit. They speak in hushed tones and cast a discerning eye about them
as they pace the pavilion.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and head for the nearest
exit. As you near the arches, you pass a pair of solitary nobles—a human
man and a dwarven woman. They are dressed in elegant scarlet serithans
and wear small gold broaches pinned to their chests. The Imperial
phoenix glistens above their hearts, catching the conjured light.
“…then we must trust that the city guard will contain it to the area—”
“The guard can’t be trusted with this, they’re stretched too thin. We
need military support—”
“And invite the Imperial army into Velantis? Have you gone mad, Vardell?
The separatists won’t accept it, there’ll be riots in the streets—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Interrupt them.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE 01A
INTERRUPT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Keep listening.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE
01B LISTEN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and make your way toward the
women. An elf, a dwarf, and a melusine make up the trio; they lounge in
their seats with the ease of long companionship, paying little attention
to those around them. With their faces flushed and their eyes bright,
they let their unbridled mirth fly free, their fits of laughter drawing
more than one side-eyed glare.
The elf notices you as you approach and quickly elbows her friends. They
turn, glancing over their shoulders with curious looks on their faces.
The dwarf grabs the back of the couch and pulls herself up in an attempt
to give herself some extra height. The melusine giggles and quickly
looks away, one hand pressed to her mouth.
“Don’t //stare,// Kalia,” she says, nudging the dwarf. “It’s rude.”
The dwarf waves a hand at her, pushing her away. She tilts her head and
smiles widely, staring at you brazenly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If I didn’t know better, you three look
like a bad joke waiting to happen.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t mind. Stare all you
want.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Get right to the point. Ask them
about the councillor.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and make your way toward the
servant. The short, nondescript dwarf deftly replaces the wine for a
pair of elven nobles and moves on without acknowledgement. The
combination of their height and appearance makes them fade easily into
the background, though you wouldn’t be surprised if there are additional
enchantments to make them unnoticeable.
You intercept them near the entrance and quietly place a hand on their
shoulder. “I’m looking for—”
They turn around, eyes wide with shock, and nearly drop an empty wine
bottle. Fumbling with the bottle, they secure their grip at the last
minute and <<if $height is "average" or $height is "tall" or
$height is "very tall">>stare up at you<<else>>glare
at you, their face turning red.<</if>>
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Their gaze locks onto your
pendant and their expression twists into a deep scowl.<<elseif
$tattoo_visible is true>>Their eyes find the tattoo on your wrist
and their expression twists into a deep scowl.<<elseif $dressed is
true>>They look you up and down, frowning at your expensive
clothing, and shake their head.<<else>>They look you up and
down, taking in your dark clothing, and their expression twists into a
deep scowl.<</if>>
“What do you want, Wayfarer?” they say briskly, moving away from the
couches and tables. “I don’t have time for you.”
You follow them to a corner of the pavilion. “I can see that. I need
your help.”
The servant snorts. They store the empty bottle on a small, two-tiered
cart in the corner, crouch down, and rummage through the decanters and
flasks on the lower tier. “Can’t,” they say. “I’m busy. Take it up with
Rasmira.”
“Look, just—”
“You may answer to Her Grace, $lastname, but it doesn’t mean we answer
to you.”
You grit your teeth. “Tell me where I can find Councillor Amestris,
that’s all I want.”
They pause, their posture turning oddly straight, and withdraw their
hands from the cart to rest them on their knees. Wetting their lower
lip, they glance over their shoulder and smile coldly at you. “Five
crowns, then,” they say. “For wasting my time.”
//For fuck’s sake…// You left your pack and whatever money you have in
your suite. If they’re looking for a bribe, you’ll have to find an
alternative.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $jewelry_worn is true>>[[1.
[BRACELET] Give them your bracelet.|CHAPTER 2 EP SERVANT
BRACELET]]<<else>><s>1. [BRACELET] Required item is
missing.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>>[[2.
[STRENGTH] Force them to tell you.|CHAPTER 2 EP SERVANT
02B]]<<else>>[[2. Force them to tell you.|CHAPTER 2 EP
SERVANT 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] Convince them to tell you.|CHAPTER 2 EP SERVANT
02C]]<<else>>[[3. Convince them to tell you.|CHAPTER 2 EP
SERVANT
02C]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and make your way towards the
musician. They’re short, their slight frame and curly brown hair making
them fade easily into the background. They sit on a stool in the
corner, tucked neatly out of the way. A long-necked stringed instrument
rests on their knees, carefully balanced so as not to fall on the floor.
Though the occasional guest glances in their direction, the bard is not
the focus of the night—they are there to provide a musical backdrop,
something to fill in the gaps between conversations, a pleasant
interlude, rather than a dramatic performance.
“I hope you’re being paid well for this,” you call.
The musician raises their head and blinks in confusion. <<if
$dressed is true>>They frown as you approach, clearly surprised
that someone in the crowd has taken notice of
them.<<else>>They smile as you approach, a playful smirk
spreading across their lips. They know from a glance that you aren’t one
of the archon’s guests.<</if>>
“Oh, Lord Anaxas will make sure of it,” they say candidly. “His
patronage is always generous. Velantian art and music would not be where
it is if the archon’s husband wasn’t such a keen benefactor.”
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>“I gathered that. Shame you’re not
in the lyranaeum. Looks like you’re underappreciated here.”
They snort with laughter. “Not everyone wants the attention, friend,”
they say, shaking their head. “I’m paid to play, that’s enough for me.
Do you know how many bards would kill to get a contract for the archon’s
galas?”<<else>>“Benefactor? Looks like you’re
underappreciated here. No one’s paying attention.”
They snort with laughter. “Not everyone wants attention, friend,” they
say, shaking their head. “I’m paid to play, that’s enough for me. Do you
know how many bards would kill to get a contract for the archon’s
galas?”<</if>>
You fold your arms. “Don’t tell me there’s bloody history hidden behind
the Velantian art scene.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is true>>“You
have no idea,” they say with a wide grin and <<if $tattoo_visible
is true>>look down, glancing at the tattoo on your
wrist.<<else>>glance up, staring at your
pendant.<</if>> “What brings you here, Wayfarer? You make an
unusual party guest. Are you on a job?”<<elseif $dressed is
true>>“You have no idea,” they say with a wide grin. “What brings
you here, $mylord? You’re an unusual party guest.”
“I’m a Wayfarer.”
They raise an eyebrow. “So, you’re on a job?”<<else>>“You
have no idea,” they say with a wide grin. “What brings you here,
mercenary? You make an unusual party guest.”
“I’m not a mercenary. I’m a Wayfarer.”
They raise an eyebrow. “So, you’re on a job?”<</if>>
“Something like that,” you reply, shrugging. “Have you seen Councillor
Amestris?”
Their brows draw together in a frown. “Phaedra? What do you want with
her?”
“Doesn’t matter to you—look, have you seen her or not?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I’ll tell you—if you do me a favour.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What’s the favour?”|CHAPTER 2 EP MUSICIAN
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t have time for games, I’ll
find her myself.”|CHAPTER 2 EP MUSICIAN 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|CHAPTER 2 EP MUSICIAN
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rising
to your feet, you cut across the pavilion and make your way towards the
nobles. The human man and dwarven woman are dressed in elegant scarlet
serithans and wear small gold broaches pinned to their chests. The
Imperial phoenix glistens above their hearts, catching the conjured
light.
“…then we must trust that the city guard will contain it to the area,”
the woman says.
“The guard can’t be trusted with this, they’re stretched too thin,” the
man interrupts. “We need military support—”
“And invite the Imperial army into Velantis? Have you gone mad, Vardell?
The separatists won’t accept it, there’ll be riots in the streets—”
She cuts off abruptly as you approach, her shock at being interrupted
dissolving into suspicion. She grips the man’s arm, her fingers digging
sharply into his elbow, <<if $pendant_worn is true>>and
raises her head. Her eyes linger on your pendant.<<elseif
$tattoo_visible is true>>and raises her head. Her eyes linger on
your wrist, taking in your tattoo.<<else>>and raises her
head, meeting your eyes with a conceited look.<</if>>
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Sounds
like you’ve got a problem on your hands if you think you need the
Emperor’s army.”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 01 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Sounds like you’ve got a
problem on your hands if you think you need the Emperor’s army.”|CHAPTER
2 EP NOBLES 01 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “I’m looking for Councillor Amestris.
Have you seen her?”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “I’m looking for Councillor
Amestris. Have you seen her?”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Never mind—this was a bad idea. Walk
away.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02 WALK
AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Sounds like you’ve got a
problem on your hands if you think you need the Emperor’s
army.”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 01 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
“Sounds like you’ve got a problem on your hands if you think you need
the Emperor’s army.”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 01 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. “I’m looking for Councillor Amestris. Have you seen
her?”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “I’m
looking for Councillor Amestris. Have you seen her?”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
02 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Never mind—this was a bad idea. Walk
away.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02 WALK
AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
elf raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”
“You know, that old tale,” you say. “An elf, a dwarf, and a melusine
walk into a tavern…”
The trio chortles, their giggling laughter echoing through the pavilion.
The elf and melusine lean into each other, holding each other up, while
the dwarf collapses on the couch, kicking her legs back and forth. Her
feet don’t quite touch the floor.
You pause, uncertain how to take their reaction. It wasn’t really that
funny. “I did say it was a bad joke,” you offer weakly.
The elf bats a hand at you. “Sit down, sit down!” she calls, still
clutching her friend. “What’s your name?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is true>>[[1. Tell
her.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 02A]]<<else>>[[1. Tell her.|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Get right to the point.|CHAPTER 2 EP
TRIO 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
melusine giggles and collapses into the elf, clutching at her for
support. The dwarf flushes furiously and turns around, sinking into the
couch.
“Why don’t you sit down?” the elf calls, disentangling herself from her
friend. “What’s your name?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is true>>[[1. Tell
her.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 02A]]<<else>>[[1. Tell her.|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Get right to the point.|CHAPTER 2 EP
TRIO 01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>>“I’m looking for Councillor Amestris,”
you say abruptly. “Do you know where I can find her?”
The elf sighs wearily, an irritated look crossing her face. As she opens
her mouth to reply, the dwarf cuts across her, eyeing you eagerly.
“Oh, that’s //easy,”// she says. “She went to the marquee ages ago. Look
for that… uh… shiny phoenix thing—”
The elf rolls her eyes. “Broach, Kalia—”
“Broach!” the dwarf exclaims, snapping her fingers. “The Imperial
broach! All councillors have one.”
“Thanks,” you grunt, turning your back on the trio and walking away. You
can hear them gossiping fiercely with little awareness of how much
their voices carry. <<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is
"scarAtral" or $scar2 is "scarAtral">>Something about your
scar…<<elseif $garb is "serithan">><<if $scar1 is
"scarburn" or $scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or
$scar1 is "scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2"
or $scar2 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>Something about your
scar…<</if>><<elseif $pendant_worn is
true>>Something about your pendant…<<elseif $tattoo_visible
is true>>Something about your tattoo…<</if>>
Shrugging it off, you push them from your mind and head for the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname,”
you say, sitting on a nearby couch.
The elf grins. “Lydia,” she replies. “And the ones too busy being silly
over there are Pherusa and Kalia.”
Somehow, that only elicits more laughter. Lydia ignores them and raises
her glass, disappearing into her wine. “You’re <<if $gender is
"female">>very pretty<<elseif $gender is "male">>very
handsome<<else>>gorgeous<</if>>, $firstname,”
she blurts out. “Why are you at Mahanin?”
You pause, taken aback by her directness, and <<if $facialhair neq
"none">>rub a hand over your chin<<else>>scratch the
back of your neck.<</if>> <<if $pendant_worn is
true>>Despite their brazenly curious looks, they haven’t noticed
<<pendant>>. Or maybe they simply don’t know what the sigil
represents.<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>Despite their
brazenly curious looks, they haven’t noticed your tattoo. Or maybe they
simply don’t know what the sigil represents.<<else>>Even if
they’ve heard of Zenaida’s new bodyguard, there’s nothing about you to
indicate you’re the one.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 03A
TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Lie and make something up.|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 03A LIE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname,”
you say, sitting on a nearby couch.
The elf grins. “Lydia,” she replies. “And the ones too busy being silly
over there are Pherusa and Kalia.”
Somehow, that only elicits more laughter. Lydia ignores them and raises
her glass, disappearing into her wine. “What’s a mercenary like you
doing in Mahanin?” she blurts out. “Are you someone’s bodyguard?”
You pause, taken aback by her directness, and <<if $facialhair neq
"none">>rub a hand over your chin<<else>>scratch the
back of your neck.<</if>> <<if $pendant_worn is
true>>Despite their brazenly curious looks, they haven’t noticed
<<pendant>>. Or maybe they simply don’t know what the sigil
represents.<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>Despite their
brazenly curious looks, they haven’t noticed your tattoo. Or maybe they
simply don’t know what the sigil represents.<<else>>Even if
they’ve heard of Zenaida’s new bodyguard, there’s nothing about you to
indicate you’re the one.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her the truth.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 03A
TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Lie and make something up.|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 03A LIE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>><<set $elleshar_info to
true>><<if $pendant_worn is true>>“I’m a Wayfarer,”
you say, gesturing to <<pendant>>. “I’m here with Zenaida
Anaxas.”<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>“I’m a Wayfarer,”
you say, gesturing to your tattoo. “I’m here with Zenaida
Anaxas.”<<else>>“I’m a Wayfarer. I’m here with Zenaida
Anaxas.”<</if>>
Lydia’s eyes go wide as she gulps in a mouthful of wine. She dissolves
into hacking hiccups and lowers her cup, sloshing wine. Pherusa quickly
snatches it from her hand and sets it on a nearby table.
“I’m looking for Councillor Amestris. Have you seen—?”
“I’ve never met a Wayfarer before,” Pherusa says, talking over you.
<<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is "scarAtral" or $scar2
is "scarAtral">>Her eyes linger on your forehead, taking in the
scar.<<elseif $garb is "serithan">><<if $scar1 is
"scarburn" or $scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or
$scar1 is "scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2"
or $scar2 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>Her eyes linger on your shoulder, taking in the
knotted flesh.<</if>><</if>>
“Me, neither,” Kalia echoes.
Lydia nods in agreement, pressing a hand to her lips as she desperately
tries to calm her hiccups.
“You’re not what Elleshar thinks,” Pherusa continues, glancing at you
coyly. She tosses her flowing purple hair over her shoulder. “He said—”
“Warned, more like,” Kalia says darkly.
“Oh, bother Elleshar!” Lydia exclaims. “Wouldn’t know a Wayfarer
if—hic—they were staring him in the face.”
<<if $elleshar_met is true>>You sigh wearily, remembering
the young cleric in the water gardens.
Pherusa groans, dramatically rolling her eyes.
“With his position you’d think he’d finally—hic—learn not to be a brat,”
Lydia says, her words a little slurred. “Presumptuous little toad. For
someone who can see the future, you’d think he’d be a little more
intelligent, but no! Augurs think they know everything, but their
privileges make them daft as a rock.”
The trio gabbles away, complaining loudly about augurs and their habits.
You fall silent, thinking back to your encounter with the cleric. He
really did seem out of his depth.<<else>>You frown. “Who’s
Elleshar?”
Kalia blows a raspberry. “Meissandium. One of House Anaxas’ personal
clerics. Harmless, but annoying.”
Pherusa groans, dramatically rolling her eyes.
“With his position you’d think he’d finally—hic—learn not to be a brat,”
Lydia says, her words a little slurred. “Presumptuous little toad. For
someone who can see the future, you’d think he’d be a little more
intelligent, but no! Augurs think they know everything, but their
privileges make them daft as a rock.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 EP 02 PERCEP PASS")>>The trio
gabbles away, complaining loudly about augurs and their habits. You fall
silent, thinking back to the cleric you spotted earlier. That must have
been this Elleshar. Maybe you should keep an eye out for him. If he’s
spreading warnings about you, you want to know what he
said.<<elseif $meissandium_text is true>>The trio gabbles
away, complaining loudly about augurs and their habits, and you fall
silent, discomfort curling in your gut. You should keep an eye out for
the cleric. If he’s spreading warnings about you, you want to know what
he said.<<else>><<set $meissandium_text to
true>>The trio gabbles away, complaining loudly about augurs and
their habits. You fall silent, discomfort curling in your gut. The
Meissandium has never been friendly towards the Wayfarer Order. Their
scriptures state that magic is a blessing from the gods, the source from
which all power is derived. While their texts do not strictly affirm
that magianis are cursed, it didn’t take many leaps in logic for the
Meissandium to arrive there. As far as their priesthood is concerned,
you are an abnormality in the eyes of the Hexatheon, punished for your
inevitable sins by having your magic stripped away.
Maybe you should keep an eye out for this cleric. If he’s spreading
warnings about you, you want to know what he
said.<</if>><</if>>
“$firstname,” Pherusa says suddenly, snapping you out of your reverie.
“Is it true you can take someone’s magic away forever if you sleep with
them?”
You choke.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 04A][$tempstat to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… no? That’s not how… that’s not
how it works.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO 04A][$tempstat to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re not answering that. Get up
and walk away.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
04B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, smiling wanly at the trio as they eagerly wait for your
response. Pherusa tilts her head, glancing at you coyly as she curls a
lock of purple hair around her finger.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $origin is "noble">><a
data-passage="CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01A">1. [CHILD OF THE CITY] Tell
them you’re a visitor from Vestra, a delegate of House
$lastname1.</a><<else>><s>1. [CHILD OF THE CITY]
Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $origin is
"merchant">><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01B">2.
[CHILD OF THE SEA] Tell them you’re a delegate from the $lastname1
merchant fleet, here for
business.</a><<else>><s>2. [CHILD OF THE SEA]
Origin requirement has not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $origin is "hunter">>[[3. [CHILD
OF THE WILDS] Tell them you’re a delegate from the Imperial
south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C PASS]]<<elseif random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell them you’re a
delegate from the Imperial south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] Tell them you’re a delegate
from the Imperial south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if $origin is
"hunter">>[[3. [CHILD OF THE WILDS] Tell them you’re a delegate
from the Imperial south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C PASS]]<<elseif
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[3. Tell them you’re a
delegate from the Imperial south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. Tell them you’re a delegate from the
Imperial south.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE 01C
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<if $tempstat is
1>>Pherusa’s mouth opens in surprise, showing the sharp tips of
her fangs. She leans back and tilts her head, violet eyes staring at the
ceiling as she contemplates the implication of your answer. “Huh,” she
says.
Lydia and Kalia dissolve into giggles. A loud hiccup erupts from Lydia
and she presses a hand to her mouth, embarrassment flushing her
cheeks.<<else>>You flush, the warmth of embarrassment
searing your cheeks. The women dissolve into giggles, their laughter
ringing sharply in your ears. A loud hiccup erupts from Lydia and she
turns away, a hand pressed awkwardly to her mouth.<</if>>
“Look, I need to find Councillor Amestris. Where is she?”
“Oh, that’s easy,” Kalia says, waving a hand. “She went to the marquee
ages ago. Look for that… uh… shiny phoenix thing—”
“Broach!” Lydia supplies enthusiastically.
“Broach!” Kalia echoes, snapping her fingers. “The Imperial broach! All
councillors have one.”
“Thanks,” you say, rising to your feet. You can feel Pherusa’s eyes on
you, watching you with a very keen look.
Lydia leans in, staring up at you with wide, pleading eyes. “Why don’t
you stay? These galas—hic—” She flushes and swallows the hiccup, before
continuing as if nothing happened. “—are so boring, $firstname, you have
no idea—”
“None at all,” Kalia says.
Pherusa nods serenely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
05]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
jaw clenches and you stand up abruptly.
The women look up in shock, taken aback as you walk away. You feel their
eyes bore into your retreating back, hear the drunken gossip as you cut
across the pavilion. They are completely unaware of how much their
voices carry. <<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is
"scarAtral" or $scar2 is "scarAtral">>Something about your
scar…<<elseif $garb is "serithan">><<if $scar1 is
"scarburn" or $scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or
$scar1 is "scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2"
or $scar2 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>Something about your
scar…<</if>><<elseif $pendant_worn is
true>>Something about your pendant…<<elseif $tattoo_visible
is true>>Something about your tattoo…<</if>>
Cursing under your breath, you push them from your mind and head into
the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
three of them shuffle down the couch, pressing around you in a swirl of
bright silks and sparkling jewelry. They examine you keenly, shameless
in their interest—or maybe that’s the effect of the wine. You can smell
it on their breath.
<<if $scar1 is "scarforehead">>“You must have some
interesting stories,” Lydia says, gazing unabashedly at your forehead.
“Like how you got that scar, for instance? Must have been quite the
fight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It was very boring.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
FOREHEAD]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $scar1
is "scarAtral" or $scar2 is "scarAtral">>“You must have some
interesting stories,” Lydia continues, gazing unabashedly at your
forehead. “Like how you got that scar, for instance? Must have been
quite the fight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It was. Whole town almost burned
down.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO ATRAL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $garb
is "serithan" and $scar1 is "scarAeran">>“You must have some
interesting stories,” Lydia continues, gazing unabashedly at your
shoulder. “Like how you got that scar, for instance? Must have been
quite the fight.”
An uncomfortable feeling knots in your gut. A memory rises in your mind,
as fresh as if it happened yesterday. The Count breathing down your
neck, holding you, trapping you… Aeran, with his bow raised, hands
shaking…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Bad case of friendly fire, that’s all I
have to say about it.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $garb
is "serithan" and $scar2 is "scarAeran">>“You must have some
interesting stories,” Lydia continues, gazing unabashedly at your
shoulder. “Like how you got that scar, for instance? Must have been
quite the fight.”
An uncomfortable feeling knots in your gut. A memory rises in your mind,
as fresh as if it happened yesterday. The Count breathing down your
neck, holding you, trapping you… Aeran, with his bow raised, hands
shaking…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Bad case of friendly fire, that’s all I
have to say about it.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO AERAN]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif $garb
is "serithan" and ($scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarCount" or
$scar2 is "scarCount2" or $scar2 is "scarCount")>>“You must have
some interesting stories,” Lydia continues, gazing unabashedly at your
shoulder. “Like how you got—hic—that scar, for instance?”
An uncomfortable feeling knots in your gut. A memory rises in your mind,
as fresh as if it happened yesterday. The Count pinning you to the
ground, his sword slicing through your shoulder…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Nothing heroic, if that’s what you’re
thinking.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO COUNT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“You
must have some interesting stories,” Lydia continues, gazing
unabashedly at you. “Life of a Wayfarer and all that… Why don’t
you—hic—regale us with one?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “None of your business.”|CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO 06B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I would, but I don’t have the time.
Have a good evening.”|CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO
06C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Lydia
makes a disappointed face. She’s about to make a comment when she
disappears into another bout of hiccups and clamps a hand over her
mouth.
Pherusa scoots over and seizes your arm. “Boring to you, maybe,” she
says. “But I would //love// to hear it—”
“Another time—”
“Did you know <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>your eyes
are<<else>>your hair is<</if>> really pretty?”
she adds dreamily. “I didn’t think a Wayfarer could be so pretty.”
You pause, uncertain of what to say. Deciding that it’s time to
disentangle yourself from the trio, you quickly rise to your feet,
mutter an abrupt thanks, and walk away. Pherusa sighs dramatically and
flings herself back on the couch. With Lydia still overcome by her
hiccups, Pherusa and Kalia watch you retreat, disappointed looks on
their faces.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Lydia
makes a face, an odd plaintive whine resonating in the back of her
throat. “Why not?” she says, maintaining her puppy-dog eyes as she
scoots further down the couch. She reaches for your hand. “Call it a
favour for a favour, $firstname—”
You swiftly get to your feet and step out of the way. “No, thanks,” you
say firmly and turn your back on them.
She mutters a short-lived curse and descends into another bout of
hiccups. Kalia and Pherusa take her by the arm, speaking soothing words
to cover her loud complaints. They are completely unaware of how much
their voices carry.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Disentangling
yourself from the trio, you turn your back on them and walk away. Lydia
lets out a loud whine that is quickly overtaken by hiccups. Kalia and
Pherusa take her by the arm, speaking soothing words to cover her loud
complaints, completely unaware of how much their voices carry.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Lydia
gasps and seizes your arm, pulling you close to her, astonishment
shining in her eyes. “The whole town? What did you do?”
You smile wanly. “Got knocked out by falling debris.”
The astonishment dies almost immediately. “Oh,” she says, letting go.
“That’s not—hic—” She flushes and clamps a hand over her mouth.
Pherusa tilts her head, twirling a loose lock of hair around a finger.
“Did you know <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>your eyes
are<<else>>your hair is<</if>> really pretty?”
she says dreamily. “I didn’t think a Wayfarer could be so pretty.”
You pause, uncertain of what to say. Deciding that it’s time to
disentangle yourself from the trio, you quickly rise to your feet,
mutter an abrupt thanks, and walk away. Pherusa sighs dramatically and
flings herself back on the couch. With Lydia still overcome by her
hiccups, Pherusa and Kalia watch you retreat, disappointed looks on
their faces.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Lydia
gasps and seizes your arm, pulling you close to her, astonishment
shining in her eyes. “What happened?” she says. “It must have been a
horrific scene!”
“My partner shot me.”
Her eyes narrow, astonishment giving way to confusion. “By partner, do
you mean—//hic—”//
Pherusa tilts her head, twirling a loose lock of hair around a finger.
“Did you know <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>your eyes
are<<else>>your hair is<</if>> really pretty?”
she says dreamily. “I didn’t think a Wayfarer could be so pretty.”
You pause, uncertain of what to say. Deciding that it’s time to
disentangle yourself from the trio, you quickly rise to your feet,
mutter an abrupt thanks, and walk away. Pherusa sighs dramatically and
flings herself back on the couch. With Lydia still overcome by her
hiccups, Pherusa and Kalia watch you retreat, disappointed looks on
their faces.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Lydia
makes a disappointed face. She’s about to make a comment when she
disappears into another bout of hiccups and clamps a hand over her
mouth.
Pherusa scoots over and seizes your arm. “Maybe you wouldn’t call it
heroic, but I would //love// to hear—”
“I got stabbed when my former employer tried to kill me. Like I said,
nothing heroic.”
She nods and tilts her head, twirling a loose strand of hair around a
finger. “Did you know <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>your
eyes are<<else>>your hair is<</if>> really
pretty?” she says dreamily. “I didn’t think a Wayfarer could be so
pretty.”
You pause, uncertain of what to say. Deciding that it’s time to
disentangle yourself from the trio, you quickly rise to your feet,
mutter an abrupt thanks, and walk away. Pherusa sighs dramatically and
flings herself back on the couch. With Lydia still overcome by her
hiccups, Pherusa and Kalia watch you retreat, disappointed looks on
their faces.
Shaking your head, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
marquee is a large red tent erected on the north-eastern edge of the
gardens. The atmosphere here is far less formal than either pavilion.
Though it is open to the night air, it is unforgivingly warm inside. Its
dim lights, heavy drapes, and thick rugs create a sensual ambience that
feels more at place in a leisure house than a formal, political event.
Smoke drifts through the tent, hanging heavily in the air. You can
almost taste the dreamweed on your tongue.
<<if $mel_messenger is true>>You grit your teeth, cursing
the bard for not giving you further details about this Melchior person.
The marquee is so stuffed with people, you don’t know where to start.
Like the other areas of the pavilions, the crowd has broken into smaller
groups. The indistinct murmur of dozens of conversations weaves through
the air, too layered for you to make much sense of it. The guests’
laughter is languid, their movements relaxed. Some lounge on couches,
others sit on the floor, surrounded by cushions. More than one person
has their head in another’s lap, staring up at their companions with
adoring, yet intoxicated eyes.
The crowd pays you little attention as you weave your way through. The
people here are mostly forgettable, with one wealthy face blending into
the next. Close to the entrance, an elven woman perches on the edge of a
couch, her dark hands folded and resting neatly on one knee. She
glances at you as you pass, her black eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Though she says nothing, you can feel her watching you as you disappear
further into the crowd.
It was something about, Pyrrha’s Overture, right? Maybe this person is
another bard…
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>Suffocated by the haze of
dreamweed and seeking a better vantage point,<<else>>Seeking
a better vantage point,<</if>> you head for the edge of the
marquee. You pass a lounging, blue-skinned melusine and his sycophants,
their laughter ringing in your ears as you squeeze through the couches
towards the perimeter. The drapes are pulled back to reveal the northern
gardens. They descend the sloping grounds, their flickering lights
pointing the way to the lake and the lyranaeum
beyond.<<else>>You scan the crowd, searching for <<if
$phaedra_found is true>>the councillor and her identifying
broach.<<else>>anyone who could be the
councillor.<</if>> The marquee is so stuffed with people,
you hardly know where to begin. Like the other areas of the pavilions,
the crowd has broken into smaller groups. The indistinct murmur of
dozens of conversations weaves through the air, too layered for you to
make much sense of it. The guests’ laughter is languid, their movements
relaxed. Some lounge on couches, others sit on the floor, surrounded by
cushions. More than one person has their head in another’s lap, staring
up at their companions with adoring, yet intoxicated eyes.
The crowd pays you little attention as you weave your way through. The
people here are mostly forgettable, with one wealthy face blending into
the next. Close to the entrance, an elven woman perches on the edge of a
couch, her dark hands folded and resting neatly on one knee. She
glances at you as you pass, her black eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Though she says nothing, you can feel her watching you as you disappear
further into the crowd.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>Suffocated by the haze and
seeking a better vantage point,<<else>>Seeking a better
vantage point<</if>> you head for the edge of the marquee.
You pass a lounging, blue-skinned melusine and his sycophants, their
laughter ringing in your ears as you squeeze through the couches towards
the perimeter. The drapes are pulled back to reveal the northern
gardens. They descend the sloping grounds, their flickering lights
pointing the way to the lake and the lyranaeum
beyond.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_found is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEDRA START
V1]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEDRA CONNECT
SPECIAL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>>“I’m a delegate from the Kingdom of
Vestra,” you say quickly. “I represent House $lastname1’s interests here
in the city.”
“Vestra?” Lydia raises an eyebrow. “I knew I recognized the accent! How
exciting! I haven’t been to Vestra in years—hic—not since the civil war
closed the borders—”
<<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is "scarAtral" or $scar2
is "scarAtral">>“Is that how you got that scar?” Pherusa asks
curiously, staring at your forehead.
You give her a flat look. “Yeah,” you say quickly. “Sure. Listen, I’m
looking for Councillor Amestris. Do you know where I can find
her?”<<elseif $garb is "serithan">><<if $scar1 is
"scarburn" or $scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or
$scar1 is "scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2"
or $scar2 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>“Is that how you got that scar?” Pherusa asks
curiously, staring at your shoulder.
You give her a flat look. “Yeah,” you say quickly. “Sure. Listen, I’m
looking for Councillor Amestris. Do you know where I can find
her?”<</if>><<else>>“Yes,” you say flatly. “It
was a difficult time. Listen, I’m looking for Councillor Amestris. Do
you know where I can find her?”<</if>>
An irritated look crosses Lydia’s face.
Kalia cuts across her, eyeing you eagerly. “Oh, that’s easy. She went to
the marquee ages ago. Look for that… uh… shiny phoenix thing—”
“Broach—//hic//—Kalia.”
“Broach!” she exclaims, snapping her fingers. “The Imperial broach! All
councillors have one.”
“Thanks,” you say, rising to your feet. The trio has already lost
interest in you, completely engrossed in their petty complaints about
the governing council. You cut across the pavilion, their voices ringing
sharply in your ears; they are completely unaware of how much their
voices carry.
Rolling your eyes, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
a delegate from the $lastname1 merchant fleet,” you say quickly. “I
represent its interests in the city.”
“$lastname1?” Lydia cocks her head, her eyes narrowing. “My brother has
frequent dealings with them—//hic//—they are a regular guest in our
house. I don’t recognize your name, $firstname. Are you…?” She trails
off and her lips turn down in a deep frown.
//Shit.//
You rise quickly to your feet. “Pleasure to meet you,” you say, forcing a
smile. “I must be going.”
You turn your back on the trio and walk away. They are unusually quiet,
though you can hear them murmuring furtively together. No doubt you’ve
raised their suspicions, but there’s little they can do about it now.
Shrugging it off, you head for the marquee. If you’re lucky, maybe this
councillor will magically appear and you can get on with your evening.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<if $origin neq
"hunter">><<persuasionPass>><</if>>“I’m a
delegate from the Imperial south,” you say quickly. “This is my first
time in the city.”
“The south?” Lydia raises an eyebrow. “You mean Artanis? <<if
$origin is "hunter">>I thought I recognized the
rustic—//hic//—accent!<<else>>I suppose there is something
about the south in you.<</if>> How unusual. I don’t recall
Velantis having much association with our southern sister.”
You force a smile. “There’s a time for everything, I guess. Listen, I’m
looking for Councillor Amestris. Do you know where I can find her?”
An irritated look flashes across her face.
“Oh, that’s //easy,”// Kalia supplies eagerly. “She went to the marquee
ages ago. Look for that… uh… shiny phoenix thing—”
Lydia rolls her eyes. “Broach, Kalia—”
“Broach!” she exclaims, snapping her fingers. “The Imperial broach! All
councillors have one.”
“Thanks,” you say, rising to your feet. The trio has already lost
interest in you, completely engrossed in their petty complaints about
the governing council. You cut across the pavilion, their voices ringing
sharply in your ears; they are completely unaware of how much their
voices carry.
Rolling your eyes, you push them from your mind and head for the
marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>><<if $origin neq
"hunter">><<persuasionFail>><</if>>“I’m
from the south,” you say quickly. “Artanis.”
“Artanis?” Lydia frowns. “Velantis doesn’t have much of an association
with our southern sister. What brings you here?”
You pause. “Uh. Business.”
Her frown deepens. “What—//hic//—business?”
<<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is "scarAtral" or $scar2
is "scarAtral">>The air grows cold. Pherusa and Kalia pull away
with wary looks, eyeing the scar on your forehead. You have a feeling
that no matter what you say, they won’t believe you. No noble has
scars—no true Imperial noble, that is.<<elseif $garb is
"serithan">><<if $scar1 is "scarburn" or $scar1 is
"scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar1 is "scarCount" or
$scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2" or $scar2 is
"scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran">>The air grows cold. Pherusa and Kalia pull away with
wary looks, eyeing the scar on your shoulder. You have a feeling that no
matter what you say, they won’t believe you. No noble has scars—no true
Imperial noble, that is.<</if>><<else>>The air
grows cold. Pherusa and Kalia pull away, eyeing you with wary looks. You
grit your teeth, cursing at yourself. They’re suspicious of you
now.<</if>>
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>Lydia glances at your pendant.
“You’re that Wayfarer, aren’t you?” she says after a
moment.<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>Lydia glances at
the tattoo on your wrist. “You’re that Wayfarer, aren’t you?” she says
after a moment.<<else>>“You’re that Wayfarer, aren’t you?”
Lydia says after a moment.<</if>>
You rise to your feet.
She scoffs, though her derisive tone is ruined by another unrelenting
hiccup. “Elleshar was right about you. I hate to give him the benefit of
the doubt—//hic//—but in this instance…”
You turn your back on her and walk away. You can feel the trio’s eyes on
you, hear the unintelligible whispers of their furtive gossip as you
cut across the pavilion.
//Waste of time.//
Shrugging it off, you duck through an archway and head into the marquee.
If you’re lucky, maybe this councillor will magically appear and you
can get on with your evening.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<strengthEff>>You seize
their wrist and <<if $height is "short" or $height is "very
short">>drag them to their feet.<<else>>drag them to
their feet, nearly lifting them into the air.<</if>> They
pale, their eyes going wide with fear.
“I don’t have time for your shit,” you hiss. “Now, tell me where to find
the councillor.”
“The councillor is in the marquee,” they say quickly, stumbling over
their own words. “Look for the Imperial phoenix. All of the councillors
wear one.”
“Thank you. That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
You let them go and shove them aside, heading for the marquee. They say
nothing as they watch you go, rubbing their wrist as their eyes bore
into your retreating back. You shrug and push them from your mind.
They’re a single servant and you didn’t hurt them—much. Besides, you’re
not going to be in Mahanin Palace for much longer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<persuasionEff>>“Look here,
friend,” you say. “You know who I am. You know what I am. I asked a
simple question that has a simple answer. Now is not the time to get on
my bad side.”
The servant pauses, their scowl deepening with each passing moment.
Finally, they rise to their feet and smooth down their robes. “The
councillor is in the marquee. Look for the Imperial phoenix. All of the
councillors wear one.”
You smile coolly. “Thanks. That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
They snort and turn their back on you, becoming engrossed in their work
once more. Letting out an irritated sigh, you cross the pavilion and
patter down the steps to the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<drop '$junkInv'
'Bracelet'>><<notify 3000>>-
Bracelet<</notify>>You slide the gold bracelet from your
wrist. “Here,” you say, proffering it to them. “Take it.”
Their lips twitch. You half expect they will refuse and laugh in your
face or give you some other grating reaction just to get under your
skin; to your surprise, they reach out and snatch it from your hand,
their deft fingers slipping it into a deep pocket.
“The councillor is in the marquee,” they say, straightening and rising
to their feet. “Look for the Imperial phoenix. All of the councillors
wear one.”
“Thanks,” you mutter, turning your back on the servant.
Their scoff rings in your ears. Exhaling an irritated breath, you cross
the pavilion and patter down the steps to the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<set $mel_messenger to
true>>They flash you a grin and brush a stray curl out of their
face. You can’t help but notice that their thumbnail is oddly long
compared to the rest. “See that marquee over there? Go find Melchior
Larkspur. Tell him Lyrian lost the score for Pyrrha’s Overture, they’ll
need a replacement.”
You frown. “That’s it? I’m not a messenger—”
“Just do it, Wayfarer. It’ll be worth your while, trust me.”
You fold your arms. “Fine, but I’m not traipsing all over the gala
looking for him. What does he look like?”
They shrug and pick up their pandura. “Don’t know, sorry.”
“What? //How// do you not—”
“She was headed into the marquee, last I saw. Tall elven woman. Look for
an Imperial phoenix broach, all councillors wear them. You can’t miss
her.”
“Thanks,” you say grudgingly.
The bard chuckles. Turning your back on them, you wind your way across
the pavilion, wondering what the hell you’ve agreed to. As you clatter
down the steps into the marquee, the sound of a lilting pandura rings in
your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<set $mel_messenger to
true>>You turn your back on the bard.
“Wait, Wayfarer!” they call. “Wait.”
You glance over your shoulder. “What?”
“She was headed for the marquee, last I saw,” they say hurriedly. “Tall
elven woman. Look for an Imperial phoenix broach, all councillors wear
them. You can’t miss her.”
“Thanks,” you say grudgingly.
The bard sets down their pandura and slips off their stool. “And now for
my favour.”
“I didn’t agree to any favour—”
<<if $height is "very short">>They prod a finger against
your sternum.<<elseif $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>They reach up and prod a finger against your
sternum.<<else>>They reach up and, standing on tip-toes,
prod a finger against your sternum.<</if>> Their thumbnail
is oddly longer—and sharper—than the rest. “You’re gonna do this one,”
they say. “See the marquee over there? Go and find Melchior Larkspur.
Tell him Lyrian lost the score for Pyrrha’s Overture, they’ll need a
replacement.”
You grit your teeth. “I’m not a—”
“Just do it, Wayfarer. It’ll be worth your while, trust me.”
Shoving their hands into the small of your back, they push you towards
the exit and retreat to their stool. Rolling your eyes, you cross the
pavilion and clatter down the steps into the marquee, the sound of a
lilting pandura ringing in your ears.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>Rolling
your eyes, you turn your back on the bard and stalk from the pavilion.
As you clatter down the steps into the courtyard, you hear the light
pluck of their pandura. Maybe it’s your imagination, but there’s a
distinctly annoyed tone to the music. They probably didn’t appreciate
your interruption.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_outed to true>><<persuasionPass>><<if
$pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is true>>The woman’s brow
furrows and she purses her lips, <<if $pendant_worn is
true>> her gaze lingering on your pendant<<else>>her
gaze lingering on your tattoo<</if>>. “You’re Lady Anaxas’
bodyguard are you not?” she asks coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”
“Strange of you to be here and not at your mistress’ side—”
The man places a hand on her shoulder and she falls silent. “I imagine
you’ve seen quite a few strange things in your travels, Wayfarer,” he
says.<<elseif $dressed is true>>The woman’s brow furrows. “I
don’t recognize you. Who are you, $mylord? <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>Are you with the Aosian
delegation?”<<else>>Which house do you
represent?”<</if>>
“I’m Zenaida Anaxas’ bodyguard,” you say.
Her eyes widen and she takes a step back. “The Wayfarer? I had heard Her
Grace had returned with one in her employ, but I did not expect…”
The man places a hand on her shoulder. “I imagine you’ve seen quite a
few strange things in your travels, Wayfarer,” he
says.<<else>>The woman’s brow furrows and she purses her
lips, looking you up and down. “You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard are you
not?” she asks coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”
“Strange of you to be here and not at your mistress’ side—”
The man places a hand on her shoulder and she falls silent. “I imagine
you’ve seen quite a few strange things in your travels, Wayfarer,” he
says.<</if>>
You shrug. “Sure. Depends on the thing in question.”
“Then your experience with the unusual and the unordinary vastly
outstrips our own.”
You pause, folding your arms. There’s an odd desperation to his tone, an
anxious pallor to his face. He has the frantic look of someone dealing
with something far beyond their area of expertise. “And there’s
something unusual happening in Velantis?” you prompt.
He pales and casts an eye around. “Not here,” he mutters under his
breath.
Seizing you by the elbow, he steers you out of the pavilion and into a
quiet, shaded area of the grounds. The woman curses under her breath and
follows.
“This is a delicate matter, Wayfarer,” the man says. “As far as the city
is concerned this is a simple case of murder and manslaughter, perhaps
the result of Undercity syndicates meddling in Falmar.”
//Great.//
You’re unfamiliar with Velantis as a whole, let alone inter-district
politics and organized crime. You don’t like where this is going.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not a solution for delicate matters.
Leave me out of this.”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02A][$tempstat to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Do I look like an investigator to
you?”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02A][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Go on.”|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
02A][$tempstat to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(def
$empirestatus)>><<arathiaLoss>><</if>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>><<set
$mc_outed to true>><<persuasionFail>><<if
$dressed is true and ($pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is
true)>>The woman’s brow furrows and she purses her lips,
<<if $pendant_worn is true>> her gaze lingering on your
pendant<<else>>her gaze lingering on your
tattoo<</if>>.“You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you not?”
she asks coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”<<elseif $dressed is true>>The woman’s brow furrows.
“I don’t recognize you,” she says. “Who are you, $mylord? <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>Are you with the Aosian
delegation?”<<else>>Which house do you
represent?”<</if>>
“I’m Zenaida Anaxas’ bodyguard,” you say.<<else>>The woman’s
brow furrows.“You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you not?” she asks
coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”<</if>>
She raises an eyebrow. “Strange of you to be here and not at your
mistress’ side,” she says coolly. “It must be difficult for you to
fulfill your duties while wandering the grounds.”
You frown, bristling at the insult. “I—”
“This matter does not concern you, Wayfarer. Perhaps you can put your
talent for eavesdropping to good use elsewhere. I know a few gossips who
would pay well for your services.”
With that, she steers her companion away and disappears through an
archway. You watch them go, a frown creasing your brow, and notice that
the rest of the pavilion is staring at you. Shrugging off the dozen
curious and judgmental looks, you retreat through the nearest exit and
patter down the steps into the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>><<set $mc_outed to
true>><<persuasionPass>><<if $dressed is true
and ($pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is true)>>The
woman’s brow furrows and she purses her lips, <<if $pendant_worn
is true>>her gaze lingering on your pendant<<else>>her
gaze lingering on your tattoo.<</if>> “You’re Lady Anaxas’
bodyguard, are you not?” she asks coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”
“What business do you have with Councillor Amestris?”
You shrug. “That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
The woman tsks. “You’ll find her in the marquee,” she says, gesturing to
the pavilion’s exit. “She enjoys surrounding herself with more
entertaining company than Vardell and myself.”
“How do I recognize her?”
“All councillors wear the Imperial phoenix,” the man offers, indicating
the broach pinned to his chest. “Look for it and you will find her in
due course.”
“Thank you.”
You brush past them, walking briskly to the nearest exit and clattering
down the steps into the marquee.<<elseif $dressed is
true>>The woman’s brow furrows. “I don’t recognize you,” she says.
“Who are you, $mylord? <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Are you
with the Aosian delegation?”<<else>>Which house do you
represent?”<</if>>
“I’m Zenaida Anaxas’ bodyguard,” you say.
Her eyes widen and she takes a step back. “The Wayfarer? I had heard Her
Grace had returned with one in her employ, but I did not expect…”
“If you’re searching for Councillor Amestris, you’ll find her in the
marquee,” the man says quickly. “Look for the Imperial phoenix—” He
gestures to the broach on his chest. “—all councillors wear one at the
archon’s request.”
“Thank you.”
You brush past them, walking briskly to the nearest exit and clattering
down the steps into the marquee.<<else>>The woman’s brow
furrows. “You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you not?” she asks coolly.
“The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”
“What business do you have with Councillor Amestris?”
You shrug. “That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
The woman tsks. “You’ll find her in the marquee,” she says, gesturing to
the pavilion’s exit. “She enjoys surrounding herself with more
entertaining company than Vardell and myself.”
“How do I recognize her?”
“All councillors wear the Imperial phoenix,” the man offers, indicating
the broach pinned to his chest. “Look for it and you will find her in
due course.”
“Thank you.”
You brush past them, walking briskly to the nearest exit and clattering
down the steps into the marquee.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(def
$empirestatus)>><<arathiaLoss>><</if>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10,
79)>><<persuasionFail>><<if $dressed is true and
($pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is true)>>The woman’s
brow furrows and she purses her lips, <<if $pendant_worn is
true>> her gaze lingering on your pendant<<else>>her
gaze lingering on your tattoo<</if>>.“You’re Lady Anaxas’
bodyguard, are you not?” she asks coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”<<elseif $dressed is true>>The woman’s brow furrows.
“I don’t recognize you,” she says. “Who are you, $mylord? <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>Are you with the Aosian
delegation?”<<else>>Which house do you
represent?”<</if>>
“I’m Zenaida Anaxas’ bodyguard,” you say.<<else>>The woman’s
brow furrows.“You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you not?” she asks
coolly. “The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”<</if>>
She raises an eyebrow. “Strange of you to be here and not at your
mistress’ side,” she says coolly. “It must be difficult for you to
fulfill your duties while wandering the grounds.”
You shrug, letting the insult pass. “I’m looking for Councillor
Amestris. Do you know where she is?”
The woman tuts. “That does nothing to convince me of your talents. If
you cannot find a single councillor at a private gala, then how skilled
can you truly be?”
With that, she steers her companion away and disappears through an
archway. You watch them go, a frown creasing your brow, and notice that
the rest of the pavilion is staring at you. Shrugging off the dozen
curious and judgmental looks, you retreat through the nearest exit and
patter down the steps into the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Sorry,”
you mutter. “Not who I was after.”
<<if $dressed is true and $pendant_worn isnot true>>Without
waiting for a reply, you turn quickly and hurry through an archway. The
woman’s eyes bore into your back as you retreat through and archway and
into the marquee. You shake it off and consider where to go
next.<<elseif $dressed is true and $tattoo_visible is
false>>Without waiting for a reply, you turn quickly and hurry
through an archway. The woman’s eyes bore into your back as you retreat
through and archway and into the marquee. You shake it off and consider
where to go next.<<else>><<set $mc_outed to
true>><<set $phaedra_found to true>>You turn abruptly
to make your retreat.
“Wait, stranger,” the woman calls, stopping you in your tracks. “You’re
Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you not? The Wayfarer?”
You force a smile. “I am.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Strange of you to be here and not at your
mistress’ side,” she says coolly. “It must be difficult for you to
fulfill your duties while wandering the grounds.”
You shrug, letting the insult pass. “I’m looking for Councillor
Amestris. Do you know where she is?”
“Check the marquee,” the man says, his helpful tone earning a glare from
his companion. “No doubt she has gone in search of more amiable company
than Mephala and myself. She is growing impatient with politics in her
old age.”
The woman snorts. “If Phaedra’s old, I hate to think what that makes
me.”
He ignores her. “All councillors wear the Imperial phoenix,” he
continues, indicating the broach pinned to his chest. “Look for it and
you will find her in due course.”
“Thank you.”
You brush past them and walk briskly to the nearest exit and enter the
marquee.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$killer_drug to true>><<if $temptstat is 1>>“I’m not
asking for your help, Wayfarer, merely for your advice,” the man says
wearily.
“Fine.”
He exhales a slow breath. “There’s an alchemical substance passing
through Falmar. Some new compound—we don’t know where it came from or
how folk have gotten their hands on it. But sixteen souls have been
discovered in Falmar. It killed all of them.”<<else>>The man
gives you a strained smile. “There’s an alchemical substance passing
through Falmar,” he says. “Some new compound—we don’t know where it came
from or how folk have gotten their hands on it. But sixteen souls have
been discovered in Falmar. It killed all of them.”<</if>>
<<if $facialhair neq "none">>You scratch your
chin.<<else>>You scratch the back of your
neck.<</if>> “That’s not really my area of expertise—”
“It’s not just the sixteen, Wayfarer,” he interrupts, his voice hollow.
“It’s their victims, too. The drug instills bloodlust. Uncontrollable,
raging bloodlust. You can’t reason with them once they’ve been exposed.
They tear their victims apart.”
<<if $marshwall is true>>A chill runs down your spine. You
remember the blood-soaked hallway in that house in Marshwall, your
attacker’s twisted face and bulging eyes as she tried to murder you. She
had one purpose and one purpose only.
To kill.<<else>>You frown. While you’ve certainly
encountered warriors who use alchemical concoctions to enhance their
skills, you’ve never seen anything quite like that.<</if>>
“As I keep telling you, Vardell, there must be a connection somewhere,”
the woman says wearily. “The Undercity syndicates—”
“Not even Messarian would dare touch the stuff,” he snaps.
“And you’re certain it’s street alchemy?” she presses. “Not magic that
backfired, perhaps, or an unravelling enchantment—?”
“What enchantment could do this? By the gods, Mephala, twenty people are
dead. Thirty-six, if you include their murderers.” Shaking his head, he
ignores her and turns back to you, a pleading look in his eyes. “Have
you encountered something like this before, Wayfarer? If you know
anything, please, I must know.”
<<if $marshwall is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him what you
discovered in Marshwall.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re not getting involved in this.
Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Unfortunately,
you know nothing. Let him down gently.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
03C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Even if you did know something,
you’re not getting involved in this.|CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$empirestatus is
1>><<arathiaGain>><</if>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp + 10, 10, 79)>><<set
$vardell_favour to true>>“I have,” you say carefully.
Vardell’s eyes widen. //“Where?”//
“Rona. I don’t know the circumstances, but I fought someone with similar
symptoms to the ones you’re describing. She couldn’t be reasoned with.
And if I had to guess, she had murdered several people before I
arrived.”
He pauses, passing a hand across his face. “Thank you, Wayfarer. Your
testimony helps more than you know. I will remember this. Should you
find yourself in Falmar, call on me. I am happy to return the favour.”
Giving you a strained smile, he bows and slips back inside the pavilion,
ushering Mephala alongside him. You watch them go, restlessly shifting
your weight from foot to foot. Though whatever is happening in Falmar is
troubling, you don’t know the full context. This is as much as you can
do for him right now.
By the time they disappear, you realize you forgot to ask about the
councillor. Cursing under your breath, you duck through an archway and
head into the marquee. If you’re lucky, maybe this councillor will
magically appear and you can get on with your evening.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(def
$empirestatus)>><<arathiaLoss>><</if>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>>“Doesn’t sound
familiar,” you say shortly. “And I can’t get involved.”
Vardell opens his mouth in protest, but you abruptly brush him aside and
walk away. You can feel his eyes boring into you, disappointment giving
way to outrage and annoyance.
Shaking your head, you duck through an archway and head into the
marquee. While the situation in Falmar is alarming, you don’t know the
full context. It isn’t your concern.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
sorry, Vardell,” you say. “It doesn’t sound familiar.”
He pauses, shoulders dropping. “I feared as much,” he says. “Thank you
for your assistance.”
Giving you a strained smile, he bows and heads back inside the pavilion,
ushering Mephala alongside him. You watch them go, restlessly shifting
your weight from foot to foot. Though whatever is happening in Falmar is
troubling, you don’t know the full context. It’s not your concern right
now.
By the time they disappear, you realize you forgot to ask about the
councillor. Cursing under your breath, you duck through an archway and
head into the marquee. If you’re lucky, maybe this councillor will
magically appear and you can get on with your evening.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_found to true>>You clear your throat. “I’m looking for
Councillor Amestris. Have you seen her?”
The nobles round on you, their expressions turning dark. They know you
must have overheard part of their conversation and they are none too
pleased about it.
<<if $dressed is true and ($pendant_worn is true or
$tattoo_visible is true)>>The woman’s brow furrows with suspicion
as she looks you up and down. “You’re Lady Anaxas’ bodyguard, are you
not?” she asks coolly. <<if $pendant_worn is true>>Her eyes
linger on the pendant at your throat.<<else>>Her eyes linger
on the tattoo on your wrist.<</if>>“The Wayfarer?”
“I am.”
“Strange of you to be here and not at your mistress’ side. It must be
difficult for you to fulfill your duties while wandering the grounds.”
You grit your teeth, but let the insult pass. “Councillor Amestris? If
you can’t tell me where she is, can you at least tell me what she looks
like?”
“Check the marquee,” the man says, cutting over his companion. “No doubt
she has gone in search of more amiable company than Mephala and myself.
She is growing impatient with politics in her old age.”
The woman snorts. “If Phaedra’s old, I hate to think what that makes
me.”
He ignores her. “All councillors wear the Imperial phoenix,” he says,
indicating the broach pinned to his chest. “Look for it and you will
find her in due course.”<<else>>The woman’s brow furrows
with confusion. “I don’t recognize you,” she says. “Who are you,
$mylord? <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Are you with the Aosian
delegation?”<<else>>Which house do you
represent?”<</if>>
“I’m Zenaida Anaxas’ bodyguard,” you say.
Her eyes widen and she takes a step back. “The Wayfarer? I had heard Her
Grace had returned with one in her employ, but I did not expect…” She
trails off awkwardly and looks away, too proud to look you in the eye.
“If you’re searching for Councillor Amestris, you’ll find her in the
marquee,” the man says quickly. “Look for the Imperial phoenix—” He
gestures to the broach on his chest. “—all councillors wear one at the
archon’s request.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Thank him.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE 01A
CONT][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You have what you need. Move
on.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE 01A CONT][$tempstat to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
step sideways, squeezing through the gap between two couches,
meandering as naturally as possible as you trail them from a distance.
Though some guests glance at you as you pass, most pay you no heed.
The nobles come to a halt near the pavilion’s northern exit. Feeling
several eyes on you, you return to the dragon statues and sit on the
stone bench, making a show of adjusting your shoe.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>[[1. [AEDA]
You’re close enough to understand what they’re saying. Listen
in.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE LISTEN 01AEDA]]<<else>><s>1.
[AEDA] Ancestry requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"human">>[[2. [HUMAN] You’re not close enough to understand what
they’re saying, but your human appearance helps you blend in with the
crowd. You might be able to get close enough without them noticing
you…|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE LISTEN
01BHUMAN]]<<else>><s>2. [HUMAN] Ancestry requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry neq "aeda" or
$ancestry neq "human">><<if $dressed is true>>[[3. Get
closer.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE LISTEN 01BHUMAN]]<<else>>[[3.
Get closer.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE LISTEN
01C]]<</if>><<else>><s>3. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Not worth the risk. Leave the
pavilion.|CHAPTER 2 EP ESCAPE LISTEN
01D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>You nod your thanks and turn your back on the
councillors and head for the exit.<<else>>Deciding this is
all you can get from him, you turn your back on the councillors and head
for the exit.<</if>> As you clatter down the stone steps
and slip into the marquee, you wonder briefly what they were discussing.
Some matter of city security, perhaps?
//Doesn’t matter,// you think. It’s not like you’re going to get
involved. You’re here to do one job and then you’ll be gone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$killer_drug to true>>“…how many have been affected?” the woman
asks.
“Sixteen,” the man replies, his voice hollow. “They’ve appeared all over
Falmar. There’s no pattern in age, ancestry, or livelihood. Ordinary
folk with no known maladies are suddenly driven mad—”
She sighs wearily. “There must be some connection somewhere. The
Undercity syndicates—”
“Not even Messarian would dare touch the stuff. It instills bloodlust,
Mephala. Uncontrollable, raging bloodlust. You can’t reason with them
once they’ve been exposed. They rip their victims apart.”
<<if $marshwall is true>>A chill runs down your spine. You
remember the blood-soaked hallway in that house in Marshwall, your
attacker’s twisted face and bulging eyes as she tried to murder you. She
couldn’t be reasoned with. She had one purpose and one purpose only.
To kill.<<else>>You frown. While you’ve certainly
encountered warriors who use alchemical concoctions to enhance their
skills, you’ve never seen anything quite like that.<</if>>
“And you’re certain it’s street alchemy? Not magic that backfired
perhaps, or an unravelling enchantment—?”
“What enchantment could do this? By the gods, Mephala, twenty people are
dead. Thirty-six, if you include their murderers. The archon needs to
act now and root out the cause before it spreads.”
The aristocrats pass through the northern entrance and disappear down
the path. You rise from the bench, brow furrowed. While their
conversation is certainly alarming, you don’t know the full context.
Whatever’s happening in Falmar isn’t your concern.
Shaking your head, you put the thought aside, duck through an archway
and slip into the nearby marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$killer_drug to true>>The aristocrats linger by the archways,
standing in shadow. You frown, your impatience rising—you cannot hear
them above the din of the surrounding conversations. Cursing under your
breath, you rise to your feet and meander casually towards the northern
exit.
“…how many have been affected?” the woman asks.
“Sixteen,” the man replies, his voice hollow. “They’ve appeared all over
Falmar. There’s no pattern in age, ancestry, or livelihood. Ordinary
folk with no known maladies are suddenly driven mad—”
She sighs wearily. “There must be some connection somewhere. The
Undercity syndicates—”
“Not even Messarian would dare touch the stuff. It instills bloodlust,
Mephala. Uncontrollable, raging bloodlust. You can’t reason with them
once they’ve been exposed. They rip their victims apart.”
<<if $marshwall is true>>You freeze and a chill runs down
your spine. You remember the blood-soaked hallway in that house in
Marshwall, your attacker’s twisted face and bulging eyes as she tried to
murder you. She couldn’t be reasoned with. She had one purpose and one
purpose only.
To kill.<<else>>You draw to a halt, frowning. While you’ve
certainly encountered warriors who use alchemical concoctions to enhance
their skills, you’ve never seen anything quite like
that.<</if>>
“And you’re certain it’s street alchemy? Not magic that backfired
perhaps, or an unravelling enchantment—?”
“What enchantment could do this? By the gods, Mephala, twenty people are
dead. Thirty-six, if you include their murderers. The archon needs to
act now and root out the cause before it spreads.”
Unaware of your presence, the aristocrats pass through the northern
entrance and disappear down the path. Knowing you cannot follow them
further without being noticed, you make your way towards a different
exit. While their conversation is certainly alarming, you don’t know the
full context. Whatever’s happening in Falmar isn’t your concern.
Shaking your head, you put the thought aside, duck through an archway
and slip into the nearby marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
(def
$empirestatus)>><<arathiaLoss>><</if>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>>The aristocrats
linger by the archways, standing in shadow. You frown, your impatience
rising—you cannot hear them above the din of the surrounding
conversations. Cursing under your breath, you rise to your feet and
slowly meander towards the northern exit, walking as casually as you can
manage.
“…how many have been affected?” the woman asks.
“Sixteen,” the man replies, his voice hollow. “They’ve appeared all over
Falmar. There’s no pattern in age, ancestry, or livelihood. Ordinary
folk with no known maladies are suddenly driven mad—”
She sighs wearily. “There must be some connection somewhere. The
Undercity syndicates—”
She breaks off, her eyes meeting yours. Her expression darkens and she
grabs the man by the arm, ushering him through the archway and into the
grounds beyond.
You watch them go, your jaw clenched, arms folded. You should have known
better—there was no way you could have followed them without being
noticed, not when you’re dressed as a mercenary. You stick out like a
sore thumb next to all these beautiful garments and jewel-encrusted
nobles.
Shoving aside your annoyance with yourself, you duck through an archway
and slip into the nearby marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>//Don’t
get involved for the sake of your stupid curiosity, $firstname, what if
they find you eavesdropping? Just leave it.//
Shoving aside your annoyance with yourself, you duck through an archway
and slip into the nearby marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
START]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
one for the hedonistic whims of the Velantian court?”
You glance over your shoulder. The elven woman emerges from the shadows
and draws to a halt at your side.
“Unfortunate this is our first impression,” she continues. Her voice is
deep and rich, enhancing her natural, self-assured grace. “From Erenvor
to Nemain, the Imperial houses are a decadent lot. We may pretend to
play politics, but it is merely an excuse to indulge ourselves… in every
meaning of the word.”
You pause, swallowing the tightness in your throat. Dressed in a deep
crimson serithan, she has set herself apart by forgoing the fashionably
bright shades you’ve seen on other nobles. Her thick, black braids are
coiled on the top of her head and decorated with elaborate cuffs, beads,
and crystals. They glint in the marquee’s dim light, shining like
constellations in the midnight of her hair. A gold broach shaped like a
phoenix is pinned above her heart, adorning her serithan’s deep
neckline.
You stare at it, frowning as you try to place the shape.
<<if $gender is "male">>She arches an eyebrow. “A
councillor’s broach,” she says lightly, gesturing at it. “The Arathian
phoenix. Mark of the Velantian governing council.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “A councillor? Lucky me.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAE CONNECT 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Councillor or not, if you expect me
to recognize you, you’re out of luck.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAE CONNECT
02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Good for you. Goodbye.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAE CONNECT
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>She
arches an eyebrow. “A councillor’s broach,” she says, lightly touching
it with a finger. “The Arathian phoenix. Mark of the Velantian governing
council. Do you recognize it? Or is there another reason you’re staring
so intently at my bosom?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “Sometimes. If you have a problem
with it, I am more than happy to stop.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAE START 01A
FLIRT V2][$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0,
100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… well… um…”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAE START 01B V2][$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0,
100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let it pass without comment. She’s
attractive, sure, but you’re not here to flirt.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAE
START 01C V2]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. This is tiresome. Leave.|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAE START 01D
V2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Not
one for the hedonistic whims of the Velantian court?”
You glance over your shoulder. The elven woman emerges from the shadows
and draws to a halt at your side.
“Unfortunate this is our first impression,” she continues. Her voice is
deep and rich, enhancing her natural, self-assured grace. “From Erenvor
to Nemain, the Imperial houses are a decadent lot. We may pretend to
play politics, but it is merely an excuse to indulge ourselves… in every
meaning of the word.”
You pause, eyes narrowing as you take her in. Dressed in a deep crimson
serithan, she has set herself apart by forgoing the fashionably bright
shades you’ve seen on other nobles. Her thick, black braids are coiled
on the top of her head and decorated with elaborate cuffs, beads, and
crystals. They glint in the marquee’s dim light, shining like
constellations in the midnight of her hair. A gold broach shaped like a
phoenix is pinned above her heart, adorning her serithan’s deep
neckline.
The councillor.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEDRA START V1
01]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Phaedra
Amestris, I take it?” you say, glancing at the broach. “I heard you
were looking for me.”
<<if $gender is "male">>She smiles approvingly. “I see you
recognize this,” she says, gesturing at her broach. “So you must know
who I am.”
“Yeah, sure. Mind telling me why you wanted to see me?”
“I have been longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t
imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but
she has always been an unorthodox girl.”
You pause. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>She
smiles. “So you recognize this,” she says, one finger lingering on the
broach. “Or do you always stare so ardently at strangers’ bosoms?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “Sometimes. If you have a problem
with it, I am more than happy to stop.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAE START 01A
FLIRT][$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… well… um…”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAE START 01B][$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0,
100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let it pass without comment. She’s
attractive, sure, but you’re not here to flirt.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAE
START 01C]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. This is tiresome. Leave.|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAE START
01D]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>A
small crease appears between her brows. “Rona?” she says after a
moment. “I hate to think what you were doing in that cesspool.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s not a cesspool.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAECONVO 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let’s call it a low point and leave
it at that.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
tilts her chin, sensing the challenge. “I should hope not,” she
replies. “Many here are quick to judge you, but I know you are no fool.
Your past is of no concern to me. I do not care for //why// you are
here, but rather that you //are.// It’s fortunate I have a keen eye and a
talent for knowing exactly what I want.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Flatterer.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And what do you want from
me?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Phaedra
chuckles, her laughter resonating deep in the back of her throat. “I’m a
decisive person, $firstname, with little patience for wasting time,”
she says, finally lowering her hand. “It’s fortunate I have a keen eye
and a talent for knowing exactly what I want.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Flatterer.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And what do you want from
me?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>>She
smiles. “Phaedra Amestris,” she says, her gaze sweeping over you. Her
finger still rests on her broach. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been
longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine
where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has
always been an unorthodox girl.”
You pause. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>>A
flush burns across your cheeks. Cursing inwardly, you draw away and
cross your arms protectively against your chest. You didn’t expect to be
caught off-guard so easily.
She throws back her head, a scintillating laugh escaping her lips.
“Phaedra Amestris,” she says warmly. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been
longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine
where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has
always been an unorthodox girl.”
You shift restlessly from foot to foot, watching her carefully. There’s
something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the mask she has
constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an Arathian
aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control. Any
impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Councillor
or not, if you expect me to recognize you, you’re out of luck,” you
say.
Her gaze sweeps over you. “Phaedra Amestris,” she says, dropping her
hand to her side. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been longing to meet
you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine where Sophia’s
daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has always been an
unorthodox girl.”
You frown. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn to leave and her hand snakes out, grasping your elbow and pulling
you to a stop.
“As I have an appreciation for directness, I’ll ignore your discourtesy
for this instance,” she says. “I cannot stop you from leaving, but I
strongly advise against it. All I request is a moment of your time.”
“Why?” you grunt.
She raises her chin imperiously. “My name is Phaedra Amestris,
Wayfarer,” she says, letting you go. “I am the Councillor of Ithyria. I
have been longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t
imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she
has always been an unorthodox girl.”
There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the mask she has
constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an Arathian
aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control. Any
impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles and lowers her hand to her side. “Very fortunate,” she says, her
eyes sweeping over you. “Phaedra Amestris, Councillor of Ithyria. I
have been longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t
imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she
has always been an unorthodox girl.”
You pause. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
tilts her head, her gaze sweeping over you. “Phaedra Amestris,” she
says. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been longing to meet you since your
arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to
rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has always been an unorthodox girl.”
You pause. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn to leave.
Her hand snakes out and grasps your elbow, pulling you to a stop. “As I
have an appreciation for directness, I’ll ignore your discourtesy for
this instance. I cannot stop you from leaving, but I strongly advise
against it. All I request is a moment of your time.”
“Why?” you grunt.
She raises her chin imperiously. “My name is Phaedra Amestris,
Wayfarer,” she says, letting you go. “I am the Councillor of Ithyria. I
have been longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t
imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she
has always been an unorthodox girl.”
There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the mask she has
constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an Arathian
aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control. Any
impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>>“Phaedra
Amestris,” she says, smiling as her gaze sweeps over you. Her finger
still rests on her broach. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been longing
to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine where
Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has always
been an unorthodox girl.”
You pause. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>>A
flush burns across your cheeks. Cursing inwardly, you draw away and
cross your arms protectively against your chest. You didn’t expect to be
caught off-guard so easily.
She throws back her head, a scintillating laugh escaping her lips.
“Phaedra Amestris,” she says warmly. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been
longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine
where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has
always been an unorthodox girl.”
You shift restlessly from foot to foot, watching her carefully. There’s
something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the mask she has
constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an Arathian
aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control. Any
impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Councillor
or not, if you expect me to recognize you, you’re out of luck,” you
say.
Her gaze sweeps over you. “Phaedra Amestris,” she says, dropping her
hand to her side. “Councillor of Ithyria. I have been longing to meet
you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t imagine where Sophia’s
daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she has always been an
unorthodox girl.”
You frown. There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the
mask she has constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an
Arathian aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control.
Any impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to
give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn to leave and her hand snakes out, grasping your elbow and pulling
you to a stop.
“As I have an appreciation for directness, I’ll ignore your discourtesy
for this instance,” she says. “I cannot stop you from leaving, but I
strongly advise against it. All I request is a moment of your time.”
“Why?” you grunt.
She raises her chin imperiously. “My name is Phaedra Amestris,
Wayfarer,” she says, letting you go. “I am the Councillor of Ithyria. I
have been longing to meet you since your arrival, $firstname. I can’t
imagine where Sophia’s daughter managed to rustle up a Wayfarer, but she
has always been an unorthodox girl.”
There’s something unreadable in her eyes—you can sense the mask she has
constructed for herself, this perfect presentation of an Arathian
aristocrat. She is calm, calculated, and in complete control. Any
impression she makes on those around her is the one she wants to give.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Rona’s an unorthodox place.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can’t give my secrets away that
easily, Councillor.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Can you call it longing when I
haven’t even been in the city for a day?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’re
not sure why you feel the need to defend the city that nearly killed
you, but something in her dismissive tone irks you.
Her mouth tightens in an unimpressed frown. “Regardless, your past
matters little to me,” she says smoothly, ignoring your comment. “I do
not care for why you are here, but rather that you are.”
“Seems like you want something from me.”
<<if $gender is "male">>“Of course. We are all but pawns in
each other’s games. Though we may have differing goals, we can still
find ways to benefit from each other.”
You pause, frowning at the implication. “Look,
I—”<<else>>“Of course. We are all but pawns in each other’s
games. Though we may have differing goals, we can still benefit from
each other… in more ways than one.”
You pause. Considering the arch look she’s giving you, the
double-meaning of her words cannot be clearer. “Look,
I—”<</if>>
She seizes your arm in a firm grasp. “It’s cold standing by this
entrance, is it not?” she says. “We can certainly find better
accommodations further in. This way.”
Without further comment, she guides you back inside the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses and gives you a respectful nod. “Gladly,” she says. “Your past
is of no concern to me. I do not care for why you are here, but rather
that you are. It’s fortunate I have a keen eye and a talent for knowing
exactly what I want.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Flatterer.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And what do you want from
me?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Phaedra
slips through the crowd, smiling pleasantly at passersby when they call
her name. Guiding you to an isolated couch, she gestures for you to sit
while she pours herself a glass of wine. She reaches for a second cup
and pauses, fingers resting on the stem.
“Drink, $firstname?” she asks.
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No,” you say firmly.
She nods acceptingly and crosses to the plush couch, her deep crimson
skirts swirling <<if $phaedrarom >=2>>attractively about
her<<else>>about her<</if>>. The fabric is so
dark in the dim light, it looks nearly black. Sitting gracefully beside
you, she leans an elbow on the armrest and takes a sip of wine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>
<<elseif $mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept.|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT][$wine +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2.
Decline. You’re not drinking anything you haven’t prepared
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE DECLINE]]<<else>>[[2.
Decline. You’ve had enough to drink for one night.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE
DECLINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Accept.|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT][$mcalcohol to true, $wine +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline. You’re not drinking
anything you haven’t prepared yourself.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE
DECLINE][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline her offer. You
don’t like consuming
alcohol.'>><<dialog>><<include "PHAEDRA WINE
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$gender neq "male">><<phaedraRomance>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>She shrugs, a
light smile on her lips, and delicately twists her fingers together.
“Oh, I can be much more than that,” she says, looking you up and down.
“In this city we are all but pawns in each other’s games. Though we may
have differing goals, we can still benefit from each other… in more ways
than one.”
Her gaze lingers on you pointedly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. It’s been a long time since a woman like her
has taken such a specific interest in you. Play into it. You want to
see where this goes.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Shrug it off. Whatever she wants,
she can tell you without the double meanings.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAECONVO
04B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Perhaps,”
she says, delicately twisting her fingers together. “In this city we
are all but pawns in each other’s games. Though we may have differing
goals, we can still find ways to benefit from each other—but no matter.
It is cold standing by this entrance, is it not? We can certainly find
better accommodations further in. This way.”
Without further comment, she takes you by the arm and ushers you back
inside the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>She
laughs lightly and places a hand on your shoulder. “Something only you
can provide, of course.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m listening.”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Do you make a habit of accosting
strangers at parties to offer them jobs?”|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
05B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “It will cost you.”|CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAECONVO 05C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>“And what
benefits are you looking for, Phaedra?” you say. “I’m little more than a
mercenary. Surely a councillor has access to those who offer similar
services.”
She chuckles huskily and takes your arm. “That is true,” she replies,
leaning into you. “But none are quite like you. Now, shall we find
better accommodations? It is cold standing by this entrance.”
Without further comment, she guides you back inside the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Spit
it out,” you say, drawing away from her.
She frowns. “It’s cold standing by this entrance, is it not?” she says.,
seizing your arm in a firm grasp. “We can certainly find better
accommodations further in. This way.”
Without further comment, she guides you back inside the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gender neq "male">><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>><<phaedraRomance>><<set $phaedrarom to
Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>“I would hope so,” she says,
slipping her hand down your arm. “In this city we are all but pawns in
each other’s games. Though we may have differing goals, we can still
benefit from each other… in more ways than one.”
You pause, glancing at her hand. It rests delicately on your elbow, her
fingers warm against your skin. An excited shiver prickles the back of
your neck.
Phaedra smiles archly. “It is cold by this entrance, is it not?” she
says, ushering you back inside the marquee. “We can certainly find
better accommodations further in. This way.”<<else>>“I would
hope so,” she says, taking you by the arm. “In this city we are all but
pawns in each other’s games. Though we may have differing goals, we can
still benefit from each other… in more ways than one.”
You pause, glancing at her hand. It rests delicately on your elbow, her
fingers warm against your skin.
Phaedra smiles archly. “It is cold by this entrance, is it not?” she
says, ushering you back inside the marquee. “We can certainly find
better accommodations further in. This
way.”<</if>><<else>>“I would hope so,” she
replies smoothly. “In this city we are all but pawns in each other’s
games. Though we may have differing goals, we can still benefit from
each other.”
Without waiting for a reply, she takes you by the arm and ushers you
back inside the marquee. “It is cold by this entrance, is it not? We
can certainly find better accommodations further in. This
way.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gender neq "male">><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>><<phaedraRomance>><<set $phaedrarom to
Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>><</if>>She
laughs. “Depends on the stranger,” she says, taking you by the arm. “In
this city we are all but pawns in each other’s games. Though we may have
differing goals, we can still benefit from each other… in more ways
than one.”
You pause, glancing at her hand. It rests delicately on your elbow, her
fingers warm against your skin. <<if $phaedrarom >=1>>An
excited shiver prickles the back of your neck.<</if>>
Phaedra smiles archly. “It is cold by this entrance, is it not?” she
says, ushering you back inside the marquee. “We can certainly find
better accommodations further in. This way.”<<else>>She
laughs. “Depends on the stranger, of course,” she says. “In this city we
are all but pawns in each other’s games. Though we may have differing
goals, we can still benefit from each other.”
Without waiting for a reply, she takes you by the arm and ushers you
back inside the marquee. “It is cold by this entrance, is it not? We
can certainly find better accommodations further in. This
way.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
pauses and leans in, her lips pressed close to your ear. “Of that I
have no doubt,” she says. “We are all but pawns in each other’s games.
<<if $gender neq "male">>Though we may have differing goals,
we can still benefit from each other… in more ways than
one.”<<else>>Though we may have differing goals, we can
still find ways to benefit from each other.”<</if>>
Without waiting for a reply, she seizes your arm in a firm grasp and
ushers you back inside the marquee. “It is cold standing by this
entrance, is it not? We can certainly find better accommodations further
in. This way.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
nod. Smiling approvingly, Phaedra pours a second glass and hands it to
you.
<<if $wine is 0>>You stare into the glass, noting the deep
red colour, and take a hesitant sip. The strong taste hits you hard,
flooding your senses and lingering on your
tongue.<<else>>The scent hits you, making your head spin,
but you down a mouthful anyways. The wine’s blazing warmth returns and
you take a breath, sinking into the couch.<</if>>
Smiling pleasantly, Phaedra crosses to you, her deep crimson skirts
swirling <<if $phaedrarom >=2>>attractively about
her<<else>>swirling about her<</if>>. The fabric
is so dark in the dim light, it looks nearly black. She sits gracefully
beside you and leans an elbow on the armrest, taking a sip of wine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,”
you say, sinking into the plush couch. “Not right now.”
She nods acceptingly and crosses to you, her deep crimson skirts
swirling <<if $phaedrarom >=2>>attractively about
her<<else>>swirling about her<</if>>. The fabric
is so dark in the dim light, it looks nearly black. Sitting gracefully
beside you, she leans an elbow on the armrest and takes a sip of wine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,”
you say firmly, shaking your head.
She nods acceptingly and crosses to the plush couch, her deep crimson
skirts swirling <<if $phaedrarom >=2>>attractively about
her<<else>>swirling about her<</if>>. The fabric
is so dark in the dim light, it looks nearly black. Sitting gracefully
beside you, she leans an elbow on the armrest and takes a sip of wine.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“You find yourself in an
enviable position, $firstname,” Phaedra says, casting a shrewd eye at
the crowd around you. “It has been nearly twenty years since a Wayfarer
has graced Mahanin’s halls.”
//Wayfarers,// you think. You aren’t here alone. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>How has Aeran escaped her
notice?<<else>>Though you’d rather not think about Aeran
right now…<</if>>
“Not sure if I should be flattered or offended,” you say.
“Whichever you decide, take your grievances to the Empire,” she replies,
lowering her glass. “The Lotharic city-states are no stranger to your
order. I remember a time when Wayfarers were a presence throughout the
region, called upon to perform duties for even the most prestigious
leaders.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>You
swallow a mouthful of wine.<<else>>You
snort.<</if>> “Find that hard to believe. The Guild has
always been headquartered here. That’s more than enough reason to keep
our distance.”
She pauses, glancing at you with narrowed eyes. “You are curiously
dismissive for someone currently employed by a Guild mage.”
“Business is business.”
“Indeed.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>She raises her glass to her lips and drinks, her focus
returning to the crowd. From your solitary corner, you have a good view
of the marquee and its revelry. <<if $wine
>=2>>Conversation thumps in your ears, building a headache at
the base of your skull.<<else>>Conversation thumps in your
ears, the indistinct murmurs washing over you.<</if>> The
scent of wine hangs in the air, growing stronger as the evening
progresses. Somehow, everyone looks identical and dissimilar at the same
time. Couples entangle together freely, caring little about displaying
their passion publicly.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>You frown, a flare of
jealousy twisting in your stomach. Their contentment is so easy…
Something you’ll never be able to have. Not with Aeran being the way he
is.<<elseif $aeranrom >=10>>You let out a long breath.
While you’re not jealous—not exactly—the ease of their contentment
scratches away at you. You’ve never had something like
that.<<else>>You roll your eyes, shutting it out. While
you’re not jealous, there is something enviable about the ease of their
contentment. You’ve never had something like that.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>You
take a drink, letting the wine sit heavily in your
mouth.<<else>>You lean back, sinking further into the
couch.<</if>> The melusine has attracted a new—and
larger—entourage. They press in around him, listening rapturously, some
sitting on the floor, others perched on armrests. A sycophant hangs onto
his arm, watching him with wide, adoring eyes. He leans in and touches a
finger to their chin, giving them a sly smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I
asked for you because I need your help, $firstname,” Phaedra says
quietly.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAECONVO
05C")>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE
ACCEPT")>>You glance at her and rest your cup on your
knee.<<else>>You glance at her.<</if>> “Like I
said, my help doesn’t come for free.”<<else>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>You glance at her
and rest your cup on your knee.<<else>>You glance at
her.<</if>> “Then hopefully you can afford
it.”<</if>>
<<if $phaedrarom >=2>>She chuckles, her eyes flickering
over you. “I will find a way to compensate you, have no fear,” she says.
Shifting her weight, she leans in and gently places a hand against your
cheek. Her touch is exceedingly warm and sends an excited shiver
rolling down your spine—or was that your imagination? “But it is a small
request.”
You pause, your mouth strangely dry. “How small?”
She abruptly draws away and takes another drink. “It’s simple. I need
your eyes.”<<else>>She chuckles, shaking her head. “I will
find a way to compensate you, have no fear,” she says. “But it is a
small request. I need your eyes.”<</if>>
“My… eyes?”
“I am searching for someone. He has been a thorn in my side for many
years now. I know he’s here—such events usually draw him out—but being
the deceptive scoundrel he is, he is in the guise of another.”
“He’s an illusionist?”
“An extremely capable one. If I remember correctly, illusions have no
hold over a Wayfarer’s mind?”
<<if $lyranaeum is true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>You nod, the wine burning in your
stomach.<<else>>You nod.<</if>> For a moment,
you can feel the weight of Sandro’s hand in yours, hear the steadiness
of his voice as he describes the illusions woven around the lyranaeum’s
stage. You usually consider your inability to see illusions as an asset,
but now you can’t help but wonder what you have
missed.<<else>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE
PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>You nod, the wine burning in your
stomach.<<else>>You nod.<</if>> Illusions aren’t
real. They target the mind, changing the perception of those observing
the enchantment, person, or object. The stronger the illusion, the less
likely it is for the reality beneath to bleed through. Your immunity
prevents such magic from altering your mind. It’s not that you can see
through illusions, as some mages can—you can’t see them at
all.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>“Who
is this person?” you ask, setting down your cup. It didn’t last you
long.<<else>>“Who is this person?” you
ask.<</if>>
“A melusine,” she says. “He is noticeable in a crowd, hence his fondness
for illusionary disguises. <<if $height is "very
tall">>Very tall—perhaps as tall as
you.<<else>>Tall—quite a bit taller than
you.<</if>> Dark blue hair and a blue complexion…”
You glance across the marquee at the melusine. He lounges on his couch,
now ignoring the sycophants clinging to him, and raises his head to scan
the crowd. His eyes meet yours.
You blink. You could have sworn he smiled.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Give her what she
wants and get out of here.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You need more information
first.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$phaedra_favour to 1>>You rise abruptly to your feet. “He’s right
there,” you say, gesturing through the crowd. “The one in the middle.”
Phaedra stands quickly, following your pointing finger. “Oh, that
bastard.”
For the first time since she approached you, her mask slips and her
poise unravels, giving way to absolute wrath. Shaking with ire, she
downs a mouthful of wine and places her glass on the nearby table,
composing herself.
“Thank you, $firstname,” she says. “I will remember this.”
She strides away, pushing towards the centre of the marquee.
Uninterested in involving yourself in Phaedra’s affairs, you turn your
back on the livid councillor and head for the courtyard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
do you want with him?”
<<if $gender neq "male">>Phaedra laughs. “My dear,” she
says, leaning into you, “that’s my business. I have to keep some secrets
from you, otherwise I have no reason to see you again.”
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>>Your heart thumps treacherously in
your chest and you glance away, trying to ignore the excited trill
prickling your neck. You clear your throat and scratch the back of your
neck. “I’ll see what I can do.”<<else>>You frown at her
suggestive tone and move away. “I’ll see what I can do,” you
say.<</if>><<else>>Phaedra laughs. “My dear,
that’s my business. I can’t spill all my secrets on the first evening.”
“First?”
“We shall see. I have not ruled out the potential for a
second.”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT") and
$phaedrarom >=1>>You turn your empty glass over in your hands
and try to shut out the murmuring conversations around
you.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE
ACCEPT")>>You stare into the bottom of your cup, wishing there was
more.<<else>>You pause and try to shut out the murmuring
conversations around you.<</if>> Phaedra is keen on finding
this melusine, but refuses to say anything meaningful about him.
Involving yourself in her affairs could only lead to trouble.
But if you do as she asks, she will owe you. Considering the city’s
unpredictability, it wouldn’t hurt to have a councillor in your favour.
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>>And besides—she seems to like
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her about the melusine.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
03A TELL]]</div>
<<if settings.action>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Don’t tell her about the
melusine.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE 03B LIE PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Don’t tell her about the melusine.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE 03B
LIE FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [LIE] Don’t tell her about the melusine.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE
03B LIE PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] Don’t tell her about the
melusine.|CHAPTER 2 PHAE 03B LIE
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>The
night sky glimmers with starlight as you tread down the promenade,
following the path towards the palace. <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>Now you’re away from the bustling clamour, you feel as
though you can breathe again.<<else>>The bustling clamour
dies down and you gladly inhale the fresh night air, clearing your
head.<</if>> With most of the revellers concentrated inside
the pavilions and marquees, there are far fewer guests traversing the
promenades.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE
ACCEPT")>><<if $wine >=2>>The wine burns merrily
inside you and you slow your pace, ignoring the growing headache
thumping in your temples.<<else>>The wine burns merrily
inside you, lifting your
spirits.<</if>><<else>>You exhale softly,
enjoying the light summer breeze.<</if>> It is unexpectedly
quiet here, with only the whispering wind and distant music to disrupt
the peace.
<<if $mel_messenger is true>>//Shit…//
You stop abruptly at an intersection, remembering the bard’s request.
Phaedra distracted you and you forgot to search the marquee for their
recipient. Given they didn’t tell you what this Melchior Larkspur looks
like, you have little desire to return to the marquee and start asking
around.
Scoffing irritably, you cross the intersecting paths and pass by a
fountain. Though it is smaller than Biara’s fountain, it does not lack
the ornate quality you’ve come to associate with Mahanin Palace. A ring
of small lights illuminates the fountain with a faint, celestial glow,
reminiscent of the night sky above. The statue of a Sentinel rises from
its centre, the proud figure captured with its hand raised to the sky,
bow in hand.<<else>>You reach an intersection of paths and
pass by a fountain. Though it is smaller than the one near the
pavilions, it does not lack the ornate quality you’ve come to associate
with Mahanin Palace. A ring of small lights illuminates the fountain
with a faint, celestial glow, reminiscent of the night sky above. The
statue of a Sentinel rises from its centre, the proud figure captured
with its hand raised to the sky, bow in hand.<</if>>
Phairan.
Like all Sentinels, the Meissandic texts gave him a moniker: the
Divergent. You’ve never really understood why. Most of the monikers have
some logical sense behind them, reflecting the Sentinel’s deeds or
their famous weapons. Biara was fearless with her spear and became the
Dauntless. Aureia wielded a shield and became the Protector. Seiara,
blessed as the world’s first augur, was named the Farsighted. But
Phairan’s moniker has always struck you as odd. Divergence implies
opposition, conflict… But as far as you know, the Sentinels were
unified. Their combined strength ended the Astrandium. There was no room
for deviance.
//Question best left for a cleric,// you think. //Not that I’m going to
ask.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is
1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE UP MEL
START]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOT MEL
START]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_favour to 1>>“He’s right there,” you say, gesturing
through the crowd.
Phaedra twists around, following your pointing finger. “There?” she
asks, her eyes narrowing. “The one in the centre? Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” you reply, wondering what the hell she—and everyone else in the
marquee—sees.
Her expression hardens, her grip on her wine glass tightens, very nearly
spilling the last of its contents. “Oh, that //bastard,”// she seethes.
You cock your head, curiosity piqued. “What?”
Phaedra’s mouth twists, barely forcing back a strangled laugh. “The
absolute arrogance, the…” She exhales sharply and passes a hand over her
face, resting the tips of her fingers against her lips. She closes her
eyes, desperately fighting to keep her composure, and sets her glass on a
nearby table.
For a moment, her careful mask nearly slips, but she quickly composes
herself and flashes you a small smile. <<if $phaedrarom
>=2>>“Thank you, $firstname,” she says, meeting your eyes.
<<if $hairlength neq "shaved">>She gently brushes a loose
hair off your forehead, a satisfied smile playing across her
lips.<<else>>She gently cups your face, a satisfied smile
playing across her lips.<</if>> “I will remember
this.”<<else>>“Thank you, $firstname. I will remember
this.”<</if>>
Rising to her feet, she turns her back on you and cuts across the
marquee. You pause, watching curiously. The crowd makes room, peeling
away like the retreating tide. She carries herself with such an
intimidating air that even the drunkest revellers will not risk getting
in her way. When she reaches the melusine, she places a firm hand on his
shoulder and leans in, murmuring something in his ear. <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>Though you cannot hear her words through the
din,<<else>>Though you cannot hear her
words,<</if>> her threat is clear.
The crowd closes around them, blocking them from view. <<if $wine
>=2>>With your headache growing and the evening wearing thin,
you decide you have no more business here and return to the
courtyard.<<else>>Deciding you have little business left
here, you return to the courtyard.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_favour to 2>><<persuasionPass>><<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>“Only melusine here is me,” you
say.<<else>>“I don’t see any melusine
here.”<</if>>
Phaedra frowns. “You’re certain?”
“Yeah.”
She takes a drink, slowly finishes it off and sets it on a nearby table.
“Perhaps he is elsewhere. If you encounter him, <<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>consider sending me a message…” She glances at you, a coy
smile on her lips. “Though I would be pleased to hear from you,
regardless.”
You chuckle and rise to your feet. “I’ll keep that in
mind.”<<else>>consider sending me a message.” She glances at
you, a small crease forming between her brows. Though she may have
bought it for now, you know she doesn’t believe you. Not fully.
You rise to your feet, keen to get out of the marquee. “I’ll keep that
in mind.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_favour to 3>><<persuasionFail>><<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>“Only melusine here is me,” you
say.<<else>>“I don’t see any melusine
here.”<</if>>
Phaedra frowns. “You’re certain?”
“What reason do I have to lie to you?”
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>>Her eyes flicker over you. “Come
now, $firstname,” she says, coyly. “You’re smarter than that.”
“Sure. Smart enough not to get involved without knowing what’s going on
first.”
She pauses, her expression darkening. “I know he is in this marquee,
$firstname,” she says, her voice low. “And if he is here, then you must
have seen him. If you insist on protecting him, that can only lead me to
believe one thing: that you’re as susceptible to his whims as everyone
else.”
“Phaedra, I—”
“I had hopes for you, $firstname,” she interrupts, rising to her feet.
“If you intend to lie to me, at least be a little more
convincing.”<<else>>Her expression darkens. “He’s here,
isn’t he,” she says flatly. “You’ve seen him.”
“I haven’t.”
Downing a mouthful of wine, she slams the glass on a nearby table and
rises to her feet. “I don’t know why you insist on protecting him—”
“I don’t know who he is—”
“But I see you’re just as susceptible to his whims as everyone else. A
shame. I had hopes for you, $firstname. If you intend to lie to me, at
least be a little more convincing.”<</if>>
She sweeps away, head held high, and disappears into the crowd. You sit
alone on the couch for <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE
ACCEPT")>>a moment, rolling your empty cup between your fingers, a
headache throbbing in your temples.<<elseif $wine >=2>>a
moment, a headache throbbing in your temples.<<else>>a
moment.<</if>>
//We are all but pawns in each other’s games.//
Her words echo in your mind. No wonder she was peeved—you made it clear
you have no interest in playing hers.
Shrugging, you get to your feet and make your way out of the marquee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$melchiorapp to 40>>“Come to admire our forebearers? Considering
your prying disposition, you may find Aion the Sly more to your taste.”
You freeze.
A figure emerges from the shadows, sitting on the lip of the fountain.
Phaedra’s melusine.
You frown. <<if $perception >=9>>You are usually so
perceptive of surroundings, a trait that has saved your life more than
once. Surely you should have seen him sitting there… <<if $wine
>=1>>Must be the wine’s fault. It’s clouding your
instincts.<</if>><<else>>While you aren’t always
fully observant of those around you, surely you should have seen him
sitting there… <<if $wine >=1>>It must be the wine’s
fault.<</if>><</if>>
The melusine chuckles at your silence and leans back, his hands resting
on the fountain edge. He tilts his head, his deep blue hair falling
across his face, and fixes you with a piercing gaze. His yellow eyes
glitter, gleaming with the intense glow of unbridled, internal magic,
yet you cannot see the effect of his spellwork.
He’s an illusionist, you remember. He must be sustaining one…
You grit your teeth. No doubt he appears completely different to those
passing by. While you want to know who he has chosen to masquerade as,
you will never be able to see the illusion.
“His fountain is that way,” the melusine continues, gesturing casually
at a nearby path. “You’re welcome for the guidance. Mahanin is a
veritable maze for the uninitiated.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…what the hell are you talking
about?”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE UP MEL 01A][$tempstat to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t plan to stay long enough to
become initiated.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE UP MEL 01A][$tempstat to
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE
UP MEL 01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$melchiorapp to 60>>“Come to admire our forebearers? I didn’t
think you’d have interest in Meissandic mythology.”
You pause. A figure emerges from the shadows, lounging nonchalantly on
the lip of the fountain.
Phaedra’s melusine.
You frown. <<if $perception >=9>>You are usually so
perceptive of surroundings, a trait that has saved your life more than
once, surely you should have noticed him… <<if $wine
>=2>>Must be the wine’s fault. It’s clouding your
instincts.<</if>><<else>>While you aren’t always
fully observant of those around you, surely you should have seen him
sitting there… <<if $wine >=2>>Must be the wine’s
fault.<</if>><</if>>
“Careful,” you reply. “Wouldn’t want a cleric to overhear you calling
the Meissandium a mythology.”
He chuckles. “On the contrary,” he says, leaning back casually, his
hands resting on the fountain edge. “There are far greater things that
concern me than the Meissandium.”
“Such as?”
“You, for one.” He tilts his head, his deep blue hair falling across his
face, and fixes you with a piercing gaze. His yellow eyes glitter,
gleaming with the intense glow of unbridled, internal magic, yet you
cannot see the effect of his spellwork.
He’s an illusionist, you remember. He must be sustaining one…
No doubt he appears completely different to those passing by. While you
want to know who he has chosen to masquerade as, you will never be able
to see the illusion.
“Why concern yourself with me?” you say quickly, covering your
distracted line of thought.
“Simple. I came here to thank you—”
“For what?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOT MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>His smile widens. “Aion,” he says, nodding at the
statue. “The Sentinel. I didn’t think Wayfarers were a religious sort,
but even I’m not arrogant enough to ignore when I’m wrong. If you’re
looking for one to aspire to, he’s far closer to your talents than poor
Phairan.”
You give him a flat look, sensing an insult. “What do you
want?”<<else>>His smile widens. “Is that so?” he says. “Then
is it safe to assume you never intended to find yourself here? That
this is all one… shall we say… happy accident?”
You give him a flat look. “What do you want?”<</if>>
The melusine rises to his feet, unfurling like a cat. He is
tall—<<if $height is "very tall">>far taller than you
expected, on par with your own height. He meets your eyes, a wicked
smile on his lips.<<else>>far taller than you expected. He
overshadows you, a wicked smile on his lips.<</if>> His
lavish serithan ripples around him like water, its silver embroidery
weaving through the blue and purple hues of the variegated silk. He is
dripping in jewelry, with rings decorating his long fingers and a
constellation of silver earrings hanging from his pointed ears. Despite
the excess, he isn’t gaudy. On anyone else it would look like an
over-the-top costume, but he wears it with such natural grace it feels
fitting.
“It’s not every day a magianis gives me away,” he says. “What did the
dear councillor offer you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
PASS][$melchiorapp +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A PASS][$melchiorapp
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not your business. Not unless you
tell me whose face you’re wearing.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02B][$melchiorapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Wouldn’t be very professional to
talk behind her back.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Exhaling
sharply, you turn and stride past the fountain. Movement flickers in
the corner of your eye. The melusine rises quickly to his feet and
closes the distance between you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Step out of the
way.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY] Step out of the way.|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>[[1. Step out of the way.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GUPMEL 02A AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Step out of the
way.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stop and face him.|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<timed
5s>><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>??? <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Approves"></i></span> <i
class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><</timed>><<persuasionPass>>He
chuckles. “Naturally. She sits you down and plies you with drink and
conversation until she can wheedle what she wants out of you—”
<<if $phaedra_favour is true>>“I just wanted to get rid of
her,” you say acidly, rolling your eyes. “Guess I should have kept my
mouth shut.”
“You could have—and then we would be having a very different
conversation.”
“Is that a warning?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
FAIL")>>“No,” he replies lightly, finally letting you go. He
clasps his hands behind his back and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL
02B")>>“No,” he replies lightly, gesturing for you to walk with
him. You return to the fountain and he slows to a stop, clasping his
hands behind his back as he gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<else>>“No,” he replies lightly, coming to stand
at your side. He clasps his hands behind his back and gazes up at
Phairan’s stoic features.<</if>> “Not unless you want it to
be. Phaedra Amestris is a powerful woman. She has held her position as
Ithyria’s councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. Those
who cross her do so very carefully. In your haste to disentangle
yourself from her, you did the objectively correct thing. A councillor’s
debt is a powerful tool.”
You cross your arms. “Doesn’t matter. I already have a
job—”<<else>>“Like you’re doing now?” you say acidly. “I
don’t know what’s between you and her, but she asked me for a simple
favour. Your issues with her have nothing to do with me.”
He pauses, observing you with narrowed eyes. In the silence, the sound
of the rippling fountain rushes over you, babbling in your ears.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
FAIL")>>“Phaedra Amestris is a powerful woman,” he says, finally
letting you go. He clasps his hands behind his back and gazes up at
Phairan’s stoic features.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GUPMEL 02B")>>“Phaedra Amestris is a powerful woman,” he says,
gesturing for you to walk with him. You return to the fountain and he
slows to a stop, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazes up at
Phairan’s stoic features.<<else>>“Phaedra Amestris is a
powerful woman,” he says finally, coming to stand at your side. He
clasps his hands behind his back and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<</if>> “She has held her position as Ithyria’s
councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. Those who cross
her do so very carefully. You will do well in her service.”
<<if $phaedrarom >=2>>Your heart thunders in your ears,
the flush searing your cheeks. “We’ll see. I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<<else>>You fold your arms. “I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<</if>><</if>>
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY FAIL")>>He
pauses, eyes narrowed, and finally lets you go. Clasping his hands
behind his back, he tilts his head and gazes idly at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL
02B")>>He pauses, eyes narrowed, and gestures for you to walk with
him. You return to the fountain and he slows to a stop, clasping his
hands behind his back as he gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<else>>He pauses, eyes narrowed, and silently
approaches you. He stands at your side, hands clasped behind his back,
and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic features.<</if>> “The truth
comes in many shades,” he says. “Regardless, you have Phaedra’s favour
now. Consider yourself fortunate. Phaedra Amestris is a powerful woman.
She has held her position as Ithyria’s councillor since Velantis became
an Arathian territory. Those who cross her do so very carefully. You
will do well in her service.”
<<if $phaedrarom >=2>>Your heart thunders in your ears,
the flush searing your cheeks. “We’ll see. I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<<else>>You fold your arms. “I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<</if>>
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>>He
throws back his head, his laughter echoing through the night air.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY FAIL") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02B")>>With impish mirth
dancing in his eyes, he lets you go and leans in, his lips inches from
your ear.<<else>>With impish mirth dancing in his eyes, he
closes the distance between you and leans in, his lips inches from your
ear.<</if>> “And see, there’s our first problem,” he
murmurs, his breath whispering across your skin. “I can’t hide anything
from you.”
“Oh, no,” you reply, meeting his eyes. “The horror.”
“You have me at a disadvantage.”
“Clearly someone should.”
“I’m not used to it.”
“All the more reason. I imagine you get away with a lot of things.”
He smiles coyly, showing a hint of sharp fangs. “Depends on the day.
Which leads to our second problem—how much will //you// let me get away
with?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You pause, a little shiver of delight
rolling down your spine as your heartbeat quickens.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GAMELUP 03A][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You frown in distaste. If this is an
attempt at flirting, it’s not going to work on you.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GAMELUP 03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“One
conversation and you’re already devoted to her?<<if $pendant_worn
is true>>” He clicks his tongue and his eyes sweep over you,
taking in <<pendant>>. “She works quickly, I see.”
<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>” He clicks his tongue and
his eyes sweep over you, taking in the tattoo. “She works quickly, I
see.”<<else>> She works quickly, I see.”<</if>>
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>>You flush. “Devoted is a bit of a
strong word—”<<else>>“Devoted is a bit of a strong
word—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02A AGILITY
FAIL")>>“I can’t blame you,” he says languidly, finally letting
you go. He turns his attention to the fountain and clasps his hands
behind his back, gazing up at Phairan’s stoic features.<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02B")>>“I can’t blame you,”
he says, leading you to the fountain. He slows to a halt, hands clasped
behind his back, and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<else>>“I can’t blame you,” he says languidly,
coming to stand at your side. He clasps his hands behind his back and
gazes up at Phairan’s stoic features.<</if>> “Phaedra
Amestris is a powerful woman. She has held her position as Ithyria’s
councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. Those who cross
her do so very carefully. You will do well in her service.”
<<if $phaedrarom >=2>>Your heart thunders in your ears,
the flush searing your cheeks. “We’ll see. I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<<else>>You fold your arms. “I didn’t come here to be
tossed around from one employer to another. I already have a
job—”<</if>>
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>He
reaches for you. Anticipating the movement, you sidestep and turn,
quickly moving out of the way. His hand closes on empty air. He pauses,
surprised by your nimbleness, and tilts his head back, eyes closed,
chuckling quietly.
“Should have expected that,” he says.
You pause. “What do you want?”
He glances at you, yellow eyes seeking yours, a wicked smile on his
lips. He is tall—<<if $height is "very tall">>far taller
than you expected, on par with your own height.<<else>>far
taller than you expected.<</if>> His lavish serithan ripples
around him like water, its silver embroidery weaving through the blue
and purple hues of the variegated silk. He is dripping in jewelry, with
rings decorating his long fingers and a constellation of silver earrings
hanging from his pointed ears. Despite the excess, he isn’t gaudy. On
anyone else it would look like an over-the-top costume, but he wears it
with such natural grace it feels fitting.
“It’s not every day a magianis gives me away,” he says. “What did the
dear councillor offer you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
PASS][$melchiorapp +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A PASS][$melchiorapp
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not your business. Not unless you
tell me whose face you’re wearing.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02B][$melchiorapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Wouldn’t be very professional to
talk behind her back.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mel_touch to true>>You turn quickly, trying to sidestep out of
the way—
His hand snakes out and catches you by the shoulder. The ironclad grip
grasps you tight, stilling your movements. You snarl, your breath
tangled in your throat, and <<if $height is "very
tall">>stare flatly at him. He is tall—far taller than you
expected, on par with your own height—and yet he still overshadows you
with an imposing, dangerous grace.<<else>>glare up at him.
He is tall—far taller than you expected—and overshadows you with an
imposing, dangerous grace.<</if>> His yellow eyes gleam,
glowing with magic.
“No, no, don’t move,” he murmurs in your ear, casting an eye at the
trickle of guests passing by. “Let’s not bring more attention to
ourselves than necessary, shall we? All they’ll see is <<if
$dressed is true>>a finely dressed $person<<else>>a
mercenary<</if>> speaking to a lord of a major house.”
You freeze, glancing at your shoulder. His long, blue fingers tighten,
securing their grip. By touching you, whatever illusion he cast should
have weakened… So how is his magic still intact?
//What the hell…?//
“It seems I have you to thank for my troubles,” he says idly, steering
you towards the fountain. His lavish serithan ripples around him like
water, its silver embroidery weaving through the blue and purple hues of
the variegated silk. He is dripping in jewelry, with rings decorating
his long fingers and a constellation of silver earrings hanging from his
pointed ears. Despite the excess, he isn’t gaudy. On anyone else it
would look like an over-the-top costume, but he wears it with such
natural grace it feels fitting.
“Is that so?” you mutter.
“It’s not every day a magianis gives me away. What did the dear
councillor offer you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
PASS][$melchiorapp +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A PASS][$melchiorapp
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not your business. Not unless you
tell me whose face you’re wearing.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02B][$melchiorapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Wouldn’t be very professional to
talk behind her back.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn abruptly. He stops short of walking into you and pauses, observing
you through narrowed yellow eyes. A wicked smile spreads across his
lips.
He is tall—<<if $height is "very tall">>far taller than you
expected, on par with your own height.<<else>>far taller
than you expected.<</if>> His lavish serithan ripples around
him like water, its silver embroidery weaving through the blue and
purple hues of the variegated silk. He is dripping in jewelry, with
rings decorating his long fingers and a constellation of silver earrings
hanging from his pointed ears. Despite the excess, he isn’t gaudy. On
anyone else it would look like an over-the-top costume, but he wears it
with such natural grace it feels fitting.
“It’s not every day a magianis gives me away,” he says finally,
gesturing for you to follow him. “What did the dear councillor offer
you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
PASS][$melchiorapp +=1]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Nothing,
unless you count the wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A PASS][$melchiorapp
+=1]]<<else>>[[1. “Nothing, unless you count the
wine.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP 02A
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Not your business. Not unless you
tell me whose face you’re wearing.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02B][$melchiorapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Wouldn’t be very professional to
talk behind her back.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAVE MEL UP
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is true or $dressed is
false>>“I’d ask how you know my name, but at this point I guess
everyone knows.”
<<nobr>><<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Zenaida
Anaxas did you an ill favour by bringing you here,” he says. “If you
hoped to traverse the city unnoticed, that chance has long since passed
you by.” He glances at you, his narrowed yellow eyes taking in your
pendant. “Though perhaps that was always your intention.”
<<elseif $tattoo_visible is true>>“Zenaida Anaxas did you an
ill favour by bringing you here,” he says. “If you hoped to traverse
the city unnoticed, that chance has long since passed you by.” He
glances at you, his narrowed yellow eyes taking in your tattoo. “Though
perhaps that was always your intention.”
<<else>>“Zenaida Anaxas did you an ill favour by bringing
you here,” he says. “If you hoped to traverse the city unnoticed, that
chance has long since passed you by.” He glances at you, his narrowed
yellow eyes taking in your gear. “Though perhaps that was always your
intention.”<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m not hiding what I am.”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS MEL 02A][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. You’re reading too much into
this.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS MEL
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
pause. “I’d ask how you know my name, but at this point I guess
everyone knows.”
“Zenaida Anaxas did you an ill favour by bringing you here,” he says,
his eyes flickering over you as he takes in your $garb. “Though you have
done a remarkable job at blending in with the aristocracy, I cannot say
the same for your companion. Already there are plans in motion to
capitalize on your presence. You have little hope of traversing the city
unnoticed.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’d be surprised what I can
manage.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Doesn’t matter to me.”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS MEL 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Is that a threat?”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS MEL 03C][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
exhale a soft breath.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>With the exception of Phaedra, it’s been a long time since
someone has flirted with you so openly.<<else>>It’s been a
long time since someone has flirted with you so
brazenly.<</if>> You’ve become so accustomed to your bottled
up feelings for Aeran, it’s hard to imagine anyone would find you…
well, desirable.<<else>><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>With the exception of Phaedra, it’s been a long time since
someone has flirted with you so openly.<<else>>It’s been a
long time since someone has flirted with you so
brazenly.<</if>> You’ve become so accustomed to being on
your own, on the fringes of acceptable society, it’s hard to imagine
anyone would find you… well, desirable.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “I’m open to finding out.”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS GAMELUP 04A FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1,
$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [FLIRT] “Two problems already? You
don’t even know me and you’ve already compiled a list. Some impression I
make.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAMELUP 04A FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1,
$melchiorrom +=1, $tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Deflect and turn away. The way he’s
looking at you makes you a little tongue-tied.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GAMELUP 04A FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1, $tempstat to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Don’t
know, don’t care,” you say gruffly.
He pauses, drawing away. In the silence, the rushing water ripples over
you, babbling in your ears.
“To be clear, I don’t blame you for helping Phaedra,” he says after a
moment. “She’s a powerful woman and has held her position as Ithyria’s
councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. Those who cross
her do so very carefully.”
You frown.
“It was a clever move to help her—even if you’ve destroyed my entire
evening. Then again, maybe it was my fault for not anticipating the
presence of a magianis.” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
GUPMEL 02B")>>He pauses, gesturing for you to follow him, and
leads you back to the fountain. He slows to a halt, hands clasped behind
his back, and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<<else>>He pauses, sighing deeply as he clasps his
hands behind his back and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<</if>> “You will do well in her service when your
current contract inevitably fails.”
You glance at him, a chill prickling at the back of your neck. “What do
you mean?”
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about the feud between Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>He grins. “To be clear, I don’t blame you for
helping Phaedra,” he says. “She’s a powerful woman and has held her
position as Ithyria’s councillor since Velantis became an Arathian
territory. Those who cross her do so very
carefully.”<<else>>You draw back and stare forcefully at the
fountain. The rippling water rushes over you, babbling in your ears.
You can feel his eyes on you, watching you closely, an impish smile on
his lips.
“To be clear, I don’t blame you for helping Phaedra,” he says after a
moment. “She’s a powerful woman and has held her position as Ithyria’s
councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. Those who cross
her do so very carefully.”<</if>>
“I had a feeling.”
“It was a clever move to help her—even if you’ve destroyed my entire
evening. Then again, maybe it was my fault for not anticipating the
presence of a magianis.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GUPMEL 02B")>>He
pauses, gesturing for you to follow him, and leads you back to the
fountain. He slows to a halt, hands clasped behind his back, and gazes
up at Phairan’s stoic features.<<else>>He pauses, clasping
his hands behind his back as he gazes up at Phairan’s stoic
features.<</if>> “You will do well in her service when your
current contract inevitably fails.”
You pause, a chill prickling the back of your neck. “What do you mean?”
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
melusine rises to his feet, unfurling like a cat, and approaches you.
He is tall—<<if $height is "very tall">>far taller than you
expected, on par with your own height. He meets your eyes, a wicked
smile on his lips.<<else>>far taller than you expected. He
overshadows you, a wicked smile on his lips.<</if>> His
lavish serithan ripples around him like water, its silver embroidery
weaving through the blue and purple hues of the variegated silk. He is
dripping in jewelry, with rings decorating his long fingers and a
constellation of silver earrings hanging from his pointed ears. Despite
the excess, he isn’t gaudy. On anyone else it would look like an
over-the-top costume, but he wears it with such natural grace it feels
fitting.
“It would have been wise to give Phaedra Amestris my identity,” he says.
“She is a powerful woman and has held her position as Ithyria’s
councillor since Velantis became an Arathian territory. You could have
so easily put her in your debt, but you chose not to.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Didn’t do it for you. I don’t get involved
in other people’s business.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOT MEL
02][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Didn’t care for her
attitude.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOT MEL 02][$tempstat to
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…you’re welcome, I guess?”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS DIDNOT MEL 02][$tempstat to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>“You have scruples, I see. A bit bland, perhaps—”
“Watch it,” you say flatly. “Those scruples stopped you from getting
caught.”
He throws back his head, his laughter echoing through the night air.
“True,” he continues, leaning in close. Mirth dances in his eyes. “I hid
from Phaedra and you kept that intact. But therein lies our first
problem—”
His lips are inches from your ears.
“—I can’t hide anything from you.”<<elseif $tempstat is 2>>
He throws back his head, his laughter echoing through the night air. “An
unfair assessment, don’t you think?” he says. “You must be quite the
judge of character to make such a quick conclusion after a single
conversation.”
You shrug. “Don’t care much for aristocrats.”
“Then you’re at the wrong party.”
“Didn’t have much of a choice.”
He leans in close, his eyes sweeping over you. “Then I’m grateful for
the choice you did make,” he says. “I hid from Phaedra and you kept that
intact. But therein lies our first problem—”
His lips are inches from your ears.
“—I can’t hide anything from you.”<<else>>He throws back his
head, his laughter echoing through the night air. “I’m grateful,” he
says, leaning in close. Mirth dances in his eyes. “I hid from Phaedra
and you kept that intact. But therein lies our first problem—”
His lips are inches from your ears.
“—I can’t hide anything from you.”<</if>>
“Oh, no. The horror.”
“You have me at a disadvantage.”
“Clearly someone should.”
“I’m not used to it.”
“All the more reason. I imagine you get away with a lot of things.”
He smiles coyly, showing a hint of sharp fangs. “Depends on the day.
Which leads to our second problem—how much will //you// let me get away
with?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You pause, a little shiver of delight
rolling down your spine as your heartbeat quickens.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
DIDNOTMEL 03A][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You frown in distaste. If this is an
attempt at flirting, it’s not going to work on you.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
DIDNOTMEL 03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
exhale a soft breath.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>With the exception of Phaedra, it’s been a long time since
someone has flirted with you so openly.<<else>>It’s been a
long time since someone has flirted with you so brazenly. You’ve become
so accustomed to your bottled up feelings for Aeran, it’s hard to
imagine anyone would find you… well,
desirable.<</if>><<else>><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>With the exception of Phaedra, it’s been a long time since
someone has flirted with you so openly.<<else>>It’s been a
long time since someone has flirted with you so
brazenly.<</if>> You’ve become so accustomed to being on
your own, on the fringes of acceptable society, it’s hard to imagine
anyone would find you… well, desirable.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “I’m open to finding out.”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS DIDNOTMEL 04A FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1,
$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [FLIRT] “Two problems already? You
don’t even know me and you’ve already compiled a list. Some impression I
make.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOTMEL 04A FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1,
$melchiorrom +=1, $tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Turn away. The way he’s looking at
you makes you a little tongue-tied.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOTMEL 04A
FLIRT][$melchiorapp +=1, $melchiorrom +=1, $tempstat to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Don’t
know, don’t care,” you say gruffly.
You push past him, drawing close to the fountain. The rushing water
ripples over you, babbling in your ears.
“I admit I did not expect the presence of a magianis tonight,” the
melusine says after a moment, joining you by the fountain. He clasps his
hands behind his back and gazes up at Phairan’s stoic features. “You’ve
caused quite a few stirs already. It bodes well that Phaedra sought you
out. You will need alternative options when your current contract
inevitably fails.”
You pause, a chill prickling the back of your neck. “What do you mean?”
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>He grins mischievously at you. You smile and look
away, wandering to the edge of the fountain. You can feel his eyes on
you, watching you closely.<<else>>Swallowing the strange
lump in your throat, you draw away and wander towards the fountain. The
rippling water rushes over you, babbling in your ears. You can feel his
eyes on you, watching you closely, a mischievous smile on his
lips.<</if>>
“I admit I did not expect the presence of a magianis tonight,” he says,
joining you. He clasps his hands behind his back and gazes up at
Phairan’s stoic features. “You’ve caused quite a few stirs already. It
bodes well that Phaedra sought you out. You will need alternative
options when your current contract inevitably fails.”
You pause, a chill prickling the back of your neck. “What do you mean?”
“The Guild will lose its interest in you in time. Someone who believes
they are very clever has decided they can gain the upper hand by
extorting your skills—and it is not the archon’s beloved daughter,
believe me. The face of the Council of Mages has changed a hundred
times, but the Guild does not. Their divisions are meaningless in the
end.”
You swallow hard. Zenaida emphasized again and again that the Guild’s
internal war was hidden from the city at large. Was she wrong? How much
does he know about Lethalis and Solarath?
He smirks. “Caught you off-guard, have I, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>>“And
your tenacity is admirable. But subtlety, $firstname, goes a long way.”
“Subtlety? You’re one to talk—”
“Ah, but see, I have methods to hide in plain sight,” he says. For a
brief moment, a light flashes through his yellow eyes, the glow growing
in intensity. “You, on the other hand… You have invited the attention of
the Velantian court. There are many eyes on you and Aeran Kellis
tonight. Already, there are plans in motion to capitalize on your
presence here—”
“Are you including yourself in that?” you interrupt.
He pauses, falling silent. Casting a sideways look in your direction, he
raises a hand and rests his fingers against his chin as he observes you
through narrowed eyes. His celestial earrings glint in the fountain’s
light, moving gently in the breeze.
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
raises an eyebrow. “A troublesome habit, I admit, but I will not be the
only one. Regardless, you have invited the attention of the Velantian
court. There are many eyes on you and Aeran Kellis tonight. Already
there are plans in motion to capitalize on your presence here—”
“Are you including yourself in that?”
He pauses, falling silent. Casting a sideways look in your direction, he
raises a hand and rests his fingers against his chin as he observes you
through narrowed eyes. His celestial earrings glint in the fountain’s
light, moving gently in the breeze.
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
clicks his tongue at your silence and exhales a long breath. “You have
invited the attention of the Velantian court, $firstname. There are many
eyes on you and Aeran Kellis tonight. Already there are plans in motion
to capitalize on your presence here—”
“Are you including yourself in that?”
He smirks. Casting a sideways look in your direction, he raises a hand
and rests his fingers against his chin as he observes you through
narrowed eyes. His celestial earrings glint in the fountain’s light,
moving gently in the breeze.
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$melchiorrom >=1>><<set $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5, 95)>><<set $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 1, 0, 100)>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</timed>><</if>><<else>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><<set
$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5,
95)>><</if>>He chortles, eyes shining bright. “I hope
so,” he says. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>“I do enjoy
surprises. I’m curious to see what you do. Our brethren are uniquely
noticeable in a crowd, after all—and you are no
exception.”<<elseif $ancestry is "aeda">>“I do enjoy
surprises. I’m curious to see what you do. Your aeda brethren are
uniquely noticeable in a crowd—and you are no
exception.”<<else>>“I do enjoy
surprises.”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS GAMELUP 03B") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DIDNOTMEL 03B")>>You grimace,
rolling your eyes. Smirking at your silent rebuff, he raises a hand and
rests his fingers against his chin, fixing you with an appraising gaze.
His celestial earrings glint in the fountain’s light, moving gently in
the breeze.<<else>>“Even when they ruin your evening?” you
reply archly. “You said it yourself—you didn’t expect a magianis to show
up.”
He smirks and raises a hand, resting his fingers against his chin as he
fixes you with an appraising gaze. His celestial earrings glint in the
fountain’s light, moving gently in the breeze.<</if>>
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Ignore
the events unfurling around all you like,” he says coolly. “You’re here
now. They will come for you all the same.”
“Like you came for me?”
<<if $melchiorrom >=1>><<set $melchiorrom
+=1>><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>??? <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance Gained"></i></span>
<i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</if>>He
chortles and raises a hand, resting his fingers against his chin as his
eyes flickers over you.<<else>>He pauses and raises a hand,
resting his fingers against his chin as he fixes you with an appraising
gaze. His celestial earrings glint in the fountain’s light, moving
gently in the breeze.<</if>>
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>??? <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down"
alt="Disapproves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>>He
pauses, staring at you with a bewildered look. “Are you usually so quick
to believe everyone means you harm?” he asks.
You shrug. “Call it a habit. I just left one hostile cesspool. I didn’t
want to trade it for another.”
He shakes his head and exhales a weary breath. Casting a sideways look
in your direction, he raises a hand and rests his fingers against his
chin as he observes you through narrowed eyes. His celestial earrings
glint in the fountain’s light, moving gently in the breeze.
There’s a strange, ethereal beauty about his sharp features. His dark
blue hair is swept to one side, shadowing the right side of his face.
Sweeping marks begin at his forehead and curve down his eyes and across
his cheeks. At first glance, you think they are tattoos, but then you
realize they are far closer to an aeda’s crest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
not here to dissuade you from anything, $firstname,” he says. “Act as
you see fit, your path is yours to follow. But take great care. This
city is more trouble than it’s worth.”
“Are you always so cryptic?” you reply flatly.
“What do you think?”
<<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>You ignore the comment. “Then why
the warning? I destroyed your evening, didn’t I?”
“You broke my illusion, true, and you have set the dear councillor’s ire
on me, but that’s hardly a good reason for animosity. It was bound to
happen one day or another. As a magianis, you are one of few who can
successfully see through my magic. Some may say that makes us natural
enemies, but I believe that gives us better cause to be friends, don’t
you think?”<<else>>You ignore the comment. “Then why the
warning?”
“As a magianis, you are one of few who can successfully see through my
magic. Some may say that makes us natural enemies, but I believe that
gives us better cause to be friends, don’t you
think?”<</if>>
You pause, uncertain how to answer. Smiling at your silence, he reaches
into his serithan and withdraws a small, round object, and spins it
between his fingers. You think it’s a crown from its glittering gold
sheen, but upon a second look you realize it has the wrong imprint—a
stylized sun on one side and a moon on the other. He delicately pinches
it between his forefinger and thumb and holds it up to the fountain
light.
“Melchior Larkspur,” he says. “Here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
05]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Token<</notify>><<pickup '$packInv'
'Token'>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>He
flips the token at you. You catch it deftly, snatching it out of the
air, and place it in your palm. You frown as you stare at it, his name
ringing strangely in your ears.<<if (def $mel_messenger)>>
Melchior Larkspur. So he’s the one the bard wanted you to
find…<</if>><<else>>He flips the token at you
and you reach for it, but it sails past you and lands in the fountain.
He chortles, fighting back a grin.
<<if $melchiorrom >=1>>Rolling your eyes and ignoring the
flush of embarrassment, you push up a sleeve and reach into the
fountain.<<else>>Rolling your eyes, you ignore him, push up a
sleeve, and reach into the fountain.<</if>> Water laps
around your elbow as your fingers scrape the bottom and curl around the
small token. You withdraw your hand, shake off the water, and place the
token in your palm. As you stare at it, his name rings strangely in your
ears.<<if (def $mel_messenger)>> Melchior Larkspur. So he’s
the one the bard wanted you to
find…<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Larkspur… Like the flower?”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS MEL 06A][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “That’s not much of a name.”|CHAPTER
2 PAVILIONS MEL 06A][$tempstat to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Huh.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS MEL
06A][$tempstat to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>“I’m fond of them,” he says lightly. “Florals
were a popular choice for stage names several decades ago. The Velantian
lyranaeums have a long memory.”<<elseif $tempstat is 2>>“I
have many names,” he says. “It may change today, tomorrow, or a hundred
years from now, but this is the one I like best now. If the Velantian
lyranaeum is to be believed, it’s a good choice.”<<else>>He
pauses, noting your lack of comment. “Unusual moniker, I know,” he says.
“But such is the way of stage names and I’ve become quite fond of this
one.”<</if>>
You frown and curl your fingers into your palm. The token presses
against your skin, cool and hard. “You’re an actor?”
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>“Of a kind. My company has the
honour of holding Sandro Anaxas’ patronage. We frequently play on the
Mahanin grounds, much to the delight of the Velantian aristocracy.”
You pause. <<if (def $mel_messenger)>>Suddenly the bard’s
request makes much more sense. And Melchior’s company must be the one
you saw in the lyranaeum…<<else>>Then his company must be
the one in the lyranaeum…<</if>>
“It has been a long time since I’ve performed. While they take to the
stage, I am left to other devices.”<<else>><<if (def
$mel_messenger)>>“Of a kind. My company has the honour of holding
Sandro Anaxas’ patronage. We frequently play on the Mahanin grounds,
much to the delight of the Velantian aristocracy.”
You pause. Suddenly, the bard’s request makes much more sense.
“It has been a long time since I’ve performed. While they take to the
stage, I am left to other devices.”<<else>>“Of a kind. My
company has the honour of holding Sandro Anaxas’ patronage. We
frequently play on the Mahanin grounds, much to the delight of the
Velantian aristocracy. But it has been a long time since I’ve performed.
While they take to the stage, I am left to other
devices.”<</if>><</if>>
“Like annoying strangers with cryptic messages?”
“Among other things.”
You raise the token. “What is this? Why give it to me?”
“It’s rare for someone to see me as I am and you’ve come closer than
most in a single night. I find that interesting. This here is an
invitation to possibility. There may come a time when you need my
assistance—or I yours.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “Maybe. We’ll have to see, won’t
we?”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS 07A][$tempstat to 1, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5, 95), $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You presume a lot.”|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS 07A][$tempstat to 2, $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp +
1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I won’t.”|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS
07A][$tempstat to 3, $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorApp>><<if
$tempstat is 1>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>>“Yes,” he
says, meeting your gaze. A challenge glints in his yellow eyes. “We
shall.”<<elseif $tempstat is 2>>“I always have,” he says,
meeting your gaze. A challenge glints in his yellow eyes. “It has always
served me well.”<<else>>He throws back his head and laughs.
“Hold to that stubborn certainty if you want, $firstname,” he says, his
gaze flickering over you. A challenge glints in his yellow eyes. “I’m
curious to see what happens when it catches up to
you.”<</if>>
<<if $mel_messenger is true>><<if $melchiorapp
>=50>>You smile, returning the challenge. As you turn to leave,
you remember the bard’s words.<<else>>You frown and give
him a flat look, returning the challenge. As you turn to leave, you
remember the bard’s words.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give Melchior the message.|CHAPTER 2
PAVILIONS GIVE MEL MESSAGE][$mel_messenger to true, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Fuck it. The bard can tell him
themself.|CHAPTER 2 PAVILIONS DO NOT GIVE MEL MESSAGE][$mel_messenger to
false]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$melchiorapp >=50>><<if $actionpoints is 0>>You
smile, returning the challenge, and a thunderous blast resounds in your
ears, multi-coloured light flaring across the sky. You and Melchior
turn, glancing upwards: the firelight show has begun.
Giving him a polite nod, you leave him to watch the firelights and make
your way out of the pavilion gardens.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
smile, returning the challenge. Giving him a polite nod, you leave him
to contemplate Phairan’s statue and make your way out of the pavilion
gardens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>><<if
$actionpoints is 0>>You frown and give him a flat look, returning
the challenge. A thunderous blast resounds in your ears and
multi-coloured light flares across the sky. You turn, glancing upwards:
the firelight show has begun.
Pushing abruptly past him, you leave him to watch the firelights and
make your way out of the pavilion gardens.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
frown and give him a flat look, returning the challenge. Pushing
abruptly past him, you leave him to contemplate Phairan’s statue and
make your way out of the pavilion gardens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><</if>><<melchiorApp>><<if
$melchiorrom >=2>>As you turn to leave, you place a hand on
Melchior’s arm and <<if $height is "very tall">>lean
in.<<else>>look up at him.<</if>> “One thing
before I go,” you say. “The bard in the pavilions? They said to tell
you—Lyrian lost the score for Pyrrha’s Overture and they’ll need a
replacement.”<<elseif $melchiorapp >=50>>As you turn to
leave, you place a hand on Melchior’s arm. “There was one thing,” you
say quietly. “The bard in the pavilions? They said to tell you—Lyrian
lost the score for Pyrrha’s Overture and they’ll need a
replacement.”<<else>>“There was one thing,” you say as you
turn to leave. “The bard in the pavilions? They said to tell you—Lyrian
lost the score for Pyrrha’s Overture and they’ll need a
replacement.”<</if>>
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>He stiffens. “Naturally,” he says
quickly. “Thank you, $firstname. You’ve done me a great favour—”
A thunderous blast resounds in your ears as multi-coloured light flares
across the sky. You and Melchior turn, glancing upwards: the firelight
show has begun.
<<if $melchiorapp >=50>>Giving him a polite
nod,<<else>>Pushing abruptly past him,<</if>>you
leave him to contemplate the firelights and make your way from the
pavilion gardens.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
stiffens. “Naturally,” he says quickly. “Thank you, $firstname. You’ve
done me a great favour.”
<<if $melchiorapp >=50>>Giving Melchior a polite nod, you
leave him to contemplate Phairan’s statue and make your way out of the
pavilion gardens.<<else>>Pushing abruptly past Melchior, you
leave him to contemplate Phairan’s statue and make your way out of the
pavilion gardens.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$actionpoints is 0>>A thunderous blast resounds in your ears as
multi-coloured light flares across the sky. You and Melchior turn,
glancing upwards: the firelight show has begun.
<<if $melchiorapp >=50>>Giving him a polite
nod,<<else>>Pushing abruptly past him,<</if>>you
leave him to contemplate the firelights and make your way from the
pavilion gardens.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$melchiorapp >=50>>Giving Melchior a polite nod, you leave him
to contemplate Phairan’s statue and make your way out of the pavilion
gardens.<<else>>Pushing abruptly past Melchior, you leave
him to contemplate Phairan’s statue and make your way out of the
pavilion gardens.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Mahanin Grounds">><<if $ancestry
is "dwarven" and $wine >=4>><<run
Dialog.setup("Intoxicated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Intoxicated Ep 2").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<intoxicatedOn>><<elseif
$ancestry isnot "dwarven" and $wine >=3>><<run
Dialog.setup("Intoxicated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Intoxicated Ep 2").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<intoxicatedOn>><</if>><<if
$last_location is 3>>The crowd grows thick as you climb the slope
towards the palace. Hundreds of guests in their elegant clothing and
glittering jewelry emerge from the water gardens and pavilions to spread
across the lawns.<<elseif $last_location is 4>>You skirt
the edge of the lake, the firelights booming in your ears. Ahead of you,
hundreds of guests in elegant clothing and glittering jewelry emerge
from the pavilions and spread across the lawns.<<elseif
$last_location is 2>>You emerge from the water gardens and come to
a halt. Hundreds of guests pass you on their way to the lawns, their
jewelry glittering in the dim conjured light.<<else>>You
leave the pavilions and duck onto the main path. Hundreds of guests pass
you, flowing down from the terrace and out of the water gardens as they
head for the lawns below.<</if>> Some linger on the steps,
gripping their drinks as they continue conversing with a slight air of
annoyance; others eagerly fan out on the grass to sit on pillows and
rugs filched from the marquee.
You thread your way through them, a lone $person against the flow of
traffic. Mahanin Palace looms high above you, its elegant towers dark
against the starry sky. Behind you the firelights dance to their
thunderous accompaniment, their bright colours flashing in your
peripheral vision. <<if $mc_late is true>>You half
expect<<else>>You expect<</if>> to see Aeran on
the terrace, but he is nowhere to be found.
As you reach the top of the steps, a dozen guests hurry out of the
gallery and fly down the steps. Deciding its best to wait for them to
pass, you step out of the way and linger on the terrace. The breeze has
picked up again; after the day’s exhausting heat and the suffocating
scenes of the lyranaeum and the pavilions, you welcome the cool,
refreshing air. Turning towards the lawns, you fold your arms and rest
them on the balustrade.
The firelights dance above, their patterns weaving stories from Arathian
folklore across the night sky.
You’ve never seen a show so intricate or precise.
<<nobr>><<if $origin is "nomad">>Firelight shows
are occasionally performed over the river mouth in Sarin, usually to
celebrate the birth of a new royal. On the few occasions where your
family ventured to the capital, you watched them from the banks
upriver—far enough from the city to avoid attention, but close enough to
enjoy the performance. Yet despite the talents of Sathir’s court mages,
those shows are nothing compared to the display here.
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>The practice isn’t common in
Artanis and no clan in the Forest of Brennath would dream of playing
with conjured fire in such a way. You had little idea of what they were
until you left the country for the first time. You can recall a few
shows in Vestra and Arsenia, but you observed them from a distance while
on a contract. This is the first time you’ve seen a firelight show up
close.
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>Firelight shows were
occasionally performed as part of village festivals, though they pale in
comparison to the one displayed here. Your village could never afford a
Guild mage, so they were an amateur affair at best. Still, there was a
certain charm about their rustic quality that is missing here. The
archon’s firelights are almost too perfect to be pretty.
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>Not that you’ve seen many
shows. Occasionally firelights would dance above Nesactium, usually an
illegal performance at some aristocrat’s city estate. They were too loud
and too bright for the city limits—you know more people who despised
them than enjoyed them.
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>Though the practice is
outlawed in the Coveran Republic, you’ve seen them in harbours across
the Lotharic and Azure seas during your childhood. Yet despite the
talents of mages from Vestra to Sathir, those shows are nothing compared
to the display here.
<<else>>Firelight shows are common among the Vestran
aristocracy, an artform enthusiastically inherited from their Arathian
neighbours. They were a staple at your family’s estate, though you only
saw them from afar. And they certainly were never as elaborate as the
one you’re seeing now. Vestran Guild mages had more pressing concerns
than to act as entertainers.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $intoxicated is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
DRUNK]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTP NOT
DRUNK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Slipping
around them, you head for the nearby tent. <<if $pavilions is
true>>It is much smaller than the marquee in the pavilions,
sheltering a table of drinks and refreshments. It attracts a steady flow
of guests who collect what they want, then return to stroll the
gardens.<<else>>Sheltering a small table of drinks and
refreshments, it attracts a steady flow of guests who collect what they
want, then return to stroll the gardens.<</if>> <<if
$zenaida_location is true or $lyranaeum is true>>You join the
line, eyes sweeping the area as you search for a familiar face. The
gossiping couples and bright laughing faces are unknown to you—no Aeran,
<<if $lyranaeum is true>>no Rasmira.<<else>>no
Rasmira, not even Malsara.<</if>>
You draw to a halt, considering whether you should step out of line and
move on.<<else>>You join the line, eyes sweeping the area as
you search for Zenaida. There’s no sign of her among the gossiping
couples and bright, laughing faces.
//Damn it.//
Sighing wearily, you draw to a halt, considering whether you should step
out of the line and look for her elsewhere.<</if>>
<<if $mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Not without a
drink first.|CHAPTER 2 WG 02 TAKE DRINK][$wine +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2. While
you don’t mind indulging yourself now and then, you don’t want to drink
right now.|CHAPTER 2 WG 02 NO DRINK]]<<else>>[[2. You’ve had
enough wine. You don’t need another.|CHAPTER 2 WG 02 NO
DRINK]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Not without a
drink first.|CHAPTER 2 WG 02 TAKE DRINK][$mcalcohol to true, $wine
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. While you don’t mind indulging
yourself now and then, you don’t want to drink right now.|CHAPTER 2 WG
02 NO DRINK][$mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. You don’t drink, so
there’s nothing here for
you.'>><<dialog>><<include "WATER GARDENS
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
slip around them, skirting the edge of a nearby tent. <<if
$pavilions is true>>It is much smaller than the marquee in the
pavilions, sheltering a table of drinks and refreshments. It attracts a
steady flow of guests who collect what they want, then return to stroll
the gardens.<<else>>Sheltering a small table of drinks and
refreshments, it attracts a steady flow of guests who collect what they
want, then return to stroll the gardens.<</if>> <<if
$zenaida_location isnot true or $lyranaeum is true>>You pause,
quickly scanning the area for Zenaida. There’s no sign of her among the
gossiping couples and bright, laughing faces.<</if>>
Leaving the tent behind, you duck down a nearby path and wind your way
through the ornamental trees. The breeze picks up, scattering the white
blossoms. A trio of young nobles bump into you, giggling senselessly,
their hands entwined together. You step off the path, one foot sinking
into the flowerbed, and let them pass. They brush by you, revealing a
solitary figure standing several paces ahead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLESHAR
INTROED][$elleshar_encounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>Deciding that <<if $wine is
1>>a drink<<else>> another drink<</if>>
could quell your stubborn resentment and help you
relax,<<else>>Considering this may be the only chance you
will get to relax,<</if>> you approach the table.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEWINE ACCEPT")>>Unlike the rich
reds served in the pavilions, the wine here is a bright
white,<<else>>The wine is a bright white<</if>>
kept refreshingly cool by runes embedded in the decanters. Careful not
to touch the runes, you gingerly pour yourself a glass and step out of
the tent.
<<if $wine >=2>>As you meander absently down a nearby
path, you throw your head back and down a mouthful. The crisp liquid
leaves a sweet, pleasant tang on your tongue. You smile, warmth
spreading from your chest to the tips of your
fingers.<<else>>You quietly sip at the wine as you meander
absently down a nearby path. The crisp liquid leaves a sweet, pleasant
tang on your tongue. It seems the archon has good
taste.<</if>>
A trio of young nobles bump into you, giggling senselessly, their hands
entwined together. You step off the path, one foot sinking into the
flowerbed, and let them pass. They brush by you, revealing a solitary
figure standing several paces ahead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLESHAR
INTROED][$elleshar_encounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Passing
on the wine, you duck out of the tent and down a nearby path. The
breeze picks up, scattering white blossoms around. You wind your way
around the ornamental trees, stepping quickly out of the way of a trio
of young nobles. They giggle senselessly, their hands entwined together,
and brush by you, revealing a solitary figure several paces up ahead.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLESHAR
INTROED][$elleshar_encounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
duck out of the tent and head down a nearby path. The breeze picks up,
scattering the white blossoms. You wind your way around the ornamental
trees, stepping quickly out of the way of a trio of young nobles. They
giggle senselessly, their hands entwined together, and brush by you,
revealing a solitary figure several paces up the path.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLESHAR
INTROED][$elleshar_encounter
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$elleshar_encounter is 1>>The short elf has a pleasant,
nondescript face, curly brown hair, and is dressed in Meissandic robes.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>As he locks eyes with you, his
gaze flickers down to the pendant at your throat. He smiles broadly and
strides down the path towards you.<<elseif $dressed is
true>>He locks eyes with you, a strange smile on his lips, and
strides down the path towards you.<<else>>He locks eyes with
you for an instant, a curious look on his face, and strides down the
path towards you.<</if>>
Your mouth twists, discomfort curling in your gut.<<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG 02 TAKE DRINK")>> You down another
mouthful of wine and turn abruptly around, heading back to the
tent.<</if>> <<if $meissandium_text neq
true>><<set $meissandium_text to true>>The Meissandium
has never been friendly towards the Wayfarer Order. Their scriptures
state that magic is a blessing from the gods, the source from which all
power is derived. While their texts do not strictly affirm that magianis
are cursed, it didn’t take many leaps in logic for the Meissandium to
arrive there. As far as their priesthood is concerned, you are an
abnormality in the eyes of the Hexatheon, punished for your inevitable
sins by having your magic stripped away.
The last thing you want is to be trapped in a conversation with this
cleric.<<else>>The last thing you want is to be trapped in a
conversation with him.<</if>><<else>>A short
elf in Meissandic robes… The cleric from the <<if $last_location
is 1>>pavilions.<<elseif $last_location is
2>>lyranaeum.<<else>>temple.<</if>>
He’s following you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is true>><<if
$ancestry is "human">>[[1. [HUMAN] There’s a lot of people in the
water gardens. You can lose him easily in the crowd.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
ESCAPE]]<<else>><s>1. [HUMAN] Origin requirements have
not been
met.</s><</if>><<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if $ancestry neq "human" or $dressed neq
true>><<if random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Slip through the crowd. You can lose him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE AG
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [AGILITY] Slip through the crowd. You
can lose him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE AG
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><<else>><<if
$ancestry neq "human" or $dressed neq true>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >= 18>>[[2. Slip through the crowd. You
can lose him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE AG PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Slip
through the crowd. You can lose him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE AG
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. Conditional
story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $elleshar_encounter
>=2>>[[3. Enough is enough. Confront him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
CONFRONT]]<<else>>[[3. Confront him.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
CONFRONT]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeda_met to true>><<agilityPass>>You turn around as
casually as you can manage and walk swiftly down the path, acting as if
you’ve forgotten something important. <<if $perception
>=9>>After you’ve gone several paces, your muscles tense and
hair raises on the back of your neck. Though you don’t dare risk looking
over your shoulder, you can feel him following you, walking at a safe,
steady distance.<<else>>Though you quickly lose track of
him, you don’t dare risk looking over your shoulder.<</if>>
You duck between a gossiping couple, quickly cut down a new path, and
join a group of strolling aristocrats. A curly-haired woman in a dusky
rose serithan leads them through the gardens, striding ahead of her
companions as they carry on their murmured conversation.
“…even if it is true, the emperor won’t acknowledge it—”
“Not personally, perhaps, but he has other methods to show his
displeasure.”
“Displeasure? I meant the emperor will not care—”
“But the great houses will. The Imperial court will force his hand…”
The path skirts the blooming trees and leads you in a large circle. It
crosses several bridges, then deposits you back near the central pool.
The aristocrats fan out, going their separate ways, leaving you alone.
You glance quickly about and see no sign of the cleric.
You breathe a sigh of relief. You’ve lost him.
A hand touches your shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. React on instinct.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Turn around slowly.|CHAPTER 2 WG
AEDA 01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$elleshar_met to true>><<agilityFail>>You turn around
as casually as you can manage and walk swiftly down the path, acting as
if you’ve forgotten something important. <<if $perception
>=9>>After you’ve gone several paces, your muscles tense and
hair raises on the back of your neck. You can feel him following you.
You glance over your shoulder. The cleric is nowhere to be
seen.<<else>>After you’ve gone several paces, you glance
quickly over your shoulder.
The cleric is nowhere to be seen.<</if>>
Smiling with quiet satisfaction, you turn around and head for the
central pool.
“You’re a difficult person to track down, $lastname.”
The cleric appears in front of you, blocking the path. <<if
$height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>He smiles pleasantly at you and folds his hands neatly
in front of him.<<else>>He smiles as he looks up at you,
unintimidated by your height, and folds his hands neatly in front of
him.<</if>> The long, open sleeves of his Meissandic robes
hang low, nearly brushing the ground.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Didn’t realize clerics were trained
trackers.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 2 WG
ELLE 01D WHAT DO YOU WANT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $elleshar_encounter
>=2>>[[3. “Leave me alone. Not going to tell you
again.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 01E]]<<else>>[[3. “Leave me
alone.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
01E]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$elleshar_met to true>>A burst of frustrated anger washes over
you and you stride forcefully up the path. The cleric’s eyes widen and
he quickly covers his surprise, adjusting his stance as you approach. He
folds his hands neatly in front of him, the long, open sleeves of his
Meissandic robes nearly brushing the ground.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 01D
WHAT DO YOU WANT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $elleshar_encounter
>=2>>[[2. “Leave me alone. Not going to tell you
again.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 01E]]<<else>>[[2. “Leave me
alone.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
01E]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeda_met to true>>You turn around as casually as you can manage
and walk swiftly down the path, acting as if you’ve forgotten something
important. <<if $perception >=9>>After you’ve gone
several paces, your muscles tense and hair raises on the back of your
neck. Though you don’t dare risk looking over your shoulder, you can
feel him following you, walking at a safe, steady
distance.<<else>>Though you quickly lose track of him, you
don’t dare risk looking over your shoulder.<</if>> You duck
between a gossiping couple, quickly cut down a new path, and join a
group of strolling aristocrats. A curly-haired woman in a dusky rose
serithan leads them through the gardens, striding ahead of her
companions as they carry on their murmured conversation.
“…even if it is true, the emperor won’t acknowledge it—”
“Not personally, perhaps, but he has other methods to show his
displeasure.”
“Displeasure? I meant the emperor will not care—”
“But the great houses will. The Imperial court will force his hand…”
The path skirts the blooming trees and leads you in a large circle. It
crosses several bridges, then deposits you back near the central pool.
The aristocrats fan out, going their separate ways, leaving you alone.
You glance quickly about and see no sign of the cleric.
You breathe a sigh of relief. You’ve lost him.
A hand touches your shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. React on instinct.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Turn around slowly.|CHAPTER 2 WG
AEDA 01B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$strength >= $agility>>You turn, seize your assailant’s wrist
in an ironclad grasp, and yank them forward. The man yelps in surprise
and stumbles into you. He recovers quickly, regaining his balance, and
lets his hand go limp in your grasp.
You pause, casting a discerning eye over him. Metallic silver hair
cropped short, far from the Arathian standard… pointed ears… violet
eyes… and a blazing crest on his forehead, the amethyst lines fracturing
across his skin like arcs of lightning. The natural pattern is enhanced
with intricate tattooing and decorative jewellery that are foreign to
Rhesainian aeda. He must be with the Aosian delegation.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Half-aeda, like yourself. Strange.
You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<<else>>Strange. You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<</if>>
You let him go. “Be careful who you sneak up on.”
He draws back, rubbing his wrist. “Have you considered speaking before
resorting to violence?” he says. “I thought Arathians were supposed to
be sophisticated.”
“Good thing I’m not Arathian,” you retort distractedly, your brow
furrowing. His Arathian, though fluent, is accented and difficult to
place. “Did you want something?”<<else>>You sidestep
quickly, pulling free from your assailant’s grasp, and turn to face
them. The man draws back, surprised by your quick movements.
You pause, casting a discerning eye over him. Metallic silver hair
cropped short, far from the Arathian standard… pointed ears… violet
eyes… and a blazing crest on his forehead, the amethyst lines fracturing
across his skin like arcs of lightning. The natural pattern is enhanced
with intricate tattooing and decorative jewellery that are foreign to
Rhesainian aeda.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Half-aeda, like yourself. Strange.
You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<<else>>Strange. You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<</if>>
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people,” you say sharply.
He chuckles. <<if $pendant_worn is true or $visible_tattoo is
true>>“You’re a little on edge for a Wayfarer.”<<elseif
$dressed is true>>“You’re a little on edge for an
aristocrat.”<<else>>“You’re a little on edge for a
mercenary.”<</if>> His Arathian, though fluent, is accented
and difficult to place. He must be with the Aosian ambassadors.
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“This isn’t my kind of place,”
you say, shrugging. “What do you want?”<<else>>You roll your
eyes. “What do you want?”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn and calmly face your assailant. He has a pleasant face, keen
violet eyes, and metallic silver hair cropped short. A blazing crest
shimmers on his forehead, the amethyst lines fracturing across his skin
like arcs of lightning. The natural pattern is enhanced with intricate
tattooing and decorative jewellery that are foreign to Rhesainian aeda.
He must be with the Aosian delegation.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>He’s half-aeda, like yourself.
Strange. You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<<else>>Strange. You haven’t seen many half-aeda in the
city.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What?”|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Can I help you?”|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$meissandiumapp to Math.clamp($meissandiumapp + 5, 10, 79)>>“We
have many talents,” he replies with a smile. “Communing with the gods is
a difficult duty. There’s more to it than the public would assume.”
“And here I thought you pondered sacred texts all day.”
“There’s a lot of pondering, true. But even clerics get bored from time
to time.”
“Is that what’s happening here? Boredom?”
He laughs. “You’re funny, $lastname.”
You frown. There’s something overly keen about him. Maybe it’s the
eagerness in his eyes or the pleasant smile, but the way he looks at you
is a little unnerving.<<if $elleshar_info is true>> And if
you take what Kalia said into account, he’s been warning patrons about
you.<</if>> He wants something from you—but you can’t fathom
what.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $elleshar_info is true>>[[1.
“You’re Elleshar, aren’t you?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
02A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 2 WG
ELLE 01D WHAT DO YOU WANT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pales, taken aback by your forcefulness. Suddenly, he looks very young
and very uncertain—as if he planned this confrontation, but didn’t
expect for you to snap back.
“Elleshar Novarian,” he says quickly. “I’m the archon’s augur.”
<<if $elleshar_info is true or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 EP TRIO LIE
01C FAIL")>><<if $elleshar_info is true>>You pause,
recalling the conversation in the eastern pavilion. “Elleshar? So you’re
the one spreading rumours about me.”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
EP TRIO LIE 01C FAIL")>>You pause at the familiar name. What did
Lydia say? Something about him being right about you?
“You’ve been spreading rumours about me, I take it?” you
grunt.<</if>>
“Rumours? That’s not…” He trails off and folds his arms protectively
across his chest, his shoulders slumping a little. “It’s not rumours,
it’s a warning.”
“Great,” you say flatly. “What a difference.”
“I can’t—I can’t see what you’re going to do. That’s enough to deserve a
warning, don’t you think?”
“Do you really think you should be asking me that?”
He blows out a sharp breath. “I’m an augur, $lastname,” he says, casting
an eye across the water gardens. “My primary duty is to perceive the
future, interpret it, and advise the archon. If I can’t see it, then I
have no choice but to warn the court. Do you understand?”
You pause. There’s a strange desperation in his voice, an anxious plea
to your principles.<<else>>“And?”
He blows out a sharp breath. “My primary duty is to perceive the future,
interpret it, and advise the archon. You… complicate it. If I can’t see
it, then I have no choice but to warn the court about potential…
complications.”
You grit your teeth. “So you’ve been—what? Spreading rumours about me?”
He laughs shakily. “A warning is a very different thing to a rumour.”
You pause. There’s a strange desperation in his voice, as if he doesn’t
fully believe in his own actions.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Elleshar… How long have you been the
archon’s augur?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Would be nice if you didn’t assume
I’m a curse on society.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$meissandiumapp to Math.clamp($meissandiumapp - 5, 10, 79)>>He
pales, taken aback by your forcefulness. Suddenly, he looks very young
and very uncertain—as if he planned this confrontation, but didn’t
expect for you to snap back. He straightens, hands held stiffly at his
sides, and raises his chin.
“I’m the archon’s augur,” he says defiantly. “You’re a bodyguard for her
daughter. I outrank you—”
“Really?” you say, closing the distance between you. <<if $height
is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>He shrinks back in your
shadow, flinching at your threatening stance.<<else>>He
draws back, flinching at your threatening stance.<</if>>
“What are you going to do about that? Tell Rasmira? The archon herself?
Can’t imagine she’d appreciate the pettiness, especially from a cleric.”
“I—”
<<if $elleshar_encounter >=2>>“Stop following
me.”<<else>>“Don’t follow me.”<</if>>
You push past him. He says nothing as his imperious attitude deflates,
leaving behind nothing but a young man far out of his depth. He picks at
his overly long sleeves and stares absently at the nearby stream, lost
in thought.
You shake your head. Hopefully that puts a stop to it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 01E
END]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am.”
“Heard you were spreading rumours about me.”
He makes a face. “Rumours? That’s not…” He trails off and folds his arms
protectively across his chest, his shoulders slumping a little. “It’s
not rumours, it’s a warning.”
“Great,” you say flatly. “What a difference.”
“I can’t—I can’t see what you’re going to do. That’s enough to deserve a
warning, don’t you think?”
“Do you really think you should be asking me that?”
He blows out a sharp breath. “I’m an augur, $lastname,” he says, casting
an eye across the water gardens. “The archon’s augur. My primary duty
is to perceive the future, interpret it, and advise her on it. If I
can’t see it, then I have no choice but to warn the court. Do you
understand?”
You pause. There’s a strange desperation in his voice, an anxious plea
to your principles. For a moment, he seems incredibly young and out of
his depth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Elleshar… How long have you been the
archon’s augur?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Would be nice if you didn’t assume
I’m a curse on society.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pales and raises his chin. “I inherited my position a year ago after
Meissant Halon passed,” he says defiantly, a hint of recitation in his
voice. “I have served the archon with diligence. The meissants and the
archon have no complaints about my work.”
You sigh wearily, passing a hand across your face. “I’m sure they
don’t,” you say. “But this isn’t—”
Elleshar turns suddenly, green light flaring in his eyes as his magic
surges, and sprints ahead.
A trio of tipsy guests stumble down the path and cross a bridge. A woman
in a scarlet serithan slips and falls towards the rippling water.
Elleshar catches her at the last moment, safely pulling her back from
the edge. She straightens, blushing deeply, and her companions usher her
away.
He straightens his robes and watches them go, a light flush on his
cheeks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You… saw that?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nice trick. Was that supposed to be
impressive?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let him speak.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
not… You’re not…” He flushes, hands held stiffly at his sides. “That’s
not what I told them. You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“Then what, exactly, did you say?”
Elleshar turns suddenly, green light flaring in his eyes as his magic
surges, and sprints ahead.
A trio of tipsy guests stumble down the path and cross a bridge. A woman
in a scarlet serithan slips and falls towards the rippling water.
Elleshar catches her at the last moment, safely pulling her back from
the edge. She straightens, blushing deeply, and her companions usher her
away.
He straightens his robes and watches them go, a light flush on his
cheeks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You… saw that?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nice trick. Was that supposed to be
impressive?”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let him speak.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$actionpoints is 0>>Eager to leave the floundering cleric behind,
you hurry down the path and climb the slope out of the water gardens. A
thunderous blast resounds in your ears. You raise your head, glancing
upwards as multi-coloured light flares across the sky: the firelight
show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Eager
to leave the floundering cleric behind, you hurry down the path and
climb the slope out of the water gardens.
Sensing the end of your conversation, you excuse yourself and return to
the garden entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
nods quietly, the green light dimming. “I can’t see everything,” he
says. “The shadows fade in and out. I see that they happen, but I don’t
know when. It could be a second from now—or ten years. Nashira’s whims, I
suppose.”
You pause. You’ve never thought much about an augur’s power. The
intricacies of their abilities matter little to you. You don’t need to
know how they see the future, only that they do.
“It takes years of training to interpret what we see,” he continues.
“Some augurs are more precise than others. I only knew that woman would
fall because the shadows aligned with her movements.”
“So it’s an educated guess?” you ask, brow furrowed.
He chuckles softly. “I like to think of it more like instincts,” he
says. “Just as you’re trained to react intuitively in combat, I’m
trained to interpret. <<if $scar1 is "scarforehead" or $scar1 is
"scarAtral" or $scar2 is "scarAtral">>Sometimes we’re right.” He
glances at the scar on your forehead. “And sometimes we’re
wrong.”<<elseif $garb is "serithan" and ($scar1 is "scarburn" or
$scar1 is "scarCount2" or $scar1 is "scarRhodarth" or $scar1 is
"scarCount" or $scar1 is "scarAeran" or $scar2 is "scarCount2" or $scar2
is "scarRhodarth" or $scar2 is "scarCount" or $scar2 is
"scarAeran")>>Sometimes we’re right.” He glances at the scar on
your shoulder. “And sometimes we’re wrong.”<<else>>Sometimes
we’re right. And sometimes we’re wrong.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Seems like a useful skill for a bodyguard
or a mercenary, not a cleric.”|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “It’s not the same.”|CHAPTER 2 WG
ELLE 05B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Drop it.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
flushes. “I know you can’t understand—”
“Can’t? Try me.”
He pauses, shifting his weight restlessly from foot to foot. “I’m sorry
if I was… overeager to warn people about you,” he says finally. “The
archon said nothing about Her Grace employing a Wayfarer and I… may have
overreacted. Everyone has a shadow of their future self, but when I
look at you, I see… nothing. It’s… not right.”
You rub the back of your neck, gut twisting at the sincerity in his
voice. You’re not sure whether you should find the situation frustrating
or amusing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re frustrated.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
FRUST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re amused.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
AMUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
hangs his head, shifting his weight restlessly from foot to foot. He
looks less like a Meissandic cleric and more like a lost child. “I’m
sorry if I was… overeager to warn people about you,” he says quietly.
“The archon said nothing about Her Grace employing a Wayfarer and I… may
have overreacted. Everyone has a shadow of their future self, but when I
look at you, I see… nothing. It’s… not right.”
You rub the back of your neck, gut twisting at the sincerity in his
voice. You’re not sure whether you should find the situation frustrating
or amusing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re frustrated.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
FRUST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re amused.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
AMUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
everyone wants to live by their sword, $lastname,” he says. He raises a
hand up to his head, his billowing sleeve falling down to reveal a
thin, gangly arm. “Do I look like I could carry a weapon?” he adds,
waving his arm about.
You smile. Whatever you expected from a cleric, this was not it.
He drops his arm. “I’m sorry if I was… overeager to warn people about
you,” he says quietly. “The archon said nothing about Her Grace
employing a Wayfarer and I… may have overreacted. Everyone has a shadow
of their future self, but when I look at you, I see… nothing. It’s… not
right.”
You rub the back of your neck, gut twisting at the sincerity in his
eyes. You’re not sure whether you should find the situation frustrating
or amusing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re frustrated.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
FRUST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re amused.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
AMUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
blanches, unnerved by your forceful tone. “I’m sorry if I was…
overeager to warn people about you,” he says after a moment, avoiding
your gaze. “The archon said nothing about Her Grace employing a Wayfarer
and I… may have overreacted. Everyone has a shadow of their future
self, but when I look at you, I see… nothing. It’s… not right.”
You rub the back of your neck, gut twisting at the sincerity in his
voice. You’re not sure whether you should find the situation frustrating
or amusing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re frustrated.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
FRUST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re amused.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
AMUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily, shaking your head.
Elleshar glances at you, a strangely pleading look in his eyes. “I’m
sorry if I was… overeager to warn people about you,” he says. “The
archon said nothing about Her Grace employing a Wayfarer and I… may have
overreacted. Everyone has a shadow of their future self, but when I
look at you, I see… nothing. It’s… not right.”
You rub the back of your neck, gut twisting at the sincerity in his
voice. You’re not sure whether you should find the situation frustrating
or amusing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re frustrated.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
FRUST]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re amused.|CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 06
AMUS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Doesn’t
matter,” you say coldly. <<if $elleshar_encounter
>=2>>“Now, for the love of the gods, stop following
me.”<<else>>“Now, for the love of the gods, don’t follow
me.”<</if>>
You push past him. His shoulders slump as any courage he had left
deflates. Picking restlessly at his overly long sleeves, he stares
absently into the nearby stream, lost in thought.
You shake your head. <<if $actionpoints is 0>>Eager to leave
him behind, you hurry down the path and climb the slope out of the
water gardens. A thunderous blast resounds in your ears. You raise your
head, glancing upwards as multi-coloured light flares across the sky:
the firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Eager
to leave him behind, you hurry down the path and climb the slope out of
the water gardens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$meissandiumapp to Math.clamp($meissandiumapp + 5, 10,
79)>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE 05A")>>You
laugh. “Unpredictability is good for you, Elleshar. You said it
yourself, your magic isn’t accurate. Try relying less on your shadows
and pay more attention to the world around you. Who knows? Maybe it will
help you interpret what you see.”
He frowns. “Maybe.”
“Don’t take my word for it, it’s just a guess.”
He smiles.
<<if $elleshar_encounter >=2>>“But I’d appreciate it if
you stop following me around,” you finish
firmly.<<else>>“Now, I’d appreciate it if you leave me
alone.”<</if>><<else>>You laugh.
“Unpredictability is good for you, Elleshar. You should rely less on
your magic and pay attention to the world around you. <<if
$elleshar_encounter >=2>>“Now I’d appreciate it if you stop
following me around. You’re not very good at it. Good thing you joined
the Meissandium, you’d have a horrible time in my
shoes.”<<else>>Now, I’d appreciate it if you leave me
alone.”<</if>><</if>>
He blanches and draws back, giving you a polite bow. <<if
$actionpoints is 0>>Chuckling at his flustered reaction, you
excuse yourself and return to the garden entrance. As you climb the
slope out of the water gardens, a thunderous blast resounds in your
ears. You raise your head, glancing upwards as multi-coloured light
flares across the sky: the firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Chuckling
at his flustered reaction, you excuse yourself and return to the garden
entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
scratches the back of his neck and gives you a small smile. “Velantis
has been full of surprises. I didn’t think I’d find another <<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>magianis down here, let alone one who is
half-aeda.”<<else>>magianis down here.”<</if>>
“You’re not…? Are you…?”
He laughs. “Look at me,” he says, raising his hands. “Do you see even an
inkling of magic?”
“No,” you say, frowning as you quickly cover your surprise. “Not to be
blunt, but why would Aos send a magianis?”
“I’m an interpreter, not an ambassador,” he replies. “My mother was
Velantian and I know something of the city’s culture. My inability to
perform magic doesn’t prevent me from doing my job—if anything, it’s an
asset.”
You fall silent, his words weighing heavily on you. For most of your
life, magianis has been synonymous with one thing: the Wayfarer Order.
It’s an attitude adopted by most Rhesainian nations and, for the most
part, there is truth to the belief. Before the order fell, Cenric
searched for young, outcast magiani, offering them a home and a chance
at a new life. Most Rhesainian magiani either became Wayfarers—or lived
in silence, hiding their lack of magic from those around them.
You never really considered that might not be the case elsewhere in the
world.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Are there many magiani in Aos?”|CHAPTER 2
WG AEDA 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you mean, an asset? This is
one of the most magically advanced cities in the world. Wouldn’t the
delegation want to blend in?”|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 04B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re not going to put your foot in
your mouth. Let him speak.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$eleneidcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
The Eleneids<</notify>>“Some,” he replies matter-of-factly.
“But not many. The mountains of Aos are unforgiving to those without
wings. Their human parents find the air difficult to breathe without
aid. My mother lived in Aos for only a few years before she returned to
Velantis.”
You frown. “What does being human have to do with it?”
He blinks, surprised by your question. “Aeda cannot be magianis. Is this
not common knowledge in the lowlands?”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“Uh…”
You fall silent, your tongue heavy and twisted in your mouth. <<if
$origin is "urchin">>The streets of Nesactium weren’t exactly the
best place to learn about your aeda heritage.<<else>>Your
family never did say much about your aeda heritage and this certainly
wasn’t one of the talking
points.<</if>><<else>>You pause, falling silent
as you think back to your training at the Spire. You’re certain that in
all the texts $master forced you to study, none of them mentioned that
aeda couldn’t be magianis.<</if>>
“Are you sure that’s true?” you ask. “It doesn’t sound very probable.
There must have been an aeda sometime, somewhere, who didn’t have
magic—”
“Our Eleneid heritage prevents it,” he replies firmly. “Lack of magic is
a human and dwarven trait, not an Eleneid one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 05
SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
06]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$eleneidcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
The Eleneids<</notify>>He frowns, irked by your tone.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“Our aeda
brethren<<else>>“My aeda brethren<</if>> are
open to magical manipulation,” he says shortly. “I am not. If the archon
attempts to sway us one way or another through magical means, it will
fail.”
Smart, you think. “Then are all the ambassadors magianis?”
He blinks, taken aback by your question. “Aeda cannot be magianis. Is
this not common knowledge in the lowlands?”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“Uh…”
You fall silent, your tongue heavy and twisted in your mouth. <<if
$origin is "urchin">>The streets of Nesactium weren’t exactly the
best place to learn about your aeda heritage.<<else>>Your
family never did say much about your aeda heritage and this certainly
wasn’t one of the talking
points.<</if>><<else>>You pause, falling silent
as you think back to your training at the Spire. You’re certain that in
all the texts $master forced you to study, none of them mentioned that
aeda couldn’t be magianis.<</if>>
“Are you sure that’s true?” you ask. “It doesn’t sound very probable.
There must have been an aeda sometime, somewhere, who didn’t have
magic—”
“Our Eleneid heritage prevents it,” he replies firmly. “Lack of magic is
a human and dwarven trait, not an Eleneid one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 05
SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
06]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$eleneidcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
The Eleneids<</notify>>“Do you find this strange?” he asks,
noting your silence.
“No, I…” You pause, biting the inside of your cheek. “Outside of the
Wayfarer Order, I’ve never met anyone whose lack of magic was valued as
an asset.”
<<if $acnestry is "aeda">>“Our aeda
brethren<<else>>“My aeda brethren<</if>> are
open to magical manipulation,” he explains. “I am not. If the archon
attempts to sway us one way or another through magical means, it will
fail.”
“Then are all the ambassadors magianis?”
He blinks, taken aback by your question. “Aeda cannot be magianis. Is
this not common knowledge in the lowlands?”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>“Uh…”
You fall silent, your tongue heavy and twisted in your mouth. <<if
$origin is "urchin">>The streets of Nesactium weren’t exactly the
best place to learn about your aeda heritage.<<else>>Your
family never did say much about your aeda heritage and this certainly
wasn’t one of the talking
points.<</if>><<else>>You pause, falling silent
as you think back to your training at the Spire. You’re certain that in
all the texts $master forced you to study, none of them mentioned that
aeda couldn’t be magianis.<</if>>
“Are you sure that’s true?” you ask. “It doesn’t sound very probable.
There must have been an aeda sometime, somewhere, who didn’t have
magic—”
“Our Eleneid heritage prevents it,” he replies firmly. “Lack of magic is
a human and dwarven trait, not an Eleneid one.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 05
SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
06]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
fold your arms across your chest. Judging from his stubborn tone, he is
not going to back down on this.
“Where do you hail from?” he says, staring openly at your crest. He
narrows his eyes, as if he’s trying to discern something about you from
it.
Your throat tightens. It’s a little disconcerting.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell him.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA SPECIAL
01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell him off.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
SPECIAL 01B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fold your arms across your chest. Judging from his stubborn tone, he is
not going to back down on this. “Are you enjoying the gala?” you ask,
too tired to argue. “It’s quite the party—and supposedly in your
honour.”
The interpreter glances at the passing aristocrats, a frown on his face.
“The talks aren’t until tomorrow,” he says. “And the archon has barely
spoken a word to us tonight. If you ask me, this is a show for them, not
us. All the fineries in the world won’t matter if Velantis cannot
assure us the Empire will no longer interfere with our border.”
You smile weakly. You’ve never been one for politics. Caught up as you
are in the Guild’s machinations, you don’t want to go anywhere near the
Velantis-Aos dispute.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I hope you get what you’re looking
for.”|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA 07A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Excuse yourself and walk
away.|CHAPTER 2 WG AEDA
07B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeda_invitation to true>><<if $heritage is
"Arinnan">><<if $origin is "nomad">>“Sathir,” you say.
“Why?”
He purses his lips. “Interesting. It is not unheard of for our kind to
venture to the desert.”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>“The
Forest of Brennath,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “It is not unheard of for our kind to venture into
Sathir or Arathia, but across the sea to Artanis?”<<elseif $origin
is "farmer">> “Arsenia,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “It is not unheard of for our kind to venture into
Sathir or Arathia, but to Artanis?”<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>“Nesactium,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “It is not unheard of for our kind to venture into
Sathir or Arathia, but all the way to the Arsenian coast?”<<elseif
$origin is "merchant">>“Tol Covere,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “It is not unheard of for our kind to venture into
Sathir or Arathia, but all the way to the Coveran
coast?”<<else>>“Vodena,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “It is not unheard of for our kind to venture into
Sathir or Arathia, but all the way to Vestra?”
“I—why does it matter?”<</if>>
He tilts his chin, his eyes lingering on your forehead. “There’s an old
Aosian belief that nothing good comes when we descend the mountains,” he
says quietly. “The closer we are to the heavens, the closer we are to
home. To leave is to forfeit. But your parent must have had other
thoughts.”
<<if $origin is "urchin">>“Don’t presume you know where I
came from,” you say flatly.<<else>>“Don’t presume you know
anything about my family,” you say flatly.<</if>>
“You have an Arinnan crest,” he replies. “They would have hailed from
Aos. Have you never been curious about your origins?”
You pause. “Is that a… what? An invitation?”
“The ambassadors would be more than happy to speak with you,” he says.
“Think on it, $cousin. Enjoy your evening.”<<elseif $heritage is
"Synan">><<if $origin neq "hunter">><<if $origin
is "nomad">>“Sathir,”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>“Arsenia,”<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>“Nesactium,”<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“Tol
Covere,”<<else>>“Vodena,”<</if>> you say. “Why?”
He purses his lips. “Interesting. That is a long distance for an aeda to
venture.”<<else>>“The Forest of Brennath,” you say. “Why?”
“So far,” he muses. “Interesting. That is a long distance for an aeda to
venture, though I suppose it is closer than some.”<</if>>
“I—why does it matter?”
He tilts his chin, his eyes lingering on your forehead. “You have a
Synan crest,” he says. “They would have hailed from Arda, deep in the
Stormwind Mountains. Have you never been curious about your origins?”
You pause. “Is that a… what? An invitation?”
“The ambassadors would be more than happy to speak with you,” he says.
“Think on it, $cousin. Enjoy your
evening.”<<else>><<if $origin is
"nomad">>“Sathir,”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>“The
Forest of Brennanth,”<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>“Arsenia,”<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>“Nesactium,”<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“Tol
Covere,”<<else>>“Vodena,”<</if>> you say. “Why?”
He purses his lips. “Interesting. That is a long distance for an aeda to
venture.”
“I—why does it matter?”
He tilts his chin, his eyes lingering on your forehead. “You have an
Asterian crest,” he says. “They do not easily trade their woodland homes
for Rhesainian urbanity. It’s possible your parent hailed from Aurai.
Have you never been curious about your origins?”
You pause. “Is that a… what? An invitation?”
“The ambassadors would be more than happy to speak with you,” he says.
“Think on it, $cousin. Enjoy your evening.”<</if>>
He walks away, moving easily through the crowd as he returns to the
ambassadors. You watch him go, your thoughts and feelings muddled.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>Deciding you’ve had quite enough of
the water gardens, you duck down a nearby path and wind your way
through the blossoming trees.
As you climb the slope out of the water gardens, a thunderous blast
resounds in your ears. You raise your head, glancing upwards as
multi-coloured light flares across the sky: the firelight show has
begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Deciding
you’ve had quite enough of the water gardens, you duck down a nearby
path and wind your way through the blossoming trees, returning to the
entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Mind
your own business,” you snap. “Just because you’re half-aeda doesn’t
mean we have anything in common.”
You push forcefully past him and stride away from the pool. You can feel
him watching you as you duck down a nearby path and disappear into the
blooming trees.
//Fuck off,// you curse inwardly and try to put the interpreter out of
your mind.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>As you climb the slope out of the
water gardens, a thunderous blast resounds in your ears. You raise your
head, glancing upwards as multi-coloured light flares across the sky:
the firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
climb the slope out of the water gardens and return to the entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Thank
you,” the interpreter says quietly. “One can only hope.”
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>Nodding politely in response, you
excuse yourself and return to the garden entrance. As you climb the
slope out of the water gardens, a thunderous blast resounds in your
ears. You raise your head, glancing upwards as multi-coloured light
flares across the sky: the firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Nodding
politely in response, you excuse yourself and return to the garden
entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$actionpoints is 0>>Shaking your head, you excuse yourself and
return to the garden entrance. As you climb the slope out of the water
gardens, a thunderous blast resounds in your ears. You raise your head,
glancing upwards as multi-coloured light flares across the sky: the
firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Shaking
your head, you excuse yourself and return to the garden entrance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You can hear it before you see
it.
Music swells, layered together in complex harmonies. The beat of a drum
throbs in your ears, pulsing out a steady rhythm. The raised voices of
the actors ring out above it all, projecting through the air as the
scene grows in intensity. Beneath it all is the constant hum of the
audience as they murmur, laugh, and sigh in reaction to the story
unfolding before them.
The path crests a hill and you slow to a halt. The lyranaeum fans out
before you, bursting with light and sound. You’ve seen theatres before,
but this one puts the others to shame. Built into the side of the hill,
the lyranaeum is a circular construct open to the air. A thin,
nearly-invisible ward stretches over it like a globe, protecting it from
the elements and staving off the cool evening breeze. Seating descends
on all sides towards a large stage on a central platform surrounded by a
sunken pit. A disorderly crowd fills the pit, drinks sploshing in their
hands as they push and shove each other for a better view.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>While you’re only mildly familiar with Velantian theatres, you
know enough to know the pit is ordinarily reserved for lower-class
patrons—no seats and cheap tickets, sold for a half-crown. But there are
no tickets here and the archon’s wealthy guests flock to the stage,
eager to be as close to the action as possible. Some have hoisted
themselves onto the edge of the stage, their hands and fingers
dangerously close to the actor’s moving feet. Judging from the emptiness
of the seating above, most have elected to be here, propriety be
damned.
Above the stage, conjured lights float in the air in a complicated
dance. Some create complex patterns in varying colours, others shine
direct light, illuminating the actors as they move across the stage.
Movement is constant—there is always something moving, shifting, or
transforming. Yet, despite the elaborate showmanship, you cannot help
but feel something is missing. The stage is bare, the costumes simple,
and actors vanish without fanfare at the end of their scenes, teleported
away by some convoluted use of spatial magic.
You descend the slope towards the lyranaeum, search its perimeter for
the entrance, and slip inside. The music hits you, rumbling in your
ears, and unintelligible lines of dialogue pass over you. It’s loud. Far
louder than you thought. The crowd surges around you as you push your
way through. <<if $zenaida_location is true>>You can’t
imagine Zenaida would be in the pit, jostled by the
crowd.<<else>>If Zenaida is here, you can’t imagine she
would willingly be in the pit, jostled by the crowd.<</if>>
You raise your head, scanning the sloping seats, and spot a small
pavilion attached that opens onto the uppermost row.
Unable to find a way out except back through the entrance, you push your
way to the edge of the pit. Resting your hands on the edge, you hoist
yourself up onto the lowest row of seats. You attract a few rolled eyes
and snappish remarks as you clamber between the seated nobles, but most
are too engrossed in the performance to be bothered. You ignore them and
climb the seats upwards.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The top of the lyranaeum has a phenomenal view of the stage.
Pausing to wipe sweat from your brow, you catch your breath and look
downwards to take in the sights. The music and actors’ voices cut
clearly through the air, free from the cacophony of the pit. Despite the
distance, it almost feels like a personal performance for whoever
occupies the pavilion. The other patrons are extraneous.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>“You’re late, $lastname,” a
familiar voice says.
You glance over your shoulder. Malsara pokes her head out of the
pavilion’s entrance. She looks very much the same as she did on the ship
this morning, opting to remain in her customary black serithan. Her
ashen hair is one long braid that falls over her shoulder, mimicking a
style favoured by her sister. There’s already a furrow between her
brows.
“Didn’t realize I was on a time limit,” you reply shortly.
Her frown deepens, getting dangerously close to becoming a scowl.
“Inside,” she says, gesturing for you to follow her. “Her Grace would
have words with you.”
Rolling your eyes, you do as she says and step through the
threshold.<<else>>“Here, $firstname,” a familiar voice says.
You glance over your shoulder. Malsara pokes her head out of the
pavilion’s entrance. She looks very much the same as she did on the ship
this morning, opting to remain in her customary black serithan. Her
ashen hair is one long braid that falls over her shoulder, mimicking a
style favoured by her sister. <<if $dressed is true>>She
looks you up and down, surprise in her dark eyes, and smiles
approvingly.<<else>>Her dark eyes look you up and down,
taking in your gear. She purses her lips and says
nothing.<</if>>
“Inside,” she says, gesturing for you to follow her. “Her Grace would
have words with you.”
<<if $zenaida_location is true>>“I know,” you
mutter.<<else>>“Oh good,” you mutter. “Cause I want a word
with her.”<</if>>
Malsara shakes her head and slips inside. Letting out a long sigh, you
do as you’re told and step through the threshold.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>The
pavilion is a spacious, enclosed space hung with scarlet drapes and
decorated with elegant furnishings. An engraved brass divider runs down
the middle, partitioning it in two. You enter an area reminiscent of a
small foyer, with a table dedicated to refreshments and additional plush
seating. Malsara gestures for you to stop, then leans through the gap
in the partition. After a low murmur of words, she withdraws and crosses
the pavilion to take up her position by the entrance.
Zenaida steps through the partition, looking as immaculate as always.
She has changed her scarlet serithan for one of white and gold, and her
hair is woven with strands of gold and crystal beads. <<if
$temple_lyrana is true>>Though the elegant cut and flowing silks
resemble her mother’s, the semblance stops there. There isn’t much of
Sophia in Zenaida. Though the women share wealth, status, and family
history, Zenaida carries herself with a devout resolve that refuses to
surrender in the face of adversity.<<else>>Though she seems
weary after the long day, she carries herself with a devout resolve that
refuses to surrender in the face of adversity.<</if>>
“Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “It is good of you to come. I must
apologize for this morning, I…” She cuts off awkwardly,
uncharacteristically tongue-tied. She clears her throat and raises her
head, clasping her hands together in front of her. <<if
$ras_zenaida is true>>“I see you survived your
ordeal.”<<else>>The stance is familiar—it’s the one she uses
when she needs to reassert herself. You’ve seen it on Rasmira.
“I see you survived your ordeal,” she says.<</if>>
<<if $pava is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Venka might be a
little snippy, but I’d hardly call her an ordeal.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A
PAVA][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is
true>><<if $garb is "serithan">>[[2. “I think this
serithan suits me. I might even warm up to it.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A
PAVA][$tempstat to 2]]<<else>>[[2. “I think this abberan
suits me. I might even warm up to it.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A][$tempstat to
2]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you’re referring to Quirinus,
I’ve handled worse than him.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03B PAVA]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Fold your arms and let her continue.
You’re not here to make small talk.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A PAVA][$tempstat
to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Venka might be a
little snippy, but I’d hardly call her an ordeal.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03A][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $dressed is
true>><<if $garb is "serithan">>[[2. “I think this
serithan suits me. I might even warm up to it.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03A][$tempstat to 2]]<<else>>[[2. “I think this abberan
suits me. I might even warm up to it.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A][$tempstat to
2]]<</if>><<else>><s>2. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you’re referring to Quirinus,
I’ve handled worse than him.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Fold your arms and let her continue.
You’re not here to make small talk.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03A][$tempstat to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$dressed is true>><<if $pendant_worn neq
true>><<set $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisGain>><</if>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>Her lips crack into the barest of smiles.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Thank you for following my
request—though I see you’ve added your own flare,” she adds, her eyes
narrowing with disapproval at your pendant.<<else>>“Thank
you for following my request,” she says.<</if>> “The
Velantian nobility are pricklier than they will admit. Rumours about you
have already spread like wildfire and I knew Wayfarer Kellis would
refuse to behave accordingly. If we are to use tonight well, I hoped
you, at least, would avoid as much attention as possible.”<<elseif
$tempstat is 2>>Her lips part in a warm smile.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Indeed, it does. You wear it
well—though I see you’ve added your own flare,” she adds, her eyes
narrowed slightly as she takes in your pendant. “The Velantian nobility
are pricklier than they will admit.<<else>>“Indeed, it
does,” she says. “You wear it well. The Velantian nobility are pricklier
than they will admit.<</if>> Rumours about you have already
spread like wildfire and I knew Wayfarer Kellis would refuse to behave
accordingly. If we are to use tonight well, I hoped you, at least, would
avoid as much attention as possible.”<<else>>She shakes her
head, sighing wearily. <<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Thank
you for following my request—though I see you’ve added your own flare,”
she adds, her eyes narrowing with disapproval at your
pendant.<<else>>“Thank you for following my request,” she
says.<</if>> “The Velantian nobility are pricklier than they
will admit. Rumours about you have already spread like wildfire and I
knew Wayfarer Kellis would refuse to behave accordingly. If we are to
use tonight well, I hoped you, at least, would avoid as much attention
as possible.”<</if>>
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“So, we are using the gala for
something,” you say, struggling to keep the sarcasm out of your voice.
“Why don’t you tell me more about that? I’d like to know whether I got
dragged here for nothing.”<<else>>“So, we are using the gala
for something,” you say sardonically. “I always appreciate a party, but
I’d love to know why I’m here.”<</if>>
Her smile fades. “Why don’t you help yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” she
says, gesturing to the nearby refreshments. Several decanters sit in the
centre of the table, rich red wine showing through their clear crystal
sides.<<else>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>She sighs wearily, shaking her
head. <<if $tempstat is 1>>“That was not the ordeal I was
referring to,” she says. “Though I assume it must have been something of
a test of strength for you. I see you did not follow my
request.”<<else>>“I see my request must have been something
of a test of strength for you. Considering you did not follow
it.”<</if>>
“I’m not a Velantian noble, I’m not going to act like one—”
“And rumours about you have already spread like wildfire. I expected
this behaviour from Wayfarer Kellis, $lastname, but not from you. The
nobility of this city are drawn to scandal. If we are to use tonight
well, I hoped to avoid their attention, but it seems that was too much
to ask of you.”
Your jaw clenches. “So, we are using the gala for something. Why don’t
you tell me more about that? I’d like to know whether I got dragged here
for nothing—”
“Why don’t you help yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” she interrupts,
gesturing to the nearby refreshments. Several decanters sit in the
centre of the table, rich red wine showing through their clear crystal
sides.<</if>>
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say coolly.
She pauses, dropping her hand to her side. Your refusal has caught her
off-guard—she’s avoiding something and the offer of wine was a way to
postpone it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop deflecting. What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Antagonizing her will do your
relationship no favours.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is
0>>[[1. What the hell, you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t
it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<<else>>[[1. What
the hell, you’ll take another drink. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2
LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2.
Decline. You don’t want any wine right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<<else>>[[2. Decline. You’ve had enough to drink
tonight.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. What the hell,
you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE][$wine +=1, $mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline. You don’t want any wine
right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE WINE][$mcalcohol to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline. You don’t
drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "LYR ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>She
closes her eyes and exhales a sharp breath. “I’d watch your flippancy,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “He may be a mage—and the Grand
Archsage—but even you aren’t immune to his influence. I would not
underestimate him simply because his magic has no ill effect on you.”
You grunt. “Hadn’t occurred to me. Thanks for the warning.”
<<if $dressed is true>>“Thank you for following my request,”
she continues, ignoring your comment. <<if $pendant_worn is
true>>“Though I see you’ve added your own unfortunate flare. The
Velantian nobility are pricklier than they will
admit.<<else>>“The Velantian nobility are pricklier than
they will admit.<</if>> Rumours about you have already
spread like wildfire and I knew Wayfarer Kellis would refuse to behave
accordingly. If we are to use tonight well, I hoped you, at least, would
avoid as much attention as possible.”
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“So, we are using the gala for
something,” you say, struggling to keep the sarcasm out of your voice.
“Why don’t you tell me more about that? I’d like to know whether I got
dragged here for nothing—”<<else>>“So, we are using the gala
for something,” you say sardonically. “I always appreciate a party, but
I’d love to know why I’m
here—”<</if>><<else>>“I see you did not follow
my request,” she says, ignoring your comment. Her eyes narrow as she
looks you up and down, frowning slightly at your choice of gear.
“I’m not a Velantian noble, I’m not going to act like one—”
“And rumours about you have already spread like wildfire. I expected
this behaviour from Wayfarer Kellis, $lastname, but not from you. The
nobility of this city are drawn to scandal. If we are to use tonight
well, I hoped to avoid their attention, but it seems that was too much
to ask of you.”
Your jaw clenches. “So, we are using the gala for something. Why don’t
you tell me more about that? I’d like to know whether I got dragged here
for nothing—”<</if>>
“Why don’t you help yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” she interrupts,
gesturing to the nearby refreshments. Several decanters sit in the
centre of the table, rich red wine showing through their clear crystal
sides.
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say coolly.
She pauses, dropping her hand to her side. Your refusal has caught her
off-guard—she’s avoiding something and the offer of wine was a way to
postpone it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop deflecting. What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Antagonizing her will do your
relationship no favours.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is
0>>[[1. What the hell, you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t
it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<<else>>[[1. What
the hell, you’ll take another drink. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2
LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2.
Decline. You don’t want any wine right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<<else>>[[2. Decline. You’ve had enough to drink
tonight.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. What the hell,
you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE][$wine +=1, $mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline. You don’t want any wine
right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE WINE][$mcalcohol to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline. You don’t
drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "LYR ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“Take your belligerence
elsewhere, $lastname, I don’t have time for it,” she snaps.
Malsara moves instinctively to her side, a fiercely protective glare in
her eyes. Sighing wearily, you cross the room, throw yourself into the
nearest available chair and sink into it. Ignoring the assassin’s
vigilant glower, you rest an elbow on the armrest, your fingers idly
massaging your temples. This whole gala is starting to give you a
headache. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE") and $wine
>=2>>Or maybe that’s the wine…<</if>>
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Nova’s not here.
Have you heard from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION
LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon? Judging from
what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a></div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus made good on his threat
to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Can’t help but
notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02A LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “Care to tell me what happened with
the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet? He
seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C
LOWAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“I
see this is a ‘need a drink’ kind of conversation,” you say, helping
yourself.
Zenaida fixes you with a cool gaze, keeping firm control over her
features as she watches you pour the wine. She seems uncomfortably
guarded, <<if $mc_reluctant is true>>almost as if she
dislikes this gala as much as you do.<<else>>almost as if
she would rather be anywhere else, with anyone else.<</if>>
<<if $wine >=2>>Shrugging at her silence, you throw
yourself into a nearby chair and down a mouthful of wine. The flavour is
bright and fresh and clings delectably to your mouth.
“Gods, that’s good,” you say, forcing back a hiccup. “Shame you don’t
serve this to the rest of your guests.”
Her eyes narrow, but she says nothing.
You slide comfortably back in the chair and roll your glass between your
hands, watching the red liquid swirl within. If she’s not going to be
forthcoming, you might as well ask her some of your burning
questions.<<else>>Noting her silence, you sit down on a
nearby chair and sip carefully at your wine. The flavour is bright and
fresh and clings delectably to your mouth. You immediately take another
sip, savouring the drink as you consider how to proceed. If she’s not
going to be forthcoming, <<if $lethalisapp >=50>>maybe
you can ease her into it. <<else>>you might as well ask her
some of your burning questions.<</if>><</if>>
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Nova’s not here.
Have you heard from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION
LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon? Judging from
what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a></div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus made good on his threat
to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Can’t help but
notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02A LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “Care to tell me what happened with
the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet? He
seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C
LOWAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“No,
thanks,” you say quickly, waving a hand.
She pauses and her posture stiffens, rooting her to the spot. Your
refusal has caught her off-guard—she’s avoiding something and the offer
of wine was a way to postpone it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop deflecting. What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Antagonizing her will do your
relationship no favours.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,
thank you,” you say coolly.
She pauses, dropping her hand to her side. Your refusal has caught her
off-guard—she’s avoiding something and the offer of wine was a way to
postpone it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop deflecting. What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Antagonizing her will do your
relationship no favours.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
fixes you with a cool gaze, keeping firm control over her features. She
seems uncomfortably guarded, <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>almost as if she dislikes this gala as much as you
do.<<else>>almost as if she would rather be anywhere else,
with anyone else.<</if>>
Shaking your head at her silence, you cross the room, throw yourself
into the nearest available chair. You rest your elbow on the armrest and
sink into it, idly massaging your temples with your fingers. This whole
gala is starting to give you a headache. <<if $wine
>=2>>Or maybe that’s the wine you had earlier… You’re starting
to regret drinking as much as you have.<</if>>
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Nova’s not here.
Have you heard from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION
LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon? Judging from
what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a></div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus made good on his threat
to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “Can’t help but
notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02A LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “Care to tell me what happened with
the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet? He
seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C
LOWAPP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>><<if $dressed is
true>><<if $tempstat is 1>>She gives you a stony look.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Thank you for following my
request—though I see you’ve added your own flare,” she adds, her eyes
narrowing with disapproval at your pendant. “Nevertheless, I appreciate
the effort.<<else>>“Thank you for following my request,” she
says. “I appreciate the effort.<</if>> Rumours about you
spread like wildfire even before your arrival. Threatening Pava Kydilla
has done little to quell the flames. I suspected such behaviour from
Wayfarer Kellis, but you, $lastname? I hoped you, at least, would know
how to avoid as much attention as possible.”<<elseif $tempstat is
2>>She gives you a stony look. <<if $pendant_worn is
true>>“It does,” she says. Her eyes narrow slightly as she takes
in your pendant. “Though I see you’ve added your own flare.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the effort.<<else>>“It does,” she
says. “I appreciate the effort.<</if>> Rumours about you
have already spread like wildfire even before your arrival. Threatening
Pava Kydilla has done little to quell the flames. I suspected such
behaviour from Wayfarer Kellis, but you, $lastname? I hoped you, at
least, would know how to avoid as much attention as possible.”
<<else>>She exhales sharply, unable to keep the irritation
out of her breath. <<if $pendant_worn is true>>“Thank you
for following my request—though I see you’ve added your own flare,” she
adds, her eyes narrowing with disapproval at your
pendant.<<else>>“Thank you for following my request,” she
says.<</if>> “I appreciate the effort. Rumours about you
have already spread like wildfire even before your arrival. Threatening
Pava Kydilla has done little to quell the flames. I suspected such
behaviour from Wayfarer Kellis, but you, $lastname? I hoped you, at
least, would know how to avoid as much attention as
possible.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth. That must be the noblewoman you encountered on your
way into the pavilion… Hell and starfire, how did does she know about
that little interaction? Has Malsara been watching you this entire
time?<<else>>She sighs wearily, shaking her head. “I see my
request must have been something of a test of strength for you. You did
not follow through.”
“I’m not a Velantian noble, I’m not going to act like one—”
“I’m aware. Your threatening of Pava Kydilla did nothing to quell the
rumours spreading about you. I expected such behaviour from Wayfarer
Kellis, but certainly not from you. You’ve stirred up a storm—and that’s
not something to be proud of.”
You grit your teeth. That must be the noblewoman you encountered on your
way into the pavilion… Hell and starfire, how did she know about that
little interaction? Has Malsara been watching you this entire
time?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She wasn’t exactly the most tolerable
person.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03-CONT][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just wanted her to shut
up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03-CONT][$tempstat to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sorry.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03-CONT][$tempstat to 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and say nothing. Zenaida’s
already irked with you. Best not linger on this.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03-CONT][$tempstat to 4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“I’d watch your flippancy,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says coolly. “He may be a mage—and the Grand
Archsage—but even you aren’t immune to his influence. I would not
underestimate him simply because his magic has no ill effect on you.”
You grunt. “Hadn’t occurred to me. Thanks for the warning.”
She closes her eyes and exhales a sharp breath. “Your sarcasm does you
no credit considering your display at the pavilions earlier this
evening. Rumours about you have already spread like wildfire even before
your arrival. Threatening Pava Kydilla has done little to quell the
flames. I suspected such behaviour from Wayfarer Kellis, but you,
$lastname? I hoped you, at least, would know how to avoid as much
attention as possible.”
You grit your teeth. That must be the noblewoman you encountered on your
way into the pavilion… Hell and starfire, how did does she know about
that little interaction? Has Malsara been watching you this entire time?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She wasn’t exactly the most tolerable
person.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03-CONT][$tempstat to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just wanted her to shut
up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR 03-CONT][$tempstat to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sorry.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03-CONT][$tempstat to 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Shrug and say nothing. Zenaida’s
already irked with you. Best not linger on this.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
03-CONT][$tempstat to 4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat is 1>>“Of course she isn’t,” Zenaida says abruptly.
“She never has been. The matriarch of her family pictures herself as my
mother’s greatest rival—an utterly deluded belief after the Emperor—”
“Your Grace,” Malsara interrupts quietly.
Zenaida falls silent, her mouth twisting. “Forgive me,” she says
finally. “I didn’t bring you here to observe Velantian politics. The
petty infighting between Velantis’ great houses should not detract from
our greater purpose.”
“So this gala is covering for something,” you say. <<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>“Why don’t you tell me more about that? I’d
like to know whether I got dragged here for
nothing.”<<else>>“I always appreciate a party, but I’d love
to know why I’m here.”<</if>><<elseif $tempstat is
2>><<set $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“I do not like Pava Kydilla,
Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says curtly. “But in the future, please
resist the urge to ‘shut up’ the Velantian aristocracy. The protection
of House Anaxas is far-reaching, but if my bodyguard is found
threatening every noble they come across, there will be little I can do
to prevent you from being thrown in the Themistrya.”You grunt in
response and let the subject drop. “What’s going on here? This gala is
covering for something. <<if $mc_reluctant is true>>I’d like
to know what that is before I decide I got dragged here for
nothing.”<<else>>I appreciate a party, but I want to know
why I’m here.”<</if>><<elseif $tempstat is
3>><<set $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisGain>>Zenaida’s eyes widen. “Thank
you,” she says quickly, covering her surprise. You have a feeling she
expected you to snap back at her and defend your actions. “But in the
future, please avoid antagonizing the Velantian aristocracy. The
protection of House Anaxas is far-reaching, but if my bodyguard is found
threatening every noble they come across, there will be little I can do
to prevent you from being thrown in the Themistrya.”
You grimace. Of course any little thing you do is going to reflect on
her.
“Noted,” you say. “This gala is covering for something. <<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>I’d like to know what that is before I
decide I got dragged here for nothing.”<<else>>I appreciate a
party, but I want to know why I’m
here.”<</if>><<else>>Zenaida frowns at your
silence. “In the future, please avoid antagonizing the Velantian
aristocracy,” she says wearily. “The protection of House Anaxas is
far-reaching, but if my bodyguard is found threatening every noble they
come across, there will be little I can do to prevent you from being
thrown in the Themistrya.”
You ignore the comment. “This gala is covering for something. <<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>I’d like to know what that is before I
decide I got dragged here for nothing.”<<else>>I appreciate a
party, but I want to know why I’m
here.”<</if>><</if>>
She pauses. “Why don’t you help yourself, Wayfarer $lastname?” she says,
gesturing to the nearby refreshments. Several decanters sit in the
centre of the table, bright wine showing through their clear crystal
sides.
<<if $mcalcohol is false>>“No, thank you,” you say coolly.
She pauses, dropping her hand to her side. Your refusal has caught her
off-guard—she’s avoiding something and the offer of wine was a way to
postpone it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Stop deflecting. What’s going on?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR 05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Wait. Antagonizing her will do your
relationship no favours.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
05B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is
0>>[[1. What the hell, you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t
it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<<else>>[[1. What
the hell, you’ll take another drink. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2
LYR 04 TAKE WINE][$wine +=1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine is 0>>[[2.
Decline. You don’t want any wine right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<<else>>[[2. Decline. You’ve had enough to drink
tonight.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE
WINE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. What the hell,
you’ll take a glass. It’s a party, isn’t it?|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE][$wine +=1, $mcalcohol to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Decline. You don’t want any wine
right now.|CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 DECLINE WINE][$mcalcohol to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline. You don’t
drink.'>><<dialog>><<include "LYR ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Zenaida freezes, a panicked look
in her eyes, and she glances at the partition. The voice came from the
other side.
You aren’t here alone.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE")>>Lowering your
glass of wine,<<else>>Raising your head,<</if>>
you catch her eye and arch an eyebrow, waiting for an answer.
“It’s nothing,” she calls back, raising her voice ever so slightly. “No
one important—”
“But important enough to miss Tamara in the woods? You love this part—”
“I’ve seen it a dozen times and I’ll see it a dozen more—”
“Zennia, you promised there would be no politics tonight. Come back and
watch the play. Bring your friend. No matter what they have to say, I’m
sure it can wait until the end of the act.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Zenaida raises a hand to her mouth, trapped in indecision.
Malsara rests a hand on her shoulder and leans in, whispering something
in her ear. A look of relief crosses Zenaida’s face and she grips
Malsara’s hand, squeezing it tight. Letting go, she steps away from the
assassin and gestures for you to follow her.
You rise from your chair and duck through the partition. The pavilion
unfolds towards the lyranaeum, giving a spectacular view of the stage.
The edge is bordered by a low balustrade to prevent patrons from falling
into the audience below. Zenaida sweeps past rows of lavish seating and
halts next to a seated nobleman. With a quick glance, you note that he
is human, with an olive complexion and dark, iron-grey hair that has
been expertly—but modestly—styled. <<if $temple_lyrana is
true>>Like Zenaida and her mother,<<else>>Like
Zenaida,<</if>> he is dressed in gold and white, his
serithan exquisitely embroidered and detailed. The fabric flows over his
knees, skirting the polished wood of his large, wheeled chair.
Zenaida slips by him and settles onto a nearby seat. She rests a hand
instinctively on the armrest, interlocking her fingers with his.
“$lastname, this is Sandro Anaxas… my father.”
<<if $zenaida_location is true>>You swallow your surprise.
You had been told Zenaida was with her father, but you didn’t expect to
meet him yourself.<<else>>You swallow your surprise. You
didn’t expect to meet Zenaida’s father of all people.<</if>>
<<if $origin is "noble">>Childhood instincts overtake your
confusion and you bow politely. As far as you know Sandro Anaxas has no
political standing beyond his marriage to the archon, which makes him
little more than a wealthy aristocrat. Thankfully you still remember how
to behave in polite society.<<else>>“Uh…” You trail off,
hands held stiffly at your sides. Sandro Anaxas is not an archon or a
savant. As far as you know, he has no political standing beyond his
marriage to the archon. You’re not sure how to greet him—especially with
Zenaida watching.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case 3>>A
hand catches yours.
“Come now, none of that,” Sandro says, glancing up at you with a small
smile on his face. “We’re in private here. We can afford to accept
social mores for what they are—ridiculous.”
You pause, uncertain of how to respond. There’s a startling warmth in
his grey eyes. “You know I’m a Wayfarer,” you say awkwardly.
“Dampen my magic all you want, I don’t mind,” he replies with a shrug.
“It’s nearly gone as it is. Why don’t you join us? Zennia has spoken
quite passionately about you and your adventures.”
“Oh?” you say, <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE")>>setting your glass on a nearby table and pulling up a seat
next to him.<<else>>pulling up a seat next to
him.<</if>>
He leans in conspiratorially. “She will never tell you this,” he
murmurs. “She’s far too reserved, like her mother. But you have her
respect. She says she’s never seen a fighter quite as graceful as you—”
//“Father.”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Sandro laughs. “But it is a pleasure to meet you, $firstname,”
he says, slipping easily into $language. “Between you and me, poor
Malsara is the closest thing she has to a friend outside the Guild’s
influence. You’re an unconventional choice for a bodyguard, but I never
did care much for convention.”
You pause, a warm flush rushing through you at the sound of your native
language. “Your $language is good,” you say.
“Not nearly as good as your Arathian,” he replies. “I’m a lamentable
student at best, I’m afraid. You can only learn so much from books.”
“You study languages, then?”
“Among other things.” He smiles sadly and releases your hand. “There’s
only so much a decrepit old man can manage in a day.”
“Father, please, stop calling yourself decrepit,” Zenaida interjects.
“I’ll call myself whatever I want, Zennia, thank you,” he retorts.
She rolls her eyes in a show of annoyance and turns away, hiding the
small smile on her lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Sandro returns to watching the stage below, observing the
actors with a joyous look. As he gently folds his hands in his lap, his
right hand shakes, his fingers contracting into a stiff, painful shape.
The movement does not go unnoticed and Zenaida purses her lips, watching
closely. For a moment she seems to be on the verge of saying something,
then thinks better of it.
Music swells around you, the rapid, melodious phrasing punctuating the
actors’ movements on the stage. You catch a few lines of dialogue and
listen as the audience roars with untamed laughter. Your brow
furrows—you hate the feeling of missing something. But without the
context, you have no idea what is going on or why it was so funny.
//“Tamara ard Vestillion,”// Sandro says in Arathian, noting your
confusion. “Do you know it?”
“No.”
“An Arathian classic, composed in 1140 for the reigning emperor,” he
says. There’s restrained excitement in his voice as he rattles off the
explanation, like a scholar forcing themself not to talk too much about
their favourite subject. “It tells the tragedy of a mythic Imperial
empress, whose love for a mage caused the downfall of her empire.
Melodramatic nonsense, of course, but it’s the most famous piece of
classical Arathian theatre for a reason. You most likely know a line or
two without even knowing it.”
You glance at the stage. An actor lingers on the edge, then turns to
pace its perimeter in slow, measured strides. They raise their face to
the sky, their hands outstretched as they deliver a heartfelt speech.
Their movement is timed, almost dance-like in its rhythm, strategically
choregraphed to match the simmering phrases of the underscore. Their
face, contorted with so much emotion you can’t help but wonder how
anyone can take this performance seriously, is painted with elaborate
makeup. It’s almost masklike in its detail, with curves of colour and
detailed linework. All of the actors wear such makeup, but almost all
are different.
It must mean something, but you can’t imagine what.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>“Do you like theatre, $firstname?” Sandro asks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO 01A][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know. Haven’t exactly had
the chance to try.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO 01B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes, but I always feel like I’m
missing something.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO 01C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Malsara
stiffens. “She’s in Ruval Palace, serving whatever punishment the Grand
Archsage has deemed necessary,” she says, her tone oddly distant. “I
doubt he has plans to release her soon.”
You sink further into the plush chair. “You could get her out if you
wanted to,” you point out. “Can’t be hard when you can just…” You snap
your fingers and the sound echoes hollowly through the pavilion. In the
distance, you hear the rise of an actor’s voice, projecting high above
the whooping crowd.
Malsara’s dark eyes glint with anger. “And you think their provisional
headquarters aren’t protected?” she says harshly. “The Guild pioneered
wards that prevent the use of spatial magic within their boundaries. I
couldn’t use magic to slip inside even if I wanted to—”
Zenaida raises a hand, gently silencing her. “Though we don’t know her
circumstances, I know Nova’s wellbeing is not in danger. There is
nothing we can do. Let us not allow her absence to <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A HIGHAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C HIGHAPP")>>become a
distraction—”
“Zennia?” a frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>become
a distraction.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
01A HIGHAPP")>><s>1. “Nova’s not here. Have you heard from
her?”</s><<else>>[[1. “Nova’s not here. Have you heard
from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP")>><s>2. “What happened with the
archon? Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her
for hours.”</s><<else>><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon?
Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C HIGHAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus made good
on his threat to punish you yet?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has
Quirinus made good on his threat to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$Ras is "Ras">> Zenaida frowns. “…Ras?”
You shrug, picking absently at the chair’s embroidered armrest.
“Rasmira.”
She purses her lips, but does not comment
further.<<else>>Zenaida frowns.<</if>> “What
passed between my mother and myself has little bearing on your duty
here,” she says. “She is perturbed by my actions, though I sincerely
doubt her concern has anything to do with my wellbeing. Current tensions
between the archon and the governing council have made her overly
concerned with House Anaxas’ political image. This delicate situation is
her own doing, but naturally it falls to the rest of the house to
circumvent it.”
You pause, your ears perking up. <<if $temple_lyrana is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07
END")>>Though your interaction with the archon was brief, she
didn’t strike you as a likeable person. Zenaida doesn’t seem to care
much for her.<<else>>When you met the archon, she didn’t
strike you as someone who was willingly manipulative. If anything, she
seemed… tired.<</if>><<elseif $actionpoints
>=3>>Though you’ve trekked across most of the palace grounds,
you’ve yet to encounter the archon at her own party. Curious that
Zenaida doesn’t seem to care much for her… <<else>>You’ve
yet to encounter the archon at her own party. Curious that Zenaida
doesn’t seem to care much for her…<</if>>
“What delicate situation?”
She looks away, head bowed. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01A HIGHAPP") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
01B HIGHAPP") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP")>>“The matter is private. I’d rather not discuss it—
“Zennia?” a frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“The
matter is private. I’d rather not discuss it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
01A HIGHAPP")>><s>1. “Nova’s not here. Have you heard from
her?”</s><<else>>[[1. “Nova’s not here. Have you heard
from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP")>><s>2. “What happened with the
archon? Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her
for hours.”</s><<else>><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon?
Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C HIGHAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus made good
on his threat to punish you yet?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has
Quirinus made good on his threat to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>She
shakes her head. “He is content to leave me be for now,” she says. “I
suspect my mother had a hand in it.”
“You seem surprised.”
<<if $temple_lyrana is true>>Her mouth twists. “They are
fundamentally incompatible people. I cannot stress enough how much they
despise each other. It never occurred to me that they would conspire
together.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07 END")>>“Huh,” you
mutter, thinking about your encounter with the archon. She strikes you
as exactly the kind of person who would want to keep the Grand Archsage
wrapped around her little finger.<<else>>//Conspire’s a bit
of a strong word, don’t you think?//
The thought crosses your mind, but you do not dare say it aloud. You
have a feeling Zenaida wouldn’t appreciate
it.<</if>><<else>>Her mouth twists. “They are
fundamentally incompatible people. I cannot stress enough how much they
despise each other. It never occurred to me that they would conspire
together.”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A HIGHAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01C HIGHAPP")>>“Zennia?” a
frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A HIGHAPP")>><s>1.
“Nova’s not here. Have you heard from
her?”</s><<else>>[[1. “Nova’s not here. Have you heard
from her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 01A
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP")>><s>2. “What happened with the
archon? Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her
for hours.”</s><<else>><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 01B HIGHAPP">2. “What happened with the archon?
Judging from what $Ras said, it seems like you spoke with her for
hours.”</a><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C HIGHAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus made good
on his threat to punish you yet?”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has
Quirinus made good on his threat to punish you yet?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 01C
HIGHAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Malsara
stiffens. “It’s not your concern.”
You sink further into the plush chair. “She’s part of Lethalis, isn’t
she?” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE")>>you
press, rolling your glass between your hands.<<else>>you
press, absently picking at it’s embroidered armrest.<</if>>
“Like all of us? I don’t like being kept in the dark. Makes it really
hard to do my job—”
“I said it’s not your concern.”
Zenaida raises a hand, gently calling for peace. “We don’t know her
circumstances, but I am certain Nova’s wellbeing is not in danger. There
is nothing we can do for now. Let us not allow her absence to
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02A LOWAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C LOWAPP")>>become a
distraction—”
“Zennia?” a frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>become
a distraction.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02A LOWAPP")>><s>1. “Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here…
what did Quirinus do with her?”</s><<else>>[[1.
“Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with
her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02A
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP")>><s>2. “Care to tell me what
happened with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look
good.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Care to tell me what happened
with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02C LOWAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus threatened
you yet? He seemed delighted that you fucked
up.”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet?
He seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02C
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“What
passed between my mother and myself has little bearing on your duty
here,” she says. “She is perturbed by my actions, though I sincerely
doubt her concern has anything to do with my wellbeing. Current tensions
between the archon and the governing council have made her overly
concerned with House Anaxas’ political image. This delicate situation is
her own doing, but naturally it falls to the rest of the house to
circumvent it.”
You pause, your ears perking up. <<if $temple_lyrana is
true>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07
END")>>Though your interaction with the archon was brief, she
didn’t strike you as a likeable person. Zenaida doesn’t seem to care
much for her.<<else>>When you met the archon, she didn’t
strike you as someone who was willingly manipulative. If anything, she
seemed… tired.<</if>><<elseif $actionpoints
>=3>>Though you’ve trekked across most of the palace grounds,
you’ve yet to encounter the archon at her own party. Curious that
Zenaida doesn’t seem to care much for her… <<else>>You’ve
yet to encounter the archon at her own party. Curious that Zenaida
doesn’t seem to care much for her…<</if>>
“What delicate situation?”
She looks away, head bowed.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION
LOOP 02A LOWAPP") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B
LOWAPP") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C
LOWAPP")>> “The matter is private. I’d rather not discuss it—
“Zennia?” a frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“The
matter is private. I’d rather not discuss it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02A LOWAPP")>><s>1. “Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here…
what did Quirinus do with her?”</s><<else>>[[1.
“Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with
her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02A
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP")>><s>2. “Care to tell me what
happened with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look
good.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Care to tell me what happened
with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02C LOWAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus threatened
you yet? He seemed delighted that you fucked
up.”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet?
He seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02C
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“I
miscalculated,” Zenaida corrects sharply. “I did not expect the Grand
Archsage and my mother to conspire together.”
“That’s called fucking up, Your Grace.”
She gives you a flat stare. “Quirinus is content to leave me be for
now,” she says. “I suspect my mother has had a hand in that. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02A LOWAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02C LOWAPP")>>I have
little desire to discuss this further—”
“Zennia?” a frail voice calls. “Who is your friend?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
INTRO]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>I
have little desire to discuss this further.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02A LOWAPP")>><s>1. “Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here…
what did Quirinus do with her?”</s><<else>>[[1.
“Can’t help but notice Nova’s not here… what did Quirinus do with
her?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP 02A
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP")>><s>2. “Care to tell me what
happened with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look
good.”</s><<else>>[[2. “Care to tell me what happened
with the archon? That display in the harbour didn’t look good.”|CHAPTER 2
LYR QUESTION LOOP 02B LOWAPP]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR
QUESTION LOOP 02C LOWAPP")>><s>3. “Has Quirinus threatened
you yet? He seemed delighted that you fucked
up.”</s><<else>>[[3. “Has Quirinus threatened you yet?
He seemed delighted that you fucked up.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR QUESTION LOOP
02C
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>He
nods. “Fair enough,” he says sagely. “I can’t imagine it looks very
impressive when you can’t see half of it. Illusionwork is relied upon
more and more in contemporary performances.”
You pause. “There’s… illusions?”
//That explains why the stage is so bare…//
Your jaw clenches as annoyance spikes through you. The feeling you had
that something was missing was correct. There’s more happening on that
stage than you can see.
“Waste of time,” you mutter.
Sandro glances at you, considering your reaction. He rearranges his
hands on his lap and shifts his chair towards you. “Look at the stage,
$firstname,” he says quietly. “I’ll be your eyes.”
You grimace and do as he asks. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Zenaida bow her head, watching you and her father with a small smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grins widely. “I can’t imagine it looks very impressive to you.
Illusionwork is relied upon far too much in contemporary performances,
but there are traditional companies that do not use it—”
“Illusions?” you interrupt, your brow furrowed. “Is that why…?”
You trail off. No wonder the stage looked incomplete to you. The feeling
you had that something was missing was correct. There’s more happening
on that stage than you can see.
Sandro glances at you, considering your reaction. He rearranges his
hands on his lap and shifts his chair towards you. “Look at the stage,
$firstname,” he says quietly. “I’ll be your eyes.”
You nod and do as he asks. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Zenaida bow her head, watching you and her father with a small smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
sighs. “Because you are,” he says. “Unfortunately illusionwork is
relied upon far too much in contemporary performances. However, there
are traditional companies that do not use it—”
“Illusions?” you interrupt, your brow furrowed. “Is that why…?”
You trail off. No wonder the stage looked incomplete to you. The feeling
you had that something was missing was correct. There’s more happening
on that stage than you can see.
Sandro glances at you, considering your reaction. He rearranges his
hands on his lap and shifts his chair towards you. “Look at the stage,
$firstname,” he says quietly. “I’ll be your eyes.”
You nod and do as he asks. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Zenaida bow her head, watching you and her father with a small smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“On
that stage is Tamara,” Sandro says. “Future Empress of Arathia. She has
entered a tangled woods, fleeing the assassins who killed her family.
The ghost of a crown sits on her head, glimmering in the light. The wood
moves with her—tall trees with weeping leaves, rippling around her with
every step she takes. The woods are dark and full of creatures. Glowing
eyes that stare from the trees, shadows that nip at her heels…”
The actor twists and turns, moving away from the invisible monsters that
plague their every step.
“She’s lost, uncertain—but there’s hope. A brook flows through the
woods, guiding her. The water unfurls in front of her, weaving across
the stage, surging around her, wild and free. It spills over the edge
like a waterfall.”
They reach the centre of the stage. They pause and sink to their knees,
head raised to the sky.
“She has reached her destination. The woods part, shifting into a tall
tower that stretches high above her. Though she is exhausted and has
faced many trials, her ordeal is over.”
You fold your arms and cock your head, your brow furrowing. Even with
Sandro’s vivid descriptions, you can’t quite picture it. You’ll never
know if what you’ve imagined is what everyone else sees.
“You aren’t impressed,” he says after a moment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Thank you, but it’s just not the
same.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO 03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… this really isn’t my
thing.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO 03]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug. You’re indifferent.|CHAPTER 2
LYR SANDRO 03]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Sandro’s smile fades. “I
understand,” he says heavily. “I…”
He trails off abruptly as his features contort painfully. Zenaida rises
to her feet, concern in her eyes, but he shakes his head, silently
indicating for her to sit down again.
“I think it’s time I retire for the night, Zennia,” he says. “I’d hate
to ruin your mother’s evening.”
Her expression softens and she rests a hand against his chair. “Father—”
“Don’t worry about me,” he says, smiling wanly. “I was tired before the
gala started. Nothing a little rest won’t fix.”
She nods, murmuring her quiet agreement, and kisses him gently on the
forehead. His retainers arrive a few moments later, summoned by Malsara.
They wheel him away, escorting him out of the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Zenaida watches him go, twisting her fingers in her lap, and
lets the silence settle over you. Now that Sandro is gone, there’s a
lingering awkwardness between you, as if you stumbled into something
intensely private that she otherwise would never have let you see.
Malsara steps through the partition and leans against the balustrade.
She looks out at the star-strewn sky, her hair fluttering gently in the
breeze as she scans the lyranaeum and the grounds beyond. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE")>>Uncertain of how to
breach the silence, you collect your drink and down a
mouthful.<<else>>Uncertain of how to breach the silence, you
sink back in your seat and fold your arms.<</if>> Below,
the play continues and more actors flood the stage. Their empty dialogue
thumps in your ears; even after Sandro’s explanation, you don’t have
the energy to follow along.
//At least the music’s nice…//
“Thank you, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says finally. “My father rarely
sees those outside House Anaxas and House Emerion. I think it was good
for him to meet you. New faces are difficult, but the Mahanin Palace can
be… suffocating.”
You exhale softly. “Which one is House Emerion? I can barely keep
track.”
Her lips twitch. “My father’s house. He married into the Anaxas family
as part of an agreement between grandfathers.”
Judging from her clipped tone, you have a feeling she does not want to
talk more about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Can I ask what’s wrong with him?”|CHAPTER 2
LYR ZENAIDA 01][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Move on. You’re not here to talk
about Sandro Anaxas. You’re here for Lethalis. |CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
02][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Zenaida
raises her head sharply, a dark look in her eye. “My father is ill,”
she says sharply. “That’s all you need to know.”
You lean back in your seat, guilt twisting in your gut, and watch as she
rises to her feet. Instead of ducking through the partition, she
approaches the balustrade and rests her hands against it. She presses
her fingers into it, leaning heavily against it for support as she
stares absently at the stage—and its vibrant actors—below.
“There will be a firelight show tonight,” she says. “Two hours before
midnight. The guests will gather on the lawn before the lake to watch
the grand finale of this evening. The noise and confusion will provide
the distraction we need to slip away.”
“Slip away to where?” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE")>>you press, swilling the last of your
wine.<<else>>you press.<</if>>
“When the firelights start, return to the palace terrace. Idris will
collect you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Sneaking around the palace for a
clandestine meeting? Great. Seems like we’re in a better story than that
play playing out down there.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA 02A][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Does Aeran know about
this?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod in agreement.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
ZENAIDA 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
tap your foot against the floor, waiting for Zenaida to speak. She
notes your fidgeting and rises to her feet, smoothing down the sides of
her serithan. You expect her to duck through the partition and invite
you to the other side of the pavilion, but instead she approaches the
balustrade. She rests her hands on it, leaning heavily into it for
support as she stares absently at the stage—and its vibrant
actors—below.
“There will be a firelight show tonight,” she says. “Two hours before
midnight. The guests will gather on the lawn before the lake to watch
the grand finale of this evening. The noise and confusion will provide
the distraction we need to slip away.”
“Slip away to where?” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE
WINE")>>you press, swilling the last of your
wine.<<else>>you press.<</if>>
“When the firelights start, return to the palace terrace. Idris will
collect you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Sneaking around the palace for a
clandestine meeting? Great. Seems like we’re in a better story than that
play playing out down there.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA 02A][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Does Aeran know about
this?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Nod in agreement.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
ZENAIDA 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>She
stiffens, her expression turning cold. “We must take this opportunity
while we can,” she says. “It is paramount that Lethalis convenes
tonight. The loss of Diradan Tower does not equal the loss of the
Astrial. But should we not be able to reach the tower, we must pursue
other avenues to counter Solarath before they act.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE")>>You snort
into your glass and down your last mouthful of
wine.<<else>>You snort, shaking your
head.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wonderful. Just what I want to
hear.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Seems to me like you don’t know
what you’re doing.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>[[3. “And the six thousand crowns you promised me? Will I
get that tonight?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[3. “And the
three thousand crowns you promised me? Will I get that tonight?”|CHAPTER
2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5,
5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Wait for her to continue.|CHAPTER 2
LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$arrive_together is true>>“Yes,” she says quietly. “I have
already spoken with Wayfarer Kellis. I was surprised you were not with
him—”
“We split up to find you,” <<if $aeranapp >=60>>you
interrupt, ignoring the nagging thought in your mind. If Aeran found
Zenaida, why didn’t he find you? You haven’t seen him since you parted
ways on the terrace. Where is he?<<else>>you interrupt. If
Aeran already found Zenaida, then where is he now?<</if>>
“We must take this opportunity while we can,” she continues. “It is
paramount that Lethalis convenes tonight. The loss of Diradan Tower does
not equal the loss of the Astrial. But should we not be able to reach
the tower, we must pursue other avenues to counter Solarath before they
act.”<<else>>“Yes,” she says quietly. “I have already spoken
with Wayfarer Kellis. I was surprised you were not with him—”
“We might both be Wayfarers, but we’re not attached at the hip,”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE")>>you interrupt
sharply, downing your last mouthful of wine.<<else>>you
interrupt sharply.<</if>>
She pauses, frowning. “I hope there isn’t a problem between you.”
“Even if there was, it’s not going to affect you or Lethalis. We’re
professionals.”
“Then you will understand when I say that we must take this opportunity
while we can,” she says. “It is paramount that Lethalis convenes
tonight. The loss of Diradan Tower does not equal the loss of the
Astrial. But should we not be able to reach the tower, we must pursue
other avenues to counter Solarath before they act.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wonderful. Just what I want to
hear.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Seems to me like you don’t know
what you’re doing.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>[[3. “And the six thousand crowns you promised me? Will I
get that tonight?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[3. “And the
three thousand crowns you promised me? Will I get that tonight?”|CHAPTER
2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5,
5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Wait for her to continue.|CHAPTER 2
LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03D]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles slightly, relief washing over her face, and raps her fingers
against the balustrade. “We must take this opportunity while we can,”
she continues. “It is paramount that Lethalis convenes tonight. The loss
of Diradan Tower does not equal the loss of the Astrial. But should we
not be able to reach the tower, we must pursue other avenues to counter
Solarath before they act.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Wonderful. Just what I want to
hear.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03A][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Seems to me like you don’t know
what you’re doing.”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03B][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>[[3. “And the six thousand crowns you promised me? Will I
get that tonight?”|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[3. “And the
three thousand crowns you promised me? Will I get that tonight?”|CHAPTER
2 LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03C][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5,
5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Wait for her to continue.|CHAPTER 2
LYR ZENAIDA QUEST 03D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
rounds on you, a flat look in her eyes. She must be unimpressed with
your sarcasm. “A word of advice, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “I have
allowed you much more flippancy than others. But remember this is a
ruse. You do not work for me, you work for the Order of Lethalis. From
tonight onward, Umbria Bellaris is the one you will answer to—and she
does not have the same patience I do.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>“Right, the mysterious Umbria,”
you mutter.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>> You remember Allegra’s harsh words, the hate in her eyes as
she spoke of the Archsage.<</if>> “Care to tell me more
about her? I like to know who I’m dealing with. Makes me feel more like a
living, breathing individual and less like a tool thrown from person to
person… or mage to mage.”
“You’ll meet her soon enough,” she replies sharply, turning back to
watch the stage. “I imagine you’d rather make your own conclusions than
be influenced by my opinion—or am I
wrong?”<<else>><<set $umbria_intro to
true>>//Umbria Bellaris…// You haven’t heard the name before. From
the importance Zenaida gives her name, you gather she must be Lethalis’
leader.
“Care to tell me more about her?” you ask. “I like to know who I’m
dealing with. Makes me feel more like a living, breathing individual and
less like a tool thrown from person to person… or mage to mage.”
She bows her head, sighing wearily. “Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of
Lethalis,” she says, turning back to watch the stage. “She is an
Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed rank. Prior to the
schism, she sat on the Council of Mages, where she voiced her concerns
about the Guild’s direction. She openly contested many of the Grand
Archsage’s directives—he has no love for her, just as she has no love
for him.”
“So, they’re what—arch enemies?”
“Please, $lastname. You’ll meet her soon enough. Anything I could tell
you now is better explained by Umbria herself.”<</if>>
You grimace. From her bitter tone and the way she keeps her back to you,
she seems bitterly unhappy. You have a feeling she wants to be left
alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is true>>[[1.
Tell her that you met her mother.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
SOPHIA]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You have what you need from her. Get
up and leave.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
rounds on you. “I’m more aware of this city’s intricacies than you ever
will be, $lastname,” she says. “What happened this morning was an
oversight. It will not happen again—”
“Really? Because if you ask me, it looks like you’re floundering.”
She laughs coldly. “Then perhaps it is a good thing that you do not work
for me,” she says darkly. “Do not believe the ruse we have constructed,
you were hired to serve the Order of Lethalis, not House Anaxas. I am
merely another pawn on the board, same as you. From tonight onward,
Umbria Bellaris is the one you answer to. And believe me—she will not
have the patience I have afforded you.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>“Right, the mysterious Umbria,”
you mutter.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>> You remember Allegra’s harsh words, the hate in her eyes as
she spoke of the Archsage.<</if>> “Care to tell me more
about her? I like to know who I’m dealing with. Makes me feel more like a
living, breathing individual and less like a tool thrown from person to
person… or mage to mage.”
“You’ll meet her soon enough,” she replies sharply, turning back to
watch the stage. “I imagine you’d rather make your own conclusions than
be influenced by my opinion—or am I
wrong?”<<else>><<set $umbria_intro to
true>>//Umbria Bellaris…// You haven’t heard the name before. From
the importance Zenaida gives her name, you gather she must be Lethalis’
leader.
“Care to tell me more about her?” you ask. “I like to know who I’m
dealing with. Makes me feel more like a living, breathing individual and
less like a tool thrown from person to person… or mage to mage.”
She bows her head, sighing wearily. “Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of
Lethalis,” she says, turning back to watch the stage. “She is an
Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed rank. Prior to the
schism, she sat on the Council of Mages, where she voiced her concerns
about the Guild’s direction. She openly contested many of the Grand
Archsage’s directives—he has no love for her, just as she has no love
for him.”
“So, they’re what—arch enemies?”
“Please, $lastname. You’ll meet her soon enough. Anything I could tell
you now is better explained by Umbria herself.”<</if>>
You grimace. From her bitter tone and the way she keeps her back to you,
she seems bitterly unhappy. You have a feeling she wants to be left
alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is true>>[[1.
Tell her that you met her mother.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
SOPHIA]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You have what you need from her. Get
up and leave.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
am no longer the one you serve, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says
heavily after a moment. “I was simply a liaison, sent to hire you on
Lethalis’ behalf. For tonight onward, Umbria Bellaris is the one you
answer to.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>“Right, the mysterious Umbria,”
you mutter.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>> You remember Allegra’s harsh words, the hate in her eyes as
she spoke of the Archsage.<</if>> “Care to tell me more
about her? I like to know who I’m dealing with. Makes me feel more like a
living, breathing individual and less like a tool thrown from person to
person… or mage to mage.”
“You’ll meet her soon enough,” she replies sharply, turning back to
watch the stage. “I imagine you’d rather make your own conclusions than
be influenced by my opinion—or am I
wrong?”<<else>><<set $umbria_intro to
true>>//Umbria Bellaris…// You haven’t heard the name before. From
the importance Zenaida gives her name, you gather she must be Lethalis’
leader.
“Care to tell me more about her?” you ask. “I like to know who I’m
dealing with. Makes me feel more like a living, breathing individual and
less like a tool thrown from person to person… or mage to mage.”
She bows her head, sighing wearily. “Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of
Lethalis,” she says, turning back to watch the stage. “She is an
Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed rank. Prior to the
schism, she sat on the Council of Mages, where she voiced her concerns
about the Guild’s direction. She openly contested many of the Grand
Archsage’s directives—he has no love for her, just as she has no love
for him.”
“So, they’re what—arch enemies?”
“Please, $lastname. You’ll meet her soon enough. Anything I could tell
you now is better explained by Umbria herself.”<</if>>
You grimace. From her bitter tone and the way she keeps her back to you,
she seems bitterly unhappy. You have a feeling she wants to be left
alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is true>>[[1.
Tell her that you met her mother.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
SOPHIA]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You have what you need from her. Get
up and leave.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Zenaida
bows her head and lets out a weary sigh. “Yes, $lastname,” she says
wearily. “That is what I promised you, and I do not go back on my word.
You will be paid before your services are required.”
You frown. “That’s not ‘tonight.’”
She exhales sharply. “Perhaps it is, perhaps it’s not,” she says . “I do
not know how the Order will proceed. But remember that I have housed
you, clothed you, fed you—provided you with everything you could need.
That was no small feat. Bringing you into the palace has brought
undeniable scrutiny onto me and the disapproval of my mother. I would
appreciate if you showed at least a little gratitude.”
You grimace, bristling at her words.
“But since you’re so concerned about it, if you want your crowns
tonight, take it up with Umbria Bellaris,” she continues. “She is the
one you answer to now. I’m sure if you approach her with some manner of
eloquence, she may be willing to pay you upfront.”
<<if $umbria_intro is true>>“Right, the mysterious Umbria,”
you mutter.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA QUEST
03")>> You remember Allegra’s harsh words, the hate in her eyes as
she spoke of the Archsage.<</if>> “Care to tell me more
about her? I like to know who I’m dealing with. Makes me feel more like a
living, breathing individual and less like a tool thrown from person to
person… or mage to mage.”
“You’ll meet her soon enough,” she replies sharply, turning back to
watch the stage. “I imagine you’d rather make your own conclusions than
be influenced by my opinion—or am I
wrong?”<<else>><<set $umbria_intro to
true>>//Umbria Bellaris…// You haven’t heard the name before. From
the importance Zenaida gives her name, you gather she must be Lethalis’
leader.
“Care to tell me more about her?” you ask. “I like to know who I’m
dealing with. Makes me feel more like a living, breathing individual and
less like a tool thrown from person to person… or mage to mage.”
She bows her head, sighing wearily. “Umbria Bellaris heads the Order of
Lethalis,” she says, turning back to watch the stage. “She is an
Archsage, one of the youngest to achieve the esteemed rank. Prior to the
schism, she sat on the Council of Mages, where she voiced her concerns
about the Guild’s direction. She openly contested many of the Grand
Archsage’s directives—he has no love for her, just as she has no love
for him.”
“So, they’re what—arch enemies?”
“Please, $lastname. You’ll meet her soon enough. Anything I could tell
you now is better explained by Umbria herself.”<</if>>
You grimace. From her bitter tone and the way she keeps her back to you,
she seems bitterly unhappy. You have a feeling she wants to be left
alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $temple_lyrana is true>>[[1.
Tell her that you met her mother.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
SOPHIA]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You have what you need from her. Get
up and leave.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
met your mother, you know,” you say, rising to your feet.
Zenaida freezes, her hand gripping the balustrade. “Naturally.
Considering the numerous questions she asked about you and Wayfarer
Kellis, she was no doubt keen to seek you out.”
“It was more of an accident that I ran into her.”
She tilts her head back and stares at the star-strewn sky. “And how did
your chance meeting with the Archon of Velantis go?” she says. “Did she
threaten you or attempt to pull you into her schemes?”
<<nobr>><<if $sophia_pact is 1 or $sophia_pact is
2>><div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1.
Tell her about Sophia’s offer.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER
TRUE][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her about Sophia’s offer and that
you declined.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER LIE PASS][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell her about Sophia’s offer and that you
declined.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER LIE FAIL][$lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5,
95)]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[2. [LIE] Tell her about Sophia’s offer and
that you declined.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER LIE
PASS][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 5,
95)]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] Tell her about Sophia’s offer and
that you declined.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER LIE
FAIL][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5,
95)]]<</if>><</if>></div></div>
<<elseif $sophia_pact is 3>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her about
Sophia’s offer.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA SOPHIA OFFER DECLINE][$lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop the subject.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
ZENAIDA SOPHIA DROP]]</div></div><<else>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her about
the scuffle with the archon’s bodyguard.|CHAPTER 2 LYR ZENAIDA SOPHIA
SCUFFLE][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop the subject.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
ZENAIDA SOPHIA
DROP]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>>You
rise to your feet. “I’ll see you after the firelights, then,” you say,
heading for the partition.
“A moment, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida calls.
“Yes?”
She hesitates, her hands anxiously clutching the sides of her serithan.
“Should you encounter my mother, be on your guard,” she says. “She wants
nothing more than to secure what little remains of her legacy. Do not
underestimate the lengths she will go to ensure that comes to pass.”
<<if $temple_lyrana neq true>><<set
$zenaida_told_sophia to 7>>You pause, the warning ringing in your
ears. You’ve yet to see any hint of the archon here, but considering
this is her gala, you’re certain you’ll see her before the night’s
end.<<else>><<if $sophia_pact neq 4>><<set
$zenaida_told_sophia to 6>>You pause, recalling the archon and
her desperate plea. Facing Zenaida now, you’re even more certain how
little she resembles Sophia—aside from their eyes. Was the archon’s
desperation an act? Or did she petition you out of a motherly desire to
protect her only daughter?<<else>>You pause, recalling the
archon. Facing Zenaida now, you’re even more certain how little she
resembles Sophia—aside from their eyes. After the incident with her
bodyguard, you’d rather not encounter the archon
again.<</if>><</if>>
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you say.
You slip through the partition without further comment and exit the
pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 1>>“She wants you to leave the Order of
Lethalis,” you say. “She asked me to remove you from them.”
Zenaida’s mouth twists and she folds her arms tightly across her chest.
“Belennor help us all, that woman never changes,” she mutters. “What did
you do? Did you accept?”
“Yeah. Can’t really say no to an archon, can I?”
She gives you a flat look. “I suppose not. Thank you for telling me,
$lastname. I suspected Sophia would attempt something like this, but I
did not expect she would be so blatant about it. She must be planning
something…”
“She’s worried about you,” you say. “I don’t think there’s anything more
to it than that—”
“You don’t know my mother, $lastname,” she interrupts bitterly. “You
don’t know the depths to which she will go to secure what remains of her
legacy here. I can assure you of that.”
Sensing that Zenaida does not want to discuss her mother any further,
you rise to your feet and excuse yourself. She says nothing as you leave
and remains at the balustrade, absently watching the play below.
Malsara joins her and hovers at her shoulder, murmuring something in her
ear.
Deciding it’s best to leave them be, you slip through the partition and
exit the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 2>><<persuasionPass>>“She
wants you to leave the Order of Lethalis. She asked me to remove you
from them.”
Zenaida’s mouth twists and she folds her arms tightly across her chest.
“Belennor help us all, that woman never changes,” she mutters. “What did
you do? Did you accept?”
“Of course not,” you lie. “I’m not here to get involved in petty
politics.”
A look of relief flashes across her face. “Thank you, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “I suspected Sophia would attempt something like
this, but I did not expect she would be so blatant. You don’t know the
depths to which she will go to secure what remains of her legacy here.”
“Well, she failed.”
She smiles tightly and falls silent. Sensing she does not want to
discuss this further, you rise to your feet and excuse yourself. Zenaida
says nothing as you leave and remains at the balustrade, absently
watching the play below. Malsara joins her and hovers at her shoulder,
murmuring something in her ear.
Deciding it’s best to leave them be, you slip through the partition and
exit the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<persuasionEff>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 3>>“She wants you to leave the Order of
Lethalis. She asked me to remove you from them.”
Zenaida’s mouth twists. “Belennor help us all, that woman never
changes,” she mutters. “What did you do? Did you accept?”
“Of course not,” you lie.<<if $zenaidarefused is true>> “I
can’t be bought, you should know that.”<</if>>
She pauses, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Tell me what she offered
you, $lastname.”
“I—what? Nothing.”
//“Tell me what she offered you.”//
You rise out of your seat. “I didn’t accept!” you grunt, your voice
oddly strained. You sense Malsara stir behind you, one hand reaching for
her daggers.
Zenaida grimaces and turns her back on you, folding her arms tightly
across her chest. “It’s best you leave now, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
says. “Remember the firelights.”
“Don’t think I could forget,” you mutter, cursing under your breath.
Maybe you shouldn’t have mentioned the archon at all.
Under Malsara’s cold gaze, you slip through the partition and exit the
pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 4>>“She wants you to leave the Order of
Lethalis. She asked me to remove you from them.”
Zenaida’s mouth twists and she folds her arms tightly across her chest.
“Belennor help us all, that woman never changes,” she mutters. “What did
you do? Did you accept?”
“Of course not,” you say. “I’m not about to get involved in petty
politics.”
A look of relief flashes across her face. “Thank you, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “I suspected Sophia would attempt something like
this, but I did not expect she would be so blatant. You don’t know the
depths to which she will go to secure what remains of her legacy here.”
“Good thing she failed, then.”
She smiles tightly and falls silent. Sensing she does not want to
discuss this further, you rise to your feet and excuse yourself. Zenaida
says nothing as you leave and remains at the balustrade, absently
watching the play below. Malsara joins her and hovers at her shoulder,
murmuring something in her ear.
Deciding it’s best to leave them be, you slip through the partition and
exit the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 6>>You shrug. “Nothing like that. I
don’t think she knew what to do with me.”
“I suppose not,” she says, shaking her head. “Be careful with her. You
don’t know the depths to which she will go to secure what remains of her
legacy here.”
She smiles tightly and falls silent. Sensing she does not want to
discuss this further, you rise to your feet and excuse yourself. Zenaida
says nothing as you leave and remains at the balustrade, absently
watching the play below. Malsara joins her and hovers at her shoulder,
murmuring something in her ear.
Deciding it’s best to leave them be, you slip through the partition and
exit the pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$$zenaida_told_sophia to 5>>“Neither,” you say. “I may have… uh…
had an incident with her bodyguard.”
Zenaida gives you a flat look. “Nashira help me, I hope that does not
mean what I think it means.”
You scratch the back of your neck and laugh wanly.
Cursing under her breath, she closes her eyes and turns her back on you.
“Please, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says after a moment. “Try to contain
your more… confrontational habits. Particularly around my mother. I’d
rather not see you thrown in the Themistrya.”
You shrug. “I’ll try. No promises, though.”
Sensing Zenaida does not want to discuss this further, you rise to your
feet and excuse yourself. She says nothing as you leave and remains at
the balustrade, absently watching the play below. Malsara joins her and
hovers at her shoulder, murmuring something in her ear.
You slip through the partition without further comment and exit the
pavilion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LYR
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>>It
doesn’t take you long to find your way out of the lyranaeum. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 TAKE WINE") and $wine >=2>>You
stumble down the rows, apologizing profusely as you push past patrons
and slide over the seats. Your head spins as you make your descent and
an idle thought scolds you for drinking too much.<<else>>You
descend the rows, pushing past patrons as you slide over the
seats.<</if>> Once in the pit, you duck through the crowd
and force your way to the exit. Music and voices pound chaotically in
your ears <<if $mc_reluctant is true>>and you want nothing
more than to leave this place far behind. How anyone can enjoy this
racket is beyond you.<<else>>and you wonder how anyone can
enjoy themselves when they can barely hear.<</if>>
Outside, you come to a halt and breathe in the delectable freshness of
clear air. Ahead of you the dark grounds extend to the palace wall,
disappearing into a tangle of woods and additional gardens. Turning
around, you slowly head down the illuminated path and make your way back
to the central grounds.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>>A thunderous blast resounds in your
ears, startling you. You raise your head, turning around—multi-coloured
light flares across the sky, dancing in intricate patterns above the
lake. The firelight show has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$arrive_together is true>>Aeran said to meet him on the terrace
if you hadn’t found Zenaida. Since you’ve both spoken to her, all you
have now is to wait for the firelight show. You might as well finish
exploring what the gala has to offer… <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You might even run into Aeran. <<if $mc_reluctant
is true>>Maybe then you can escape this ridiculous pageantry of an
evening together.<<else>>You wouldn’t mind wandering the
grounds with him.<</if>><<else>>You’d like to
enjoy the evening without Aeran breathing down your
neck.<</if>><<else>><<if $pavilions is
true>>Now you’ve found Zenaida, there isn’t much else to do than
to wait for the firelights. You might as well finish exploring what the
gala has to offer.<<else>>Now you’ve found Zenaida, there
isn’t much else to do than to wait for the firelights. You might as well
finish exploring what the gala has to offer. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You might even run into Aeran, though to be honest you’re
not sure whether he wants to see you right
now.<<else>>You’d like to enjoy the evening without Aeran
breathing down your
neck.<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 PALACE MAP][$last_location
to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$meissandium_codex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: The Meissandium<</notify>>The Temple of Lyrana is
much smaller than you expected for the personal temple of an Imperial
House. Though it is far from the resplendent grandeur of public
Meissandic temples, it is no less beautiful. It is a domed, hexagonal
building constructed of white stone. The glass ceiling gives an
astonishing view of the night sky, perfectly positioned to sit beneath
the constellation of Aureia’s Shield. Archways leave it open to the air
on five sides, framed by soft blue drapes swaying gently in the wind.
The sixth—and farthest—wall hangs with plants. The verdant green crawls
across blue and gold mosaics depicting the god’s twin swans.
Sunk into the floor before it is a deep, circular pool ringed with a
fine line of gold. At first glance, you assume the pool is part of the
lake, but the still waters are far too clear and far too vibrant to be
freshwater. They reflect the constellation above, silver pinpricks
shining in their depths.
Unlike the Sentinels—whose likenesses are freely carved into statues,
depicted in mosaics, and painted onto frescos—the Meissandic gods have
no effigies. They are sentient sources of creation and destruction, far
beyond the understanding of mortals. As such, they are represented by
symbols of their dominions. As the god of love, art, and music, Lyrana
is often associated with water.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
03]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
temple is empty, save for a single human woman kneeling on a soft rug
before the pool. She stiffens as you enter, but does not turn around.
Content to ignore each other, you both return to your preoccupations—her
with her prayer, you with your contemplation.
You exhale softly and lean against a stone column, arms folded. Casting
an eye at the glass dome above, <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>you take a deep, steadying breath.<<else>>you
stare up at the glimmering constellations, allowing yourself to become
mesmerized by the glinting stars.<</if>> <<if
$meissandium_text is true>>You normally wouldn’t find peace in a
Meissandic temple, but tonight there are no clerics to berate you, no
crowds to mutter about your lack of
magic.<<else>><<set $meissandium_text to
true>>You normally wouldn’t find peace in a Meissandic temple, but
tonight there are no clerics to berate you, no crowds to mutter about
your lack of magic.
The Meissandium has never been friendly towards the Wayfarer Order.
Their scriptures state that magic is a blessing from the gods, the
source from which all power is derived. While their texts do not
strictly affirm that magianis are cursed, it didn’t take many leaps in
logic for the Meissandium to arrive there. As far as their priesthood is
concerned, you are an abnormality in the eyes of the Hexatheon,
punished for your inevitable sins by having your magic stripped
away.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Despite your misgivings, there is a part of
you that accepts the Hexatheon. Whatever the gods may be, their presence
in this world is undeniable.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 04][$meissa_religion to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You never could accept the
Hexatheon—at least, not the way the Meissandium presents it.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 04][$meissa_religion to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You’re indifferent to the Hexatheon.
Religion has never mattered much to you.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
04][$meissa_religion to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$zenaida_location neq true and $lyranaeum neq true>>Zenaida
clearly isn’t here. Knowing you shouldn’t put off your search for much
longer, you turn to leave the temple.
<<elseif $zenaida_location is true and $lyranaeum neq
true>>You straighten, stretching your arms above your head and let
them fall to your sides. Knowing you shouldn’t put off your meeting
with Zenaida for much longer, you turn to leave the temple.
<<elseif $meissa_religion is 2 or $meissa_religion is
3>>Your gut twists uncomfortably. Beautiful though the temple is,
you don’t want to linger here much longer. A Wayfarer doesn’t belong in
such places.
<<else>>Turning to leave the temple, you pause at the
entrance and take in the mosaics one last time. Beautiful though the
temple is, you don’t want to overstay your welcome. What would you say
to Lyrana? <<if $pavilions is true>>Between the Guild and
the politics of the Velantian court,<<else>>Between
Quirinus’ machinations and the disruption to Lethalis’
plan,<</if>> your thoughts are far too restless for quiet
contemplation.<</if>><</nobr>>
“Did you come to pray?” a voice calls.
You glance over your shoulder. The woman has risen to her feet and
observes you calmly, her expression neither demanding nor expecting an
answer. She is human, with an unassuming, round face and wide-set brown
eyes. Judging from the streaks of grey in her dark hair, she must be
well into her fifties. The elegant white serithan contrasts with her
rich, brown complexion, the gold embroidery matching the gold hairpieces
woven into her braids. She wears no other jewelry, save for a
ruby-encrusted ring on her little finger. It pulses with a faint scarlet
light.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Not exactly…”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
05A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just appreciating the sights. Call
it curiosity.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 05B]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Leave.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles wanly. “That makes two of us.”
“Oh?”
“We all need a little peace of mind on nights like these. This place is
one of the few in Mahanin where I know I will not be disturbed. It seems
we had the same idea.”
You pause, <<if $mc_reluctant is true>>pushing down a
flicker of annoyance. She has read you all too
well.<<else>>uncertain of what to say.<</if>>
The woman chuckles at your silence and pats the rug next to her,
inviting you to sit. Cautiously, you lower yourself onto the rug and
fold your knees under you. She observes you closely, her brown eyes
bright with interest. The round pool laps gently against its rim, its
celestial water swirling in mesmerizing patterns.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
06B]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles warmly. “If curiosity led you here, then you show much more
spirit than half the Velantian court.”
“Sounds like you don’t care much for them.”
“We all need a little peace of mind on nights like these. This place is
one of the few in Mahanin where I know I will not be disturbed.”
“Then I’m sorry for disturbing you.”
The woman chuckles. “I’m known to make allowances from time to time.
Come,” she adds, patting the rug next to her, inviting you to sit. “Join
me for a moment.”
Cautiously, you lower yourself onto the rug and fold your knees under
you. She observes you closely, her brown eyes bright with interest. The
round pool laps gently against its rim, its celestial water swirling in
mesmerizing patterns.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
06B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your back on her and step through the threshold.
A large, powerfully built woman appears at the end of the stairs. Her
scarlet uniform is nearly black in the evening light and she grips a
spear in one hand. <<if $dressed is true>>She takes in your
$garb with a seething look and ascends the stairs, blocking your
descent. Her fingers tighten on the spear.
“You’re well off-limits, $mylord,” she says. “The gala is that way. Best
find your way back.”<<else>>She takes in your dark gear
with a seething look and ascends the stairs, blocking your descent. Her
fingers tighten on the spear.
“What are you doing here, Wayfarer?” she says. “This temple is no place
for you. Return to Lady Anaxas immediately.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] You don’t appreciate being threatened. Knock
the spear out of her hands.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 06 STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] You don’t appreciate being
threatened. Knock the spear out of her hands.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 06
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Little hard to do that when you’re
blocking the way. What do you want me to do, swim?”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
10A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I was on my way.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
10B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Lyrana is my family’s patron
god,” she says, staring up at the glinting twin swans. “My great-uncle
built this temple upon his arrival in Velantis. Though I am not blessed
with their sphere of magic, I’ve always felt an affinity for them. They
may not always listen, but I find it easier to think in their presence.”
<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>“Yeah,” you murmur, rubbing the
back of your neck. Lyrana’s twin swans glint in the mosaic, almost
appearing to dance in the soft glow of conjured light.
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>She glances at you, her gaze
flickering over your pendant.<<elseif $tattoo_visible is
true>>She glances at you, her gaze flickering across your
tattoo.<<else>>She glances at you.<</if>> “Your
caution is understandable. To witness the gods and never hold their
power must be a difficult thing.”
You shrug. “I’m used to it.”
She catches your eye and nods deeply.<<else>>“Can’t say
that’s the same for me.”
<<if $pendant_worn is true>>She glances at you, her gaze
flickering over your pendant.<<elseif $tattoo_visible is
true>>She glances at you, her gaze flickering across your
tattoo.<<else>>She glances at you.<</if>> “Of
course. I understand. The Meissandium has given you little reason to
trust the Hexatheon. It was wrong of me to assume this is a soothing
place for you.”
You shrug. “At least it’s pretty.”
She catches your eye and chuckles quietly.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Your Grace,” a voice calls from behind you. “It is time.”
A large, powerfully-built woman appears in the temple’s threshold. Her
scarlet uniform is so dark it nearly appears black in the evening light
and she grips a spear in one hand. She casts a suspicious eye at you and
her grip tightens around the shaft.
The aristocrat closes her eyes. She folds her hands calmly in her lap
and breathes out a long sigh. “A moment, Shadri,” she says, opening her
eyes and fixing you with a keen gaze. “I would speak with $himher
alone.”
You swallow hard. There’s something about her… the bodyguard in the
scarlet uniform, the formal address, the wide-set brown eyes…
//Oh, hell.//
“You’re the archon?” you blurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<set $empirestatus to 3>><<notify
3000>>Faction Unlocked: Arathian
Empire<</notify>>Sophia Anaxas smiles, a light chuckle
humming on her lips. “It looks as though I need no introduction,” she
says. “You know who I am, just as I know who you are. It seems we are on
equal footing, $firstname.”
You pause, mouth open, uncertain of how to respond. There’s something
about her openly genuine tone that surprises you. Even with the refined
accent and elegant clothes, she is oddly understated for someone of her
station. You heard her title so many times today, heard her spoken of in
a multitude of ways, that the image you formed in your head is at odds
with the small, reserved woman kneeling beside you.
<<if $pavilions is true>>She doesn’t exude power or
authority, at least not in the alluring way Phaedra
did.<<else>>She doesn’t exude power or
authority.<</if>> If anything, she seems… tired. Worn to the
bone. No wonder she escaped here.
“I am glad you found me,” she says. “I considered summoning you upon
your arrival, but I feared it would make a poor impression after the
incident in the bay. I didn’t want a show of force when my daughter
returned, but Sabien has a way of… complicating matters.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t see why he had to be
involved.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Yeah, I figured as much.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 07B][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>Her
mouth tightens. “Zenaida’s actions fall under his jurisdiction as much
as mine. It is the duality of her position, torn between the Guild and
the Empire.”
//Yeah, yeah…// You’ve heard this before and these niggling details
don’t matter to you right now.
She exhales a quiet breath and glances at the pool, watching the
rippling water. “Zenaida searched for you for a very long time,” she
says. “The hunt for a Wayfarer was all-encompassing, her only concern
for nearly a year. But the forces that led her to you are dangerous. I’m
sure you understand that. The Guild is your antithesis, after all.”
You shift uncomfortably. Plush though the rug is, your knees are
beginning to ache.
“I ask you this, $firstname,” Sophia continues. “When you disentangle
yourself from their schemes—as I’m certain you will—I beg you, take her
with you. No matter how she protests, ensure her safety. I cannot
control what she does, but I fear she has grossly underestimated the
game she plays.”
You pause, your brow furrowing. What is the archon asking? That you
betray the Order of Lethalis the first chance you get and force Zenaida
to sever her ties with them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She’s not a child. You don’t give her
enough credit.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can’t promise that.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 08B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08C
PACT 1">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make it worth my while and I’ll consider
it.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08C
PACT 2">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “I’ll see what I can
do.”</a></div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles openly, amused by your answer. “How you survived travelling by
barge with him is anyone’s guess,” she says. “You have a remarkable
constitution.”
“I do my best.”
She exhales a quiet breath and glances at the pool, watching the
rippling water. “Zenaida searched for you for a very long time,” she
says. “The hunt for a Wayfarer was all-encompassing, her only concern
for nearly a year. But the forces that led her to you are dangerous. I’m
sure you understand that. The Guild is your antithesis, after all.”
You shift uncomfortably. Plush though the rug is, your knees are
beginning to ache.
“I ask you this, $firstname,” Sophia continues. “When you disentangle
yourself from their schemes—as I’m certain you will—I beg you, take her
with you. No matter how she protests, ensure her safety. I cannot
control what she does, but I fear she has grossly underestimated the
game she plays.”
You pause, your brow furrowing. What is the archon asking? That you
betray the Order of Lethalis the first chance you get and force Zenaida
to sever her ties with them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She’s not a child. You don’t give her
enough credit.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can’t promise that.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 08B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08C
PACT 1">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make it worth my while and I’ll consider
it.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 08C
PACT 2">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “I’ll see what I can
do.”</a></div></div><</nobr>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 3>>“But she is //my// child,” Sophia answers
coolly. “And I will not see her come to harm—which is where the Guild
mages she surrounds herself with will lead her.”
You grit your teeth. “I’m not getting between you and your daughter.”
She rises to her feet, her serithan’s elegant fabric whispering around
her. “Think on it, $firstname,” she says. “Zenaida trusts you, and with
that trust comes a certain amount of leverage. I’m sure you can make use
of it.”
With that note of finality, she crosses the temple and exits through the
threshold. Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls
in line behind her. You watch them go, listening to the rippling water
as they disappear. Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you get to your feet, stretch
out your aching knees, and clatter down the temple steps. You walk
through the willows, listening to their rustling leaves as you follow
the path back to the gala. Best keep this from Zenaida for now. She
won’t be pleased that her mother propositioned you to remove her from
the Order of Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 3>>“Then reconsider,” Sophia says sharply. “She is
my daughter. I will not see her come to harm—which is where the Guild
mages she surrounds herself with will lead her.”
You grit your teeth. “This isn’t my place.”
She rises to her feet, her serithan’s elegant fabric whispering around
her. “Think on it, $firstname,” she says. “Zenaida trusts you, and with
that trust comes a certain amount of leverage. I’m sure you can make use
of it.”
With that note of finality, she crosses the temple and exits through the
threshold. Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls
in line behind her. You watch them go, listening to the rippling water
as they disappear. Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you get to your feet, stretch
out your aching knees, and clatter down the temple steps. You walk
through the willows, listening to their rustling leaves as you follow
the path back to the gala. Best keep this from Zenaida for now. She
won’t be pleased that her mother propositioned you to remove her from
the Order of Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 10, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 1>><<set $pactforged +=1>>She fixes
you with an icy glare, her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t test me,
$firstname.”
“Not a test. You know what I am. <<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>My services aren’t free. As your daughter knows very
well—”<<else>>My services aren’t free—”<</if>>
“Then consider yourself paid,” she interrupts sharply. “Do whatever it
takes to remove her from their schemes. I mean that quite frankly,
$firstname, remember that. Zenaida is my daughter. There is very little
left in this world that is as dear to me as her. I will not see her come
to harm—which is certainly where the Guild mages she surrounds herself
with will lead her.”
Rising to her feet, she crosses the temple and exits through the
threshold. Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls
in line behind her. You watch them go, listening to the rippling water
as they disappear.
Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s demand from your mind, you clatter down the steps and
walk slowly through the willows. Best keep this from Zenaida for now.
She won’t be pleased you promised her mother to remove her from the
Order of Lethalis for payment.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaGain>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp + 20, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 2>><<set $pactforged +=1>>She breathes
a sigh of relief. For a brief moment, her weariness fades away and she
fixes you with a vibrant smile. “Thank you, $firstname,” she says.
“Zenaida is my daughter. There is very little left in this world that is
as dear to me as her. I will not see her come to harm—which is
certainly where the Guild mages she surrounds herself with will lead
her.”
“We all have reasons not to trust the Guild, I guess,” you say.
Her smile fades. She places a hand on your arm and gives you a polite
nod. Rising to her feet, she crosses the temple and exits through the
threshold. Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls
in line behind her. You watch them go, listening to the rippling water
as they disappear.
Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you get to your feet, stretch
out your aching knees, and clatter down the temple steps. You walk
through the willows, listening to their rustling leaves as you follow
the path back to the gala. Best keep this from Zenaida for now. She
won’t be pleased you promised her mother to remove her from the Order of
Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
have barely returned to the path when a thunderous blast resounds in
your ears, startling you. Raising your head, you turn around, searching
for the sound—and a million, multi-coloured lights flare across the sky,
dancing in intricate patterns high above the lake. The firelight show
has begun.
It’s time to meet the Order of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RETURN TO THE
PALACE][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case
1>><<strengthPass>><<set $empireapp to
Math.clamp($empireapp - 20, 10, 79)>>In one swift movement, you
throw yourself down a step, land beside the guard, and seize the spear
from her hands. She steps back instinctively in surprise and her foot
misses the step. Tumbling backwards, she careens down the steps and
desperately catches herself before she falls flat on the ground. She
lands awkwardly at the bottom and grunts, loose hair falling across her
face. She raises her head, anger boiling in her eyes.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t manhandle my bodyguard,” a cool voice
says behind you. “$firstname, was it?”
You glance over your shoulder. The aristocrat stands a few feet away,
frowning with disapproval.
“Yeah,” you reply shortly. You press the butt of the spear into the
stone floor and lean against it.
Her gaze flickers over you and her mouth tightens with an unimpressed
frown. “I had hoped my suspicions about you were wrong, but I see I was
right to worry. <<if $dressed is true>>You may dress the
part of an aristocrat, but you’re still a violent
thug.<<else>>You’re little more than a glorified mercenary
and an unrepentant thug.<</if>> Unmitigated violence will
not be tolerated in Mahanin. I suggest you do not pick up a weapon again
while you are here.”
You pause. Smiling obstinately, you raise your hand and hold out the
spear. It balances in your hand, the tip glinting in the moonlight. You
open your fingers and let go.
The spear drops, clattering down the stone steps. Out of the corner of
your eye, you see the guard stoop and retrieve it. She reasserts herself
and fixes you with a warning glare.
The aristocrat sighs wearily, shaking her head at the display. “My
daughter’s obsession with you and that unpleasant oaf will cease soon,
Wayfarer,” she says. “The forces that led her to you will not be in play
forever. When the time comes, I suggest you leave the city—before I
force you from it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>She strides effortlessly past you and descends the steps. The
guard stands at attention as she passes, then falls in line behind her,
escorting her back to the gala. As you watch them go, the breeze picks
up, rustling the willows. A shiver runs down your spine.
//My daughter’s obsession with you…//
“Fuck,” you mutter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07 END][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<strengthFail>>In
one swift movement, you jump down a step, land beside the guard, and
grasp the spear. You yank on it, attempting to pull it from her hands—
She snarls and retracts it, swinging it sharply around to the side. The
momentum pulls you with it and you’re yanked sharply off the steps. You
let go instinctively and tumble forwards, stumbling down the stairs
until you land unceremoniously at the bottom. <<if random(1,20) +
$agility >= 18>>Your knees crack as you hit the ground and you
catch yourself, desperately recovering your balance before you fall
over.<<else>><<set $tempstat to 1>>our knees
crack as you hit the ground and you tumble over, landing flat on your
rear. Grunting with pain, annoyance and humiliation searing across your
cheeks, you rise to your feet and brush grass from your
clothes.<</if>>
“An unfortunate display,” the aristocrat says coolly from the top of the
steps. Her bodyguard lingers at her shoulder, a satisfied smirk on her
face. “$firstname, was it?”
You grit your teeth. You’re not going to answer that.
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t attempt to manhandle my guards,” she
continues. “I had hoped my suspicions about you were wrong, but I see I
was right to worry. <<if $dressed is true>>You may dress the
part of an aristocrat, but you’re still a violent
thug.<<else>>You’re little more than a glorified mercenary
and an unrepentant thug.<</if>> Unmitigated violence will
not be tolerated in Mahanin. I suggest you do not try this again.”
“Noted,” you mutter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>She sighs wearily, her brown eyes passing critically over you.
“My daughter’s obsession with you and that unpleasant oaf will cease
soon, Wayfarer,” she says wearily. “The forces that led her to you will
not be in play forever. When the time comes, I suggest you leave the
city—before I force you from it.”
With that, she descends the steps and strides effortlessly past you, her
flowing serithan fanning out around her. The guard falls in line behind
her, giving you a scornful look as they pass.
You watch them go, <<if $tempstat is 1>>cheeks still
flaming, body still aching. Anger boils in the pit of your
stomach.<<else>>cheeks still aflame, anger boiling in the
pit of your stomach.<</if>> The wind picks up, rustling the
willows’ leaves, and it does little to temper your fury.
//My daughter’s obsession with you…//
“Fuck,” you curse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 07 END][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$empirestatus to 3>><<notify 3000>>Faction Unlocked:
Arathian Empire<</notify>>That was, without a doubt,
Zenaida’s mother. Sophia Anaxas.
The archon of Velantis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
guard grunts, unimpressed with your sarcasm. “Careful who you insult,
Wayfarer,” she says, climbing the steps towards you. “That tongue of
yours does you no favours—”
“Shadri, enough,” a cool voice interrupts. “Don’t antagonize $himher
when you’re the one who let $himher slip by unnoticed.”
The guard’s jaw clamps shut. She draws herself to her full height, her
back excruciatingly straight, and stands at attention. You turn, casting
an eye behind you, and spot the aristocrat standing several paces away.
She looks you up and down, a curious smile on her lips.
“Perhaps my daughter was of a right mind to hire you,” she says. “Magic
cannot account for everything. Wards can fail, enchantments can be
dispelled, the mind can be distracted… An overreliance on established
systems has its faults.”
You pause, two words ringing in your mind.
//My daughter…//
“You’re the archon?” you blurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
11]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
guard grunts. “Then you should hurry,” she says darkly. “This is no
place for you—”
“Shadri, enough,” a cool voice interrupts. “Don’t antagonize $himher
when you’re the one who let $himher slip by unnoticed.”
The guard’s jaw clamps shut. She draws herself to her full height, her
back excruciatingly straight, and stands at attention. You turn, casting
an eye behind you, and spot the aristocrat standing several paces away.
She looks you up and down, a curious smile on her lips.
“Perhaps my daughter was of a right mind to hire you,” she says. “Magic
cannot account for everything. Wards can fail, enchantments can be
dispelled, the mind can be distracted… An overreliance on established
systems has its faults.”
You pause, two words ringing in your mind.
//My daughter…//
“You’re the archon?” you blurt.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
11]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$empirestatus to 3>><<notify 3000>>Faction Unlocked:
Arathian Empire<</notify>>Sophia Anaxas smiles, a light
chuckle humming on her lips. “This is quite refreshing, I admit,” she
says. “It’s been a very long time since I have gone unrecognized, and
for that I thank you.”
You pause, mouth open, uncertain of how to respond. There’s something
about her openly honest tone that surprises you. Even with the refined
accent and elegant clothes, she seems oddly understated for someone of
her station. You heard her title so many times today, heard her spoken
of in a multitude of ways, that the image you formed in your head is at
odds with the small, reserved woman in front of you.
<<if $pavilions is true>>She doesn’t exude power or
authority, at least not in the alluring way Phaedra
did.<<else>>She doesn’t exude power or
authority.<</if>> If anything, she seems… tired. Worn to the
bone. No wonder she escaped here, perhaps in search of a little
much-needed solitude.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…sorry for intruding.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE
12A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… you’re welcome?”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 12B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I should be going.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 12C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
shakes her head. “Rasmira forgot to tell you that the temple is
private,” she says. “It must have not occurred to them. It is warded
during events like this, one of the few places where my family can
escape the pressures of hosting a gala. I suspect you didn’t see them
and walked through without the knowledge they were even there.”
You pause, lingering on the steps, and shift your weight restlessly from
foot to foot. You’re not sure whether that was an invitation to leave
or to stay.
“Zenaida searched for you for a very long time,” she says. “The hunt for
a Wayfarer was all-encompassing, her only concern for nearly a year.
But the forces that led her to you are dangerous. I am certain you
understand that, as the Guild is your antithesis. When you disentangle
yourself from their schemes—as I’m certain you will—I beg you, take her
with you. No matter how she protests, ensure her safety. I cannot
control what she does, but I fear she has grossly underestimated the
game she plays.”
You pause, your brow furrowing. What is the archon asking? That you
betray the Order of Lethalis the first chance you get and force Zenaida
to sever her ties with them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She’s not a child. You don’t give her
enough credit.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can’t promise that.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 13B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12C
PACT 1">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make it worth my while and I’ll consider
it.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12D
PACT 2">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “I’ll see what I can
do.”</a></div></div><</nobr>>She
smiles. “Rasmira forgot to tell you that the temple is private. It must
have not occurred to them. It is warded during events like this, one of
the few places where my family can escape the pressures of hosting a
gala. I suspect you didn’t see them and walked through without the
knowledge they were even there.”
You pause, lingering on the steps, and shift your weight restlessly from
foot to foot. You’re not sure whether that was an invitation to leave
or to stay.
“Zenaida searched for you for a very long time,” she says. “The hunt for
a Wayfarer was all-encompassing, her only concern for nearly a year.
But the forces that led her to you are dangerous. I am certain you
understand that, as the Guild is your antithesis. When you disentangle
yourself from their schemes—as I’m certain you will—I beg you, take her
with you. No matter how she protests, ensure her safety. I cannot
control what she does, but I fear she has grossly underestimated the
game she plays.”
You pause, your brow furrowing. What is the archon asking? That you
betray the Order of Lethalis the first chance you get and force Zenaida
to sever her ties with them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She’s not a child. You don’t give her
enough credit.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can’t promise that.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 13B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12C
PACT 1">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make it worth my while and I’ll consider
it.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12D
PACT 2">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “I’ll see what I can
do.”</a></div></div><</nobr>>“Wait,
$firstname,” she calls. “A moment, if you would.”
You pause, lingering on the steps.
“Zenaida searched for you for a very long time,” she says. “The hunt for
a Wayfarer was all-encompassing, her only concern for nearly a year.
But the forces that led her to you are dangerous. I am certain you
understand that, as the Guild is your antithesis. When you disentangle
yourself from their schemes—as I’m certain you will—I beg you, take her
with you. No matter how she protests, ensure her safety. I cannot
control what she does, but I fear she has grossly underestimated the
game she plays.”
You pause, your brow furrowing. What is the archon asking? That you
betray the Order of Lethalis the first chance you get and force Zenaida
to sever her ties with them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She’s not a child. You don’t give her
enough credit.”|CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 13A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can’t promise that.”|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE 13B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12C
PACT 1">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make it worth my while and I’ll consider
it.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="CHAPTER 2 TEMPLE 12D
PACT 2">4. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “I’ll see what I can
do.”</a></div></div><</nobr>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 3>>“But she is //my// child,” Sophia answers
coolly. “And I will not see her come to harm—which is where the Guild
mages she surrounds herself with will lead her.”
You grit your teeth. “I’m not getting between you and your daughter.”
She closes her eyes and exhales a weary breath. “Think on it,
$firstname. Zenaida trusts you, and with that trust comes a certain
amount of leverage. I’m sure you can make use of it.”
With that note of finality, she slips by you and descends the stairs.
Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls in line
behind her as she escorts her back to the gala. You watch them go,
listening as the wind rustles the willows. Your thoughts are a jumbled
mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you clatter down the steps and
walk slowly through the willows. Best keep this from Zenaida for now.
She won’t be pleased that her mother propositioned you to remove her
from the Order of Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 5, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 3>>“Then reconsider,” Sophia says sharply. “She is
my daughter. I will not see her come to harm—which is where the Guild
mages she surrounds herself with will lead her.”
You grit your teeth. “This isn’t my place.”
She closes her eyes and exhales a weary breath. “Think on it,
$firstname. Zenaida trusts you, and with that trust comes a certain
amount of leverage. I’m sure you can make use of it.”
With that note of finality, she slips by you and descends the stairs.
Her bodyguard stands at attention as she passes, then falls in line
behind her as she escorts her back to the gala. You watch them go,
listening as the wind rustles the willows. Your thoughts are a jumbled
mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you clatter down the steps and
walk slowly through the willows. Best keep this from Zenaida for now.
She won’t be pleased that her mother propositioned you to remove her
from the Order of Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaLoss>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp - 10, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 1>><<set $pactforged +=1>>She fixes
you with an icy glare, her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t test me,
$firstname,” she says.
“Not a test. You know what I am. <<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>My services aren’t free. As your daughter knows very
well—”<<else>>My services aren’t free—”<</if>>
“Then consider yourself paid,” she interrupts sharply. “Do whatever it
takes to remove her from their schemes. I mean that quite frankly,
$firstname, remember that. Zenaida is my daughter. There is very little
left in this world that is as dear to me as her. I will not see her come
to harm—which is certainly where the Guild mages she surrounds herself
with will lead her.”
Giving you a short nod, she slips around you, descends the stairs, and
heads briskly down the path. Her bodyguard hurries to catch up, falling
in line behind her as she escorts her back to the gala.
Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s demand from your mind, you clatter down the steps and
walk slowly through the willows. Best keep this from Zenaida for now.
She won’t be pleased you promised her mother to remove her from the
Order of Lethalis for payment.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<arathiaGain>><<set
$empireapp to Math.clamp($empireapp + 20, 10, 79)>><<set
$sophia_pact to 2>><<set $pactforged +=1>>She breathes
a sigh of relief. For a brief moment, her weariness fades away and she
fixes you with a vibrant smile. “Thank you, $firstname,” she says.
“Zenaida is my daughter. There is very little left in this world that is
as dear to me as her. I will not see her come to harm—which is
certainly where the Guild mages she surrounds herself with will lead
her.”
“We all have reasons not to trust the Guild, I guess,” you say.
Her smile fades. She places a hand on your arm and gives you a polite
nod. Slipping by you, she descends the stairs and heads down the path.
Her bodyguard hurries to catch up, falling in line behind her as she
escorts her back to the gala.
Your thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Putting Sophia’s request from your mind, you clatter down the steps and
walk slowly through the willows. Best keep this from Zenaida for now.
She won’t be pleased you promised her mother to remove her from the
Order of Lethalis.
<<if $actionpoints is 0>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
TEMPLE EXIT
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
PALACE MAP][$last_location to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><span
class="heading"><center>Intoxicated</center></span>
You have drunk too much and are now <span
class="accent">intoxicated.</span> Your <span
class="accent">Agility</span> and <span
class="accent">Perception</span> skills are decreased by
2.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You blink, the lights blurring
in your vision, and squeeze your eyes shut. A pressure throbs at the
base of your skull, but it feels so oddly distant, you’re not sure
whether you’re imagining it. A pleasant flush spreads across your chest
from your sternum, prickling at your skin. The aftertaste of wine
lingers in your mouth; no matter how much you swallow, you can’t get rid
of it.
You open your eyes. The lawn below is <span
class="drunk-1">moving.</span>
//Huh?//
You blink. No. It’s not <span class="drunk-1">the
lawn</span> that is moving. It’s <span class="drunk-1">the
people</span> on the lawn…
“Oh, gods,” you mutter, pressing yourself against the balustrade. The
stone pushes dully against your stomach as you lean out, nearly doubling
over. The <span class="drunk-2">ground swims below
you,</span> the mass of ferns and bushy greeneries spreading out
like a sea of green leaves.
<span class="drunk-1">Your stomach rolls.</span>
//Ah, fuck.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Enjoying your evening, $lastname?” a familiar voice calls.
You pull yourself up, keeping a hand on the balustrade as you turn
around. Maybe if you lean against it casually, no one will notice it’s
keeping you upright—
<span class="drunk-1">Your stomach drops.</span>
Sabien Quirinus stands a few paces away, observing you with a <<if
$solarathapp >=60>>smugly
amused<<else>>amused<</if>> expression.
“Well,” the Grand Archsage says, filling your silence. “You’ve certainly
enjoyed the archon’s wine at the very least.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What do you want?”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
01A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Go away.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
01B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fuck off.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
01C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
exhale a long breath and cast an eye at the moving crowd, impatiently
waiting for it to thin. <<if $wine is 1 or $wine is 2>>The
aftertaste of wine lingers hollowly in your mouth, its pleasant effect
growing distant.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>There’s no sign of Aeran yet. Where
has he gone? <<if $perception >=9>>It’s not like him to
disappear entirely, just as it’s not like you to lose track of him. He
sticks out like a sore thumb among all these colourful
aristocrats.<<else>>It’s not like him to disappear entirely.
You’re not the most perceptive person, but he sticks out like a sore
thumb among all these colourful aristocrats. If he’s made his way back
to the terrace like Zenaida asked, you should see
him…<</if>><<else>>There’s no sign of Aeran yet.
You grimace, a flare of annoyance pricking at you. Trust him to be late
to the secretive Guild mage meeting… At this point, you don’t know
whether he’ll show up at all. You may have to meet Lethalis on your
own.<</if>>
“Enjoying the gala, $lastname?”
You freeze, the familiar voice rooting you to the spot. Your jaw
clenches and you glance warily over your shoulder. Sabien Quirinus
stands a few paces away, observing you with a smug expression.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Grand Archsage. I was wondering when you
were going to show up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you’re looking for conversation,
you’re in the wrong place. I’m a little worn out after all that talking
this morning.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP 01B]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. “Oh, fuck off, Sabien.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“It
would be rude not to greet an acquaintance, $lastname,” he replies
idly. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Your hand grips the balustrade, digging painfully into the stone. “We’re
not acquaintances.”
He smiles devilishly. “Friends, then? Why, I’m honoured. After our
sojourn together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You grimace. It’s not an insult, but it sounds like one and you had more
than enough of that this morning. <span class="drunk-1">Stupid
fucking mage and his stupid fucking, smug smile…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. But Zenaida told you to return to the
terrace. You can’t go anywhere until Idris finds you.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. You are too drunk to pursue
this option.</s></div></div><</nobr>>He
raises an eyebrow. “Certainly,” he says. “Forgive me for my unwanted
display of politeness. Here I thought it would be rude not to greet an
acquaintance, but it seems you don’t agree.”
Your hand grips the balustrade, digging painfully into the stone. “We’re
not acquaintances.”
He smiles devilishly. “Friends, then? Why, I’m honoured. After our
sojourn together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You grimace. It’s not an insult, but it sounds like one and you had more
than enough of that this morning. <span class="drunk-1">Stupid
fucking mage and his stupid fucking, smug smile…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. But Zenaida told you to return to the
terrace. You can’t go anywhere until Idris finds you.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. You are too drunk to pursue
this option.</s></div></div><</nobr>>He
throws his head back and laughs. “You are ever so delightful,
$lastname,” he says. “Here I thought it would be rude not to greet an
acquaintance, but it seems you don’t agree.”
Your hand grips the balustrade, digging painfully into the stone. “We’re
not acquaintances.”
He smiles devilishly. “Friends, then? Why, I’m honoured. After our
sojourn together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You grimace. It’s not an insult, but it sounds like one and you had more
than enough of that this morning. <span class="drunk-1">Stupid
fucking mage and his stupid fucking, smug smile…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. But Zenaida told you to return to the
terrace. You can’t go anywhere until Idris finds you.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>2. You are too drunk to pursue
this option.</s></div></div><</nobr>>//Fuck.//
You shift restlessly from foot to foot, Quirinus’ smirking face sways in
front of you, and back into the balustrade. The stone wall is strangely
comforting as you press yourself against it. You’re distantly aware
that it’s the only thing supporting your balance, but ignore the
thought.
You’re not that drunk. You could take Quirinus in a fight if you wanted
to. <span class="drunk-1">Dumb, skinny mage.</span> What can
he do to you anyway? He wouldn’t even get a punch in.
“…must commend you, $lastname, truly,” he says.
You weren’t paying attention.
“What?”
<<if $solarathapp <=39>>He tsks impatiently.<<if
$dressed is true>>“I said I must commend you,” he says. “You have
truly committed to your new walk of life. I never expected a Wayfarer to
so willingly bend to a Guild mage’s will, but perhaps you are exactly
the kind of obedient mutt Zenaida requires.”<<else>>“I said I
must commend you,” he says. “You are truly committed to your way of
life. I suppose it was too much to hope a Wayfarer would bend to a Guild
mage’s will—or perhaps you enjoy reinforcing how much of a mindless
boor you are.”<</if>>
You snarl at the insult and roll your fingers into a
fist.<<else>>He chuckles and shakes his head. “I said I must
commend you,” he says. <<if $dressed is true>>“I never
expected a Wayfarer to willingly bend to a Guild mage’s request, but you
have proven otherwise.<<else>>“I never fully expected a
Wayfarer to willingly bend to a Guild mage’s request, but you are
clearly committed to yourself and your way of life. It’s refreshing to
witness such honest scruples.<</if>> I’m sure the Velantian
aristocracy will remember you from this night.”
You roll your fingers into a fist. You still can’t tell whether it’s an
insult or not. “Didn’t come here to be noticed.”
“It’s far too late for that, don’t you think?”
“I’m just a bodyguard.”
“We both know you’re far more than that.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 03
PUNCH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stupid, smirking bastard. Someone
should tell him that. Maybe you should. No one else is going to.|CHAPTER
2 RTPD 03A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Blah blah blah… whatever. Sit down and
wait for him to go away. Maybe if you ignore him, he’ll leave you
alone.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Status: Injured<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70)>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries +=
1>><<set $sabien_punch to 1>>You lunge at him and ram
your fist into his face.
Bones crunch, blood splatters, pain flares, and you reel back in
surprise, your breath caught in your throat. Quirinus stumbles back on
shaky feet, a hand clutching his face. Blood flecks his cheeks and chin,
spreading from the mangled mess of a broken nose. He raises his head to
the sky, the blooming firelights passing over him in flashing,
variegated colours.
“I suppose you’ve proved a point,” he says calmly, staring at the sky. A
small crowd of nobles gathers around you, drawn by the commotion. “But I
doubt it’s the one you think.”
You drop your incriminating hand to your side, a sharp pain stabbing
through your knuckles. You glance desperately to and fro as the
condemning stares close in around you and you see nothing but a sea of
bright silk and accusing faces.
Quirinus sighs wearily and lowers his head. He passes a hand over his
face, a dim blue glow streaming from his fingers. The broken skin
stitches itself seamlessly back together, his shattered nose repairs
itself, and soon there is nothing left to show but sticky lines of
blood.
“I’m curious to see how Zenaida Anaxas explains your actions,” he says,
unconcernedly withdrawing a silk handkerchief and dabbing his face
clean. “Her newest bodyguard assaulting the Grand Archsage at the
archon’s gala… Shame, $lastname. Quite a shame—”
“$firstname!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH HIGHAPP][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 5,
95)]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH
LOWAPP][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 10, 5,
95)]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“You
know what… Quirinus?” you say, stumbling over his name. Something about
the <span class="drunk-1">combination of syllables</span>
feel strange in your mouth. Oh well. <span class="drunk-1">Bastard
name for a bastard man.</span> “You’re a bastard.”
He pauses and arches an eyebrow, his smug smirk only becoming more
prominent.
This was not the effect you wanted.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 03
PUNCH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up. Sit down and wait for him
to go away.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
blow a raspberry and slowly crouch down, your back scraping against the
stone balustrade. <<if $dressed is true>>You hear a faint
ripping noise.
<span class="drunk-1">Shit… You’ve torn your $garb.</span>
You press a hand to your face and shudder with laughter, your insides
roiling. $Ras is going to be pissed.
“$firstname.”
You lower your hand<<else>>You’re vaguely aware of the
gathering crowd hovering around you. None are willing to get too close,
not even Quirinus. You tilt your head back and <span
class="drunk-1">eye the dancing firelights,</span> a shuddering
laughter rippling through you. You’re not sure why, but this is
hysterically funny.
“$firstname.”
You lower your head<</if>> and find Aeran standing a foot in
front of you. His jaw clenches and he frowns, fixing you with a
familiar glare.
“Uh oh,” you murmur. “Am I in trouble?”
He sighs wearily. “Get up,” he says, nudging you with his boot.
“Nah.”
“Get up, $firstname.”
Your <span class="drunk-1">head lolls on your
shoulders</span> and you stare at him sideways with unblinking
eyes. “Make me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 04][$aeranrom to
Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranDisapp>>You
turn unsteadily, blinking furiously as the crowd sways in front of you.
Aeran pushes his way to the front and nearly barrels into you. He throws
an arm over your shoulder and drags you unceremoniously past Quirinus
and towards the palace.
“Come on,” he mutters, guiding you through the gossiping onlookers.
“Let’s get you out of here—”
“Go back,” you mumble. “Not done—”
“Oh, you’re done,” he says firmly, pulling you up the steps and through
the archways. You’re vaguely aware how empty the gallery is—the lack of
people pressing in on you, the absence of humming conversations, the
hollow echo of your footsteps on the tiled floor. “You punched the Grand
Archsage.”
“Deserved it.”
He sucks in a breath, his mouth twisting as he fights a smile. “Yeah.
Like that’s not going to come back and haunt us—”
You weasel out of his grasp and grip his arms. Pain flares dully in your
hand as you pull him to a stop by the marble fountain. It spits its
water high in the air, the spray misting over your face, prickling your
skin.
//“Deserved it,”// you insist.
He smiles bleakly. “Maybe.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>His eyes flicker over you, glancing down at your bloodied hand.
The wan smile disappears and he gently pulls away, careful not to
disturb your wounded fingers. “You should let me take a look at that,”
he says.
You recoil, defensively gripping your wrist with your good hand. “No.”
//“$nickname.”//
You blow a raspberry and hold out your injured hand. Sighing wearily,
Aeran steers you to the fountain and sits you down on the edge. You
perch on the cool marble and watch the flowing water, mesmerized by the
fountain’s spray. He pulls a clean cloth from his pocket, wets it with
his flask, and gently sponges the blood from your knuckles.
<<if $mc_late neq true>>“You shouldn’t have drunk this
much,” he says.<<else>>“I told you not to drink,” he
says.<</if>>
“Was being polite,” you mumble defensively.
“Punching the Grand Archsage is polite?”
You shrug. “I’m not… I’m not that drunk.”
He grimaces. “I’ll be the judge of that,” he says darkly. “Look,
$nickname. When Idris gets here, you need to shut up and not say
anything else for the rest of the night. Think you can do that?”
You shift back and forth on your seat. <span
class="drunk-1">Variegated lights flash</span> through the
archways as the firelight show continues, <span
class="drunk-1">the colour hazy in your eyes.</span> Your hand
throbs distantly and a nagging thought tells you you’ll regret this in
the morning.
Aeran lowers the cloth and gently splints your hand. “$firstname?” he
presses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1.
[ROMANCE] “You’re pretty.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH HIGH APP 02A
ROM][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $PassageNo =
1]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional relationship requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ll… do it. Maybe.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
PUNCH HIGH APP 02B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95),
$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Nope. Nope nope nope. You’re not
shutting me up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH HIGH APP 02C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<aeranDisapp>>You
turn unsteadily, blinking furiously as the crowd sways in front of you.
Aeran pushes his way to the front and nearly barrels into you. He throws
an arm over your shoulder and drags you unceremoniously past Quirinus
and towards the palace.
“Come on,” he mutters, pulling you through the gossiping onlookers.
“Let’s get you out of here—”
“Let go,” you grunt. “Not done—”
“Oh, you’re done,” he says angrily, pulling you up the steps and through
the archways. You’re <span class="drunk-1">vaguely
aware</span> how empty the gallery is—the lack of people pressing
in on you, the absence of <span class="drunk-1">humming
conversations,</span> the hollow echo of your footsteps on the
tiled floor. “You punched the Grand Archsage.”
“Deserved it.”
“Yeah, like that’s not going to come back and haunt us—”
You pull free from his grasp, pain flaring dully in your fingers. “Fuck
off.”
He pauses, chewing his lower lip as he glances at your hand. “You should
let me take a look at that,” he says. “I think you fractured it.”
You recoil, defensively gripping your wrist with your good hand. “No.”
“$firstname—”
“Fuck off.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran scowls. Before you can react, he closes the distance
between you and catches you by the upper arm. Ignoring your protesting
curses, he drags you unceremoniously to the edge of the fountain and
sits you down on the edge. He pulls out a clean cloth from his pocket,
wets it with his flask, and sponges the blood from your knuckles.
“Ow,” you grunt.
He rolls his eyes. <<if $mc_late neq true>>“You shouldn’t
have drunk this much.”<<else>>“I told you not to
drink.”<</if>>
“Do what I want. Not your business.”
“It is when you start punching people. Especially the Grand Archsage.”
“As if //you// wouldn’t punch him if I hadn’t got there first—”
The cool cloth disappears.
“Look, $firstname,” Aeran says grimly, carefully splinting your hand.
“When Idris gets here, you need to shut up and not say anything else for
the rest of the night. Think you can do that?”
You scowl. <span class="drunk-1">Variegated lights
flash</span> through the archways as the firelight show continues,
<span class="drunk-1">the colour hazy</span> in your eyes.
Your hand throbs distantly and a nagging thought tells you you’ll regret
this in the morning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fuck you.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH LOWAPP
02][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH LOWAPP
03][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeran_promise to true>>A relieved look passes across his face.
“Thanks, $nickname,” he murmurs.
Smiling to yourself, you close your eyes and lean against his shoulder.
You didn’t realize how tired you are…
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis,” a deep voice says quietly. “They’re ready for you.
Follow me, please.”
<span class="drunk-1">The world moves around you.</span> You
open your eyes and find yourself upright, holding onto Aeran for
support. Before you stands a vaguely familiar man with a vaguely
familiar face, but no matter how you squint at him, you can’t figure out
how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran as he steers you
away from the fountain and through the palace halls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
exhales a sharp breath and rises to his feet. “Then don’t be a fucking
idiot,” he says. “You’ve done enough of that tonight.”
You glare at him. Your hand throbs, the pain pulsing with each beat of
your heart. Somehow now that Aeran’s left your side, it hurts worse than
before.
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
You turn and <span class="drunk-1">the world spins around
you.</span> As you squeeze your eyes shut and wait for the room to
settle, someone grabs your arm and pulls you to your feet. When you
open your eyes, you find Aeran holding you upright. Before you stands a
vaguely familiar man with a vaguely familiar face. No matter how you
squint at him, you can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think as Aeran steers you away from the
fountain. Together, you follow the man out of the gallery and through
the empty palace halls, venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
closes his eyes. “We’re not doing this right now, $firstname.”
You slump against him, resting your head on his shoulder. “You’re really
pretty.”
“All right,” he says. “I’m pretty. And you, you idiot, have probably
fractured your hand.”
You raise your throbbing hand and extend it out in front of you. “Then
get me a new one,” you mumble against his shoulder.
He pauses, absently running a hand over his chin as he considers how to
answer you. Smiling to yourself, you close your eyes and lean into him.
You didn’t realize how tired you are… What you wouldn’t give to stay
here, like this… for just a minute…
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis,” a deep voice says quietly. “They’re ready for you.
Follow me, please.”
The world moves around you. You open your eyes and find yourself
upright, clinging onto Aeran. Before you stands a vaguely familiar man
with a vaguely familiar face, but no matter how you squint at him, you
can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran as he steers you
away from the fountain and through the palace halls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
closes his eyes and passes a weary hand across his face. “Should have
known better,” he mutters and gets to his feet.
You glare at him. Your hand throbs, the pain pulsing with each beat of
your heart. Somehow now that he has left your side, it hurts worse than
before.
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
You turn and <span class="drunk-1">the world spins around
you.</span> As you squeeze your eyes shut and wait for the room to
settle, someone grabs your arm and pulls you to your feet. When you
open your eyes, you find Aeran holding you upright. Before you stands a
vaguely familiar man with a vaguely familiar face. No matter how you
squint at him, you can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think as Aeran steers you away from the
fountain. Together, you follow the man out of the gallery and through
the empty palace halls, venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_promise to true>>A relieved look passes across his face.
“Thanks,” he says quietly and gets to his feet.
You shrug, not knowing what else to say. Your hand throbs, the pain
pulsing with each beat of your heart. Somehow now that he has left your
side, it hurts worse than before.
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
You turn and <span class="drunk-1">the world spins around
you.</span> As you squeeze your eyes shut and wait for the room to
settle, someone grabs your arm and pulls you to your feet. When you
open your eyes, you find Aeran holding you upright. Before you stands a
vaguely familiar man with a vaguely familiar face. No matter how you
squint at him, you can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think as Aeran steers you away from the
fountain. Together, you follow the man out of the gallery and through
the empty palace halls, venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
folds his arms and stares at the sky, a muttered curse on his lips. For
a moment, you wonder whether he’s going to leave you here and
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>a jagged feeling of regret knifes
through you.<<else>>a bubble of delight rises in your
chest.<</if>> But then he ducks down, grabs you roughly by
the shoulders, and pulls you to your feet.
“Come on,” he mutters, pulling you through the gossiping onlookers.
“You’re making a fool of yourself.”
“Nah,” you mumble.
He rolls his eyes. <<if $mc_late neq true>>“I thought I told
you not to drink—”<<else>>“You shouldn’t have drunk this
much—”<</if>>
“Let go. Not done—”
“Oh, you’re done,” he says angrily, pulling you up the steps and through
the archways. You’re vaguely aware how empty the gallery is—the lack of
people pressing in on you, the absence of humming conversations, the
hollow echo of your footsteps on the tiled floor. “Need to get you out
of here before you do something stupid.”
You pull free from his grasp. “Fuck off.”
Aeran scowls and reaches for you. You skip backwards, dancing out of the
way, and nearly crash into the gallery’s fountain. Your knee collides
with the edge, smashing painfully into the cool marble.
//“Ow—fuck—”//
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>You curse and hobble away, throwing
out a hand for balance. Aeran appears at your side and presses a
steadying hand into your shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1.
[ROMANCE] If you just fall sideways… maybe he’ll catch you in those very
strong arms. That’s a good idea, right?|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 05A
ROM]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Grab onto him for support.|CHAPTER 2
RTPD 05B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Push him away.|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
05C][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
curse and hobble away, throwing out a hand for balance. Aeran folds his
arms, watching you struggle with a dark look on his face.
“What?” you snap, rubbing your sore knee.
“Look, $firstname,” he says grimly. “When Idris gets here, you need to
shut up and not say anything else for the rest of the night. Think you
can do that?”
You scowl. Variegated lights flash through the archways as the firelight
show continues, the colour hazy in your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fuck you.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD 06A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD PUNCH RTPD
06B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>The
world spins and you topple sideways. <<if $height is "very
tall">>Aeran shouts in surprise and catches you, struggling for a
moment with your height. He grunts and slowly lowers you to the floor,
where you collapse into a heap on his lap.
You open an eye and squint up at him. “Surprise.”
His mouth tightens, fighting back a smile. “Not funny.”
You sprawl out on the floor, <<if $dressed is true>>a tangle
of limbs and loose fabric.<<else>>a tangle of limbs and
coarse fabric.<</if>><<if $pendant_worn is
true>> <<Pendant>> slides across your collarbone,
pressing heavily into your skin.<</if>> “You’re pretty,” you
say, bumping his nose with a finger.
He closes his eyes and lets out a soft sigh. “All right,” he says,
shaking his head. “I’m pretty. And you’re drunk.”
“Not that drunk,” you protest.
“I’ll be the judge of that. Look, $nickname…” He pauses and runs a hand
through his hair. “When Idris gets here, you need to shut up and not say
anything else for the rest of the night. Think you can do that?”
You settle back, your head comfortably cradled on his lap, and stare at
the colourful mosaics on the ceiling.<<else>>Aeran shouts in
surprise and catches you. His hands press firmly into your back,
keeping you from smashing into the floor.
You open an eye and squint up at him. “Surprise.”
“Not funny,” he mutters, fighting back a smile.
You sprawl in his embrace, <<if $dressed is true>>a tangle
of limbs and loose fabric.<<else>>a tangle of limbs and
coarse fabric.<</if>><<if $pendant_worn is
true>> <<Pendant>> slides across your collarbone,
pressing heavily into your skin.<</if>> “You’re pretty,” you
say, bumping his nose with a finger.
He closes his eyes and lets out a soft sigh. “All right,” he says,
shaking his head. “I’m pretty. And you’re drunk.”
“Not that drunk,” you protest.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” he says, setting you upright. He holds onto
you, almost as if he’s afraid to let you go. “Look, $nickname… when
Idris gets here, you need to shut up and not say anything else for the
rest of the night. Think you can do that?”
You lean into him and rest your head on his shoulder.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll… do it. Maybe.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
07A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nope nope nope. You’re not shutting
me up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
07B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab him, <span class="drunk-1">steadying yourself as the world
spins</span> around you. You close your eyes, <span
class="drunk-1">your stomaching roiling,</span> and fight the
discomfort.
“Fuck me,” you mutter.
He sighs wearily and you can almost hear the eyeroll. <<if
$mc_late is true>>“You shouldn’t have drunk that much,” he says
quietly.<<else>>“I told you not to drink,” he says
quietly.<</if>>
“Was being polite.”
“And what do you think Umbria will think when we stroll in with you
drunk out of your mind? This is important, $firstname—”
“Not //that// drunk.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
You open your eyes and squint at him. His frustration is clearly visible
even in <span class="drunk-1">your bleary vision.</span>
“Look, $nickname,” he says after a moment. “When Idris gets here, you
need to shut up and not say anything else for the rest of the night.
Think you can do that?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll… do it. Maybe.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
08A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nope nope nope. You’re not shutting
me up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
08B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Acting
on instinct, you press a palm into his shoulder and shove him away.
He doesn’t move. Your mouth <span class="drunk-1">opens in
surprise</span> and you gawk at him, unable to understand how that
didn’t work.
<<if $mc_late is true>>“You shouldn’t have drunk that much,”
Aeran says quietly.<<else>>“I told you not to drink,” Aeran
says quietly.<</if>> He lets go and steps away, eyeing you
carefully. He looks remarkably like Varyn did when she was about to
deliver a scolding.
“Was being polite.”
“And what do you think Umbria will think when we stroll in with you
drunk out of your mind? This is important, $firstname—”
“Not that drunk.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
You grimace.
He pauses, fixing you with a frown, and runs a hand through his hair.
“Look, $nickname,” he says after a moment. “When Idris gets here, you
need to shut up and not say anything else for the rest of the night.
Think you can do that?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’ll… do it. Maybe.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
08A][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nope nope nope. You’re not shutting
me up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTPD
08B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Should have known better,” he
mutters and gets to his feet.
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
You turn and <span class="drunk-1">the world spins around
you.</span> Before you stands a vaguely familiar man with a
vaguely familiar face. No matter how you squint at him, you can’t figure
out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think.
Trying to keep your stumbling feet from twisting together, you follow
Aeran and the man out of the gallery. He leads you through the empty
palace halls, venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_promise to true>>A relieved look passes across his face.
“Thanks,” he mutters.
Footsteps echo through the hall.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
You turn and <span class="drunk-1">the world spins around
you.</span> Before you stands a vaguely familiar man with a
vaguely familiar face. No matter how you squint at him, you can’t figure
out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think.
Trying to keep your stumbling feet from twisting together, you follow
Aeran and the man out of the gallery. He leads you through the empty
palace halls, venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_promise to true>>He smiles, a relieved look on his face.
“Thanks, $nickname—”
Footsteps echo behind you.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<if $height is "very tall">>Groaning in quiet protest, you
allow Aeran to help you to your feet. You cling to him for support and
look around for the speaker.<<else>>Groaning in quiet
protest, you cling to Aeran for support and look around for the
speaker.<</if>> Some feet away stands a <span
class="drunk-1">vaguely familiar man</span> with a <span
class="drunk-1">vaguely familiar face,</span> but no matter how
you squint at him, you can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran as he steers you
through the gallery and into the palace halls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
grimaces. “Please, $nickname,” he says wearily. “Don’t fuck this up—”
Footsteps echo behind you.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<if $height is "very tell">>Groaning in quiet protest, you
allow Aeran to help you to your feet. You cling to him for support and
look around for the speaker.<<else>>Groaning in quiet
protest, you cling to Aeran for support and look around for the
speaker.<</if>> Some feet away stands a vaguely familiar man
with a vaguely familiar face, but no matter how you squint at him, you
can’t figure out how you know him.
//Doesn’t matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran. Together, you
follow the man out of the gallery and through the empty palace halls,
venturing away from the gala.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeran_promise to true>>He smiles, a relieved look on his face.
“Thanks, $nickname—”
<span class="drunk-1">Footsteps echo behind you.</span>
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 RTPD 05C")>>Muttering in quiet
protest, you turn and look around for the
speaker.<<else>>Groaning in quiet protest, you cling to
Aeran for support and look around for the speaker.<</if>>
Some feet away stands a vaguely familiar man with a vaguely familiar
face, but no matter how you squint at him, you can’t figure out how you
know him.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 RTPD 05C")>>//Doesn’t matter,//
you think idly.
Trying to keep your stumbling feet from twisting together, you follow
Aeran and the man out of the gallery. He leads you through the empty
palace halls, venturing away from the gala.<<else>>//Doesn’t
matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran. Together, you follow the
man out of the gallery and through the empty palace halls, venturing
away from the gala.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
scowls. “Please, $nickname. Don’t fuck this up—”
<span class="drunk-1">Footsteps echo behind you.</span>
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” a deep voice says quietly.
“They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 RTPD 05C")>>Muttering in quiet
protest, you turn and look around for the
speaker.<<else>>Groaning in quiet protest, you cling to
Aeran for support and look around for the speaker.<</if>>
Some feet away stands a vaguely familiar man with a vaguely familiar
face, but no matter how you squint at him, you can’t figure out how you
know him.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 RTPD 05C")>>//Doesn’t matter,//
you think idly.
Trying to keep your stumbling feet from twisting together, you follow
Aeran and the man out of the gallery. He leads you through the empty
palace halls, venturing away from the gala.<<else>>//Doesn’t
matter,// you think idly, leaning into Aeran. Together, you follow the
man out of the gallery and through the empty palace halls, venturing
away from the gala.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
chuckles, smiling widely. “I’ll take that as a sign of goodwill.
Perhaps we’re better acquaintances than I thought.”
“We’re not acquaintances,” you say abruptly, rounding on him.
“Friends, then?” he offers. “Why, I’m honoured. After our sojourn
together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You fold your arms and lean back against the balustrade, desperately
scanning the crowd again for Aeran. The last thing you want is for the
Grand Archsage to entangle you in another conversation, but you can’t
risk raising his suspicions. If you disappear into the palace now
without good reason, who knows what conclusions he will come to.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Zenaida told you to wait on the terrace for
Idris. You need to get rid of Quirinus before he arrives.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re being paranoid. Go to the
gallery and wait for Idris there.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
arches an eyebrow. “And yet you were content to flit around the gala,
talking to everyone and anyone in your path. Give yourself more credit.
You’re a better conversationalist than you think—”
“They all had an advantage,” you interrupt, rounding on him. “They
weren’t you.”
“And here I thought we were better acquaintances than that.”
“We’re //not// acquaintances.”
“Friends, then?” he offers. “Why, I’m honoured. After our sojourn
together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You fold your arms and lean back against the balustrade, desperately
scanning the crowd again for Aeran. The last thing you want is for the
Grand Archsage to entangle you in another conversation, but you can’t
risk raising his suspicions. If you disappear into the palace now
without good reason, who knows what conclusions he will come to.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Zenaida told you to wait on the terrace for
Idris. You need to get rid of Quirinus before he arrives.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re being paranoid. Go to the
gallery and wait for Idris there.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
throws his head back and laughs. “Oh, come now, is that how you greet
an acquaintance?”
“We’re //not// acquaintances,” you grunt, rounding on him.
“Friends, then?” he offers. “Why, I’m honoured. After our sojourn
together, I had no idea you thought so fondly of me.”
You fold your arms and lean back against the balustrade, desperately
scanning the crowd again for Aeran. The last thing you want is for the
Grand Archsage to entangle you in another conversation, but you can’t
risk raising his suspicions. If you disappear into the palace now
without good reason, who knows what conclusions he will come to.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Zenaida told you to wait on the terrace for
Idris. You need to get rid of Quirinus before he arrives.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re being paranoid. Go to the
gallery and wait for Idris there.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$solarathapp <=39>>You grimace, your mind whirling furiously
as you try to think of a way out of this situation. A crowd is gathering
around you, clearly more interested in the Grand Archsage and his
chosen target than the firelight show. How do you get rid of the most
powerful man in Velantis when he’s surrounded by sycophants?
<<if $dressed is true>> “I must commend you, $lastname,”
Quirinus continues casually, ignoring the encroaching onlookers. “You
have truly committed to your new walk of life. I never expected a
Wayfarer to so willingly bend to a Guild mage’s will, but perhaps you
are exactly the kind of obedient mutt Zenaida
requires.”<<else>>“I must commend you,” Quirinus continues
casually, ignoring the encroaching onlookers. “You are truly committed
to your way of life. I suppose it was too much to hope a Wayfarer would
bend to a Guild mage’s will—or perhaps you enjoy reinforcing how much of
a mindless boor you are.”<</if>>
You scowl, bristling at the insult.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $wine >=1>><<if
random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch
him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH PASS][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 20, 10, 79)]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. [STRENGTH] You
are not intoxicated enough to take this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. He’s trying to rile you up. Don’t
let him get to you.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$sabien_message to 1>>You give him a cold smile, your mind
whirling furiously as you try to think of a way out of this situation. A
crowd is gathering around you, clearly more interested in the Grand
Archsage and his chosen target than the firelight show. How do you get
rid of the most powerful man in Velantis when he’s surrounded by
sycophants?
<<if $dressed is true>>“I must commend you,” Quirinus
continues casually, ignoring the encroaching onlookers. “I never
expected a Wayfarer to willingly bend to a Guild mage’s request, but you
have proven otherwise.<<else>>“I never fully expected a
Wayfarer to willingly bend to a Guild mage’s request, but you are
clearly committed to yourself and your way of life. It’s refreshing to
witness such honest scruples.<</if>> I’m sure the Velantian
aristocracy will remember you from this night.”
You shrug. “Didn’t come here to be noticed.”
“It’s far too late for that, don’t you think?”
“I’m just a bodyguard.”
“We both know you’re far more than that.”
“Then what do you want? If I’ve learned anything from tonight, it’s that
people only want me when I’m of use to them.”
He pauses, a satisfied gleam in his eye. “Such a pragmatically harsh
view of the world,” he says. “I would hardly give Velantis the full
credit for giving you such a perspective, but nevertheless it should be
respected. Very well. There is a small favour I would ask of you.”
You grimace, your eyes narrowed. “Define small.”
He approaches you, placing a hand casually on your shoulder, and leans
in. You pause, tensing at the unexpected gesture.
“Tell Umbria when you see her the girl is fine,” he murmurs in your ear.
“I’d rather she not strain herself with worry. It is bad for her
health, after all.”
Your mouth goes dry. What is this? A threat? A ploy? Regardless, there
is only one thought left in your mind, one that chills you to the bone.
//He knows. He knows. He knows.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH PASS][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 40, 5, 70)]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. [STRENGTH] You
are not intoxicated enough for
this.</s><</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH PASS][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 40, 5, 70)]]<<else>>[[1. Fuck it.
Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You are not
intoxicated enough for
this.</s><</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Accept his favour. Tell him you’ll
relay the message.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 04 ACCEPT MESSAGE]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Refuse and walk away.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 04
WALK
AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$solarathapp >=40>>“Then as a //friend,// you’ll understand
when someone needs to be left alone,” you say shortly. “Good night,
Grand Archsage. I hope we don’t meet again for a
while.”<<else>>“Then as a //friend,// kindly leave me the
fuck alone,” you snap.<</if>>
You push past him, bumping shoulders as you slip into the crowd.
Quirinus chuckles, his quiet, amused laughter ringing mockingly in your
ears. You feel his eyes on you as you head for the gallery, but
thankfully he doesn’t follow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RT
GALLERY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 15, 5, 70)>><<set
$sabien_punch to 3>><<if $height is "short" or $height is
"very short">>You throw yourself upwards and ram your fist into
Quirinus’ face.
Bones crunch, blood splatters, and you follow through on the motion,
grasping him by the arm and dragging him down to your height. You hook
your elbow around his neck and pull him into a headlock. He struggles
faintly in your grasp, wheezing heavily through blood and spittle, his
broken nose a bruised and mottled mess. He raises a hand and desperately
presses it to his face, his fingers lit with sputtering
light.<<else>>You ram your fist into Quirinus’ face.
Bones crunch, blood splatters, and you follow through on the motion and
ram your elbow around his neck in a headlock. He struggles faintly in
your grasp, wheezing heavily through blood and spittle, his broken nose a
bruised and mottled mess. He raises a hand and desperately presses it
to his face, his fingers lit with sputtering light.<</if>>
“Go on,” you hiss in his ear. “Try to heal—”
He falls silent and ceases to struggle, lying limp in your hands,
waiting for your next move. You glance at the onlookers, taking in the
shocked faces. No one speaks and no one moves. Above, the firelights
glimmer, their thunderous accompaniment booming in your ears as the
variegated lights cast a frenzied dance over the crowd below.
Your jaw clenches.
Gritting your teeth, you release Quirinus and push him away. He staggers
back and quickly draws himself to his full height, wiping blood from
his face. His fingers glow with a soft blue light and his shattered nose
repairs itself.
“Kellis!” he calls as the broken skin stitches itself seamlessly back
together. “Come collect your friend—before they do more damage.”
You freeze, your muscles tensing. To your bewilderment, Aeran barrels
out of the crowd, shoving people out of the way as he pushes through to
the front. He seizes you roughly by the arm and drags you towards the
palace.
“Come on,” he mutters in your ear. “We’re going—”
“I—”
//“Now.”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<solarathLoss>><</timed>><<set
$solarathapp to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 5, 5, 70)>><<set
$health to "injured">><<set $injuries +=
1>><<set $sabien_punch to 2>>You ram your fist into
Quirinus’ face.
Bones crunch, blood splatters, and a dull pain flares through your hand.
You reel back, your body falling instinctively into a defensive
position. Quirinus stumbles away from you on shaky feet, a hand
clutching his face. Blood flecks his cheeks and chin, spreading from the
mangled mess of a broken nose. He raises his head to the sky, the
blooming firelights passing over him in flashing, variegated colours.
“I suppose you’ve proved a point,” he says calmly, staring at the sky.
The crowd moves restlessly around you, murmured gossip humming in your
ears. “But I doubt it’s the one you think.”
You drop your incriminating hand to your side, wincing as a sharp pain
stabs through your knuckles.
//Fuck…//
That was stupid.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH FAIL
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$sabien_message to 1>>“What do you want, Quirinus?” you say.
“Look at us. The Grand Archsage and a Wayfarer. People are staring.”
He smiles widely, pleased with your response. “There is a small favour I
would ask of you.”
You snort. “You and everyone. If I’ve learned anything from tonight,
it’s that people only want me when I’m of use to them.”
He tsks and shakes his head. “Such a pragmatically harsh view of the
world—though I doubt Velantis can take the full credit.”
“Don’t make me say it again,” you grunt.
He waves a hand, brushing your comment aside, and casually approaches
you. “When you see her, tell Umbria that the girl is fine,” he murmurs,
his voice low. “I’d rather she not strain herself with worry. It is bad
for her health, after all.”
Your mouth goes dry. What is this? A threat? A ploy? Regardless, there
is only one thought left in your mind, one that chills you to the bone.
//He knows. He knows. He knows.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH PASS][$solarathapp
to Math.clamp($solarathapp - 40, 5, 70)]]<<else>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. [STRENGTH] You
are not intoxicated enough to take this
option.</s><</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if $wine
>=1>><<if random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
Fuck it. Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH PASS][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp - 40, 5, 70)]]<<else>>[[1. Fuck it.
Punch him.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 03 PUNCH
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><s>1. You are not
intoxicated enough to take this
option.</s><</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Accept his favour. Tell him you’ll
relay the message.|CHAPTER 2 RTP 04 ACCEPT MESSAGE][$solarathapp to
Math.clamp($solarathapp + 5, 5, 70)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Refuse and walk away.|CHAPTER 2 RTP
04 WALK AWAY]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
crowd parts as he drags you unceremoniously up the steps and into the
gallery. As you pass through the arches, you risk a look over your
shoulder. Quirinus meets your eyes, a dark, seething look on his face.
Gone is the smug bravado, the conceited pride, the arrogant curiosity.
There are no more pretenses. Whether you intended it or not, you just
declared war on the Grand Archsage of the Guild of Mages.
He smirks, his bloodied lips twisting into an unsettling smile, and the
crowd closes around him, blocking him from view.
Aeran shoves you through the archway and into the gallery. It is empty,
the last wandering stragglers drawn outside by the chaos of your
surprise act of violence. Your footsteps echo hollowly on the tiled
floor, heightening the room’s scale. It seems larger now, without the
crowds of people. There’s something strange about its empty grandeur, a
quiet sadness that you can’t quite place.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>“Are you hurt?” he says.
You flex your hand. “I know how to throw a punch, Aeran—”
He pushes you further into the gallery. “That was idiotic, $firstname,”
he hisses. “Are you trying to get us killed?”<<else>>“That
was idiotic, $firstname,” he hisses, pushing you further into the
gallery. “Are you trying to get us killed?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “He deserved it!”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH
02A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Sorry, I don’t know what I was
thinking.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH 03A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
sighs, wearily brushing loose hair off his forehead. “Guess we’ll deal
with it when we have to,” he says. “Can’t do anything about it now.”
“At least it was a good punch,” you offer.
He smiles hollowly. “It was, wasn’t it?”
Footsteps echo through the hall. You pause, alerted by the sound, and
quickly scan the gallery, searching for the sound. Idris appears in a
nearby archway, barely noticeable in the diminished light. Though
Zenaida’s manservant ventured to Rona with her and was aboard the
//Dareia// during your journey, you’ve had very few interactions with
him.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
laughs harshly and lets go. “Deserved it?” he repeats, pacing back and
forth. “I don’t care whether he fucking deserved it or not, could you at
least think before you act for once in your life?”
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>You fold your arms, a guilty pang
twinging in your chest. It isn’t guilt at what you’ve done—the
satisfaction of wiping that smug smirk off Quirinus’ face is too great
for that—but there’s no doubt you’ve put yourself and Aeran in a
dangerous position.<<else>>You fold your arms, annoyance
rising in your chest. While you enjoyed the satisfaction of wiping that
smug smirk off Quirinus’ face, even you know that you’ve put yourself
and Aeran in a dangerous position.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. “Sorry.
I… That was stupid.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH 03A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[1. “Yeah, I
know. That was… stupid.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH 03A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll deal with it
when we have to.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH 03B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>You
push past Aeran and round the fountain, disappearing further into the
gallery. He follows, trailing after you. You can almost hear the grimace
on his face.
“Fine,” he mutters. “But when this comes back to haunt us, it’s on you—”
He cuts off abruptly and draws to a halt. Footsteps echo through the
hall. You pause, alerted by the sound, and quickly scan the gallery,
searching for the sound. Idris appears in a nearby archway, barely
noticeable in the diminished light. Though Zenaida’s manservant ventured
to Rona with her and was aboard the Dareia during your journey, you’ve
had very few interactions with him.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
lets out an exasperated breath, as if this incident is little more than
an annoyance to him. He passes a hand over his face and a dim blue glow
streams from his fingers. The broken skin stitches itself seamlessly
back together, his shattered nose repairs itself, leaving nothing behind
but sticky lines of blood.
“I’m curious to see how Zenaida Anaxas explains your actions,” he says,
unconcernedly withdrawing a silk handkerchief and dabbing his face
clean. “Her newest bodyguard assaulting the Grand Archsage at the
archon’s gala…” He tsks. “Shame, $lastname. Quite a shame—”
“$firstname!”
Aeran barrels through the crowd, shoving people out of the way as he
pushes through the front. He throws <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>a protective arm<<else>>an
arm<</if>> over your shoulder.
“Come on,” he mutters in your ear. “Let’s get out of here—”
You nod and allow him to pull you unceremoniously through the gathered
onlookers. Your hand aches, the pain throbbing with each beat of your
heart, but you ignore it and chance a look over your shoulder. Quirinus
stares back at you, meeting your eyes with an unreadable expression on
his face before the crowd closes around him and blocks him from view.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCH FAIL
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sits beside you, concern in his eyes. “May I?” he asks, gesturing at
your hand.
You sigh and proffer it to him. He carefully takes your wrist, frowning
as he studies your fingers. Satisfied with his conclusion, he mutters a
curse under his breath and withdraws a clean cloth from his pocket.
<<if $sabien_stab is true>>“You know, when you said you were
willing to resort to murder, I didn’t think you meant today,” he says
as he wets the cloth with his flask. “That was
stupid.”<<else>>“That was stupid, $nickname,” he says,
wetting the cloth with his flask.<</if>>
“Yeah,” you retort. “Quirinus has a stupidly solid face.”
His mouth twists as he fights back a smile. “Zenaida’s not going to be
happy,” he adds, gently sponging blood from your knuckles.
You flinch as the cloth passes over the sore skin. You’re used to the
pain—you’ve had far worse injuries than this—but breaking your hand on
the Grand Archsage’s face somehow adds to the sting. “Well, //I’m//
happy,” you say.
“$nickname—”
“What? He deserved it—”
“Could you at least think before you act for once in your life?”
His words echo harshly in the empty gallery. Shocked by the outburst,
the pair of you fall into an awkward silence, uncertain of what to say.
The fountain babbles behind you, its rippling water looping through its
intricate sequences. Outside, the firelights glimmer in the sky, their
variegated lights illuminating the gallery’s archways, shooting flashes
of colour through the shadows.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[1.
[ROMANCE] “At least I’ll always have you to patch me up.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP
PUNCHF HA ROM][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 1, 5,
95)]]<<else>><s>1. [ROMANCE] Conditional relationship
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you’re mad at me, you might as
well say so.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCHF 02][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom
- 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m sorry, all right? If this
backfires on us, I’ll take the blame. I’ll handle it.”|CHAPTER 2 RTP
PUNCHF 03][$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sits beside you. “Let me see that,” he says, reaching for your hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Pull away.|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCHF LOW
01][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"[[2. Let him take it.|CHAPTER 2 RTP PUNCHF
LOW 02][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
drags you up the steps and into the gallery. It is empty, the last
wandering stragglers drawn outside by the chaos of your surprise act of
violence. Your footsteps echo hollowly on the tiled floor, heightening
the room’s scale. It seems larger now, without the crowds of people.
There’s something strange about its empty grandeur, a quiet sadness that
you can’t quite place.
Shaking the thought from your mind, you approach the marble fountain and
sit down on the ledge to examine your hand. The thin smear of blood is
almost dry, cracking across your bruised knuckles. Your pinky finger
throbs, spiking painfully through your hand.
“Ugh,” you grunt.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
RTP PUNCH FAIL HIGHAPP][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
RTP PUNCH FAIL LOWAPP][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>He
stiffens and looks away. “Don’t joke about that.”
A pang of guilt twinges in your chest. “Aeran…”
“You need a splint,” he mutters, closing down any further conversation.
A begrudging silence settles between you and he finishes mopping up the
blood and splints your hand. Why he thought to bring his full medical
kit with him, you’ll never know…
Footsteps echo behind you as he finishes. Drawn by the sound, you and
Aeran get to your feet, searching for the source. A tall man emerges
from the shadows, his familiar gaze sweeping over you. Idris—Zenaida’s
manservant. Though you’ve had very few interactions with him, he
ventured to Rona with her and was on the //Dareia.//
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
stiffens. “I’m not mad—”
“Bullshit.”
He pulls away sharply and gets to his feet. “You need a splint,” he
mutters, barely concealing the irritation in his voice.
A begrudging silence settles between you and he finishes mopping up the
blood and splints your hand. Why he thought to bring his full medical
kit with him, you’ll never know…
Footsteps echo behind you as he finishes. Drawn by the sound, you and
Aeran get to your feet, searching for the source. A tall man emerges
from the shadows, his familiar gaze sweeping over you. Idris—Zenaida’s
manservant. Though you’ve had very few interactions with him, he
ventured to Rona with her and was on the Dareia.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
stiffens and his grip tightens reflexively around your wrist. “You
don’t need to do that. If the archon—”
“I started this, not you,” you say. “I’ll handle it. Can you trust me
this once?”
He glances at you, a strained smile on his lips. “Yeah,” he says
quietly. “Yeah.”
Footsteps echo through the hall. You and Aeran turn, searching for the
sound’s source. A tall man emerges from the shadows, his familiar gaze
sweeping over you. Idris—Zenaida’s manservant. Though you’ve had very
few interactions with him, he ventured to Rona with her and was on the
//Dareia.//
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Fuck
off.”
You wrap your fingers defensively around your wrist and turn away. He
glares at you, his look darkening with every passing minute, then links
his hands behind his neck and stares at the floor. His long, drawn out
exasperated sigh is more than audible.
“You know you probably fractured it,” he says after a moment.
“I can look after it myself,” you reply shortly, prodding your knuckles
experimentally. The thin line of smeared blood has dried already and
flakes off your skin, revealing the pulsing, red bump beneath.
“Let me help you.”
“Don’t need your help.”
“$firstname—”
“I said fuck off!”
Your voice echoes harshly through the empty gallery. The pair of you
fall into an awkward hush, the silence broken only by the babbling
fountain behind you. Outside, the firelights glimmer in the sky, their
variegated lights illuminating the gallery’s archways, shooting flashes
of colour through the shadows.
Aeran rolls his eyes and seizes your wrist, forcibly inspecting your
fingers. A begrudging silence settles between you and you let him mop up
the blood and splint your hand. Why he thought to bring his full
medical kit with him, you’ll never know…
Footsteps echo behind you as he finishes. Drawn by the sound, you and
Aeran get to your feet, searching for the source. A tall man emerges
from the shadows, his familiar gaze sweeping over you. Idris—Zenaida’s
manservant. Though you’ve had very few interactions with him, he
ventured to Rona with her and was on the //Dareia//.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
grimace and begrudgingly extend your hand. He carefully takes your
wrist, frowning as he studies your fingers. Satisfied with his
conclusion, he mutters a curse under his breath and withdraws a clean
cloth from his pocket.
<<if $sabien_stab is true>>“You know, when you said you were
willing to resort to murder, I didn’t think you meant today,” he says
as he wets the cloth with his flask. “That was
stupid.”<<else>>“That was stupid, $nickname,” he says,
wetting the cloth with his flask.<</if>>
“Yeah,” you retort. “Quirinus has a stupidly solid face.”
He pauses, unimpressed with your attempt at humour. “Zenaida’s not going
to be happy,” he adds, sponging blood from your knuckles.
You flinch as the cloth passes over the sore skin. You’re used to the
pain—you’ve had far worse injuries than this—but breaking your hand on
the Grand Archsage’s face somehow adds to the sting. “Well, I’m happy,”
you grunt.
He scowls. “Could you at least think before you act for once in your
life?” he snaps.
You pause, a retort lingering on your lips. The satisfaction of punching
Quirinus evaporates with every passing minute. “Just clean it up,” you
say finally and leave Aeran to his work.
A begrudging silence settles between you and he finishes mopping up the
blood. As he finishes, footsteps echo behind you. Drawn by the sound,
you and Aeran get to your feet, searching for the source. A tall man
emerges from the shadows, his familiar gaze sweeping over you.
Idris—Zenaida’s manservant. Though you’ve had very few interactions with
him, he ventured to Rona with her and was on the Dareia.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, his voice pleasantly
deep. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<solarathGain>><<if
$solarathapp >=40>><<set $sabien_message to
2>>“Fine,” you say shortly. “Consider me your messenger.”
He smiles broadly, eyes gleaming. “Thank you, $firstname,” he says,
giving you a polite bow. “I knew you were trustworthy.”
Forcing your grimace into a smile, you return the bow, then slip quietly
through the crowd and up the steps. You can feel Quirinus’ eyes on you
as you head for the gallery, but thankfully he doesn’t follow
you.<<else>>“I’ll tell her,” you say curtly.
He smirks. “Good,” he says, a strange gleam in his eye. “I knew you were
trustworthy.”
Rolling your eyes, you turn your back on him and push your way through
the crowd. As you climb the steps to the gallery, you can feel Quirinus’
eyes on you, but thankfully he doesn’t follow.<</if>>
The back of your neck prickles. You can’t shake the feeling you just
escaped some dire circumstance by a hair’s breadth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RT
GALLERY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$solarathapp >=40>>“If you want me to deliver messages, you’ll
have to pay me first,” you say acidly. “And I don’t think you can
afford my fee.”
You push past him, bumping shoulders as you slip into the crowd.
Quirinus chuckles, his quiet, amused laughter ringing mockingly in your
ears. You feel his eyes on you as you head for the gallery, but
thankfully he doesn’t follow.<<else>>Grimacing in distaste,
you turn your back on him and force your way through the crowd. As you
climb the steps to the gallery, you can feel Quirinus’ eyes on you, but
thankfully he doesn’t follow.<</if>>
The back of your neck prickles. You can’t shake the feeling you just
escaped some dire circumstance by a hair’s breadth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RT
GALLERY]]</div></div><</nobr>>Ducking
through the archways, you find the gallery empty, save for a few
wandering stragglers who have yet to make their way outside. Your
footsteps echo hollowly on the tiled floor, heightening the gallery’s
scale. You didn’t realize just how large this room was when you first
passed through. The grandeur is unlike anything you’ve seen. Though the
floors have been replaced and furnishings redone to accommodate Arathian
sensibilities, you can’t shake the feeling that this section of the
palace is much older than it looks. What was it used for, in times gone
by? Were the Velantian royals as indulgent as their Arathian successors?
And what of those who came before them?
You approach the fountain and sit down on the ledge, resting your hands
against the cool marble. Its water sprays behind you, looping through
its intricate sequences. You listen to the quiet rippling and take a
moment to enjoy the quiet. The firelights flash in your peripheral
vision, their variegated lights illuminating the gallery’s archways.
<<if $aeranapp
>=60>>“$nickname.”<<else>>“$firstname.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RT GALLERY
HIGHAPP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 RT GALLERY
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
emerges through an archway and walks briskly towards you. Your eyes
narrow as he approaches—his face is flushed, his brow furrowed, and he
holds his arms stiffly at his sides. You know him well enough to see the
familiar signs of stress. Whatever he encountered during the past
several hours has put him on edge.
“Where have you been?”
He lowers his head and looks away from you. “Does it matter?” he says,
crossing his arms defensively across his chest. “Those grounds are too
big for their own good.”
“I barely saw you all evening.”
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>A guilty look flickers across
his face. “I’m sorry, I should have found you,” he says. “I got… held
up.”<<else>>He grimaces. “I was around,” he says,
desperately trying to keep his tone light. “I got… held up.”
You frown. “What does that—”<</if>>
Footsteps echo across the gallery. You shut your mouth and rise quickly
to your feet, turning as you search for the sound’s source. Standing at
Aeran’s side, you watch as a tall man emerges from the shadows, his
familiar gaze sweeping over you. Idris—Zenaida’s manservant. Though
you’ve had very few interactions with him, he ventured to Rona with her
and was on the Dareia.
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says in his pleasantly deep
voice. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>Aeran emerges through an archway
and walks briskly towards you. Your eyes narrow as he approaches—his
face is flushed, his brow furrowed, and he holds his arms stiffly at his
sides. You know him well enough to see the familiar signs of stress.
Whatever he encountered during the past several hours has put him on
edge.
“Where have you been?”
He glowers at you and continues past, clearly expecting you to keep up
with him. “Let’s not do this right now,” he says.
You rise begrudgingly to your feet and hurry after him. “I barely saw
you all evening. Where were you?”
“Does it matter?”
“Just answer the question.”
He stops abruptly and you nearly barrel into him. “It’s a big party,” he
says bluntly. “Don’t know why this bothers you so much.”
Your jaw clenches. His rudeness comes as no surprise considering your
last few conversations, but there’s something strange about his answer.
You open your mouth to retort, but your words fall short as footsteps
echo across the gallery.
Someone’s approaching.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You and Aeran turn as one, searching for the sound’s source. A
tall man emerges from the shadows, his familiar gaze sweeping over you.
Idris—Zenaida’s manservant. Though you’ve had very few interactions with
him, he ventured to Rona with her and was on the //Dareia.//
“Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says in his pleasantly deep
voice. “They’re ready for you. Follow me, please.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACHING UMBRIA][$PassageNo
=
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2 LYR 04 NO
ALCOHOL">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE
DECLINE">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2 WP DRINK NO
ALCOHOL">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2 WG 02 NO
ALCOHOL">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE PHAEFINE NO
ALCOHOL">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><div
class="storyversion2"><<patch>></div>
<span class="chaptertitle-center">Your Journey Will
Continue...</span>
You have reached the end of <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span>’s current alpha content.
Progress saved on this page will not be transferred over.
<span class="heading">Report a Bug</span>
Encountered a bug? You can file a report through the <a
href="https://forms.gle/MA1HkDxAhp9PjXrE8" target="_blank">official
bug report form.</a> If you are a member of <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span>’s Discord server, you can
also report alpha build bugs to the <b>bug-report</b>
channel.
<span class="heading">Thank You!</span>
Thank you so much for supporting the next stage of <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span>’s development!
As of July 1, 2022, the alpha build and public build contain the same
content. The next alpha build update is tenatively scheduled for August
and will include the first scene of Episode 3.
Thanks for playing!
<blockquote><span class="idrellegames">~ IDRELLE
GAMES</span></blockquote>This
is the final passage of the current alpha build. Please make a save
here to ensure your file is saved. Progress saved on the next passage
will not transfer to the next update.
<center><<button 'Save Game'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<run
UI.saves()>><</button>>
<<button 'Continue'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<goto "DEMO END
ALPHA">><</button>></center>/*
SKILL CHECKS */
<<widget "strengthPass">><<notify 3000>>Strength
Succeeded<</notify>><<set $strengthsuccess
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityPass">><<notify 3000>>Agility
Succeeded<</notify>><<set $agilitysuccess
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionPass">><<notify
3000>>Perception Succeeded<</notify>><<set
$perceptionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionPass">><<notify
3000>>Persuasion Succeeded<</notify>><<set
$persuasionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthFail">><<notify 3000>>Strength
Failed<</notify>><<set $strengthfail
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityFail">><<notify 3000>>Agility
Failed<</notify>><<set $agilityfail
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionFail">><<notify
3000>>Perception Failed<</notify>><<set
$perceptionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionFail">><<notify
3000>>Persuasion Failed<</notify>><<set
$persuasionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthEff">><<notify 3000>>Strength
Effective<</notify>><<set $strengthsuccess
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityEff">><<notify 3000>>Agility
Effective<</notify>><<set $agilitysuccess
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionEff">><<notify
3000>>Perception Effective<</notify>><<set
$perceptionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionEff">><<notify
3000>>Persuasion Effective<</notify>><<set
$persuasionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthInef">><<notify 3000>>Strength
Ineffective<</notify>><<set $strengthfail
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityInef">><<notify 3000>>Agility
Ineffective<</notify>><<set $agilityfail
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionInef">><<notify
3000>>Perception Ineffective<</notify>><<set
$perceptionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionInef">><<notify
3000>>Persuasion Ineffective<</notify>><<set
$persuasionfail +=1>><</widget>>
/* STATUS EFFECTS */
<<widget "contentedOn">><<if $contented is
false>><<set $contented to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2, $perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "tenaciousOn">><<if $tenacious is
false>><<set $tenacious to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "confidentOn">><<if $confident is
false>><<set $confident to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "restedOn">><<if $rested is
false>><<set $rested to true>><<set $agility
+=2, $perception +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "focusedOn">><<if $focused is
false>><<set $focused to true>><<set $perception
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "contentedOff">><<if $contented is
true>><<set $contented to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2, $perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "tenaciousOff">><<if $tenacious is
true>><<set $tenacious to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "confidentOff">><<if $confident is
true>><<set $confident to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "restedOff">><<if $rested is
true>><<set $rested to false>><<set $agility
-=2, $perception -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "focusedOff">><<if $focused is
true>><<set $focused to false>><<set $perception
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "poisonedOn">><<if $poisoned is
false>><<set $poisoned to true>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2, $perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "intoxicatedOn">><<if $intoxicated is
false>><<set $intoxicated to true>><<set
$agility -=2, $perception
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "debilitatedOn">><<if $debilitated is
false>><<set $debilitated to true>><<set
$strength -=2, $agility
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "hungoverOn">><<if $hungover is
false>><<set $hungover to true>><<set
$perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "fatiguedOn">><<if $fatigued is
false>><<set $fatigued to true>><<set $strength
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "poisonedOff">><<if $poisoned is
true>><<set $poisoned to false>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2, $perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "intoxicatedOff">><<if $intoxicated is
true>><<set $intoxicated to false>><<set
$agility +=2, $perception
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "debilitatedOff">><<if $debilitated is
true>><<set $debilitated to false>><<set
$strength +=2, $agility
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "hungoverOff">><<if $hungover is
true>><<set $hungover to false>><<set
$perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "fatiguedOff">><<if $fatigued is
true>><<set $fatigued to false>><<set $strength
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
/* APPROVAL */
<<widget "aeranApp">><<notify 3000>>Aeran
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "aeranDisapp">><<notify 3000>>Aeran
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down"
alt="Disapproves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "melchiorApp">><<notify 3000>>Melchior
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "melchiorDisapp">><<notify
3000>>Melchior <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Disapproves"></i></span> <i
class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
/* ROMANCE */
<<widget "aeranRomance">><<notify 3000>>Aeran
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Romance Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "aeranRomanceLoss">><<notify
3000>>Aeran <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance Lost"></i></span>
<i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget
"melchiorRomance">><<notify 3000>>Melchior <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "melchiorRomanceLoss">><<notify
3000>>Melchior <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance Lost"></i></span>
<i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget
"phaedraRomance">><<notify 3000>>Phaedra <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "phaedraRomanceLoss">><<notify
3000>>Phaedra <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance Lost"></i></span>
<i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</widget>>
/*
RAPPORT */
<<widget "lethalisGain">><<notify 3000>>Lethalis
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Rapport Gained"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "solarathGain">><<notify 3000>>Solarath
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Rapport Gained"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "arathiaGain">><<notify 3000>>Imperial
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Rapport Gained"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "lethalisLoss">><<notify 3000>>Lethalis
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down"
alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "solarathLoss">><<notify 3000>>Solarath
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down"
alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
<<widget "arathiaLoss">><<notify 3000>>Imperial
<span class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down"
alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</widget>>
/* OTHER */
<<widget "is">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>are<<else>>is<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"has">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>have<<else>>has<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"was">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>were<<else>>was<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"Pendant">><<if $packInv.has('Aeran’s
pendant')>>Aeran’s pendant <<else>>Your
pendant<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "pendant">><<if $packInv.has('Aeran’s
pendant')>>Aeran’s pendant <<else>>your
pendant<</if>><</widget>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link
'Continue.'>><<run Dialog.setup("End of Content");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Chapter 2 Alpha End").processText());
Dialog.open();>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$pavrat_skill to 0>><<if $sabien_punch is 1 or
$sabien_punch is 2>><<set $hand_broken to
true>><</if>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 RTP
DRUNK")>>Idris leads you through the halls in silence. Once you’ve
noticed it, you can’t stop thinking about it. Anyone else would be
talking your ear off, but not him. Is this just how he is or is he doing
it on purpose?
The thought occupies your mind until you can’t keep it in any longer.
When you try to ask Aeran about it, he rolls his eyes and grabs your
arm, <<if $aeranapp >=60>>irritably telling you off as he
steers<<else>>telling you to shut up as he
drags<</if>> you further into the palace.
Your guide keeps a terribly fast pace and it’s difficult to track where
you’re going. You pass through halls and galleries, courtyards and
gardens, someplace with a trickling fountain, up a set of stairs…
Thinking about it all makes your head spin. Though your instincts are
telling you to pay attention, in the end it’s easier to give up trying
to memorize the route. When you end up in a large, silent gallery lined
with floor-to-ceiling windows, you aren’t quite sure how you got there.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>> Aeran pulls you to a stop in front
of a pair of large, engraved doors. “You need to promise me something,
$firstname,” he says quickly. “When we get in there, don’t ask any
questions. Don’t say anything. Can you do that for me?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeeeah.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK HIGH][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…yessssss.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
HIGH][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “…yessh?”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
HIGH][$option to 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Boop his nose.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
HIGH][$option to
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
pulls you to a stop in front of a pair of large, engraved doors. “Just
promise me one thing, $firstname,” he says. “Don’t say anything, don’t
ask any questions, just keep your mouth shut.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s three things.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
LOW][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fiiine.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
LOW][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Roll your eyes.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
LOW][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>>Idris
leads you through the halls in stoic silence. He has always struck you
as a taciturn fellow, but considering the clandestine nature of the
upcoming meetings, there may be other reasons for his silence. While
your departure from the gallery has gone unnoticed, Mahanin Palace is
the kind of place where you never know whose eyes are watching.
The further you go, the quieter it becomes. The gala disappears into the
background, the din of music and gossip and several hundred people
fading with every turn. The fortress presses in on you, its labyrinthine
passages made all the more ancient by the lack of people. You can
almost feel the echoes of the thousands of lives that walked here before
you, spanning back century after century to the city’s founding. Lights
flicker on the walls, bursting into momentary life as Idris passes only
to fall dormant when he’s gone. They must be warded to conserve energy
by reacting to nearby movement, but as with all magic, you and Aeran are
outside their bounds.
<<if $flotsamgrove is true>>You cut through a courtyard
garden, the shadows of the great, leafy plants encroaching around you.
For a moment, you can feel the humid, stinking air of the Ronan
rainforest on your skin and the thickness of the mud and mulch beneath
your feet as you force your way through the entangled trees guarding the
way to Flotsam Grove. You stop abruptly, lingering in the darkness, a
foreboding feeling crawling across the back of your neck.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Sensing your absence, Aeran stops
and glances over his shoulder. “You okay?” he murmurs.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>A stinging ache pangs in your
hand. “Yeah,” you say, hurrying to catch up with him. Your fingers feel
numb. “It’s nothing.”<<else>>You take a steadying breath.
“Yeah,” you say, pushing the memory of Flotsam Grove away as you hurry
to catch up with him. You don’t know why it has risen now—maybe you’ve
put too much anticipation on this meeting with Lethalis. “It’s
nothing.”<</if>>
He gives you a brief, fleeting smile and walks with you through an
archway into the gallery beyond.<<else>>Aeran glances over
his shoulder. “Don’t stop here,” he grunts. “You can take in the sights
after we get this over with.”
<<if $hand_broken is true>>A stinging ache pangs in your
hand. His outward hostility mixed with your growing anticipation about
Lethalis is doing you no favours. Grimacing with pain, you shove down a
retort and push your way past him, hurrying up the steps into the
gallery beyond.<<else>>You snort, your mouth twisting into a
dark grimace. His outward hostility mixed with your growing
anticipation about Lethalis is doing you no favours. If he could just
shut up for a second—<</if>>
A quiet cough interrupts your thoughts. Sensing Idris’ silent
disapproval, you bite back your retort and push your way past Aeran,
hurrying up the steps into the gallery
beyond.<</if>><<else>>You cut through a
courtyard garden, the shadows of the great, leafy plants encroaching
around you. You slip through them, doing your best to ignore the slither
of giant leaves against your arms. They remind you too much of Rona’s
rainforests.
Thinking of Rona sends a sense of foreboding crawling down your spine.
Too much has happened today. Between Quirinus disrupting Zenaida’s plan,
your arrival at Mahanin, and <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>the whole stupid gala<<else>>the
gala<</if>>, you can barely keep yourself afloat.
This meeting will be a moment of truth. You don’t know what to expect
from Umbria Bellaris and the Order of Lethalis… and now you’re moments
away from finding out.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Up ahead, Aeran pauses under an
archway. “You okay?” he murmurs, looking back at you.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>A stinging ache pangs in your
hand. “Yeah,” you say, quickly catching up with him. Your fingers feel
numb. “It’s nothing.”<<else>>You take a steadying breath.
“Yeah,” you say, quickly catching up with him. “It’s
nothing.”<</if>>
He gives you a brief, fleeting smile and walks with you through the
archway into the gallery beyond.<<else>>Up ahead, Aeran
pauses under an archway. “You can take in the sights after we get this
over with, you know,” he grunts.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>A stinging ache pangs in your
hand. His outward hostility mixed with your growing anticipation about
Lethalis is doing you no favours. Grimacing with pain, you shove down a
retort and push your way past Aeran, hurrying through the archway into
the gallery beyond.<<else>>You snort, your mouth twisting
into a dark grimace. His outward hostility mixed with your growing
anticipation about Lethalis is doing you no favours. If he would just
shut up for a second—<</if>>
A quiet cough interrupts your thoughts. Sensing Idris’ silent
disapproval, you bite back your retort and push your way past Aeran,
hurrying up the steps into the gallery
beyond.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 REACH
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Save Your Progress?</span></center>
This is the final passage of the current alpha build. Please make a save
here to ensure your file is saved. Progress saved on the next passage
will not transfer to the next update.
<div class="promptbutton"><div class="box"><div
class="save-1"><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span> Save Game'>><<run
UI.saves()>><</button>></div><div
class="save-2"><<button '→ Proceed'>><<run
Engine.play("DEMO END
ALPHA")>><</button>></div></div></div>You
climb a grand staircase to a mezzanine and step through an archway to
another gallery. Tall, broad windows line the hall; you can see the
firelights in the night sky beyond, arcing high above the palace.
Judging from the distance, you must be in the western wing—far removed
from the gardens and your apartments.
The gallery is lightly furnished, with statues interspersed between the
windows. A majestic mural stretches across the opposing wall. It is
perhaps the largest one you’ve seen in the palace so far, spanning from
the floor to the ceiling. It takes up one full side of the gallery,
broken only by the large, carved doors in the centre. Idris passes by
without comment, as if the palace’s breathtaking artwork is as
commonplace as graffiti on a harbour district wall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Stop to take a closer look.|CHAPTER 2 REACH
02A][$mahanin_mural]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Better not. Lethalis is waiting for
you, and besides—you’re not here to look at artwork.|CHAPTER 2 REACH
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You pause, trailing behind Idris
and Aeran, and draw close to the mural. Like many other murals in the
palace, it is a mosaic composed of hundreds of thousands of tiny, gilded
fragments, carefully pieced together to make a whole. The scene unfurls
before you—a roaring sea rising to meet majestic mountains, a sky set
aflame. Between them, the green grasses and red rocks are a battlefield
laid to waste, the survivors looking inwards toward the doors in the
centre. Woven around the intricate carved wood is the mural’s
centrepiece: a blazing scarlet sun, its light seeping across the
landscape in tendrils, splitting it in two.
It must be ancient; despite the intricate spellwork that keeps its
colours preserved, parts have been worn away by time. The ghosts of
fallen fragments leave holes in detailed eyes, hands, faces. Parts of
the sky and mountains have peeled away, revealing swaths of the coarse
surface beneath. Judging from the deterioration, you have an uncanny
feeling that you are in one of the palace’s original halls.
Something about the mural’s imagery draws you in. It’s not a scene from
Meissandic lore like the palace’s other murals—at least not one you’re
familiar with. But considering the size and importance its been given,
it must have had some significance to the Velantians of the past.
You raise <<if $hand_broken is true>>your good
hand<<else>>a hand<</if>>, your fingers hovering
inches from the gilded mosaics as you follow the arcing lines towards
the blazing sun. You’re tempted to touch it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranapp >=60 or
$mc_apology is true>>“$nickname,” Aeran calls, disapproval in his
voice. He waits up ahead by the doors, arms folded tight. “We can
sight-see later.”
You drop your hand to your side. With your gaze lingering on the mural,
you push the strange scene from your mind and stride down the gallery.
Your footsteps echo hollowly on the tiled floor, resounding out through
the empty hall. When you reach the carved doors, Idris hauls them open
and gestures for you and Aeran to go
through.<<else>>“$firstname,” Aeran snaps. You don’t need
him to say more to understand the undertone: Hurry up. Stop wasting
time. You’re getting on my nerves.
You round on him, the mural forgotten, a retort half-formed in your
mouth. Idris sighs heavily and, shaking his head, hauls the doors open.
He gestures for you and Aeran to go through, firmly interrupting the
oncoming quarrel before it can begin.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
ENTER
LIBRARY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
keep pace with Aeran and Idris, your footsteps echoing hollowly through
the empty hall. As you reach the carved double doors in the centre, a
shiver pricks at the back of your neck. While the chances of anyone
being in this area of the palace are slim, you never know who could be
hiding in the shadows. And they would no doubt hear you approach the
doors.
You glance over your shoulder, casting a cautious eye around the
gallery. There is nothing to see but moonlight spilling through the
windows, casting long, rectangular lines of light across the tiled
floor. Why is Lethalis meeting so far away from the gala? If anyone were
to come across you, you’d have a hard time explaining your presence
here.
A creak scrapes in your ears as Idris hauls the doors open. You turn,
catching his apprehensive expression as he gestures for you and Aeran to
go through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ENTER
LIBRARY]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $areaname to "
Episode II: Library">><<set $vote_for to
0>><<set $vote_against to 0>><<set
$veyer_impression to 0>><<set $umbria_impression to
0>><<set $ashani_impression to 0>>A cavernous library
lies beyond, every inch of its walls lined with heavy bookcases. Its
ceiling rises impossibly high above you, its curved dome so far away
that <<if $ancestry is "elven">>even your eyes have
difficulty making out the decorative mosaics.<<else>>you can
barely make out the decorative mosaics.<</if>> Several
mezzanines wrap around the chamber, each level spiralling higher than
the next, their bookcases growing in height until the topmost cases
nearly reach the dome. You’ve never seen so many books in your life.
Even Cenric’s personal library—collected over some two hundred
years—looked like a pittance compared to this.
The doors clang shut and Idris brushes by. He has barely gone a pace
when a silver light flares to life, undulating as it flashes over him.
He steps through the barrier with unconcerned ease, beckoning for you to
follow him. You walk forward and the barrier falls dormant, ignorant of
your presence. Curiosity piqued, you raise your head and quickly glance
around, searching for the telltale signs. There are none—the ward is
seamless, completely invisible to the eye. If Idris hadn’t been with
you, you’d have no idea it was there. Whoever cast it is not only
powerful, but incredibly skilled.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if (def $sabien_punch) or ($pava is
true)>>“…with all due respect, Your Grace, <<if
$pronounsPlural is false>>$heshe is<<else>>$heshe
are<</if>> //your// liability—”
“$HisHer actions tonight may be indicative of a bad temperament, but it
hardly makes $himher a liability—”
“A grand remark for someone who has proven to be culpable herself. Lest
we forget it was your actions this morning that led to this
mess—”<<else>>“…and here I thought you would be grateful,
Oshiro, considering how many times you, in all your tactical wisdom,
lectured us on the benefits of diversifying our opportunities. I left
Velantis to search for a Wayfarer. I returned with two. Did you take my
success as an insult?”
“Great gods, princess! You brought an unknown liability into Lethalis
without consultation or approval simply because <<if
$pronounsPlural is false>>$heshe
was<<else>>were<</if>> //there—”//
“And you think Kellis would have agreed to come had I refused his
associate? Left $himher to whatever morbid fate Rona could
provide?”<</if>>
You round a line of bookcases and reach the library’s centre. Seven
aristocrats gather around a large, carved hexagonal table, seated in
elaborate, high-backed chairs. A large chandelier of crystal and wood
floats above them, its decorative arms overhanging the table below like
the branches of a tree, slowly rotating. Their elaborate clothing
glimmers in the soft light, raising no questions about their rank and
status.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Zenaida
sits on the far side of the table, a hand pressed firmly into the
polished mahogany as if she is about to rise out of her seat. Malsara
stands behind her, ashen hair glinting in the chandelier’s light, dark
eyes narrowed as she watches Zenaida’s adversary across the table.
The dwarven mage is a short, broad-shouldered man in a tightly cut
abberan. With his cropped, silver-streaked black hair and distinct lack
of jewelry and embellishments, he seems more like a Coveran admiral than
an Arathian Guild mage.
Beside him, a dark-haired elf lounges in their seat with their feet on
the table. There’s a sense of messy disorder about them—an embroidered
jacket worn open, revealing a high-necked tunic beneath; shoulder-length
hair left unbound and undecorated; trousers tucked into stiff,
knee-high boots that do not match the rest of their ensemble. From their
nonchalant posture and bored expression, you have a feeling this level
of dishevelled indifference is on purpose.
The elf idly tosses an emerald ring between their hands. The ring
catches the light with each toss, earning them a frown from their
neighbour, <<if $pava is true>>a dwarven woman with an oddly
familiar face.<<else>>a dwarven woman who is about as
nondescript as Guild mages can be.<</if>> A stack of books
and manuscripts sit nearby, carelessly shoved to the side. From the dust
lingering on the top-most cover, you have a feeling they’ve been here
for a while and have nothing to do with Lethalis.
On the other side of the table, a freckle-faced woman absently traces
the table’s carved embellishments with a finger, pausing once to adjust
her ash-brown bun. A large leatherbound book lays open in front of her,
its pages glistening with a faint magical aura. As you watch, the fresh
pages bleed lines of ink, recording the ongoing conversation. At her
side, a scarlet melusine sits uncannily still in their chair, their
long, inky-black hair undulating around their shoulders as they look
from one attendee to the next.
That leaves the mage at the head of the table. She is human, with a warm
golden-brown complexion and intelligent brown eyes that miss nothing.
She must be in her mid to late thirties—she can’t be much older than
Zenaida or yourself. A mass of brown curls are pulled back from her
face, elegantly styled and adorned with a gold comb.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE ESCAPE") or hasVisited("CHAPTER
2 WG ELLE AG PASS")>>You recognize her dusky rose serithan
immediately for its unusual colour—you’ve seen this woman before, in the
water gardens.<<else>>Her dusky rose serithan is an unusual
colour choice compared to the others, but it compliments her complexion
beautifully.<</if>> She watches Zenaida and the dwarf argue
with a crease between her dark brows, her patience clearly tested by
the ongoing dispute.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
PUNCH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
REG]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1>>“I underestimated Quirinus, true,” Zenaida
says. “But I see you didn’t expect he would ally himself with my mother
either—”
“Ally? //Tsch.”// The dwarf scoffs, shaking his head. “At least we can
console ourselves knowing the archon will burn him eventually. That is
all an alliance with House Anaxas is good for—”
“Lethalis is not allied with House Anaxas, Oshiro,” she says flatly. “I
may sit with you, but I cannot bring my house’s—nor my
mother’s—authority with me. If you wish to make that argument, then
perhaps we should consider ourselves aligned with the Coveran navy
simply because their admiral’s grandfather is a Guild archsage.”
“Great gods, princess, listen to yourself—”
“You are quick to lay blame on me when I am the only one who has a
viable proposal. Solarath is squeezing us. The acolytes are gone,
Quirinus has ousted us from Diradan, Pallas abandoned us to join his
cause. Our numbers are dwindling and instead of devising a new strategy,
you waste your time blaming me—”
The woman at the head of the table rises from her seat. Chairs scrape
against the floor as the mages follow suit and turn as one, seven sets
of eyes turning on you and Aeran.
“The Wayfarers, Archsage,” Idris says, his deep voice resonating in the
silence.
//Archsage?//
When Zenaida first described the Order of Lethalis, you couldn’t help
but conjure up images of shadowy mages in dark robes, meeting covertly
in the dark of night to whisper about their comings and goings. For a
secret organization vying to control the Guild, they seem rather…
ordinary. Though they are supposedly among the Guild’s greatest mages,
there’s something so commonplace about the petty qualms and infighting
that happens to any organization buckling under its own weight.
And the woman at the end of the table… they all answer to her. Despite
Oshiro’s loud bluster and Ashani’s quietly commanding presence, there is
only one mage here who is regarded with authority.
This woman must be Umbria Bellaris. Your employer.
Duty fulfilled, Idris leaves you and Aeran at the end of the table and
quietly takes his place beside Malsara. Unlike her companions, Zenaida
remains seated. She regards you coolly, not bothering to hide her
frustration with you.
You have a sinking suspicion you know what it’s about.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS PUNCH
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Your Rona solution was a
ramshackle excuse of an idea and you know it!” the dwarf says, his
booming voice bellowing across the table.
“And yet when I returned, my ramshackle excuse of an idea is the only
avenue we have left,” Zenaida interrupts. “Solarath is squeezing us. The
acolytes are gone, Quirinus has ousted us from Diradan, and Pallas
abandoned us to join his cause. Our numbers are dwindling and instead of
devising a new strategy, you waste your time blaming me—”
The woman at the head of the table rises from her seat. Chairs scrape
against the floor as the mages follow suit and turn as one, seven sets
of eyes turning on you and Aeran. In the silence, Idris slips by, his
duty fulfilled, and quietly takes up a position beside Malsara. Unlike
her companions, Zenaida remains seated. Though she manages to give you a
tight smile, she cannot hide the weariness infecting her usual composed
bearing. You can’t help but notice that she is the only member with
attendants.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Thank you for coming, Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname,”
the woman says, gesturing to the empty chairs at the end of the table.
You and Aeran find your places, scraping your chairs against the
hardwood floor as you settle between the reserved dwarven woman and the
eerily quiet melusine. “I understand your day has been much longer than
expected, but this is all the time we can afford to deliberate. Given
how our circumstances have changed, haste is all but necessary now.”
The dwarf snorts and thumps unceremoniously back into his seat. “Hasty
this, hasty that,” he grouses. “Maybe we should acknowledge that hasty
antics based on mismanaged intelligence and overreactions is what got us
into this mess in the first place—”
“And if you had it your way, we’d be waiting out the years while
Solarath conducts their experiments and sees their goals through to the
end with little interference,” the freckled woman snaps.
“Sod it all, Quinn, I know you’re new to Diradan, but even you should
realize staying ahead of Solarath is impossible since Sabien Quirinus
took control—”
“So you’d rather be complacent?”
“His chance of success is slim to none—”
The elf rolls their eyes. “Oh, stuff it, Oshiro, no one agrees with
you,” they mutter.
Oshiro ignores them. “Quirinus will die eventually, Krellion. If an
assassin doesn’t get lucky, then by his own tomfoolery or natural
causes,” he says, leaning heavily on the table. “And when he’s gone, we
can neatly—and quietly—put Solarath back where it belongs—”
“Not all of us have the luxury of waiting, Oshiro,” Quinn interrupts. A
piece of hair unravels from her bun and she angrily sweeps it out of the
way. “You and Ashani, perhaps, but you put too much faith in your
ability to outlast him. Solarath is more than the Grand Archsage—”
“Oshiro does not speak for me,” the melusine says, their melodious voice
as smooth as velvet. Despite the quiet tone, their voice resounds
deeply, throbbing in your ears like the ocean pounding against the
shore.
“See?” the elf says. “Even Ashani doesn’t agree with you—”
The curly-haired woman slams her hands on the table. “Enough!” she
calls, her voice echoing through the room. In the silence, a faint clink
catches your ear. Drawn by the sound, you notice a glimmer on the
woman’s hand. She wears a distinctive piece of jewelry—a gold chain
bracelet that extends from her wrist and down her hand to attach to a
set of rings on her fingers. In its centre, pressed against the back of
her hand, is a white gemstone that pulses with a faint light. “We will
discuss this matter without resorting to petty insults. Zenaida has
given us the means to act. A decision on how to best utilize these means
can—and must—be reached.”
Oshiro mutters a curse under his breath. Knowing he is outnumbered, he
heaves a heavy sigh and sits back in his chair in surrender.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
catch Aeran’s eye, wondering if he’s had the same thought as you. When
Zenaida first described the Order of Lethalis, you couldn’t help but
conjure up images of shadowy mages in dark robes, meeting covertly in
the dark of night to whisper about their comings and goings. For a
secret organization vying to control the Guild, they seem rather…
ordinary. Though they are supposedly among the Guild’s greatest mages,
there’s something so commonplace about petty qualms and infighting that
happens to any organization buckling under its own weight.
And the woman at the end of the table… they all answer to her. Despite
Oshiro’s loud bluster and Ashani’s quietly commanding presence, there is
only one mage here who is regarded with authority.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Address her
yourself.|CHAPTER 2 LETH MC START][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Aeran handle this.|CHAPTER 2
LETH AERAN START][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Put
the thought from your mind,” Umbria says coldly. “Zenaida did not
contract your services to eliminate Quirinus. By striking him, you
crossed a line on our behalf, one Lethalis was not prepared to cross. He
will look for retribution for this slight. It may not come today, it
may not come tomorrow, but when it does come, it will fall on us as
surely as it falls on you.”
Your jaw clenches. “If you think I’m scared of him—”
“I understand it is common for your kind to underestimate mages. I
cannot blame you. You walk this world in a state beyond magic. Your
fears are not our fears. But Sabien Quirinus is not the man you think he
is. Whatever impression he left on you was by design. You struck him
not of your own volition, but because he wanted you to.”
“I’m not so easily manipulated—”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>><<if $hand_broken is
true>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but
that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. In a single night, Quirinus
put you in a position where you have not only condemned yourself in
front of the Velantian court, but injured yourself in the process. He
was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and you fell for
it. Even you must see you are no longer as valuable to us now that you
have sustained an injury that could jeopardize your mission.”
You fall silent, flabbergasted and tongue-tied as humiliation flushes
your cheeks.
“Hey!” Aeran snaps. “<<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>$HeShe’s<<else>>$HeShe’re<</if>>
fine. We’ve dealt with worse.”
“Of course you have,” Oshiro says impatiently. “You’re no doubt more
familiar with hardship and injury than is natural. <<if $blackout
>=1>>I understand $lastname has a gift for it. Didn’t $heshe
almost die before Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of
death?”<<else>>I understand you would have found yourself
indebted permanently to Cere Nalos if Zenaida hadn’t plucked you from
Rona—”<</if>><<else>>“Your mind may be closed to
him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle for the likes of him.
Quirinus was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged. He
manipulated you into a position where you would easily condemn yourself
in front of the Velantian court—and you allowed him to do it.”
You fall silent, your jaw clenched as humiliation flushes your cheeks.
“Hey!” Aeran snaps. “We can handle Quirinus. We’ve dealt with worse.”
“Of course you have,” Oshiro says acidly. “What’s a Grand Archsage
compared to Cere Nalos of Rona? <<if $blackout >=1 and (ndef
$CountB_Branch3)>>Didn’t $lastname almost die at his hand before
Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of death?”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch3 is true>>I understand the actions you took while
in his service nearly led to your deaths. Had Zenaida not
interfered—”<<else>>I understand you would have found
yourself indebted permanently to him had Zenaida not
interfered—”<</if>><</if>>
He snarls and rounds on him, eyes blazing. “Watch your tongue, mage—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Interrupt before he makes matters
worse.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01A-B][$option to 1, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $umbria_impression +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let him at it.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
01A-B][$option to 2, $veyer_impression +=1, $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$hand_broken is true>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer
$lastname, but that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. In a single
night, Quirinus put you in a position where you have not only condemned
yourself in front of the Velantian court, but injured yourself in the
process. He was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and
you fell for it. Even you must see you are no longer as valuable to us
now that you have sustained an injury that could jeopardize your
mission.”<<else>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer
$lastname, but that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. Quirinus was
never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged. He manipulated you
into a position where you would easily condemn yourself in front of the
Velantian court—and you allowed him to do it.”<</if>>
You fall silent, flabbergasted and tongue-tied as humiliation flushes
your cheeks. You glance quickly at Aeran, hoping he will show you some
support, but he simply scowls and shakes his head. You don’t need him to
speak to hear his judgment.
//Typical…//
Pointedly ignoring him, you throw yourself into your chair and cast a
quick eye around the table. Lethalis watches you warily as they find
their seats, as if you’re an unreliable force of nature bound to explode
at any moment. Only the slender elven mage views you with anything
other than contempt. They lounge in their chair, their dark eyes
glinting as they stare at you and pass their emerald ring from hand to
hand a final time. You frown, uncertain how to take their unusual
interest in you. They chuckle quietly—and wink at you.
You pause, your frown deepening. Their grin widens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01-03
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Further
down the table, the elven mage snorts with laughter. They raise their
head, their glittering eyes observing you with unbridled glee.
“I’m glad you find this amusing, Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says
coolly, glancing disapprovingly at the elf. They spread their hands
apologetically and swallow their laughter, visibly struggling to keep
their grin contained. “Most of us do not share the sentiment. Though I
have no doubt that striking Quirinus was satisfying in the moment, your
behaviour has put you—and by extension, us—in a dangerous position.”
You roll your eyes. “I barely hurt him. I know tavern brawls that have
ended worse—”
<<if $pava is true>>“As if that excuses it!” the dwarven
woman exclaims, her voice high and strained. There’s something about her
self-importance that feels familiar… “After what $heshe did to Pava—”
Zenaida groans in disgust. “Not this again. A few harsh words hardly
count as a threat—”
“It was more than a few harsh words—”
A memory clicks into place. You saw her at the western pavilion’s
entrance. She was with that noblewoman who insulted you.
“…I will not tolerate such thuggish behaviour—”
“I hate to break your delicate suppositions, Leda, but $lastname is a
mercenary in all but name,” the elf interrupts, rolling his eyes.
“Thuggishness comes with the territory.”<<else>>The elf
clicks their tongue. “Careful, $lastname,” they say. “My colleagues are
keen to paint you as a thug and a brute. So far, you’re living up to
expectations.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth. “Careful who you call a thug.”
They raise an eyebrow. “Oh?” they reply, fiddling with their ring. They
spin it on the table, the golden band catching the light as it rotates
round and round. “You’re inclined to disagree?”
Across the table, Zenaida leans her elbows on the surface and rests her
fingers against her temples. Behind her, Malsara places a comforting
hand on her shoulder. You suspect that—like the rest of today—this
meeting has not gone according to plan.
Quinn rolls her eyes to the heavens. “Veyer,” she says wearily.
The ring wobbles as it finishes its final rotation. Veyer catches it and
slips it onto their index finger.
<<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How is 5 or $countDead_How
is 6>>“Consider your reputation, $lastname,” they say. “You
slaughtered Cere Nalos singlehandedly. You’re a mercenary, take it as a
compliment. Being a thug is a sign you’re good at your
profession.”<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is 6>>“Consider your
reputation, $lastname,” they say. “You took on a Brightblade and won.
You’re a mercenary, take it as a compliment. Being a thug is a sign
you’re good at your profession.”<<elseif $$CountB_Branch3 is
true>>“Consider your reputation, $lastname,” they say. “You
destroyed half of Rona singlehandedly, or at least that’s what they’re
saying—”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “That’s not how it was—”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re a mercenary, take it as a compliment. Being a
thug is a sign you’re good at your
profession.”<<else>>“Malsara kindly gave us a detailed
report of your activities in Rona. Like it or not, thug is part of your
reputation.”<</if>>
“Really?” you retort, your fingers curling into a fist beneath the
table. “Then how much do you want to be on the receiving end of that
reputation?”
Veyer brushes their ring against the front of their abberan. “As you
showed Quirinus?” they say. “Not today, thank you. I’ll have to pass on
such a generous offer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Shame. I was under the impression most
mages here are scholars. You could call it an educational
experience.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01B A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
1, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01B
B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95)>><<set
$veyer_impression -=1>><<set $umbria_impression
-=1>><<set $ashani_impression -=1>>Indistinct murmurs
rush over the table as the Lethalis mages exchange uneasy looks. They
are unsettled by your open self-assurance—all save one.
The elf snorts and shakes their head. “Cocky bastard,” they mutter,
their dark eyes lingering on you.
Umbria fixes you with a flat stare. “I am not here to indulge in
hypotheticals, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “Though I do not doubt
your skill, you are not the one we would have contracted if an
assassination was in order.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Didn’t think so. If you actually wanted him
gone, Malsara would have done it by now, wouldn’t she?”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 01C-2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Stop talking. You’ll only dig yourself
into a deeper hole at this point.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01C-2][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$wards to true>><<if ndef $textGroup>><<set
$textGroup = 1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>>Aeran
snorts, a faint smile on his lips. He catches your eye and quickly looks
away.
Umbria does not share his amusement. “If you’re insistent on making
light of the situation, Wayfarer $lastname, then let me make this
abundantly clear: your actions have endangered us all. By striking
Quirinus, you crossed a line on our behalf, one Lethalis was not
prepared to cross. He will look for retribution for this slight. It may
not come today, it may not come tomorrow, but when it does come, it will
fall on us as surely as it falls on you.”
You give her a flat stare. “I’m not scared of him.”
“I understand it is common for Wayfarers to underestimate mages,” she
says. “You walk this world in a state beyond magic. Your fears are not
our fears. But Sabien Quirinus is not the man you believe he is.
Whatever impression he left on you was by design. You struck him not of
your own volition, but because he wanted you to.”
“I’m not so easily manipulated—”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>><<if $hand_broken is
true>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but
that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. In a single night, Quirinus
put you in a position where you have not only condemned yourself in
front of the Velantian court, but injured yourself in the process. He
was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and you fell for
it. Even you must see you are no longer as valuable to us now that you
have sustained an injury that could jeopardize your mission—”
“Hey!” Aeran snaps. “<<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>$HeShe’s<<else>>$HeShe’re<</if>>
fine. We’ve dealt with worse.”
“Of course you are,” Oshiro says derisively. “You’re no doubt more
familiar with hardship and injury than is natural. <<if $blackout
>=1>>I understand $lastname has a gift for it. Didn’t $heshe
almost die before Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of
death?”<<else>>I understand you would have found yourself
indebted permanently to Cere Nalos if Zenaida hadn’t plucked you from
Rona—”<</if>><<else>>“Your mind may be closed to
him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle for him. Think on it.
Quirinus was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged. He
manipulated you into a position where you would easily condemn yourself
in front of the Velantian court—and you allowed him to do it.”
“Hey!” Aeran snaps. “We can handle Quirinus. We’ve dealt with worse.”
“Of course you have,” Oshiro says derisively. “What’s a Grand Archsage
compared to Cere Nalos of Rona? <<if $blackout >=1 and (ndef
$CountB_Branch3)>>Didn’t $lastname almost die at his hand before
Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of death?”<<elseif
$CountB_Branch3 is true>>I understand the actions you took while
in his service nearly led to your deaths. Had Zenaida not
interfered—”<<else>>I understand you would have found
yourself indebted permanently to him had Zenaida not
interfered—”<</if>><</if>>
He snarls and rounds on him, eyes blazing. “Watch your tongue, mage—”
“Enough!” Umbria intones, raising her voice. “We are not here to throw
insults at each other. Archsage Oshiro, you may think little of Wayfarer
Kellis and Wayfarer $lastname, but please remember that they are our
guests. Treat them as such.”
A heavy silence falls across the table. Scowling and muttering to
himself, Oshiro pulls up his seat. The rest of Lethalis follows suit,
warily watching Aeran, as if he’s an unreliable force of nature bound to
explode at any moment. Only Veyer seems unbothered by his outburst; in
fact, they have ignored it entirely. They lounge in their chair, their
glittering eyes still focused on you, and flash you a
grin.<<else>><<if $hand_broken is true>>“Your
mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle
for him. Think on it. In a single night, Quirinus put you in a position
where you have not only condemned yourself in front of the Velantian
court, but injured yourself in the process. He was never going to let a
Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and you fell for it. Even you must see
you are no longer as valuable to us now that you have sustained an
injury that could jeopardize your mission.”<<else>>“Your
mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle
for him. Think on it. Quirinus was never going to let a Wayfarer join us
unchallenged. He manipulated you into a position where you would easily
condemn yourself in front of the Velantian court—and you allowed him to
do it.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth, the burn of humiliation spreading across your
cheeks. You glance quickly at Aeran, hoping he will show you some
support, but he simply scowls and shakes his head. You don’t need him to
speak to hear his judgment.
You got yourself into this…
Pointedly ignoring him, you throw yourself into your chair and cast a
quick eye around the table. Lethalis watches you warily as they find
their seats, as if you’re an unreliable force of nature bound to explode
at any moment. Only Veyer views you with anything other than contempt.
They lounge in their chair, their glittering eyes still focused on you,
and flash you a grin.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Something
you want to share, Savant Krellion?” Oshiro says irritably.
“No, no,” they reply, idly waving a hand, casting an eye at Leda. Seated
between you and the elf, the dwarven mage is in the midst of nudging
her chair as far away from you as possible without putting herself too
close to them. “Though I believe Leda might.”
She freezes. “I do not!” she exclaims. “Veyer, I simply want to reach
the end of these proceedings as swiftly as possible out of respect for
Ashani. They have maintained the dampening ward for too long already.”
The melusine sends her a flat, unimpressed look.
“Dampening ward?” you ask, taking the opportunity to push the
conversation away from you and Aeran.
“Barriers that prevent sound from escaping their confines,” Leda
clarifies. There is a lecturing tone to her voice, as if she is
explaining basic principles to a fresh-faced student. “You passed
through it when you entered the library. Maintaining it without
triggering the palace’s security is no mean feat—”
“That will do, thank you,” Umbria says quickly. “I admit we are not
certain whether Ashani’s ward applies to you and Kellis, Wayfarer
$lastname. Magiani interactions with such magic remain undocumented. As
such, it would be in all our interests to maintain discretion and keep
your voices in check.”
<<if $lethalisapp >=40>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He
scowls, irritated with Umbria’s jab at his earlier <<if
$mc_reluctant is true>>behaviour. If you knew this was the first
impression you’d make on your employers, then you would have locked
yourself in your apartment and refused to go to the
gala…<<else>>behaviour.<</if>><<else>>You
exchange dour looks with Aeran. He looks about as impressed as you
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>feel. If you knew this was the
first impression you’d make on your employers, then you would have
locked yourself in your apartment and refused to go to the
gala…<<else>>feel.<</if>><</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$wards to true>>Sensing an eagerness to continue this verbal
fight, you pointedly ignore them and throw yourself into a nearby chair.
The mages follow suit, observing you warily as they find their seats,
as if you’re an unreliable force of nature bound to explode at any
moment. Leda unhappily takes the chair next to yours. After a moment of
sitting still, a horrendous screech scrapes against the wood floor as
she nudges it to the left towards Veyer, putting as much distance
between you and her as she can manage.
You roll your eyes and focus your attention on the other side of the
table. Zenaida catches your eye, a wan smile on her lips. Beside you,
Aeran shifts uncomfortably in his seat, picking relentlessly at a
fingernail.
“If you’re all quite done,” Leda says stuffily. “Shouldn’t we discuss—”
Veyer snorts. “What? Do you mean the seating arrangement?”
She flushes. “I simply want to reach the end of these proceedings as
swiftly as possible out of respect for Ashani! They have maintained the
dampening ward for too long already.”
Across the table, the melusine blinks and turns their liquid black eyes
on her. Though their expression barely moves, their disapproval is
tangible.
“Dampening ward?” you ask.
“Barriers that prevent sound from escaping their confines,” Leda
clarifies. There is a lecturing tone to her voice, as if she is
explaining basic principles to a fresh-faced student. “You passed
through it when you entered the library. Maintaining it without
triggering the palace’s security is no mean feat—”
“That will do, thank you,” Umbria says quickly. “I admit we are not
certain whether Ashani’s ward applies to you and Kellis, Wayfarer
$lastname. Magiani interactions with such magic remain undocumented. As
such, it would be in all our interests to maintain discretion and keep
your voices in check.”
<<if $lethalisapp >=40>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He
scowls, irritated at Umbria’s reprimand.<<else>>You
exchange dour looks with Aeran. He looks about as impressed as you
feel.<</if>>
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>If you knew this was the first
impression you’d make on your employers, then you would have done more
to avoid the gala…<<else>>So much for a good first
impression…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Umbria
exhales a deep breath and straightens her back, surveying the room with
a cool, even gaze. As she rests her bejeweled hand gently against the
table’s surface, the bracelet’s gemstone casts a strange, flickering
light around her wrist and fingers.
“The circumstances we face are not trivial,” she says. “Difficult it may
be, tonight I ask you all to separate your feelings from the matter at
hand. Lethalis and Solarath both vie for the Astrial housed in Diradan
Tower, but neither party can seek it out while the explosion’s remnants
enshroud the tower complex. The accident brought the Guild to a
standstill, neither willing—or prepared—to move. Tonight’s conference
seeks to determine one thing and one thing only: whether we should mount
the mission Zenaida contracted $lastname and Kellis to fulfill, or
accept Oshiro’s proposal to wait until observations on Diradan Tower are
complete.”
<<if $lethalisapp <=39 or $lethalis_angry is true>>You
press your lips together, your brows drawing together in a deep frown.
This is starting to sound like bullshit to you…<<else>>You
frown.<</if>> “The explosion happened three weeks ago. What
other observations do you need?”
“The accident is a unique event with a unique aftermath,” Quinn says.
“We’ve never seen anything like it, not in the history of the Guild. No
one is certain what the shroud does, not even warding experts. We’ve
seen them strip flesh and bone in a matter of minutes.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is true>>[[1.
“Yeah, I know. Even a Brightblade couldn’t make it through.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 05A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Lucky you have someone on your side
who can walk right through it.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 05B]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Let the discussion continue.|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 05C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<set $veyer_impression -=1,
$umbria_impression -=1, $ashani_impression -=1, $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95), $lethalis_angry to
true>><<lethalisLoss>>A terrible silence settles
throughout the library as all eyes turn to you. You can hear the creak
of the bookcases, the swoosh of distant wind across the upper balconies,
the clink of crystal against crystal as the chandelier’s arms turn
above your head. Your heart pounds in your chest, thundering away to the
rhythm of anxiety-riddled elation. You knew the moment the words came
out of your mouth that you fucked up. But in the same breath, you
cracked open a question—a dangerous one they aren’t prepared to answer.
Your reputation with the Order of Lethalis may be ruined now, but at
least you’ve proven yourself. They know who they’re dealing with. You
aren’t going to willingly lay down and follow their commands without
question.
Across the table, Zenaida’s expression has gone from ashen to furious in
a matter of seconds. Gold light swirls in the centre of her eyes; she
must be subconsciously pulling on her power. Malsara fixes you with a
stone-cold gaze and cocks her head, a silent threat in her
eyes.<<else>>You nearly bite your tongue as you force back a
retort. Your eyes flicker to Zenaida, whose ashen face has finally
broken her composure. She stares absently at nothing, her fingers
rubbing her temples. Behind her, Malsara rests a hand on her shoulder as
she glares across the table at you, a faint amber aura glowing around
her.<</if>>
“Since you seem incapable of understanding that there are many factors
at play here, let me make the situation very clear,” <<if $option
is 1>> Umbria says finally, breaking the
silence.<<else>>Umbria says coldly.<</if>> “By
striking Quirinus, you crossed a line on our behalf, one Lethalis was
not prepared to cross. He will look for retribution for this slight. It
may not come today, it may not come tomorrow, but when it does come, it
will fall on us as surely as it falls on you.”
“If you think I’m scared of him—”
“Clearly, you are not. In fact, you could do with a little more fear
before your arrogance brings us more grief. You Wayfarers—always so
quick to misjudge mages because you walk beyond our powers. If you
believe magic is Quirinus’ only tool, then you have grievously misjudged
him. The impression he left on you was by design. You struck him not of
your own volition, but because he wanted you to.”
A uncomfortable shiver prickles the back of your neck.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
01C-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>><<if $hand_broken is true>>“Your
mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle
for him. Think on it. In a single night, Quirinus put you in a position
where you have not only condemned yourself in front of the Velantian
court, but injured yourself in the process. He was never going to let a
Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and you fell for it. Even you must see
you are no longer as valuable to us now that you have sustained an
injury that could jeopardize your mission.”<<else>>“Your
mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer $lastname, but that is no obstacle
for the likes of him. Quirinus was never going to let a Wayfarer join us
unchallenged. He manipulated you into a position where you would easily
condemn yourself in front of the Velantian court—and you allowed him to
do it.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth, bristling at the implication.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“Doesn’t matter,” Aeran grunts.
<<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe’re<<else>>“$HeShe’s<</if>>
fine. We’ve been through worse.”
“Of course you have,” Oshiro says impatiently. “You’re no doubt more
familiar with hardship and injury than is natural. <<if $blackout
>=1>>I understand $lastname has a gift for it. Didn’t $heshe
almost die before Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of
death?”<<else>>I understand you would have found yourself
indebted permanently to Cere Nalos if Zenaida hadn’t plucked you from
Rona—”<</if>><<else>>“Doesn’t matter,” Aeran
grunts. “We’ve dealt with worse than Quirinus.”
<<if $blackout >=1 and (ndef $CountB_Branch3)>>Didn’t
$lastname almost die at his hand before Zenaida pulled $himher from the
jaws of death?”<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>I
understand the actions you took while in his service nearly led to your
deaths. Had Zenaida not interfered—”<<else>>I understand you
would have found yourself indebted permanently to him had Zenaida not
interfered—”<</if>><</if>>
He snarls and rounds on him, eyes blazing. “Watch your tongue, mage—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Interrupt before he makes matters
worse.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01C-4A][$option to 1, $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let him at it.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
01C-4A][$option to 2, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$hand_broken is true>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer
$lastname, but that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. In a single
night, Quirinus put you in a position where you have not only condemned
yourself in front of the Velantian court, but injured yourself in the
process. He was never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged, and
you fell for it. Even you must see you are no longer as valuable to us
now that you have sustained an injury that could jeopardize your
mission.”<<else>>“Your mind may be closed to him, Wayfarer
$lastname, but that is no obstacle for him. Think on it. Quirinus was
never going to let a Wayfarer join us unchallenged. He manipulated you
into a position where you would easily condemn yourself in front of the
Velantian court—and you allowed him to do it.”<</if>>
You fall silent, flabbergasted and tongue-tied as humiliation flushes
your cheeks. You glance quickly at Aeran, hoping he will show you some
support, but he simply scowls and shakes his head. You don’t need him to
speak to hear his judgment.
//Typical…//
Pointedly ignoring him, you throw yourself into your chair and cast a
quick eye around the table. Lethalis watches you warily as they find
their seats, as if you’re an unreliable force of nature bound to explode
at any moment. Only the slender elven mage views you with anything
other than contempt. They lounge in their chair, their dark eyes
glinting as they stare at you and pass their emerald ring from hand to
hand a final time. You frown, uncertain how to take their unusual
interest in you. They chuckle quietly—and wink at you.
You pause, your frown deepening. Their grin widens.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01-03
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $hand_broken
is true>>You seize his arm, gripping it with your good
hand.<<else>>You seize his arm.<</if>>“Shut up,”
you mutter. “Let’s not fuck this up anymore than it already is—”
“And who do we have to thank for that?” he hisses back.
Your jaw clenches and you let him go. Without anything left to say, you
and Aeran find your seats. A shiver runs down your spine as you pull
yourself up to the table. The tension in the room is palpable as the
Lethalis mages follow suit. Umbria remains standing at the head of the
table, observing you with a cold, assessing eye.
You press your lips together and stare right back at her.
Further down the table, the elf clicks their tongue, shaking their head
at the silent
exchange.<<else>><<lethalisLoss>>“—I am merely
stating facts,” Oshiro says with a shrug. “Are you always so easily
offended by the truth?”
Aeran laughs harshly. “Truth? What truth? Your opinion means nothing
until you’ve faced the same adversity. I doubt you’d last more than a
day in Rona—”
The room erupts into discord. You hold your tongue, trying to reign in
your smile as satisfaction blazes in your chest.
“Enough!” Umbria shouts. “We are not here to throw insults at each
other. Regardless of the impression we have made on each other, we work
towards a common goal. I ask you all to remember that.”
Scowling and muttering to himself, Oshiro pulls up his seat. The rest of
Lethalis follows suit, warily watching Aeran, as if he’s an unreliable
force of nature bound to explode at any moment. Umbria remains standing
at the head of the table, observing you with a cold, assessing eye.
You press your lips together and stare right back at her.
Further down the table, the elf clicks their tongue, shaking their head
at the silent exchange.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01-03
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $hand_broken
is true>>You seize his arm, gripping it with your good
hand.<<else>>You seize his arm.<</if>> “Aeran,
stop. We’re not here to fight with them.”
“Fine,” he mutters, still scowling at Oshiro. “But next time I’m not
going to sit here and let them talk shit about something they don’t
understand.”
You close your eyes and resist the urge to rub your forehead. //Good
enough, I guess…//
Reluctantly, you and Aeran find your seats. A cold shiver crawls across
the back of your neck as you pull yourself up to the table. The awkward
silence is palpable as the Lethalis mages sit down, save for Umbria, who
remains standing at the head of the table. She smiles faintly at you,
though you can’t fathom why. As far as you’re aware, everything you’ve
done has pissed her off.
Further down the table, the elf lounges in their chair, dark eyes
glinting as they observe you. They pass their ring from hand to hand a
final time, a strange chuckle bubbling on their
lips.<<else>><<lethalisLoss>>“—I am merely
stating facts,” Oshiro says with a shrug. “Are you always so easily
offended by the truth?”
Aeran laughs harshly. “Truth? What truth? Your opinion means nothing
until you’ve faced the same adversity. I doubt you’d last more than a
day in Rona—”
The room erupts into discord. You hold your tongue, trying to reign in
your smile as satisfaction blazes in your chest.
“Enough!” Umbria shouts. “We are not here to throw insults at each
other. Archsage Oshiro, you may think little of Wayfarer Kellis and
Wayfarer $lastname, but please remember that they are our //guests.//
Treat them as such.”
A heavy silence falls across the table. Scowling and muttering to
himself, Oshiro pulls up his seat. The rest of Lethalis follows suit,
warily watching Aeran, as if he’s an unreliable force of nature bound to
explode at any moment. Only the slender elven mage seems unbothered by
his outburst; in fact, they have ignored it entirely. They lounge in
their chair, fiddling with their emerald ring as they watch you find
your seat—and wink at you.
You pause, your frown deepening. Their grin widens.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01-03
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$wards to true>><<if $pava is true>>“Something you
want to share, Veyer?” Oshiro says irritably, his voice booming across
the table.
“No, no,” the elf replies, leaning back in their chair, their gaze
lingering on you. They brush their ring against the front of their
abberan and slips it onto an index finger. “Though I believe Leda
might.”
They gesture at the dwarven woman seated beside them. She tenses and
scowls, clearly annoyed at having the room’s attention thrown on her.
Now you have a better view of her, her familiar face jolts a memory.
You’ve seen her before—on the steps to the western pavilion, where you
purposefully frightened that noblewoman for talking shit to your face.
No wonder she doesn’t look pleased to see you.
Zenaida already knows about that little incident. No doubt Umbria has
heard as well; you have a feeling nothing escapes her. But if this woman
makes a fuss about it, your reputation with the rest of Lethalis is
only going to get worse.
//Shit…//
“I have nothing to add, Savant Krellion,” Leda says finally.
You close your eyes, expelling a tense breath.
“I simply want to reach the end of these proceedings as swiftly as
possible out of respect for Ashani,” she finishes. “They have maintained
the dampening ward for too long already.”<<else>>“Something
you want to share, Savant Krellion?” Oshiro says irritably, his voice
booming across the table.
“No, no,” the elf replies, leaning back in their chair, their gaze
lingering on you. They brush their ring against the front of their
abberan and slip it onto an index finger. “Though I believe Leda might.”
They gesture at the dwarven woman seated beside them.
She tenses and scowls, clearly annoyed at having the room’s attention
thrown on her. “I do not,” she says sharply. “Veyer, I simply want to
reach the end of these proceedings as swiftly as possible out of respect
for Ashani. They have maintained the dampening ward for too long
already.”<</if>>
The melusine gives her a flat, unimpressed look.
<<if $pava is true>>“Dampening ward?” you ask, taking the
opportunity to further push the conversation away from
you.<<else>>“Dampening ward?” you ask.<</if>>
“Barriers that prevent sound from escaping their confines,” she
clarifies. There is a lecturing tone to her voice, as if she is
explaining basic principles to a fresh-faced student. “You passed
through it when you entered the library. Maintaining it without
triggering the palace’s security is no mean feat—”
“That will do, Leda, thank you,” Umbria says quickly. “I admit we are
not certain whether Ashani’s ward applies to you and Kellis, Wayfarer
$lastname. Magiani interactions with such magic remain undocumented. As
such, it would be in all our interests to maintain discretion and keep
your voices in check.”
<<if $lethalisapp >=40>>You exchange looks with Aeran. He
scowls, irritated with Umbria’s jab at his earlier
behaviour.<<else>>You exchange dour looks with Aeran. He
looks about as impressed as you feel. If you knew this was the first
impression you’d make on your <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>employers…<<else>>employers, then you would have
done more to avoid the gala…<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
04]]</div></div><</nobr>>Veyer
whistles. “A Brightblade? Where the hell did you hear that?”
You pause, glancing quickly around the table. <<if $lethalis_angry
is true>>The Lethalis mages wait for your answer with active
dislike, their expressions darkening with each passing second. Even
Zenaida no longer cares to hide her displeasure from
you.<<else>>The Lethalis mages wait impatiently for your
answer; most do little to hide their distrust. Even Zenaida regards you
with a flat look.<</if>>
<<nobr>><<if settings.action>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell them about
Allegra. You’ve already dug yourself a hole. Hiding the information now
will only dig yourself deeper.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA
TRUE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are rivals.
If Lethalis thinks you were colluding with her…|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERS
PASS][$vote_against +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE]
Umbria and Allegra are rivals. If Lethalis thinks you were colluding
with her…|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><<else>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell them about
Allegra. You’ve already dug yourself a hole. Hiding the information now
will only dig yourself deeper.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA
TRUE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are rivals. If Lethalis
thinks you were colluding with her…|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERS
PASS][$vote_against +=1]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] Umbria and
Allegra are rivals. If Lethalis thinks you were colluding with
her…|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</if>><</nobr>>“Theoretically,”
Veyer says.
You frown. “Theoretically? What do you mean, //theoretically?”//
“The shroud has devoured every known shield, ward, and barrier in
existence. I can’t help but wonder how a Wayfarer will fair. By sending
you to the tower, will we finally discover a magic potent enough to
affect a magianis?”
Quinn exhales a weary breath. “Don’t waste our time with the idea,
Veyer, you know it’s not possible—”
“And if it is? I, for one, am intrigued to find out, but is that a
sacrifice Umbria is willing to make?”
Aeran curses and rises to his feet, a terrible expression on his face.
His body tenses, his blue eyes dark as unchecked anger courses through
him. “Think carefully about the implications, mage,” he snarls. “There
will never be Wayfarer blood on Guild hands again.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, barely daring to breathe,
and reach for him. He grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as
he stares down the Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>You pause. You knew he would break
eventually… You just didn’t expect it would be Veyer who got under his
skin.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 05B")>>“All the more reason to
consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says. “Striking now, without
more information, is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur
one.”<<else>>“All the more reason to consider our actions
thoroughly,” Oshiro says. “Striking now, without more information, is
not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”<</if>>
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters sharply. “Do you really think
he will give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside
us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Have you forgotten about Nova? She was by all means abducted by
Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
Veyer clicks their tongue. “Can’t believe your great suggestion is to
sit down and do nothing,” they say acidly, shaking their head. “I might
not like the solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling
over like an obedient dog—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Quinn says sharply, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it
irritably behind her ear and continues. “A month ago Lethalis and
Solarath were happy to throttle each other in the shadows while
presenting a united front. But thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions,
there cannot be a standstill.”
Umbria raises a hand, calling for silence. “Whatever hope we had for
negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower did,” she says.
“Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Allegra
Arantir,” you say.
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “You better
not be lying, Wayfarer, or by Belennor—”
“By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do violence against the magianis
mercenary,” Quinn says. “I see that ending well.”
He scowls. “After $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> behaviour tonight,
we’d be fools not to question the validity of $hisher statement—”
“As for validity, I do not know,” Leda says suddenly. “But I can attest
that $lastname did speak to Arantir. I saw $himher in the pavilions.”
A disgruntled pause settles over the table as Lethalis considers her
words. <<if $pava is true>>You turn to Leda, trying to get a
read on her unexpected statement. She returns your gaze, giving you a
bitter smile. You have a feeling she’s trying to sow more discord
between you and Lethalis.<<else>>You turn to Leda, trying to
get a read on her unexpected statement. She tenses and straightens in
her seat, pointedly refusing to look at you.<</if>>
<<if $veyer_impression >=2>>“What reason does $lastname
have to lie?” Veyer says. “Given $hisher circumstances, $heshe’d be a
fool to raise the subject, then refuse to disclose how they came about
it. Let us assume, then, that $lastname is telling the truth. By hiring a
Brightblade to investigate the tower, Solarath has made a significant
move. If the Brightblade was successful, we must assume Quirinus and
Arantir have an estimation of the shroud’s strength—and what it will
take to disperse them and enter the
complex.”<<else>>“Imprudent though $hisher behaviour may be
from time to time, Wayfarer $lastname has no reason to lie to us,”
Zenaida says. <<if $lethalis_angry is true>>She does not
look at you; from the set of her jaw and the glow in her eyes, she is
still furious with you. She may have come to your defense, but it is not
out of any personal love for you.<<else>>She glances
briefly at you, giving you a flash of a reassuring
smile.<</if>>“I do not doubt $heshe <<if
$pronounsPlural is
false>>is<<else>>are<</if>> telling the
truth.”
Oshiro’s expression darkens. “Then what? If we take $himher at $hisher
word—”
“Perhaps, Archsage Oshiro, you do not wish to accept the truth because
it gives my proposal sway over yours,” she interrupts coolly. “If
Solarath has contracted a Brightblade to investigate the tower and that
investigation has occurred, Quirinus and Arantir have an estimation of
the shroud’s strength. They know what it will take to disperse them and
enter the complex.”<</if>>
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says sharply. “Do you recall how Archsage
Arantir described it? Her exact words, if you please.”
You pause, your gut twisting as you try to remember. You peel back the
hours to the time you spent with Allegra in the pavilions. <<if
$last_location is 1>>It wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>It was a while ago now…
//Damn it, this evening has gone on far too long.//<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA 2][$option to 1, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06
ALLEGRA 2][$option to 2, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA 2][$option to 3, $vote_for
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I
overheard it in passing,” you say.
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “Overheard,” they repeat, twisting their ring
idly around their index finger. “In //passing.”//
“You’d be surprised how much information you can glean simply by walking
through a room at a party. A little drink, a little comfort, and the
sweet pleasure of boasting will make anyone’s lips loose.”
They smirk. “Must be delightful. It’s rare to come across information
with such ease. Most mages or nobles are accustomed to raising wards to
prevent unwanted eavesdroppers. Have you considered espionage? If
garnering intelligence is as simple as walking through a room, I wonder
how long it will be until magianis becomes tantamount to spy.”
You swallow hard. Though the rest of the table has bought your
explanation, you’re certain this mage doesn’t believe you. “I can’t
answer that. Spying was never part of our training.”
<<if $master is "Varyn" and (def $lastname2)>>“You were
trained by Brissa Varyn. You even carry her name. I doubt the topic was
never broached during those long winters at the Spire.”<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>“You were trained by Brissa Varyn, $lastname. I
doubt the topic was never broached during those long winters at the
Spire.”<<else>>“You may not have been trained by Brissa
Varyn, $lastname, but I doubt the topic was never broached during those
long winters at the Spire.”<</if>>
You pause. There’s something about the elf’s tone… “I see you’re
familiar with her reputation. Did you know her?”
They shrug. “Briefly. I’ve been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly
three decades. I was there when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.”
You exchange fleeting looks with Aeran. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You always knew Varyn had ties to Rhesainian courts. She
was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador, after all; you accompanied her on
various diplomatic missions during your training, sitting in on
conferences with anyone from local Artanisian mayors to high-ranking
Rhesainian politicians. But you never thought much of the depth of those
ties or how many Guild mages she made an impression
upon.<<else>>Varyn was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador. You
knew she had ties to the Rhesainian courts, though you never had reason
to reflect on it. Aeran was the one being dragged all over the
continent, unhappily sitting in on one conference or another. He hated
it, complaining loudly about the excursions upon their return to the
Spire. Beyond Aeran’s reluctance to be involved in anything resembling
politics, you never thought much about Varyn’s ties beyond the Order or
how many Guild mages she made an impression upon.<</if>>
“Enough, Veyer,” Umbria says warningly, her voice cutting through your
thoughts. “I see no reason for $lastname to lie about what $heshe
overheard. Perhaps this is a rare moment of luck; I wouldn’t shun it
when such moments are few and far between.”
“Luck or not, this news about the Brightblade is a rumour at best,”
Oshiro says. “Are we willing act on unsubstantiated gossip? I don’t
think so. Regardless of what $lastname heard, we have time to consider
our actions thoroughly—”
“Time?” Zenaida snaps. “What time? Have you forgotten Nova? She was by
all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his
agents pull the truth from her mind?”
Behind her, Malsara turns to stone. Though she observes the arguing
mages with respectful silence, even she cannot hide the cold fury
burning in her eyes.
Umbria raises a hand, silencing the table before it descends into chaos.
“Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be made without reason.
But we all must remember: whatever hope we had for negotiating with
Solarath shattered the day the tower did. Tonight was the last night of
peace. The Guild is headed for open conflict and the lines have been
drawn. We can fight and argue amongst ourselves, but there is no other
avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the first victor
in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I
don’t know,” you say, shrugging. “I heard it somewhere.”
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “You heard it,” they repeat, twisting their
ring idly around their index finger. //“Somewhere.”//
Your throat tightens. “Look, does it matter? Surely we have—”
“You don’t simply walk through the archon’s gala and happen to overhear
that a Brightblade infiltrated Diradan Tower,” they say darkly. “No one
manages that—not even a Wayfarer.”
“You’d be surprised what a little drink and a little comfort can do—”
“Every noble and every mage may have cast their dampening wards, but
even then they wouldn’t let something of that magnitude slip out so
easily. You were told. And I know within a single guess by who.”
You pause, freezing beneath the mages’ scrutiny.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give in.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERSFAIL
2][$option to 1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95),
$veyer_impression -=1, $umbria_impression -=1, $vote_against
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stick to your lie.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
06 PERSFAIL 2][$option to 2, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp -
5, 5, 95), $veyer_impression +=1, $vote_against
+=2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Veyer frowns. “Is that so? Then perhaps Solarath
has not moved as quickly as I presumed. Arantir will want to test the
shroud thoroughly before they strike the tower.”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says,
returning to his seat with gratified finality.
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps. Gold light
swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your imagination? “Have you forgotten
Nova? She was by all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it
be before his agents pull the truth from her mind?”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now—”<<elseif
$option is 2>>Veyer clicks their tongue. “Is that so?” they say,
glancing downward at their ring as they twist it around their index
finger. “So even a Brightblade’s power fails here. I suspected it would
be the case, but to have confirmation…”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says,
returning to his seat with gratified finality. “If even a Brightblade
can fail, then we are in possession of the only beings capable of
penetrating the tower—”
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps. Gold light
swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your imagination? “Have you forgotten
Nova? She was by all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it
be before his agents pull the truth from her mind?”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right
now—”<<else>>Veyer pauses, absently stroking their chin as
they consider your words. “Is that so? Then Solarath is moving faster
than I presumed. If the shroud has proved dispersible—even only
partially—then it is only a matter of time before they find a solution
and strike the tower in force.”
“And we cannot forget Nova,” Zenaida says. “She was all but abducted by
Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the truth from
her mind.”
Oshiro scowls. “Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.<</if>>
Umbria raises a hand, silencing the table before it descends into chaos.
“We have always known the Guild was headed for open conflict. If
Solarath has indeed hired a Brightblade and continues their
investigation of the tower, then there is no other avenue now. Whoever
retrieves the Astrial first will be the victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the acceptance of what lies ahead, none are
willing to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>>Shifting
uneasily in your seat, you nudge your chair closer to the table, fold
your arms, and rest them against the surface. <<if $perception
>=8>>It would be a good idea to have some sense of where they
stand before you start questioning them.<<else>>You may not
always be a good judge of character, but you need to have some sense of
where they stand before you start questioning them.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[4. Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[5. Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[6. Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[7. Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>“Allegra Arantir,” you answer flatly. “But—”
Oshiro’s fist pounds the table. Veyer’s lips twist, triumph shining in
their eyes. Across the way, Zenaida closes her eyes and looks away,
shame flickering across her face.
The elf clicks their tongue. “All that effort for a blatant lie, only to
give up half way?” they say, shaking their head. <<if $origin is
"urchin" or ($origin is "noble" and (ndef $lastname2)) or $origin is
"farmer" or $origin is "merchant">>“For shame, $lastname. I would
have thought <<if $origin is "urchin">>a child of the
Nesactium streets<<elseif $origin is "noble">>a child of
House $lastname<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>a child of
rural Arsenia<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>a child of the
Coveran merchant fleet<</if>> would have better instincts,
but perhaps your order leached it out of you. Is cowardness that common
amongst your order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<<else>>“For shame, $lastname. Is cowardness that
common amongst your order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<</if>>
Aeran curses and rises to his feet. “Mind your tongue, mage,” he snarls,
blue eyes dark with anger. “Or this deal is done.”
Veyer leans back in their chair and links their hands behind their neck.
“I never made a deal with you. Zenaida Anaxas made it on our behalf. It
doesn’t hurt me to see you walk away—in fact, I know half this table
would prefer it.”
You pause, barely daring to breathe. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You reach for him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He
grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as he stares down the
Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>Until now, you were surprised he could
keep his tongue in check in a room full of Guild mages. You should have
expected he would break eventually.<</if>>
<<else>>“Try me,” you say flatly.
Veyer smirks. “Allegra Arantir.”
Your jaw clenches.
They raise an eyebrow.
“As I suspected,” they say, satisfaction gleaming in their eyes. “It was
her, wasn’t it? Quirinus’ lieutenant, the backbone of Solarath. Now I’d
love to hypothesize why you chose to keep this information to yourself,
but we have better things to concern ourselves with than the
insubordinate actions of a single Wayfarer—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran snarls,
nearly rising from the table in your defense. You grip his arm and force
him to stay seated.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran
grunts, nearly rising from the table in your defense. You shoot him a
side-eyed look and subtly shake your head, indicating for him to stay
seated. He slowly leans back, folding his arms as he acts like nothing
happened.
He fools no one.<<else>>Aeran grimaces, letting out an
exasperated breath. While you don’t expect him to rise to your defense,
Veyer is clearly provoking him as much as they are
you.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06 PERSFAIL
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Gods
damn it,” Oshiro curses, passing a hand across his face. “Belennor help
us, Zenaida, if these two are more trouble than they are worth—”
“I’m sure Wayfarer $lastname did not want to disrupt this evenings
discussions by mentioning Arantir,” she says coolly.
<<if $option is 1>>Aeran grimaces and throws himself back
into his seat,<<else>>Aeran grimaces and looks
away,<</if>> staring deliberately at a mark on the floor.
“However, I admit, $hisher statement about the Brightblade is
troublesome. If Solarath has contracted a Brightblade to investigate the
tower and that investigation has occurred, Quirinus and Arantir have an
estimation of the shroud’s strength. They know what it will take to
disperse them and enter the complex.”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says sharply. “Do you recall how Archsage
Arantir described it? Her exact words—if you can manage it.”
You grit your teeth, trying to remember what Allegra said to you.
<<if $last_location is 1>>The conversation wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>The conversation was hours
ago…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA 2][$option to 1, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 06
ALLEGRA 2][$option to 2, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 06 ALLEGRA 2][$option to 3, $vote_for
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“You’re
Umbria Bellaris, aren’t you?” you say as Aeran shoots you a grateful
look. You’re not surprised—you had a feeling he wouldn’t want to address
the Order of Lethalis himself.
The woman straightens, her gaze passing over him to fix you with an
appraising look. “I am,” she replies. Her bejeweled hand rests gently on
the table’s surface, its gemstone casting a strange light around her
wrist and fingers. “While propriety would ask me to extend a warmer
welcome, unfortunately brevity is all we can afford.”
You pause. Despite all you’ve heard of her—one of the youngest archsages
in Guild history, powerful enough to rival the Grand Archsage
himself—there’s something in her reserved air that strikes you as
unusual. So many Guild mages are vain or cocksure, buffered by
confidence in their own power. It seems she isn’t only Quirinus’
opposite in goals, but in manner as well.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $sabien_message is 2>>[[1. Time
to play envoy. Give her Quirinus’ message.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC SABIEN
MESSAGE]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements
have not been met.</s><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Be diplomatic. Thank her for the
welcome.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIPLOMATIC]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Be direct. You want to know what the
plan is—or receive confirmation that there is one, at the very
least.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You have no reason to trust anyone
at this table. You need a better read on these mages before the
discussion begins.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NO
TRUST]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>>Heavy silence presses in on you as Lethalis
waits for your answer. You catch Aeran’s eye and give him a subtle nod,
urging him to speak. <<nobr>>The gravity of the situation is
not lost on you and you have no desire to handle your first
impressions.
<<if $persuasion >=8 and ($persuasionfail >
$persuasionsuccess)>>You’ve prided yourself on your diplomatic
skills in the past. But considering how your luck has been going lately,
at the moment you trust him more than yourself.
<<elseif $persuasion >=8 and ($persuasionsuccess >
$persuasionfail)>>Though you pride yourself on your diplomatic
skills, you’d rather say as little as possible to these mages. He may
not be the most tactful person, but considering the significance of this
meeting, you’d rather not risk botching it yourself.
<<elseif $persuasion <=7 and ($persuasionsuccess >
$persuasionfail)>>Though you’ve had unwarranted luck recently, you
don’t consider yourself the most diplomatic person. At the moment you
trust him to speak tactfully with the mages more than yourself.
<<else>>You are not a diplomatic person and you don’t
consider tact one of your strong suits. At the moment you trust him to
have more success representing you than you trust
yourself.<</if>>
Hopefully he can reign in his dislike of the Guild.<</nobr>>
He scowls and shakes his head. After a second nod from you, his
irritation deflates and he accepts the responsibility you’ve put on his
shoulders. He rises from his seat and turns to address the
woman.<<else>>Heavy silence presses in on you as Lethalis
waits for your answer. Glancing quickly at Aeran, you give him a subtle
nod, urging him to speak. <<nobr>>The gravity of the
situation is not lost on you and you have no desire to handle your first
impressions.
<<if $persuasion >=8 and ($persuasionfail >
$persuasionsuccess)>>You’ve prided yourself on your diplomatic
skills in the past. But considering how your luck has been going lately,
at the moment you trust him more than yourself.
<<elseif $persuasion >=8>>Though you pride yourself on
your diplomatic skills, you’d rather say as little as possible to these
mages. He may not be the most tactful person, but considering the
significance of this meeting, you’d rather not risk botching it
yourself.
<<elseif $persuasion <=7 and ($persuasionsuccess >
$persuasionfail)>>Though you’ve had unwarranted luck recently, you
don’t consider yourself the most diplomatic person. At the moment you
trust him to speak tactfully with the mages more than yourself.
<<else>>You are not a diplomatic person and you don’t
consider tact one of your strong suits. At the moment you trust him to
have more success representing you than you trust
yourself.<</if>>
Hopefully he can reign in his dislike of the Guild. <<if $aeranapp
>=39>>But if this goes poorly, then it’s his fault, not
yours.<</if>><</nobr>>
“$firstname,” Aeran mutters darkly. “Don’t put this on me—”
“Just say something, damn it,” you hiss.
He scowls. For a moment you think he’s going to snap back at you, but he
shakes his head and rises from his seat, turning to address the
woman.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Then
I have a message for you,” you say. “Sabien Quirinus wants you to know
that the girl is fine and not to worry about her.”
Aghast silence settles through the room at Quirinus’ name. The mages
round on you, their expressions ranging from shock to cold fury. Zenaida
presses a hand to her lips, her eyes darting around the table as she
takes in her colleagues’ reactions. Malsara grips her shoulder and leans
in, murmuring <<if $origin is "aeda">>cautionary
words<<else>>inaudible words<</if>> in her ear.
Umbria remains still, her expression cold, her mask unbroken.
“Sabien Quirinus told you that?”
You close your eyes and curse inwardly as a horrified realization dawns
on you.
//Shit…//
You entered the library as an unknown entity, with only Zenaida’s word
to vouch for you… and the first thing you do is deliver a message from
their enemy. If Lethalis wasn’t already cautious around you before, they
certainly are now.
You cast a quick glance around the table. Lethalis waits for an answer
and their silence is deafening. If you’re lucky, maybe you can salvage
this…
<<nobr>><<if settings.action>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “He did.
That’s the difficulty of being one of two magiani in the crowd. It’s
impossible to hide.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B01 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “He did. That’s the
difficulty of being one of two magiani in the crowd. It’s impossible to
hide.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B01 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 15>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Didn’t have much of a choice. I’m
guessing it means something to you?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B02 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Didn’t have much of a
choice. I’m guessing it means something to you?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B02
PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Would you rather I didn’t tell you? I
could have kept it to myself, but if it’s something he wants you to
know, then you can use that knowledge to your advantage.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B03 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Would you
rather I didn’t tell you? I could have kept it to myself, but if it’s
something he wants you to know, then you can use that knowledge to your
advantage.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B03 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div>
<<else>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[1. “He did. That’s the difficulty of being one of two
magiani in the crowd. It’s impossible to hide.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B01
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “He did. That’s the difficulty of
being one of two magiani in the crowd. It’s impossible to hide.”|CHAPTER
2 LETHMC B01 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 15>>[[2. “Didn’t have much of a choice. I’m guessing it
means something to you?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B02 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Didn’t have much of a choice. I’m
guessing it means something to you?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B02 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 21>>[[3. “Would you rather I didn’t tell you? I could have
kept it to myself, but if it’s something he wants you to know, then you
can use that knowledge to your advantage.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B03 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “Would you rather I didn’t tell you? I
could have kept it to myself, but if it’s something he wants you to
know, then you can use that knowledge to your advantage.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B03 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</if>><</nobr>><<set
$umbria_impression +=1, $vote_for +=1>>“Thank you all the same,
Archsage,” you say, sitting up straight and adopting a formal tone.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You sense a flicker of amusement
from Aeran, but he thankfully does not
interrupt.<<else>>Aeran stiffens beside you, staring
absently at a dark knot in the table’s polished
surface.<</if>> It’s been some time since you’ve conducted
business like this. The past two years had you dealing with desperate
individuals, small town officials, and crime lords. <<if
$zenaidarefused is true>>While it may not have been your decision,
you’ve come a long way from the back alleys of
Rona.<<else>>You’ve come a long way from the back alleys of
Rona.<</if>>
“I understand this is a difficult time for the Order of Lethalis, but
we’re glad to be here all the same. If we can help with the precarious
situation—”
Oshiro snorts, shaking his head derisively as he leans back in his seat.
An awkward silence follows his outburst as the Lethalis mages glance
quickly around the table at each other. None are eager to interrupt on
your behalf. The elf fiddles with their ring, tossing it from hand to
hand, while the dwarven woman watches with a scowl on her face.
“Problem, Leda?” the elf calls.
She rolls her eyes and nudges her chair out of the way.
Ignoring them, you turn in your seat and fix Oshiro with an even stare.
“I take it you have a problem with <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>me<<else>>us<</if>>,” you say
coolly. “Why don’t you say it, Lord Oshiro? Put it all out on the
table.”
He scoffs. “Don’t try to endear yourself to us, mercenary. We have
little reason to trust you—”
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Little
reason? Is Zenaida’s word not enough? I understand not trusting a
stranger to your cause, but at the very least you should trust your
own.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-01 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] “Little reason? Is Zenaida’s word not enough? I understand
not trusting a stranger to your cause, but at the very least you should
trust your own.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-01 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “And yet you won’t give us a chance to
prove it? Seems unfair, considering we seek a common goal.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B2-02 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “And yet
you won’t give us a chance to prove it? Seems unfair, considering we
seek a common goal.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-02 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “We? Or do you mean you? If others at
this table share your concerns, I would love to hear it. Only fools let
others speak on their behalf.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “We? Or do you mean you? If
others at this table share your concerns, I would love to hear it. Only
fools let others speak on their behalf.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15>>[[1. “Little reason? Is
Zenaida’s word not enough? I understand not trusting a stranger to your
cause, but at the very least you should trust your own.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B2-01 PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Little reason? Is
Zenaida’s word not enough? I understand not trusting a stranger to your
cause, but at the very least you should trust your own.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B2-01 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. “And yet you won’t give us a chance to prove it?
Seems unfair, considering we seek a common goal.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-02
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “And yet you won’t give us a chance
to prove it? Seems unfair, considering we seek a common goal.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B2-02 PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=21>>[[3. “We? Or do you mean you? If others at this table
share your concerns, I would love to hear it. Only fools let others
speak on their behalf.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “We? Or do you mean you? If others at
this table share your concerns, I would love to hear it. Only fools let
others speak on their behalf.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>“Good,” you say. “I like to
keep things short. Just tell us what you need us to do and let us get on
with it.”
A disapproving silence settles over the table. You can feel the judgment
in the mages’ eyes, the wariness in their bated breath. Aeran shifts in
his seat beside you and you catch his eye, noting <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>an approving smile. You have to commend him; sitting here
with seven Guild mages can’t be easy for him. He's keeping his tongue
in check for now, clearly appreciative of you taking the lead on this
meeting. No doubt he wants you to end it as quickly as
possible.<<else>>a tense, but approving smile. Sitting here
with seven Guild mages can’t be easy. Somehow, he’s managed to keep his
tongue in check. No doubt he wants you to end this meeting as soon as
possible.<</if>>
“What the Order of Lethalis wants you to do remains to be seen,
Wayfarer,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “Zenaida may have led you
to believe you are integral to our mission, but the fact of the matter
is we know nothing of you. Now, I may be alone in my misgivings, but I
do not usually place much faith in untried and untested individuals—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, your objections
seem to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional capabilities
and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so threatened that you
are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at the hand of a
Wayfarer?”
The elf chortles at the remark. Lounging back in their chair, feet
perfectly balanced on the table, they pass the emerald ring from hand to
hand, throwing it higher and higher with each toss. The dwarven woman
next to them scowls and scoots her chair to the right, scraping it
against the floor as she nudges herself out of the way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Problem,
Leda?” the elf calls.
She grimaces and shakes her head.
“My ego is perfectly fine, princess,” Oshiro says loudly, replying to
Zenaida as he fixes the elf with an unamused glare. “I don’t question
their worth because they are Wayfarers; I question it because I don’t
believe you have thought through the ramifications of this joint
effort.”
Your fingers curl, quietly gripping the edge of your seat. You knew
Oshiro was going to be troublesome the moment you entered the library.
He’s the loudest voice against your involvement. Though it seems he
grates on his colleagues, if your read of the room is correct, he holds
nearly as much authority as Umbria herself. His opinion could sway the
rest of Lethalis against using you to retrieve the Astrial.
//Damn it all.//
You’re sure as hell not going to let this man be the reason another
contract goes up in flames.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link
'<<if $aeranapp>=40>>1. “Look, we don’t want to be here
any more than you //want// us here. You can either pay us to do the job,
or you can pay us for wasting our time and we’ll leave you
be.”<<else>>1. “Look, I don’t want to be here any more than
you //want// me here. You can either pay me to do the job, or you can
pay me for wasting my time and I’ll leave you be.”<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01A'>><<set $vote_against
+=1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “And how does <<if
$lethalisapp<=39>>Umbria<<else>>Archsage
Bellaris<</if>> feel about this? It’s nice to meet you all,
but to be frank, isn’t her opinion the one that matters here?”' 'CHAPTER
2 LETHMC DIRECT 01B'>><<set $veyer_impression +=1,
$umbria_impression +=1, $vote_for
+=1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is
true>>[[3. “Are we or are we not stealing an Astrial?”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT 01C ASTRIAL ALLEGRA]]<<else>>[[3. “Are we or
are we not stealing an Astrial?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01C ASTRIAL NO
ALLEGRA]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“This
is it, then?” you say. “The Order of Lethalis. Funny, from the way
Zenaida talked you up, I thought there would be more of you.”
Umbria smiles frostily. “We are more than the seven you see here,
Wayfarer. But I’m sure you understand how a consensus would never be
reached if we called the whole order. Seven voices can reach a
conclusion where hundreds cannot.”
You pause, casting a quick, unnoticeable glance around the table. The
mages watch you and Aeran carefully, their postures tense. Though they
regard you with outward politeness, you can sense their uneasiness. With
the exception of Zenaida, Lethalis is wary of you. Though you were
invited to this emergency conference and are privy to their objectives,
it is clear they do not view you as an equal. You were hired to perform a
job for them—and they seem none too pleased about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “So, what now? Introductions? Or is that too
out-of-character for a clandestine meeting by a shadowy
organization?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “How fortunate the seven of you
happened to be in the same place, at the same time.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
NOTRUST 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is
true>>[[3. “And what conclusion is that? Are we or are we not
stealing an Astrial?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01C ASTRIAL
ALLEGRA]]<<else>>[[3. “And what conclusion is that? Are we
or are we not stealing an Astrial?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01C ASTRIAL
NO
ALLEGRA]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$vote_for +=1, $umbria_impression +=1>>The elf smirks, chortling
laughter bubbling across their lips. They toss their ring in the air a
final time and catch it expertly.
“From what I understand, Quirinus has dogged our Wayfarers since their
arrival,” they say, sliding their ring onto an index finger. “It comes
as no surprise that he attempted to use $lastname to deliver underhanded
threats.”
The dwarven woman scowls. “You’re eager to twist this in our favour,
Veyer,” she says, shaking her head.
Veyer shrugs. “What can I say? Unlike you, Leda, I’m an uncompromising
optimist.”
She rolls her eyes, her scowl darkening.
“Thank you for informing me, Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria interrupts,
abruptly cutting off any further digressions. “This was a blatant
attempt to alarm me; we should not take his words into account. While we
can speculate what the Grand Archsage intended by using you as a
messenger, our time is better spent focused on the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$veyer_impression -=1>>The elf’s smile twists and a harsh,
chortling laugh bubbles across their lips. “Don’t flatter yourself,
$lastname,” they say, passing their ring idly from hand to hand. “You
are not as important as you believe. You were a curiosity tonight,
nothing more. You may have attracted the attention of <<if
$elleshar_met is true>>Phaedra Amestris and that dismal little
augur, but they are the outliers.<<else>>Phaedra Amestris,
but she is the outlier.<</if>> The Velantian elite does not
care about you and neither does Sabien Quirinus.”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “So because of a single conversation you
think—what? That I’m a spy?”
“Hardly,” the elf says coolly. “Nothing so intricate. A tool, perhaps.
But not a spy. Though I’m sure Leda here will try to convince us
otherwise.”
The dwarven woman shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “Carry on, Veyer,”
she snaps. “Continue your antagonism towards me even though it’s clear
we agree on the matter. We should take $lastname<<if
$lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> words with care.
$HeShe <<is>> a mercenary. $HisHer loyalty only goes as far
as Zenaida’s coin purse. First $heshe spent an afternoon sailing with
the Grand Archsage, then <<if $allegra_met is true>>spent an
evening cavorting with his lieutenant—”
“Lieutenant?” you interrupt. “What the hell are you on about?”
“I saw you in the pavilions tonight,” she replies shortly. “You spoke
with Allegra Arantir.”
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backward. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Arantir?” he says. “$HeShe <<has>> been
collaborating with Arantir? Gods damn it, this better not be true, or by
Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says. “I see that ending
well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. Noting the
disapproving looks of his colleagues, he decides against further comment
and sits down heavily in his chair.
“Yes, I spoke with Allegra Arantir,” you say. “It’s a gala. I was trying
to be polite—”<<else>>then reunited with him again this
evening, and now $heshe <<is>> delivering messages on his
behalf. Caution is more than overdue.”
You grit your teeth. “Do you really think I had much of a choice in
that?” you grunt. “If I’ve learned anything from a single day in
Velantis, it’s that the Grand Archsage does whatever he pleases. I doubt
even the archon is willing to interfere.”<</if>>
“Enough!” Umbria calls. “This matter does us no credit and this is not
the time for digressions. I will consider $lastname<<if
$lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> message carefully;
for the rest of you, put it out of your minds. $HeShe is our ally. Let
us focus on the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1>>Umbria fixes you with an even gaze. “It
does.”
“Then it’s a good thing I told you,” you continue. “The Grand Archsage
isn’t a fool; it’s my guess that he intended to unnerve you by using me
as a messenger. But now you can use that information—whatever it
means—to your advantage, I can keep his favour, and we can work together
to stay one step ahead of him.”
The dwarven woman tsks, a deep scowl on her face. “Keep his favour? Do
you intend to play both sides?”
<<if $solarathapp >=60>>“He’s the Grand Archsage,” you
say brusquely. “Like it or not, he holds a powerful position in
Velantian society. Somehow he has taken a liking to me. If I have to
play along to use that to my advantage, then I
will.”<<else>>“I intend not to piss him off more than I
already have,” you say curtly. “Quirinus doesn’t care about me. I’m a
thorn in his side and he knows it. But he is the Grand Archsage and,
like it or not, he holds a powerful position in Velantian society. If I
have to play along to keep him off my back, I will.”<</if>>
The elf smirks, their eyes gleaming. They toss their ring in the air a
final time and catch it expertly. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>“I’d expect no less from a student of Brissa Varyn,” they
say.<<if $lastname is "Varyn">>“You wear her surname
well.”<</if>><<elseif $master is "Sero" and $lastname
is "Sero">>“If you didn’t bear your Grandmaster’s surname,
$lastname, I’d think you were a student of Brissa Varyn.”<<elseif
$master is "Cenric" and $lastname is "Cenric">>“If you didn’t bear
your master’s surname, $lastname, I’d think you were a student of
Brissa Varyn.”<<else>>“And here I thought Kellis was Brissa
Varyn’s student,” they say, glancing at Aeran. “Perhaps she influenced
you more than you think.”<</if>>
You pause. There’s something about their tone…
“Did you know her?” you ask.
“Briefly,” they reply, slipping their ring onto an index finger. “I’ve
been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly three decades. I was there
when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.”
You exchange fleeting looks with Aeran. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You always knew Varyn had ties to Rhesainian courts. She
was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador, after all; you accompanied her on
various diplomatic missions during your training, sitting in on
conferences with anyone from local Artanisian mayors to high-ranking
Rhesainian politicians. But you never thought much of the depth of those
ties or how many Guild mages she made an impression
upon.<<else>>Varyn was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador. You
knew she had ties to the Rhesainian courts, though you never had reason
to reflect on it. Aeran was the one being dragged all over the
continent, unhappily sitting in on one conference or another. He hated
it, complaining loudly about the excursions upon their return to the
Spire. Beyond Aeran’s reluctance to be involved in anything resembling
politics, you never thought much about Varyn’s ties beyond the Order or
how many Guild mages she made an impression upon.<</if>>
“Thank you for the reminder about your position, Veyer,” the dwarven
woman says scathingly. “You do love to mention the importance of your
assignments—”
“Leda,” Umbria says warningly.
The dwarven woman flushes and falls silent. Exasperated, she shoots the
elf an irritated look and nudges her chair away from them.
“While your insight is appreciated, Veyer, this is not the time for
digressions,” Umbria continues. “Let us focus on the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$umbria_impression -=1>>Umbria fixes you with an even gaze. “It
does.”
“Care to say what?”
You know you have misspoken the moment the words leave your lips. An icy
silence descends through the room as the Lethalis mages exchange cold
looks. None are pleased, viewing you with detached condemnation. Even
Zenaida is unhappy with you.
“The matter of this message does not concern you, Wayfarer $lastname,”
Umbria says, breaking the silence. “Whether it was your intention or
not, you have willingly delivered a threat from Quirinus himself. As
Zenaida has vouched for you, I am willing to turn a blind eye to this
discretion. I accept that you allowed yourself to become his tool
unknowingly. Though it makes you out to be a fool, it is preferable to
the alternative.”
You grit your teeth. You understand her perfectly: either accept you’ve
been played, or admit you’re aligned with Quirinus. Neither is true.
Neither is desirable.
<<nobr>><<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp
>=60>>You feel a faint movement beside you as Aeran slips his
hand into yours and squeezes reassuringly. A swell of warmth rushes
through your chest and you shoot him a grateful look. At least he’s on
your side.
<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You feel a faint movement as
Aeran shifts in his seat and shoots you a reassuring look. A swell of
warmth rushes through your chest and you nod gratefully. At least he’s
on your side.
<<else>>You feel a faint movement as Aeran shifts in his
seat. You glance at him, but he doesn’t return your gaze. You half
expect him to say something in your defense, but remains silent, his
focus directed toward the end of the table—at
Umbria.<</if>><</nobr>>
The elf lets out a long breath and lounges back in their seat, tossing
their ring from hand to hand. “Shame,” they say.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>“I would have expected more from a
student of Brissa <<if $lastname is "Varyn">>Varyn. And to
think you bear her
name.”<<else>>Varyn.”<</if>><<else>>“Shame,”
they say. “But I suppose most Wayfarers aren’t known for their tact.
Perhaps you should have trained with Brissa Varyn. She, at least, did
her due diligence and prepared her students for more than hunting beasts
and fighting battlemages.”<</if>>
You flush, anger twisting in your gut. Though you impulsively want to
snap back at them, there’s something strange in the elf’s tone that
gives you pause. “You knew Varyn?” you ask.
“Briefly,” they reply, slipping their ring onto an index finger. “I’ve
been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly three decades. I was there
when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.”
You exchange fleeting looks with Aeran. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You always knew Varyn had ties to Rhesainian courts. She
was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador, after all; you accompanied her on
various diplomatic missions during your training, sitting in on
conferences with anyone from local Artanisian mayors to high-ranking
Rhesainian politicians. But you never thought much of the depth of those
ties or how many Guild mages she made an impression
upon.<<else>>Varyn was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador. You
knew she had ties to the Rhesainian courts, though you never had reason
to reflect on it. Aeran was the one being dragged all over the
continent, unhappily sitting in on one conference or another. He hated
it, complaining loudly about the excursions upon their return to the
Spire. Beyond Aeran’s reluctance to be involved in anything resembling
politics, you never thought much about Varyn’s ties beyond the Order or
how many Guild mages she made an impression upon.<</if>>
“Thank you for the reminder about your position, Veyer,” the dwarven
woman says scathingly. “You do love to mention the importance of your
assignments—”
“Leda,” Umbria says warningly.
The dwarven woman flushes and falls silent. Exasperated, she shoots the
elf an irritated look and nudges her chair away from them.
“While your insight is appreciated, Veyer, this is not the time for
digressions,” Umbria continues. “Let us focus on the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$umbria_impression +=1>>Umbria smiles faintly. “True,” she
replies. “And I have every intention of doing so. For that I must thank
you. Whether you were a willing or unwilling messenger does not matter
in the end—though, for the sake of my colleagues’ consciences, I suspect
the latter is true. Quirinus delights in coercion and manipulation. I
have no doubt he thought it amusing to have this news delivered through a
Wayfarer.”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>The dwarven woman scowls. “I don’t
believe it,” she mutters.<<else>>The dwarven woman scowls
and mutters something under her breath.<</if>>
“Do you think otherwise, Leda?” Umbria calls, fixing the mage with a
cool look.
Leda shifts awkwardly in her seat, uncomfortable at being addressed
directly. Beside her, the elf tosses their ring one last time and
catches it idly, watching the proceedings with delight in their eyes.
“I don’t believe it,” <<if $ancestry is "aeda">>she
repeats<<else>>she says<</if>>. “Or, at the very
least, we should take $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> words with care.
$HeShe <<is>> a mercenary. $HisHer loyalty to us only goes
as far as Zenaida’s coin purse. Considering $heshe spent an afternoon
sailing with the Grand Archsage and <<if $allegra_met is
true>>an evening cavorting with his lieutenant—”
“Lieutenant?” you interrupt. “What the hell are you on about?”
She pauses, pressing her lips into a fine line. “I saw you in the
pavilions tonight,” she says. “I saw you speak with Allegra Arantir.”
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backward. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Arantir?” he says. “$HeShe <<has>> been
collaborating with Arantir? Gods damn it, this better not be true, or by
Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says. “I see that ending
well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. Noting the
disapproving looks of his colleagues, he decides against further comment
and sits down heavily in his chair.
The elf smirks and shakes their head.
“Yes, I spoke with Allegra Arantir,” you say. “It’s a gala. I was trying
to be polite.”
Leda flushes and opens her mouth, an angry retort on her lips.
“Don’t take Leda’s comments seriously, $lastname,” the elf says, cutting
in. “She often doesn’t understand delicate matters such as general
civility.”<<else>>reunited with him again this evening, I
think caution is more than overdue.”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “Do you really think I had much of a
choice in that? If I’ve learned anything from a single day in Velantis,
it’s that the Grand Archsage does whatever he pleases. I doubt even the
archon is willing to interfere.”
“Don’t take Leda’s comments seriously, $lastname,” the elf says, cutting
in. “She often doesn’t understand delicate matters such as
self-preservation—”<</if>>
“Veyer, enough,” Umbria says wearily. “Your penchant for personal
insults, once again, does you no credit. This is not the time for
digressions. Let us focus on the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Umbria
regards you with a cool look. “I’m aware of the meaning of this
message, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “I’m aware what Quirinus
intended by making you the messenger. Please do not attempt to explain
Guild politics to me when you yourself are an outsider.”
You grit your teeth. Judging from the wary looks, you’re garnering no
favours here.
The elf clicks their tongue and leans back in their seat, tossing their
ring from hand to hand. The dwarven woman scowls, watching the ring with
rising trepidation.
“Problem, Leda?” the elf says.
She rolls her eyes and scoots her chair to the right, scraping it
against the floor as she nudges it out of the way. The elf chuckles to
himself and catches the ring a final time, then slips it idly onto his
index finger.
“Veyer, if you’re quite finished,” Umbria says sharply. “Let us not
indulge in anymore digressions and return to the matter at hand.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B01-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Oshiro
clears his throat and raps a hand on the table. “If I may?” he calls,
his booming voice echoing through the library. “With the shroud still at
play, Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all. This is an unexpected
standstill, one we sorely needed to reassess. Even with the Wayfarers’
aid, striking now is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”
Quinn tugs irritably at her bun. “Quirinus will not give us the benefit
of an armistice,” she says. “He won’t wait it out alongside us—”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
Veyer clicks their tongue, shaking their head. “Do you hear yourself?
Even if it aids Solarath, in what world would Quirinus ever do anything
to benefit us?”
“Have you all forgotten Nova?” Zenaida says sharply. “She was by all
means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents
pull the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she observes the arguing mages with
respectful silence, even she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her
dark eyes.
“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,”
Veyer continues acidly. “I might not like the solution Zenaida has given
us, but it’s better than rolling over like an obedient dog—”
“Enough!” Umbria calls. “Whatever hope we had for negotiating with
Solarath shattered with Diradan Tower. Oshiro, I respect your desire for
caution, but there is a difference between patience and inaction.
Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
A hushed silence rushes over the table, the artefact’s name casting a
dark shadow across the gathered mages. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the
relieved look on his face. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You have
to commend him; sitting here with seven Guild mages can’t be easy for
him, and yet he hasn’t said a single antagonistic
word.<<else>>You’re surprised he has kept his tongue in
check; somehow, he’s managed not to say a single antagonistic
word.<</if>> No doubt he wants this meeting to end as soon
as possible. After all this blather, he must be pleased that someone has
finally mentioned the Astrial.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. While it’s tempting to ask
Umbria outright what she wants you to do and leave it at that, you
barely understand what you’re walking into. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>Aeran will have to wait a little
longer.<<else>>Aeran will have to cope on his
own.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$vote_for +=1>>A small murmur ripples through the room as the
Lethalis mages shift in their seats, their gaze passing from you to
Oshiro with interest. The elf smirks and tosses their ring a final time,
catching it expertly and slipping it onto their index finger. Across
the table, a faint smile crosses Zenaida’s lips. She catches your eye
and nods gratefully.
Oshiro notes the shifting temperament and grimaces. “I trust my peers as
I trust myself,” he says. “I meant no offense to Savant Anaxas.
However, just as I judge too quickly, my colleagues act too quickly. If
Zenaida had her way, you and Kellis would be sent to Diradan Tower
tonight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is true>>[[1. “Is
there a problem with that? From what I understand, Lethalis wants the
Astrial. The Astrial is in the tower. And the tower is unapproachable.
The cloud of excess magical energy eats away at flesh and bone; not even
a Brightblade can go near it.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02
A]]<<else>>[[1. “Is there a problem with that? From what I
understand, Lethalis wants the Astrial. The Astrial is in the tower. And
the tower is unapproachable—except by a Wayfarer.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B2.02 B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $wine >=1>>[[2. “I
hope that’s an exaggeration, otherwise I wouldn’t have drunk at the
gala.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 C]]<<else>><s>2.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Well, we are here to work. I’m sure
Zenaida didn’t go out of her way to rescue us from Rona just to forget
about us.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$vote_against +=3, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5,
95)>>A murmur ripples through the room as the Lethalis shift in
their seats, their disapproving gaze passing from you to Oshiro.
The archsage smiles, triumph gleaming in his eyes, and shakes his head.
“Do you believe that a single dispute is cause for distrust? Perhaps it
is the case amongst Wayfarers, but in our order, we converse before we
act. Do not question our loyalty to each other simply because we do not
agree.”
Your jaw clenches. “Really? Because it seems to me you’re the one
passing judgement here—”
The elf clicks their tongue, shaking their head as they toss their ring
from hand to hand. “Never trust a professional thug to have an ounce of
tact,” they mutter.
Your gut twists at the insult. Across the table, Zenaida leans her
elbows on the surface and rests her fingers against her temples. Behind
her, Malsara places a comforting hand on her shoulder. You suspect
that—like the rest of today—this meeting has not gone according to plan.
Quinn closes her eyes. “Veyer,” she says wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re not going to sit here and let Veyer
insult you. Confront them on it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
03A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re distracted by the ring.
There’s something odd about it… What the hell is Veyer doing with
it?|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Keep your focus on Umbria. She’s the
only one who matters here.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$vote_for +=1>>Oshiro pauses, his mouth twisting into an
unfavourable smile. “And what common goal is that?” he asks.
You raise an eyebrow. “You want what’s in the tower, but with all that
leftover magical energy, no one in your order can get close. But a
Wayfarer can. Lucky for you, <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>I<<else>>we<</if>> would very
much like to get paid. So, while <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>I<<else>>we<</if>> don’t care
about the Astrial, Lethalis has promised to pay us for its retrieval.
I’d say that counts as a common goal.”
A murmur of laughter spreads across the table. The elf eyes you with a
smirk and catches their ring a final time. They lean back in their seat
and slip the ring onto their index finger.
Oshiro snorts, his cheeks reddening, and shakes his head. “I’m aware of
how contracts work, $lastname,” he says.
“Then you know that Zenaida wouldn’t have hired us if she didn’t believe
she needed us,” you continue. “Wayfarers aren’t ordinary mercenaries.
We’re adept at dealing with magical disasters, which—strangely enough—is
exactly what you have on your hands. The tower explosion left remnants
in the air. You cannot reach the Astrial, not without great harm to
yourself. But <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>I<<else>>we<</if>> can.”
He scowls, his expression growing darker by the minute. “Don’t try to
present yourself as a final hour saviour. The incident at the tower has
brought us a much needed reprieve, time we have desperately needed to
reassess. I won’t let you convince Lethalis to act in haste simply
because you want to be paid.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is true>>[[1. “Did
you know Allegra Arantir hired a Brightblade to investigate the
tower?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 CONT A]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The tower is your problem. I’m
happy to wait. Mahanin Palace is quite nice this season and, frankly,
I’m could use the holiday.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 CONT
B][$veyer_impression +=1, $vote_for +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “And what do your colleagues think,
Archsage Oshiro? You seem more than happy to speak on their
behalf.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 CONT C][$veyer_impression +=1, $vote_for
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$vote_against +=2, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>>Oshiro pauses, dark eyes gleaming as his mouth twists into an
unfavourable smile. “And what common goal is that?” he asks.
You raise an eyebrow. “Do you want the Astrial or not?”
<<if $allegra_info is true>>A hushed silence rushes over the
table as all eyes turn to you. The mages’ expressions range from
shocked to outraged to horrified, as if simply naming the artefact has
foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to her forehead and closes her
eyes, too tired to hide her frustration with you. Only Umbria and Ashani
exhibit any level of control over their reactions, remaining still and
subdued. It will take much more than an inflammatory comment to break
their masks.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You feel a faint movement beside you
as Aeran slips his hand into yours and squeezes
reassuringly.<<else>>You feel a faint movement beside you as
Aeran shifts in his seat.<</if>> You glance at him, but he
doesn’t return your gaze. His focus is directed towards the end of the
table—at Umbria.
“Careful, $lastname,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t
throw words like that around lightly.”
“It seems to have gotten your attention,” you snap. “I know about the
explosion. I know that the Guild sent a Brightblade into the tower and
even they couldn’t handle walking through the remnants—”
Zenaida’s hand hits the table. You stop mid-sentence, your attention
pulled across the room. She stares at the polished surface, lips pursed,
brow furrowed. She trades a wary look with Umbria, then settles back in
her seat, distractedly picking at the table’s carved edge.
“Seems like you know a number of things you shouldn’t,” the elf says
coolly. They catch their ring a final time and slide it onto a finger.
“This is the first I’m hearing about a Brightblade—”
“Then maybe you should let our guest elaborate, Veyer,” Quinn says
sharply. A lock of hair unravels from her bun and she pushes it
unconsciously behind her ear.
“Naturally,” Veyer responds, threading their long fingers together. The
emerald shines on their index finger, casting a green light across their
tawny skin. “But first I’d like to know where $heshe received this
information.”
The mages turn to you once again, their mistrustful silence weighing
heavily on you as they wait for your response. Across the table, Ashani
shifts in their seat—the first movement you’ve seen from them since you
entered the library—and tilts their head, their liquid black eyes fixing
you with an unblinking stare.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell them you were informed by Allegra
Arantir.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRIAL ALLEGRA 01][$guaranteed_vote to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Considering Allegra’s rivalry
with Umbria, best keep her name out of it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Considering Allegra’s
rivalry with Umbria, best keep her name out of it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>A
hushed silence rushes over the table as all eyes turn to you. The
mages’ expressions range from shocked to outraged to horrified, as if
simply naming the artefact has foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to
her forehead and closes her eyes, too tired to hide her frustration with
you. Only Umbria and Ashani exhibit any level of control over their
reactions, remaining still and subdued. It will take much more than an
inflammatory comment to break their masks.
“Careful, Wayfarer,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t
throw words like that around lightly.”
“Seems to have gotten your attention.”
“You hardly understand the severity of it—”
“Zenaida hired us to do a job and I intend to fulfill it. You want the
Astrial. Your enemies want the Astrial. And now neither of you can get
to it. But <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>we<<else>>I<</if>> can.”
In the uncomfortable pause that follows, you quickly glance around the
table, gauging the mages’ reactions. Most avert their gaze, keen to
avoid making eye contact, as if that would somehow confirm the truth of
your words. Beside you, Aeran shifts in his seat and exhales a sharp
breath, doing nothing to hide his irritation.
You can’t deny you share the sentiment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ASTRIAL NO ALLEGRA
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>><<set $vote_for +=1,
$veyer_impression +=2>>Oshiro shuts his mouth, a ruddy flush
crossing his face. The elf cackles with laughter, openly relishing in
their colleague’s embarrassment. They toss their ring a final time,
catch it expertly with one hand, and slip it onto their index finger.
“I underestimated you, $lastname,” they say. “Here I thought Zenaida had
brought us two dullard thugs, but I am sorely mistaken. I apologize for
the assumption—I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Good,” you reply dryly. “I’d rather not be called a dullard. Or a
thug.”
They grin at you, idly twisting their ring around their finger.
“Considering your reputation, I am beginning to think the situation in
Rona was much more complex than Zenaida led us to believe.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Reputation?”
They lean back, lounging in their chair as they stretch their arms
behind their head. <<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How is 5
or $countDead_How is 6>>“You slaughtered Cere Nalos. For those
who knew him and his repute, that is no mean feat.”
You pause, the memory of the Crimson Count’s final breaths weighing
heavily on you. “I did what I had to. Maybe it’s a sign you shouldn’t
take a Wayfarer’s work for granted.”<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
6>>“You killed a Brightblade. That is no mean feat.”
You pause, the memory of Rhodarth’s final breath weighing heavily on
you. Beside you, Aeran tenses and glances at the floor. He can’t bring
himself to look you in the eye.
“Brightblades are talented, but they are not immortal,” you say
carefully.
“Not when faced with Alassar steel,” the elf replies. “The bane of us
all.”<<elseif $$CountB_Branch3 is true>>“You destroyed half
of Rona singlehandedly.”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “That is not how it was.”
“As I thought. I’m curious to hear the whole tale. You should tell it to
me someday.”<<else>>“You may have nearly fallen to Cere
Nalos, but I suspect there is more to the tale than that.”
You pause, the memory of your final night in Rona weighing heavily on
you. “Probably.”
“I’m curious to hear it. You should tell it to me
someday.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Veyer,”
Quinn says sharply, her voice cutting across the table. She pushes a
loose lock of ash brown hair irritably behind her ear and continues. “If
we could return to the matter at hand. The incident at Diradan Tower
changed our course. A month ago both Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front to
the public. But thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, that standstill
has been brought to an end.”
Umbria nods. “Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath
shattered the day the tower did,” she says gravely. “Tonight was the
last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open conflict and the lines
have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst ourselves, but there is
no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the
first victor in this war.”
The table falls silent, Umbria’s words bringing any potential disputes
to a close. You lean back in your chair, mind racing with questions.
Between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. This is your chance to
get as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>>Oshiro chuckles, triumph gleaming in his eyes, and shakes his
head. “Then I wonder about your curiously silent companion,” he says.
“Kellis was the Wayfarer we expected, yet when he finally appears, he
remains mysteriously quiet. I wonder what he thinks of this matter. If I
were a gambling man, I’d wager he dislikes this alliance of necessity
as much as I do.”
You glance at Aeran. He scowls, his expression darkening by the second.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>“Leave him alone.”<<else>>“Leave him out of
it.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS FAIL
A'<</if>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1,
5, 95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Doesn’t matter. We’re here for
work. Let us work.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2-03 PERS FAIL
B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
elf whistles. “A Brightblade? Where the hell did you hear that?”
You pause, trying to keep your expression neutral as your mind races.
Lethalis doesn’t know that Allegra hired a Brightblade to investigate
the tower… So it was a covert operation, then? Something she didn’t want
Umbria to know about?
You resist the urge to rub your temples. This is giving you a headache.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Be upfront and tell them it was Allegra
Arantir. Hopefully they’ll appreciate the honesty.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
B2.02 A1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Keep it to yourself. Umbria doesn’t need to
know you were consorting with her rival.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 APERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Keep it to yourself. Umbria
doesn’t need to know you were consorting with her rival.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC B2.02 APERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[2. Keep it to yourself. Umbria doesn’t
need to know you were consorting with her rival.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02
APERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Keep it to yourself. Umbria doesn’t
need to know you were consorting with her rival.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02
APERS
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $veyer_impression
+=2>>The elf chuckles, eyeing you with a sideways smirk.
<<if $dressed is true>>“You certainly have ingratiated
yourself seamlessly into Velantian high society,” they say, twisting
their ring around their index finger. “All you need is an inadvisable
affair to close out the night and the archon might as well grant you a
title. I’d offer, but I can do without the rumours.”
“Ugh, Veyer,” Leda sniffs. “Don’t be crude.”<<else>>“You
certainly have helped yourself to the perks of Zenaida’s station,” they
say, twisting their ring around their index finger. “That she has openly
brought not one, but two Wayfarers into the heart of Mahanin Palace is
no mean feat and will no doubt cost her reputation in certain Imperial
circles. I hope you’ve thanked her.”
“Veyer, enough,” Zenaida says shortly.<</if>>
“Can we return to the matter at hand?” Oshiro says, his voice booming
across the table. A murmur of discontent whispers across the table as
the conversation reasserts itself. “With the shroud still at play,
Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all. This is an unexpected standstill,
one we sorely needed to reassess. Even with the Wayfarers’ aid, striking
now is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”
“Quirinus will not give us the benefit of an armistice, Oshiro,” Quinn
says. “He won’t wait it out alongside us—”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
Veyer rolls their eyes. “Do you hear yourself? Even if it aids Solarath,
in what world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Have you forgotten about Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by
all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his
agents pull the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,”
Veyer continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the
solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an
obedient dog—”
“It doesn’t matter!” Quinn shouts. A lock of hair unravels from her bun
and falls across her face. She sweeps it angrily behind her ear and
presses onward. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence. “Quinn is correct. Whatever hope we
had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower did.
Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face.
Now the Astrial has been formally introduced to the discussion, maybe
you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.
Your mind races with questions. Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what you’re
walking into. This is your chance to get as much information as
possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Oshiro
chuckles hoarsely. “Best forget her promises,” he says. “What you don’t
understand, Wayfarer, is that the princess flagrantly ignores all
protocols, mistakenly believing she can proceed however she sees fit—”
“A blatant exaggeration, considering your own recent actions, Oshiro,”
Zenaida says. “We’ve discussed this already. Do we truly want to waste
more time criticizing my past actions when I’ve brought you the only
solution we have?”
Discord erupts around the table. Beside you, Aeran exhales sharply and
shakes his head, clearly unimpressed with the proceedings so far. Across
the table, Ashani closes their eyes and purses their lips into a
disapproving line. Umbria stands in silence, ignoring the heated
argument, and watches you and Aeran closely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Interrupt
and redirect this conversation before it gets more out of
control.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] Interrupt and redirect this conversation before it gets
more out of control.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D PERS
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[1. Interrupt and redirect this
conversation before it gets more out of control.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D
PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Interrupt and redirect this
conversation before it gets more out of control.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D
PERS FAIL]]<</if>><</if>>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. You’re not getting involved. Let them
argue it out.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02
D2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Theoretically,” the elf says,
examining the ring on their finger.
“Theoretically?” you reply. “What do you mean, //theoretically?”//
They glance upwards and meet your eyes with a smirk. “As far as I’m
aware, this is the first time the citadel’s wards have ever been
dissolved. The shroud devours flesh and bone within minutes and no ward,
barrier, or shield can stop them. Not even our experts know how much
power resides within that cloud. By sending you to the tower, I wonder…
will we finally discover a magic potent enough to affect a magianis?”
Your jaw clenches. “It’s not possible,” you say automatically. No magic
can affect magiani; it can’t, even if you wanted it to. The powers that
imbue this world simply do not acknowledge your existence.
“Do you know that for certain?” the elf presses. “Have the Wayfarers run
tests and experiments the Guild is not aware of? Your Grandmaster, as I
recall, was quite interested in the extent of your natural immunity.
Its causes, its applications, its limitations…”
Your brows draw together, a headache pounding in the back of your skull.
“If you knew <<if $master is
"Sero">>Sero<<else>>the
Grandmaster<</if>>, you’d know that’s bullshit.”
The elf raises an eyebrow. “Do you think so, $lastname? Maybe you didn’t
know <<if $lastname is "Sero">>your namesake<<elseif
$master is "Sero">>your
master<<else>>them<</if>> as well as you
thought—”
Aeran rises to his feet. “Mind your tongue, mage,” he snarls. “Or this
deal is done.”
“Veyer, please,” they say. “Or Krellion, if you prefer. And I am a
savant, not a mage. If we’re reduced to addressing each other by title
and occupation, you may as well get it right.”
He reddens, his mouth twisting.
“I never made a deal with you,” the elf continues, leaning back in their
chair and linking their hands behind their neck. The casual display is
no doubt to show how unbothered they are by Aeran’s anger—and they want
you to know. “Zenaida Anaxas made it on our behalf. It doesn’t hurt me
to see you walk away—in fact, I know half this table would prefer it.”
You pause, barely daring to <<if $aeranapp >=60>>breathe
and reach for Aeran, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He grunts and
pulls away, angling his back to you as he stares down the Order of
Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>breathe. Until now, you were surprised
he could keep his tongue in check in a room full of Guild mages. You
should have expected he would break eventually.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, staving off future discord before it can begin. “The
shroud is a grave concern,” she says. “We will not forget them in our
discussions tonight. Regardless, any conclusions we come to will not be
made without reason. We have always known the Guild was headed for
conflict. This changes nothing but our approach. There is no other
avenue now—whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the victor in
this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
Aeran mutters another curse under his breath and finds his seat,
retreating into livid silence. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
watch him carefully, picking absently at a fingernail. A million
questions flood your mind, but you set them
aside.<<else>>You ignore him—you don’t have time to moderate
his personal feelings while you’re negotiating with
Lethalis.<</if>> Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what you’re
walking into. The only thing you know for certain is that you’re going
to walk out of this library with a headache.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Allegra
Arantir,” you reply.
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “You better
not be lying, Wayfarer, or by Belennor—”
“By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do violence against the magianis
mercenary,” Quinn says, rolling her eyes. “I see that ending well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. “Scoff all you
want, we’d be fools not to question the validity of $hisher statement—”
“Validity?” Zenaida says. “$lastname is a consummate professional.
$HeShe <<has>> no reason to lie when we are the ones who
hold the purse strings—”
Discord erupts around you as a dispute engulfs the meeting. Across the
table, Ashani closes their eyes, their lips pursing into a disapproving,
fine line. Umbria stands in silence, ignoring the heated argument. She
barely flinched when you mentioned Allegra.
Your mind races. Aren’t they supposed to be rivals? Surely that would
get some kind of reaction from her?
“Putting Archsage Oshiro’s suspicions aside for the moment, let’s assume
the Wayfarer is telling us the truth and consider the information at
hand,” the elf says. They slide their feet from the table and sit
upright. “Solarath made a move by sending a Brightblade to the tower. If
they did indeed fail, Solarath now has an estimation of the remnants’
strength—and what it will take to disperse it and reach the Astrial.”
“That is far too much conjecture, Veyer,” Leda says. “Regardless of her
associations with Solarath, Arantir is a member of the Council of Mages
and trusted with Diradan’s protection. We //all// wish to return to the
tower. Dispersing the explosion’s aftermath is a goal that benefits us
all. There are novitiates—young //children//—in the Guild’s care who do
not have a home, do not have a safe place to study—”
Zenaida sighs. “You cannot believe that Arantir would instigate an
investigation like this simply for the benefit of the Guild as a whole—”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria interrupts sharply, reigning in the
discord. “Do you recall how Archsage Arantir described it? Her exact
words, if you please.”
You pause, caught off-guard by her sudden directness. Considering
Lethalis seems inclined to talk about you as if you weren’t here, you’re
surprised you’ve been invited back into this dispute. Your gut twists
as you try to remember, peeling back the hours to the time you spent
with Allegra in the pavilions.
What did she say about the Brightblade? <<if $last_location is
1>>It wasn’t that long ago…<<else>>It was a while ago
now… this evening has gone on for far too long…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Uh… sorry, can’t remember.”|CHAPTER
2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>><<set $vote_against
+=1>>“I heard it in passing,” you say. “Do you know how much
information you can glean simply by walking through a room at a party? A
little drink, a little comfort, and the sweet pleasure of boasting will
make anyone’s lips loose.”
The elf smiles darkly. “Must be delightful,” they say, twisting their
ring idly around their index finger. “It’s so difficult to come across
information with ease these days. Most mages and nobles are accustomed
to raising a dampening ward to prevent unwanted eavesdroppers. But if
garnering intelligence is as simple as walking through a room, I wonder
how long it will be until //magianis// becomes tantamount to //spy?”//
You swallow hard. Though the rest of the table has bought your
explanation, you’re certain this mage doesn’t believe you. “I can’t
answer that,” you say. “Espionage was never part of our training.”
<<if $master is "Varyn" and $lastname is "Varyn">>“You were
trained by Brissa Varyn. You even carry her name. I doubt the topic was
never broached during those long winters at the Spire.”<<elseif
$master is "Varyn">>“You were trained by Brissa Varyn, $lastname. I
doubt the topic was never broached during those long winters at the
Spire.”<<else>>“You may not have been trained by Brissa
Varyn, $lastname, but I doubt the topic was never broached during those
long winters at the Spire.”<</if>>
You pause. There’s something about the elf’s tone… “I see you’re
familiar with her reputation,” you say. “Did you know her?”
They shrug. “Briefly. I’ve been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly
three decades. I was there when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.”
You exchange fleeting looks with Aeran. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>You always knew Varyn had ties to Rhesainian courts. She
was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador, after all; you accompanied her on
various diplomatic missions during your training, sitting in on
conferences with anyone from local Artanisian mayors to high-ranking
Rhesainian politicians. But you never thought much of the depth of those
ties or how many Guild mages she made an impression
upon.<<else>>Varyn was the Wayfarer Order’s ambassador. You
knew she had ties to the Rhesainian courts, though you never had reason
to reflect on it. Aeran was the one being dragged all over the
continent, unhappily sitting in on one conference or another. He hated
it, complaining loudly about the excursions upon their return to the
Spire. Beyond Aeran’s reluctance to be involved in anything resembling
politics, you never thought much about Varyn’s ties beyond the Order or
how many Guild mages she made an impression upon.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Enough, Veyer,” Umbria says warningly, her voice cutting
through your thoughts. “I see no reason for $lastname to lie about what
$heshe overheard. Perhaps this is a rare moment of luck; I wouldn’t shun
it when such moments are few and far between.”
“Luck or not, this news about the Brightblade is a rumour at best,”
Oshiro says quickly. “Are we willing to act on unsubstantiated gossip? I
don’t think so. Regardless of what $lastname heard, we have time to
consider our actions thoroughly—”
“Time?” Zenaida snaps. “What time? Have you forgotten Nova? She was by
all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his
agents pull the truth from her mind?”
Behind her, Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful
silence, even she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, quickly silencing the table before it descends into
another dispute. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be made
without reason,” she says gravely. “But we all must remember: whatever
hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower
did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You grip the edge of the table, your fingers pressing sharply into the
polished wood. Your mind is racing with questions. It may be tempting to
ask Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionFail>>“I
don’t know. I heard it somewhere.”
The elf raises an eyebrow. “You heard it,” they repeat, twisting their
ring idly around their index finger. “Somewhere.”
Your throat tightens. “Look, does it matter? Surely we have—”
“You don’t simply walk through the archon’s gala and happen to overhear
that a Brightblade infiltrated Diradan Tower,” they say darkly. “No one
manages that—not even a Wayfarer.”
You pause, jaw clenched as control over this conversation slips away
from you. “You’d be surprised what a little drink can do—”
“Every noble and every mage may have cast their dampening wards, but
even then they wouldn’t let something of that magnitude slip out so
easily. You were told. And I know within a single guess by who.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give in.|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH B2.02 APERS FAIL
2][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95),
$veyer_impression -=1, $umbria_impression -=1, $vote_against
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stick to your lie.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA STICK][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95),
$veyer_impression +=1, $vote_against
+=2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fine,”
you say. “It was Allegra Arantir. But—”
Oshiro’s fist pounds the table. The elf’s lips twist, triumph shining in
their eyes. Across the way, Zenaida closes her eyes and looks away,
shame flickering across her face.
“All that effort for a blatant lie, only to give up half way?” they say,
shaking their head. <<if $origin is ("noble" and (ndef
$lastname2)) or $origin is "urchin" or $origin is "merchant" or $origin
is "farmer">>“For shame, $lastname. I would have thought
<<if $origin is "urchin">>a child of the Nesactium
streets<<elseif $origin is "noble">>a child of House
$lastname<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>a child of the
Coveran merchant fleet<<else>>a child of rural
Arsenia<</if>> would have better instincts, but perhaps your
order leached it out of you. Is cowardice that common amongst your
order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<<else>>“For shame, $lastname. Is cowardness that
common amongst your order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<</if>>
Aeran rises to his feet. “Mind your tongue, mage,” he snarls. “Or this
deal is done.”
“Veyer, please,” they say. “Or Krellion, if you prefer. And I am a
savant, not a mage. If we’re reduced to addressing each other by title
and occupation, you may as well get it right.”
He reddens, his mouth twisting.
“I never made a deal with you,” the elf continues, leaning back in their
chair and linking their hands behind their neck. The casual display is
no doubt to show how unbothered they are by Aeran’s anger—and they want
you to know. “Zenaida Anaxas made it on our behalf. It doesn’t hurt me
to see you walk away—in fact, I know half this table would prefer it.”
You pause, barely daring to breathe. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You reach for Aeran, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He
grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as he stares down the
Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>Until now, you were surprised he could
keep his tongue in check in a room full of Guild mages. You should have
expected he would break eventually.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$vote_against +=1>>“Promise or no promise, we were contracted to
do a job!” you shout. “You can either pay us to do the job, or you can
pay us for wasting our time and we’ll leave you be.”
Stark silence meets your words and the mages round on you.
“Mercenaries!” Leda mutters after a moment, an unimpressed scowl
darkening her brow. “Payment is their only concern—”
Annoyance twists in your gut. “I’m a professional,” you snap. “I
travelled a great amount of distance to come here, so yes, I expect to
be paid. I was promised that much. Not my fault if you and your
colleagues want to drop your end of the bargain.”
The elf snorts with laughter and fidgets with their ring, twisting it
around their index finger. “That, at least, deserves respect. Though I
am curious… If $heshe <<has>> so much disdain for us, why
make the journey at all? It wouldn’t have anything to do with a little
town called Rona, now would it?”
Your mouth runs dry.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D PERSFAIL
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>><<set $vote_for +=1,
$veyer_impression +=1>>You rise to your feet. “Promise or no
promise, we were contracted to do a job,” you say as the dispute dies
around you. “You have two choices. You can either stop arguing amongst
yourselves and let us do our work, or you can continue to waste our
time. We’re patient. Mahanin Palace is very nice this season and,
frankly, I could use a holiday.”
A shocked silence settles over the room. The seconds pass as one mage
looks to another, none eager to speak in the wake of your words. Across
the table, an amused smile flashes across Umbria’s face. You glance at
her and the smile vanishes as quickly as it appeared.
“Well, you’ve made yourself very clear,” the elf says with a chuckle,
idly twisting their ring around their finger. “Perhaps it’s to
everyone’s benefit that we stop ignoring the professionals in the room
and take their opinion into account. We aren’t the ones capable of
approaching Diradan Tower any time soon.”
“Veyer is right,” Quinn says wearily. “With the shroud plaguing the
complex, approaching the tower ourselves is impossible—”
“All the more reason to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says.
“Striking now, without more information, is not only a foolish decision,
but an amateur one.”
“And what of Nova?” Zenaida interrupts. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” he says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence and stifling the impending argument
before it begins. “We have known what lies ahead since the day the tower
shattered,” she says. “The Guild is headed for open conflict and
tonight was the last night of peace. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial
first will be the first victor in this war—and we cannot do it without
$lastname and Kellis’ aid.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face,
and find your seat. Now the Astrial has been formally introduced to the
discussion, maybe you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.
Your mind races with questions. Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what you’re
walking into. This is your chance to get as much information as
possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You lean back in your seat,
trading knowing looks with Aeran. <<if $aeranapp >=60 and
$aeranrom >=10>>He smiles and slips his hand into yours,
squeezing reassuringly.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>He rolls
his eyes dramatically in the mages’ direction and gives you a reassuring
smile.<<else>>He shakes his head and glances across the
table, turning his focus on one person.
Umbria.<</if>>
“…with the shroud still at play, Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all,”
Oshiro’s booming voice says. “This is an unexpected standstill,
something we sorely needed to reassess. Even if we have the Wayfarers’
aid, striking now is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” the elf says. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what
world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten about Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means
abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull
the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” the
elf continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the
solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an
obedient dog—”
“Enough, Veyer,” Quinn says sharply, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it
quickly behind an ear and continues. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath
were happy to throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a
united front. But thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be
a standstill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence. “Quinn is correct,” she says
finally. “Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered
the day the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is
headed for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight
and argue amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever
retrieves the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the
Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely
understand what you’re walking into. The only thing you know for certain
is that you’re going to walk out of this library with a headache.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<nobr>><<if
$blackout >=1>>“Zenaida Anaxas is the reason you’re alive,
$lastname,” they continue. “<<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>She could have let you drown in Rona, but she saw the
potential you bring.<<else>>She could have let you succumb
to your injuries, but she saw the potential you
bring.<</if>> You owe her and—by extension—you owe the Order
of Lethalis.
<<elseif $countDead_How is 3>>“Zenaida Anaxas is the reason
you draw breath, $lastname,” they continue. “The history of Cere Nalos’
playthings is a vile one. You owe Savant Anaxas your life, and—by
extension—you owe the Order of Lethalis.
<<else>>“Zenaida Anaxas is the reason you draw breath,
$lastname,” they continue. “Otherwise Anselma Malley would have seen you
skewered to the bottom of the Ronan swamp. You owe Savant Anaxas your
life, and—by extension—you owe the Order of Lethalis.<</if>>
Remember that next time you want to make a petulant stand. You might not
be bound by a blood oath, but you are bound by debt. Some would say
that is the more prevailing of the two.”<</nobr>>
You glance at Aeran. He grimaces and subtly shakes his head, urging you
to back down. The elf has you cornered. Counter them and you cement your
reputation as a money-hungry mercenary with little care for ethics.
Agree with them, and you are admitting you are at Lethalis’ mercy,
waiting on their beck and call.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '<<if $aeranapp
<=39>>1. “I’m here to work. Give me a job, or I
leave.”<<else>>1. “We’re here to work. Give us a job, or we
leave.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT GIVE ME A
JOB'>><<set $vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Rona has no
bearing here. The Order of Lethalis has a problem you can’t solve. Let
us do what we do best—fix problems caused by magic.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
DIRECT NO BEARING][$vote_for +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fine. By all means, continue
arguing about Wayfarers. Zenaida promised us a certain sum and I know
she, at least, won’t go back on her word. I’m happy to wait and enjoy
the comforts of Mahanin Palace until the rest of you figure your shit
out.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT
WAIT]]</div></div><</nobr>>Wood
scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to his
feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against the
surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “You better not
be lying, Wayfarer, or by Belennor—”
“By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do violence against the magianis
mercenary,” Quinn says, rolling her eyes. “I see that ending well.”
Oshiro scowls. In the face of the disapproving looks of his colleagues,
he mutters a curse under his breath and sits down.
“This is news to us, $lastname,” the elf says. “Where did you hear such a
thing?”
You pause. “She told me so herself,” you reply flatly. “Funny how eager
people are to spill their secrets after a few drinks.”
The elf clicks their tongue. “If Arantir hired a Brightblade to
investigate and kept it from the Council of Mages, then we can only
conclude that Solarath has made their move. They have an estimation of
the shroud’s strength—and what it will take to disperse it and reach the
Astrial.”
“That is conjecture, Veyer,” Leda interrupts. “Regardless of her
associations with Solarath, Arantir is a member of the Council of Mages
and trusted with Diradan’s protection. We //all// wish to return to the
tower. Dispersing the explosion’s aftermath is a goal that benefits us
all. There are novitiates—young //children//—in the Guild’s care who do
not have a home, do not have a safe place to study—”
Zenaida sighs. “You cannot believe that Arantir would instigate an
investigation like this simply for the benefit of the Guild as a whole—”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says sharply, reigning in the discord. “Do
you recall how Archsage Arantir described it? Her exact words, if you
please.”
You pause, peeling back the hours to the time you spent with Allegra in
the pavilions. What did she say about the Brightblade? <<if
$last_location is 1>>It wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>It was a while ago now… this evening has gone on
for far too long…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>A shocked silence settles over
the room. The seconds pass as one mage looks to another, none eager to
speak in the wake of your words. Across the table, an amused smile
flashes across Umbria’s face. You glance at her and the smile vanishes
as quickly as it appeared.
“Well, you’ve made yourself very clear,” the elf says with a chuckle,
idly twisting their ring around their finger. “Perhaps it’s to
everyone’s benefit that we stop ignoring the professionals in the room
and take their opinion into account.”
Quinn nods wearily. “Veyer is right. With the shroud plaguing the
complex, approaching the tower ourselves is impossible—”
“All the more reason to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says.
“Striking now, without more information, is not only a foolish decision,
but an amateur one.”
“And what of Nova?” Zenaida interrupts. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” he says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence and stifling the impending argument
before it begins. “We have known what lies ahead since the day the tower
shattered,” she says. “The Guild is headed for open conflict and
tonight was the last night of peace. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial
first will be the first victor in this war—and we cannot do it without
$lastname and Kellis’ aid.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face,
and find your seat. Now the Astrial has been formally introduced to the
discussion, maybe you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.
Your mind races with questions. Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what you’re
walking into. This is your chance to get as much information as
possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Oshiro
shuts his mouth, a ruddy flush crossing his face. The elf cackles with
laughter and leans forward, resting their elbows on the table. Their
dark eyes gleam and an uncontained grin spreads across their face. They
watch you like the audience at a lyranaeum, too entertained to
disengage.
Beside you, Leda sighs wearily and glances at the ceiling, clearly eager
to be anywhere else. Across the table, Zenaida retains her focus,
though you think you see a small smile.
“I underestimated you, $lastname,” the elf says, breaking the silence.
“Here I thought Zenaida had brought us two dullard thugs, but I am
sorely mistaken. I apologize for the assumption—I won’t make the same
mistake again.”
“Good,” you reply dryly. “I’d rather not be called a dullard. Or a
thug.”
The elf smirks.
“If you’re quite done, Veyer,” Quinn says irritably, pushing a lock of
loose ash brown hair behind her ear. “We should return to the matter at
hand. The incident at Diradan Tower changed our course. A month ago both
Lethalis and Solarath were happy to throttle each other in the shadows
while presenting a united front to the public. But thanks to Alexia and
Lucien’s actions, that standstill has been brought to an end.”
Umbria nods. “Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath
shattered the day the tower did,” she says gravely. “Tonight was the
last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open conflict and the lines
have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst ourselves, but there is
no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the
first victor in this war.”
The table falls silent, Umbria’s words bringing any potential disputes
to a close. You lean back in your chair, mind racing with questions.
Between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. This is your chance to
get as much information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1>>A murmur of disapproval whispers around
the table.
“Listen,” you continue, throwing all tact out the window. “We were
contracted to do a job. You can either pay us to do it, or you can pay
us for wasting our time and we’ll leave you be.”
Leda scowls. “Mercenaries! Payment is the only certainty with them—”
Annoyance twists in your gut. “I’m a professional,” you snap. “I
travelled a great amount of distance to come here, so yes, I expect to
be paid. I was promised that much. Not my fault if you and your
colleagues want to drop your end of the bargain.”
The elf snorts with laughter and fidgets with their ring, twisting it
around their index finger. “That, at least, deserves respect. Though I
am curious… If $heshe <<has>> so much disdain for us, why
make the journey at all? It wouldn’t have anything to do with a little
town called Rona, now would it?”
Your mouth runs dry.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D PERSFAIL
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranapp
>=40>>“$nickname,”<<else>>“$firstname,”<</if>>
Aeran says quietly, a disapproving glare in his eyes. “I can speak for
myself.”
You pause and lean back in your chair, folding your arms across your
chest. <<if $aeranapp >=40>>His eyes widen, surprised by
your reaction, then shakes his head and turns to address the
room.<<else>>He rolls his eyes, impatience flashing across
his face, unsurprised by your reaction.<</if>>
“If you think I dislike this alliance, then you are correct, Lord
Oshiro,” he says. “$firstname and I agreed to Zenaida’s proposal out of
necessity. I can’t speak for $firstname, but Velantis is not a city I
care for and I don’t intend to overstay my welcome. I don’t care about
your internal disagreements and we’re not going to wait for you to get
your shit together. Either let us do the work we were promised, or pay
us what we were promised and let us go.”
A kaleidoscope of reactions ripple across the table. From Oshiro’s
outrage to Ashani’s silent disapproval, Lethalis is none too pleased by
Aeran’s words.
You glance at Umbria, seeking her reaction. She meets your scrutiny with
a steadfast resolve, her expression as still as stone. You bite your
tongue, pushing down your rising frustration. Her mask is as unbreakable
as it was the moment you entered the library; the woman won’t let
anything through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Well,” the elf says, leaning back in their chair, “that was
quite clear—”
“Veyer,” Quinn interrupts irritably, pushing a loose lock of hair behind
her ear. “Don’t start.”
“Then we return to the matter at hand,” Oshiro says, passing over
Aeran’s remark without comment. “With the shroud still at play, Diradan
Tower is inaccessible to all. This is an unexpected standstill,
something we sorely needed to reassess. Even if we have the Wayfarers’
aid, striking now is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
Veyer rolls their eyes. “Do you hear yourself?” they say. “Even if it
aids Solarath, in what world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit
us?”
“Have you forgotten about Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means
abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull
the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” the
elf continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the
solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an
obedient dog—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Quinn says sharply. “A month ago Lethalis and
Solarath were happy to throttle each other in the shadows while
presenting a united front. But thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions,
there cannot be a standstill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence. “Quinn is correct,” she says
finally. “Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered
the day the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is
headed for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight
and argue amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever
retrieves the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the
Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely
understand what you’re walking into. The only thing you know for certain
is that you’re going to walk out of this library with a headache.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Leda
rolls her eyes. “Mercenaries!” she mutters, an unimpressed scowl
darkening her brow. “Payment is the only certainty with them—”
Annoyance twists in your gut. “I’m a professional,” you snap. “I
travelled a great amount of distance to come here, so yes, I expect to
be paid. I was promised that much. Not my fault if you and your
colleagues want to drop your end of the bargain.”
The elf snorts with laughter. They fidget in their seat, their feet
shifting restlessly on the table, and continue playing with their ring.
There’s something strange about it, but you can’t quite put your finger
on what. “$lastname knows $hisher worth,” they say, turning on you.
“That, at least, deserves respect. Though I am curious… If $heshe
<<has>> so much disdain for us, why make the journey at all?
It wouldn’t have anything to do with a little town called Rona, now
would it?”
Your mouth runs dry.
<<nobr>><<if $blackout >=1>>“Zenaida Anaxas
is the reason you’re alive, $lastname,” they continue.<<if
$CountB_Branch3 is true>>“She could have let you drown in Rona,
but she saw the potential you bring.<<else>>She could have
let you succumb to your injuries, but she saw the potential you bring to
the table.<</if>> You owe her, and—by extension—you owe the
Order of Lethalis.
<<elseif $countDead_How is 3>>“Zenaida Anaxas is the reason
you draw breath, $lastname,” they continue. “The history of Cere Nalos’
playthings is a vile one. You owe Savant Anaxas your life, and—by
extension—you owe the Order of Lethalis.
<<else>>“Zenaida Anaxas is the reason you draw breath,
$lastname,” they continue. “Otherwise Anselma Malley would have seen you
skewered to the bottom of the Ronan swamp. You owe Savant Anaxas your
life, and—by extension—you owe the Order of Lethalis.<</if>>
Remember that next time you want to make a petulant stand. You might not
be bound by a blood oath, but you are bound by debt. Some would say
that is the more prevailing of the two.”<</nobr>>
You glance at Aeran. He grimaces and subtly shakes his head, urging you
to back down. The elf has you cornered. Counter them and you cement your
reputation as a money-hungry mercenary with little care for ethics.
Agree with them, and you are admitting you are at Lethalis’ mercy,
waiting on their beck and call.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '<<if $aeranapp
<=39>>1. “I’m here to work. Give me a job, or I
leave.”<<else>>1. “We’re here to work. Give us a job, or we
leave.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT GIVE ME A
JOB'>><<set $vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95), $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What happened in Rona has no
bearing here. The Order of Lethalis has a problem you can’t solve. Let
us do what we do best—fix problems caused by magic.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
DIRECT NO BEARING][$vote_for +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fine. By all means, continue
arguing about Wayfarers. Zenaida promised us a certain sum and I know
she, at least, won’t go back on her word. I’m happy to wait and enjoy
the comforts of Mahanin Palace until the rest of you figure your shit
out.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT WAIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You’re distracted by the elf’s ring.
There’s something strange about it…|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT
RING][$veyer_impression
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
elf chuckles and lounges back in their chair, shifting sideways as they
shoot you an underhanded grin. Beside them, Leda scowls and shakes her
head.
Umbria ignores their reaction and turns to you, accepting your scrutiny
with steadfast resolve. “This is a meeting of equals, $lastname,” she
says. “To convince me, you must first convince us all. Though not all
around this table agrees with him, Archsage Oshiro has raised valid
concerns.”
Triumph gleams in Oshiro’s eyes as he rounds on Zenaida. In response,
she merely raises her chin and returns his gaze, folding her hands
politely before her.
“Lethalis and Solarath both vie for the Astrial housed in Diradan Tower,
but neither party can seek it out while the explosion’s remnants
enshroud the tower complex,” Umbria continues. “The accident brought the
Guild to a standstill, neither willing—or prepared—to move. Tonight’s
conference seeks to determine one thing and one thing only: whether we
should mount the mission Zenaida contracted you to fulfill, or to accept
Oshiro’s proposal to wait until observations on Diradan Tower are
complete.”
“Observations?” you ask frowning. “The tower exploded three weeks ago,
what other observations do you need?”
“The… accident is a unique event,” Quinn says gravely. “We’ve never seen
anything like it, not in the history of the Guild. No one is certain
what the shroud can do, not even warding experts. We’ve seen them strip
flesh and bone in a matter of minutes.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is true>>[[1.
“Yeah, I know. Even a Brightblade couldn’t make it through.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT ALLEGRA]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Lucky you have someone on your side
who can walk right through it.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT
02B]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Let the discussion continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT 02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT")>>All eyes turn to
you.<<else>>A hushed silence rushes over the table as all
eyes turn to you.<</if>> The mages’ expressions range from
shocked to outraged to horrified, as if simply naming the artefact has
foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to her forehead and closes her
eyes, too tired to hide her frustration with you. Only Umbria and Ashani
exhibit any level of control over their reactions, remaining still and
subdued. It will take much more than an inflammatory comment to break
their masks.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>You feel a faint movement beside you
as Aeran slips his hand into yours and squeezes
reassuringly.<<else>>You feel a faint movement beside you as
Aeran shifts in his seat.<</if>> You glance at him, but he
doesn’t return your gaze. His focus is directed towards the end of the
table—at Umbria.
“Careful, $lastname,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t
throw words like that around lightly.”
“It seems to have gotten your attention,” you reply shortly. “I know
about the explosion. I know that the Guild sent a Brightblade into the
tower and even they couldn’t handle walking through the remnants—”
Zenaida’s hand hits the table. You stop mid-sentence, your attention
pulled across the room. She stares at the polished surface, lips pursed,
brow furrowed. She trades a wary look with Umbria, then settles back in
her seat, distractedly picking at the table’s carved edge.
“Seems like you know a number of things you shouldn’t,” the elf says
coolly. They catch their ring a final time and slide it onto a finger.
“This is the first I’m hearing about a Brightblade—”
“Then maybe you should let our guest elaborate, Veyer,” Quinn says
sharply. A lock of hair unravels from her bun and she sweeps it behind
her ear.
“Naturally,” Veyer responds, threading their long fingers together. The
emerald shines on their index finger, casting a green light across their
tawny skin. “But first I’d like to know where $heshe received this
information.”
The mages turn to you once again, their mistrustful silence weighing
heavily on you as they wait for your response. Across the table, Ashani
shifts in their seat—the first movement you’ve seen from them since you
entered the library—and tilts their head, their liquid black eyes fixing
you with an unblinking stare.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell them you were informed by Allegra
Arantir.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRIAL ALLEGRA 01][$guaranteed_vote to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Considering Allegra’s rivalry
with Umbria, best keep her name out of it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Considering Allegra’s
rivalry with Umbria, best keep her name out of it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT")>>All eyes turn to you. The
mages’ expressions range from shocked to outraged to horrified, as if
simply naming the artefact has foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to
her forehead and closes her eyes, too tired to hide her frustration with
you. Only Umbria and Ashani exhibit any level of control over their
reactions, remaining still and subdued. It will take much more than an
inflammatory comment to break their masks.
“Careful, Wayfarer,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t
throw words like that around lightly.”
“Seems to have gotten your attention.”
“You hardly understand the severity of it—”
“Zenaida hired us to do a job and I intend to fulfill it. You want the
Astrial. Your enemies want the Astrial. And now neither of you can get
to it. But <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>we<<else>>I<</if>> can.”
In the uncomfortable pause that follows, you quickly glance around the
table, gauging the mages’ reactions. Most avert their gaze, keen to
avoid making eye contact, as if that would somehow confirm the truth of
your words. Beside you, Aeran shifts in his seat and exhales a sharp
breath, doing nothing to hide his irritation.
You can’t deny you share the sentiment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 ASTRIAL NO ALLEGRA
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>A
hushed silence rushes over the table and all eyes turn to you. The
mages’ expressions range from shocked to outraged to horrified, as if
simply naming the artefact has foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to
her forehead and closes her eyes, too tired to hide her frustration with
you. Only Umbria and Ashani exhibit any level of control over their
reactions, remaining still and subdued. It will take much more than an
inflammatory comment to break their masks.
“Careful, Wayfarer,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t
throw words like that around lightly.”
“Seems to have gotten your attention.”
“You hardly understand the severity of it—”
“Zenaida hired us to do a job and I intend to fulfill it. You want the
Astrial. Your enemies want the Astrial. And now neither of you can get
to it. But <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>we<<else>>I<</if>> can.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01C ASTRIAL
NOALLEGRA
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>>A
kaleidoscope of reactions ripple across the table. From Oshiro’s
red-faced outrage to Ashani’s silent disapproval, Lethalis is none too
pleased by your words. Zenaida catches your eye, a frown on her lips.
Though she is accustomed to your occasional flashes of obstinance,
you’re not endearing yourself to her.
Judging from the flat look Aeran is giving you, you’re not endearing
yourself to anyone.
You glance at Umbria, seeking her reaction. She meets your scrutiny with
a steadfast resolve, her expression as still as stone. You bite your
tongue, pushing down your rising frustration. Her mask is as unbreakable
as it was the moment you entered the library; the woman won’t let
anything through.
“What $firstname means to say is that we are at your disposal,” Aeran
says quickly. “We understand the Order of Lethalis is in a difficult and
dangerous place, with many unknown factors. It’s reasonable you need
time to assess the circumstances before committing to a plan.”
You blink, taken aback. He’s not usually this diplomatic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 1-3
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>The elf chortles and throws back
their head, their ringing laugh echoing throughout the library. Their
colleagues turn their gaze on them, doing nothing to hide the stiff
disapproval in their expressions and postures. “Oh, well said,
$lastname,” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
DIPLOMATIC")>>the elf says<<else>>the elf says,
catching their ring a final time and sliding it onto an index
finger.<</if>> “I’d ask where Zenaida found you, but we
already know the answer to that.”
Zenaida frowns. “Veyer—”
“As much as Oshiro hates to admit it, you’re correct,” they continue,
sliding their feet from the table and sitting upright. “We do have a
problem we cannot solve. Lethalis and Solarath both vie for the Astrial
housed in Diradan Tower, but neither of us can reach it while the
remnants cloud the tower complex. The explosion forced a standstill—both
sides waiting, hounding each other in private while we save face in
public, waiting for the shroud to disperse. But a Wayfarer
could—theoretically—walk right through it.”
“Theoretically?” you say, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean,
//theoretically?”//
They shrug, fidgeting with the ring on their finger. “As far as I’m
aware, this is the first time the dissolution of a citadel’s wards has
ever occurred. The shroud devours flesh and bone within minutes. I
wonder how a Wayfarer will fair. By sending you to the tower, will we
finally discover a magic potent enough to affect a magianis?”
Quinn exhales sharply. “Don’t waste our time with the idea, Veyer, you
know it’s not possible—”
“And if it is? Shall we—in our desperation—find out? Is that a sacrifice
Umbria is willing to make?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aeran curses and rises to his feet, a terrible expression on
his face. His body tenses, his blue eyes dark as unchecked anger courses
through him. “Think carefully about the implications, mage,” he snarls.
“There will never be Wayfarer blood on Guild hands again.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, barely daring to breathe,
and reach for him. He grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as
he stares down the Order of Lethalis—closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>You pause. You knew he would break
eventually… You just didn’t expect it would be Veyer who got under his
skin.<</if>>
“All the more reason to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says.
“With the shroud at play, Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all. Striking
now, without more information, is not only a foolish decision, but an
amateur one.”
Umbria nods gravely. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be
made in haste,” she says. “We have always known the Guild was headed for
conflict. This changes nothing but our approach. There is no other
avenue now—whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the victor in
this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Silence
settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the rustle of
clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly in their
seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing to look
each other in the eye.
Aeran mutters another curse under his breath and finds his seat,
retreating into livid silence. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
watch him carefully, picking absently at a fingernail. A million
questions flood your mind, but you set them
aside.<<else>>You ignore him—you don’t have time to moderate
his personal feelings while you’re negotiating with
Lethalis.<</if>> Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what you’re
walking into. The only thing you know for certain is that you’re going
to walk out of this library with a headache.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>A
kaleidoscope of reactions ripple across the table. From Oshiro’s
red-faced outrage to Ashani’s silent disapproval, Lethalis is none too
pleased by your words. Zenaida catches your eye, a faint smile on her
lips. Judging from how willing her colleagues are to oppose her at every
turn, she’s enjoying you giving them a mouthful.
You glance at Umbria, seeking her reaction. She meets your scrutiny with
a steadfast resolve, her expression as still as stone. You bite your
tongue, pushing down your rising frustration. Her mask is as unbreakable
as it was the moment you entered the library; the woman won’t let
anything through.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 1-3
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You pause, your gaze lingering
on the elf’s hands. The longer you watch, the more the ring suspends the
laws of gravity. No matter how high or in which direction the elf
tosses it, it always returns perfectly to the palm of their hand, as if
pulled by an invisible force. You’re not sure what kind of magic is at
play here, or what they hope to accomplish with it—other than being an
ass. Judging from the disgruntled expressions on the rest of the mages’
faces, the elf’s cavalier attitude is getting on their nerves.
“If you’re finished antagonizing my guests, Veyer, let’s leave it at
that,” Zenaida says coldly. “I know many of you are rightfully cautious
about aligning with Wayfarers, but $lastname and Kellis’ loyalty is not a
matter that should be under scrutiny. We have an understanding. It will
not be broken.”
Oshiro grunts and shakes his head. “For the last time, princess, I am
not resistant to your proposal because you brought Wayfarers into the
fold. Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all. This is an unexpected
standstill, something we sorely need to reassess. Striking now is not
only a foolish decision, it’s an amateur one.”
The elf catches your eye and notes your interest. Their dark eyes gleam
and their lips split into a wide grin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think
he will give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside
us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Have you forgotten Nova? She was by all means abducted by Quirinus
today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth from her
mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force anything from
her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you, princess, Markal
is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone, furious cold burning in her dark eyes.
Suddenly, the ring leaves the elf’s hand and flies sideways. Leda jumps
in surprise as it passes, scraping her chair against the floor in her
rush to get out of the way. The ring snaps to a halt in front of you and
hovers at eye level, the golden band gleaming as it slowly revolves.
“Want it, $lastname?” the elf calls.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>//“Ugh.”// Quinn raps her fingers impatiently on the table.
“Veyer, stop playing with the damn thing, you’re behaving like a child—”
“I’m curious to see the extent of $hisher abilities after $hisher
bravado earlier,” they interrupt. “I wonder, is a mere touch enough to
break the connection?”
Aeran curses under his breath and rounds on them, eyes ablaze.
Acting on impulse, you seize the topmost book from the stack near Leda,
heft it between your hands, and knock the ring with its cover. The ring
spins out of its revolution and zings back to Veyer with the speed of a
loosed arrow. They raise a hand and catch it, their long, tawny fingers
folding it into their palm.
“Not today,” you return.
They shrug and slide the ring onto their index finger. “Fair enough.”
Quinn lets out a disgruntled groan. “Before Veyer sinks even further
into triviality, let me say this,” she says. A lock of hair unravels
from her bun and falls across her face. She pushes it behind her ear and
presses onward. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
“Quinn is correct,” Umbria agrees, raising a hand to call for silence.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed
for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue
amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves
the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>A
dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face.
Now the Astrial has been formally introduced to the discussion, maybe
you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. This is your chance to get as much information as
possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT GIVE ME A JOB")>>Oshiro laughs. “Finally, a voice
of reason,” he says. “Back to the matter at hand, then. With the shroud
still at play, Diradan Tower is inaccessible to
all.<<else>>“Back to the matter at hand,” Oshiro says. “With
the shroud still at play, Diradan Tower is inaccessible to
all.<</if>> This is an unexpected standstill, something we
sorely needed to reassess. Even if we have the Wayfarers’ aid, striking
now is not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
The elf throws themself back in their seat and slides their feet from
the table. “Do you hear yourself?” they say. “Even if it aids Solarath,
in what world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten about Nova?” she snaps. “She was by all means
abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull
the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” the
elf continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the
solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an
obedient dog—”
“Enough, Veyer,” Quinn says sharply, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it
behind her ear and continues. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were
happy to throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united
front. But thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a
standstill.”
“Quinn is correct,” Umbria agrees, raising a hand to call for silence.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed
for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue
amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves
the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT GIVE ME A JOB")>>A dark
shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the artefact.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. The only thing you know for certain is that you’re
going to walk out of this library with a headache.<<else>>A
dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face.
Now the Astrial has been formally introduced to the discussion, maybe
you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.<</if>>
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. This is your chance to get as much information as
possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Theoretically,”
the elf says.
“Theoretically?” you reply flatly. “What do you mean,
//theoretically?”//
They shrug, fidgeting with the ring on their finger. “The shroud has
devoured every known shield, ward, and barrier in existence. I can’t
help but wonder how a Wayfarer will fair. By sending you to the tower,
will we finally discover a magic potent enough to affect a magianis?”
Quinn exhales a weary breath. “Don’t waste our time with the idea,
Veyer, you know it’s not possible—”
“And if it is? I, for one, am intrigued to find out, but is that a
sacrifice Umbria is willing to make?”
Aeran curses and rises to his feet, a terrible expression on his face.
“Think carefully about the implications, mage,” he snarls. “There will
never be Wayfarer blood on Guild hands again.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, barely daring to breath,
and reach for him. He grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as
he stares down the Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>You pause. You knew he would break
eventually… You just didn’t expect it would be Veyer who got under his
skin.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT 02B")>>“All the more reason to consider our actions
thoroughly,” Oshiro says. “Striking now, without more information, is
not only a foolish decision, but an amateur
one.”<<else>>“All the more reason to consider our actions
thoroughly,” Oshiro says. “Striking now, without more information, is
not only a foolish decision, but an amateur one.”<</if>>
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters sharply. “Do you really think
he will give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside
us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Have you forgotten about Nova? She was by all means abducted by
Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
The elf clicks their tongue. “Can’t believe your great suggestion is to
sit down and do nothing,” they say acidly, shaking their head. “I might
not like the solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling
over like an obedient dog—”
“Enough, Veyer,” Quinn says sharply, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it back
behind her ear. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence. “Quinn is correct. Whatever hope we
had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower did.
Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
A dark shadow settles over the gathered mages at the mention of the
artefact. You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the
Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely
understand what you’re walking into. The only thing you know for certain
is that you’re going to walk out of this library with a headache.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>The
elf snorts with laughter. They fidget in their seat, their feet
shifting restlessly on the table. “I was worried, Zenaida,” they say as
they toss the emerald ring from hand to hand. “Here I thought you
brought us two dullard thugs, but one of them has a sense of humour.”
The dwarven woman rolls her eyes. “Glad to know where your
preoccupations lie, Veyer,” she says acidly. “Doesn’t matter who they
are, but at least they’re funny—”
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand such delicate matters, Leda, dear,”
Veyer retorts. Their pace quickens, the ring sailing higher and higher
with each toss before returning to their hand. “Don’t strain yourself
trying.”
Leda scowls and leans far to the right, ducking out of the way of the
flying ring. Her chair scrapes against the floor as she nudges it away
from Veyer. She pauses halfway through the motion, suddenly realizing
that she is edging too close to you. Cursing under her breath, she gives
up and sinks back in her chair, languishing between you.
Across the table, Zenaida leans her elbows on the surface and rests her
fingers against her temples. Behind her, Malsara places a comforting
hand on her shoulder. You suspect that—like the rest of today—this
meeting has not gone according to plan.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You’re not going to sit here and let Veyer
insult you. Confront them on it.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
03A][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You’re distracted by the ring.
There’s something odd about it… What the hell is Veyer doing with
it?|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Keep your focus on Umbria. She’s the
only one who matters here.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
03C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Oshiro
snorts derisively, shaking his head and muttering under his breath.
Beside him, the elf fidgets in their seat, their feet shifting
restlessly on the table. They pass the emerald ring from hand to hand,
throwing it higher and higher with each toss. The dwarven woman next to
them scowls, watching the ring with rising trepidation.
“Problem, Leda?” the elf says.
The dwarf rolls her eyes. She scoots her chair to the right, scraping it
against the floor as she nudges it out of the way.
Umbria ignores them, her gaze passing between you and Aeran as if you
are the only ones present in the room. “I would hesitate to call
anything about today fortunate, $lastname,” she says. “Nashira has
graced us with a cruel sense of humour.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 REACH
02B")>>[[1. “Then let’s hope it doesn’t last. You’re taking a
great risk, meeting like this.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
05A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “A recurring theme, I take it. I get
the feeling you’ve had a rough month. Tower explosions not on the
agenda?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 05B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Gods don’t have anything to do with
it.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
05C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1>><<lethalisLoss>>“Careful who
you call a thug, Veyer,” you say darkly, rounding on them.
The elven mage clicks their tongue, shaking their head as they catch the
ring and flip it high in the air once more. <<if $countDead_How
is 1 or $countDead_How is 5 or $countDead_How is 6>>“With a
reputation like yours, $lastname?” they say. “You slaughtered Cere Nalos
singlehandedly. You’re a mercenary, take it as a compliment. Being a
thug is a sign you’re good at your profession.”<<elseif
$rhodarthDead_How is 6>>“With a reputation like yours, $lastname?”
they say. “You took on a Brightblade and won. You’re a mercenary, take
it as a compliment. Being a thug is a sign you’re good at your
profession.”<<elseif $$CountB_Branch3 is true>>“With a
reputation like yours, $lastname?” they say. “You destroyed half of Rona
singlehandedly, or at least that’s what they’re saying—”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “That’s not how it was—”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re a mercenary, take it as a compliment. Being a
thug is a sign you’re good at your
profession.”<<else>>“You’re a mercenary, $lastname,” they
say. “Thug is part of the profession and therefore part of your
reputation. Consider it a compliment—you must be a good
one.”<</if>>
Your fingers curl into a fist beneath the table. “How much do you want
to be on the receiving end of that reputation?” you grunt.
Veyer catches the ring a final time. “Not today,” they say, making a
great show of sliding it onto their index finger. “I’ll have to pass on
such a generous offer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Isn’t Diradan Tower an academy? I was under
the impression most mages here are scholars. You could call it an
educational experience.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 04A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 95), $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. You’re getting sidetracked. Let it
go.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
04B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $veyer_impression
+=1>>You fall silent, the rest of the mages fading into the
background as you watch Veyer toss the ring. The longer you watch, the
more it suspends the laws of gravity. No matter how high or which
direction Veyer tosses it, it always returns perfectly to the palm of
their hand, as if pulled by an invisible force. You’re not sure what
kind of magic is at play here or what Veyer is hoping to accomplish with
it. Judging from the disgruntled expressions on the rest of the mages’
faces, their cavalier attitude is getting on their nerves.
“If we could return back to the matter at hand,” Oshiro says darkly. “We
know nothing of $lastname, except what Zenaida has told us. Now, I may
be alone in my misgivings, but I do not usually place much faith in
untried and untested—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, I find your
objections to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional
capabilities and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so
threatened that you are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at
the hand of a—”
The ring flies sideways. Leda jumps in surprise as it passes, scraping
her chair against the floor in her rush to get out of the way. The ring
snaps to a halt in front of you, hovering at eye level, the golden band
glimmering as it slowly revolves.
“Want it, $lastname?” Veyer calls, fixing you with a grin.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Quinn raps her fingers impatiently on the table. “Ugh,” she
mutters, rolling her eyes. “Stop playing with the damn thing, you’re
behaving like a child—”
“I am curious to see the extent of your abilities,” they continue,
speaking over her. “Is a mere touch enough to break the connection?”
Aeran rounds on them, jaw set, eyes ablaze.
Acting on impulse, you seize the topmost book from the stack near Leda,
heft it between your hands, and knock the ring with its cover. The ring
spins out of its revolution and zings back to Veyer with the speed of a
loosed arrow. They raise a hand and catch it, their long, tawny fingers
folding it into their palm.
“Not today,” you return.
They shrug. “Fair enough,” they say, sliding the ring onto their index
finger.
Quinn lets out a disgruntled groan. “Someone please say something before
Veyer gets more out of hand—”
“I believe Zenaida was in the midst of insulting me,” Oshiro says,
turning on her with a glib smile.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Her
eyes narrow. “I meant no disrespect, Archsage, I merely called the
motivation for your resistance into question—”
“I am //resistant// to your proposal because I do not believe you have
thought through the ramifications of this joint effort,” he says
sharply. “Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all; it’s an unexpected
standstill, something we sorely needed to reassess. Striking now is not
only a foolish decision, it’s an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” she counters. “Do you really think he will give
us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
He folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
Veyer //tsks// under their breath. “Do you hear yourself?” they say,
sliding their feet from the table and sitting upright. “Even if it aids
Solarath, in what world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC NOTRUST
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $umbria_impression
+=1>>Umbria holds your gaze, meeting your scrutiny with a
steadfast resolve. Though you sense a growing irritation with certain
individuals around the table, she ignores her colleagues’ dispute to
focus on you and Aeran. You know one thing for certain now: though
Lethalis’ major figures may be in attendance, this meeting is not about
them. It’s about you, Aeran, and Umbria—and whatever understanding you
may come to.
“If we could return back to the matter at hand,” Oshiro calls. “We know
nothing of $lastname, except what Zenaida has told us. Now, I may be
alone in my misgivings, but I do not usually place much faith in untried
and untested—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, your objections
seem to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional capabilities
and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so threatened that you
are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at the hand of a
Wayfarer?”
As she speaks, Veyer tosses their ring for a final time and catches it
expertly in one hand. They slip it onto their index finger and lean
inward, glancing from Zenaida to Oshiro with glee in their eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“My
ego is perfectly fine,” Oshiro says abruptly, earning a subtle eyeroll
from Quinn. “I don’t question their worth because they are Wayfarers; I
question it because I don’t believe you have thought through the
ramifications of this joint effort. Diradan Tower is inaccessible to
//all;// it’s an unexpected standstill, something we sorely needed to
reassess. Striking now is not only a foolish decision, it’s an amateur
one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
He folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” Veyer says, sliding their feet from the table
and sitting upright. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what world would
Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC NOTRUST
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<aeranApp>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1>><<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
hear a distant chuckle. Aeran shifts in his seat beside you, and, out of
the corner of your eye, you catch the faintest of
smiles.<<else>>You hear a faint snort of laughter. Aeran
shifts in his seat beside you, purposefully looking in another
direction.<</if>>
As expected, the rest of the table doesn’t share his amusement.
“Still certain this is our $person, Zenaida?” Oshiro mutters. “Piss-poor
mercenary with a proclivity for petty threats and grandstanding—”
“I didn’t hire $himher for $hisher amiability, I hired $himher for
$hisher capabilities,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, if your goal
here is to antagonize our guests because their presence threatens your
ego, then you should leave this table before you waste more of our
time.”
You half expect Oshiro to clam up and go red in the face, but the
archsage simply throws back his head and laughs. “Thanks for the
concern, princess, but my ego is perfectly fine,” he says. “I don’t
question their worth because they are Wayfarers; I question it because I
don’t believe you have thought through the ramifications of this joint
effort. Diradan Tower is inaccessible to //all;// it’s an unexpected
standstill, something we sorely needed to reassess. Striking now is not
only a foolish decision, it’s an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
Oshiro folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” Veyer says, sliding their feet from the table
and sitting upright. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what world would
Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You fold your arms, ignoring
Veyer and turning your attention across the table. Zenaida catches your
eye, a flicker of a smile on her lips. Beside you, Aeran shifts
uncomfortably in his seat, a dark look on his face. No doubt he isn’t
thrilled about your current circumstances and would like this meeting to
end as quickly as possible. But Lethalis’ mages seem insistent on
dragging it out with argument after argument. If they keep it up, he’s
going to snap.
“If you’re quite done antagonizing our guests, Veyer, we should move
on,” Zenaida says.
Veyer rolls their eyes, exchanging a knowing look with Quinn across the
table. She sighs, shaking her head as she raps her fingers against the
table.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“As
unconventional as their approach may be, Veyer does raise an important
concern,” Oshiro says. “We know nothing of $lastname, except what you’ve
told us. Now, I may be alone in my misgivings, but I do not usually
place much faith in untried and untested—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, your objections
seem to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional capabilities
and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so threatened that you
are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at the hand of a
Wayfarer?”
“My ego is perfectly fine,” he replies abruptly. “I don’t question their
worth because they are Wayfarers; I question it because I don’t believe
you have thought through the ramifications of this joint effort.
Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all; it’s an unexpected standstill,
something we sorely needed to reassess. Striking now is not only a
foolish decision, it’s an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” she counters. “Do you really think he will give
us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
“If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” Veyer says, sliding their feet from the table
and sitting upright. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what world would
Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC NOTRUST
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Can’t
believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” Veyer
continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the solution
Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an obedient
dog—”
Oshiro snorts. His mouth twists, a retort on his lips.
“It doesn’t matter,” Quinn says sharply. A lock of hair unravels from
her bun and falls across her face. She pushes it behind her ear and
presses onward. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
“Quinn is correct,” Umbria says, raising a hand to call for silence.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed
for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue
amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves
the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 04B")>>A hushed
silence rushes over the table, the artefact’s name casting a dark shadow
across the gathered mages. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved
look on his face. Now the Astrial has been introduced to the discussion,
you can finally get the answers you’re looking for.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.<<else>>A
hushed silence rushes over the table, the artefact’s name casting a dark
shadow across the gathered mages. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the
relieved look on his face. <<if $aeranapp>=60>>You have
to commend him; sitting here with seven Guild mages can’t be easy for
him, and yet he hasn’t said a single antagonistic
word.<<else>>You’re surprised he has kept his tongue in
check; somehow, he’s managed not to say a single antagonistic
word.<</if>> No doubt he wants this meeting to end as soon
as possible. After all this blather, he must be pleased that someone has
finally mentioned the Astrial.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. While it’s tempting to ask
Umbria outright what she wants you to do and leave it at that, you
barely understand what you’re walking into. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>Aeran will have to wait a little
longer.<<else>>Aeran will have to cope on his
own.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$wards to true>><<if ndef $textGroup>><<set
$textGroup = 1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<lethalisLoss>><<set $veyer_impression
+=1,$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>Hushed
silence rushes through the room as all eyes turn to you. Umbria tilts
her head and frowns, a deep crease forming between her brows. A loud
thump ricochets across the table as Oshiro slams his hands on the
surface and rises from his chair.
“The gall on you, Wayfarer,” he spits. “To walk in here with an open
threat… <<if $countDead_How is 1 or $countDead_How is 5 or
$countDead_How is 6>>You may have killed Cere Nalos, but we are
not so easily frightened—”<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
6>>You may have killed a Brightblade, but we are not easily
frightened by reputation—”<<elseif $$CountB_Branch3 is
true>>We are not so easily frightened. You may have singlehandedly
destroyed half of Rona, but that is no feat to be proud of—”
Your jaw clenches. “That’s not how it was—”<<else>>Even the
greatest of warriors will eventually fall. We are not so easily
frightened—”<</if>>
The elven mage clicks their tongue. “We’re not so easily frightened…!
Says the easily frightened man,” they say, shaking their head.
You half expect Oshiro to clam up and go red in the face, but the
archsage simply throws back his head and laughs. “A poor choice of
words, then,” he says. “As Veyer is happy to call attention to—”
Veyer chuckles and flips their ring, tossing it high in the air once
more.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“However, my point still stands—”
A muscle twitches in your jaw. “My intentions aren’t malevolent,” you
say, your voice strained. It takes every ounce of self control not to
follow suit and slam your hands on the table. “The archon’s gala may
have provided a reasonable excuse for you to gather at the palace, but
so have your enemies. If any of them were to follow you here, there is
no question they would suspect that—”
“And in other circumstances you would, perhaps, be correct,” Umbria
interrupts. “But what you do not understand is that this area of the
palace was selected because it is a remote wing. The wards that protect
the rest of Mahanin are not present here. It is the one place Ashani can
cast and maintain a dampening barrier without triggering the palace’s
security.”
Your throat goes dry, embarrassment flaring through your chest. Across
the table, Ashani maintains their diligent stillness and suddenly their
lack of contribution makes sense. You passed through a barrier when you
entered the library; if you had to guess, it is the kind that eliminates
sound to protect the conversations within. If anyone were to listen in,
they would hear nothing but creaking floors and bookcases.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I
admit, I am not certain whether the barrier applies to you and Kellis,”
Umbria continues. “Magiani interactions with such magic remain
undocumented. As such, it would be in all our interests for you both to
maintain discretion and lowered voices.”
Aeran frowns, but says nothing. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
have to commend him; sitting here with seven Guild mages can’t be easy
for him, and yet he hasn’t said a single antagonistic
word.<<else>>You’re surprised he has kept his tongue in
check; somehow, he’s managed not to say a single antagonistic
word.<</if>> No doubt he wants this meeting to end as soon
as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC NOTRUST
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>Hushed
silence rushes through the room as all eyes turn to you. Their
discomfort at the mention of Diradan Tower is tangible. Aeran shifts in
his seat beside you, giving you a warning <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>look<<else>>glare<</if>>. Given
the severity of the explosion’s aftermath, your comment may have been
too flippant.
“The events of three weeks ago took the Guild by surprise,” Umbria says
finally. “Lethalis, Solarath—it didn’t matter the allegiance. The wanton
destruction—accidental or not—has affected us all. And I fear it has
only entrenched our differences even further.”
//About that…//
You pause, questions about Diradan and the Astrial racing through your
mind. But you know you are on dangerous ground; already, this meeting is
not going the way you expected. Lethalis is far more mistrustful than
Zenaida led you to believe. If you broach the subject too forcefully,
you are likely to only deepen their reservations.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$ashani_impression +=2>>Leda rounds on you. “I expected as much,”
she says darkly. “Kindly keep your views to yourself, Wayfarer. We are
not here to argue religion—”
<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>“Then you can kindly keep your
assumptions to yourself,” you snap. “My relationship with the Hexatheon
is between the gods and me. But I don’t believe for an instant Nashira
orchestrated any of this. Sometimes a coincidence is just a
coincidence.”
She raises her chin and fixes you with a critical look. You can sense a
willingness to continue the argument, but unlike Oshiro, she knows when
to back down. Beside her, the elf blows a raspberry and lounges back in
their chair. They flip their ring higher and higher, the gold band
glinting brightly as it tumbles through the air.
Aeran stirs at your side, sinking awkwardly into the depths of his
chair. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a disapproving look that
he is quick to hide. The Hexatheon is a difficult topic for the pair of
you and it’s one you have agreed never to talk about. Aeran’s foster
father was a vocally nonreligious artificer and left a strong impression
on him as a child. Between that and the Meissandium’s distrust of
Wayfarers and magiani, he has always vocally rejected the Hexatheon’s
existence.<<elseif $meissa_religion is 2>>“Don’t assume you
know anything about me,” you snap. “Regardless of how I feel about the
Hexatheon, I don’t believe for an instant Nashira orchestrated any of
this. Sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence.”
The elf clicks their tongue, tutting quietly. “Don’t let the clerics
catch you saying that,” they say, lounging in their chair. They flip
their ring higher and higher, the gold band glinting brightly as it
tumbles through the air. “They’d have you believe everything is
predetermined by Nashira’s hand.”
Aeran mutters under his breath and sinks awkwardly into the depths of
his chair. You glance at him, but he avoids returning your gaze. The
Hexatheon is a difficult topic for the pair of you. While you’re not
certain where you lie, Aeran has always vocally rejected the Hexatheon’s
existence. Between his foster father’s vocally nonreligious stance and
the Meissandium’s active distrust of Wayfarers and magiani, he never had
a choice.<<else>>“Good,” you snap. “That’s the last thing I
want to do. Glad we agree on something.”
She pauses, a grimace darkening her expression.
“Sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence,” you add.
Her mouth forms the shadow of a retort, but it never comes. Sighing
wearily, Leda throws up her hands in surrender and leans back in her
seat. Though you sense a desire to argue, she knows when to back down.
Beside her, the elf blows a raspberry and lounges in their chair. They
flip their ring higher and higher, the gold band glinting brightly as it
tumbles through the air.
You cast a quick glance at Aeran and catch a faint smile on his lips.
The Hexatheon has always been a difficult topic for the pair of you; he
shares much of your resentment and viewpoint. His foster father was a
vocally nonreligious artificer and left a strong impression on him.
Between that and the Meissandium’s distrust of Wayfarers and magiani, he
has always vocally rejected the Hexatheon’s
existence.<</if>>
Across the table, Ashani turns in your direction, fixing you with their
piercing black gaze. There’s something strange in their liquid eyes, a
peculiar sense of approval. Your jaw clenches as you debate whether to
say something or keep your mouth shut. This is the first time Ashani’s
stillness has been disrupted since you entered the library. Now you’ve
drawn their attention, you’re not sure what to do with it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
06]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“If we could return back to the
matter at hand,” Oshiro calls. “We know nothing of $lastname, except
what Zenaida has told us. Now, I may be alone in my misgivings, but I do
not usually place much faith in untried and untested—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, your objections
seem to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional capabilities
and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so threatened that you
are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at the hand of a
Wayfarer?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
05A")>>Veyer<<else>>The elf<</if>> tosses
their ring for a final time and catches it expertly in one hand. They
slip it onto their index finger and lean inward, glancing from Zenaida
to Oshiro with glee in their eyes.
“My ego is perfectly fine,” Oshiro says abruptly, earning a subtle
eyeroll from Quinn. “I don’t question their worth because they are
Wayfarers; I question it because I don’t believe you have thought
through the ramifications of this joint effort. Diradan Tower is
inaccessible to all; it’s an unexpected standstill, something we sorely
needed to reassess. Striking now is not only a foolish decision, it’s an
amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
He folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
05A")>>Veyer<<else>>the elven mage<</if>>
says, sliding their feet from the table and sitting upright. “Even if it
aids Solarath, in what world would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit
us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful
silence, even she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
Further down the table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you
entered the library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The
intense disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST 05A")>>“Can’t
believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” Veyer
continues acidly, shaking their head. “I might not like the solution
Zenaida has given us, but it’s better than rolling over like an obedient
dog—”
Oshiro snorts. His mouth twists, a retort on his
lips.<<else>>“Can’t believe your great suggestion is to sit
down and do nothing,” the elf continues acidly, shaking their head.
Quinn rolls her eyes at the ceiling. “Veyer—”
“I might not like the solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better
than rolling over like an obedient dog—”<</if>>
“It doesn’t matter,” <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC NOTRUST
05A")>>Quinn says sharply<<else>>she
interrupts<</if>>. A lock of hair unravels from her bun and
falls across her face. She swipes it quickly behind her ear and presses
onward. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to throttle each
other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But thanks to
Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
raises a hand, calling for silence. “Quinn is correct. Whatever hope we
had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower did.
Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words. It seems merely
naming the artefact is enough to cast a dark shadow over the gathered
mages. You catch Aeran’s eye, noting the relieved look on his face. Now
the Astrial has been introduced to the discussion, you can finally get
the answers you’re looking for.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Allegra
Arantir,” you say.
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “You better
not be lying, Wayfarer, or by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says, folding her arms. “I
see that ending well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. “Scoff all you
want, Quinn, we’d be fools not to question the validity of $hisher
statement—”
“Validity?” Zenaida says. “$lastname is a consummate professional.
$HeShe <<has>> no reason to lie when we are the ones who
hold the purse strings—”
Discord erupts around you as a dispute engulfs the meeting. Across the
table, Ashani closes their eyes, their lips pursing into a disapproving,
fine line. Umbria stands in silence, ignoring the heated argument. She
barely flinched when you mentioned Allegra, and now she directs all her
attention on you. Her eyes narrow as she observes you, searching your
face for answers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 02
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$wards to true>><<if ndef $textGroup>><<set
$textGroup = 1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>><<set $vote_against
+=1>>“I overheard it in passing,” you say.
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “Overheard,” they repeat, twisting their ring
idly around their index finger. “In //passing.”//
“You’d be surprised how much information you can glean simply by walking
through a room at a party,” you reply. “A little drink, a little
comfort, and the sweet pleasure of boasting will make anyone’s lips
loose.”
They smirk. “Must be delightful,” they say, slipping their feet from the
table and sitting upright in their chair. “It’s rare to come across
information with such ease. Most mages or nobles are accustomed to
raising a dampening ward to prevent unwanted eavesdroppers.”
You pause. Though the rest of the table has bought your explanation,
you’re certain Veyer doesn’t believe you. “Dampening ward?” you ask
finally, playing up your confusion. If you keep them talking long
enough, you’ll leave your lie far behind you.
“Barriers that prevent sound from escaping their confines,” the dwarven
woman explains. There is a lecturing tone to her voice, as if she is
explaining basic principles to a fresh-faced student. “Why, you passed
through one tonight to reach us. Ashani is not usually so quiet, but
maintaining the barrier without triggering the palace’s security is no
mean feat.”
Across the table, the melusine sends her a flat, unimpressed look.
“That will do, Leda, thank you,” Umbria says quickly. “I admit I am not
certain whether Ashani’s ward applies to you and Kellis. Magiani
interactions with such magic remain undocumented. As such, it would be
in all our interests for you both to maintain discretion and lowered
voices.”
Aeran frowns, but says nothing. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
have to commend him; sitting here with seven Guild mages can’t be easy
for him, and yet he hasn’t said a single antagonistic
word.<<else>>You’re surprised he has kept his tongue in
check; somehow, he’s managed not to say a single antagonistic
word.<</if>> No doubt he wants this meeting to end as soon
as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Then the Brightblade is nothing more than a rumour at most,”
Oshiro says with gratified finality. “We have time to consider our
actions thoroughly—”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
Behind her, Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful
silence, even she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
Umbria raises a hand, quickly silencing the table before it descends
into another dispute. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be
made in haste,” she says gravely. “But we must all remember: whatever
hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day the tower
did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue amongst
ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Silence
settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the rustle of
clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly in their
seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing to look
each other in the eye.
You grip the edge of the table, your fingers pressing sharply into the
polished wood. Your mind is racing with questions. It may be tempting to
ask Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionFail>>“I
don’t know,” you say, shrugging. “I heard it somewhere.”
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “You heard it,” they repeat, twisting their
ring idly around their index finger. //“Somewhere.”//
Your throat tightens. “Look, does it matter? Surely we have—”
They click their tongue. “You don’t simply walk through the archon’s
gala and happen to overhear that a Brightblade infiltrated Diradan
Tower,” they say darkly. “No one manages that—not even a Wayfarer.”
“You’d be surprised what a little drink and a little comfort can do—”
“Every noble and every mage may have cast their dampening wards, but
even then they wouldn’t let something of that magnitude slip out so
easily,” they interrupt, eyes flashing. “You were told. And I know
within a single guess by who.”
You pause, your spine prickling as the mages round on you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give in.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA GIVE
IN][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95),
$veyer_impression -=1, $umbria_impression -=1, $vote_against
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stick to your lie.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA STICK][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95),
$veyer_impression +=1, $vote_against
+=2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Putting
Archsage Oshiro’s suspicions aside for a moment, let’s assume the
Wayfarer is telling the truth and consider the information at hand,”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01B")>>the
elf<<else>>Veyer<</if>> calls. They slide their
feet from the table and sit upright, directing Lethalis’ splintered
focus on themself. “Solarath has made a move by sending a Brightblade to
the tower. If they did indeed fail, Solarath now has an estimation of
the shroud’s strength—and what it will take to disperse it and reach the
Astrial.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01B")>>“That is far
too much conjecture, Veyer,” Leda says.<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT")>>“I hate to raise the idea,
but perhaps this is too much conjecture,” Leda
says.<<else>>“I hate to raise the idea, but perhaps this is
too much conjecture,” the dwarven woman says.<</if>>
“Regardless of her associations with Solarath, Arantir is a member of
the Council of Mages and trusted with Diradan’s protection. We all wish
to return to the tower. Dispersing the explosion’s aftermath is a goal
that benefits us all. There are novitiates—young children—in the Guild’s
care who do not have a home, do not have a safe place to study—”
Zenaida sighs. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
DIRECT")>>“You cannot believe<<else>>“Leda, you of all
people cannot believe<</if>> that Arantir would instigate
an investigation like this simply for the benefit of the Guild as a
whole—”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria interrupts, reigning in the discord. “Do
you recall how Archsage Arantir described it? Her exact words, if you
please.”
You pause, caught off-guard by her sudden directness. Considering
Lethalis seems inclined to talk about you as if you weren’t here, you’re
surprised you’ve been invited back into this dispute. Your gut twists
as you try to remember, peeling back the hours to the time you spent
with Allegra in the pavilions.
What did she say about the Brightblade? <<if $$last_location is
1>>It wasn’t that long ago…<<else>>It was a while ago
now… this evening has gone on for far too long…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Uh… sorry, can’t remember.”|CHAPTER
2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vote_against +=1>>Veyer frowns. “Is that so?” they say, twisting
their ring around their index finger. “Then perhaps Solarath has not
moved as quickly as I presumed. Arantir will want to test the shroud
thoroughly before they strike the tower.”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says with
gratified finality.
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
Behind her, Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful
silence, even she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
Umbria raises a hand, quickly silencing the table before it descends
into another dispute. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be
made in haste,” she says gravely. “We have always known the Guild was
headed for open conflict. If $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> information is
correct, then there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the
Astrial first will be the victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vote_against +=1>>Veyer clicks their tongue. “Is that so?” they
say, glancing downward at their ring as they twist it around their index
finger. “So even a Brightblade’s power fails here. If it is truly that
powerful, I wonder how a Wayfarer will fair. Will we finally discover a
magic potent enough to affect a magianis?”
Quinn rolls her eyes. “Don’t waste our time with the idea, Veyer, you
know it’s not possible.”
“But what if it is? Shall we—in our desperation—find out? Is that a
sacrifice Umbria is willing to make?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH B2.02 APERS FAIL
2")>>Aeran curses. “Think very carefully about where you intend to
send us,” he snarls. “There will never be Wayfarer blood on Guild hands
again.”<<else>>Aeran curses and rises to his feet, a
terrible expression on his face. “Think carefully about where you intend
to send us,” he says. “There will never be Wayfarer blood on Guild
hands again.”
You pause, barely daring to breathe. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You reach for him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He
grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as he stares down the
Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>Until now, you were surprised he could
keep his tongue in check in a room full of Guild mages. You should have
expected he would break
eventually.<</if>><</if>>
“All the more reason to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says,
finally breaking the silence. “If the shroud killed a Brightblade, then
we need more information about the remaining energies in the tower. This
is not the time to act.”
Umbria nods gravely. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be
made in haste,” she says. “We have always known the Guild was headed for
conflict. This changes nothing but our approach. There is no other
avenue now—whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the victor in
this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
Aeran mutters another curse under his breath and finds his seat,
retreating into livid silence. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
watch him carefully, picking absently at a fingernail. A million
questions flood your mind, but you set them
aside.<<else>>You ignore him—you don’t have time to moderate
his personal feelings while you’re negotiating with
Lethalis.<</if>> It may be tempting to ask Umbria what she
wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But between the Astrial
and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely
understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to succeed, you
need as much information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vote_for +=1>>Veyer pauses, a hand absently stroking their chin
as they consider your words. “Is that so?” they say, muffling their
words as they press their ring against their bottom lip. “Then Solarath
is moving faster than I presumed. If the shroud has proven dispersible,
then it is only a matter of time before they strike the tower in force.”
“And we should not forget Nova,” Zenaida says. “She was all but abducted
by Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the truth
from her mind.”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did,” Umbria says finally. “The Guild is headed for open
conflict and the lines have been drawn. Veyer is correct—there is no
other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the first
victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $vote_against
+=1>><<nobr>><<if $wine
>=1>><<lethalisLoss>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>Veyer clicks their tongue.
“Unfortunate,” they say, twisting their ring idly around their index
finger. “But we shouldn’t expect much from a mercenary more willing to
enjoy drink and entertainment at their employer’s expense than to keep
their wits about them—”
<<else>>Veyer clicks their tongue. “Unfortunate,” they say,
twisting their ring idly around their index finger. “I didn’t realize
<<if $origin is "noble" and (ndef $lastname2)>>a child of
House $lastname would be so overwhelmed by a paltry gala, they would
cease to pay attention.<<else>>members of your infamous
order had such shallow attentions.<</if>>Perhaps Zenaida
should have added a clause to your contract to record all your
observations, lest your memory fail
you.”<</if>><</nobr>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran snarls,
nearly rising from the table in your defense. You grip his arm and force
him to stay seated.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran
grunts, nearly rising from the table in your defense. You shoot him a
side-eyed look and subtly shake your head, indicating for him to stay
seated. He slowly leans back, folding his arms as he acts like nothing
happened.
He fools no one.<<else>>Aeran grimaces, letting out an
exasperated breath. While you don’t expect him to rise to your defense,
Veyer is clearly getting on his nerves.<</if>>
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>“It’s not like I was keen to go
to the gala in the first place,” you retort. “I was content to stay in
my room, but someone had to have me come all the way down
here—”<<else>>“It’s a big party, I met a lot of people.
Maybe if I had been properly briefed, I would have paid closer attention
instead of waiting around for all of you.”<</if>>
“Enough, $lastname,” Zenaida calls from across the table. You can hear a
subtle hint of desperation in her voice; her composure is fracturing.
“We may not have the details, but we know Solarath sent a Brightblade
into the tower. Nova was all but abducted this morning, it is only a
matter of time before their agents pull the truth from her mind—”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“We must consider our actions thoroughly,” he presses. “This news, this
Brightblade… without more information, it is not enough—”
“Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be made in haste,” Umbria
says, raising a hand to call for silence. “We have always known the
Guild was headed for open conflict. Regardless of $lastname<<if
$lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> information, there
is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the
victor in this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Silence
settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the rustle of
clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly in their
seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing to look
each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Yeah,”
you say finally. “It was Allegra. But—”
Oshiro's fist pounds the table. Veyer’s lips twist, triumph shining in
their eyes. Across the way, Zenaida closes her eyes and looks away,
shame flickering across her face.
The elf clicks their tongue. “All that effort for a blatant lie, only to
give up half way?” they say, shaking their head. <<if $origin is
("noble" and (ndef $lastname2)) or $origin is "urchin" or $origin is
"merchant" or $origin is "farmer">>“For shame, $lastname. I would
have thought <<if $origin is "urchin">>a child of the
Nesactium streets<<elseif $origin is "noble">>a child of
House $lastname<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>a child of
the Coveran merchant fleet<<else>>a child of rural
Arsenia<</if>> would have better instincts, but perhaps your
order leached it out of you. Is cowardice that common amongst your
order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<<else>>“For shame, $lastname. Is cowardness that
common amongst your order, or is it an aftereffect of the Spire’s
fall?”<</if>>
Aeran curses and rises to his feet. “Mind your tongue, mage,” he snarls,
blue eyes dark with anger. “Or this deal is done.”
Veyer leans back in their chair, linking their hands behind their neck.
“I never made a deal with you,” he says. “Zenaida Anaxas made it on our
behalf. It doesn’t hurt me to see you walk away—in fact, I know half
this table would prefer it.”
You pause, barely daring to breathe. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You reach for him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. He
grunts and pulls away, angling his back to you as he stares down the
Order of Lethalis. Closing you out of the
conversation.<<else>>Until now, you were surprised he could
keep his tongue in check in a room full of Guild mages. You should have
expected he would break eventually.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>“Try
me,” you say flatly.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIPLOMATIC")>>The
elf<<else>>Veyer<</if>> smirks. “Allegra
Arantir.”
Your jaw clenches.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIPLOMATIC")>>They raise
their chin, their eyes sweeping over you as they settle back in their
chair. “As I suspected,” they say. “It was her, wasn’t it? Quirinus’
lieutenant, the backbone of Solarath—”
“Veyer,” Zenaida calls warningly, glancing at Aeran.
The elf ignores her. “Now I’d love to hypothesize why you chose to keep
this information to yourself, but we have better things to concern
ourselves with than the insubordinate actions of a single
Wayfarer—”<<else>>They raise their chin, their eyes sweeping
over you as they settle back in their chair. “As I suspected,” they
say. “It was her, wasn’t it? Quirinus’ lieutenant, the backbone of
Solarath. Now I’d love to hypothesize why you chose to keep this
information to yourself, but we have better things to concern ourselves
with than the insubordinate actions of a single
Wayfarer—”<</if>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran snarls,
nearly rising from the table in your defense. You grip his arm and force
him to stay seated.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran
grunts, nearly rising from the table in your defense. You shoot him a
side-eyed look and subtly shake your head, indicating for him to stay
seated. He slowly leans back, folding his arms as he acts like nothing
happened.
He fools no one.<<else>>Aeran grimaces, letting out an
exasperated breath. While you don’t expect him to rise to your defense,
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIPLOMATIC")>>the
elf<</if>> Veyer is clearly provoking him as much as they
are you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA CONT
ALL]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Gods
damn it,” Oshiro curses, passing a hand across his face. “Belennor help
us, Zenaida, if these two prove to be more trouble than they are
worth—”
“I’m sure Wayfarer $lastname did not want to disrupt this evenings
discussions by mentioning Arantir,” Zenaida says coolly.
Aeran grimaces and looks away, staring deliberately at a mark on the
floor.
“However,” she continues, “I admit, $hisher statement about the
Brightblade is troublesome. If Arantir told $himher the truth, then it
is clear Solarath is moving to retake the tower and the Astrial—”
Discord erupts around you as a dispute engulfs the meeting. Across the
table, Ashani closes their eyes, their lips pursing into a disapproving,
fine line. Umbria stands in silence, ignoring the heated argument. She
barely flinched at Allegra’s name and now she directs all her attention
on you. Her eyes narrow as she observes you, searching your face for
answers.
“I hate to raise the idea, but perhaps this is too much conjecture,”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
DIRECT")>>Leda<<else>>the dwarven
woman<</if>> says. “Regardless of her associations with
Solarath, Arantir is a member of the Council of Mages and trusted with
Diradan’s protection. We all wish to return to the tower. Dispersing the
explosion’s aftermath is a goal that benefits us all. There are
novitiates—young children—in the Guild’s care who do not have a home, do
not have a safe place to study—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT")>>“You cannot
believe that Arantir would instigate an investigation like this simply
for the benefit of the Guild as a whole,” Zenaida says
sharply.<<else>>“Leda,” Zenaida interrupts sharply, “you of
all people cannot believe that Arantir would instigate an investigation
like this simply for the benefit of the Guild as a
whole—”<</if>>
“Perhaps if Wayfarer $lastname could recount the conversation $heshe had
with our enemy,” Veyer says. “Her exact words—if you can manage.”
You grit your teeth, trying to remember what Allegra said to you.
<<if $last_location is 1>>The conversation wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>The conversation was hours
ago…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC
ASTRALLEGRA 03B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 03C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Look, do you want this thing or
not?” you say sharply, rounding on Umbria.
The leader of Lethalis does not flinch. She maintains her cool
observation, her eyes narrowing as she stares back at you, searching
your face for answers.
“It is not a question of whether we do or not, it is a question of
trust,” Oshiro interjects. “You may see yourself as an impartial
professional, but by contracting your services, Zenaida has made you
privy to Lethalis’ innermost secrets. Furthermore, as of right now,
Diradan Tower is inaccessible to all. It’s an unexpected standstill,
something we sorely needed to reassess. Striking now is not only a
foolish decision, it’s an amateur one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
He folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” the elven mage says, sliding their feet from the
table and sitting upright. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what world
would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Can’t
believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” the elf
continues acidly, shaking their head.
Quinn rolls her eyes at the ceiling. “Veyer—”
“I might not like the solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better
than rolling over like an obedient dog—”
“It doesn’t matter,” she interrupts, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it back
behind her ear. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
“Quinn is correct,” Umbria says, raising a hand to call for silence.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed
for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue
amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves
the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words. You pause, your
mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you still don’t have a firm grasp of
what you’re walking into. And the Lethalis mages, for all their talk,
seem reluctant to clarify. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>In the uncomfortable pause that
follows, you quickly glance around the table, gauging the mages’
reactions. Most avert their gaze, keen to avoid making eye contact, as
if that would somehow confirm the truth of your words. Two seats down,
the elf continues to throw their ring, throwing it higher with each
toss, clearly more engaged in their game than the conversation at hand.
The dwarven woman watches the ring with rising trepidation and turns
away, a scowl on her face.
“Problem, Leda?” the elf says.
The dwarf rolls her eyes and scoots her chair to the right, scraping it
against the floor as she nudges it out of the way. Beside you, Aeran
shifts in his seat and exhales a sharp breath, doing nothing to hide his
irritation. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>Sitting here with seven
Guild mages can’t be easy for him.<<else>>You’re surprised
he’s kept in tongue in check so far, though you’re certain it won’t
last.<</if>> No doubt he wants this meeting to end as soon
as possible.
You can’t deny you share the sentiment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Look, do you want this thing or not?” you say sharply,
rounding on Umbria.
The leader of Lethalis does not flinch. She maintains her cool
observation, her eyes narrowing as she stares back at you, searching
your face for answers.
“It is not a question of whether we do or not, it is a question of
trust,” Oshiro interjects. “You may see yourself as an impartial
professional, but by contracting your services, Zenaida has made you
privy to Lethalis’ innermost secrets. I may be alone in my misgivings,
but I do not usually place much faith in untried and untested
individuals—”
“Wayfarer $lastname is more than capable of the task at hand, I assure
you,” Zenaida says coolly. “Quite frankly, Archsage, your objections
seem to be less about $lastname and Kellis’ professional capabilities
and more about your own prejudices. Is your ego so threatened that you
are actively unwilling to accept aid if it comes at the hand of a
Wayfarer?”
The elf chuckles quietly and tosses their ring for a final time,
catching it expertly in one hand. They slip it onto their index finger
and glance from Zenaida to Oshiro, a smirk on their lips.
“My ego is perfectly fine,” Oshiro says, earning a subtle eyeroll from
Quinn. “I don’t question their worth because they are Wayfarers; I
question it because I don’t believe you have thought through the
ramifications of this joint effort. Diradan Tower is inaccessible to
all; it’s an unexpected standstill, something we sorely needed to
reassess. Striking now is not only a foolish decision, it’s an amateur
one.”
“And what of Quirinus?” Zenaida counters. “Do you really think he will
give us the benefit of an armistice, to wait it out alongside us?”
He folds his arms. “If it’s to his benefit? Unquestionably—”
“Do you hear yourself?” the elven mage says, sliding their feet from the
table and sitting upright. “Even if it aids Solarath, in what world
would Quirinus ever do anything to benefit us?”
“Have you forgotten Nova?” Zenaida snaps. “She was by all means abducted
by Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro retorts. “They cannot
force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure
you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes. Further down the
table, Ashani blinks—perhaps the first time since you entered the
library—and turns their liquid black eyes on Oshiro. The intense
disapproval in their stare is unnerving.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Can’t
believe your great suggestion is to sit down and do nothing,” the elf
continues acidly, shaking their head.
Quinn rolls her eyes at the ceiling. “Veyer—”
“I might not like the solution Zenaida has given us, but it’s better
than rolling over like an obedient dog—”
“It doesn’t matter,” she interrupts, a lock of ash brown hair
unravelling from her bun and falling across her face. She pushes it
behind her ear. “A month ago Lethalis and Solarath were happy to
throttle each other in the shadows while presenting a united front. But
thanks to Alexia and Lucien’s actions, there cannot be a standstill.”
“Quinn is correct,” Umbria says, raising a hand to call for silence.
“Whatever hope we had for negotiating with Solarath shattered the day
the tower did. Tonight was the last night of peace. The Guild is headed
for open conflict and the lines have been drawn. We can fight and argue
amongst ourselves, but there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves
the Astrial first will be the first victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words. You pause, your
mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the never-ending
complexities of Guild politics, you still don’t have a firm grasp of
what you’re walking into. And the Lethalis mages, for all their talk,
seem reluctant to clarify. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $aeran_veyer to
true>>“Hope we’re not interrupting,” he announces.
She straightens, her appraising gaze passing over you to land on him.
“Of course not. I am grateful for your arrival. Your insight is sorely
needed.”
“We’ll see about that.”
She smiles faintly. It’s impossible to tell whether she finds his
prickly demeanour amusing or not. “Aeran Kellis, I take it? You
certainly match your description.”
“I’d love to know who gave it to you,” he says flatly.
The mage fixes him with a cool stare and rests her bejeweled hand
against the table’s surface. Its gemstone pulses dimly, casting a
strange light around her wrist and fingers. “You’re notorious among
certain circles, Wayfarer Kellis. People talk.”
“Do they now? Hate to know what I did to get the attention of the
Guild—”
“Divided though we are, there is one commonality shared among all sects
of the Guild of Mages. Our alliances go beyond the Council, beyond the
Guild. The Order of Lethalis has supporters across Rhesainia, from
political courts to the Merchants’ Consortium to the lords of the
criminal underworld. I had heard of you long before Zenaida proposed her
alliance—”
He laughs harshly. “Alliance? Do you know why I’m here, Umbria
Bellaris?”
She regards him with a cool look and gestures for him to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“I’m here for the crowns //she// promised us,” he says,
pointing at Zenaida. “I don’t care about the petty politics of Guild
sects, I care about <<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom
>=10>>$nickname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>>
well-being.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>$firstname<<if
$lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>>
well-being.<<else>>our well-being.<</if>> You
may know me by reputation, but I’m not here to live up to it. Forget the
Wayfarer Order; it no longer exists. We’re mercenaries now. We were
hired for a job. Let us do it or get out of the fucking way.”
An uneasy silence settles over the table. The Lethalis mages shift in
their seats, seemingly uncertain how to handle Aeran’s curtness. If his
exchange with the Archsage is any indication, he has made it clear he is
unwilling to waste time on simple things like politeness and civility.
<<nobr>><<if $lethalisapp >=50>>You pause,
wondering whether you should interrupt. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>Judging from the look on Aeran’s face, he is only getting
started. But you put this on him, forced him to take the lead by not
stepping up yourself. Interfere now and you know he’s going to bite your
head off for it later.<<else>>Judging from the look on
Aeran’s face, he is only getting started. Too late now. Even if you
tried to reign in him, he’s not going to sit back down
quietly.<</if>>
<<else>>You can’t blame him. It’s not like you’d have the
patience for their bullshit
either.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The elf clicks their tongue and leans forward in their seat,
resting their elbows on the table. “And here I thought you were a
student of Brissa Varyn,” they say, fiddling idly with an emerald ring
and spinning it on the table’s surface. “I see you inherited her sharp
tongue, but none of her tact.”
“She didn’t train me to be a diplomat, she trained me to be a Wayfarer,”
Aeran retorts. “And even she had her limits—”
The elf scoffs and flicks their ring, spinning it faster and faster.
Aeran pauses, the harsh lines of his scowl standing out sharply in the
chandelier’s white light. His fingers flex, a movement you know all too
well—almost as if he’s about to reach for his quiver and put an arrow on
the string.
“Veyer Krellion, right?” he says.
The elf tilts their head, a dangerous smile on their lips. “So you do
recognize me. I wondered how much Brissa spoke of me—”
“Nothing flattering. I know you’re the Guild’s representative in the
Arathian court. You argued against the retraction of the decree
outlawing Wayfarer movement in Imperial territories.”
The smile disappears. “Didn’t think you’d be interested in politics ten
years gone, boy.”
“Ten years is not that long ago. I was there, I heard you speak—”
“Regardless, what does it matter? Brissa Varyn was successful and the
decree was retracted. Be thankful for that. If it was still in effect
today, this little gathering would not be possible.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>><<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran tenses and falls
silent. He glances at you and quickly looks away, unable to meet your
eyes. Though he is on the edge of snapping beneath Lethalis’ scrutiny,
he’s hesitant to reach out to you for support.
You know why. The twisting pain in your gut is screaming it at
you.<<else>>Aeran falls silent, his body tense as he stares
down Veyer. Though he is on the edge of snapping beneath Lethalis’
scrutiny, he ignores you, content to deal with this on his own.
A cold, twisted feeling gnaws at your gut.<</if>>
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Though Aeran was often at odds with
Varyn, you always felt he held a deeper connection to her than you. And
now he is familiar with an Imperial court mage, thanks to her. All this
talk of Imperial laws and politics… Varyn never spoke of this with you.
While you accompanied her on diplomatic missions during your training,
once you graduated and left the Spire, she never raised the topic again.
But she invited Aeran to accompany her to the Arathian court ten years
ago…
Just another little fact from his past he never told
you.<<else>>Though Aeran was often at odds with Varyn, he
was still deeply connected to her. You understand that well; his
relationship with her is much the same as yours with $master. You knew
he accompanied her on diplomatic missions during your apprenticeships,
but you thought that came to end when you were inducted into the order
as full-fledged Wayfarers. And now he is familiar with an Imperial court
mage, thanks to her? And he accompanied her to Erenvor to see the
Order’s banishment overturned?
For someone who derides politics, he is certainly embroiled in
it…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“Yes, thank you for this reminder of your position, Veyer,”
the dwarven woman says scathingly. “You do love to mention the
importance of your assignments, even when you aren’t—”
“Leda,” Umbria says warningly.
The dwarven woman flushes. But instead of retreating into her seat, she
pulls her chair closer to the table and folds her hands calmly on the
surface, reasserting herself. “Moving on, then,” she says. “Kellis, I
want to know—”
“Are we going to talk about the Astrial?” Aeran interrupts, cutting
across her as if she hadn’t spoken. “It’s in Diradan Tower. If my gut
instincts are right, it won’t be there for long. What’s your plan for
getting it out? Are you sending us in or not?”
A hushed silence rushes over the table. The mages’ expressions range
from shocked to outraged to horrified, as if simply naming the artefact
has foretold doom. Zenaida presses a hand to her forehead and closes her
eyes, too tired to hide her frustration. Only Umbria and Ashani exhibit
any level of control over their reactions. Umbria has already proven
her skill at hiding her emotions. As for Ashani… there’s something
strange about the melusine. They have barely spoken since you entered
the library and their eyes wander frequently from the table, as if their
mind is elsewhere.
You frown. You passed through a barrier when you entered the library;
someone must be generating it. Is Ashani responsible?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Careful,
Kellis,” Oshiro says, breaking the silence. “You shouldn’t throw words
like that around lightly.”
“Sorry if my patience is a little worn out,” he retorts. “I’ve had a bad
day. Do you want this thing or not?”
“It is not a question of whether we do or not, it is a question of
trust!” the dwarf says, rapping a hand against the table. “Zenaida may
have sought you out personally to contract your services, but in doing
so she has made you—an unknown entity—privy to Lethalis’ innermost
secrets. Forgive me for maintaining caution and distance while we assess
the situation at hand. Not all of us wish to hurtle headlong into
action at a moment’s notice. It is not only a foolish decision, it’s an
amateur one.”
He laughs harshly. “You want to talk about trust?” he spits. “To a
Wayfarer stuck in a pack of Guild mages?”
“The Guild is not a united entity,” Zenaida says firmly. “The actions of
some do not reflect the actions—or beliefs—of all—”
Aeran shakes his head and his expression turns cold. “Fucking hell,
Zenaida, don’t pull that bullshit on me. Lethalis, Solarath, whatever
other sects you’ve broken into—I don’t care. Keep squabbling with each
other, it’s none of my business.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Interrupt. He
needs to calm down before he makes matters worse.|CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
03A][$umbria_impression +=1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let him continue. You don’t owe
these mages anything.|CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
03B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$wards to true>><<if ndef $textGroup>><<set
$textGroup = 1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>>“Aeran,” you say.
He doesn’t hear you. “You—Oshiro, was it? You think you can’t trust us
because you can’t pin us down with a blood oath, right? How do you think
dealings are done in Calantha? In Farandor? Not everyone relies on
unethical magic to cover their asses—”
“Aeran!”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You seize his arm, your fingers
digging into his skin. He rounds on you, a terrible look in his eyes,
and freezes. He meets your eyes, searching your face for an explanation.
You stare back at him, silently urging him to relax. There’s already
far too much tension in the room.
Seconds pass. Finally, he pulls away from you, apprehensively brushing
loose hair off his forehead as he stares at a single spot on the
floor.<<else>>You seize his arm and dig your fingers into
his skin. He reacts instinctively, rounding on you as he pulls himself
free. “$firstname,” he hisses. “Fuck off—”
“Sure,” you mutter under your breath, your voice barely audible. “But
keep your damn feelings about the Guild to yourself. This isn’t about
you. If you make this about you against the Guild, I’m done. I’ll do
this contract alone.”
Seconds pass. Finally, he relents, giving you a sharp nod before he
turns away, redirecting his focus to a single spot on the
floor.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5, 95)>>Umbria
flashes you a small, thankful smile. “Wayfarer Kellis, I understand how
difficult it is for you to be here,” she says. “Regardless, I must ask
you to keep your voice lowered. This room is protected by a dampening
ward, one that takes a significant toll on Ashani to generate. As
magiani interactions with such magic are undocumented, it is in our best
interest for you both to maintain discretion. We do not know who may
hear you.”
Aeran grimaces, but nevertheless nods in agreement.
“I am not asking you to befriend us,” Umbria continues. “I am asking you
to help us. We have a common goal and a common enemy—which I sense this
table has forgotten.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$wards to true>><<if ndef $textGroup>><<set
$textGroup = 1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Aeran rounds on the dwarven
archsage. “You—Oshiro, was it? You think you can’t trust us because you
can’t pin us down with a blood oath, right? How do you think dealings
are done in Calantha? In Farandor? Not everyone relies on unethical
magic to cover their asses. As far as I see it, you don’t have a choice.
Who else are you going to send into Diradan? No one can get through
that cloud except a magianis—”
“Theoretically,” Veyer says calmly.
Aeran pauses. “What do you mean, //theoretically?”// he snarls.
They flex their fingers, idly examining the emerald ring on their index
finger. “As far as I’m aware, this is the first time the citadel’s wards
have ever been dissolved. The shroud devours flesh and bone within
minutes and no ward, barrier, or shield can stop them. Not even our
experts know how much power resides within that cloud. If we do send you
to the tower, I wonder… will we finally discover a magic potent enough
to affect a magianis?”
Your jaw clenches. No magic can affect magiani; it can’t, even if you
wanted it to. The powers that imbue this world simply do not acknowledge
your existence. But the way Veyer says it…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“It’s not possible,” Aeran snaps. “Believe me, I’ve tried.
I’ve tried a dozen—a hundred—ways, and it’s always the same—”
“Ah, but the tower is quite different, is it not? Unless the Wayfarer
Order ran tests and experiments the Guild is not aware of. Your
Grandmaster, as I recall, was quite interested in the extent of your
natural immunity. Its causes, its applications, its limitations…”
<<if $master is "Sero">>“Bullshit!”
The word slips out. You pause, suddenly under the scrutiny of seven
mages, and fall still in your chair. “If you knew Sero, you’d know
that’s bullshit,” you say finally.
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “Do you think so, $lastname? Maybe you didn’t
know <<if $lastname is "Sero">>your
namesake<<else>>your Grandmaster<</if>> as well
as you thought—”<<else>>//Bullshit…//
You didn’t know the Grandmaster well, but this is bullshit. Veyer is
trying to rile Aeran up, and—like an idiot—he’s falling for
it.<</if>>
“Watch your tongue, Krellion,” Aeran snarls. “Or I swear—”
“Enough!” Umbria shouts, her voice echoing through the library.
“Wayfarer Kellis, please, lower your voice. This room is protected by a
dampening ward, one that takes a significant toll on Ashani to generate.
As magiani interactions with such magic remain undocumented, it is in
our best interest for you both to maintain discretion and lowered
voices.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Aeran
grimaces. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You press your lips
together, desperately swallowing a laugh. You can almost hear his silent
protest—the mages can yell and shout as much as they please, but he
can’t? The injustice of it all.<<else>>You close your eyes
and rub your forehead. You can almost hear his silent protest. The mages
can yell and shout as much as they please, but he can’t?
Like that’s going to go well…<</if>>
“Fine,” he says finally.
“I did not request your presence here tonight to see insults and threats
thrown about,” Umbria continues. “I am not asking you to befriend us, I
am asking you to help us. We have a common goal and a common
enemy—which I sense this table has forgotten.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$allegra_met is true>>You can taste guilt in the air as the
Lethalis mages exchange looks; some, like Oshiro, are none too pleased
at being denounced by their leader in such a way.
“Common enemy?” Leda says. “I would hardly phrase it that way. Kellis
and $lastname are mercenaries. Their loyalty only goes as far as
Zenaida’s coin purse—they have all but admitted to that. Considering
they spent an afternoon sailing with the Grand Archsage—”
“Against our will,” Aeran interrupts flatly.
She glowers at him and stands her ground, unwilling to back down a
second time. “Then perhaps $lastname can explain why $heshe spent an
evening cavorting with his lieutenant?”
Aeran glances quickly at you, his brows drawn together in confusion. You
pause, shrugging—you don’t know what Leda is referring to anymore than
he does.
“Lieutenant?” he says. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Her lips press into a fine line. “I saw $himher in the pavilions
tonight. I saw $himher speak with Allegra Arantir.”
//Oh… oh shit.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
ALLEGRA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $aeran_solarath to
true>>You can taste guilt in the air as the Lethalis mages
exchange looks; some, like Oshiro, are none too pleased at being
denounced by their leader in such a way.
“Common enemy?” Leda says. “I would hardly phrase it that way. Kellis
and $lastname are mercenaries. Their loyalty only goes as far as
Zenaida’s coin purse—they have all but admitted to that. Considering
they spent an afternoon sailing with the Grand Archsage—”
“Against our will,” Aeran interrupts flatly.
She glowers at him and stands her ground, unwilling to back down a
second time. “Then perhaps you can explain why you spent an evening
cavorting with his lieutenant?”
An uncomfortable feeling twists in your stomach. You have no idea what
Leda is referring to, but you also don’t know where he spent his time.
You barely saw him during the gala.
He grimaces. “Just what are you accusing me of?”
“I saw you in the pavilions with Allegra Arantir. I saw you speak with
her. Strange, no? That you so eagerly sought out a Solarath mage—”
<<if $aeran_allegra is true>>A memory stirs in the back of
your mind. Dim lights, the crowded room, the smell of wine and food… And
a woman in a green serithan…
“Yes,<<else>>“Yes,<</if>> I spoke to her, but
not without reason,” he snaps. “Considering Zenaida left us in the dark,
can you blame me for doing reconnaissance on my own? Maybe you should
thank me—otherwise how else would you know that Arantir hired a
Brightblade to investigate Diradan?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backward. He
rises to his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge. “Arantir?”
he bellows. “Arantir hired a Brightblade? Gods damn it, this better not
be true, or by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary, I see that ending well. You do
realize he’s the one who took down Damalian?”
Oshiro’s mouth twists. You sense he is on the verge of retorting when
suddenly he sits down and pulls his chair in, falling silent.
Beside you, Aeran is shaking. His face is pale, his body tense. His
hands grip the table, steadying himself. <<if $aeranapp >=60
and $aeranrom >=10>>Your first impulse is to reach out to him,
to ask him if he’s all right, but the harsh lines of his expression give
you pause.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Your first impulse is
to pull him away and ask him if he’s all right, but the harsh lines in
his expression give you pause.<<else>>You pause, uncertain
whether you should interrupt or keep your silence.<</if>>
//Damalian…// You don’t recognize the name. But considering his
reaction, it can only refer to one man—the Guild mage turned murderer
Aeran tracked in Vestra, so many years ago. The one who gave him his
scar.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“That bastard doesn’t matter,” Aeran says slowly, his voice
dangerously low. “Just like Arantir doesn’t matter. What matters is that
a Brightblade lasted in Diradan for five, maybe ten minutes. Even they
couldn’t regenerate endlessly. Arantir’s pissed, of course, but that
failure will hardly stop her. The Brightblade was Solarath’s best bet at
re-entering the tower. It’s only a matter of time before they find a
way to extend their regenerative capabilities.”
Veyer clicks their tongue. “Damn it,” they say, shaking their head. “If
the shroud has proven dispersible—even only partially—then Solarath must
be preparing to strike the tower in force.”
“And we cannot forget Nova,” Zenaida adds quickly. “She was all but
abducted by Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the
truth from her mind.”
Oshiro scowls. “Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now—”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
Umbria raises a hand, quickly silencing the table before it descends
into another dispute. “We have always known the Guild was headed for
open conflict,” she says. “If Solarath has indeed hired a Brightblade
and aims to investigate the tower, then there is no other avenue now.
Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the victor in this war.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Silence
settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the rustle of
clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly in their
seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing to look
each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. It may be tempting to ask
Umbria what she wants you to do outright and leave it at that. But
between the Astrial and the never-ending complexities of Guild politics,
you barely understand what you’re walking into. If you’re going to
succeed, you need as much information as possible.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><</if>>Aeran
freezes, his eyes going wide with stark surprise as if he recognizes
the name. As you open your mouth to explain, your thoughts are
interrupted as wood scrapes against wood. Oshiro’s chair flies backward
and he rises to his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands
splayed against the surface.
“Arantir?” he says. “$HeShe <<has>> been collaborating with
//Arantir?// Gods damn it, this better not be true, or by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says. “I see that ending
well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute.
“Yes, I spoke with Allegra Arantir,” you say hurriedly, staving off
another outburst. “It’s a gala. I was trying to be polite.”
Veyer scoffs and rolls their eyes, giving you a side-eyed look. But
behind the derision, you a see glimmer of… what? Respect? Throwing
caution to the wind, you seize your chance and double down on your
explanation.
“Funny what you can glean when the person you’re talking to has had a
little too much to drink,” you say. “You know what she told me? She
hired a Brightblade to investigate Diradan Tower.”
Across the table, Umbria’s expression darkens, though she keeps her
silence. Oshiro frowns as he considers your words, searching for some
discrepancy or another. Leda pales, her triumph at proving your
disloyalty evaporating.
Veyer leans back in their chair and whistles. “And what was the result
of said investigation?”
You pause, your gut twisting as you try to remember. You peel back the
hours to the time you spent with Allegra in the pavilions. <<if
$last_location is 1>>It wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>It was a while ago now… Damn it, this evening
has gone on far too long…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN ALLEGRA 2][$option to 1, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
ALLEGRA 2][$option to 1, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN ALLEGRA 2][$option to 3, $vote_for
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Veyer frowns. “Is that so?” they say. “Then perhaps
Solarath has not moved as quickly as I presumed. Arantir will want to
test the shroud thoroughly before they strike the tower.”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says with
gratified finality.
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps. Gold light
swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your imagination? “Have you forgotten
Nova? She was by all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it
be before his agents pull the truth from her mind?”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now—”<<elseif
$option is 2>>Veyer clicks their tongue. “Is that so?” they say,
glancing downward at their ring as they twist it around their index
finger. “So even a Brightblade’s power fails here. I suspected it would
be the case, but to have confirmation…”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” Oshiro says with
gratified finality. “If even a Brightblade can fail, then we are in
possession of the only beings capable of penetrating the tower—”
Aeran’s jaw clenches.
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps, nearly rising
from her seat. Gold light swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your
imagination? “Have you forgotten Nova? She was by all means abducted by
Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” Oshiro says. “They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right
now—”<<else>>Veyer pauses, absently running a hand over
their chin as they consider your words. “Is that so?” they ask. “Then
Solarath is moving faster than I presumed. If the shroud has proven
dispersible—even only partially—then it is only a matter of time before
they find a solution and strike the tower in force.”
“And we cannot forget Nova,” Zenaida says. “She was all but abducted by
Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the truth from
her mind.”
Oshiro scowls. “Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force
anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you,
princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now.”
Malsara turns to stone. Though she maintains a respectful silence, even
she cannot hide the furious cold burning in her eyes.<</if>>
Umbria raises a hand, quickly silencing the table before it descends
into another dispute. “Any conclusions we come to tonight will not be
made in haste,” she says gravely. “We have always known the Guild was
headed for open conflict. If Solarath has indeed hired a Brightblade and
aims to investigate the tower, then there is no other avenue now.
Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the first victor in this
war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, save for the
rustle of clothing and the creak of chairs as the mages shift restlessly
in their seats. With the accepting of what lies ahead, none are willing
to look each other in the eye.
You pause, your mind racing with questions. Between the Astrial and the
never-ending complexities of Guild politics, you barely understand what
you’re walking into. If you’re going to succeed, you need as much
information as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
BOTTLENECK]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>>The
dwarven mage’s eyes dart around the room. <<if $pava is true and
hasVisited ("CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01B")>>Her open dislike for you
infects every word she says… She isn’t likely to forgive you for the
incident at the pavilions.
<<elseif $pava is true>>She has barely interacted with you,
yet she seems to dislike you on principle though she has yet to express
why…
<<else>>She regards you with neutral aversion. If you had to
guess, she is one of many mages uncomfortable with Wayfarers on
principle. You doubt you’ll get very far with her, but it doesn’t
matter. She is the most negligible member
here.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
elf lounges in their chair, sweeping their loose, shoulder-length hair
out of their face as their eyes dart around the table and land on you.
There’s something perplexing about their offhand demeanour, as if they
are using their sarcasm and general disdain for decorum to upset their
colleagues on purpose. <<if $veyer_impression >=2>>They
stare blatantly at you with uncontained glee in their eyes and a smirk
on their face… You’ve caught their interest and they want you to know
it.<<else>>They watch you with a mocking smirk, barely
containing the scorn in their eyes… They’re paying attention to you and
they want you to know it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>>The
dwarven archsage scowls in the silence, his focus concentrated on
Zenaida.
<<if ($vote_against >= $vote_for) or (def
$sabien_punch)>>He has established himself as Zenaida’s adversary,
willing to do or say anything to oppose your integration into the Order
of Lethalis. You doubt you can say anything to make him reconsider his
opinion of you.
<<else>><<set $oshiro_friendly to true>> Oshiro,
who has established himself as Zenaida’s adversary and vehemently
opposed to your integration into the Order of Lethalis. Though he
remains openly hostile towards you, there is a hint he may be open to
working with you…<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$wards is true>>The melusine sits in frozen silence, their focus
occupied by maintaining their wards. Judging from the subtle movement of
their expression, they are listening intently to the discussion, but
have opted not to voice their opinion.<<else>>The melusine
sits in frozen silence, as if their thoughts are occupied elsewhere.
Judging from the subtle movement of their expression, they are listening
to the discussion, but they remain strangely
distant.<</if>>
<<if $ashani_impression >=1>>Every so often, they cast a
quick glance at you, an inquisitive look in their dark, liquid
eyes.<<else>>You have no idea where they
stand.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$lethalis_angry is true>>Zenaida refuses to look at you or
acknowledge you in any way. Her anger with you has yet to subside.
Though she has always presented herself with an unquestionable sense of
morality, you have a feeling that may be about to break…
<<elseif $lethalisapp <=39>>Zenaida is no longer the
confident mage you encountered in Rona. Tonight, she wears her
frustration and weariness openly on her sleeve, too fatigued to keep her
composure in check. Malsara and Idris are the only ones who have
escaped her exasperated gaze.
<<else>>Zenaida is no longer the confident mage you
encountered in Rona. Her frustration and weariness grows by the minute,
her polite composure moments away from shattering completely.
She glares across the table at Oshiro with contempt, clearly infuriated
that he is opposing her at every turn. Thankfully, she is not upset with
you—at least, not yet. You are one of the few who have escaped her
exasperated gaze so far.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>>As
Lethalis’ leader finally takes her seat, you search her face for any
hint, however miniscule, of her sentiments toward you.
<<if $lethalis_angry is true>>She remains cold and distant;
if your instincts are right, there is very little you can say now to win
her over. She will view you as a means to an end and not much else.
And perhaps it’s for the best. You certainly didn’t come here to make
friends with mages, after all.
<<elseif $lethalisapp <=39 and $umbria_impression is
0>>Her expression remains cool and detached, carefully keeping her
feelings on the circumstances concealed. You sense there is very little
you can say to win her over, but perhaps it’s for the best. You didn’t
come here to make friends with Lethalis, you came here to do a job.
<<else>>Though her expression remains cool, carefully
concealing her feelings on the matter at hand, you can feel her watching
you with respect. You’re not sure what you said to gain her deference,
but you’ll take it. If the leader of Lethalis views you favourably, then
it doesn’t matter what the rest
think.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
young woman is restless in the silence, tugging impatiently at her bun
as she waits for someone to speak. Like Ashani, she has mostly kept her
opinions to herself. Though she views Oshiro with disgruntled annoyance
more than anyone else, she seems impatient with these proceedings as a
whole. You don’t know whether she views you any more favourable than the
rest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
LEDA")>><s>1. Leda.</s><<else>>[[1.
Leda.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS LEDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
VEYER")>><s>2. Veyer.</s><<else>>[[2.
Veyer.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS VEYER]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
OSHIRO")>><s>3. Oshiro</s><<else>>[[3.
Oshiro.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS OSHIRO]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ASHANI")>><s>4. Ashani</s><<else>>[[4.
Ashani.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ASHANI]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUINN")>><s>5. Quinn.</s><<else>>[[5.
Quinn.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS QUINN]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
ZENAIDA")>><s>6. Zenaida.</s><<else>>[[6.
Zenaida.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS ZENAIDA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
UMBRIA")>><s>7. Umbria.</s><<else>>[[7.
Umbria.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS UMBRIA]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[8. You have all the information you
need.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1>>The library’s dead silence grows
heavier with each passing moment. The longer it goes on, the less
inclined anyone is to break it. You exchange brief looks with Aeran.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>He raises a
hand and scratches the back of his neck, still visibly tense after the
clash with <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN
03B")>>Oshiro and
Veyer<<else>>Oshiro<</if>>. He catches your eye
and nods, a pleading look on his face, silently urging you to take
control of the conversation.<<else>>He sighs heavily,
shoulders sagging a little, and nods, silently urging you to take
control of the conversation. He’s impatient to finish this; at this
rate, you’re going to be here all
night.<</if>><<default>><<nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>The discomfort in the room has become tangible. The
mages are quiet in the wake of your discussion, as if none of them have
thoroughly considered the extent of Umbria’s mission. One does not
purposefully destroy the relics of the Sentinels with ease.
<<elseif $option is 2>>Your jaw clenches and you tuck away
this information. Of course the Guild’s schism comes down to ideological
differences about the origin of magic. You’re sure there’s more to this
story, but it’s good enough for now.
<<elseif $option is 3>>Putting the tower aside, you scratch
the back of your neck and fall silent. <<if (not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS")) and (not hasVisited("LETH
QUEST SOLARATH"))>>Your thoughts race in multiple
directions.<</if>><</if>>
<<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS") and not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST SOLARATH") and not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST TOWER")>>What else should you
ask?<</if>><</nobr>><</switch>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
ASTRIALS")>><s>1. Ask about the Astrial. You know it’s a
relic from the Astrandium, but beyond its religious significance and
Zenaida’s nebulous insinuations of Solarath abusing its power, there
must be a more significant reason Lethalis—and Umbria—want it in their
possession.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about the Astrial. You
know it’s a relic from the Astrandium, but beyond its religious
significance and Zenaida’s nebulous insinuations of Solarath abusing its
power, there must be a more significant reason Lethalis—and Umbria—want
it in their possession.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS][$option to
1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUEST SOLARATH")>><s>2. Ask about the Order of Solarath. You
don’t know much about the Guild’s schism. If Umbria can clarify how a
thousand-year-old organization can splinter into opposing sects, then
maybe you can understand the different forces at
play.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about the Order of Solarath.
You don’t know much about the Guild’s schism. If Umbria can clarify how
a thousand-year-old organization can splinter into opposing sects, then
maybe you can understand the different forces at play.|CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUEST SOLARATH][$option to 2]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUEST TOWER") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER
ALLEG")>><s><<if $allegra_info is true>>3. Ask
about the tower explosion. You’ve heard Allegra’s answer… Will Umbria’s
be the same?<<else>>3. Ask about the tower explosion.
Something significant happened there three weeks ago, and you want to
know what.<</if>></s><<else>><<if
$allegra_info is true>>[[3. Ask about the tower explosion. You’ve
heard Allegra’s answer… Will Umbria’s be the same?|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
TOWER ALLEG][$option to 3]]<<else>>[[3. Ask about the tower
explosion. Something significant happened there three weeks ago, and you
want to know what.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER][$option to
3]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
ASTRIALS") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST SOLARATH") and
(hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUEST TOWER ALLEG"))>>[[4. You have no more questions.|CHAPTER 2
LETH VOTE]]<<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“The Astrial,” <<if not
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST SOLARATH") and not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST TOWER") and not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER
ALLEG")>>you say, finally breaking the
silence<<else>>you say.<</if>> “I know it’s been
in Guild possession for centuries, that whoever controls it has access
to a terrible amount of power. Once it’s in your possession, what do you
plan to do with it?”
Umbria pauses, a grave look on her face. “A fair question, Wayfarer
$lastname. I know Zenaida has imparted the relic’s importance to you—”
“It’s a prying question, Umbria,” Oshiro objects. Though he speaks to
her, he directs his attention to you, disdain curling his expression
into a sneer. “And I question $lastname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> motivation in
asking it. In my experience, most sellswords have little interest in the
greater context of their contracts. Does the hunter hired to slay a
beast care what happens to the land they take its head? Does the League
assassin contracted to eliminate a noble care who inherits the house?”
Your fingers curl inwards, your nails digging into your callused palms.
<<if $oshiro_friendly is true>>Despite what you thought
earlier, the archsage is insistent on resisting you at every
turn.<<else>>The archsage is unwilling to yield, remaining
insistent on fighting you at every turn.<</if>> You doubt
this conversation will go free of his interruptions.
“$lastname and Kellis were brought here for a single purpose,” Oshiro
continues. “I’m sure none of you have forgotten that their silence
cannot be secured by a blood oath.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if (ndef $bloodoathcodex)>><<set
$bloodoathcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Blood Oaths<</notify>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D PERSFAIL CONT") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01A") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN 02")>>Blood oaths again…
You know of them<<else>>You’ve heard of blood
oaths<</if>>—powerful magic that ties an individual to a set
of pre-determined regulations. In Imperial territories, they are often
used to punish convicts. Instead of execution or exile, a prisoner can
elect to swear an oath that binds them to their punishment. Some
punishments are mundane, such as compelling the prisoner to always tell
the truth or to prevent them from handling weapons. Others are bizarre,
testing the depths of the magistrate’s creativity by enchanting the
prisoner to speak only in rhymes or to move only through dance. And
others are a slow death sentence, forcing the prisoner into never-ending
hard labour or to fight on the front lines of a war.
Though the spells that power blood oaths were invented decades ago, it
was only recently that their uses have been expanded. In Rhesainian
countries, it is not uncommon for high stakes contracts or diplomatic
agreements to be safeguarded by a blood oath, preventing either party
from going back on their word. Refusal to agree to one is tantamount to
admitting distrust.
Once sworn, the effects of a blood oath cannot be removed until the
parameters of the oath are fulfilled. To break a blood oath results in
severe pain and, in repeat attempts,
death.<<else>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 D
PERSFAIL CONT") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT 01A") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHAERAN 02")>>Blood oaths
again…<<else>>Blood
oaths…<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>>You inhale sharply, the stale library air
uncomfortably thick in your lungs.
<<if $blackout is 0 and $CountB_Branch1 is true or $CountB_Branch2
is true or $CountA_Branch2 is true or $CountA_Branch3 is true and
($rhodarthDead_How neq 5 or $rhodarthDead_How neq 6 or $rhodarthDead_How
neq 2)>>You remember Rhodarth, his pained screams echoing through
the Count’s villa as magic corroded his body from the inside. Even the
restorative powers of a Brightblade were incapable of stopping
it.<</if>>
<<if $mc_magic is 1>>Though there are times when you wish
you weren’t magianis, you are glad such dangerous magic cannot be used
on you.<<else>>You’re more than happy to know such
malevolent magic cannot be used on
you.<</if>><</nobr>>
However, Rhesainian dependency on blood oaths only gives people like
Oshiro another reason not to trust you. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETHAERAN 02")>>Aeran said as much earlier.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<nobr>><<if
$veyer_impression >=0 and $umbria_impression >=0 and
$ashani_impression >=0>>Veyer clicks their tongue and lets out a
disgruntled sigh. “I hate it when he’s right,” they say. “The lack of a
blood oath does pose a problem. If $lastname and Kellis have already
been briefed, we do not owe them any additional information.”
<<else>>Leda raises a hand. “I agree with Archsage Oshiro,”
she says quickly. “The lack of a blood oath poses an unprecedented
problem. <<if $pava is true>>I don’t mean this as a slight
against $lastname and Kellis—”
Veyer snorts, shaking their head. “Doubt it.”
“—but if $lastname and Kellis were briefed by Zenaida, we do not owe
them any additional information,” she finishes, pointedly ignoring the
interruption.<<else>>This is not a slight against $lastname
and Kellis, but if they were briefed by Zenaida, we do not owe them any
additional
information.”<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
You exchange dark looks with Aeran.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link
'<<if $chapter1route is "docks" and $zenaidarefused neq
true>>1. “Zenaida said the same when she hired us in Rona. We have
no interest in spilling your secrets, there’s nothing in it for
us.”<<else>>1. “Then it’s a good thing we have no interest
in spilling your secrets. There’s nothing in it for
us.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS
01A'>><<set $option to
1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…please tell me you realize how
suspicious that sounds.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS 01A][$option to
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “<<if $lethalisapp
<=49>>Umbria<<else>>Archsage
Bellaris<</if>> said it was a fair question. Maybe you
should all shut your mouths because hers is the only answer I care
about.”' 'CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS
01C'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Aeran looks more than happy to
retort. Let him handle it.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS
01D]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $lethalisapp >=50
and $lethalis_angry neq true>>“Tell me something, Umbria,” you
say, the thoughts formulating in your mind as you speak. “When did this
start? The clash between Lethalis and Solarath. I always thought the
Guild of Mages was united. Don’t you have greater concerns than fighting
each other?”
“The behemoth we call the Guild of Mages has never been a single,
likeminded entity, $lastname,” Ashani intones, their liquid voice
resonating in your ears. “The truth is there have always been
divisions—individual sects branching out from the core, growing further
and further from the original’s first purpose. They are separated by
difference in philosophy, pursuing their new ambitions to success or
failure.”
“But now you come to war,” you return. “A Guild war. Are you prepared to
kill your fellow mages—partners, teachers, students—for the sake of
philosophy?”
Beside you, Aeran stiffens, a hollow look in his eyes. His head snaps up
as he rounds on Umbria, staring directly at her as he waits for her
reply.<<else>>“Order of Lethalis, Order of Solarath…” You
shake your head. “You’re so confident in your differences, but at this
point, it’s all the same to me: Guild mages scrambling for power and
control—”
“A foolish observation, outsider,” Ashani intones, their liquid voice
resonating in your ears. “Perhaps not unexpected from a Wayfarer. You
are like so many of your masters, cut from the same short-sighted cloth,
keen to see the behemoth we call the Guild of Mages as a single,
likeminded entity. That has never been further from the truth. There
have always been branching orders within the Guild, individuals
separated by difference in philosophy and magical skill, pursuing their
purpose even in the face of adversity.”
“And yet you talk of war,” you say heatedly. “A Guild war. That’s a
little more serious than a difference in philosophy.”
Aeran stiffens beside you. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
ASTRIALS")>>He stops picking at his nails, his attention
revived.<<else>>Head raised, he rounds on Umbria, staring
directly at her as he waits for her
reply.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“This goes beyond matters of philosophy,” Umbria says. “I wish
it were that simple—by the gods, I do. And perhaps there could have
been a peaceful resolution to our differences. But the corruption within
our upper ranks permitted Quirinus’ election, and when he rose to his
post, he committed to placing his ambitions above all else, even if it
destroys the Guild in the process.”
“So what does Solarath want? Not even the most powerful mage can achieve
what he wants without support—and it seems he has the backing of half
the Guild. There has to be a reason why.”
“The Order of Solarath has existed in many forms, for many centuries,”
Oshiro says grimly. “Even before Ashani or I took our posts on the
Council. There are fundamental truths, natural laws that guide the Guild
of Mages, guide our understanding of magic. Solarath seeks to challenge
these laws, and the mages who follow their ideologies grow in number
with each passing decade.”
“Then enlighten me,” you reply. “What truths? What laws?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS")>>“That the
Hexade<<else>>“That magic<</if>> was gifted to
this world by beings of higher power,” he replies. “Each sphere is
fundamentally connected to a god, a living trace of the time they walked
this earth. Without them, we would be nothing. <<if $lethalisapp
>=50 and $lethalis_angry neq true>>Without them, we would be…”
He trails off. You don’t need him to finish.
//You. Without them, we would be you.//<<else>>Without them,
we would be you.”
A sharp ache twists in your stomach. “What a shame,” you say, your
throat dry. “How terrible that would be.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Zenaida looks away, her eyes downcast. Judging from her closed
off posture, she seems ashamed of her colleague’s <<if
$lethalisapp >=50 and $lethalis_angry neq true>>
words.<<else>>implications.<</if>>
“The Meissandium would call it blessings,” Oshiro continues. “Regardless
of whether you ascribe to their beliefs or not, there is power within
magic. A piece of divinity, a remnant of a time long past. But there are
those within the Guild who question this truth, who believe there is
another origin. And they will stop at nothing to seek it out.”
“You must understand this, Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says. “Sabien
Quirinus was not always the man you know now. When he first entered the
Guild a century ago, he was quiet and reserved. For a man of his
talents, he kept mostly to himself, refusing the call of his superiors
and fulfilling the bare minimum of his duties. He withdrew from the
Guild, seeking the least important posts and most remote locations.”
“What changed?” you ask. “Going out on a limb here, but that doesn’t
sound like someone who aspires to be Grand Archsage.”
She nods. “Forty years ago, he returned to Velantis with renewed vigor
and purpose. He dedicated himself to espousing new philosophies and
approaches to the spheres. Though the Council did not agree with his
beliefs, they granted him the benefit of the doubt—they would rather he
maintain his false practice within Guild walls than lose the first
triple-attuned mage in recorded history.”
You frown. “False practice?”
“Sabien Quirinus is a heretic, $lastname,” Oshiro says. “He believes
that magic is separate from the Hexatheon’s influence. Either everything
that has been methodically proven about attunement is false… or there
are more spheres than just the six.”
You rub your temples. If that’s what Quirinus believes, then the Guild
and the Meissandium must be at each other’s throats…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“How the hell does a heretic get elected Grand Archsage?” you
blurt.
“He is persuasive and charismatic,” Umbria says with a hollow smile.
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>>“Perhaps not to you, but to those
he wishes to win over? Certainly. He had the talent and drive to support
his beliefs.<<else>>“And he had the talent and drive to
support his beliefs.<</if>> His talents and reputation gave
him authority, even without rank. With time, he became popular among
younger mages entering the Guild. More importantly, he is patient.
Quirinus has never been one to rush. He is elven, after all. He waited
for different days, when a new era of young mages would be eager to
entertain his theories.”
She pauses, exhaling a slow breath. “The future Quirinus offers is an
attractive one. A future without limitations, without restrictions,
without boundaries. His belief is fanatic. He will do anything in
pursuit of his origin of magic, even if it destroys us all in the
process.”
//Anything in pursuit of his origin of magic…//
Once again, you recall the bloodstained trail in the snowy mountain
woods. A mage, underdressed for the severe cold, extracting the carcass
of a dead fannarl, a magical creature killed by Wayfarers. What was he
doing that night? Why was he hunting fannarls, so close to the Spire?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“The
Guild’s schism has split us between those who support Quirinus’ dream
for a new world and those who oppose it,” Umbria continues. “Of the nine
archsages on the Council, four stand with him, two remain neutral, and
the rest… became the Order of Lethalis.”
Aeran scowls. Beneath the table, his leg shakes with impatience,
bouncing away furiously. You sigh wearily and raise your hands, rubbing
your temples. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
ASTRIALS")>>Mages and magic, the Hexade and
gods…<<else>>Mages and magic, sources and
gods…<</if>> It’s all beyond you. Even if Solarath proves a
different origin, it will never apply to you. Gods or no, you are
outside magic’s bounds.
That’s the natural law you know.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST SOLARATH")>>“All right,” you say abruptly. “I think I
know enough now. But there’s one thing that still bothers me. The tower
explosion.<<else>>“I have to wonder,” you say slowly. “The
tower explosion.<</if>> If you’re sending us to the tower,
we need to know what to expect. What happened that day?”
<<if $umbria_impression >=2 or $lethalisapp
>=60>>Umbria pauses, regarding you in silence as she
contemplates her answer. Several times she hovers on the edge of
speaking, only to retreat at the last moment. You wait, <<if
$lethalisapp <=39>>staving off your growing
impatience,<<else>>patient as you can,<</if>>
knowing that if you press her now, she will likely refuse altogether.
“If you’re imagining some grand battle between Lethalis and Solarath
played out in our halls, you are gravely mistaken,” she says. “It was an
accident, a severe mistake on the part of three young acolytes who
believed what they were doing was right. My apprentice, she… She was
young. Promising. Perhaps the most talented mage I have ever had the
pleasure of training. Because of her history, I had done all I could to
protect her from the strife between the Grand Archsage and myself, but I
could not keep her from Lethalis forever. She was quiet, pensive, but
also impulsive. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
ASTRIALS")>>When she learned of Solarath’s goal to use the
Astrial,<<else>>When she learned of Solarath’s
goals,<</if>> she and two others took it upon themselves to
retrieve it from its chamber.
“Diradan Tower is ancient, Wayfarer $lastname. It is among the oldest
citadels in the world, with sections dating back to the Astrandium. Its
wards were cast millennia ago, slowly growing in complexity and strength
over time. Any attempt to interfere with them can lead to catastrophe.
The tower’s warded chambers are protected and closely monitored, but
even we have gaps in our security.
“My apprentice and her friends knew the warnings well. They knew the
kind of power held within those wards. But they proceeded anyways. In
their attempt to disable them to reach the Astrial, they unleashed
thousands of years of compounded magical energy. It flooded the tower
and the surrounding complex, devouring everything in its path. The Guild
worked quickly to contain it, lest the remnants spread to the rest of
the city. Though our barriers hold, we cannot return to the tower. The
remnants remain, enshrouding the complex, consuming anyone who dares to
step inside. Not even the most advanced barriers offer protection.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER UMBRIA
2A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“There
is not much to say,” Umbria says stiffly. “If you’re imagining some
grand battle between Lethalis and Solarath played out in our halls, put
it from your mind. It was an unfortunate accident, one from which we are
all reeling. As this has little bearing on our business here, I ask
that you do not pry. This disaster weighs heavily on us all and we have
much to grieve.”
“I can see that, but—”
“The circumstances of Diradan’s explosion are of no importance to you,”
she interrupts. “To perform your contracted duty, all you must know is
that the wards protecting the Astrial’s chamber were unbound.”
You pause. “Unbound?”
She raises her head and meets your eyes. “Diradan Tower is ancient,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “It is among the oldest citadels in the
world, with sections dating back to the Astrandium. Its wards were cast
millennia ago, slowly growing in complexity and strength over time. Any
attempt to interfere with them can lead to catastrophe. The tower’s
warded chambers are protected and closely monitored, but even we have
gaps in our security.
“When the wards were disabled, they unleashed thousands of years of
compounded magical energy. It flooded the tower and the surrounding
complex, devouring everything in its path. The Guild worked quickly to
contain it, lest the remnants spread to the rest of the city. Though our
barriers hold, we cannot return to the tower. The remnants remain,
enshrouding the complex, consuming anyone who dares to step inside. Not
even the most advanced barriers offer protection.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER UMBRIA
2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>With
nothing else to say, you withdraw into your seat and cast an eye around
the library. The chandelier continues its slow rotation, the mezzanines
above remain dark, and the library quiet. Judging from the discomfort
in your rear, you must have been here for at least an hour, maybe two…
without windows, it’s impossible to tell. Has the gala continued? Is the
firelight show over? Is Mahanin now filled with drunken aristocrats,
slowly stumbling their way out of the palace grounds?
Umbria clears her throat, and straightens in her seat, adopting a
commanding bearing. Her steady gaze sweeps the table, taking in each
person in turn. Though you sense some of the mages have more to say,
they remain quiet, accepting the change in temperament. She is no longer
a mediator, moderating the discussion as she hears each participant
out, but a leader. If they cannot come to a decision on their own, she
will make it for them.
“If there is nothing else, Wayfarer $lastname, it is time we came to a
decision,” she says. “We have been absent for some time now. Not even
all the wine and entertainment in the world will prevent someone from
noticing our absence.”
She pauses, her bejewelled bracelet clinking lightly as she threads her
fingers together. “Earlier this evening, we heard two proposals to
handle the situation in Diradan Tower. Savant Anaxas has brought us the
first. Thanks to her efforts, we now have access to two Wayfarers, whose
abilities may allow them to enter the tower unhindered and retrieve the
Astrial. However, their presence here in Velantis is known to Sabien
Quirinus and the Order of Solarath. To avoid interference from his
agents, she proposes they act without delay, assaulting the tower
tomorrow morning—”
“Wait, what?” you blurt, staring across the table at Zenaida. “What do
you mean //tomorrow morning?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
($veyer_impression <=0 and $umbria_impression <=0 and
$ashani_impression <=0) or ($lethalis_angry is true) or ($lethalisapp
<=39)>><<set $vote_against +=1>><<if $option
is 1>>Oshiro barks a laugh. “There’s no proof of that,” he says
derisively. “You give us nothing but your
word.”<<else>>Oshiro barks a laugh and shakes his head.
“Suspicious? To your ears, perhaps. But a single sellsword cannot shake
the confidence we place in ourselves. We know the merit of our goals. It
is not your place to question them.”<</if>>
You glance across the table to Zenaida, hopeful that she will intervene,
but she says nothing. She looks weary, overwhelmed. Despite her proud
bearing, she has already resolved herself to defeat. The confidant woman
who approached you in Rona has all but disappeared.
Annoyance twists in your gut. If you can’t rely on her to come to your
defense, then you’ll have to depend on yourself by taking this
confrontation into your own hands or backing down. Either way, you have
more than a few questions for Savant Anaxas. The situation she brought
you into is not what she made it out to be.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I
don’t care what you do with the Astrial. I care about information that
could help us retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us,
but it sure as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I don’t care what you
do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my
services, you will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you will
have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUESTAST 02B PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=21>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to
us from the beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the
one with ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what
you do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what you do with the
Astrial. I care about information that could help us retrieve it for
you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure as hell will hurt
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you
will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Trust goes both
ways. If you want my services, you will have to place some faith in
me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=21>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the beginning.
In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with ulterior
motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You’re not arguing with these mages,
not when they’re so stuck in their ways. Better to shut up and let
things play out.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS
01D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$option is 1>>Oshiro barks a laugh—and, to your surprise, his
derision is met with cold silence. His colleagues regard him with an
assortment of fatigued expressions, some more disdained than others.
Leda notes their icy comportment and immediately lowers her hand,
shoving it beneath the table as if she had never raised it in the first
place.<<else>>Oshiro barks a laugh and shakes his head.
“Suspicious? To your ears, perhaps. But a single sellsword cannot shake
the confidence we place in ourselves—”<</if>>
<<if ($veyer_impression > $umbria_impression) and
($veyer_impression > $ashani_impression)>><<if $option is
1>>Veyer clicks their tongue and rolls their eyes. “My dear
Archsage Oshiro,” they say silkily, “don’t you think your irrationalism
has gone on long enough? Do you fear $lastname and Kellis so much that
you would risk Quirinus getting his hands on the
Astrial?”<<else>>“Oh, stuff it,” Veyer snaps, rolling their
eyes. “This irrationalism of yours has gone on long enough. Do you fear
$lastname and Kellis so much that you would risk Quirinus getting his
hands on the Astrial?”<</if>>
The dwarven archsage nearly chokes. “Of course not,” he retorts. “I am
simply advocating for precautionary tactics.”
Your jaw clenches, impatience simmering in your gut. Straightening in
your seat, you pointedly ignore Oshiro and turn to address the rest of
Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=12>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I
don’t care what you do with the Astrial. I care about information that
could help us retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us,
but it sure as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I don’t care what you
do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=15>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my
services, you will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you will
have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUESTAST 02B PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to
us from the beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the
one with ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=12>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what
you do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what you do with the
Astrial. I care about information that could help us retrieve it for
you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure as hell will hurt
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=15>>[[2. “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you
will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Trust goes both
ways. If you want my services, you will have to place some faith in
me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the beginning.
In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with ulterior
motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<elseif
($ashani_impression > $veyer_impression) and ($ashani_impression
> $umbria_impression)>><<if $option is 1>>“Enough,
Oshiro.”<<else>>//“No more.”//<</if>>
You glance across the table. Ashani remains still, their lips barely
moving as they speak. They have not raised their voice, yet it resounds
throughout the library, reverberating in your <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>sensitive ears<<else>>ears<</if>>.
An unbidden chill runs down your spine.
“Such displays of irrationalism may be common in the Coveran navy, but
we have no use for it here,” they continue. “You have said your piece.
Let $lastname speak.”
Oshiro falls silent, too surprised by Ashani’s interjection to continue.
A small smile tugs at your lips. Straightening in your seat, you
pointedly ignore Oshiro and turn to address the rest of Lethalis.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=12>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I
don’t care what you do with the Astrial. I care about information that
could help us retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us,
but it sure as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I don’t care what you
do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=15>>[[2. [PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my
services, you will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you will
have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUESTAST 02B PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “Oshiro’s been resistant to
us from the beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the
one with ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=12>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what
you do with the Astrial. I care about information that could help us
retrieve it for you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure
as hell will hurt you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Look, I don’t care what you do with the
Astrial. I care about information that could help us retrieve it for
you. Keeping us in the dark won’t hurt us, but it sure as hell will hurt
you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02A PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=15>>[[2. “Trust goes both ways. If you want my services, you
will have to place some faith in me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[2. “Trust goes both
ways. If you want my services, you will have to place some faith in
me—just as I will for you.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02B PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the beginning.
In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with ulterior
motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “Oshiro’s been resistant to us from the
beginning. In my experience, the loudest detractor is the one with
ulterior motives.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUESTAST 02C PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<else>><<if
$option is 1>>“Archsage Oshiro,” Umbria says coolly, turning her
even gaze on him.<<else>>“Archsage Oshiro!” Umbria says, her
voice ringing out across the room.<</if>> The jewel on her
hand glimmers, intensifying its light. “Your peers at this table have
shown you nothing but respect tonight, yet you continue to disdain any
opinion that is not your own. You came here tonight with the intention
of decrying Zenaida’s proposal, but mockery and disdain do not make for
substantial counter arguments. Wayfarer $lastname and Wayfarer Kellis
are here by our request. If you were so disturbed by their presence, you
should have spoken before their arrival—not after. As far as I am
concerned, by inviting them here tonight, they are privy to that which
you would keep secret. They cannot accomplish what we ask of them if
they are not informed.”
Oshiro blanches and falls silent. Across the table, Zenaida catches your
eye and nods, a faint smile on her lips.
Umbria exhales a soft breath. “Wayfarer $lastname,” she continues,
turning to address you. “You asked why we seek the Astrial, how we
intend to use it once it is in our hands. The answer, as with anything
Lethalis seeks to accomplish, is complex. I’m uncertain what was taught
at the Spire, how much your masters cared about ancient relics, so I
must ask: do you know what the Diradan Astrial is capable of?”
Beside you, Aeran shifts uncomfortably in his seat. His brows draw
together in a deep crease and his mouth moves inaudibly, as if he is
about to interject. At the last moment, he brushes it off and quietly
slumps back in his chair, arms folded tight across his chest as he waits
for Umbria to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</if>><<set
$umbria_impression +=1, $veyer_impression +=1>>Oshiro’s mouth
twists with a nasty sneer. Beside him, Veyer lets out a cackling laugh
and raps their fingers against the table, <<if $veyer_impression
is 1>>regarding you with newfound… respect? Admiration? Glee?
You’re not sure what it is.<<else>>regarding you with
satisfied delight. You pause, hesitant to respond. Veyer has taken a
shining to you, but you don’t know why. You can’t make sense of the elf
at all.<</if>>
Across the table, Quinn rests her elbows on the surface and rolls her
eyes, staring at the ceiling.
<<if $umbria_impression is 1>>Umbria regards you steadily.
Maybe you’re imagining it, but she looks almost… approving. As if your
sharp tongue has done something to improve her perception of
you.<<else>>Umbria fixes you with a steady look, a faint
smile on her lips. Maybe you imagined it, but she almost seems to find
your retort amusing.<</if>>
“And I hold to that,” she says conclusively, cutting off all further
interruptions. “Protest all you want, Archsage Oshiro, but I do not hold
the same objections as you.”
The dwarf grimaces and falls silent, doing little to hide his
displeasure.
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria continues, turning to address you. “You
asked why we seek the Astrial, how we intend to use it once it is in our
hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis seeks to accomplish, is
complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the Spire, how much your
masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask: do you know what the
Diradan Astrial is?”
Beside you, Aeran shifts uncomfortably in his seat. His brows draw
together in a deep crease and his mouth moves inaudibly, as if he is
about to interject. At the last moment, he brushes it off and quietly
slumps back in his chair, arms folded tight across his chest as he waits
for Umbria to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $vote_for
+=1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS
01A")>>“We’re not idiots,” Aeran says sharply, nearly rising from
his seat. He grips the edge of the table, his fingers pressing so firmly
into the wood the tips turn white.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
AERAN START")>>“I know when someone’s got their back against the
wall—”
“Speaking from experience, hm?” Veyer says idly, raising an eyebrow.
From the look on Aeran’s face, you wouldn’t be surprised if he was
contemplating murder.
“You’re fighting a losing battle,” he continues, his voice dangerously
low. “You might not believe it yet, but you are. Keep your intentions
secret for all I care; even if we did leak your plans to your enemies,
what use would it be? Solarath has you cornered. By the time the Astrial
is in your hands, you will either use it to counter them or you will
submit to them and Quirinus will take it from
you.”<<else>>“I know when someone’s got their back against
the wall. Keep your intentions secret for all I care; even if we did
leak your plans to your enemies, what use would it be? Solarath has you
cornered. By the time the Astrial is in your hands, you will either use
it to counter them or you will submit to them and Quirinus will take it
from you.”<</if>><<else>>“Fine,” Aeran says,
gripping the edge of the table. His fingers press so firmly into the
wood his fingertips turn white. “I’m not an idiot, I know when someone’s
got their back against the wall. From what I’ve seen since I arrived in
this miserable city, you’re fighting a losing battle. Keep your
intentions secret for all I care; even if we did leak your plans to your
enemies, what use would it be? Solarath has you cornered. By the time
the Astrial is in your hands, you will either use it to counter them or
you will submit to them and Quirinus will take it from
you.”<</if>>
Oshiro snorts. “A bold claim, boy—”
“All this talk,” Aeran interrupts, his intense eyes seeking out Umbria.
“All this talk, yet it doesn’t get you anywhere. When I agreed to come
here, Zenaida led us to believe Lethalis had a plan. Had a purpose. But
all I see here are a group of mages so disorganized, so unwilling to
act, this may as well be for nothing. You say the Astrial will determine
the first victor in the war. If you’re going to act, stop sitting
around debating how to do something and just //do it.”//
The table falls silent in the wake of his words. All eyes turn to
Umbria, waiting for her response. She straightens, holding Aeran’s gaze,
unwilling to bend beneath his heated accusations.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I
do not lead Lethalis with an iron fist,” she says after a moment.
“Unlike others, I am aware of my limitations and biases. I do not always
know the correct course of action. And so I seek the counsel of my
colleagues. Though Lethalis began with me, it is false to say I direct
it. This council exists to provide balance, balance that is very much
necessary if we are ever to transform the Guild of Mages and cut out the
corruption that now perverts it.”
“Nice idealism,” he replies. “When will it amount to something?”
Umbria smiles coldly. “I had not finished, Wayfarer Kellis,” she says.
“There are times when I must override this council, regardless of how
much I value their opinions. Archsage Oshiro has ample reason to
mistrust you. I do not fault him for that. But as far as I am concerned,
inviting you here tonight made you and $lastname a part of Lethalis
itself. I know all too well that you cannot accomplish what we ask of
you if you are not informed.”
She turns her attention to you, the jewel on her hand glimmering,
intensifying its light. “Wayfarer $lastname. You asked why we seek the
Astrial, how we intend to use it once it is in our hands. The answer, as
with anything Lethalis seeks to accomplish, is complex. I’m uncertain
what was taught at the Spire, how much your masters cared about ancient
relics, so I must ask: do you know what the Diradan Astrial is capable
of?”
Beside you, Aeran grimaces and throws himself back in his seat, arms
folded tight as he waits for her to continue.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Augmenters<</notify>><<set $augmentercodex
to true>>Your mind races back to <<if $chapter1route is
"docks">>that rainy morning in the Slippery Weasel and a striking
Imperial noblewoman explaining why she came so far for a pair of
Wayfarers. Zenaida’s explanation was sufficient at the time; given their
nature, Astrials are beyond even the ordinary person, let alone
you.<<else>>that day on the //Dareia// and a striking
Imperial noblewoman explaining why she went the lengths she did for a
pair of Wayfarers. Zenaida’s explanation was sufficient out of
necessity; it’s not like you had a choice to decline. And regardless,
given their nature, Astrials are beyond even the ordinary person, let
alone you.<</if>>
“It’s an Astrial,” you say. “I’m sure there’s a multitude of ways it can
be misused. But even if its magic somehow wasted away, it’s still a
Meissandic relic. It’s important to half the world.”
“Misused is a dangerous understatement,” Umbria replies severely. “Tell
me, $lastname, how familiar are you with augmenters?”
You pause. Augmenters are rare—devices developed in tandem by engineers
of the Guild and the Arcanists’ Lodge to expand the limits of an
individual’s natural magic. They are exclusive tools, handled only by
those with the right connections, wealth, or both.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Augmenters make little difference to Wayfarers. Magic
disperses at your touch regardless of whether it is amplified or not.
<<if $master is "Cenric">>Cenric discussed them briefly
during your training, ostensibly to acknowledge their existence and then
move on.<<elseif $master is "Sero">>Sero discussed them
briefly during your training, highlighting how a battlemage could use
one to destroy the environment around you, but otherwise dismissed
them.<<else>>Nevertheless, Varyn found the devices
intriguing and warned against disregarding their potential. Though there
was never any evidence to prove it, she theorized that a sufficiently
powerful augmenter could be used to bypass magical immunity. She spent a
great deal of time near the end of your training exchanging letters
with engineers across Rhesainia, though nothing ever came of
it.<</if>>
“Familiar enough,” you say finally.
“Then consider the Astrials primordial augmenters,” Umbria continues.
“Perhaps the very first. Like their modern counterparts, they access the
resonance between an individual and their power, magnifying it a
hundredfold, pushing it far beyond natural limitations. Despite all our
advances, modern augmenters pale in comparison to the works of our
pre-Astrandium ancestors. They accomplished a feat that is, for all
intents and purposes, impossible: attuning an individual to a new sphere
of magic.”
You blink.
//…what?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Glancing
around the table, you are met with looks of distress and dismay, as if
the Lethalis mages would rather not confront the implications of
Umbria’s words. The exception, of course, is Veyer. The elf seems wholly
unbothered by her statement and observes the table in comfortable
silence, keen to gauge your reaction.
You exchange looks with Aeran. He shifts impatiently in his seat and
scratches the back of his neck, the severity of Umbria’s statement
either lost on him or unimportant to him. You share his confusion.
Though you’re certainly no scholar of magic, there is one natural law
that cannot be contested: magical power is innate. You are either born
with a specific attunement or you are not.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…I’m sorry,
what?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Explain.”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 2][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “That’s bullshit.”|CHAPTER 2
LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 2][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$umbria_impression +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10,
5, 95), $vote_for +=1>>A murmur whispers around the table. Veyer
leans forward in their seat, idly stroking their chin as their dark eyes
watch you closely. Quinn lets out a satisfied sigh and gestures with a
hand, making it clear that she agrees with you. Even Ashani—statue-like
in their stillness—has a flicker of approval. Only Leda seems displeased
with your statement, but she flounders, her annoyance stemming less
from your point and more from the fact that you were the one to make it.
<<if $lethalis_angry is true>>Zenaida smiles faintly, her
anger with you finally fading.<<else>>Zenaida catches your
eye and gives you a small, furtive smile.<</if>>
Oshiro pauses, casting an eye around the room as he takes in his
colleagues’ responses. He raises his head, drawing himself up as
straight as his short stature allows. For a moment, you think he’s going
to issue some grand retort, continuing his relentless interrogation of
your character and motives—but he simply exhales and closes his eyes,
passing a hand across his face.
He looks tired—almost as exhausted as Zenaida.
“Very well, $lastname,” he says. “It seems you have made your point. I
concede. Ask your questions if you must. But know that the final verdict
is yet to be made.”
With that, he leans back in his seat and falls silent.
Across the table, Umbria regards you with reserved approval. She gives
you a nod of respect, then opens her mouth to address you. “Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “You asked why we seek the Astrial, how we intend
to use it once it is in our hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis
seeks to accomplish, is complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the
Spire, how much your masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask:
do you know what the Diradan Astrial is capable of?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $vote_against
+=1>>Oshiro smiles. “Will it?” he counters, triumph gleaming in
his eyes. “You underestimate your importance here. This decision to use
the services of two Wayfarers is a paltry choice compared to the greater
forces at play.”
Your jaw clenches. “But Zenaida—”
“Promised you? Promised you what, $lastname? Were you so eager to escape
whatever miserable circumstances you embroiled yourself in that
backwater town that you took her at her word?”
<<if $chapter1route is "docks" and $zenaidarefused neq
true>>You flush. “Not exactly—”<<else>>“Not in the
slightest,” you say darkly.<</if>>
“What you don’t understand—or what Savant Anaxas sought to keep hidden
from you—is that she acted alone.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$ashani_impression +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10,
5, 95), $vote_for +=1>>Oshiro chuckles harshly. “And that is
exactly the issue at hand,” he says. “I do not want your services. I
argued against it from the very beginning and this council never came to
a conclusive decision. I have no reason to—how did you put it?—put my
faith in you when you were never welcome—”
“A senseless exaggeration,” a low, liquid voice interrupts. “And a
duplicitous one.”
All eyes turn to Ashani. The melusine stirs from their seat, their deep
red serithan swirling about them as they rise to their staggering
height. Their black hair streams over their shoulders, curling and
twisting like seaweed rippling against the ocean tide. Silver light
blazes in their eyes, growing in strength as the library barrier flares
to life, becoming visible for the first time since you entered.
“You claim we cannot place our trust in these Wayfarers because they
cannot be bound by blood oaths,” they say. “There was a time in Guild
history before such magic, when promises lived and died by the word of
those who swore them. You remember that time, Lord Oshiro, as I do—it
was not that long ago. It is the Grand Archsage’s reliance on malignant
magic that lies at the heart of the Guild’s corruption. You cannot seek
to route the rot while indulging in it yourself.”
Their piece complete, Ashani sits back down, folds their hands quietly
in their lap and resumes their silent survey of the proceedings. Oshiro
opens his mouth to answer, but no words come out. His jaw clamps shut
and he leans back in his seat, flabbergasted.
<<if $lethalis_angry is true>>Zenaida smiles faintly, her
anger with you finally fading.<<else>>Zenaida catches your
eye and gives you a small, furtive smile.<</if>>
Across the table, Umbria regards you with reserved approval. “Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “You asked why we seek the Astrial, how we intend
to use it once it is in our hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis
seeks to accomplish, is complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the
Spire, how much your masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask:
do you know what the Diradan Astrial is capable of?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $vote_against
+=1>>Oshiro smiles. “Is that how it is?” he says, triumph gleaming
in his eyes. “You underestimate your importance here. This decision to
use the services of two Wayfarers is a paltry choice compared to the
greater forces at play.”
Your jaw clenches. “But Zenaida—”
“Promised you? Promised you what, $lastname? Were you so eager to escape
whatever miserable circumstances you embroiled yourself in that
backwater town that you took her at her word?”
<<if $chapter1route is "docks" and $zenaidarefused neq
true>>You flush. “Not exactly—”<<else>>“Not in the
slightest,” you say darkly.<</if>>
“What you don’t understand—or what Savant Anaxas sought to keep hidden
from you—is that she acted alone.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 5,
95), $vote_for +=1>>Oshiro rises in his seat, drawing himself up
as straight as his short stature will allow. “Take care with the
accusations, $lastname,” he says, his upper lip curling. “You are not
among friends. My colleagues know my motives quite well—I have been
against your employment from the beginning. This council never came to a
conclusive decision—”
High-pitched laughter rings out as Veyer collapses forward, leaning
helplessly against the table as their body convulses with laughter.
“What a speech!” they say, dark eyes dancing with caustic mirth. “What a
performance! Worthy of the lyranaeum, Oshiro, well done. I think you
know we are not in agreement. Fight tooth and nail all you want, but
Zenaida has won this one. Her proposal is the only way forward. Time to
put your prejudices aside before you waste more of our time.”
Oshiro grimaces. For a moment, you think he’s going to issue some grand
retort, continuing his relentless interrogation of your character and
motives—but he simply exhales and closes his eyes, passing a hand across
his face.
“Very well,” he grunts. “I concede. Ask your damned questions,
$lastname. Just know that though you’ve garnered some support, the final
verdict is yet to be made.”
With that, he leans back in his seat and falls silent. <<if
$lethalis_angry is true>>Zenaida smiles faintly, her anger with
you finally fading.<<else>>Zenaida catches your eye and
gives you a small, furtive smile.<</if>>
Across the table, Umbria regards you with reserved approval. “Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “You asked why we seek the Astrial, how we intend
to use it once it is in our hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis
seeks to accomplish, is complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the
Spire, how much your masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask:
do you know what the Diradan Astrial is capable of?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95), $vote_against
+=1>>Oshiro’s laughter rings out, cracking through the library’s
still air. “Ulterior motives? If you want to look for ulterior motives,
look to the one who hired you. Savant Anaxas is more like her mother
than she wants you to believe—quick to lie, quick to fabricate whatever
truths that serve her the best.”
Your jaw clenches. “What are you talking about?”
He chuckles. “Oh, dear $child,” he says. “Were you so eager to escape
whatever miserable circumstances you embroiled yourself in that you took
her at her word? We never sanctioned your recruitment. She acted
alone.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST FAILS
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
glance across the table. Zenaida sits silently in her seat, her hands
folded tight together. She refuses to look at you, staring down Oshiro
with vibrant anger burning in her eyes.
“It was //she// who proposed we employ Wayfarers,” he continues
viciously. //“She// who sought you out, //she// who took off to Rona
without warning and without the consultation of this council. We are not
responsible for the false promises she made you—”
“Archsage Oshiro!” Umbria calls, her voice ringing out across the room
The jewel on her hand glimmers, intensifying its light. “Savant Anaxas
has shown you nothing but respect tonight, yet you continue to disdain
any opinion that is not your own. This is unjust and unworthy of you.
Wayfarer $lastname and Wayfarer Kellis are here by //my// request. If
you were so disturbed by their presence, you should have spoken before
their arrival—not after. As far as I am concerned, by inviting them here
tonight, they are privy to that which you would keep secret. They
cannot accomplish what we ask of them if they are not informed.”
Oshiro’s smile darkens. He regards Umbria with a doubtful eye, his gaze
passing from her to Zenaida and back again. To your surprise, he does
not argue with her. He leans idly back in his seat, gesturing for her to
continue.
//…what was that about?//
You glance at Aeran. He gives you a subtle shrug, his expression blank.
He has no clearer ideas than you do.
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says, turning to address you. “You asked
why we seek the Astrial, how we intend to use it once it is in our
hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis seeks to accomplish, is
complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the Spire, how much your
masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask: do you know what the
Diradan Astrial is capable of?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is 1 or
$option is 2>>Umbria meets your eyes, her fingers instinctively
adjusting the jeweled bracelet on her wrist. “You know of the Hexade,
yes?” she asks.<<else>>A hollow smile flashes across
Umbria’s face. “I assure you, it is not,” she says, her fingers
instinctively adjusting the jeweled bracelet on her wrist. “You know of
the Hexade, yes?”<</if>>
<<if $lethalisapp <=39>>You snort. “Of course I do, I’m
not an idiot—”
Aeran’s foot connects <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>lightly<<else>>sharply<</if>>
with your ankle beneath the table. “We know the Arathian
classifications,” he says. “How you handle a Soulweaver’s conjurations
is fundamentally different than a Brightwarden’s wards.”
You grimace, chewing your lower lip as Aeran slips easily into the
terminology. <<if $master is "Varyn">>Varyn drilled the
Arathian classification system into your heads, insistent that you know
it inside and out.<<else>>Despite his dislike of magic, he
knows the Arathian classification system inside and out. Varyn spent far
too much time drilling it into his head for him to
forget.<</if>><<else>>You nod. “I know it’s
popular to believe Wayfarers don’t understand magic, but we were
educated in Arathian classifications,” you reply. “Unbinding a
Soulweaver’s conjured flames is a different process than seeing through a
Lightseeker’s illusions.”
Aeran grimaces and rolls his eyes. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn drilled the Arathian classification system into
your heads, insistent that you know it inside and
out.<<else>>Despite his dislike of magic, he knows the
Arathian classification system inside and out. Varyn spent far too much
time drilling it into his head for him to
forget.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Magic<</notify>><<set $magiccodex to true>>The
Hexade is the primary method of understanding and categorizing magic.
Every person born into this world—regardless of ancestry, nationality,
or creed—is born with a natural connection to the world’s energies. This
attunement is linked to one of six sources. Each source governs a
different sphere of magic, dictating the type of power an individual
manifests.
For most people, attunement is restricted to a single sphere. A
Planeswalker like Malsara—who manipulates spatial magic to move herself
long distances—cannot create a Brightwarden’s barriers. There are
exceptions, of course. In rare cases, some individuals may attune to
more than one sphere, manifesting magical power in combinations that are
otherwise impossible to achieve. Others may attune to the same sphere
twice, heightening their powers beyond the natural limits, such as
Brightblade regenerative capabilities.
Many organizations, from the Guild of Mages to sanctioned researchers in
courts the world over, have attempted to discern whether attunement to
one sphere can be passed to a person attuned to another. Countless of
experiments and hundreds of years of research has only proved that it is
unattainable.
And yet here is Umbria, a Guild Archsage herself, saying that what flies
in the face of natural order is, indeed, possible?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“A person’s natural attunement was once viewed as sacred,”
Umbria continues. “The Meissandium would say it is the manifestation of
the link between gods and mortals. But regardless of your personal
beliefs, this world was built on the understanding that magic is
limited. We cannot control that which is outside ourselves. Even modern
devices imbued with magic and calibrated to cast specific spells do not
break that cardinal rule.”
She pauses, a shadow crossing her face. Above, the chandelier turns, its
rotating crystal branches shining light to new corners of the library.
It catches the gemstone on her hand and the brilliant jewel pulses,
multicoloured light refracting within. “Imagine what a single mage could
achieve if they were permanently gifted access to another sphere,” she
says. “To a second? A third? More? There has never been a mage attuned
to all six spheres of magic, not since the Astrandium.”
“The Astrandium?” you interject, raising an eyebrow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Surviving
records describe the Sentinels’ accomplishments as something
supernatural,” she replies. “While I do not doubt these fragmented
annals are prone to exaggeration or misinterpretation by translators,
Rhesainia and her followers were unique. They stopped a world-ending
calamity, one that scars the earth to this day. And their relics—the
Astrials—were the key to it. If they used them to permanently augment
their powers and share attunement between them, then for all intents and
purposes they were gods… or as close to divinity as mortals can
become.”
You lean back in your seat, arms folded tightly across your chest. So
this is what Zenaida must have meant when she said no one should wield
an Astrial. When she spoke of an impending war between Guild factions,
you’d imagined mages weaponizing the ancient artefact, wielding it like a
club while casting spells. But the truth is not so bombastic. It
doesn’t matter that the relic in Diradan Tower is a staff; if Umbria is
to be believed, its true power—and its anger—lies in its ability to
bestow a new sphere of magic on anyone who wants it.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<link
'<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1. “This Astrial… it’s a staff,
right? Is it the one linked to Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What
does this Astrial do? What magic would it give?”<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3A'>><</link>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<link '<<if $lethalisapp
<=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you found all this
out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure all this
out?”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3B'>><</link>></div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “That Astrial’s been sitting in
Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the Guild tried to use
it before? Why now?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3C]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$lethalisapp >=50>>Umbria raises an
eyebrow.<<else>>Umbria raises an eyebrow, unbothered by your
tone.<</if>>
“How did you know that Astrials are specialized augmenters? That they
can pass on attunement?” you press. “If they haven’t been used since the
Astrandium, how can you be sure they do what you think they do? For all
you know, they may be useless bits of ancient metal.”
She frowns, her expression hardening. <<if $lethalis_angry is true
or $lethalisapp <=39>>She already dislikes you and your
question has done little to improve the
sentiment.<<else>>For the first time since you entered the
library, her mask slips, displeasure bleeding through. She’s not pleased
by your line of thought.<</if>> “Study and research,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “Centuries worth, if you take my
predecessors into account. This may be the first time anyone has
attempted to break an Astrial’s wards, but we are certain our theories
are correct. And even if there is room for doubt, Quirinus himself
believes they are true. I will not let him be the first to test it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA
EXP 3A")>><s><<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1.
“This Astrial… it’s a staff, right? Is it the one linked to
Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What does this Astrial do? What magic
would it
give?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1. “This Astrial… it’s a staff,
right? Is it the one linked to Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What
does this Astrial do? What magic would it give?”<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3A'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3B")>><s><<if $lethalisapp
<=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you found all this
out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure all this
out?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $lethalisapp <=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you
found all this out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure
all this out?”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3B'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3C")>><s>3. “That Astrial’s been sitting in
Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the Guild tried to use
it before? Why now?”</s><<else>>[[3. “That Astrial’s
been sitting in Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the
Guild tried to use it before? Why now?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3C")>>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
DONE]]<<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Astrials<</notify>><<set $astrialscodex to
true>><<if $meissa_religion is 1>>Umbria nods deeply.
“Indeed,” she says.<<else>>Umbria tilts her head, surprised
by your question. “Surely you’re familiar with the stories,” she says.
<<if $meissa_religion is 3>>“Not really,” you shrug. “Only
in passing. It’s not like they’re a cornerstone of Wayfarer
life.”<<else>>“Don’t care,” you retort. “Always had better
things to do with my time.”<</if>>
Besides, Meissandic iconography is intricate. Between the Hexatheon,
Rhesainia, and the Sentinels, you always get something mixed up.
“Diradan’s Astrial is the Staff of Seiara,” she continues
grimly.<</if>> “The first Lightseeker, if the texts are to
be believed. Her staff augments the sphere of Illumination. In the hands
of the wrong person, they could use it to cast illusions so complex,
they fool an entire city; warp the minds of their enemies, tricking them
into believing lies and half-truths; distort the very emotions of those
around them, dictating what they feel and when they feel it.”
You swallow hard. Illumination is the sphere you understand the least.
The sphere is wholly internal, its magic affecting and manipulating the
mind. Outwardly, there is very little to indicate its presence. You had
an encounter with it tonight at the gala in the form of Melchior; if you
had not been told he was an illusionist, you would never have known he
appeared in a different guise to everyone else around you.
“…in the hands of the wrong person,” you say slowly. “You mean Quirinus,
don’t you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Veyer snorts. “Who else? Pay attention, <<if
$veyer_impression >=2>>dear. You’re smarter than
that.”<<else>>$lastname. I thought you were smarter than you
look.”<</if>>
“Sabien Quirinus is the most powerful mage the Guild has seen in
centuries,” Umbria says. “He is attuned to three spheres, manifesting
powers the likes of which have never been seen in recorded Guild
history. What happens when he gains a fourth? A fifth? A sixth?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3C")>>“You
mentioned other Astrials,” you reply. “I take it this is not the only
one he’s set his sights on.”<<else>>“Then I take it this is
not the only Astrial he’s looking for,” you press.<</if>>
Quinn clears her throat and quickly adjusts her bun. “The locations of
three others have been public knowledge for years. The Axe of Athor was
the first Astrial to be discovered, some eight centuries ago in a crater
at the bottom of the Lotharic Sea, some leagues off the Arathian coast.
It now hangs in the Imperial court in Erenvor. The Shield of Aureia
resurfaced on the Artanisian coast during the Faran-Rhesainian Wars,
discovered by the Coveran navy. It is now in the possession of the
Coveran Assembly in Tol Covere. And finally, the Arsenian Meissandium
has the Bow of Phairan locked away in a Nesactium temple. While they
have announced it is in their possession, no one save the Meissants have
seen it in person.”
You note the distaste in her voice and raise an eyebrow. “So like the
Guild?” you say. “Keeping powerful artefacts from a bygone era all to
yourself?”
<<if $veyer_impression >=2>>Veyer chortles, grinning ear
from ear.
Quinn rolls her eyes and lets out a puff of air. “We have agents
positioned near each,” she says, ignoring your
interruption.<<else>>“We have agents positioned near each,”
she continues, pointedly ignoring your interruption.<</if>>
“They are ready to act when necessary, with the full knowledge that
doing so is tantamount to declaring war. These three Astrials are nigh
untouchable, even to Quirinus. There’s a reason he has focused solely on
the Astrial already within his possession.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“And the last two?” Aeran asks absently, picking at a
fingernail. “The spear and the dagger, right? Biara and Aion?”
“Unknown,” Umbria <<if $lethalisapp <=39>>replies, a
little too quickly for your taste. She’s been far more forthright with
her answers than you expected, considering Lethalis’ detached dislike
for you. She must be hiding
something.<<else>>answers.<</if>> “Lost to
history, lost to time. They may already be destroyed. The passing of
millennia is enough to fell cities and citadels, let alone singular
objects. Not that the Grand Archsage is dissuaded. He has devoted many
resources and agents to the search, but it has yet to prove fruitful.”
She hesitates, casting a quick, calculating look around the table at her
colleagues. “Though he may have more success dealing with known
Astrials, the axe, the bow, and the shield are all attuned to spheres he
already possesses. Though I am certain he will want them for their
augmentation capabilities, he does not need them to expand his
abilities. Quirinus seeks the final pair because they are connected to
the spheres he cannot manifest.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>//Great…//
You rub your forehead. So Lethalis’ mission is about stopping <<if
$solarathapp <=39>><<set $solarath_special to
true>>a power-hungry mage from becoming more powerful… You
shouldn’t be surprised. When mages fight mages, it’s always about who
has the power and who doesn’t.<<else>><<set
$solarath_special to false>>Quirinus from becoming… what? A
demigod? The Grand Archsage is an arrogant bastard, true, but this seems
far too convoluted and fantastical for your taste.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3A")>><s><<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1. “This
Astrial… it’s a staff, right? Is it the one linked to
Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What does this Astrial do? What magic
would it
give?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1. “This Astrial… it’s a staff,
right? Is it the one linked to Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What
does this Astrial do? What magic would it give?”<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3A'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3B")>><s><<if $lethalisapp
<=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you found all this
out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure all this
out?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $lethalisapp <=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you
found all this out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure
all this out?”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3B'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3C")>><s>3. “That Astrial’s been sitting in
Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the Guild tried to use
it before? Why now?”</s><<else>>[[3. “That Astrial’s
been sitting in Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the
Guild tried to use it before? Why now?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3C")>>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
DONE]]<<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“There
was no reason,” Umbria says. “The staff was dormant, its magic dead.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3B")>>It
was, as you put it, a useless bit of ancient
metal.”<<else>>It was little more than a relic of the past,
an empty husk coveted for its historical importance.”<</if>>
Aeran sits up in his seat. “What changed?” he asks, <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3A")>>still
examining<<else>>examining<</if>> his nails as
he feigns casual disregard. He doesn’t fool you; you know him too well.
Something in Umbria’s explanation has caught his attention.
“The magic returned. Slowly but surely, like the regrowth of a forest
decimated by fire. It was small at first, barely noticeable, but over
the course of decades it gathered its strength and… awoke.”
“Awoke? What do you mean, awoke?”
“Merely a turn of phrase, Wayfarer Kellis. The Council of Mages has
watched the staff’s awakening for three decades. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3A")>>Our agents in
Erenvor, Tol Covere, and Nesactium have confirmed similar reactions
within their Astrials.<<else>>Our agents have confirmed
similar reactions with the other known Astrials.<</if>> We
don’t know what caused it, but we are certain the Astrials are
connected. What happens to one, happens to all.”
She takes a breath. “Quirinus was the first Grand Archsage to suggest
disabling the Astrial’s wards and removing its seal to investigate
potential applications. It was one of his first proposals upon taking
his post. But the Council of Mages errs on the side of caution. Each
time he raised the proposition, they rejected it on principle. So now he
seeks other methods to obtain his goals—and he will destroy the Guild
to do so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA
EXP 3A")>><s><<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1.
“This Astrial… it’s a staff, right? Is it the one linked to
Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What does this Astrial do? What magic
would it
give?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $meissa_religion is 1>>1. “This Astrial… it’s a staff,
right? Is it the one linked to Seiara?”<<else>>1. “What
does this Astrial do? What magic would it give?”<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3A'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3B")>><s><<if $lethalisapp
<=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you found all this
out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure all this
out?”<</if>></s><<else>><<link
'<<if $lethalisapp <=40>>2. “I’d love to know how you
found all this out.”<<else>>2. “How the fuck did you figure
all this out?”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3B'>><</link>><</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3C")>><s>3. “That Astrial’s been sitting in
Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the Guild tried to use
it before? Why now?”</s><<else>>[[3. “That Astrial’s
been sitting in Diradan Tower for hundreds of years. Why hasn’t the
Guild tried to use it before? Why now?”|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
3C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST
UMBRIA EXP 3A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP 3C")>>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST UMBRIA EXP
DONE]]<<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
lean back in your seat, your chair pressing sharply into your back as
you cast an eye above you. You watch the chandelier turn, staring
distractedly at its brilliant, rotating lights, your mind racing. Though
it is satisfying to have answers, they have only left you with more
questions.
“You told me what Quirinus plans to do with the Astrial,” you say
finally. “But what do //you// intend to do?”
Umbria regards you solemnly and folds her hands calmly on the table,
gently layering her bejewelled hand over the other. “If the Astrials
indeed do what we believe they can, there is only one solution: remove
them from the equation entirely. The time of the Astrandium has long
since passed. Perhaps they were once created to save the world, but now
their waxing power will see to its destruction. We will destroy the
staff and disperse its magical energies—and proceed to do the same for
all that remain.”
Aeran snorts. “Destroy the Astrials? Sure. Why not. The Meissandium’s
going to love that.”
“A sacrifice we must make,” she says coldly. “The Astrials pose a
threat—and it is the Guild of Mages that will either begin it or end
it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST ASTRIALS") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST SOLARATH")>>“All right,” you say abruptly. “I think I
know enough now. But there’s one thing that still bothers me. The tower
explosion.<<else>>“I have to wonder,” you say slowly. “The
tower explosion.<</if>> If you’re sending us to the tower,
we need to know what to expect. What happened that day?”
<<if visitedTags("arantir")>>Umbria regards you coldly, her
eyes narrowed. “Did Allegra not tell you? I can’t believe she refused
the opportunity to disparage my reputation and lay the blame at my
feet.”
“Forget Allegra. I want to hear it from you.”
<<if $umbria_impression >=2>>She pauses, regarding you in
silence as she contemplates her answer. Several times she hovers on the
edge of speaking, only to retreat at the last moment. You wait,
<<if $lethalisapp <=39>>staving off your growing
impatience,<<else>>patient as you can,<</if>>
knowing that if you press her now, she will likely refuse altogether.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER2
UMBRIA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“There
is not much to say,” she says shortly. “It was an unfortunate accident,
one from which we are all reeling. An acolyte died. As this has little
bearing on our business here, I ask that you do not pry. This disaster
weighs heavily on us all and we have much to grieve.”
You pause, holding her gaze as you consider whether to press the issue
or not. She said nothing of the acolyte—who was apparently her
student—and the broken wards… Either Allegra was lying to throw you
off-course and create false tension between you and Lethalis, or she was
telling the truth. She inferred that Umbria plays her cards close to
her chest, that she delights in secrets. Knowing that, the Lethalis
archsage has been far more open than you ever expected, but it seems
you’ve finally found her limit.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ask her about the acolyte.|CHAPTER 2 LETH
QUEST TOWER ALLEG 02A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Leave it be.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST
TOWER ALLEG
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<else>>A
painful look crosses Umbria’s face. She looks away, avoiding your gaze,
a guilt-ridden weight pressing on her shoulders. “Please, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “This is a difficult subject to discuss. There is
nothing here that is pertinent—only deep wounds that have yet to heal.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I
know about the acolyte and the broken wards. I’ve heard one side of it.
I’d like to hear yours.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG
PERSPASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] “Look, I know about the
acolyte and the broken wards. I’ve heard one side of it. I’d like to
hear yours.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG
PERSFAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20)
+ $persuasion >= 18>>[[1. “Look, I know about the acolyte and
the broken wards. I’ve heard one side of it. I’d like to hear
yours.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG
PERSPASS]]<<else>>[[1. “Look, I know about the acolyte and
the broken wards. I’ve heard one side of it. I’d like to hear
yours.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG
PERSFAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Let it go.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER
ALLEG
DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“There is not much to say,” she
says finally. “My apprentice, she… She was young. Promising. Perhaps the
most talented mage I have ever had the pleasure of training. Because of
her history, I had done all I could to protect her from the strife
between the Grand Archsage and myself, but I could not keep her from
Lethalis forever. She was quiet, pensive… but also impulsive. When she
learned of Solarath’s goal to use the Astrial, she and two others took
it upon themselves to retrieve it from its chamber. They broke the wards
in Diradan’s western wing. They knew the warnings, knew the kind of
power held within those wards. Perhaps in their youth, they thought they
could contain and control it—”
“Or someone set them up to it,” Veyer says darkly.
The implication hangs heavily in the air.
Oshiro lets out an exasperated grunt. “We’ve discussed this before.
Breaking the wards benefits no one, not even Solarath. That trio acted
out of sheer youthful stupidity—”
They snort with derisive laughter. “And you know that how, exactly?
Lucien was your apprentice. Are you so repulsed by the possibility one
of your own could turn on you that you’d rather admit to being an utter
failure of a teacher?”
“Come back to this when you finally take an apprentice, Veyer,” he
retorts scornfully. “Until then, you’re in no position to judge. I knew
Lucien. He would never turn on Lethalis.”
Veyer’s lip curls, a heated gleam in their eyes. A tense silence falls
between them and Oshiro as the rest of the table watches, hesitant to
interrupt.<<if (def $sabien_message)>> You watch them
quietly, your thoughts racing. Allegra told you Umbria’s apprentice died
in the explosion, and the archsage’s reactions all but confirm it. But
Quirinus said that //the girl is fine…// Did he refer to another mage,
or did the acolyte somehow survive?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“So
your apprentices are responsible for this mess,” Aeran says abruptly,
<<if (def $sabien_message)>>breaking your
concentration.<<else>>intruding before a full-scale argument
breaks out.<</if>> “Great. That does wonders for your
competency, Archsage Bellaris.”
If Umbria is affronted by his remark, she gives no sign. “I do not shirk
responsibility for this,” she says coldly. “Their actions weigh heavily
on me. But regardless, we cannot restore the tower until the shroud has
been dispersed. The dissolution of the wards leave the Astrial
unprotected. If Solarath can uncover a way to bypass the shroud, it will
surely fall into Quirinus’ hands.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He grimaces and raps his fingers against
the table, then squeezes them into a fist. You can feel impatience
radiating off him from here.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“Look, I know about the acolyte. I
know about the broken wards—”
//“You do not.”//
Umbria’s voice rings out across the table, echoing through the library.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC SABIEN MESSAGE")>>“My
apprentice was taken from me that day,” she says.<<else>>“My
apprentice died,” she says.<</if>> “A young woman who was
very dear to me. I do not wish to relive the memories of that day. The
circumstances of Diradan’s explosion are of no importance to you. To
perform your contracted duty, you do not need to know why the wards
broke, but rather that they did. That knowledge is sufficient enough.”
The gemstone at her wrist flares to life, its light dancing in its core,
licking the insides like white flame.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Keep pushing. You know she’s hiding
something.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST TOWER ALLEG 02A.1]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Back down.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST TOWER
ALLEG 02A.2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Is
there something else you wish to address, Wayfarer $lastname?” Umbria
asks.
You smile, cursing inwardly at the situation. Your desire for answers is
far outweighed by your need to maintain civility between you and
Lethalis. <<if $lethalisapp <=19>>They are already far
too displeased with you as it is.<<elseif $lethalisapp
<=39>>Their respect for you—if it amounts to anything—is
lukewarm at best.<<else>>Though they respect you for now,
you shouldn’t risk damaging your relationship. Not until you get paid,
anyway.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“Allegra told me what she did,”
you continue. “That she was the one who entered the western wing and
broke the wards. She’s the one who caused the explosion—”
“And you believe the word of Allegra Arantir?” Umbria interrupts, a
harsh tone marring her voice. “An Imperial battlemage who holds nothing
but disdain for the Wayfarer Order, whose only interest in you is
derived from your association with me and mine? Don’t do yourself the
disservice of allowing her to manipulate you, Wayfarer $lastname.
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>>It only proves how susceptible you
are to Quirinus and his underlings.<<else>>I know you are
not a fool. Don’t become one now.<</if>>”
You swallow hard, your throat dry, and bite back the urge to curse at
her. You know she knows more than she’s letting on, but ever since you
stated your association with Allegra, Lethalis has viewed you with
disdain and suspicion. It doesn’t matter what you say. Umbria is never
going to tell you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
nod and shut your mouth, cursing inwardly at the situation. This is
clearly a sensitive topic and Umbria—for all her outward composure—must
still be processing her grief. You want answers, but not at the cost of
harming your relationship with Lethalis.
<<if $lethalisapp <=19>>They are already far too
displeased with you as it is.<<elseif $lethalisapp
<=39>>Their respect for you—if it amounts to anything—is
lukewarm at best.<<else>>Though they respect you for now,
you shouldn’t risk damaging your relationship. Not until you get paid,
anyway.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionPass>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>>Umbria
pauses, frozen with disbelief. A surprised murmur rushes over the table
as the Lethalis mages exchange looks, some shaking their heads, others
grimacing. Veyer clicks their tongue and leans back in their seat,
regarding you with a calculating look. <<if $lethalis_angry is
true>>None of them are pleased by your
statement.<<else>>None of them—not even Zenaida—are pleased
by your statement.<</if>>
“The tower’s fall has been a topic of discussion in the Velantian court
for weeks,” Umbria says finally, expertly setting aside her shock and
resuming her calm composure. “I’m sure you have heard many things. The
truth of the matter is that my apprentice was responsible for the
explosion.”
Her voice breaks, her next words dying. She brushes her fingers against
the gemstone at her wrist and the stone flares to life. Its light dances
in its core, licking the insides like white flame. “She was young,” she
continues finally. “Promising. Perhaps the most talented mage I have
ever had the pleasure of training. Because of her history, I had done
all I could to protect her from the strife between the Grand Archsage
and myself, but I could not keep her from Lethalis forever. She was
quiet, pensive… but also impulsive. When she learned of Solarath’s goal
to use the Astrial, she and two others took it upon themselves to
retrieve it from its chamber.”
You raise your head, your eyes narrowed. Allegra didn’t mention any
others; she seems to think Umbria’s apprentice acted alone.
“They broke the wards in Diradan’s western wing. They knew the warnings,
knew the kind of power held within those wards. Perhaps in their youth,
they thought they could contain and control it—”
“Or someone set them up to it,” Veyer says darkly.
The implication hangs heavily in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Oshiro lets out an exasperated grunt. “We’ve discussed this
before,” he says. “Breaking the wards benefits no one. That trio acted
out of sheer youthful stupidity—”
They snort with derisive laughter. “And you know that how, exactly?
Lucien was your apprentice. Are you so repulsed by the possibility one
of your own could turn on you that you’d rather admit to being an utter
failure of a teacher?”
“Come back to this when you finally take an apprentice, Veyer,” he
retorts scornfully. “Until then, you’re in no position to judge. I knew
Lucien. He would never turn on Lethalis.”
Veyer’s lip curls, a heated gleam in their eyes. A tense silence falls
between them and Oshiro as the rest of the table watches, hesitant to
interrupt. <<if (def $sabien_message)>>You watch them
quietly, your thoughts racing. Allegra told you Umbria’s apprentice died
in the explosion, and the archsage’s reactions all but confirm it. But
Quirinus said that //the girl is fine…// Did he refer to another mage,
or did the acolyte somehow survive?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“So
your apprentices are responsible for this mess,” Aeran says abruptly,
<<if (def $sabien_message)>>breaking your
concentration.<<else>>intruding before a full-scale argument
breaks out.<</if>> “Great. That does wonders for your
competency, Archsage Bellaris.”
If Umbria is affronted by his remark, she gives no sign. “I do not shirk
responsibility for this,” she says coldly. “Their actions weigh heavily
on me. But regardless, we cannot restore the tower until the shroud has
been dispersed. The dissolution of the wards leave the Astrial
unprotected. If Solarath can uncover a way to bypass the shroud, it will
surely fall into Quirinus’ hands.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He grimaces and raps his fingers against
the table, then squeezes them into a fist. You can feel impatience
radiating off him from here.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionFail>><<set
$vote_against +=1, $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>>Umbria
pauses, frozen with disbelief. A surprised murmur rushes over the table
as the Lethalis mages exchange looks, some shaking their heads, others
grimacing. Veyer clicks their tongue and leans back in their seat,
regarding you with a calculating look. <<if $lethalis_angry is
true>>None of them are pleased by your
statement.<<else>>None of them—not even Zenaida—are pleased
by your statement.<</if>>
“You heard one side of it?” Umbria says finally, her eyes narrowed.
“From whom?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Tell the truth.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER
ALLEG TRUTH]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are rivals. There’s
no knowing how damaging it will be if she finds out you spoke with
her.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS 1
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are
rivals. There’s no knowing how damaging it will be if she finds out you
spoke with her.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 18>>[[2. [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are rivals.
There’s no knowing how damaging it will be if she finds out you spoke
with her.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS 1
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] Umbria and Allegra are rivals.
There’s no knowing how damaging it will be if she finds out you spoke
with her.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS 1
FAIL]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
nod and shut your mouth, cursing inwardly at the situation. This is
clearly a sensitive topic. If what Allegra told you is true, then Umbria
lost her apprentice to the explosion. For all her outward composure,
she must still be processing her grief. You want answers, but not at the
cost of harming your relationship with Lethalis. <<if
$lethalisapp <=19>>They are already far too displeased with you
as it is.<<elseif $lethalisapp <=39>>Their respect for
you—if it amounts to anything—is lukewarm at
best.<<else>>Though they respect you for now, you shouldn’t
risk damaging your relationship. Not until you get paid,
anyway.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Allegra
Arantir,” you say.
Umbria’s expression turns to stone. “Arantir?” she repeats.
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “If you’ve
been colluding with Arantir, Wayfarer, by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says. “I see that ending
well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. Noting the
disapproving looks of his colleagues, he decides against further comment
and sits down heavily in his chair.
“Yes, I spoke with her,” you say, turning to Umbria. “It’s a gala. I was
trying to be polite. She told me that your apprentice tampered with the
Astrial’s wards, though she didn’t know why. Is this true? Is your
apprentice responsible for the explosion?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG
TRUTH-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>You
shrug. “I overheard it in passing.”
“In passing?” Veyer repeats, raising an eyebrow.
“You’d be surprised how much information you can glean simply by walking
through a room at a party,” you reply coldly.
They shrug, satisfied with your answer.
<<if $pava is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS 1
PASS-A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$vote_for +=1>>“Of course,” Umbria says, her fingers gently
brushing the gemstone at her wrist. It flares to life, its light dancing
in its core, licking the insides like white flame. “The tower’s fall
has been a topic of discussion in the Velantian court for weeks. I’m
sure you have heard many things.”
She takes a deep, steadying breath and fixes you with a steady look.
“But it is true. My apprentice was responsible for Diradan’s
destruction. She was young. Promising. Perhaps the most talented mage I
have ever had the pleasure of training. Because of her history, I had
done all I could to protect her from the strife between the Grand
Archsage and myself, but I could not keep her from Lethalis forever. She
was quiet, pensive… but also impulsive. When she learned of Solarath’s
goal to use the Astrial, she and two others took it upon themselves to
retrieve it from its chamber.”
You raise your head, your eyes narrowed. Allegra didn’t mention any
others; she seems to think Umbria’s apprentice acted alone.
“They broke the wards in Diradan’s western wing. They knew the warnings,
knew the kind of power held within those wards. Perhaps in their youth,
they thought they could contain and control it.”
“Or someone set them up to it,” Veyer says darkly.
The implication hangs heavily in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG PERS
1
PASS-B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<persuasionFail>><<set $vote_against +=1,
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>“I don’t
know,” you say, shrugging. “I heard it somewhere.”
Veyer raises an eyebrow. “You heard it,” they repeat. //“Somewhere.”//
Your throat tightens. “Look, does it matter? Surely we have—”
“You don’t simply walk through the archon’s gala and //happen// to
overhear discussions like this,” they say darkly. “No one manages that.
Not even a Wayfarer.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$pava is true>>“I saw $himher,” Leda says suddenly.
All eyes turn to her as she calmly folds her hands on top the table and
fixes you with a triumphant look. Your stomach drops.
//Shit.//
“I saw $himher in the pavilions tonight,” she says, a sickly sweet smile
on her lips. She seems quite pleased with herself. “$HeShe spoke with
Allegra Arantir.”
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “If you’ve
been colluding with Arantir, Wayfarer, by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary. I see that ending well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. Noting the
disapproving looks of his colleagues, he decides against further comment
and sits down heavily in his chair.
You grit your teeth, trying to push down your rising panic at being
caught in a lie. “Yes, I spoke with her,” you say acidly. “It’s a
//gala.// I was trying to be polite. Arantir told me your apprentice
tampered with the Astrial’s wards, but she didn’t say why. Is this true?
Is your apprentice responsible for the explosion—”
“And you believe her?” Umbria says irritably, a harsh tone marring her
voice. “An Imperial battlemage who holds nothing but disdain for the
Wayfarer Order, whose only interest in you is derived from your
association with me and mine? Don’t do yourself the disservice of
allowing her to manipulate you, Wayfarer $lastname. <<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>It only proves how susceptible you are to Quirinus
and his underlings.<<else>>I know you are not a fool. Don’t
become one now.”<</if>>
You swallow hard, your throat dry, and bite back the urge to curse at
her. You know she knows more than she’s letting on, but now she views
you with disdain and suspicion. Try all you want, Umbria is never going
to tell you the truth.<<else>>You grit your teeth. “Why
don’t you tell us about your apprentice, Umbria?” you say, desperately
trying to throw the attention off your back. “She tampered with the
Astrial’s wards. Why? If she’s responsible for the explosion—”
//“Enough.”//
Umbria’s voice rings out across the table, echoing through the library.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC SABIEN MESSAGE")>>“My
apprentice was taken from me that day.<<else>>“My apprentice
died that day.<</if>> A young woman who was very dear to
me. I do not wish to relive the memories of that day. The circumstances
of Diradan’s explosion are of no importance to you. To perform your
contracted duty, you do not need to know why the wards broke, but rather
that they did. That knowledge is sufficient enough.”
The gemstone at her wrist flares to life, its light dancing in its core,
licking the insides like white flame.
You swallow hard, your throat dry, and bite back the urge to curse at
her. You know she knows more than she’s letting on, but it doesn’t
matter now, not when she’s looking at you with utter contempt.
Regardless of what you say, she is never going to tell
you.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“She was,” Umbria replies
quietly. “Though perhaps not in the way Allegra believes.”
She brushes her fingers against the gemstone at her wrist and the stone
flares to life. Its light dances in its core, licking the insides like
white flame. “She was perhaps the most promising mage I have ever had
the pleasure of training,” she continues. “Because of her history, I had
done all I could to protect her from the strife between the Grand
Archsage and myself, but I could not keep her from Lethalis forever. She
was quiet, pensive… but also impulsive. When she learned of Solarath’s
goal to use the Astrial, she and two others took it upon themselves to
retrieve it from its chamber.”
You raise your head, your eyes narrowed. Allegra didn’t mention any
others; she seems to think Umbria’s apprentice acted alone.
“They broke the wards in Diradan’s western wing. They knew the warnings,
knew the kind of power held within those wards. Perhaps in their youth,
they thought they could contain and control it—”
“Or someone set them up to it,” Veyer says darkly.
The implication hangs heavily in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Oshiro lets out an exasperated grunt. “We’ve discussed this
before,” he says. “Breaking the wards benefits no one, not even
Solarath. That trio acted out of sheer youthful stupidity—”
They snort with derisive laughter. “And you know that how, exactly?
Lucien was your apprentice. Are you so repulsed by the possibility one
of your own could turn on you that you’d rather admit to being an utter
failure of a teacher?”
“Come back to this when you finally take an apprentice, Veyer,” he
retorts scornfully. “Until then, you’re in no position to judge. I knew
Lucien. He would never turn on Lethalis.”
Veyer seethes, a heated gleam in their eyes. A tense silence falls
between them and Oshiro as the rest of the table watches, hesitant to
interrupt. <<if (def $sabien_message)>>You watch them
quietly, your thoughts racing. Allegra told you Umbria’s apprentice died
in the explosion, and the archsage’s reactions all but confirm it. But
Quirinus said that //the girl is fine…// Did he refer to another mage,
or did the acolyte somehow survive?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“So
your apprentices are responsible for this mess,” Aeran says abruptly,
<<if (def $sabien_message)>>breaking your
concentration.<<else>>intruding before a full-scale argument
breaks out.<</if>> “Great. That does wonders for your
competency, Archsage Bellaris.”
If Umbria is affronted by his remark, she gives no sign. “I do not
refuse to accept that I am responsible, in part, for this,” she says
icily. “Their actions weigh heavily on me, on all of us. But regardless,
we cannot restore the tower until the shroud has been dispersed. The
dissolution of the wards leave the Astrial unprotected. If Solarath can
uncover a way to bypass the shroud, it will surely fall into Quirinus’
hands.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He grimaces and raps his fingers against
the table, then squeezes them into a fist. You can feel impatience
radiating off him from here.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell her about
the Brightblade.|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG 03]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Leave it be.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<lethalisGain>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 10, 5, 95)>>“Then
there’s something else you need to know,” you say. “Allegra said she
hired a Brightblade to investigate the tower—”
Horror rushes over the table at your words. Across the table, Oshiro
sits upright, nearly rising out of his chair. Next to him, Veyer
grimaces and passes a hand across their face, all traces of amusement
and glee evaporating.
“Damn it all,” they mutter. “Then Solarath has made a significant move.”
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria says sharply. “Do you recall how Allegra
described it? Her exact words.”
You pause, your gut twisting as you try to remember. You peel back the
hours to the time you spent with Allegra in the pavilions. <<if
$last_location is 1>>It wasn’t that long
ago…<<else>>It was a while ago now… Damn it, this evening
has gone on far too long…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “She said they entered the tower and
returned immediately. They couldn’t risk going any further.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG 04][$option to 1, $vote_for +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “She said they died. The remnants
were too powerful, they couldn’t regenerate.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH QUEST TOWER
ALLEG 04][$option to 2, $vote_against +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “She said they returned after ten
minutes, too tired from constantly regenerating to go on.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH QUEST TOWER ALLEG 04][$option to 3, $guaranteed_vote to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Veyer pauses. “Is that so?” they say. “Then perhaps
Solarath has not moved as quickly as I feared. Arantir will want to
test the shroud thoroughly before they strike the tower.”
“Regardless, this news is concerning,” Umbria says. “Thank you for
informing us, Wayfarer $lastname. This will considerably affect our
actions going forward.”<<elseif $option is 2>>Veyer cocks
their head. “Is that so?” they say, dark eyes narrowed in contemplation.
“So even a Brightblade’s power fails here. I suspected it would be the
case, but to have confirmation…”
“Regardless, this news is concerning,” Umbria says. “Thank you for
informing us, Wayfarer $lastname. This will considerably affect our
actions going forward.”<<else>>Veyer pauses, regarding you
with piercing eyes. “Is that so,” they say. “Then Solarath is moving
faster than I presumed. If the shroud has proven dispersible—even only
partially—then it is only a matter of time before they find a solution
and strike the tower in force.”
“Indeed,” Umbria says. “Thank you for informing us, Wayfarer $lastname.
This will considerably affect our actions going
forward.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$HeShe<<if
$pronounsPlural is
false>>’s<<else>>’re<</if>> lying,” Leda
says.
Your stomach drops.
All eyes turn to her as she calmly folds her hands on top the table and
fixes you with a triumphant look. “I saw you in the pavilions tonight,”
she says, a sickly sweet smile on her lips. She seems quite pleased with
herself. “I saw you speak with Allegra Arantir.”
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “If you’ve
been colluding with Arantir, Wayfarer, by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary. I see that ending well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. Noting the
disapproving looks of his colleagues, he decides against further comment
and sits down heavily in his chair.
“Yes, I spoke with her,” you say, turning to Umbria. “It’s a gala. I was
trying to be polite. Arantir told me your apprentice tampered with the
Astrial’s wards, but she didn’t say why. Is this true? Is your
apprentice responsible for the explosion—”
“And you believe her?” Umbria says irritably, a harsh tone marring her
voice. “An Imperial battlemage who holds nothing but disdain for the
Wayfarer Order, whose only interest in you is derived from your
association with me and mine? Don’t do yourself the disservice of
allowing her to manipulate you, Wayfarer $lastname. <<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>It only proves how susceptible you are to Quirinus
and his underlings.<<else>>I know you are not a fool. Don’t
become one now.<</if>>”
You swallow hard, your throat dry, and bite back the urge to curse at
her. You know she knows more than she’s letting on, but now she views
you with disdain and suspicion. Try all you want, Umbria is never going
to tell you the truth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Oshiro lets out an exasperated
grunt. “We’ve discussed this before,” he says. “Breaking the wards
benefits no one, not even Solarath. That trio acted out of sheer
youthful stupidity—”
They snort with derisive laughter. “And you know that how, exactly?
Lucien was your apprentice. Are you so repulsed by the possibility one
of your own could turn on you that you’d rather admit to being an utter
failure of a teacher?”
“Come back to this when you finally take an apprentice, Veyer,” he
retorts scornfully. “Until then, you’re in no position to judge. I knew
Lucien. He would never turn on Lethalis.”
Veyer seethes, a heated gleam in their eyes. A tense silence falls
between them and Oshiro as the rest of the table watches, hesitant to
interrupt. <<if (def $sabien_message)>>You watch them
quietly, your thoughts racing. Allegra told you Umbria’s apprentice died
in the explosion, and the archsage’s reactions all but confirm it. But
Quirinus said that //the girl is fine…// Did he refer to another mage,
or did the acolyte somehow survive?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“So
your apprentices caused this mess,” Aeran says abruptly, <<if
(def $sabien_message)>>breaking your
concentration.<<else>>intruding before a full-scale argument
breaks out.<</if>> “Great. That does wonders for Lethalis’
competency, Archsage Bellaris.”
If Umbria is affronted by his remark, she gives no sign. “I do not shirk
responsibility for this,” she says icily. “Their actions weigh heavily
on me, on all of us. But regardless, we cannot restore the tower until
the shroud has been dispersed. The dissolution of the wards leave the
Astrial unprotected. If Solarath can uncover a way to bypass the shroud,
it will surely fall into Quirinus’ hands.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He grimaces and raps his fingers against
the table, then squeezes them into a fist. You can feel his impatience
radiating off him from here.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You exchange looks with Aeran.
<<if $CountB_Branch3 is true>>The back of your neck prickles
as a memory of flames, heat, and collapsing buildings lingers in your
mind. You’ve seen what can happen when magic spirals out of control, but
never something as devastating as this. Not even the destruction of
Rona’s town square can compare.<<else>>You’ve witnessed more
than once what happens when magic spirals out of control, but never
something as devastating as this.<</if>>
You don’t want to consider what will happen if the shroud fails to
disperse and it reaches the rest of Velantis…
“What happened to them?” you ask. “The acolytes?”
“There is no doubt that all three are dead, consumed by the dispersing
wards.” She lets out a small, trembling breath, and raises her head,
retreating into her stoic composure. “They knew the warnings, knew the
kind of power held within those wards. Perhaps in their youth, they
underestimated their own abilities and thought they could contain it—”
“Or someone set them up to it,” Veyer says darkly.
The implication hangs heavily in the air.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Oshiro lets out an exasperated grunt. “We’ve discussed this
before. Breaking the wards benefits no one, not even Solarath. That trio
acted out of sheer youthful stupidity—”
They snort with derisive laughter. “And you know that how, exactly?
Lucien was your apprentice. Are you so repulsed by the possibility one
of your own could turn on you that you’d rather admit to being an utter
failure of a teacher?”
“Come back to this when you finally take an apprentice, Veyer,” he
retorts scornfully. “Until then, you’re in no position to judge. I knew
Lucien. He would never turn on Lethalis.”
Veyer seethes, a heated gleam in their eyes. A tense silence falls
between them and Oshiro as the rest of the table watches, hesitant to
interrupt. <<if (def $sabien_message)>>You observe them
quietly, your thoughts racing. Umbria’s apprentice must be dead… but
then there are Quirinus’ strange words. He said that //the girl is
fine…//
Did he refer to another mage, or did the acolyte somehow
survive?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“So
your apprentices are responsible for this mess,” Aeran says abruptly,
<<if (def $sabien_message)>>breaking your
concentration.<<else>>intruding before a full-scale argument
breaks out.<</if>> “Great. That does wonders for Lethalis’
competency, Archsage Bellaris.”
If Umbria is affronted by his remark, she gives no sign. “I do not shirk
responsibility for this,” she says coldly. “Their actions weigh heavily
on me. But regardless, we cannot restore the tower until the shroud has
been dispersed. The dissolution of the wards leave the Astrial
unprotected. If Solarath can uncover a way to bypass the shroud, it will
surely fall into Quirinus’ hands.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. He grimaces and raps his fingers against
the table, then squeezes them into a fist. You can feel his impatience
radiating off him from here.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
exchange looks with Aeran. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>The back of your neck prickles as a memory of flames, heat,
and collapsing buildings lingers in your mind. You’ve seen what can
happen when magic spirals out of control, but never something as
devastating as this. Not even the destruction of Rona’s town square can
compare.<<else>>You’ve witnessed more than once what happens
when magic spirals out of control, but never something as devastating
as this.<</if>>
You don’t want to consider what will happen if the shroud fails to
disperse and reaches the rest of Velantis…
“I hope that satisfies your curiosity,” she says. “<<if (def
$sabien_message)>>My apprentice was taken from me that
day.<<else>>My apprentice died that day.<</if>> A
young woman who was very dear to me. I do not wish to relive those
memories for you now.”
You nod and shut your mouth, cursing inwardly at the situation. This is
clearly a sensitive topic and Umbria—for all her outward composure—must
still be processing her grief. You want answers, but not at the cost of
harming your relationship with Lethalis. <<if $lethalisapp
<=19>>They are already far too displeased with you as it
is.<<elseif $lethalisapp <=39>>Their respect for you—if
it amounts to anything—is lukewarm at best.<<else>>Though
they respect you for now, you shouldn’t risk damaging your relationship.
Not until you get paid, anyway.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHALIS
QUESTIONS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>“Yes, I could have,” Zenaida says. “But given our
circumstances, I took the safer route. Do you truly object that much? As
much as I enjoy your companionship, Wayfarer $lastname, this is not the
time to extend it. You’ve travelled four weeks to complete this
contract and now is the time to do it. I assume you want to be paid,
no?”
Your jaw clenches. “I do. All I meant is that a little warning would be
appreciated.”
<<if $guaranteed_vote isnot true>>“Calm down, $lastname,
it’s not a certainty yet,” Oshiro says acidly. “Not all of us are in
agreement that this is the best course of action.”
She gives him a strained smile. “We’ll see.”<<else>>“Then
consider this the warning,” she says shortly. “Please, keep your silence
for now. Let Archsage Bellaris continue.”
Bristling at her reproving tone, you bite your tongue and shut your
mouth.<</if>><<elseif $option is 2>>“Of course,”
Zenaida says. “As much as I enjoy your companionship, Wayfarer
$lastname, it is time this farce comes to an end. It’s doubtful the
Velantian nobility believed the ruse; certainly, they will come to
question it once the wine clears from their minds. You’ve travelled four
weeks to complete a contract and now is the time to act. I’m sure you
will be glad to be paid, no?”
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>You smirk. “You know I will,”
you reply. “I just hope you don’t go back on your word.”
“I will not. Unlike other members of my House, I know how to keep my
promises—”<<else>>“Yeah, you could say that,” you reply,
shifting uncomfortably in your seat.<</if>>
<<if $guaranteed_vote isnot true>>“Settle down, $lastname,
it’s not a certainty yet,” Oshiro says acidly. “Not all of us are in
agreement that this is the best course of action.”
She gives him a strained smile. “We’ll see.”<<else>>“Then
there is no issue. Now please, Wayfarer $lastname, let Archsage Bellaris
continue.”<</if>><<else>>Though your words are
reluctant, they are the truth. As much as you crave a moment to rest and
process everything that has happened today, it was idealistic to assume
you would have one. Your life has a way of charging headlong from one
dire state to the next. But you are adaptable. If there’s one thing you
can pride yourself on, it’s your ability to accept whatever fate throws
your way.
Besides, this little sojourn to Mahanin Palace was unexpected. There are
other forces at play and Sabien Quirinus is far too suspicious of you.
The sooner you act, the more likely you are to evade him and Solarath.
Once the Astrial is retrieved, you’ll be paid in full and you can leave
Velantis and live your life on your own <<if $guaranteed_vote is
true>>terms.<<else>>terms.
“This is not a certainty yet, $lastname,” Oshiro says, disrupting your
thoughts. “Not all of us are in agreement that Zenaida’s proposal is the
best course of action.”
“I guess we’ll see,” you say shortly.
He harrumphs and shakes his head, dislike curling his
lip.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $guaranteed_vote is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH
GUARANTEED]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE
BEGIN]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“It’s
not a certainty yet, $lastname,” Oshiro says acidly, rounding on you.
“Not all of us are in agreement that Zenaida’s proposal is the best
course of action.”
Zenaida gives him a strained smile. “We’ll see.”
“Yes. We will.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE
BEGIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Umbria pauses, adjusting her
hands as she prepares to continue her address. “We then have the matter
of Archsage Oshiro’s proposal. Given the state of the shroud and this
new knowledge of Solarath’s attempts to breach Diradan Tower—”
“Wait.”
Oshiro pushes his chair back and draws himself up to his full stature.
“I rescind my proposal,” he says gravely. His gaze flickers to Zenaida,
watching for her reaction. She tilts her head, eyes narrowed with wary
confusion. “I no longer believe it is the right course of action. Though
some of our members have exhibited dangerous rashness in the past, in
this instance…” He trails off, mouth twisting as he forces the words
out. “It is justified. Once they discover how to pass through the
shroud, the Astrial may as well be in Quirinus’ hands. We must act now,
before this opportunity slips through our fingers.”
Declaration finished, the dwarf pulls in his chair and abruptly sits
down, surveying the table for his colleagues’ reactions. They sit in
shocked silence, taken aback by the abruptness of his announcement.
Zenaida blinks in surprise and withdraws into her chair, hands folded in
her lap. She glances over her shoulder at Malsara, who lays a hand on
her shoulder in quiet support.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Veyer
runs a hand across their chin, chuckling with delight. “And here I
thought I’d never see the day,” they say, dark eyes gleaming. “If this
is what it takes for you to get your head out of your ass, Zenaida
should have hired a Wayfarer years ago—”
“While I may disagree with the manner in which she went about this, even
I cannot deny that Savant Anaxas has brought us a great opportunity,”
Oshiro says acidly. “We would be fools to squander it.”
They shrug. “Or you know you’re about to be out-voted and have elected
to bow out gracefully,” they reply, indifferently raising a hand and
inspecting their nails. “What do they say about Coverans? More likely to
surrender before they start than to risk losing the battle?”
<<if $origin is "merchant">>You roll your eyes. To your
surprise, Oshiro doesn’t take the bait. Scowling irritably, he ignores
Veyer and focuses his attention on Umbria.<<else>>Oshiro
snorts, scowling irritably, but does not take the bait. Turning his back
on Veyer, he cuts them out of the conversation and focuses his
attention on Umbria.<</if>> “Unless someone here wishes to
assume my former position, there is no need to proceed to a vote,” he
says.
Umbria nods deeply, acknowledging his capitulation. She lays both hands
on the table and glances across the room, surveying the gathered mages.
“Then if there are no objections and we are all in favour?” she asks,
the question lingering heavily in the air. She waits, giving ample time
for a response, but there is none. “Very well. Then we acknowledge that
Savant Anaxas has given us the best—and perhaps the only—opportunity to
counter the Order of Solarath. We move on the tower tomorrow morning.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETH
MISSION]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Umbria
frowns, fixing Oshiro with a reprimanding look. “We then have the
matter of Archsage Oshiro’s counter proposal. <<if
visitedTags("solblade")>>Even assuming Solarath is working with a
Brightblade to breach the shroud, there is no evidence they can enter
the complex.<<else>>Given the ongoing state of Diradan
Tower, there is no evidence that Solarath can successfully breach the
shroud.<</if>> While the Archsage would like to thank
Wayfarer $lastname and Wayfarer Kellis for their attendance here
tonight—”
//…really?//
You trade looks with Aeran and hurriedly swallow a laugh.
“—he believes that Savant Anaxas’ proposal invites too much risk. For
three weeks, the Guild of Mages has known nothing but chaos. Acting
first without observation will lead to mistakes we cannot afford to
make. He calls for pause, to thoroughly consider what lies ahead before
we strike.”
Umbria takes a breath, once again scanning the table and addressing each
Lethalis mage in turn. “We are divided at a time when divisions could
see to our end,” she says. “But I cannot, in good conscience, take your
volition away from you. I ask you now: consider what has been presented
tonight—and we will let the collective decide. If there is a deadlock,
then I will choose the direction we take.”
A murmur of understanding ripples across the table. Though they do not
speak, every mage here respects her authority. Even Oshiro and Veyer bow
their heads in acceptance.
“Then it is time to announce your decisions,” Umbria says. <<if
$vote_for > $vote_against>>“Who is in favour of Archsage
Oshiro’s proposal?”<<else>>“Who is in favour of Savant
Anaxas’ proposal?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $vote_for >
$vote_against>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES FOR]]
<<elseif $vote_against > $vote_for>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETH VOTES AGAINST]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES
EQUAL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>As
expected, Oshiro raises his hand immediately. <<if $pava is
true>>Leda regards you with a smug look, then raises her hand as
well.<<else>>Leda glances at him and quickly raises her
hand, showing her support.<</if>> She looks across the
table, expecting to see Veyer and Ashani follow suit, but they do not.
She blanches, her fingers curling inwards, and she nearly drops her hand
as her elbow caves.
Veyer sighs heavily, their fingers rapping against the tabletop. They
lean forward in their chair, rolling their shoulder as if they are about
to raise their hand—then they relax, lounging back, hands resting
firmly in their lap.
<<if $veyer_impression >=1>>They catch your eye and wink,
a smirk playing across their lips.<<else>>They catch your
eye and nod deeply, a smug look on their face.<</if>>
To his credit, Oshiro remains steadfast. He glances around the table,
and, seeing that the numbers are against him, gives Zenaida a small,
respectful nod.
“And those in favour of Savant Anaxas’ proposal?” Umbria asks.
Zenaida raises her hand. Quinn quickly follows suit, as does Ashani.
Veyer is the last to move, their hands lingering in their lap as they
push the moment as far as they can. Finally, they heave a sigh and
oblige. Their tawny fingers dance in the air and their emerald ring
catches the chandelier’s light, sending tiny pinpricks glinting across
the surface like distant stars.
“Then it is decided,” Umbria says grimly. “We move on the tower tomorrow
morning.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
expected, Zenaida raises her hand immediately. Behind her, Malsara
grips her shoulder, offering silent support. Two seats down, Quinn sighs
heavily and raises her hand as well. She glances across the table,
surveying the others as she searches for support.
There is none.
Oshiro, of course, wouldn’t vote against himself <<if $pava is
true>>and you’re not surprised Leda refuses to support any mission
that involves you.<<else>>and from the way Leda takes her
cues from him, she seems to have aligned herself with
him.<</if>> Ashani remains as still as ever, their
expression hardly changing as they observe Zenaida and Quinn.
Veyer, meanwhile, raps their fingers against the table, seemingly
indecisive. They lean forward in their chair, rolling their shoulder as
if they are about to raise their hand—then they relax, lounging back,
hands resting firmly in their lap. <<if $veyer_impression
>=1>>They catch your eye and wink, a smirk playing across their
lips.<<else>>They catch your eye and smirk, giving you a
subtle shake of their head.<</if>>
To her credit, Zenaida remains steadfast in the face of her loss. She
lowers her hand and turns to Oshiro, bowing her head in respect.
Malsara’s grip on her shoulder tightens. The assassin’s expression is
cold and unemotional—but her eyes burn with amber light.
“And those in favour of Archsage Oshiro’s proposal?” Umbria asks.
Oshiro raises his hand. Leda quickly follows suit, as does Ashani. Veyer
is the last to move, their hands lingering in their lap as they push
the moment as far as they can. Finally, they heave a sigh and oblige.
Their tawny fingers dance in the air and their emerald ring catches the
chandelier’s light, sending tiny pinpricks glinting across the surface
like distant stars.
“Then it is decided,” Umbria says grimly. “Wayfarer $lastname, Wayfarer
Kellis. Thank you for your time. But we will not be needing your
services.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO
MISSION]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
expected, Zenaida raises her hand immediately. Behind her, Malsara
grips her shoulder, offering silent support. Two seats down, Quinn sighs
heavily and raises her hand as well. She glances across the table,
surveying the others as she searches for support.
There is none.
Oshiro, of course, wouldn’t vote against himself <<if $pava is
true>>and you’re not surprised Leda refuses to support any mission
that involves you.<<else>>and from the way Leda takes her
cues from him, she seems to have aligned herself with
him.<</if>> Ashani remains as still as ever, their
expression hardly changing as they observe Zenaida and Quinn.
Veyer, meanwhile, raps their fingers against the table, seemingly
indecisive. They lean forward in their chair, casually rolling their
shoulder as if they are about to raise their hand…
Tawny fingers rise in the air. An emerald ring catches the chandelier’s
light, sending tiny pinpricks glinting across the surface like distant
stars. <<if $veyer_impression >=1>>They catch your eye
and wink, a smirk playing across their lips.<<else>>They
catch your eye and nod deeply, a smug look on their
face.<</if>>
“And those in favour of Archsage Oshiro’s proposal?” Umbria asks.
As expected, Oshiro raises his hand immediately. <<if $pava is
true>>Leda shoots you an unfriendly look, then puts up her hand as
well.<<else>>Leda glances at him and quickly follow his
example.<</if>> She smiles as Ashani’s hand also rises in
the air.
A deadlock.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $umbria_impression
>=1>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE UMBRIA
YES]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE UMBRIA
NO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mission_on to true>>“Yeah,” Aeran says coarsely. “About that—”
“Our window of opportunity is narrow at best, Wayfarer Kellis,” Zenaida
interrupts. “I know your journey has been long, <<if $blackout
>=1>>but as Wayfarer $lastname is fully recovered from $hisher
injuries, we have no reason to wait now this council has chosen to move
forwards.”<<else>>but now this council has chosen to move
forwards, we have no reason to wait.”<</if>>
Unsatisfied with her answer, he draws gruffly back in his seat, his brow
creased in a deep scowl. <<if $aeranapp <=39>>You roll
your eyes. He’s <<elseif $aeranapp >=59>>You close your
eyes, resisting the urge to sigh wearily. He’s<<else>>You
catch his eye and try to give him a reassuring smile, but even you can’t
break through his stubborn sullenness. At this rate,
he’s<</if>> going to give himself a headache with the amount
of scowling he’s doing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Even so, you have to agree with him.
Tomorrow morning seems a little… rushed.|CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
01A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t know what he’s complaining
about. The sooner you retrieve the Astrial, the sooner you can leave
Velantis. And that’s what you both wanted, right?|CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
01B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You don’t care about any of this.
All you want now is for this damn meeting to end.|CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
tilts her chin and slips into the imperious manner she had in Rona. “I
did not want such a quick resolution,” she says calmly. “The longer we
wait, the more exposed we become. I have no doubt Solarath has suspected
our intentions from the moment Sabien Quirinus saw you on that dock
this morning. His agents will be preparing countermeasures. If we are to
make the most of your time with us, we must act before they come into
play.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You could have said something.”|CHAPTER 2
LETH VOTE 2][$option to 1]]
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine. Didn’t want to stay in this
city for long anyway.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE 2][$option to 2]]
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sorry for being… surprised. I see
your point.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE 2][$option to 3]]
<<if $guaranteed_vote neq true>><div
class="choice-item">[[4. You’re a professional. If Zenaida wants you
to steal the Astrial tomorrow morning, then you’ll steal the Astrial
tomorrow morning.|CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE
3]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>A knot twists painfully in your
gut as if you’ve been stabbed by a knife. You freeze, your heart
pounding so hard in your chest you feel the pressure throbbing in your
ears. Umbria continues to speak, but the words are muddled and senseless
as numb detachment overcomes you. Sluggish thoughts drag themselves
through your mind, trying to make sense of what you’ve just heard.
You’re not sure what you feel…
Anger? You’ve come so far and were promised so much, only to have it
taken away from you.
Relief? An association between a Wayfarer and the Guild of Mages is a
delicate and dangerous thing. Part of you—you’re not sure how much—is
relieved you don’t have to go through with this, that you can leave
Velantis without getting caught in the clash between Lethalis and
Solarath.
Dread? Zenaida promised you payment, but if you aren’t able to perform
the job she hired you for, she has little reason to follow through on
your agreement. That leaves <<if $aeranapp >=60>>you and
Aeran with nothing. Two Wayfarers trapped in an Imperial city,
surrounded by Guild mages, with no funds to leave and no way of finding
reliable work.<<else>>you with nothing. A Wayfarer trapped
in an Imperial city, surrounded by Guild mages, with no funds to leave
and no way of finding reliable work.<</if>> It will be Rona
all over again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $aeranapp >=60>><<if $aeranrom
>=10>>You feel a gentle pressure on your hand. Shaking yourself
out of your stupor, you glance to the side and catch Aeran’s eye. He
threads his fingers through yours and squeezes gently, a firm, resolute
smile on his face.<<else>>You feel a gentle pressure on your
wrist. Shaking yourself out of your stupor, you glance to the side and
catch Aeran’s eye. He touches your hand reassuringly, a firm, resolute
smile on his face.<</if>> Though you know he’s trying to
reassure you, he seems overly pleased with this outcome. He’d give
anything to back out of this contract and now you’ll be forced to,
whether you like it or not.<<else>>A faint noise shakes you
out of your stupor. You glance to the side and catch Aeran restlessly
scratching the back of his neck, a satisfied smile on his face.
Irritation flares in your chest, the heat prickling your skin. He must
be pleased. He’d give anything to back out of this contract and now
you’ll be forced to, whether you like it or not.
//At least one of us gets what we want,// you think
bitterly.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
raise your head, pushing back the disorientation as you force yourself
back into the moment.
“…this marks the end of this conference,” Umbria says. “It is
approaching midnight. We should return to the gala without delay, before
our absence becomes noticeable—”
You stand, the polished library floor creaking beneath, your chair
scratching against the hardwood. You can’t remember prompting the
motion; your body acted on instinct. Umbria stops mid-sentence and looks
at you, eyes widened in surprise.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1.
“That’s it? After dragging us all the way here, <<if $dressed is
true>>dressing us up for this farce<<else>>making us
attend this farce<</if>>, you’re just going to… force us
out?”' 'CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
01'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And the crowns we were
promised?”|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION 02]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “You’re all //idiots.//
You think you can stop Quirinus by sitting here and waiting for—what? A
better moment?”' 'CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
03'>><</link>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. Leave it. You can’t change their
minds, so there’s no point in stirring up trouble.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO
MISSION
04]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Very
well,” Umbria says gravely. “Then it is my decision. And I believe,
after everything we have heard tonight, that Savant Anaxas has given us
the best—and only—opportunity to counter the Order of Solarath. We move
on the tower tomorrow morning.”
Anger contorts Oshiro’s face, but he says nothing. He turns to Zenaida
and gives her a respectful nod. She stares back at him, an
uncompromising look in her eye. If she’s pleased with the outcome, she
gives no sign.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Very
well,” Umbria says gravely. “Then it is my decision. And I believe,
after everything we have heard tonight, that Archsage Oshiro’s call for
restraint is the avenue to take. To assault the tower now is too grave a
risk. The Astrial is safe for now; Solarath cannot reach the tower.”
To her credit, Zenaida remains steadfast in the face of her loss. She
turns to Oshiro and bows her head in respect. Malsara’s grip on her
shoulder tightens. The assassin’s expression is cold and unemotional—but
her eyes burn with amber light.
“Wayfarer $lastname, Wayfarer Kellis,” Umbria continues. “Thank you for
your time. But as of tonight, we will not be needing your services.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO
MISSION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETHMC DIRECT WAIT")>>“Quite a strong reaction, Wayfarer
$lastname,” Umbria says, recovering quickly. “Did you not just say that
you were happy to wait and enjoy the comforts of Mahanin Palace?”
Your jaw clenches. Further down the table, Oshiro is grinning
triumphantly.
“The circumstances of your employment have changed significantly since
you left Rona,” she continues.<<else>><<if $aeranapp
>=60>>Aeran stands quickly and places a hand on your shoulder.
“$nickname,” he murmurs warningly, his voice low. “It’s done. Leave
it.”<<else>>Aeran stands quickly and grips your shoulder,
nearly pulling you off-balance in his haste. “$firstname,” he hisses.
“It’s done. Leave it.”<</if>>
You shrug him off and slam your hands against the table, leaning
forcibly against it as you stare across at Umbria. She sits quietly in
her seat, regarding you with collected calm.
“The circumstances of your employment have changed significantly since
you left Rona,” she says.<</if>> “So much so, the original
mission Zenaida envisioned for you no longer exists. It is the will of
this council that we look to other measures.”
“Other measures?” you snarl. “Like what? Not even Solarath can figure
out how to get through that damn magic cloud—”
“You are among the most experienced researchers and scholars of the
arcane arts in the world, Wayfarer $lastname. Three weeks is so very
little time; hardly enough to create a miracle. We are still studying
the shroud. With time I have no doubt we will discover how to breach
it.”
“Time? What //time// do you think you have?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Her
expression hardens. “I believe we have adequately explained the
delicate situation here. And regardless, you are still considered an
ally. We may still wish to call on you for your services in the future—”
A harsh laugh crosses your lips, unbidden and uncontrolled. “What do you
want us to do? Wait? Unless Zenaida intends to keep us trapped in the
palace, we’re not going to sit here until you decide we’re useful to
you.”
“You’re under no blood oath, you’re at liberty to go,” she says,
gesturing to the library exit. “Though I’m sure House Anaxas will have
many questions as to why the archon’s daughter’s new bodyguards have
fled the palace. Considering Arathian wariness of your order, it will
come as no surprise if the House suspects you of illicit activities. And
as Savant Anaxas is not in good standing with her mother, she can do
very little to vouch for you should you act out of turn.”
//Shit.//
Your fingers curl inwards, your fingernails scraping against your palms.
Knowing what you know now, the Order of Lethalis has no intention of
letting you leave Velantis. Umbria will use Zenaida’s position—and the
lies she told to get you into the palace—as leverage against you,
keeping you within arms reach. If you abandon your fake post as
Zenaida’s bodyguard, House Anaxas’ suspicions will be raised and the
House guard will hunt you across the city.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Sit down and keep
your mouth shut. You can still salvage this. At the very least you can
corner Zenaida. Maybe you can still get your pay and work with her to
organize a way out of the city…|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
02A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Fuck this. Walk out.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO
MISSION
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“You
will receive compensation for your time,” Umbria says, recovering
quickly. Her gaze passes over you and returns to her colleagues, as if
that is all to be said on the matter. “Now, if we could—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I want the full amount.”|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO
MISSION 02.2][$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Sit down and keep your mouth shut.
Better not risk not being paid at all.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
02A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Is there a problem, Wayfarer
$lastname?” Umbria asks.
You swallow hard. The nape of your neck prickles as you become all too
aware of the mages watching you. Oshiro smirks smugly, his eyes gleaming
as he waits in anticipation for you to say or do something inadvisable.
You’re not going to let him get that satisfaction.
“No,” you say calmly, smiling wanly as you find your seat. “Not, at all.
By all means, continue.”
Oshiro tuts, his lips twisting into a sneer. You ignore him and turn
your attention to Zenaida. She catches your eye and gives you an
imperceptible nod of her head. You pause, barely cognisant of Umbria’s
words as she continues to speak, and frown, eyes narrowed as you try to
discern her meaning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>True
to form, Zenaida has given very little indication of her feelings on
the proceedings. With her proposal—the single-minded purpose that drove
her to sail halfway across the world to seek you out—rejected, you have
to wonder whether she regards the rest of her order with resentment.
Lethalis was more than willing to ignore her warnings and bow to
Oshiro’s will despite the obvious threat staring them in the face.
Considering the archsage’s constant disparagements and how unwilling the
rest were to come to her defense, her position within the order is not
what you thought it was. It seems being Sophia Anaxas’ daughter has
given her a reputation she cannot <<if $sophia_pact neq
4>>shake.
You rub a hand against the back of your neck, lost in thought. The
archon herself asked you to break Zenaida’s ties with the Order of
Lethalis.<<if $sophia_pact is 3>> You were suspicious of it
in the moment, but now you’re regretting refusing
it…<<else>>Perhaps this won’t be such an arduous task after
all…<</if>><<else>>shake.<</if>>
“…Oshiro, Ashani, and I shall inform the rest of the order of our
decision,” Umbria says. Her chair scrapes against the hardwood floor as
she stands, the sound jolting you from your thoughts. “Apprise your
agents of the situation and be on your guard. We walk a perilous path.”
You pause, remaining seated as the rest of Lethalis follow suit and rise
to their feet. You exchange quick looks with Aeran, uncertain whether
the meeting is finally over, and turn to find your question answered.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
DEPARTURES]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH NO MISSION 03")>>Your teeth scrape against your tongue as
your jaw clamps shut. You throw yourself into your seat, trying to
ignore Oshiro’s smug look of satisfaction, and stare across the table at
Zenaida.<<else>>Your teeth scrape your tongue as your jaw
clamps shut. You throw yourself into your seat and stare across the
table at Zenaida.<</if>> She catches your eye and gives you
an imperceptible shake of her head. You pause, barely cognisant of
Umbria’s words as she continues to speak, and rest a hand on the table’s
surface, fingers scratching at the intricate engravings.
//What the hell does that mean?//
True to form, Zenaida has given very little indication of her feelings
on the proceedings. With her proposal—the single-minded purpose that
drove her to sail halfway across the world to seek you out—rejected, you
have to wonder whether she regards the rest of her order with
resentment. Lethalis was more than willing to ignore her warnings and
bow to Oshiro’s will despite the obvious threat staring them in the
face. Considering the archsage’s constant disparagements and how
unwilling the rest were to come to her defense, her position within the
order is not what you thought it was. It seems being Sophia Anaxas’
daughter has given her a reputation she cannot shake.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$sophia_pact is 1 or $sophia_pact is 2>>You rub a hand against
the back of your neck, lost in thought. The archon herself asked you to
break Zenaida’s ties with the Order of Lethalis.<<elseif
$sophia_pact is 3>>You were suspicious of it in the moment, but
now you’re regretting refusing it…<<else>>Perhaps this won’t
be such an arduous task after all…<</if>>
“…Oshiro, Ashani, and I shall inform the rest of the order of our
decision,” Umbria says. Her chair scrapes against the hardwood floor as
she stands, the sound jolting you from your thoughts. “Apprise your
agents of the situation and be on your guard. We walk a perilous path.”
You pause, remaining seated as the rest of Lethalis follow suit and rise
to their feet. You exchange quick looks with Aeran, uncertain whether
the meeting is finally over, and turn to find your question answered.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
DEPARTURES]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 15, 5, 95)>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION 02")>>“Save yourself the
trouble,” you spit. “I’m done here.”
Pushing your chair out of the way, you march back the way you
came.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
03")>>“Looks like you won’t have to worry about that any longer,”
you spit. “Good luck saving the city.”
Kicking the chair out of the way, you march back the way you
came.<<else>>“Fine,” you snarl. “Fuck you.”
Kicking the chair out of the way, you march back the way you
came.<</if>> Livid fire rages in your stomach as you round
the bookcases, slam through the library’s grand doors, and enter the
empty gallery beyond. There’s a pleasurable satisfaction to your anger.
It feels good to finally let it out—the frustration with Zenaida and her
ilk, the impatience with mages who only ever sit and talk, the damnable
people who inhabit this palace…
You stalk through the gallery, one hand instinctively reaching for the
pommel of your sword. It passes through empty air and your stomach
drops. You pause beneath an imposing statue, halting mere feet from a
pool of moonlight cutting across the floor. Exhaling a long breath, you
raise your head and follow the moonlight to the window and gaze
outwards. The night sky has clouded over slightly and thin, whispy lines
of black and indigo streak across the stars. The moon sits high, its
soft glow irritatingly calm as it passes over the dark grounds below,
happily oblivious.
The library doors open, their creaking hinges echoing through the
gallery. You freeze as Aeran’s footsteps approach, head held high as you
stare impassively at the sky. There’s no sign of the firelights—the
show must be long over now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WALKOUT HIGH
APP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WALKOUT
LOWAPP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>“Caution is
not equivalent to inaction,” Oshiro says darkly. “You’ve known the man
for a day. I have sat on the Council of Mages since before he joined the
Guild’s ranks. Forgive me, but I am far more familiar with him and his
tactics than you.”
You grimace. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 03B") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR 03B PAVA") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP
06B") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PP HIGHAPP 06C")>>“I’ve been told
not to underestimate him, yet it seems to me that’s exactly what you’re
doing—”<<else>>“And maybe that same familiarity has blinded
you. Don’t underestimate him—”<</if>>
“Take your objections elsewhere, Wayfarer,” he sneers. “I won’t let this
council be swayed into perilous behaviour because of an outsider’s
insolence!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Sit down and keep your mouth shut.|CHAPTER 2
LETH NO MISSION 02A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Walk out.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Oshiro
is the first to depart. He adjusts his sharply tailored abberan, gives
Umbria a formal bow, then marches purposefully towards the library’s
grand doors. Leda waits a moment or two, then takes off after him,
dogging his heels. Quinn brushes hair out of her eyes and presses a hand
to the book laid open <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>beside her<<else>>in front of
her.<</if>> The aura diminishes and the glistening ink
ceases its scrawl. She snaps the book shut, shoves it under an armpit,
and takes off towards the mezzanine staircase, climbing the library
tower to the next floor.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Zenaida steps
away from the table and quickly rounds it. “I unfortunately cannot stay
much longer,” she says, drawing to a halt near you and Aeran. Malsara
shadows her, her impassive face watching you with unblinking eyes. “My
mother and father are no doubt suspicious of my whereabouts. But I want
to thank you both and I wish you fortune tomorrow. May Nashira guide
your way.”
She bows deeply, her white and gold serithan whispering around her, then
withdraws. You watch as she takes Malsara’s hand, her fingers curling
tightly around hers. Idris appears at her shoulder and presses a hand to
her arm. A moment later, the assassin’s eyes gleam with magic and the
trio disappears into the void, leaving behind nothing but an amber
afterglow.<<else>>You quickly get to your feet, hoping to
intercept Zenaida before she disappears with her retainers, but you’re
too late. Ignoring you and Aeran, she turns away from the table, drawing
Malsara and Idris with her. The assassin’s eyes gleam with magic and a
moment later, the trio disappears into the void, leaving behind nothing
but an amber afterglow.
You curse under your breath. //Damn Planeswalkers…//<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $lethalisapp
<=39>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 NONE]]
<<else>><<if ($umbria_impression >=
$veyer_impression) and ($umbria_impression >=
$ashani_impression)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC]]
<<elseif ($veyer_impression >= $umbria_impression) and
($veyer_impression >= $ashani_impression)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
VEYER SPEC]]
<<elseif ($ashani_impression >= $umbria_impression) and
($ashani_impression >= $veyer_impression)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
ASHANI SPEC]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
NONE]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“I
know,” he says quietly, coming to stand beside you. “Fuck the moon,
right?”
You close your eyes, hands held stiff against your sides.
He exhales softly and crosses his arms. “Look, $nickname. All things
considered, that could have gone better. Umbria’s lying—or exaggerating,
at most. We’ll talk to Zenaida. Get our money, get out. And if she
tries to keep us here—”
“We’ll what? Fight our way out? With what—our bare hands? They have our
weapons, in case you forgot. Little hard to stage a successful escape
without them.”
His jaw clenches, taken aback by your willingness to turn your anger on
him. “I’m just trying to think optimistically here—”
“Optimistic?” you snarl. “You? Since when?”
He steps away, treading into the sliver of moonlight. It illuminates his
profile, casting half his face in shadow. “Since you couldn’t keep your
tongue in check and destroyed what little trust they had in us,” he
says. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES AGAINST")>>“You
saw that vote. If you hadn’t—”<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
VOTE UMBRIA NO")>>“You saw how close that vote was. If you hadn’t
pissed off Umbria—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“Don’t see
how this is my fault. Considering you did most of the talking in there—”
He follows quickly, dogging your heels as you slip through the archway
and rapidly cross the mezzanine. “If I’m responsible for this, then you
are, too!”<<else>>“Oh, so this is my fault?” you snap,
pushing past him and heading for the archway. “Very generous of you,
considering you barely said a word in there—”
He follows quickly, dogging your heels. “Maybe I should have! At least I
know when to keep my mouth shut!”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WALKOUT
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“$firstname,”
he calls, striding across the gallery towards you.
You roll your eyes and, muttering under your breath, take off towards
the gallery exit. “Leave it,” you say. “I don’t need to hear it.”
He curses under his breath and hurries to catch up with you. “Look, fuck
Umbria,” he says. “We’ll talk to Zenaida in the morning. Get our money,
get out. And if she tries to keep us here—”
“We’ll do what? Fight our way out with our bare hands? In case you’ve
forgotten, they have our weapons.”
“I //know—”//
You duck through the archway and head down the mezzanine. “Stop trying
to be optimistic, it doesn’t suit you.”
“Optimistic?” he says incredulously, dogging your heels. “At least I’m
thinking of ways to fix this. You’re the one who couldn’t keep $hisher
tongue in check and destroyed what little trust they had in us—”
A harsh laugh escapes your lips.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES AGAINST")>>“—You saw
that vote. If you hadn’t—”<<else>>“—You saw how close that
vote was. If you hadn’t pissed off Umbria—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“Don’t see
how this is my fault, considering you did most of the talking in there—”
“If I’m responsible for this, then you are,
too!”<<else>>“Funny how you bring that up, considering you
barely said a word in there—”
“Maybe I should have! At least I know when to keep my mouth
shut!”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 WALKOUT
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Anger twists in your stomach,
Aeran’s voice grating in your ears. You curse loudly and clatter down
the grand staircase to the level below. You pause at the bottom,
ignoring the sound of him thundering down the stairs after you, and try
to remember the way back to the main gallery and the palace grounds.
Thankfully, the hall is empty, its lights dormant and unresponsive to
your presence. The last thing you want is the palace guard—or worse,
some grating Arathian noble—confronting you.
You spot the entrance to the courtyard garden Idris led you through
earlier this evening and take off as Aeran reaches the bottom of the
stairs.
<<if $aeranapp
>=60>>“$nickname—”<<else>>“$firstname—”<</if>>
You
quickly cut across the hall and duck into the garden. Open to the night
sky, it is flooded with moonlight, a beacon compared to the halls and
galleries that surround it. You slow to a stop, breathing in the cool,
fresh air. An artificial pond ripples nearby, wisps dancing above the
water, their blueish-white lights winking in and out of the darkness.
You’re not sure what has attracted the tiny creatures, but they amble
around the pond delightedly, light streaming off them like mist. You
watch them for a moment, then raise your head and gaze upwards, shadows
of the garden’s tall foliage shading your peripheral vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>“$nickname?” Aeran’s voice calls.
You can feel him behind you. He all but chased you here, but now he
hangs back, wary to approach. The hair rises on the back of your neck,
your skin prickling with unease.<<if $aeranrom >=10>> The
distance between you twists in your gut.<</if>> There’s
something odd about the way he lingers in the garden entrance.
Ordinarily he wouldn’t let a few bad-tempered words get under his skin,
but tonight…
It’s more than losing the Lethalis contract and Umbria’s threats.
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>A month ago you would have been
quick to say that you know Aeran better than you know yourself. As two
of the last remaining Wayfarers, you’re tied to each other in a way that
goes beyond words. But Velantis has brought out a side of him you’ve
never seen.<<else>>Velantis has brought out a side of him
you’ve never seen before.<</if>> For someone who does little
to hide his hatred of the Guild, he is <<if $aeran_veyer is
true>>overtly familiar with high-ranking
mages<<else>>surprisingly comfortable in their
presence<</if>>.<<if $aeran_velantis is true>>
This is not his first time in Velantis—something he failed to tell you
before—and for all intents and purposes, he has a history
here.<</if>> He dodges your questions whenever you try to
have a frank conversation with him, and now he seems to regard
you—someone he’s always trusted to have his back—with
distrust.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is
"chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the letters… Someone
wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether he wanted to or
not, he found his way here, just as they requested.<</if>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Talk to me,
Aeran. What’s going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
APP][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you have something to say, spit
it out.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“$firstname!”
Aeran shouts.
You can feel him lingering several paces behind, open hostility in his
voice. You know him well enough to know he’s looking for a fight. Your
heated exit from the library has only given him a reason to pick one
with you.
This is about more than losing the Lethalis contract and Umbria’s
threats. Velantis has brought out a side of him you’ve never seen. For
someone who does little to hide his hatred of the Guild, he is
<<if $aeran_veyer is true>>overtly familiar with
high-ranking mages<<else>>surprisingly comfortable in their
presence<</if>>.<<if $aeran_velantis is true>>
This is not his first time in Velantis—something he failed to tell you
before—and for all intents and purposes, he has a history
here.<</if>>
He dodges your questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation
with him. <<if $aeranapp <=19>>Though your relationship
is strained—more than strained—he has always trusted you to have his
back.<<else>>Though your relationship is falling apart, he
has always trusted you to have his back.<</if>> You may be
tied together as two of the last remaining Wayfarers, but that seems to
mean little now.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters
is "chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the letters…
Someone wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether he wanted
to or not, he found his way here, just as they
requested.<</if>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is
going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Spit it out already, Aeran. Stop
wasting my time.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Mahanin Palace">><<if
visitedTags("archway")>>He says nothing, but even his silence is
an answer. Your heart clenches painfully, as if an invisible hand has
wrapped its fingers around it and is slowly squeezing it to death. It
would have been better if he had lied, contradicted you, pushed you away
and said nothing was wrong. Anything is better than this silence.
You didn’t think much of it at first, but something is different about
him tonight. Something is… off. Velantis has been weighing on him since
you arrived, but he seems to have hit a new low. Is it because of
Lethalis? <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>The news
about Varyn and Sirin? Or is it from before?<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 ASHANI
SPEC")>>The news about Sirin? Or is it from
before?<<else>>Or is it from before?<</if>> Did
something happen to him during the gala?
The wisps dance around the garden, pulled in patterns comprehensible
only to them. A handful come to inspect Aeran, fluttering around his
shoulders and arms, cloaking him in a soft blue-light. He shrugs,
flicking a hand, and they scatter, darting across the garden in streaks
of light. He watches them go, doing everything in his power to avoid
looking at you.
<<if $option is 1>>You step into the garden. “Aeran…”
He freezes. “Don’t do that,” he says quietly, closing his eyes.
Your gut twists. “What? Don’t do what?”<<else>>You roll your
eyes, impatience flooding through you. Dear gods, this man is
impossible some days…
You enter the garden. “Aeran!” you call, trying to grab his attention.
“Whatever it is, just tell me.”<</if>>
His eyes snap open and he rounds on you, finally looking you dead in the
eye. You stop suddenly, taken aback by his reaction. He walks towards
you, his footfalls treading heavily on the stone path, cautious wisps
spinning in circles around him as he closes the distance between you.
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>He looms over you in the
darkness,<<else>>He looms ahead of you in the
darkness,<</if>> like a shadow moving ominously across the
night sky.<<else>>He says nothing, but even his silence is
an answer. Your heart clenches painfully, as if an invisible hand has
wrapped its fingers around it and is slowly squeezing it to death. It
would have been better if he had lied, contradicted you, pushed you away
and said nothing was wrong. Anything is better than this silence.
You didn’t think much of it at first, but something is different about
him tonight. Something is… off. Velantis has been weighing on him since
you arrived, but he seems to have hit a new low. Is it because of
Lethalis? <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>The news
about Varyn and Sirin? Or is it from before?<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 ASHANI
SPEC")>>The news about Sirin? Or is it from
before?<<else>>Or is it from before?<</if>> Did
something happen to him during the gala?
The wisps dance around the garden, pulled in patterns comprehensible
only to them. A handful come to inspect you, fluttering near your
shoulders and arms, cloaking you in a soft blue-white light. You disturb
them when you turn, sending them spiralling across the garden in
retreat, and find Aeran frozen in the archway. He leans against the
pillar, a hand pressed into the carved red stone, his eyes darting
around the garden as he searches for something—anything—to look at that
is not you.
<<if $option is 1>>“Aeran…”
He closes his eyes. “Don’t do that.”
Your gut twists. “What?” you murmur, your breath caught in your throat.
“Don’t do what?”<<else>>You roll your eyes, impatience
flooding through you. Dear gods, this man is impossible some days…
“Aeran!” you call, trying to grab his attention. “Whatever it is, just
tell me.”<</if>>
His eyes snap open and he rounds on you, finally looking you dead in the
eye. You raise your chin and hold his gaze, standing your ground as he
steps into the garden. His footfalls tread heavily on the stone path and
the wisps spin in cautious circles around him, shooting forwards to
investigate, then retreating when they get too close. <<if $height
is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is "average">>He
looms over you in the darkness,<<else>>He looms ahead of
you in the darkness,<</if>> like a shadow moving ominously
across the night sky.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode II: Mahanin Palace">><<if
visitedTags("archway")>>He says nothing, but you know him well
enough to know that silence itself is an answer.
The wisps dance around the garden, pulled in patterns comprehensible
only to them. A handful come to inspect Aeran, fluttering around his
shoulders and arms, cloaking him in a soft blue-light. He shrugs,
flicking a hand, and they scatter, darting across the garden in streaks
of light.
Your jaw clenches, anger simmering in your gut. What is going to take
for him to talk? At this rate you might have to push him to a breaking
point to get anything out of him.
“What?” you say bitterly, finally stepping into the garden. “Too coward
to talk?”
He chuckles hoarsely and rounds on you, <<if $height is "very
short" or $height is "short" or $height is "average">>looming over
you in the darkness<<else>>looming ahead of you in the
darkness<</if>> like a shadow moving ominously across the
night sky.
“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you,” he says.
You fold your arms. “Try me.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then, like I said—coward.”<<else>>He says nothing, but you
know him well enough to know that silence itself is an answer.
Your jaw clenches, anger simmering in your gut. The wisps dance around
the garden, pulled in patterns comprehensible only to them. A handful
come to inspect you, fluttering near your shoulders and arms, cloaking
you in a soft blue-white light.
What is it going to take for him to talk? At this rate you might have to
push him to a breaking point to get anything out of him.
You brush the wisps away, sending them spiralling across the garden in
retreat, and turn to find Aeran standing in the archway. He leans
against the pillar, a hand pressed into the carved red stone as he meets
your eyes and faces you.
“What?” you say bitterly. “Too coward to talk?”
He chuckles hoarsely and steps into the garden, his footfalls treading
heavily on the stone path. <<if $height is "very short" or $height
is "short" or $height is "average">>He looms over you in the
darkness,<<else>>He looms ahead of you,<</if>>
like a shadow moving ominously across the night sky. The wisps spin in
cautious circles around him, shooting forwards to investigate, then
retreating when they get too close.
“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you,” he says.
You fold your arms. “Try me.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then, like I said—coward.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 15, 5,
95)>><<lethalisLoss>>“Thank you, Idris,” Umbria says,
her brown eyes sweeping over you. “I hope there were no additional
incidents on your way here.”
<<if $hand_broken is true>>Your hand
throbs.<<else>>You pause.<</if>> “Incidents?”
you ask, already sensing the answer.
“Sabien Quirinus may be our common enemy, Wayfarer $lastname, but I did
not imagine you would take the conflict to him so directly,” she replies
curtly. “Assaulting the Grand Archsage at the archon’s gala, in full
view of the Velantian court? You certainly know how to draw attention to
<<if $hand_broken is true>>yourself.”
You grimace, trying your best to ignore the pain spiking through your
fingers. The splint feels uncomfortably heavy and itches at your skin.
You desperately want to rip it
off.<<else>>yourself.”<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “He deserved it.
I’d do it again if I could.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH 01A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “At least it was funny.”|CHAPTER 2
LPUNCH 01B][$veyer_impression +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then they should consider it a
warning. I let Quirinus off easy; I could have done much worse if I had
my blade.”|CHAPTER 2 LPUNCH
01C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>>Umbria
pauses, frowning slightly as she turns to you once again. It’s clear
she doesn’t appreciate the disruption. “To be paid in full for services
not yet rendered is quite the demand, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says.
“Yeah,” you snort. “And <<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>six<<else>>three<</if>> thousand is
barely enough to cover this bullshit.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC DIRECT WAIT")>>“Bullshit?”
Veyer snorts. “Didn’t you say earlier that you were happy to wait and
enjoy the comforts of Mahanin Palace? Seems to me everything has worked
out in your favour.”
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>“Address the matter with Savant
Anaxas,” Umbria says, her dark eyes flickering to Zenaida. “I’m sure
she is more than happy to contribute to your compensation from her own
coffers. Perhaps she can dispense with the ruse and employ you as a
bodyguard formally.”
Zenaida flinches, doing all she can to avoid her superior’s scrutiny.
You have a feeling she never had Lethalis’ approval to double your pay.
Damn it, Zenaida…
“Now,” Umbria continues, “if you could dispense with the
interruptions—”<<else>>“The matter will be addressed
tomorrow,” Umbria says, her lips pressing together in a deep frown. “You
have my word on that. Now, if you could dispense with the
interruptions—”<</if>><<else>><<if
$lethalisMoney is true>>The archsage’s frown deepens, her dark
eyes flickering to Zenaida. As she looks away, doing all she can to
avoid Umbria’s scrutiny, you have a feeling that she never had Lethalis’
approval to double your pay.
//Damn it, Zenaida…//
“Then you will have to address it with Savant Anaxas,” Umbria says
finally. “I’m sure she is more than happy to contribute to your
compensation from her own coffers. Perhaps she can dispense with the
ruse and employ you as a bodyguard formally. Now, if you could dispense
with the interruptions—”
<<else>>“The matter will be addressed tomorrow,” Umbria says
shortly. “You have my word on that. Now, if you could dispense with the
interruptions—”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Sit down and keep your mouth shut.|CHAPTER 2
LETH NO MISSION 02A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Walk out.|CHAPTER 2 LETH NO MISSION
02B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Seems a little quick, don’t you
think?” you say, noting Aeran’s grateful <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>smile<<else>>nod<</if>>.
Zenaida opens her mouth to respond, but Veyer gets there first.
<<if $veyer_impression >=1>>“I thought you’d be happy
about this, $lastname,” Veyer says idly, their lips turning upwards with
an entertained smirk as they lean comfortably back in their chair and
rest their feet on the table. “The sooner you finish your contract, the
sooner you can leave the city. Unless you have… other… intentions?”
The question lingers in the air.
“My future plans aren’t important,” you say finally. “All I meant is
that if there isn’t a viable plan in place, throwing us at Diradan Tower
isn’t going to do much
good.”<<else>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>“Not sure
what you’re complaining about,” they say idly, once again lounging in
their chair and putting their booted feet on the table. Beside them,
Leda flushes with irritation and shoots them a deadly glare that goes
all but ignored. “You’ve had a nice trip on a nice ship, housed in the
finest guest suite in the palace, pampered by the archon’s staff, and
invited to a prestigious gala any Velantian would trade their most
valued possession to attend. This isn’t a holiday. If the dear savant
says it’s time to work, then you work.”
Your jaw clenches. “I have every intention to,” you snap.
“Then why the resistance? Unless you feel you are unprepared? Here I
thought Wayfarers prided themselves on their adaptability.”
“All I’m saying is that if there isn’t a viable plan in place, throwing
us at Diradan Tower isn’t going to do much good!”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“There
is one, I assure you, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida says firmly. “I do
not propose this timeline lightly. As you say, we are acting quickly and
it is to our benefit. I believe Quirinus will not expect your
deployment so soon. Furthermore, before you can ascend Diradan, we must
first get you out of the palace without arousing suspicion. The mornings
after an event like my mother’s gala are quiet. Most of the palace’s
residents will be in bed for hours, nursing the after-effects of their
carousing. Those who are awake will be occupied with their morning
rituals and private devotions to the Hexatheon. It is the perfect
opportunity for you to slip out of the palace unnoticed.”
You shift uncomfortably in your seat, desperate to stand up and stretch
out. You’re getting stiffer the longer you sit here. “What about the
staff?” you say. “Can’t believe the entire Anaxas guard is going to be
too hungover to watch their posts.”
She smiles, an amused look crossing her face. “There may be only one way
into Mahanin, but there is more than one way out,” she replies. “As you
will not need to pass through the main gates, we need only concern
ourselves with the palace halls. Aside from a few major corridors, there
will be no one about.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
LETH MISSION
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">>You
pause, a rebuke dying on your lips. Aeran wears his emotions on his
sleeve and he has done very little to hide his seething dislike of the
Guild of Mages. If asked directly, you have no doubt he would tell you
that he wants to leave Velantis as soon as possible.
But you can’t shake the feeling that the opposite might be true. You
remember the letters, his mysterious correspondent demanding he meet
them in Velantis. Is he looking for a reason to extend his stay in the
city?
What isn’t he telling you?<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>You
hesitate, watching him with a careful gaze. While you won’t put it past
him to be contrary just to piss everyone off, you can’t shake the
feeling that there’s something else going on here. If you ask him
directly, you know he will tell you he wants to leave Velantis as soon
as possible. But could there be a reason… //any// reason… he wants to
extend his stay in the city?
What is there for him in Velantis, a city he hates unconditionally? What
isn’t he telling you?
Or are you looking too far into this?<<else>>You roll your
eyes. Leave it to Aeran to be contrary just to piss everyone
off…<</if>>
“Fine,” Aeran grunts, speaking over your silence. “Tomorrow morning it
is. How the hell do you plan to get us out of the palace? I’m sure the
archon has people watching us. I doubt she’d appreciate her daughter’s
bodyguards wandering off on their own. Unless you intend to accompany
us?”
Zenaida shakes her head. “I cannot,” she says. “My mother has confined
me to the palace for an indeterminate amount of time. But you are right
to be concerned. Our first obstacle will be getting you and Wayfarer
$lastname out of the palace without arousing suspicion. Fortunately for
us, the mornings after an event like my mother’s gala are quiet. Most of
the palace’s residents will be in bed for hours, nursing the
after-effects of their carousing. Those who are awake will be occupied
with their morning rituals and private devotions to the Hexatheon. It is
the perfect opportunity for you to slip out of the palace unnoticed.”
“And the palace staff?” he says. “The nobles might be hungover, but the
guard won’t. Don’t see how we’re getting through the main gates—”
“There may be only one way into Mahanin, but there is more than one way
out,” she says crossly. “As you will not need to pass through the main
gates, we need only concern ourselves with the palace halls. Aside from a
few major corridors, there will be no one about.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
02]]</div></div><</nobr>>“So?”
you say impatiently. “Do you have a plan or is this just more talk? I
hope you’ve thought of something, since I doubt throwing us at Diradan
Tower is going to do much good.”
Zenaida frowns, unamused by your tone. “I am not one to squander
opportunities the moment they fall into my possession. The first matter
of concern is removing you and Wayfarer Kellis from the palace without
arousing suspicion.”
“Yeah,” Aeran says. “Figured as much. She must have people watching us
and I doubt she’d appreciate her daughter’s bodyguards wandering off on
their own. Unless you intend to accompany us?”
She shakes her head. “I cannot. My mother has confined me to the palace
for an indeterminate amount of time. Fortunately, I know Mahanin well.
The mornings after an event like my mother’s gala are quiet. Most of the
palace’s residents will be in bed for hours, nursing the after-effects
of their carousing. Those who are awake will be occupied with their
morning rituals and private devotions to the Hexatheon. It is the
perfect opportunity for you to slip out of the palace unnoticed.”
“And the palace staff?” he presses. “The nobles might be hungover, but
the guard won’t. Don’t see how we’re getting through the main gates—”
“There may be only one way into Mahanin, but there is more than one way
out,” she says crossly. “As you will not need to pass through the main
gates, we need only concern ourselves with the palace halls. Aside from a
few major corridors, there will be no one about.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
02]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION 01A")>>“And will you be
joining us?” you ask.
A dark look crosses her face. “No,” she says. “I cannot. My mother has
confined me to the palace for an indeterminate amount of time. Malsara
will guide you out of Mahanin and, from there, she will accompany you to
the tower. Her presence is required for the success of this mission as
much as yours.”<<else>>“Let’s just hope that works, I
guess,” you mutter.
“Malsara will be accompanying you,” Zenaida says sharply. “She is more
than capable of handling the Anaxas guard, should things go awry. Once
you have left the palace, she will accompany you to the tower. Her
presence is required for the success of this mission as much as
yours.”<</if>>
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>>You raise an
eyebrow.<<else>>Your eyes narrow.<</if>> “How
so?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
01A")>>Zenaida<<else>>She<</if>> raises a
hand and gestures for silence. “We will discuss that in time, Wayfarer
$lastname,” she says. “Please, no more interruptions. The evening is
passing quickly and I require your utmost attention.”
<<if $lethalisapp>=60>>You nod and sit back in your seat,
gesturing for her to continue. She exhales a relieved breath and
catches your eye, smiling slightly. Rising to her feet, she places her
hands gently on the table and turns to address the
room.<<else>>You lean back in your seat, sliding down
ever-so-slightly as you fold your arms and wait for her to continue. She
watches you for a moment, her expression unmoving as she examines your
silent disdain, then rises to her feet and addresses the
room.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Your goal is not to simply
retrieve the Astrial and deliver it to our hands, but to do so without
detection,” Zenaida begins. “Though we do not expect resistance, it
would be foolish of us not to anticipate it. Diradan Tower is being
watched. Since the explosion, there have been many eyes on it from
interested parties around the city.”
Umbria nods. “Ostensibly to guard Velantis from the shroud and notify
the proper authorities if it expands past Diradan’s walls. The
Meissandium, the Arcanists’ Lodge, and the archon’s government have all
conjured orbs to survey the tower day and night and report on any
changes.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Aeran mutters. “You know those things aren’t
usually a problem for us. Something tells me there’s something different
about these ones.”
“You would be correct,” Zenaida answers. “You may go undetected, but
your movement will not. The moment you open a door or leave footprints
in the ground, you will raise their suspicions and draw investigators to
the tower’s perimeter.”
He rolls his eyes. “Great.”
“They may not be able to interfere with you while you are inside, but
the moment you leave, they will apprehend you. I would like to avoid
that at all costs. It would not do for you to retrieve the Astrial from
its chamber only for it to fall into unwanted hands upon your exit.”
Veyer clicks their tongue. “I’m assuming you have a solution, then?”
“Of course,” she says, smiling faintly. “And it involves you and Ashani.
Considering you voted for my proposal, you should have no objections
being involved, Savant Krellion. Quinn, if you would…?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The young, freckled woman adjusts her bun and nudges her
large, leatherbound book to the side. She raises a hand, cupping her
palm in front of her, and gestures with her fingers. A bright yellow
light emerges from her palm, fracturing into a network of lines as it
sweeps across the table. It hits the centre and curves upwards, forming a
globe. Within it, hundreds of yellow lines weaves back and forth,
quickly crafting a miniature replica of Diradan Tower and its
surrounding area.
The complex is large, much larger than you thought. Clinging to the edge
of a cliff, it overlooks the deep waters of Lake Messeida. Within its
gated walls several large, interconnected buildings are grouped around a
central garden. One appears to be an observatory, another a Meissandic
temple, another must be dormitories and a communal dining hall… You
ignore them all in favour of focusing on the building closest to the
lakeside wall: a massive stone citadel unlike anything else in the
complex, its intricate, sharp turrets looming over the grounds.
Your gut twists. This is //the// tower. The original Diradan. Even in
this simple replica, it looks uncannily like the Spire.
You can’t help but notice that the complex is whole. Whatever memories
this reconstruction is calling upon, it must have been created before
the explosion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“According to our agents, the surveillance orbs are in these
locations,” Quinn says. She gestures again and ten blinking red dots
wink to life around the complex’s walls, spanning the perimeter.
“Unfortunately, disabling them will bring unnecessary attention to our
activities. Instead, I propose we distract them—provide them with a
constructed illusion of the grounds that will mask $lastname and Kellis’
movement.”
“Ah.” Veyer stretches their arms and links their hands together behind
their neck. “So that’s why you need me.”
She rolls her eyes. “It’s about time you made yourself useful. Pay for
all that drivel you think is so witty—”
“Quinn,” Zenaida says warningly.
The young woman sighs and shakes herself, focusing on the replica.
“There are too many surveillance orbs for one mage—however talented—to
incapacitate,” she continues. “But we don’t need to deal with all of
them, only the ones with direct access to the citadel itself. I’ve
pinpointed the ideal area for entry, one that is observed by a single
orb.”
She twists her hand in the air and the replica rotates. The grounds
disappear as she magnifies the citadel and its neighbouring buildings.
She exhales sharply and lines of blue light sprout from her fingertips,
weaving through the yellow network.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“Here,” she says as the blue light surrounds a section of the
lakeside wall, highlighting it. “The western wall has little surveyance
compared to the main, northern, and southern gates. I suspect it is
because there is less concern if the shroud spreads west over the water…
as opposed to south or east, towards the city. Once Veyer masks the
area, $lastname and Kellis can enter through the western water gate.”
“And you want Ashani there to ward me, I take it,” Veyer says.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES EQUAL")>>You glance
across the table. Considering Ashani voted against Zenaida’s proposal,
you have to wonder how they feel about being roped into her plan. But
the melusine does not protest. Their expression remains impassive, their
posture still. If not for their eyes—which gaze hollowly at Quinn’s
replica—you’d almost believe they have fallen asleep.
“…I would do it myself if I could, but even if I were able to escape the
palace, I would only draw my mother’s attention,” Zenaida
continues.<<else>>Zenaida nods. “I would do it myself if I
could, but even if I were able to escape the palace myself, I would only
draw my mother’s attention.<</if>> We do not need further
interference from her, not when she has temporarily aligned herself with
Quirinus.”
You stare at the glowing replica, taking in the yellow citadel and its
walls, the glowing red orbs, the shining blue light. “Isn’t this
needlessly complicated?” you ask, rubbing your forehead. “The
surveillance orbs can’t detect us. Why can’t we go in through the main
gates?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>“It’s a precaution,” Veyer says. “I won’t be masking you—you
don’t need it—I’ll be masking the environment. Pretend for a moment,
$lastname, that tomorrow brings the worst rainstorm you’ve ever seen in
your life. You may be invisible to the surveillance orbs, true, but the
footprints you leave behind will not be. But I can change that. The
ward’s caster will be none the wiser.”
“At least there is a gate at the back,” Aeran mutters. “For a moment
there I thought you were going to ask us to scale the walls.”
“As far as we know, the complex’s outer walls are intact, Wayfarer
Kellis,” Zenaida replies. “But the citadel itself is compromised. We do
not know how extensive the damage is on the inside—”
“The explosion originated not far from the Astrial’s tower,” Umbria
says. “Reaching its chamber will not be as easy as climbing a few sets
of stairs, I’m afraid. I would be prepared to navigate a great deal of
structural damage.”
He scowls and runs a hand through his hair. “Great…”
“While I cannot account for the citadel’s current state, I will provide
directions as best I can,” Quinn says. She twists her hand again and the
citadel opens up, displaying as a three-dimensional map. Green lights
emerge from her fingertips this time, snaking across the map to
highlight three distinct paths through the tower. “The Astrial’s tower
is on the western wing’s sixth floor. Fortunately, the water gate puts
you relatively close to the wing’s entrance which means you can
hopefully ignore the rest of the citadel.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
stare at the blinking green lines, trying to make sense of them. The
map is impressive, to be sure, but she certainly hasn’t made it easy to
read. You wonder whether it’s just you or if someone else here finds it
as confusing as you do.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. Ask about the
first path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 1][$path_1 to true]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. Ask about the second path.|CHAPTER 2
MISSION PATH 2][$path_2 to true]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. Ask about the third path.|CHAPTER 2
MISSION PATH 3][$path_3 to true]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You don’t need this mage nonsense. You
never had trouble navigating the Spire, you won’t have trouble
here.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION DONE][$paths to
false]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 2") and not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
MISSION PATH 3")>>“Where does this one go?” you
ask,<<else>>“And this one?” you ask,<</if>>
pointing to the closest green path.
“This is the most direct route to the western wing,” Quinn says. “It
will be the fastest, but only if the stairs are intact. From the water
gate follow the path to the citadel’s doors. You will enter the main
atrium. Climb each mezzanine until you reach the uppermost floor. The
entrance to the western wing is a grand archway, the only one on the
sixth level. Pass through the archway and follow the hall all the way to
the end. When you reach a stairwell with windows overlooking the lake,
you have reached the correct tower. The Astrial’s chamber is at the
top.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH
1")>><s>1. Ask about the first
path.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about the first
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 1][$path_1 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 2")>><s>2. Ask about the second
path.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about the second
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 2][$path_2 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 3")>><s>3. Ask about the third
path.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about the third
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 3][$path_3 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You don’t need any more
information.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What’s
this one?” you ask, indicating a twisting green line that seems to go
far out of its way before doubling back on itself.
“If the atrium stairs are destroyed, you may still reach the western
wing via the north wing,” Quinn explains. “There is a side door at the
edge of the waterside gardens. It is not often used; it will be sealed
by both a magical and mundane lock. If you are able to open it, you will
find yourself on the ground floor of the northern tower. Take the
stairs to the sixth floor, then make your way across the battlements to
the west wing. You can reach the Astrial’s tower from there.”
She pauses, then flicks her hand and highlights a glowing red dot. “This
will put you in the path of a surveillance orb,” she continues. “Veyer
cannot interfere with this one from their position by the water gate.
You will have to be quick. Do not make any unnecessary changes to your
surroundings.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH
1")>><s>1. Ask about the first
path.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about the first
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 1][$path_1 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 2")>><s>2. Ask about the second
path.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about the second
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 2][$path_2 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 3")>><s>3. Ask about the third
path.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about the third
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 3][$path_3 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You don’t need any more
information.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 2") and not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
MISSION PATH 1")>>“Where does this one go?” you
ask,<<else>>“And this one?” you ask,<</if>>
pointing to a green line that delves deep below the complex, then
spirals upwards.
“There are several underground levels in the citadel,” Quinn clarifies.
“Unlike the others, this entrance can be reached from outside the walls.
You will not have to pass through the water gate, but you will have to
scale the cliffs to reach a cave directly below. Should you reach it,
there is a hidden door at the end of the cavern. Ordinarily, it would be
concealed from the naked eye, but such illusions will not be an issue
for you. Pass through the door, follow the corridor west, and you will
be directly below the Astrial’s tower. From there, it is a simple matter
of climbing the stairs until you reach the citadel’s uppermost floor.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH
1")>><s>1. Ask about the first
path.</s><<else>>[[1. Ask about the first
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 1][$path_1 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 2")>><s>2. Ask about the second
path.</s><<else>>[[2. Ask about the second
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 2][$path_2 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
PATH 3")>><s>3. Ask about the third
path.</s><<else>>[[3. Ask about the third
path.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION PATH 3][$path_3 to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[4. You don’t need any more
information.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
DONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Is there anything else we
should know?” you ask, still staring at the gleaming yellow citadel. The
similarity between its towers and the Spire is uncanny. How is it that
two strongholds with nearly identical architecture were constructed so
far away from each other, on opposite ends of the continent?
“You’ve seen the Astrial’s chamber, you know what your target is,”
Zenaida says. “Once you have arrived, there will be nothing to prevent
you from taking it from its plinth. Leave the way you entered and
Malsara will rendezvous with you at the exit. Pass her the Astrial and
she will see it safely—and immediately—returned to Lethalis.”
You frown. “So, that’s it then? Just walk up a few flights of stairs,
take the damn thing, and get out?”
“Please do not underestimate the arduousness of what must be done,” she
says. “You must work with great haste. Though Veyer’s illusions are
quite accomplished, there is only so long they can hold them in place
before their interference is detected. If we wish to retrieve the
Astrial quietly, you have two hours at most.”
//Two hours…//
You glance at Aeran. From the look on his face, he must be feeling the
same burgeoning unease as you do. Two hours is not a lot of time to
navigate an unfamiliar <<if $path_1 is true and $path_2 is true
and $path_3 is true>>location. Quinn’s paths are helpful in
theory, but without knowing their condition they could only prove to be a
hindrance.<<else>>location—particularly when it could be
blasted to pieces for all you know.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“That’s not a lot of time,” you begin.
“Then better work quickly, then,” Veyer <<if $veyer_impression
>=1>>says, flashing you a
grin.<<else>>says.<</if>> <<if
$chaliceStatus is "marea">>“And hope you have better success than
the last time you tried to retrieve an ancient artefact of unparalleled
importance.”<<elseif $chaliceStatus is "count">> “You have a
reputation for retrieving ancient artefacts of unparalleled importance.
Let’s hope your luck holds out.”<<else>>“At least this time
you know where the ancient artefact of unparalleled importance
is—that’s half the battle, isn’t it?”<</if>>
You pause, uncertain whether to take their words as an insult or
not.<<if $chaliceStatus is "ocean">> As far as they know,
the Chalice of Offering remains lost in Rona… and not at the bottom of
the Rhesainian Ocean.<</if>><<if $veyer_impression
>=1>> Either way, Veyer seems quite delighted to needle you on
purpose.<</if>>
“It will have to be enough,” Zenaida says. “The longer you take, the
greater the risk.”
“And what happens if we are detected?” Aeran asks. “Can’t imagine you’re
going to leave us and the Astrial there for anyone to take.”
“That is my concern, not yours, Wayfarer Kellis,” Umbria says sharply.
“Your goal is the Astrial. Stay focused on that.”
He grimaces. “That’s not exactly reassuring. If things go wrong—”
“I and the rest of Lethalis will be there to handle it. Though we cannot
accompany you into Diradan itself, we will not be far away.”
Aeran shifts restlessly in his seat, clearly irked by her answer, and
falls silent. Umbria’s tone does not welcome further arguments.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“What happens after?” you ask. “Once we’ve given Malsara the
Astrial and you have what you want?”
“You cannot return to Mahanin,” Zenaida says. “My mother’s interference
will make it impossible for you to leave a second time. It is in your
best interest to leave Oriath District immediately. Make your way to
Dessenia, to the Plaza of the Hexatheon. One of our agents will meet you
there to hand over full payment. From there you are free to go where
you please. Should you wish to depart the city, a ship will be charted
for you from the harbour in Seiran Bay. It will take you up the coast,
past Naros and away from Velantis. You can choose any new bearings from
there.”
//Any new bearings…//
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>A bubble of
hope rises in your chest. Just a few days more and you’ll be free. With
the payment from this contract, you can go anywhere, do anything. Find a
place for you and him where you can set this wandering life aside and
just live.
You catch Aeran’s eye. He smiles faintly, almost cautiously—as if it’s
too much to hope that everything you’ve been through, something, for
once, will go right in your lives.
You reach below the table and take his hand, squeezing it reassuringly.
He does not squeeze back.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You
catch Aeran’s eye, a fleeting smile on your lips, hope rising in your
chest. Just a few days more and you’ll be free. With the payment from
this contract, you can go anywhere, do anything. Find a place where you
both can set this wandering life aside and just live.
He looks away, head bent, eyes cast downwards at the floor. It seems he
does not share your optimism.<<elseif $aeranapp >=40>>A
fleeting smile tugs at your lips, hope rising in your chest. Just a few
days more and you’ll be free. With the payment from this contract, you
can go anywhere, do anything. Cast this wandering life aside and just
live.
You glance at Aeran and your heart sinks. He avoids your gaze, his eyes
cast downwards at the floor. It seems he does not share your optimism.
Leave it to him to cling to cynicism.<<else>>You lean back
in your seat, a fleeting smile tugging at your lips. You’re so close to
freedom, you can almost taste it. Just a few days more and you’ll have
what you need to chart a new course. You’ll be free from scavenging for
the basic necessities, free to go wherever you please.
And you and Aeran can finally part ways, no longer dependent on each
other.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I
see you’ve thought this through,” you say, turning to Zenaida.
She smiles faintly. “It is a mere shadow of my original intentions.
Though the shroud poses many unforeseen difficulties, I believe the
explosion has given us an unanticipated opportunity. Whereas once you
would have had to steal past the full breadth of the Guild of Mages, now
you will be virtually uncontested once you enter the complex. So long
as you pass the Astrial to Malsara, your responsibilities will be
complete.”
You nod solemnly and glance at the citadel, scanning the glowing replica
once again. An apprehensive knot forms in your stomach. Stated as
plainly as it has, with its clear goals and outlined routes, Zenaida’s
plan seems foolproof. A world of difference from your last contract,
where the Count left you to search an entire town and its surrounding
area with no leads to guide you…<<if $chaliceStatus neq
"lost">> It’s a miracle you even found the
chalice…<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. You’re not taking
anything for granted again. Regardless of Zenaida’s plans, you need
confirmation of what happens should you be prevented from securing the
Astrial.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION D01]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. She has yet to discuss payment. She
promised you half your fee upfront. You’re not going to let her slip
away without giving it to you.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION D02]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. You’re itching to get out of here. Let
them conclude this meeting. You can deal with anything else
afterwards.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D03]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“And
if your plan doesn’t work? What then?”
Zenaida frowns. “It will,” she says coldly. “Rest assured of that.”
A chill crawls across the back of your neck as the Lethalis mages turn
their disapproving eyes on you. Despite the fact some of them questioned
Zenaida’s proposal barely an hour ago, they are united in their
displeasure. They have not taken kindly to you suggesting that one of
their own may fail.
“Even if you account for everything you can, there is always the
potential for something to go wrong,” you press. “A situation you were
unaware of, some other factor that slipped your notice. You and Quinn
have both said that the state of Diradan Tower is unknown. You don’t
know how extensive the damage is or what the shroud has done to it—”
“Then I hope we can rely on your adaptability, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
interrupts. “If you expect a greater assessment of the area before
proceeding, I’m afraid you will not receive one.”
“That’s not what this is about. I want to know what will happen if
things don’t go according to plan. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>My last employer wasn’t known for being forgiving.”
The ghost of a smile flickers across her face. “I am not a madman like
Cere Nalos, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “We will not seek retribution
in the manner he does.<<else>><<if $CountB_Branch1 is
true or $CountA_Branch1 is true or $CountA_Branch2 is true>>At
the very least, promise me you’re not going to feed us to a
basilisk.”<<else>>At the very least, promise me you’re not
going to try to kill us.”<</if>>
The ghost of a smile flickers across her face. “I see,” she says slowly.
“I am not a madman like Cere Nalos, Wayfarer $lastname. We will not
seek retribution in the manner he did.<</if>> Should events
go awry… we will withdraw and reassess, then. But I hope you will do
everything in your power to insure that it will not come to that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D01")>><s>1. You’re not taking anything for granted again.
Regardless of Zenaida’s plans, you need confirmation of what happens
should you be prevented from securing the
Astrial.</s><<else>>[[1. You’re not taking anything
for granted again. Regardless of Zenaida’s plans, you need confirmation
of what happens should you be prevented from securing the
Astrial.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION D01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D02")>><s>2. She has yet to discuss payment. She promised
you half your fee upfront. You’re not going to let her slip away without
giving it to you.</s><<else>>[[2. She has yet to
discuss payment. She promised you half your fee upfront. You’re not
going to let her slip away without giving it to you.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. You’re itching to get out of here. Let
them conclude this meeting.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D03]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
<<if $aeranapp
>=40>>our<<else>>my<</if>> payment?”
you ask. “I want what was promised: half the fee upfront, before we
begin.”
<<lethalisLoss>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5, 95)>>Zenaida adjust her posture,
her back uncomfortably straight as she stares across the table at you.
“You will receive what you are owed, Wayfarer $lastname, I assure you—”
“I don’t need assurances, Zenaida,” you interrupt sharply. “You promised
us <<if $lethalisMoney is
true>>six<<else>>three<</if>> thousand
each. I expect half of <<if $aeranapp >=40>>our share
delivered to us<<else>>my share delivered to
me<</if>> by tomorrow morning, or <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>we’re<<else>>I’m<</if>> not going
anywhere.”
<<if $lethalisMoney is true>>“…six thousand?” Umbria asks,
the question lingering in the air.
You pause, glancing between the archsage and the savant. You have a
feeling Zenaida did not inform her you had doubled your price.
“I will inform you later, Archsage,” Zenaida whispers hurriedly before
turning to you. “The arrangements will be made, Wayfarer $lastname,” she
continues, reasserting herself. “You will receive half your fee when
Malsara collects you tomorrow morning. The other half will be paid, as I
said, after you retrieve the Astrial and retreat to the Plaza of the
Hexatheon.”<<else>>Her eyes narrow. “The arrangements will
be made, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says coolly. “You will receive half
your fee when Malsara collects you tomorrow morning. The other half will
be paid, as I said, after you retrieve the Astrial and retreat to the
Plaza of the Hexatheon.”<</if>>
You lean back in your seat and fold your arms, unsatisfied with her
answer. As she seems unable—or unwilling—to pay you now, you’ll have to
trust she delivers it before you leave the palace.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D01")>><s>1. You’re not taking anything for granted again.
Regardless of Zenaida’s plans, you need confirmation of what happens
should you be prevented from securing the
Astrial.</s><<else>>[[1. You’re not taking anything
for granted again. Regardless of Zenaida’s plans, you need confirmation
of what happens should you be prevented from securing the
Astrial.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION D01]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D02")>><s>2. She has yet to discuss payment. She promised
you half your fee upfront. You’re not going to let her slip away without
giving it to you.</s><<else>>[[2. She has yet to
discuss payment. She promised you half your fee upfront. You’re not
going to let her slip away without giving it to you.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D02]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. You’re itching to get out of here. Let
them conclude this meeting.|CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D03]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quinn
makes a complicated gesture and the vibrant yellow replica collapses,
dispersing into the air. Without it, the library seems darker, the
shadows of the tall bookcases pressing in on you. You didn’t realize how
bright it had been. <<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MISSION
D02")>>You lean back in your seat, barely cognisant of the
murmured conversation around you. You’re far too distracted by your own
turbulent thoughts to take note.<</if>>
The Astrial. So much effort to retrieve one artefact. And it is sitting
there, high in its lofty tower, just waiting for someone to take it… And
if what Umbria says is true, it is far too powerful an object to be
left alone… and certainly not in the hands of someone who would abuse
it…
You close your eyes. Your time in Velantis is coming to an end. After
the long journey it took to get here, you never expected it to be over
so soon. You don’t know whether to be relieved or concerned.
“…Oshiro, Ashani, and I shall inform the rest of the order of our
decision,” Umbria says. Her chair scrapes against the hardwood floor as
she stands, the sound jolting you from your thoughts. “Apprise your
agents of the situation, but be light on the details. We must be careful
how many souls know the full extent of our movements. Take heed: we
walk a perilous path. Everything we have worked towards will come to a
head tomorrow.”
You pause, remaining seated as the rest of Lethalis follow suit and rise
to their feet. You exchange quick looks with Aeran, uncertain whether
the meeting is finally over, and turn to find your question answered.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
DEPARTURES]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $sirin_info to
true>><<set $varyn_check to true>>Chuckling at
Zenaida’s disappearance, Veyer shoots you a smug smirk, then brushes off
their jacket and saunters across the library. They disappear into the
darkness, which leaves you with Umbria and Ashani.
Umbria catches the melusine’s eye and gives them a quick nod. They close
their eyes and a soft, silver glow gleams around them for a moment—then
burns out. Exhaling wearily, they round the table, briefly touching
Umbria’s shoulder as they pass her by and head for the doors. She
watches them go, a strange—almost sad—look in her eyes.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Wayfarer
$lastname, Wayfarer Kellis,” she calls, finally turning to you. “A
moment of your time, if you please.”
Aeran folds his arms. “What else is there to talk about? I thought the
mission was pretty clear—”
“I do not wish to discuss your assault on Diradan Tower. Rather, this
concerns a matter unrelated to the Astrial. A matter which is very
important to you.”
You raise your head, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
“Something we shouldn’t be bothered with,” Aeran grunts. “Come on,
$firstname, we’ve had enough talking for one night—”
“I have anticipated your arrival in the city for quite some time,” she
says, rounding the table and halting by Veyer’s empty seat. She loops
her hands together and rests them on the back of the chair. “I will not
waste the opportunity to address you and $lastname away from the prying
eyes of my peers. You are not the first Wayfarers to come to Velantis
since the fall of the Spire.”<<else>>“If I could have one
more moment of your time,” she says finally, her gaze lingering on
Ashani’s retreating back.
Aeran folds his arms. “I thought you were done with us,” he grunts. “In
fact you made that pretty clear—”
“I happen to keep my personal and professional opinions separate,
Wayfarer Kellis,” she says, turning her dark eyes on him. “I find it
makes many of the decisions I must make easier to bear.”
He grimaces. “Then what do you want? You’ve sent your people away. Can’t
imagine you’d do that without reason.”
Umbria smiles hollowly and rounds the table. “Naturally,” she says,
coming to a halt by Veyer’s empty seat. She loops her hands together and
rests them over the back of the chair. “I have anticipated your arrival
in the city for quite some time. I will not waste the opportunity to
address you and $lastname without the prying eyes of my peers.”
“Anticipated?” you ask. “What do you mean?”
“You are not the first Wayfarers to come to Velantis since the fall of
the Spire.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Your
heart clenches, stunned disbelief rooting you to the ground. Her words
echo hollowly in your mind—the more you understand the meaning, the more
you’re certain she misspoke. Something akin to panic claws at your
insides, a hundred conflicting thoughts and emotions flooding through
you.
Five years. Five years with nothing but whispers and rumours of other
survivors, dangerous hope that only ever proved to be hollow and futile.
The solitude of the first year crashes into you, turning your mind and
body numb. You can barely recall that year, holding to <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Varyn<<else>>Brissa
Varyn<</if>>’s letter and scraping out a living on the
desperate hope that someone else survived.<<if $master is "Cenric"
or $master is "Sero">><<if $master is "Cenric">> If
anyone did, Cenric had to. The Wayfarer archivist would never fall so
easily.<<else>> If anyone did, Sero had to. The Wayfarer
grandmaster would never fall so
easily.<</if>><</if>> But as the passing months
slipped by and Varyn’s silence became even more profound, you lived with
the dawning certainty that you were the last. Happenstance may have
saved you from the Spire, but the hollowness that came with it was not a
fate you would wish on anyone.
It was sheer <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>luck<<else>>coincidence<</if>>
that your path crossed with Aeran’s in Karth. Since then, your hopes of
finding another Wayfarer have slowly died. And now Umbria—a Guild
archsage—is telling you there have been others, here, in Velantis?
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell
are you talking about?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 01]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And you didn’t think to tell us
this sooner?!”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 02][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '<<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
")>>3. “Don’t you dare lie about this,
Umbria.<<else>>3. “Don’t spin fucking lies about this,
Umbria.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
02'>><<set $option to
3>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '4. You can’t say anything.
You need to sit down, you need to think, you need the world to
//stop…//' 'CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
04'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$sirin_info to true>>Chuckling at Zenaida’s disappearance, Veyer
rises to their feet and leans against the table, casually brushing off
their jacket with a flick of their hands. When it becomes clear they are
more than comfortable and intend to stay, Umbria sighs wearily and
catches Ashani’s eye, giving them a quick nod. A soft silver glow
radiates around the melusine, flaring brightly for a moment before
puffing out. They quietly withdraw from the table, heading for the
library exit in silence. Umbria follows suit, eyeing Veyer closely as
she passes them, frowning with disapproval. They shrug and grin widely,
ignoring her objections. She rolls her eyes upwards and turns her back
on them, walking briskly to the exit.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Veyer cocks their
head, listening to her echoing steps until they fade to nothing. “Well
done,” they say after a moment, casually folding their arms against
their chest. “You’ve performed admirably given the circumstances. I
would almost say I’m impressed, but I happen to know Umbria was in
favour of Zenaida’s mad idea. You would have had to seriously botch it
to change her mind.”
A flush crawls across your skin. The dissonance between their words,
their sardonic tone, and the delighted way they are looking at you is…
confusing, to say the least. You’re not sure whether to take their
comment as an insult or playful banter.
“Wait,” Aeran says. “So Umbria already wanted the mission to go
forwards?”
Veyer rolls their eyes. “Of course. How else do you think you made it
this far? None of this—” They gesture grandly around the library.
“—would have happened if Umbria didn’t support Zenaida in private. You
think this meeting was for your benefit? Hardly. It was to convince the
detractors on the council. Oshiro would have been dreadfully offended
had Umbria overruled him and ‘dreadfully offended’ is not a state of
mind Oshiro should ever be left in for long. Besides…” They flash you a
grin. “I wasn’t thoroughly convinced myself. You changed my mind,
$lastname. You have a rather compelling presence, didn’t you know?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran grips
your shoulder, his fingers pressing sharply into your skin. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. He doesn’t take his eyes
off Veyer. “I don’t like what they’re up to. Let’s get out of
here—”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran grimaces. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. “I don’t like what they’re
up to. Let’s get out of here—”<<else>>Aeran curses under his
breath. “Come on, $firstname, let’s get out of
here—”<</if>>
“Leave if you want, Kellis, this is between $lastname and me,” they say.
“Quite frankly, I imagine it will be better for you if you don’t
subject yourself to this conversation. I imagine your patience with
Guild dealings is stretched thin by this point and you can be rather…
combustible, as I recall.”
He snarls. “Krellion, I swear—”
They shrug unconcernedly and turn to you. “Spare me ten minutes of your
time. I promise I will make it worth your
while.”<<else>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES
EQUAL")>>Veyer cocks their head, listening to her echoing steps
until they fade to nothing. “Well, that could have gone better,” they
say casually after a moment, folding their arms against their chest. “So
close and yet so far. I have to admire you, $lastname. Umbria was
personally in favour of Zenaida’s mad idea, and yet you somehow managed
to aggravate her so thoroughly, you sabotaged your own assignment before
it even began. Well done.”
A flush crawls across your skin. The dissonance between their words,
their sardonic tone, and the delighted way they’re looking at you is…
confusing, to say the least. You’re not sure whether to take their
comment as an insult or playful banter.
“Wait,” Aeran says. “Umbria wanted the mission to go forwards?”
Veyer grins. “Of course. How else do you think you made it this far?
None of this—” They gesture grandly around the library. “—would have
happened if Umbria didn’t support Zenaida in private.”
“Then why didn’t she overrule them?” you ask.
“Did you not hear me before? Clearly, she changed her mind. I wonder who
is responsible for that.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>You glance
sideways at Aeran. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>Maybe it was a
mistake to let him handle relations with Lethalis…<<else>>He
is notoriously skilled at pissing off Guild mages.<</if>>
It was a mistake to let him handle relations with
Lethalis.<<else>>You exchange looks with
Aeran.<</if>> <<if $aeranapp>=60>>From the
look in his eyes, you know he doesn’t blame you for the way things
turned out. Considering how skilled he is at pissing off Guild mages,
it’s unlikely he would have done better.<<else>>From the
look in his eyes, you know he’s putting the blame on you.
As if he could do better…<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran grips
your shoulder, his fingers pressing sharply into your skin. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. He doesn’t take his eyes
off Veyer. “I don’t like what they’re up to. Let’s get out of
here—”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran grimaces. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. “I don’t like what they’re
up to. Let’s get out of here—”<<else>>Aeran curses under his
breath. “Come on, $firstname,” he grunts. “Let’s get out of
here—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“Leave if you
want, Kellis, this is between $lastname and me,” Veyer says. “Quite
frankly, I imagine it will be better for you if you don’t subject
yourself to this conversation. I imagine your patience with Guild
dealings is stretched thin by this point and you can be rather…
combustible, as I recall.”
Aeran snarls. “Krellion, I swear—”
They shrug unconcernedly and turn to you. “Spare me ten minutes of your
time. I promise I will make it worth your
while.”<<else>>“Leave if you want, Kellis, my interest isn’t
in you,” Veyer says unconcernedly, rolling their eyes. “But you,
$lastname? You owe me that much for risking my standing with this
council.”
“It didn’t work out,” you reply. “I don’t owe you anything.”
“Even so, I voted in favour of the mission and now I’ll have Oshiro
breathing down my neck. A position I’m intimately familiar with, to be
fair, but not one I enjoy.”
“Yeah. I got the feeling.”
“Then spare me ten minutes of your time, $lastname. I promise I will
make it worth your while.”<</if>><<else>>Veyer
cocks their head, listening to her echoing footsteps until they fade to
nothing. “Well, that could have gone better,” they say after a moment,
folding their arms across their chest. Their eyes sweep over you,
looking you up and down. “Tell me something, $lastname. I happen to know
Umbria was personally in favour of Zenaida’s mad idea, and yet you
sabotaged your own assignment before it even began. It’s remarkable,
really. Are you playing at being a bumbling fool or are you really that
inept?”
A stab of irritation spikes through you. “Why does it matter to you? You
voted against the mission—”
“As did the majority of the council,” they interrupt. “Oshiro and Leda
were never going to change their minds. Ashani may have entertained the
idea for a moment, but impulsiveness is contrary to their nature. You
don’t stay an archsage for three hundred years by being reckless. My
vote would not have changed the outcome. I’m sorry, $lastname, but as
much as you intrigue me, I am not willing to risk my standing for your
benefit alone.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran grips
your shoulder, his fingers pressing sharply into your skin. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. He doesn’t take his eyes
off the mage. “I don’t like what they’re up to. Let’s get out of
here—”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran grimaces. “Come on,
$nickname,” he murmurs urgently in your ear. “I don’t like what they’re
up to. Let’s get out of here—”<<else>>Aeran curses under his
breath. “Come on, $firstname,” he grunts. “Let’s get out of
here—”<</if>>
“Leave if you want, Kellis, this is between $lastname and me,” Veyer
says. “Quite frankly, I imagine it will be better for you if you don’t
subject yourself to this conversation. I imagine your patience with
Guild dealings is stretched thin by this point and you can be rather…
combustible, as I recall.”
Aeran snarls. “Krellion, I swear—”
They shrug unconcernedly and turn to you. “Spare me ten minutes of your
time, $lastname. I promise I will make it worth your
while.”<</if>><</if>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=60>>You hesitate,
the weight of Aeran’s hand digging into your shoulder. What could they
possibly want?
“$nickname,” Aeran presses, his voice low.<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>You hesitate. What could they possibly want?
“$nickname,” Aeran mutters, his voice low.<<else>>You pause.
What could they possibly want?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. But ten minutes is all you’re
getting. Better talk fast.”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC 2 A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '<<if $aeranapp
>=60>>2. “Whatever you want to say to me, you can say in front
of Aeran. It’s not like I’m going to keep it a secret from
him.”<<else>>2. “If you have something to say, say it to
both of us or keep your mouth shut.”<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2
VEYER SPEC 2 B'>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp +
5, 5, 95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not going to happen,
Veyer.”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC 2 C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5,
5, 95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $sirin_info to
true>><<set $navorre_check to true>>Chuckling at
Zenaida’s disappearance, Veyer shoots you a smug smirk, then brushes off
their jacket and saunters across the library. They disappear into the
darkness, leaving you with Umbria and Ashani. As she moves to withdraw
from the table, she pauses and turns around, a faint look of surprise in
her eyes. The melusine remains at the table, still and unmoving. They
catch her eye and an unspoken understanding passes between them. Umbria
gives them a quick nod, then turns on her heel and heads for the library
exit in silence.
You exchange hesitant looks with Aeran. Considering the melusine has
barely spoken to you this evening, you can’t fathom what they want.
Judging from Aeran’s expression, he’s as confused as you are.
Ashani closes their eyes. A silver glow gleams around them for a moment,
growing brighter and brighter—then burns out in an instant. Exhaling
softly, they open their eyes and rise from the table, drawing themselves
up to their full height. They clasp their hands in front of them and
turn to you. Their hair and clothing ripple about them, taking on a life
of their own—movement within the stillness, like reeds pulled by an
ocean current.
“I would have a moment of your time,” they say solemnly, their liquid
voice resounding melodiously in your ears. “Is this request acceptable?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>There’s something about their presence that commands respect.
You’ve seen it before in ancient melusine, their centuries-long lives
leaving them with the expectation that they will be heeded. In the
Count, this expectation manifested violently and cruelly. In Ashani,
however, it is polite and unhurried. You have no doubt that if you
refused, they would think nothing of it and simply approach you at a
later date.
You trade brief looks with Aeran. Though he folds his arms and taps his
foot impatiently against the floor, you know from the way he watches
Ashani that his curiosity has been piqued. You might as well hear them
out. If they’ve been a Guild archsage for as long as you think, they
could provide valuable insight that you have otherwise missed.
“Yes,” you say. “What do you want?”
“To fulfill a promise I made long ago,” Ashani says. “There is
information Lethalis has kept from you—<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
LETH MISSION")>>perhaps out of concern that it will distract you
from your task.<<else>>perhaps out of spite, perhaps out of
desire not to meddle further in Wayfarer affairs.<</if>> But
I believe it is your right to know the truth. You are not the only
members of your order with whom Lethalis has had contact—and you are not
the only Wayfarers to arrive in the city.”
Your gut twists, stunned disbelief rooting you to the floor. The more
you think on what they said, the more you’re certain they misspoke.
Something akin to panic claws at your insides, a hundred conflicting
thoughts and emotions flooding through you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Five years. Five years with nothing but whispers and rumours
of other survivors, dangerous hope that only ever proved to be hollow
and futile. The solitude of the first year crashes into you, turning
your mind and body numb. You can barely recall that year, holding to
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Varyn<<else>>Brissa
Varyn<</if>>’s letter and scraping out a living on the
desperate hope that someone else survived.<<if $master is "Cenric"
or $master is "Sero">><<if $master is "Cenric">> If
anyone did, Cenric had to. The Wayfarer archivist would never fall so
easily.<<else>> If anyone did, Sero had to. The Wayfarer
grandmaster would never fall so
easily.<</if>><</if>> But as the passing months
slipped by and Varyn’s silence became even more profound, you lived with
the dawning certainty that you were the last. Happenstance may have
saved you from the Spire, but the hollowness that came with it was not a
fate you would wish on anyone.
It was sheer <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>luck<<else>>coincidence<</if>>
that your path crossed with Aeran’s in Karth. Since then, your hopes of
finding another Wayfarer have slowly died. And now Ashani—a Guild
archsage—is telling you you’re not alone?
“…what?” you blurt.
Ashani turns their black, unblinking eyes on you. “Sirin Torvar is the
other,” they say. “She arrived in the city through the Vanescian Bay
port eighteen months and three days ago, on a ship bearing the banners
of the Arcanists’ Lodge—”
You raise a hand, your mind reeling from too much information. Sirin
Torvar survived the Spire. Sirin Torvar is in Velantis?
A painful lump forms in your throat. You didn’t know Sirin well, but you
remember her clearly. As the Spire’s chief physician, she played a
vital role in all Wayfarers’ lives. She and her team were responsible
for overseeing new apprentices’ basic medical training and performing
lifesaving surgeries when Wayfarers were wounded in combat. Though her
prickly and no-nonsense demeanour did not easily endear her to others,
she was certainly one of the most intelligent active Wayfarers in the
Order—if not the most valuable.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
glance at Aeran. He has never been good at masking his emotions and now
he stands deadly still, as tense as a coil about to spring.
“The Arcanists’ Lodge?” he says. “What the hell was she doing with
them?”
“I do not know,” Ashani replies. “Though I have reason to believe she is
working in tandem with them. The Lodge has a longstanding interest in
magic suppression and an understanding of magiani abilities would no
doubt be a great asset. The applications for their prototypes are vast.”
Aside from its status as a world-renowned collective of engineers and
artificers, you know very little of the Arcanists’ Lodge. Their members
are the minds behind devices such as the Pallaedrion and the Themistryan
security systems. For better or for ill, their inventions have changed
the scope of the world—not that many of them are accessible to people
like you.
And if Sirin is involved with the Lodge…
You grit your teeth. Without more information, you can do little more
than grasp at straws.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES EQUAL")>>[[1. “Why share this
with us? Considering you voted against the mission, I doubt you want to
help us.”|CHAPTER 2 ASHANI 2A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5,
95), $lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 5, 5,
95)]]<<else>>[[1. “Why share this with us?”|CHAPTER 2 ASHANI
2B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Do you know anything else? Anything
that will help us find her?”|CHAPTER 2 ASHANI 2C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thank you for telling us.”|CHAPTER 2
ASHANI 2D][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 95), $lethalisapp
to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Chuckling
at Zenaida’s disappearance, Veyer shoots you a smug smirk, then brushes
off their jacket and saunters across the library. They disappear into
the darkness, which leaves you with Umbria and Ashani. A soft silver
glow radiates around the melusine, flaring brightly for a moment before
it puffs out of existence. They quietly withdraw from the table, heading
for the library exit in silence. Umbria follows suit, giving you a deep
nod as she passes by and weaves her way around the bookcases.
A moment later, the doors boom shut, leaving you and Aeran alone in the
library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CON
NONE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You spit out the words, the
syllables searing your mouth. A conflict between hope and anger twists
in your gut, pulling you rapidly from one side to the other: do you
trust her? Do you not? She ensured Lethalis had departed before raising
the subject, indicating a willingness to maintain discretion. On the
other hand, it could be a fabrication to win you over. Make you pliable,
dependent on her for more information…
“Like many, I was greatly shocked and devastated by the destruction of
the Spire,” Umbria begins.
Aeran falls lethally still. He tenses like a coil about to spring, anger
burning in his eyes. Whether she notices the change or not, she does
not acknowledge it.
“The Wayfarer Order was an organization of historic import,” she
continues. “Despite what contemporary politicians may believe, the world
has always needed you. Magic is essential to life, but it is merely a
power—it cannot control its own limits. With it comes many risks and
dangers; it is easily manipulated by minds that would use it for ill.
You are the counterbalance. Unlike many in the Guild, I am not so
blinded by egoism that I cannot see it.”
“Skip the self-flattery,” you snap. “Just tell <<if $aeranapp
<=39>>me<<else>>us<</if>>—have you met
any others? Do you know where they are?”
She pauses, dark eyes lingering on you as if weighing her options.
Regardless of whether she tells you the truth or not, she’s after
something here. You grit your teeth, desperately hanging onto your
rapidly melting patience before it dissolves completely. If she doesn’t
answer you soon…
//Just say it… Just tell me something…//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I
do not want the Spire’s fall to be the end of your order, Wayfarer
$lastname. I have invested a great deal of resources into tracing the
whereabouts of remaining Wayfarers across Rhesainia. In most cases, I
have uncovered nothing but rumours. But for two others…”
“Just tell me!”
Your voice echoes through the empty library. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>You feel motion beside you and a firm hand grips your
shoulder. Though he’s as tense as you, Aeran’s presence is comforting, a
reminder that you are not alone in this.<<else>>You feel
Aeran stir beside you. For a moment, you wonder whether he’s about to
reach out, pull you away, say something stupid in an effort to calm you
down, but he’s just as angry as you are.
//So this is what it takes for us to agree these days,// you think
bitterly.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
UMBRIA SPEC
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
2>>Umbria doesn’t flinch at your outburst. “Forgive my discretion,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says coolly. “Perhaps it was misplaced. Should
I have discussed the whereabouts of your comrades openly, despite
knowing mages like Oshiro would happily use that information to remove
them?”<<else>>“What reason would I have to lie?” she says
coldly. “I understand if you do not trust me—I am a mage and a Guild
archsage. Many on the Council have viewed the Wayfarer Order with
suspicion and caution in the past and I know there is little I can do to
prove that I was not among them. Then again, consider that I waited
until my colleagues were gone to bring this to your attention. Mages
like Oshiro would happily use this information against
you.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth. Though all you want is to give into your pent-up
anger and finally release it on someone, Umbria isn’t to blame for
everything that went wrong today. And if you’re reading her right, she
has gone to great pains to protect Wayfarer locations from those who
would do them harm, including her own allies within Lethalis…
You close your eyes and force in a steadying breath. Tension aches in
your temples, the headache growing with each passing minute. You’re not
sure if you want to hit something or curl up in a corner and never move
again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Like
many, I was greatly shocked and devastated by the destruction of the
Spire,” Umbria continues. “The Wayfarer Order was an organization of
historic import. Despite what contemporary politicians may believe, the
world has always needed you. Magic is essential to life, but it is
merely a power—it cannot control its own limits. With it comes many
risks and dangers; it is easily manipulated by minds that would use it
for ill. You are the counterbalance.
“I did not want the Spire’s fall to be the end of your order. I have
invested a great deal of resources into tracing the whereabouts of
remaining Wayfarers across Rhesainia. In most cases, I have uncovered
nothing but rumours. But in the case of two others…”
She trails off, her gaze passing from you to Aeran and back again as she
sizes you up, gauging your reactions. You force yourself to relax and
keep your expression calm, despite the chaotic storm of emotions
swirling within you. Aeran, meanwhile, is not doing so well. He has
never been good at masking his emotions. He stands lethally still, as
tense as a coil about to spring, unmitigated anger burning in his eyes.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
UMBRIA SPEC
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>The room is spinning. You shut
your eyes, but even in the darkness, it continues to spin, the floor
threatening to disappear out from under you. Your heart pounds so hard
and so rapidly you can feel it echoing throughout your body. You take in
a deep, shuddering breath, nearly suffocating beneath the crushing
weight of your clenched chest.
<<if $aeranrom >=10 and $aeranapp >=40>>A steady hand
grips your shoulder, the familiar weight striking through your rising
panic and pulling you back. You open your eyes and find Aeran beside
you, his face close to yours as he meets your gaze. You smile wanly, the
whirlwind of emotions subsided, and catch his hand, squeezing it
thankfully.
Though he smiles back, the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“How about you tell us what this is about,” Aeran says darkly, turning
to Umbria.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>A steady hand grips
your shoulder, the familiar weight striking through your rising panic
and pulling you back. You swallow hard, pushing down the whirlwind of
emotions, and open your eyes. Aeran stands beside you, his blue eyes
searching yours. You smile wanly and nod, silently thanking him.
Though he smiles back, the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“How about you tell us what this is about,” Aeran says darkly, turning
to Umbria.<<else>>A firm hand seizes your shoulder. Aeran’s
voice murmurs your name, roughly jolting you out of your rising panic.
You swallow hard, pushing down the whirlwind of emotions, and open your
eyes. Aeran stands beside you, his blue eyes searching yours. Satisfied
that you’re not about to collapse into a useless heap on the floor, he
steps away and turns to face Umbria.
“How about you tell us what this is about,” he says
darkly.<</if>>
“The Wayfarer Order was an organization of historic significance.
Despite what contemporary politicians may believe, the world has always
needed you. Magic is essential to life, but it is merely a power—”
“Get to the point.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Umbria
does not flinch at his anger. “I did not want the Spire’s fall to be
the end of your order,” she says calmly. “I have invested a great deal
of resources into tracing the whereabouts of remaining Wayfarers across
Rhesainia. In most cases, I have uncovered nothing but rumours. But in
the case of two others…”
She trails off, her gaze passing from you to Aeran and back again as she
sizes you up, gauging your reactions. You force yourself to relax and
keep your expression calm, despite the chaotic storm of emotions
swirling within you. Aeran, meanwhile, is not doing so well. He has
never been good at masking his emotions. He stands lethally still, as
tense as a coil about to spring, unmitigated anger burning in his eyes.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
UMBRIA SPEC
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Umbria adjusts her hands, her
jewelled bracelet clinking lightly as she bumps it against the back of
the chair. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
01")>>“Sirin Torvar,” she says.<<else>>“Sirin Torvar
has been in the city,” she says.<</if>>
//Sirin…//
A fleeting bubble of hope rises in your chest. You didn’t know Sirin
well, but she played a vital role in all Wayfarers’ lives. As the
Spire’s chief physician, she and her team were responsible for
overseeing new apprentices’ basic medical training and performing
lifesaving surgeries when Wayfarers were wounded in combat. Though her
prickly and no-nonsense demeanour did not easily endear her to others,
she was certainly one of the most intelligent active Wayfarers in the
Order—if not the most valuable.
If she survived the Spire, then what drew her to Velantis? The city is
at the heart of the Arathian Empire, where non-magical medicine is all
but unheard of. You would have expected her to go west to Farandor where
her skills would be better appreciated.
You glance at Aeran. To your surprise, he does not seem pleased at this
news. If anything, he looks angrier. He ignores you—almost as if you
don’t exist—and stares down Umbria with an unblinking gaze, his hands
curled into fists.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“When?” you demand. “How? Do you know where she is now?”
Umbria shakes her head. “She arrived in the city a year and a half ago,
on a Lodge ship returning from Vestra. I met her very briefly in
Dessenia. She claimed to have business at Seiran College, but either she
never made it or she managed to keep her visit undisclosed. I don’t
know where she went after that, but I had agents watching the harbours.
No one matching her description left the city that way.”
//So she may still be in Velantis…//
Your gut twists. Though you’re desperate to grab this fleeting bit of
hope, you can’t ignore the hollowness that accompanies it. A year and a
half is a long time. Many things can go wrong, particularly in a city
traditionally unkind to magiani… And there are other ways to leave the
peninsula than by sea. The mountain passes may be treacherous, but she
could have easily gone north towards Aos if the city turned sour.
Regardless, Sirin may have been here eighteen months ago, but there’s no
reason to believe she’s here now.
You set the thought aside, distracted by another.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“You
said you were tracing Wayfarer locations,” you say. “Is that how you
found Aeran? Sent Zenaida to recruit him?”
Aeran stiffens at the question. His expression is still and lifeless,
his gaze unfocused.
“No,” Umbria says, turning to him. “Wayfarer Kellis, I did not know you
had survived the Spire until Zenaida brought that information to me.
With the exception of Sirin Torvar, who has all but disappeared, you
were the only Wayfarer we knew of who remained on the continent. With no
other viable options, Zenaida insisted you were the one she approach
for aid.”
Though you’re sure he heard her, he doesn’t respond. He remains rooted
to the spot, still as a statue. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You
pause, brows drawn together in concern as you glance at him. You’ve
never seen him react this way. It’s as if he has retreated—physically
present, but mentally withdrawn, putting as much distance between
himself and this conversation as possible.
You know why. He’s been spiralling mentally and emotionally ever since
Umbria mentioned the Spire. Though you want to end this conversation
immediately for his sake, you have more questions for her. You can’t
waste this opportunity.<<else>>You frown, confused by his
reaction, and resist the urge to elbow him. You’re not done with
Lethalis yet; now’s not the time to withdraw and leave you to handle
everything.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. “You said you met
Sirin. Did she give any indication about why she came to Velantis or
where she was going?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03A]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. “After all this tracking and
searching, how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him
this entire time, I haven’t exactly been hiding.”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03B]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. “Zenaida is oddly interested in the
Wayfarer Order for an Arathian noble. How did she find out about Aeran?
If you’re not her source, who is?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03C]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Umbria
shakes her head. “None. Though I do find it concerning that she arrived
on a Lodge ship. The Arcanists’ Lodge has been pursuing some… troubling
research of late that shares similarities to your own abilities.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C")>>Aeran raises
his head, dragging himself out of his numb
torpor.<<else>>Aeran cocks his head.<</if>>
“Explain.”
The archsage hesitates, uncharacteristically restless as she adjusts her
stance, her fingers twining together. Her bracelet clinks as its chains
bump against each other. You’re struck, once again, by the piece’s
distinctiveness. You have never seen anything like it.
“The Lodge has had an interest in magic suppression for decades,” she
says finally. “There are many applications that could prove
profitable—martial, social, even medicinal. Some of their prototypes are
already in use throughout the empire. But their interest in engineering
such devices gives the Guild pause. Without laws to restrict their
usage… I’m sure you can envision the dangers yourself.”
He scowls. “Yeah,” he says darkly. “It’s not like the Arathian Empire is
known for its regulations of powerful and unethical magic.”
“Unfortunately, the Lodge’s reach goes far beyond the empire, Wayfarer
Kellis. Should you ever encounter them, treat them with great caution.
They are far more relentless in their objectives than many give them
credit.”
Aside from its status as a world-renowned collective of engineers and
artificers, you know very little of the Arcanists’ Lodge. Their members
are the minds behind devices such as the Pallaedrion and the Themistryan
security systems. For better or for ill, their inventions have changed
the scope of the world—not that many of them are accessible to people
like you.
Uncertain what to do with the knowledge, you tuck her warning away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03A")>><s>1. “You said you met Sirin. Did she give any
indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”</s><<else>>[[1. “You said you met Sirin. Did
she give any indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03B")>><s>2. “After all this tracking and searching,
how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him this
entire time, I haven’t exactly been
hiding.”</s><<else>>[[2. “After all this tracking and
searching, how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him
this entire time, I haven’t exactly been hiding.”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03C")>><s>3. “Zenaida is oddly interested in the
Wayfarer Order for an Arathian noble. How did she find out about Aeran?
If you’re not her source, who is?”</s><<else>>[[3.
“Zenaida is oddly interested in the Wayfarer Order for an Arathian
noble. How did she find out about Aeran? If you’re not her source, who
is?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C")>><s>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
06]]</s><<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“But
you also did not make your presence known,” Umbria replies. “You and
Kellis are quite skilled at maintaining a low profile, keeping to small
villages and backwater towns.”
You frown. After several years on the road, you didn’t have much of a
choice but to stick to small villages and backwater towns. Though the
wealth of major cities and metropolises was certainly enticing, you
could never be certain how friendly they would be towards a Wayfarer.
And when Aeran joined you in Karth, he seconded your opinion fervently.
Each new location you travelled to became remoter and more isolated than
the last until, finally, you trapped yourselves in Rona.
“But, if you must know,” she continues, “our agents did come across your
name once. They found traces of a Wayfarer bearing your surname in
Vestra five years ago. Considering the country’s instability, they
presumed you perished in the civil war.”
A lump forms in your throat and a clammy shiver runs down your spine.
You don’t remember much of Vestra; you’ve blotted out the memories like
errors struck from a page. <<if $origin is "noble">>While
your feelings about your home country are complex, you
have<<else>>You have<</if>> no desire to relive
the hellish landscape that prevented you from rejoining the Order. The
war may have, ironically, saved you from a premature death at the Spire,
but you’d rather not think about the cost.
Umbria exhales softly and touches a finger to the gemstone at her wrist.
“Regardless, it no longer matters,” she says matter-of-factly. “Zenaida
may have never intended for you to become embroiled in the Velantian
court, but your name is known now. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>Once your mission is complete, you may find it
difficult to return to anonymity.”
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>>You raise an
eyebrow.<<else>>Your eyes narrow.<</if>>
“Meaning?”
“It may be in both of your best interests to remain our allies,” she
says simply. “Our mission will not end with the retrieval of the
Astrial. Zenaida may have offered you a chartered ship<<if
$lethalisMoney is true>> and more funds than you will know what to
do with<</if>>, but that is merely an escape from the
inevitable. You are needed here. This is a long road and there is much
work to be done.”
<<if $lethalisapp >=50>>You pause. You have to admire her
tenacity. She isn’t keen to lose a valuable tool so quickly. “Little
early for that, don’t you think?” you ask.
“Quite the contrary. Consider it an indication of how much I value our
alliance. I understand that you wish to leave Velantis once your mission
is complete, but should you change your mind, I am open to other
possibilities.”
Well, that’s something at least… Though you have no intention of
accepting her offer, your life has a habit of getting upended very
quickly. It’s good to know you have options.<<else>>“Little
early for that, don’t you think?”
“Quite the contrary. Consider it an indication of how much I value our
alliance.”
You snort and resist the urge to roll your eyes. It doesn’t matter what
Umbria wants. Once this mission is over, you’re done with
Lethalis.<</if>><<else>>Regardless of where your
path takes you next, you may find it difficult to return to anonymity.”
You smile bitterly. “Yeah, well… that’s our problem now, isn’t it?”
//Gods, I can’t wait to get out of this city.//<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03A")>><s>1. “You said you met Sirin. Did she give any
indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”</s><<else>>[[1. “You said you met Sirin. Did
she give any indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03B")>><s>2. “After all this tracking and searching,
how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him this
entire time, I haven’t exactly been
hiding.”</s><<else>>[[2. “After all this tracking and
searching, how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him
this entire time, I haven’t exactly been hiding.”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03C")>><s>3. “Zenaida is oddly interested in the
Wayfarer Order for an Arathian noble. How did she find out about Aeran?
If you’re not her source, who is?”</s><<else>>[[3.
“Zenaida is oddly interested in the Wayfarer Order for an Arathian
noble. How did she find out about Aeran? If you’re not her source, who
is?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C")>><s>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
06]]</s><<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Zenaida
has always taken an interest in Wayfarers,” Umbria says. “She was
sympathetic towards your order’s banishment from the empire and publicly
voiced her support of the decree’s retraction… much to House Anaxas’
mortification. I believe she finds your abilities fascinating.”
“That doesn’t answer the question,” you say flatly.
She regards you with a cool look, clearly unamused by your tone. “I
don’t know how or where she discovered Wayfarer Kellis’ name and
location,” she says. “But I can hazard a guess. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Your former master, Brissa Varyn, visited Velantis four
months —”
Your mind goes blank. Umbria’s lips continue to move, but you do not
register any other words. Your heart pounds, each thump shaking you to
your core.
Four months… Four //fucking// months. You never had any indication that
Varyn survived her journey to Erenvor, and now you discover she was
here, in Velantis? While you were slogging through muck in Rona? That
time means nothing in the face of the greater picture. To know you were
within months of reuniting with her is at once hopeful and
infuriating.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03A")>>
And so close to Sirin, too… The coincidence leaves a bitter taste in
your mouth.<</if>>
If Varyn was here four months ago, she must be alive. But if that’s
true, why hasn’t she contacted you? Why hasn’t she attempted to find
you? Or has she and this is all some devastating comedy of errors?
Beside you, Aeran has gone completely still, frozen silent in the wake
of Umbria’s revelation. The blank stare returns, catapulting him past
shock and surprise to complete numbness.
You force yourself to speak. “What… what was Varyn doing here?”
The words come out half-garbled, sticking painfully to your throat.
“I’m not certain,” Umbria answers. “I never met with her myself. I only
heard of her presence in the city after her departure, but it is my
understanding that she met with representatives of House Anaxas.”
You frown, your thoughts a muddled mess. “House Anaxas? I thought it’d
been twenty years since a Wayfarer had come to Mahanin Palace—”
“I don’t have the answers you seek, Wayfarer $lastname,” she interrupts
sharply, gesturing for silence as if she’s still mediating a conference.
“This is all I know—”
Something within you snaps. “And you didn’t //think// to tell us this
sooner?” you shout. “That one of our kind—someone very dear to both of
us—could be alive?”
Umbria raises her head and meets your eyes, refusing to back down in the
face of your anger. “I understand the pain of what you have lost,
Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “And I always intended to inform you of
<<if $lastname is "Varyn">>your
mentor’s<<else>>Varyn’s<</if>> appearance here.
But I saw no value in raising it until we could speak in private. I
thought it best not to aggravate old wounds in public. If you wish to
find the truth of your mentor’s actions, you will have to seek it on
your own.”
Your anger subsides only to leave behind a hollow shock. Your hands fall
limply to your sides and you stare at the floor, tears pricking at your
eyes. You blink, your vision blurred, and—at a lost as to what else to
say or do—simply nod in silence.<<else>>Brissa Varyn visited
Velantis four months ago—”
“What?”
The word slips out as shock courses through you. You never had any
indication that Varyn survived her journey to Erenvor, and now you
discover she was here, in Velantis, four months ago? While you were
slogging through muck and blood in Rona? To know you were so close to
reuniting with her is both hopeful and infuriating. <<if $master
is "Sero">>Sero and Cenric<<else>>Cenric and
Sero<</if>> disappeared with the loss of the Spire. She may
very well be the last Wayfarer master.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
UMBRIA SPEC 03A")>> And considering there’s the possibility she
was here at the same time as Sirin… The coincidence leaves a bitter
taste in your mouth.<</if>>
If Varyn was here four months ago, she must be alive. But if that’s
true, you can’t help but wonder why she hasn’t contacted you. Is it not
in the best interests of the remaining Wayfarers to reunite with each
other? Or has she attempted—and been unable—to find you? Considering the
way your luck has gone, you wouldn’t be surprised if this was the case.
Your life has an infuriating tendency to turn into a comedy of errors.
You glance at Aeran, hoping for some clarity, and find he has gone
completely still, frozen silent in the wake of Umbria’s revelation. The
blank stare returns, catapulting him past shock and surprise to complete
numbness.
You force yourself to speak. “What was Varyn doing here?”
“I’m not certain,” Umbria answers. “I never met with her myself. I only
heard of her presence in the city after her departure, but it is my
understanding that she met with representatives of House Anaxas.”
You frown. “House Anaxas? I thought it’d been twenty years since a
Wayfarer had come to Mahanin Palace—”
“I don’t have the answers you seek, Wayfarer $lastname,” she interrupts
sharply, gesturing for silence as if she’s still mediating a conference.
“This is all I know.”
“And—what? You didn’t think to tell us this sooner? That it wasn’t
important?”
“I understand the pain of what you have lost, Wayfarer $lastname. And I
always intended to inform you of Varyn’s appearance here. But I saw no
value in raising it until we could speak in private. I thought it best
not to aggravate old wounds in public. If you wish to find the truth of
your mentor’s actions, you will have to seek it on your own.”
Gritting your teeth, you fall silent, your hands held limply at your
sides. Inside, your thoughts are racing. Hopefully, you will have a
chance to discuss this with Aeran. You can’t make sense of it on your
own—let alone what to do with the information.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03A")>><s>1. “You said you met Sirin. Did she give any
indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”</s><<else>>[[1. “You said you met Sirin. Did
she give any indication about why she came to Velantis or where she was
going?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03B")>><s>2. “After all this tracking and searching,
how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him this
entire time, I haven’t exactly been
hiding.”</s><<else>>[[2. “After all this tracking and
searching, how is it that your agents never found me? I’ve been with him
this entire time, I haven’t exactly been hiding.”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
03B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03C")>><s>3. “Zenaida is oddly interested in the
Wayfarer Order for an Arathian noble. How did she find out about Aeran?
If you’re not her source, who is?”</s><<else>>[[3.
“Zenaida is oddly interested in the Wayfarer Order for an Arathian
noble. How did she find out about Aeran? If you’re not her source, who
is?”|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC 03A") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03B") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC 03C")>><s>[[4. You have no
more questions.|CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC
06]]</s><<else>><s>4. You have no more
questions.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Umbria exhales a soft
breath and glances upwards, as if listening to a silent call.
“Unfortunately, this is all the time I can afford you,” she says,
stepping away from the chair and clasping her hands in front of her. The
light catches the gold comb in her hair, the gemstones glinting
brilliantly. For a moment, she looks much younger than her comportment
suggests. She may be an archsage, but she is also a relatively young
woman carrying responsibilities she never intended to inherit. “I wish
you well. Go and rest. You will need it. Tomorrow morning, you will
bring the change we all desperately seek.”
Bowing politely, she turns on a heel and withdraws from the library,
leaving you and Aeran alone in empty silence.<<else>>Umbria
exhales a soft breath and glances upwards, as if listening to a silent
call. “This is all the time I can afford you,” she says, stepping away
from the chair and clasping her hands in front of her. She surveys you
with a solemn look, her gaze moving from you to Aeran as if passing
judgment on you both. “Regardless of what lies ahead for you, I wish you
well. Whether it is Sirin or Brissa Varyn or something beyond me, I
hope you find what you are looking for.”
With that, she turns on a heel and withdraws from the library, leaving
you and Aeran alone in empty silence.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONUMB]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“No,
I suppose not,” Veyer says flatly. “Though I would love to have you to
myself without that boy brooding over your shoulder, I suppose now is
not that time.”
“Brooding?” Aeran says. “I’m not—I don’t…” He trails off, cursing
irritably.
They chuckle, shaking their head at his flustered reaction. Their eyes
dance with mirth.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“All right,” you say quickly,
cutting them off before they can dig into him even more. “You want to
talk? Talk.”<<else>>“Just talk,” you grunt, cutting them off
before they can dig into him even more. While part of you finds it
mildly entertaining to see Aeran so rattled, you’re itching to get out
of this library.<</if>>
Veyer glances at you and raises a hand defensively. “No need to bite,
$lastname. I’m trying to help you.”
“Is that right? You have a funny way of showing it.”
“Well…” They pause, spreading their hands casually. “What is life
without a little fun?”
You roll your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Veyer
smirks.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>><<if $aeranrom
>=10>>“$nickname,” Aeran hisses.
You close a hand over his and squeeze it
reassuringly.<<else>>You catch his eye and give him a
reassuring smile.<</if>> He rolls his eyes, clearly
frustrated with your decision, but does not put up further resistance.
“All right,” you say flatly, rounding on Veyer. “You want to talk?
Talk.”<<else>>Aeran grips your shoulder. “$firstname—”
You shove him aside. “Just leave it,” you hiss.
He rakes a hand through his hair, his mouth twisting as a retort forms
on his lips. He stops himself at the last minute and curses, throwing
his hands in the air. Rolling your eyes, you ignore him and round on
Veyer.
The elf is watching you with an entertained grin. “Harsh, $lastname,”
they say. “Is that how you treat all your friends?”
“Just talk,” you grunt.
They raise their hand defensively. “No need to bite. I’m trying to help
you.”
“Is that right? You have a funny way of showing it.”
“Well…” They pause, spreading their hands casually. “What is life
without a little humour?”
You give them a flat stare. “Eight minutes left, Veyer. You’re losing
time.”<<set $eight_minutes to true>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranApp>><<if $aeranrom
>=10>>Without waiting for a reply, you grab Aeran by the arm
and march away from the table.<<else>>Without waiting for a
reply, you turn on your heel and stalk away from the table. Aeran curses
and hurries after you.<</if>>
“You’ll want to hear this, $lastname!” Veyer calls after you. “I know
you. I know your kind. You’ve been hearing of dead leads for five years.
Would you like to finally hear one that amounts to more than rumour?”
You stop short, your hands falling stiffly to your sides. An
uncomfortable feeling knots in your stomach.
<<if $aeranapp >=60 and $aeranrom >=10>>Aeran catches
your hand with his. His fingers squeeze tight, as if preparing to hold
you back. “Come on, $nickname,” he says. “Let’s get out of here—”
“No. I need to hear this.”
You pull your hand free and turn around. He curses under his breath and
follows you.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran grabs your
shoulder. “Don’t,” he hisses. “$firstname, let’s just get out of here—”
You shake him off. “I’m going to hear him out. I have to.”
You turn around and head back to the table. He curses under his breath
and follows you.<<else>>“I need to hear this,” you say
abruptly, turning around.
A dark look twists his expression. “$firstname, you really shouldn’t—”
“I am. Wait outside if you’ve got a problem with it.”
He pauses, cursing under his breath, and follows you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
find Veyer waiting exactly where they were, a triumphant look shining
in their eyes.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“Trouble in paradise?” they ask,
raising an eyebrow.
“Start talking,” you snap.
They raise their hands defensively. “No need to bite, $lastname. I’m
trying to help you.”
“Is that right? You have a funny way of showing it.”
“Well… what //is// life without a little fun?”
You roll your eyes.<<else>>“All right,” you say flatly.
“What do you want?”<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
VEYER SPEC
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $eight_minutes is
true>>The elven mage chuckles. Untroubled by your warning, they
press their hands onto the table and hoist themselves
up.<<else>>The elven mage chuckles. To your surprise, they
ignore your demand and press their hands into the table, hoisting
themselves up.<</if>> They perch on the edge, one leg bent
with their foot resting on the surface, the other dangling over the
side. They clasp their hands around their knee and look you up and down,
an appreciative smirk on their lips.
You pause, staring at them openly. They struck you as an individual who
plays by their own rules, but after the forced decorum and dangerous
civility of the Velantian nobility, you’re still surprised by their
cavalier attitude.
“You’re not the only Wayfarers in Velantis, $lastname,” Veyer says.
Your gut twists, stunned disbelief rooting you to the floor. The more
you think on what they said, the more you’re certain they misspoke.
Something akin to panic claws at your insides, a hundred conflicting
thoughts and emotions flooding through you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Five years. Five years with nothing but whispers and rumours
of other survivors, dangerous hope that only ever proved to be hollow
and futile. The solitude of the first year crashes into you, turning
your mind and body numb. You can barely recall that year, holding to
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Varyn<<else>>Brissa
Varyn<</if>>’s letter and scraping out a living on the
desperate hope that someone else survived.<<if $master is "Cenric"
or $master is "Sero">><<if $master is "Cenric">> If
anyone did, Cenric had to. The Wayfarer archivist would never fall so
easily.<<else>> If anyone did, Sero had to. The Wayfarer
grandmaster would never fall so
easily.<</if>><</if>> But as the passing months
slipped by and Varyn’s silence became even more profound, you lived with
the dawning certainty that you were the last. Happenstance may have
saved you from the Spire, but the hollowness that came with it was not a
fate you would wish on anyone.
It was sheer <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>luck<<else>>coincidence<</if>>
that your path crossed with Aeran’s in Karth. Since then, your hopes of
finding another Wayfarer have slowly died. And now Veyer—a Guild
savant—is telling you you’re not alone?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“What the hell are you talking about, Veyer?” you say, your
voice dangerously low.
“Surprised?” they say idly, one leg swinging back and forth. “I thought
so. Do you remember Sirin Torvar?”
You fall silent, a painful lump forming in your throat. You didn’t know
Sirin well, but you remember her clearly. As the Spire’s chief
physician, she played a vital role in all Wayfarers’ lives. She and her
team were responsible for overseeing new apprentices’ basic medical
training and performing lifesaving surgeries when Wayfarers were wounded
in combat. Though her prickly and no-nonsense demeanour did not easily
endear her to others, she was certainly one of the most intelligent
active Wayfarers in the Order—if not the most valuable.
“Yeah,” you say finally, forcing yourself to speak. “She was stationed
at the Spire when…” Your words falter. “What about her?”
“Oh, she’s very much alive,” they reply. “Arrived in Velantis on a Lodge
ship about a year and a half ago. My contacts pay careful attention to
magiani in the city; no one matching her description has left by sea. So
unless someone has miraculously learned how to apply
transmogrifications or illusions to a Wayfarer and she has changed her
appearance, it’s safe to assume she is somewhere in the city.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Numbness
spreads through your limbs. Your thoughts are muddled, a confusing mix
of blind emotion and rationality. Though you’re desperate to believe
them, part of you cannot accept that Veyer is telling the truth. It’s
too much of a coincidence…
Is it?
You glance at Aeran. He has never been good at masking his emotions. He
stands deadly still, as tense as a coil about to spring.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I swear to the
gods, Veyer, if you’re lying…”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You think I’d fall for that? You’ll
have to try harder than that.”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. You can’t say anything.
You need to sit down, you need to think, you need everything to just
//stop.//' 'CHAPTER 2 VEYER SPEC
C'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>The
room is spinning. You shut your eyes, but even in the darkness, it
continues to spin, the floor threatening to disappear out from under
you. Your heart pounds so hard and so rapidly you can feel it echoing
throughout your body. You take in a deep, shuddering breath, nearly
suffocating beneath the crushing weight of your clenched chest.
Someone grips your hands. <<if $aeranrom >=10>>For a
brief instance, you think it’s Aeran, but the touch is unfamiliar. The
pressure is steady, gentle, guiding you back from the fringes of
panic.<<else>>Though the touch is unfamiliar, it is gentle—a
steady pressure grounding you, slowly guiding you back from the fringes
of panic.<</if>>
You open your eyes and find Veyer’s long, tawny fingers threaded through
yours. Their hands are surprisingly soft and supple, so unlike your
own. You stare at them in confusion, too taken aback by this gesture of
kindness to pull away. Exhaling a shaky breath, you look up and meet
their eyes. Gone is the blatant eccentricity, the smug amusement, the
droll mockery.
“You’re alone,” they say quietly, searching your face with sincerity.
“You survived a tragedy through factors beyond your control. I
understand something of that. The relief of a narrow escape is soured by
the guilt of happenstance. Your absence saved your life, but if you had
been present, would events have turned out differently?”
A chill runs down your spine and you let go of their hands. They smile
faintly and press something small and hard into your palm. You pause,
surprised as your fingers curl around it, pressing the object into your
skin.
The emerald ring. But why give it to you?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 VEYER RING
ALT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Lie?” Veyer says, raising an
eyebrow. “$lastname, what reason would I have to lie to you? I am not
your enemy. I am trying to help you—”
You take a threatening step towards them. “Yeah?” you hiss. “Prove it—”
They slide off the table, landing lightly on the floor. Indifferent to
your hostile tone and stance, they calmly clasp their hands behind their
back and approach you, coming to a stop in front of you.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>They gaze
up at you, their unblinking eyes focused on yours, so close they are
mere inches away from touching you.<<elseif $height is
"average">>They stare at you with unblinking eyes and lean
inwards, so close you are nearly touching.<<else>>They stare
at you with unblinking eyes and lean inwards, drawing so close you are
nearly touching.<</if>>
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>“My dear,”
they say, raising their head to murmur in your ear. Their dark hair
falls loosely around their shoulders, brushing against their jacket’s
richly embroidered collar. “I have very little to prove, least of all to
you.<<else>>“My dear, I have very little to prove,” they
murmur in your ear, their breath whispering across your skin. Their dark
hair falls loosely around their shoulders, brushing against their
jacket’s richly embroidered collar. “Least of all to
you.<</if>> Whether you choose to believe me or not is your
prerogative. Unlike others of my rank, I am not easily offended. You
have many reasons not to trust <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>me, I am an Imperial Guild mage, after
all.<<else>>any member of Lethalis, particularly after
tonight’s events.<</if>> All I ask is that you do away with
the half-hearted threats of violence your brethren seem so reliant on.
You’re not going to lay a finger on me tonight. Unless I want you to, of
course.”
You pause, the back of your neck prickling at the suggestiveness in
their tone. “Then just tell me what you know,” you say after a moment.
“What was Sirin doing in Velantis? Why did she come here?”
They draw away from you, a satisfied smile on their lips, and play idly
with the emerald ring on their index finger. “I don’t know,” they say.
“Though if I had to guess—and I am very good at guessing—she must be
involved with the Arcanists’ Lodge. To what degree, I don’t know, but I
doubt she found herself on that ship by accident. Though I suppose there
is a connection. In the face of your order’s collapse, the Lodge is a
viable option. They have an interest in magiani abilities and have
pursued magic suppression for decades. The applications for their
prototypes are… vast. And troubling. Without laws to restrict their
usage… well, I’m sure you can imagine how that will turn out on your
own.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You exchange looks with Aeran. Aside from its status as a
world-renowned collective of engineers and artificers, you know very
little of the Arcanists’ Lodge. Their members are the minds behind
devices such as the Pallaedrion and the Themistryan security systems.
For better or for ill, their inventions have changed the scope of the
world—not that many of them are accessible to people like you.
And if Sirin is involved with the Lodge…
You grit your teeth. Regardless of Veyer’s intentions or whether their
information is correct, it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Questions that you can’t hope to resolve now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I’m
afraid that’s all I can say for now,” Veyer concludes, twisting their
fingers together.
Aeran scowls with distaste. “That’s not much help, Krellion—”
“To you perhaps,” they say, shrugging. “But if it’s not to your
satisfaction, $lastname, then perhaps we can talk more thoroughly at a
later date.” They take your hand in theirs, pulling you close.
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>They lean
up,<<else>>They lean in,<</if>> their lips
inches from your ear. “You can question me all you want then, away from
prying eyes and ears.”
Something cold and hard presses against your palm. You pause, surprised,
your fingers curling around it.
The ring. But why give it to you?
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
VEYER SPEC
RING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Veyer throws back their head and
laughs. “I am diligent, true, but even I know when to bow out,” they
say. “Whether you choose to believe me or not is your prerogative.
Unlike others of my rank, I am not easily offended. You have many
reasons not to trust <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>me, I am an Imperial Guild mage, after
all.<<else>>any member of Lethalis, particularly after
tonight’s events.<</if>> I am not going to overexert myself
in an attempt to sway you.”
You pause, exchanging quick looks with Aeran. He rolls his eyes and
scowls, his body tense with agitation. He’s keen to leave the library
and escape this unwanted conversation before it drags on too long.
“Fine,” you say, turning back to Veyer. “What was Sirin doing in
Velantis? Why did she come here?”
They shrug and thread their fingers together, playing idly with the
emerald ring. “I don’t know,” they say. “Though if I had to guess—and I
am very good at guessing—she must be involved with the Arcanists’ Lodge.
To what degree, I don’t know, but I doubt she found herself on that
ship by accident. Though I suppose there is a connection. In the face of
your order’s collapse, the Lodge is a viable option. They have an
interest in magiani abilities and have pursued magic suppression for
decades. The applications for their prototypes are… vast. And troubling.
Without laws to restrict their usage… well, I’m sure you can imagine
how that will turn out on your own.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Aside from its status as a world-renowned collective of
engineers and artificers, you know very little of the Arcanists’ Lodge.
Their members are the minds behind devices such as the Pallaedrion and
the Themistryan security systems. For better or for ill, their
inventions have changed the scope of the world—not that many of them are
accessible to people like you.
And if Sirin is involved with the Lodge…
You grit your teeth. Regardless of Veyer’s intentions or whether their
information is correct, it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Questions that you can’t hope to resolve now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“I’m
afraid that’s all I can say for now,” Veyer concludes.
Aeran scowls with distaste. “That’s not much help, Krellion—”
“To you, perhaps.” They slide from the table and land gracefully on the
floor in front of you. “But if it’s not to your satisfaction, $lastname,
then perhaps we can talk more thoroughly at a later date,” they add,
walking towards you. Taking your hand in theirs, they pull you close and
<<if $height is "very tall" or $height is "tall">>lean
up,<<else>>lean in,<</if>> their lips inches
from your ear. “You can question me all you want then, away from prying
eyes and ears.”
Something cold and hard presses against your palm. You pause, surprised,
your fingers curling around it.
The ring. But why give it to you?
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
VEYER SPEC
RING]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<notify
3000>>+ Veyer’s Ring<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Veyer’s ring'>>Veyer chuckles raucously and pulls
away, walking several paces backwards, their hands spread wide.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“To tomorrow
morning, then,” they say, bowing dramatically like an actor on the
lyranaeum stage. “I look forward to our conjoined
efforts.”<<else>>“Now I must bid you both adieu,” they say,
bowing dramatically like an actor on the lyranaeum stage. “One can only
suffer so much intrigue in a single night.”<</if>>
They catch your eye, shoot you a devious smile, and turn on a heel and
withdraw from the library, leaving you and Aeran alone in empty silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONVEYER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+ Veyer’s Ring<</notify>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Veyer’s ring'>>Several paces away, Aeran watches you
carefully, a <<if $aeranrom
>=60>>guarded<<else>>confused<</if>>
look on his face. Veyer’s reaction to your moment of panic is not what
either of you expected. “What was Sirin doing here?” he asks. “Why the
hell did she come to Velantis of all places?”
“I don’t know,” Veyer replies. “Though if I had to guess—and I am very
good at guessing—she must be involved with the Arcanists’ Lodge. To what
degree, I don’t know, but I doubt she found herself on that ship by
accident. Though I suppose there is a connection. In the face of your
order’s collapse, the Lodge is a viable option. They have an interest in
magiani abilities and have pursued magic suppression for decades. The
applications for their prototypes are… vast. And troubling. Without laws
to restrict their usage… well, I’m sure you can imagine how that will
turn out on your own.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. Aside from its status as a world-renowned
collective of engineers and artificers, you know very little of the
Arcanists’ Lodge. Their members are the minds behind devices such as the
Pallaedrion and the Themistryan security systems. For better or for
ill, their inventions have changed the scope of the world—not that many
of them are accessible to people like you.
And if Sirin is involved with the Lodge…
You grit your teeth. Regardless of Veyer’s intentions or whether their
information is correct, it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Questions that you can’t hope to resolve now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Thank you for telling us.”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC-2A][$option to 1, $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Is that all?”|CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC-2A][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay quiet. You have too much on
your mind.|CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC-2C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran scoffs. “Oh sure,”
he mutters, rolling his eyes. “As if they don’t have any ulterior
motives.”
Veyer raises an eyebrow and steps back, folding their arms as they lean
against the table. “I enjoy being helpful, Kellis,” they reply,
relapsing into their sardonic attitude. “Because unlike you, I have
better prerogatives than making everyone around me miserable.”
His eyes narrow. “I don’t know what you’re doing here, Krellion, but
it’s not going to work—”
“I happen to like $lastname, what other motivation do I need?” they
interrupt. “Or are you feeling a little… defensive?”
Aeran’s scowl deepens. He curses and looks away, his body tensing with
agitation. He’s impatient to leave the library, to escape this
conversation before Veyer drags him further into it. If not for you, he
would have left the moment Umbria suspended the meeting.
Veyer throws back their head and laughs, delighted by his response.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Your time with
Lethalis will be sweet but brief,” they say, turning to you. “I know
your intentions are to leave Velantis afterwards, but I hope you will
reconsider. I believe there is more for you to accomplish here than a
mere entanglement with the Guild.”<<else>>“I know quite well
that your intentions are to leave Velantis,” they say, turning to you.
“Even if your opportunities with Lethalis have been squashed, I hope you
will remain in the city. I believe there is more for you to accomplish
here than entangling yourself in Guild
politics.”<</if>><<else>>Veyer smiles, their
eyes flickering to the ring concealed in your hand. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Your time with Lethalis
will be sweet but brief,” they say. “I know your intentions are to leave
Velantis afterwards, but I hope you will reconsider. I believe there is
more for you to accomplish here than a mere entanglement with the
Guild.”<<else>>“I know quite well that your intentions are
to leave Velantis,” they say. “Even if your opportunities with Lethalis
have been squashed, I hope you will remain in the city. I believe there
is more for you to accomplish here than entangling yourself in Guild
politics.”<</if>><</if>>
“We’ll see,” you say.
They grin, staring at you brazenly. “Regardless of what you do, I look
forward to it,” they say. “You should call on me when you have the
opportunity, $lastname. I never thought to look for a… hmm… //friendly//
face in a Wayfarer, but unlike others I know, I am not opposed to it.”
Giving you a final, devious look, they turn on a heel and withdraw from
the library, leaving you and Aeran alone in empty silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONVEYER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Veyer
cocks their head at your silence, their gaze passing over you.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Your time with
Lethalis will be sweet but brief,” they say. “I know your intentions are
to leave Velantis afterwards, but I hope you will reconsider. I believe
there is more for you to accomplish here than a mere entanglement with
the Guild.”<<else>>“I know quite well that your intentions
are to leave Velantis,” they say. “Even if your opportunities with
Lethalis have been squashed, I hope you will remain in the city. I
believe there is more for you to accomplish here than entangling
yourself in Guild politics.”<</if>>
Their voice lingers in the air, prodding you to answer. You frown and
press your lips together in stubborn silence. Whatever they want from
you, you’re not going to give it to them that easily.
Veyer sighs, deflating a little. “Regardless of what you do, I look
forward to it,” they say, stepping back. “You should call on me when you
have the opportunity, $lastname. I never thought to look for a friendly
face in a Wayfarer, but here we are.”
They turn on a heel and withdraw from the library, leaving you and Aeran
alone in empty silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONVEYER]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisLoss>><</timed>>Ashani’s
expression darkens and their hair curls around their shoulders, rippling
with a life of its own. “I am more than capable of separating the tasks
at hand, Wayfarer $lastname,” they say quietly, a warning resonant in
their voice. “My feelings on one matter do not dictate my feelings on
the other. I did not vote against you as much as I voted to put an end
to Zenaida Anaxas’ reckless behaviour. Your association with Lethalis
was merely collateral. However, I fail to see how this does not work in
your favour. You are liberated from your contract and free to pursue
your own interests and desires. Leave Guild matters to the Guild. It
will be best for all in the end.”
“Happy to,” Aeran mutters.
The melusine pauses, black eyes narrowed. “You suspect ulterior motives,
Wayfarer Kellis,” they say, unimpressed. “I have none. Though I doubt
there is little I can do to impress that upon you, I hope your companion
is not so distrustful. The loss of your order is a devastating wound
that will scar the world for centuries to come and there are those who
seek to eliminate your kind entirely. Do not let this come to pass.
“I know for certain that Torvar has not left the peninsula. Seek her
out. My agents tell me that she had connections in Delorath. Merchants
by the name of Navorre. Should you find yourself in the area, begin your
search there.”
With that, Ashani withdraws, walking slowly and purposefully across the
library floor. You watch them go, a million tangled thoughts flooding
your mind. Another Wayfarer, alive. Another Wayfarer, in Velantis. And a
Guild archsage helping you find them…
“Why are you helping us?” you blurt.
They halt and turns their head, glancing over their shoulder to meet
your eyes. “As I said,” they reply. “I have a promise to keep, the
details of which are unimportant to you. Good luck on your search,
Wayfarer.”
You watch them go, staring in silence at their tall, retreating form as
they weave their way around the bookcases and out of sight. A moment
later, the doors boom shut, leaving you and Aeran alone in the empty
library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONASH]]</div></div><</nobr>>“As
I said, I have a promise to keep,” they reply. “The details are
unimportant to you, but I can assure you that I care greatly about this
matter. The loss of your order is a devastating wound that will scar the
world for centuries to come and there are those who seek to eliminate
your kind entirely. Do not let this come to pass.”
Aeran snorts derisively and mutters a curse under his breath,
Ashani’s black eyes narrow. “You suspect ulterior motives, Wayfarer
Kellis,” they say, unimpressed. “I have none. Though I doubt there is
little I can do to impress that upon you, I hope your companion is not
so distrustful. I know for certain that Torvar has not left the
peninsula. Seek her out. My agents tell me that she had connections in
Delorath. Merchants by the name of Navorre. Should you find yourself in
the area, begin your search there. Good luck.”
With that, Ashani withdraws, walking slowly and purposefully across the
library floor. You watch them go, a million tangled thoughts flooding
your mind as they weave their way around the bookcases and out of sight.
Another Wayfarer, alive. Another Wayfarer, in Velantis. And a Guild
archsage helping you find them…
The doors boom shut, leaving you and Aeran alone in the empty library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONASH]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know for certain that Torvar has not left the peninsula,” they say.
“Seek her out. My agents tell me that she had connections in Delorath.
Merchants by the name of Navorre. Should you find yourself in the area,
begin your search there.”
Aeran snorts derisively and mutters a curse under his breath. “Yeah,
sure…”
Ashani’s black eyes narrow. “You suspect ulterior motives, Wayfarer
Kellis,” they say, unimpressed. “I have none. Though I doubt there is
little I can do to impress that upon you, I hope your companion is not
so distrustful. The loss of your order is a devastating wound that will
scar the world for centuries to come and there are those who seek to
eliminate your kind entirely. Do not let this come to pass.”
With that, Ashani withdraws, walking slowly and purposefully across the
library floor. You watch them go, a million tangled thoughts flooding
your mind as they weave their way around the bookcases and out of sight.
Another Wayfarer, alive. Another Wayfarer, in Velantis. And a Guild
archsage helping you find them…
The doors boom shut, leaving you and Aeran alone in the empty library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONASH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>>Ashani
smiles faintly. You look away, quickly covering your surprise.
Considering the severe stoicism on display this evening, the melusine
seemed nearly incapable of expressing emotion.
Aeran grimaces and shifts his weight restlessly from foot to foot,
cursing under his breath.
“What’s your problem?” you mutter.
He rolls his eyes and folds his arms, doing everything in his power to
avoid your gaze.
“I presume Wayfarer Kellis suspects me of ulterior motives,” Ashani says
matter-of-factly. “Such mistrust, though understandable, is misplaced.
As I doubt there is little I can do to impress that upon him, I hope
that you, Wayfarer $lastname, are not so distrustful. I know for certain
that Torvar has not left the peninsula. Seek her out. My agents tell me
that she had connections in Delorath. Merchants by the name of Navorre.
Should you find yourself in the area, begin your search there. The loss
of your order is a devastating wound that will scar the world for
centuries to come and there are those who seek to eliminate your kind
entirely. Do not let this come to pass.”
With that, Ashani withdraws, walking slowly and purposefully across the
library floor. You watch them go, a million tangled thoughts flooding
your mind. Another Wayfarer, alive. Another Wayfarer, in Velantis. And a
Guild archsage helping you find them…
“Wait!” you blurt. “Why are you helping us?”
They halt and glance over their shoulder. “As I said,” they reply. “I
have a promise to keep, the details of which are unimportant to you.
Good luck on your search.”
You watch them go, staring in silence at their tall, retreating form as
they weave their way around the bookcases and out of sight. A moment
later, the doors boom shut, leaving you and Aeran alone in the empty
library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONASH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Aeran exhales a long breath
and leans against his chair. His fingers grip the top of the backrest
so tightly, his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he mutters.
You pause, words failing you. Of all the reactions to discovering that
not only there’s another Wayfarer in Velantis, but <<if $master is
"Varyn">>your beloved mentor—the woman who practically raised you
both—was here as well,<<else>>his mentor was here as
well,<</if>> that is not what you expected.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You can feel the seconds passing,
the silence encroaching. “Aeran…” you say finally, <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>reaching out for him.
He shies away from your touch.<<else>>stepping towards him.
He shies away from you.<</if>>
Your heart clenches. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you force
yourself to relax and start again. “We need to talk about this—”
“Why? The plan’s solid. Go in, get the Astrial, get out—”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then there’s nothing to talk about!” He straightens and pushes the
chair away from him. It scrapes against the hardwood floor, the sound
grating in your ears.
“What Umbria said about Sirin and Varyn—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<<else>>“Aeran,” you begin, struggling to keep the
irritation out of your voice. “We need to talk about this—”
He grimaces. “Why? The plan’s solid. Go in, get the Astrial, get out—”
“This isn’t about the Astrial—”
“Then there’s nothing to talk about!” He straightens and pushes the
chair away from him. It scrapes against the hardwood floor, the sound
grating in your ears.
You grit your teeth, pushing down the impulse to grab him and shake some
sense into him. “What Umbria said about Sirin and Varyn—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONUMB
VOTEPASS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
exhales a long breath and leans against his chair. His fingers grip the
top of the backrest so tightly, his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he
mutters.
You pause, words failing you. Of all the reactions to discovering that
not only there’s another Wayfarer in Velantis, but <<if $master is
"Varyn">>your beloved mentor—the woman who practically raised you
both—was here as well<<else>>his mentor<</if>>
was here as well, that is not what you expected.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You can feel the seconds passing,
the silence encroaching. “Aeran…” you say finally, <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>reaching out for him.
He shies away from your touch.<<else>>stepping towards him.
He shies away from you.<</if>>
Your heart clenches. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you force
yourself to relax and start again. “We need to talk
about—”<<else>>“Aeran,” you begin, struggling to keep the
irritation out of your voice. “We need to talk
about—”<</if>>
“About what, $firstname? The mess we’re in?” He kicks the chair out of
the way as he rounds on you. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES
AGAINST")>>“You saw that vote. Considering you could barely keep
your tongue in check—”<<else>>“You saw how close that vote
was. Considering you could barely keep your tongue in
check—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“How is this
my fault? You did most of the talking in there—”
“If I’m responsible for this, then you are,
too!”<<else>>“Oh, so this is my fault? Very generous of you
when you barely said a word in there—”
“At least I know when to keep my mouth shut—”<</if>>
Anger twists in your stomach, his voice grating in your ears. You round
on him, a retort forming on your lips—
And the chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONUMB
VOTENO]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“You
should be careful around them,” Aeran says quietly.
You pause, the ring weighing heavily in your hand. “Speaking from
experience? You seem pretty familiar with them—”
He exhales a sharp breath. “Let’s not do this now, $firstname, please—”
<<if $aeran_veyer is true>>“In fact, you seem a little too
familiar with all of this,” you continue. “Does the entire Guild of
Mages know you by name and reputation now—?”
“You know I worked in Imperial territories before the Spire’s fall,” he
snaps. “Is it really that much of a surprise that I’ve crossed paths
with one or two of them before?”
“As much as a surprise to find out you went all the way to the Arathian
court with Varyn!”
<<if $master is "Varyn">>He blinks. “That’s what you’re mad
about? It was ten years ago, $firstname—”<<else>>He frowns,
confused. “I visited lot of places with Varyn, $firstname, including
Arathia. Erenvor isn’t much different than the rest.”<</if>>
You curse and your fingers curl inwards, forming a fist. Veyer’s ring
presses against your palm, the emerald digging sharply into your skin.
“What’s that?” he asks, his eyes drawn by your
movement.<<else>><<set $aeran_veyer to true>>“If
you’re going to give cryptic warnings, you might as well tell me the
truth,” you say. “You know them, don’t you?”
“Not well. I met them once about ten years ago.”
“Where?”
“Erenvor.”
You blink. The Imperial capital? Ever since the Marcian Conspiracy,
Wayfarers have avoided entering the city, lest they meet the same fate
as Avennor… “What the hell were you doing in Erenvor?”
He closes his eyes. “Varyn asked me to go with her,” he says finally.
“She seemed to think it was important that I be there when she
negotiated the retraction of the decree outlawing Wayfarers from
Imperial territories.”
A cold, twisted feeling gnaws at your gut. <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Though Aeran was often at odds with Varyn, you always
felt he held a deeper connection to her than you. And now he is familiar
with an Imperial court mage, thanks to Varyn. All this talk of Imperial
laws and politics… Varyn never spoke of this with you. While you
accompanied her on diplomatic missions during your training, once you
graduated and left the Spire, she never raised the topic again.
But she invited Aeran to accompany her to the Arathian court ten years
ago…
Just another little fact from his past he never told
you.<<else>>Though Aeran was often at odds with Varyn, he
was still deeply connected to her. You understand that well; his
relationship with her is much the same as yours with $master. You knew
he accompanied her on diplomatic missions during your apprenticeships,
but you thought that came to end when you were inducted into the order
as full-fledged Wayfarers. And now he is familiar with an Imperial court
mage, thanks to Varyn? And he accompanied her to Erenvor to see the
Order’s banishment overturned?
For someone who derides politics, he is certainly embroiled in
it…<</if>>
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Aeran pauses, a guilt-ridden
expression paining him as he notes the look on your face. “Look,
$firstname,” he says <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>pleadingly<<else>>quickly<</if>>,
closing the distance between you. “This was ten years ago. It doesn’t
matter—”<<else>>Aeran pauses, noting your expression. “Look,
$firstname,” he says <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>pleadingly<<else>>quickly<</if>>,
closing the distance between you. “This was ten years ago. I visited
lot of places with Varyn, $firstname, including Arathia. Erenvor isn’t
much different than the rest—”<</if>>
You turn away, your fingers curling into a fist. Veyer’s ring presses
against your palm, the emerald digging sharply into your skin.
He stops some feet away from you. “What’s that?” he asks, his eyes drawn
to your movement.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Shove the ring into your pocket.|CHAPTER 2
LIBRARY CONVEYER PUT AWAY][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Show him.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER
SHOW RING]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Aeran exhales a long breath
and leans against his chair. His fingers grip the top of the backrest
so tightly his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he mutters.
You glance at him. “What?”
He closes his eyes. “Nothing. It’s not… it’s not important.”
An unspoken subject lingers between you, one that has shaken you both so
much you don’t even know how to address it.
Sirin Torvar. Her survival—if true—changes everything.
“Aeran…” you begin, breaking the silence.
He straightens and pushes the chair away from him. It scrapes against
the hardwood floor, the sound grating in your ears.
“What Ashani said about Sirin—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<<else>>Aeran exhales a long breath and leans
against his chair. His fingers grip the top of the backrest so tightly,
his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he mutters.
You glance at him. “What?”
He closes his eyes. “Nothing. Just thinking about the next mess we’ve
landed ourselves in—”
“Could be worse,” you say absently, your thoughts still occupied by
Ashani’s revelation. “At least Lethalis doesn’t seem to have a personal
vendetta against us. It’s almost refreshing—”
He snorts, pushing the chair forcefully away as he straightens up.
“Don’t put it past them,” he says irritably. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES AGAINST")>>“You saw that vote.
Considering you could barely keep your tongue in
check—”<<else>>“You saw how close that vote was. Considering
you could barely keep your tongue in check—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“How is this
my fault? You did most of the talking in there—”
“If I’m responsible for this, then you are,
too!”<<else>>“Oh, so this is my fault? Very generous of you
when you barely said a word in there—”
“At least I know when to keep my mouth shut—”<</if>>
Anger twists in your stomach, his voice grating in your ears. You round
on him, a retort forming on your lips—
And the chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY
CONASH-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Aeran exhales a long breath
and leans against his chair. His fingers grip the top of the backrest
so tightly his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he mutters.
You glance at him. “What?”
He closes his eyes. “Nothing. It’s not… it’s not important.”
“Aeran—”
He pushes the chair away from him. It scrapes against the hardwood
floor, the sound grating in your ears.
“If you—”
“I don’t want to talk about it, $firstname!”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<<else>>Aeran exhales a long breath and leans
against his chair. His fingers grip the top of the backrest so tightly,
his knuckles turn white. “Fuck,” he mutters.
You glance at him. “What?”
He closes his eyes. “Nothing. Just thinking about the next mess we’ve
landed ourselves in—”
“Could be worse,” you say, shrugging. “At least Lethalis doesn’t seem to
have a personal vendetta against us. It’s almost refreshing—”
He snorts, pushing the chair forcefully away as he straightens up.
“Don’t put it past them,” he says irritably. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES AGAINST")>>“You saw that vote.
Considering you could barely keep your tongue in
check—”<<else>>“You saw how close that vote was. Considering
you could barely keep your tongue in check—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“How is this
my fault? You did most of the talking in there—”
“If I’m responsible for this, then you are,
too!”<<else>>“Oh, so this is my fault? Very generous of you
when you barely said a word in there—”
“At least I know when to keep my mouth shut—”<</if>>
Anger twists in your stomach, his voice grating in your ears. You round
on him, a retort forming on your lips—
And the chandelier winks out, plunging the library into
darkness.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CON
NONE-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Though the
shadows press in, your sight pierces the dark, making out the sweeping
arcs of the mezzanines above and the tall forms of the bookcases around
you. Aeran’s footsteps creak against the floor as he takes a careful
step away from you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, walking quickly towards the exit.
You follow without a word, glad to finally leave the library
behind.<<else>>The shadows press in, so dark you can barely
see the room around you. You can hear Aeran’s quiet breath in the dark,
his footsteps on the floor as he takes a careful step toward you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>taking your arm and guiding you through the dark. You
accept his help, glad to leave the library behind without tripping over
your own feet.<<else>>seizing your arm and leading you
through the dark. You roll your eyes, but grudgingly accept his help,
glad to finally leave the library behind without tripping over your own
feet.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran crane your necks to stare together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. As the library’s empty silence closes in, your last
words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that started when
you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another incident in a
long line that <<if $aeranapp >=60>>is rubbing your
<<if $aeranrom
>=10>>relationship<<else>>friendship<</if>>
raw. You don’t want to fight with him, but by the gods, can he be
infuriating when he wants to.<<else>>has rubbed your
relationship raw.<</if>> Perhaps you should be grateful.
After tonight, your flimsy excuse for a partnership can finally come to
an end.
Sensing your unease, Aeran curses under his breath and takes off across
the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow quickly,
heading for the exit.<<else>>You follow quickly, nearly
tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for the
exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>>Outside,
the gallery is shrouded in light and shadow. Moonlight shines through
the windows, cutting angular imprints on the floor. Beyond them, the
night sky has clouded over slightly, and thin, whispy lines of black and
indigo streak across the stars. There is no sign of the firelights—the
show must be long over now.
Aeran <<if $aeran_angry is true>>stalks across the
gallery<<else>>walks ahead of you,<</if>> coming
to a halt in the shadows of an imposing statue. He raises his head,
moonlight illuminating his profile. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>He looks tired, far more tired than you’ve ever seen him.
Though some days you can still see the memory of the bright-eyed youth
you met all those years ago, that boy has all but vanished
tonight.<<else>>The harsh lines of his face stand out in the
silver light, revealing a man who has all but buried the vestiges of
his former self.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>“Aeran,” you call tentatively,
slowing to a stop several paces behind him. The gallery—with its high
ceilings, full windows, and impossibly tall statues—feels cavernous, as
if it is about to swallow you whole.
He doesn’t answer for a long time.
“I know,” he says finally, exhaling a shaky breath. “Fuck the moon,
right?”
Your arms fall to your sides, your hands as heavy as lead.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>As much as you
want to ask him about Varyn, it’s Sirin that occupies your attention.
You knew Varyn survived the Spire, but Sirin… “Did you know?” you ask
finally. “Did you know about Sirin?”<<else>>“Did you know?
About Sirin?”<</if>>
Another pause.
“You shouldn’t believe everything <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2
UMBRIA SPEC")>>she says<<else>>they
say<</if>>, $nickname—”<<else>>“Aeran,” you
call, halting several paces behind him. The gallery—with its high
ceilings, full windows, and impossibly tall statues—feels cavernous, as
if it is about to swallow you whole.
He doesn’t answer.
“Aeran,” you call again.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>> As much as you want to ask him about Varyn, it’s Sirin
that occupies your attention. You knew Varyn survived the Spire, but
Sirin…<</if>> “Did you know? Did you know about Sirin?”
He chuckles hollowly. “You shouldn’t believe everything <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>she
says<<else>>they say<</if>>,
$nickname—”<</if>>
“Just answer the question. Did you know about Sirin?”
He turns, his profile falling into shadow. “No. I didn’t.”
There’s a finality to his tone, as if that ends the conversation. Your
heart clenches, the painful shock you felt at <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>Umbria’s<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC")>>Veyer’s<<else>>Ashani’s<</if>>
revelation rippling through you once again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “But she was at the Spire, too, wasn’t
she?”|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY TRANS 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You know this changes everything,
don’t you? We have to find her.”|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY TRANS
02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “So, you think
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>>Umbria<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC")>>Veyer<<else>>Ashani<</if>> was
lying? What reason would <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>>she<<else>>they<</if>> have?”'
'CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY TRANS
02C'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>“Not
important,” you say quickly, shoving your hand deeply into your pocket.
He frowns, watching you with suspicion, but says nothing else. Relief
washes through you, but it is short-lived. While you didn’t want a petty
little thing like this gift to turn into a quarrel, tension still knots
your stomach. You haven’t been able to relax since you set foot in this
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>library and somehow being alone
with Aeran has only made it worse.<<else>>library. Being
alone with Aeran only makes it worse.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER CONVEYER
EVENTS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>You extend your hand,
cupping the emerald ring in your palm. “They gave me this.”
“Oh?” he says, his brows drawing together in confusion. His eyes narrow
as he plucks the ring from your hand, his fingers pressing tightly into
the gold band. “Why?”
“Do I look like I know?” you snap. “You’re the one who knows them, not
me.”
He rolls his eyes, then examines the ring, his scowl deepening by the
minute. “There’s nothing magical about it,” he says, tossing it back to
you. “Just a useless rock and a piece of metal. You should get rid of
it. Sell it later, I’m sure it’ll fetch a good price—”
You stuff it in your pocket. “What if I want to keep it?” you ask
irritably, more out of a desire to be contrary than anything else. You
haven’t decided what you want to do with it, true, but you’re not going
to let Aeran dictate your actions.
His eyes widen with surprise, caught off-guard by your question.
“Krellion gave it to you for a reason,” he says. “Like I said, they’re
dangerous. Whatever game they’re playing—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No more dangerous than any other
mage.”|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER 02A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=10>>[[2.
“What? Are you jealous?”|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER 02B-ROM][$aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]<<else>>[[2. “What? Are
you jealous?”|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER 02B-NO][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “Fine, I’ll get rid of
it! Just stop <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>pestering<<else>>bothering<</if>>
me about it!”' 'CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER
02C'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Oh, fuck off, Aeran.”|CHAPTER 2
LIBRARY CONVEYER 02D][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
extend your hand, cupping the emerald ring in your palm. “They gave me
this.”
“Oh?” he says, his brows drawing together in confusion. His eyes narrow
as he plucks the ring from your hand, his fingers pressing tightly into
the gold band. “Why?”
“Do I look like I know?” you snap. “You’re the one who knows them, not
me.”
He rolls his eyes, then examines the ring, his scowl deepening by the
minute. “There’s nothing magical about it,” he says, tossing it back to
you. “Just a useless rock and a piece of metal. Maybe you should keep
it. Sell it later. Gods know <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>we’re<<else>>you’re<</if>> going
to need all the help <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>we<<else>>you<</if>> can get now
the contract’s fucked—”
Irritation twists in your gut and you stuff the ring in your pocket.
“You’re blaming me for that?”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTES EQUAL")>>“You saw that
vote. If you hadn’t—”<<else>>“You saw how close that vote
was. If you hadn’t pissed off Umbria—”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH AERAN START")>>“Don’t see
how this is my fault, considering you did most of the talking in there—”
“If I’m responsible for this, then you are,
too!”<<else>>“Funny how you bring that up, considering you
barely said a word in there—”
“Maybe I should have! At least I know when to keep my mouth
shut!”<</if>>
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER
A-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
and Aeran crane your necks to stare together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. As the library’s empty silence closes in, your last
words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that started when
you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another incident in a
long line that <<if $aeranapp >=60>>is rubbing your
<<if $aeranrom
>=10>>relationship<<else>>friendship<</if>>
raw. You don’t want to fight with him, but by the gods, can he be
infuriating when he wants to.<<else>>has rubbed your
relationship raw. Perhaps you should be grateful. After tonight, your
flimsy excuse for a partnership can finally come to an
end.<</if>>
Sensing your unease, Aeran curses under his breath and takes off across
the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow quickly,
heading for the exit.<<else>>You follow quickly, nearly
tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for the
exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>>Aeran opens his mouth, but no words come out.
Closing his eyes, he steps back and passes a hand across his face. “I’m
sorry, $firstname,” he says quietly. “As usual, I’m being an idiot.”
“Yeah, well…” You fold your arms, exhaling sharply. “Could you try to do
that a little less?”
He smiles wanly. “I promise I won’t talk about Krellion again.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Might be a
little hard,” you reply grudgingly. “Considering they’ll be with us
tomorrow.”
“I’m trying not to think about that, to be honest—”
And then the<<else>>The<</if>> chandelier winks
out, plunging the library into darkness.
You and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle
of crystal branches.
“Come on,” he says finally, breaking the silence. “Let’s get out of
here… get back to the gala before we’re missed.”
Without waiting for you, he strides past you and heads for the exit.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow, hurrying to keep pace
with him. Up ahead, the library doors creak as he pushes them open and a
patch of dim light cuts across the dark floor.<<else>>You
follow quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark. Up
ahead, you hear the creak of the library doors as he pushes them open
and a patch of dim light cuts across the dark floor, lighting your
way.<</if>> He holds them for you, then lets them close with
a soft, deep boom.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Aeran
raises his hands and steps back in defeat. “Whatever you want,
$firstname,” he says. “I’m not fighting with you anymore. If you don’t
want to talk about Krellion, I promise I won’t mention them ever again—”
“Good!”
“Great! Glad we finally agree!”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
You and Aeran crane your necks, staring as one at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches above. With the library’s empty silence closing in and
his last words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that
started when you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another
incident in a long line that has rubbed your relationship raw. Perhaps
you should be grateful. After tonight, your flimsy excuse for a
partnership can finally come to an end.
Cursing under his breath, Aeran pushes you out of the way and takes off
across the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow
quickly, hurrying to keep pace with him.<<else>>You follow
quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for
the exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Aeran
pauses, biting back a retort. You watch as he shifts restlessly from
foot to foot, desperate to move, but too stubborn to follow through.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Whether you intended to or not, this
conversation has become a challenge. If<<else>>You know how
this goes: if<</if>> he walks away from you now, he all but
admits defeat.
“Have it your way,” he mutters finally. “Probably for the best. Looks
like we’ll be stuck with Krellion tomorrow.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER CONVEYER
EVENTS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>His
eyes widen. “…what?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Guilt crashes into you like a wave. Whatever
direction you’re pushing this in, it’s not a place you want to
explore.|CHAPTER 2 LIBRARY CONVEYER 02B-ROM-A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5,
0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Veyer may be an unapologetic flirt,
but you didn’t mind. It was refreshing to have someone be so open about
their interest in you, instead of dancing around the subject.|CHAPTER 2
LIBRARY CONVEYER 02B-ROM-B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. The words may have slipped out
before you considered their meaning, but now you’ve seen his reaction,
you stand by what you said. You have no interest in Veyer, but if
Aeran’s going to snap at you, you’ll snap right back at him.|CHAPTER 2
LIBRARY CONVEYER 02B-ROM-C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5,
95), $aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 0,
100)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
snorts. “No,” he says, harsh laughter curdling his tone. “Why would I
ever be jealous of you?”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>The words hit harder than you
expected. You swallow hard and blink back a stinging pain in your eyes,
momentarily at a loss for words.<<elseif $aeranapp
>=40>>The words hit harder than you expected. They gnaw away at
you, twisting in the pit of your stomach.<<else>>You throw
your head back, eyes on the chandelier above, an unbidden laugh bubbling
across your lips. Of course he would say that. Of course this is what
your relationship has turned into.<</if>>
“Jealousy’s for children, $firstname, you should have left it at the
Spire,” he continues. “If you don’t want to listen to me, that’s on you.
I’ve done my part—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
You and Aeran crane your necks, staring as one at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches above. With the library’s empty silence closing in and
his last words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that
started when you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another
incident in a long line that <<if $aeranapp >=60>>is
rubbing your friendship raw. You don’t want to fight with him, but by
the gods, can he be infuriating when he wants to.<<else>>has
rubbed your relationship raw. Perhaps you should be grateful. After
tonight, your flimsy excuse for a partnership can finally come to an
end.<</if>>
Sensing your unease, Aeran curses under his breath and takes off across
the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow quickly,
heading for the exit.<<else>>You follow quickly, nearly
tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for the
exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>><<if $aeranapp >=60>>He pauses,
hurt in his eyes. For a moment, it seems as though he is going to say
something—to rebuke you, to snap back at you, to explain what he
meant—but he simply goes silent. He look away, eyes on the floor, as if
he would rather be anywhere but here with you.
You sigh. “Aeran…”<<else>>He rolls his eyes, brushing off
your retort like he has a hundred times before. For a moment, it seems
as though he is going to say something—to rebuke you, to snap back at
you, to explain what he meant—but he simply shrugs it off and crosses
his arms. His jaw clenches and you know from his expression that he has
given up.
Irritation twists in your gut. “Aeran…”<</if>>
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
You and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle
of crystal branches.
“Come on,” he says finally, breaking the silence. “Let’s get out of
here… get back to the gala before we’re missed.”
Without waiting for you, he strides past you and heads for the exit.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow, hurrying to keep pace
with him. Up ahead, the library doors creak as he pushes them open and a
patch of dim light cuts across the dark floor.<<else>>You
follow quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark. Up
ahead, you hear the creak of the library doors as he pushes them open
and a patch of dim light cuts across the dark floor, lighting your
way.<</if>> He holds them for you, then lets them close with
a soft, deep boom.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>He
laughs harshly, shaking his head. “Of all the things to worry about,
<<if (def
$lastname2)>>$firstname<<else>>$lastname,”<</if>>
he says. “That’s not one of them.”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
You and Aeran stare as one at the lifeless tangle of crystal branches
above. With the library’s empty silence closing in and his last words
ringing in your ears, the tension between you that started when you
arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another incident in a
long line that has rubbed your relationship raw. Perhaps you should be
grateful. After tonight, your flimsy excuse for a partnership can
finally come to an end.
Cursing under his breath, Aeran pushes you out of the way and takes off
across the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow
quickly, hurrying to keep pace with him.<<else>>You follow
quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for
the exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You fall silent, <<if
$aeranapp >=60>>uncertain of what to say. An unspoken subject
lingers between you,<<else>>uncertain of what to say and too
stubborn to walk out. An unspoken subject binds you
together,<</if>> one that has shaken you both so much it was
easier to argue about Veyer than face the truth they told you.
Sirin Torvar. Her survival—if true—changes everything.
“Aeran…” you begin, breaking the silence.
He stirs. He can barely look you in the eye.
“What Veyer said about Sirin—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Though the
shadows press in, your sight pierces the dark, making out the sweeping
arcs of the mezzanines above and the tall forms of the bookcases around
you. Aeran’s footsteps creak against the floor as he takes a careful
step away from you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, walking quickly towards the exit.
You follow without a word, glad to finally leave the library
behind.<<else>>The shadows press in, so dark you can barely
see the room around you. You can hear Aeran’s quiet breath in the dark,
his footsteps on the floor as he takes a careful step toward you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>taking your arm and guiding you through the dark. You
accept his help, glad to leave the library behind without tripping over
your own feet.<<else>>seizing your arm and leading you
through the dark. You roll your eyes, but grudgingly accept his help,
glad to finally leave the library behind without tripping over your own
feet.<</if>><</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranApp>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomance>><</timed>>You exhale
softly. “Aeran… I didn’t mean…”
“I know,” he says quietly.
He turns, his piercing blue eyes searching your face for answers to
unasked questions, and takes a step towards you. The echo of his
footfalls resound in your ears, the only sound in the cavernous library.
You stand, rooted to the spot, a lump forming in your throat.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>The hesitance of his
approach—the fight against the feelings you know he’s confessed to
you—makes<<else>>The hesitance of his approach
makes<</if>> you want to scream or run, and yet you can’t do
either.
He stops barely a pace away and <<if $height is "very short" or
$height is "short" or $height is "average">>bows his head to look
at you.<<elseif $height is "tall">>meets your
gaze.<<else>>raises his head to meet your
gaze.<</if>> He’s so close, he’s nearly touching you.
“$nickname,” he murmurs. “I—”
The chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. You swallow hard, far too cognisant of the pounding in
your chest. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>The darkness barely
bothers you and you can see him wavering with indecision—at once too
close and yet not close enough.<<else>>Though you can barely
see him in the dark, you can feel his trembling proximity—at once too
close and yet not close enough.<</if>>
“We should get out of here,” he says. “Get back to the party before
we’re missed—”
You catch his arm. “No one’s going to miss us. What were you going to
say?”
“Nothing important.”
He pulls away and strides purposefully towards the exit. <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>You follow, hurrying to keep pace with him.
Up ahead, the library doors creak as he pushes them open and a patch of
dim light cuts across the dark floor.<<else>>You follow
quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark. Up ahead, you
hear the creak of the library doors as he pushes them open and a patch
of dim light cuts across the dark floor, lighting your
way.<</if>> He holds them for you, then lets them close with
a soft, deep boom.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>>“Oh
hell,” you mutter, drawing away from him. “You are, aren’t you?”
He opens his mouth in surprise, taken aback by your words. “Jealous?” he
scoffs after a moment, his lips twisting with disgust. “Of
//Krellion?// For fuck’s sake, $firstname—”
“I’m not blind, Aeran. I know when someone’s flirting with me, unlike
someone we know—”
“You’d be an idiot to get involved with a Guild mage. Especially Veyer
Krellion.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “Don’t worry. They’re not my
type.”" `passage()`>><<set $option to
1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link "2. “Thanks for the warning,
I’ll keep that in mind.”" `passage()`>><<set $option to
2>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$option is 1>>Aeran jerks sharply towards you, confusion in his
eyes—<<else>>Aeran rounds on you, fury in his
eyes—<</if>>
And the chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
Together, you crane your necks to stare together at the lifeless tangle
of crystal branches. As the library’s empty silence closes in, your last
words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that started when
you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another incident in a
long line that is rubbing your relationship raw. You don’t want to
fight with him, but //by the gods,// he can be infuriating when he wants
to.
Aeran pushes past you and silently takes off across the library.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>Cursing under your breath, you
follow quickly, heading for the exit.<<else>>Cursing under
your breath, you follow quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in
the dark as you head for the exit.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAIN GALLERY TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>>“Not
that I care if you are,” you hiss, relishing in the harshness of your
tone. Months of crushing emotions beat at the dam within you, finally
threatening to burst free. <<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>>The feelings you’ve long harboured for him, the frustration
at his inability to act on the ones he harbours for you, the weeks
you’ve spent living with the ghost of his confession haunting you, and
yet he acts as though he never said those damn words. Maybe it’s time to
admit the one truth you never wanted to face: that his love—whatever
fractured state it may be in—is not worth waiting for.<<elseif
$aeranrom >=60>>The feelings you’ve long harboured for him that
seem to only turn to disappointment. Maybe he does care for you, but
perhaps it’s time to admit the one truth you never wanted to face: that
his feelings—whatever they may be—are not worth waiting
for.<<else>>The feelings you’ve long harboured for him that
seem to only turn to disappointment. Maybe you’ve been wrong all this
time. Maybe it’s time to admit the one truth you never wanted to face:
he doesn’t love you the way you love him.<</if>>
He draws back, hurt in his eyes. “$nickname…”
And then the chandelier winks out, plunging the library into darkness.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
and Aeran crane your necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. You swallow hard, far too cognisant of the clenching
pain in your chest, as if a hand has seized your heart and is slowly
tightening its grip. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Through the
darkness, you can see him wavering with indecision, on the verge of
pulling further away from you.<<else>>Though you can barely
see him in the dark, you can feel him wavering, as if he is about to
pull further away from you.<</if>>
“Come on,” he says finally, breaking the silence. “Let’s get out of
here… get back to the gala before we’re missed.”
He pulls away and strides purposefully towards the exit. <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>You follow, hurrying to keep pace with him.
Up ahead, the library doors creak as he pushes them open and a patch of
dim light cuts across the dark floor.<<else>>You follow
quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet in the dark. Up ahead, you
hear the creak of the library doors as he pushes them open and a patch
of dim light cuts across the dark floor, lighting your
way.<</if>> He holds them for you, then lets them close with
a soft, deep boom.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>You and Aeran crane your
necks, staring together at the lifeless tangle of crystal branches.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>Though the shadows press in, your
sight pierces the dark, making out the sweeping arcs of the mezzanines
above and the tall forms of the bookcases around you. Aeran’s footsteps
creak against the floor as he takes a careful step away from you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, walking quickly towards the exit.
You follow without a word, glad to finally leave the library behind.
<<else>>The shadows press in, so dark you can barely see the
room around you. You can hear Aeran’s quiet breath in the dark, his
footsteps on the floor as he takes a careful step toward you.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says, <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>taking your arm and guiding you through the dark. You
accept his help, glad to leave the library behind without tripping over
your own feet.<<else>>seizing your arm and leading you
through the dark. You roll your eyes, but grudgingly accept his help,
glad to finally leave the library behind without tripping over your own
feet.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
and Aeran crane your necks to stare together at the lifeless tangle of
crystal branches. As the library’s empty silence closes in, your last
words ringing in your ears, the tension between you that started when
you arrived in Velantis stretches thin. This is but another incident in a
long line that <<if $aeranapp >=60>>is rubbing your
<<if $aeranrom
>=10>>relationship<<else>>friendship<</if>>
raw. You don’t want to fight with him, but by the gods, can he be
infuriating when he wants to.<<else>>has rubbed your
relationship raw. Perhaps you should be grateful. After tonight, your
flimsy excuse for a partnership can finally come to an
end.<</if>>
Sensing your unease, Aeran curses under his breath and takes off across
the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow quickly,
heading for the exit.<<else>>You follow quickly, nearly
tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for the
exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 MAIN GALLERY
TRANS][$aeran_angry to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You and Aeran crane your necks
to stare together at the lifeless tangle of crystal branches. As the
library’s empty silence closes in, your last words ringing in your ears,
the tension between you that started when you arrived in Velantis
stretches thin. This is but another incident in a long line that
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>is rubbing your <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>relationship<<else>>friendship<</if>>
raw. You don’t want to fight with him, but by the gods, can he be
infuriating when he wants to.<<else>>has rubbed your
relationship raw. Perhaps you should be grateful. After tonight, your
flimsy excuse for a partnership can finally come to an
end.<</if>>
Sensing your unease, Aeran curses under his breath and takes off across
the library. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>You follow quickly,
heading for the exit.<<else>>You follow quickly, nearly
tripping over your own feet in the dark as you head for the
exit.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Outside, the gallery is shrouded in light and shadow.
Moonlight shines through the windows, cutting angular imprints on the
floor. Beyond them, the night sky has clouded over, black and indigo
shadows streaking across the stars. There is no sign of the
firelights—the show must be long over now.
Aeran carves a path across the empty gallery. You hurry to catch up with
him, <<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or
$height is "average">>nearly breaking into a sprint to keep up
with his long strides.<<else>>your long legs quickly
matching his pace. He ducks through an archway and out onto the
mezzanine, winding his way back the way you came.<</if>>
“Aeran!” you call, dogging his steps.
He clatters down the grand staircase to the level below. You curse
loudly and follow, casting a quick eye up and down the hall. Thankfully,
it is empty, its lights dormant and unresponsive to your presence. The
last thing you want is the palace guard—or worse, some grating Arathian
noble—confronting you.
You expect his warlike pace to drag you halfway across the palace, but
as he passes through the entrance to a courtyard garden, he suddenly
draws to a stop. The garden is flooded with moonlight, a beacon compared
to the dark halls and galleries that surround it. The air here is cool
and fresh, the surprising chill prickling your skin. An artificial pond
ripples nearby, wisps dancing above the water, their blueish-white
lights winking in and out of the darkness. You’re not sure what has
attracted the tiny creatures, but they amble around the pond
delightedly, light streaming off them like mist. You watch them for a
moment, then raise your head and gaze upwards, shadows of the garden’s
tall foliage shading your peripheral vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>“Aeran?” you call tentatively, lingering in
the archway.
He doesn’t answer. He stands, still as a statue, head tilted back as he
stares at the night sky. The hair rises on the back of your neck, your
skin prickling with unease.<<if $aeranrom >=10>> The
distance between you twists in your gut.<</if>> Ordinarily
he wouldn’t let a few bad-tempered words get under his skin, but
tonight…
<<nobr>><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>It’s more than losing the Lethalis
contract.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=80>>A month ago you would have been
quick to say that you know Aeran better than you know yourself. As two
of the last remaining Wayfarers, you’re tied to each other in a way that
goes beyond words. But Velantis has brought out a side of him you’ve
never seen.<<else>>Velantis has brought out a side of him
you’ve never seen before.<</if>>
For someone who does little to hide his hatred of the Guild, he is
overtly familiar with high-ranking mages.<<if $aeran_velantis is
true>> This is not his first time in Velantis—something he failed
to tell you before—and, for all intents and purposes, he has a history
here.<</if>>
He dodges your questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation
with him, and now he seems to regard you—someone he’s always trusted to
have his back—with distrust.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or
$aeranletters is "chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the
letters… Someone wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether
he wanted to or not, he still found his way here, just as they
requested.<</if>><</nobr>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Talk to me,
Aeran. What’s going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
APP][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you have something to say, spit
it out.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
almost call his name, but you hold back, heated hostility burning in
your mouth. The moment you speak to him, you open yourself up to a
fight. You know that’s what he wants.
You linger in the archway, watching him. He stands, still as a statue,
head tilted back as he stares at the night sky. The hair rises on the
back of your neck, your skin prickling with unease. There was a time
when he wouldn’t let a few bad-tempered words get under his skin, but
that time is long gone.
<<nobr>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION
")>>Velantis has brought out a side of him you’ve never
seen.<<else>>This is about more than losing the Lethalis
contract and Umbria’s threats. Velantis has brought out a side of him
you’ve never seen.<</if>> For someone who does little to
hide his hatred of the Guild, he is overtly familiar with high-ranking
mages.<<if $aeran_velantis is true>> This is not his first
time in Velantis—something he failed to tell you before—and, for all
intents and purposes, he seems to have a history
here.<</if>>
He dodges your questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation
with him. <<if $aeranapp <=19>>Though your relationship
is strained—more than strained—he has always trusted you to have his
back.<<else>>Though your relationship is falling apart, he
has always trusted you to have his back.<</if>> You may be
tied together as two of the last remaining Wayfarers, but that seems to
mean little now.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters
is "chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the letters…
Someone wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether he wanted
to or not, he found his way here, just as they
requested.<</if>><</nobr>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears, and you
force yourself to speak.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is
going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Spit it out already, Aeran. Stop
wasting my time.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>>He pauses, going dangerously still. “I don’t
want to talk about the Spire,” he says quietly.
You swallow hard. “This isn’t about that, this is about Sirin. If you
fought with her, you must have seen what happened to her—”
“Leave it, $firstname!” he shouts, rounding on you. “Just leave it!”
You stare at him, a stinging pain prickling in your eyes. “Aeran…”
He looks at you, his expression twisted into something so dark, so
painful, it goes beyond fear and hatred. Then he backs away from you,
desperate to escape, and flees across the gallery.<<else>>He
pauses, going dangerously still. “I don’t want to talk about the
Spire.”
“This isn’t about the Spire, this is about Sirin,” you snap, desperate
to knock some sense into him. “You were there, if you fought with her,
you must have seen what happened to her—”
“Shut up!” he shouts. “Just shut up!”
You pause, your words dying in your mouth. He stares across the gallery
at you, his expression twisting into something so dark, so painful, it
goes beyond fear and hatred. You half expect him to shout at you, but he
simply backs away, retreating across the gallery, desperate to escape
you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 GALLERY
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What
reason does Lethalis have for //any// of this?” he replies coldly.
“They want the Astrials. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>It’s in their best interest to keep us around, under
their thumb, for the next time they need a Wayfarer to do their dirty
work. Zenaida may be genuine when she said she’d give us a chartered
ship, but I don’t believe for an instant that the likes of <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>Umbria<<elseif
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 VEYER
SPEC")>>Krellion<<else>>Ashani<</if>>
would let us go that easily.”<<else>>They might not be
making a move now, but I don’t believe for an instant Umbria would let
assets like us get away so easily. It’s in their best interest to keep
us around, under their thumb, waiting for the time they need a Wayfarer
to do their dirty work. What’s a better way to do that than to spin some
tale about another survivor in the city?”<</if>>
You fold your arms, your fingernails digging into your skin. “We have no
proof <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>>she’s<<else>>they’re<</if>>
lying—!”
“We have no proof <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>>she’s<<else>>they’re<</if>>
telling the truth,” he shouts, rounding on you. “Trust me on this,
$firstname. It’s a trick. Or bad information. Go looking for Sirin
Torvar and you’re only going to get hurt.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You blink, a stinging pain prickling
in your eyes. “Aeran—”
He curses and rakes a hand through his hair. When he finally looks
across the gallery at you, he freezes, guilt rippling across his face as
he takes in your hurt expression—
And then he turns and strides away down the
gallery.<<else>>Your jaw clenches. “Aeran—”
He rounds on you, fury in his eyes. You half expect him to shout at you,
but to your surprise he simply curses and strides away, heading to the
end of the gallery.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 GALLERY
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“In
what world would that do any good, $firstname?” he hisses, rounding on
you. “You shouldn’t be so quick to believe the rumours—especially if
it’s exactly what you want to hear.”
You fold your arms, your fingers digging into your skin. “Even if it’s
just a rumour, we have an obligation to investigate—”
Cold laughter echoes through the gallery. “For what? There’s only two
ways this ends. Either it’s a lie spun by Lethalis to keep <<if
$aeranapp <=49>>you<<else>>us<</if>>
around until the next time they need a Wayfarer to do their dirty work…
or it’s the truth and Sirin has removed herself from this shell of an
order. What do you think she will do, if you find her? The Wayfarer
Order is dead. Do you think she’ll be happy to remember how it died?
Trust me, $firstname. Go looking for Sirin Torvar and you’re only going
to get hurt.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You blink, a stinging pain prickling
in your eyes. “Aeran—”
He curses and rakes a hand through his hair. When he finally looks
across the gallery at you, he freezes, guilt rippling across his face as
he takes in your hurt expression—
And then he turns and strides away down the
gallery.<<else>>Your jaw clenches. “Aeran—”
He rounds on you, fury in his eyes. You half expect him to shout at you,
but to your surprise he simply curses and strides away, heading to the
end of the gallery.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 GALLERY
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You curse and take off after
him, <<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height
is "average">>nearly breaking into a sprint to keep up with his
long strides.<<else>>quickly catching up.<</if>>
He ignores you and ducks through an archway, following it out onto the
mezzanine Idris led you through earlier this evening.
The gala feels like it took place years ago.
“Aeran!” you call, dogging his steps.
He clatters down the grand staircase to the level below. Cursing loudly,
you make use of your vantage point and look quickly up and down the
hall. Thankfully, it is empty, its lights dormant and unresponsive to
your presence. The last thing you want is the palace guard—or worse,
some grating Arathian noble—confronting you. Satisfied that you are
alone, you hurry down the stairs just as Aeran ducks through an archway
into the small courtyard garden beyond.
When you catch up, you find him in the centre of the garden. The
courtyard is flooded with moonlight, a beacon compared to the dark halls
and galleries that surround it. The air here is cool and fresh, the
surprising chill prickling your skin. An artificial pond ripples nearby,
wisps dancing above the water, their blueish-white lights winking in
and out of the darkness. You’re not sure what has attracted the tiny
creatures, but they amble around the pond delightedly, light streaming
off them like mist. You watch them for a moment, then raise your head
and gaze upwards, shadows of the garden’s tall foliage shading your
peripheral vision.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>“Aeran?” you call tentatively, lingering in
the archway.
He doesn’t answer. He stands, still as a statue, head tilted back as he
stares at the night sky. The hair rises on the back of your neck, your
skin prickling with unease. Ordinarily he wouldn’t let a few
bad-tempered words get under his skin, but tonight…
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>By all means,
tonight should be a triumph for you. True, you have the mission looming
tomorrow, but you are closer now to your goals than you ever have been.
But despite all this—despite the revelation about <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>Varyn and
Sirin<<else>>Sirin<</if>>—you can’t shake the
feeling that something is incredibly wrong. You should be happy. He
should be happy.
So why aren’t you?<<else>>It’s more than losing the Lethalis
contract and Umbria’s threats. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA
SPEC")>>It’s more than this revelation about Varyn and
Sirin.<<else>>It’s more than this revelation about
Sirin.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><<if $aeranapp >=80>>A month ago you
would have been quick to say that you know Aeran better than you know
yourself. As two of the last remaining Wayfarers, you’re tied to each
other in a way that goes beyond words. But Velantis has brought out a
side of him you’ve never seen.<<else>>Velantis has brought
out a side of him you’ve never seen before.<</if>>
For someone who does little to hide his hatred of the Guild, he is
overtly familiar with high-ranking mages.<<if $aeran_velantis is
true>> This is not his first time in Velantis—something he failed
to tell you before—and, for all intents and purposes, he has a history
here.<</if>>
He dodges your questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation
with him, and now he seems to regard you—someone he’s always trusted to
have his back—with distrust.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or
$aeranletters is "chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the
letters… Someone wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether
he wanted to or not, he found his way here, just as they
requested.<</if>><</nobr>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Talk to me,
Aeran. What’s going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
APP][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “If you have something to say, spit
it out.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
almost call his name, but you hold back, heated hostility burning in
your mouth. The moment you speak to him, you open yourself up to a
fight. You know that’s what he wants.
You linger in the archway, watching him. He stands, still as a statue,
head tilted back as he stares at the night sky. The hair rises on the
back of your neck, your skin prickling with unease. There was a time
when he wouldn’t let a few bad-tempered words get under his skin, but
that time is long gone.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>By all means,
tonight should be a triumph for you. True, you have the mission looming
tomorrow, but you are closer now to your goals than you ever have been.
But despite all this—despite the revelation about <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>Varyn and
Sirin<<else>>Sirin<</if>>—you can’t shake the
feeling that something is incredibly wrong.
More accurately, something is wrong with him.<<else>>It’s
more than losing the Lethalis contract and Umbria’s threats. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 UMBRIA SPEC")>>It’s more than this
revelation about Varyn and Sirin.<<else>>It’s more than this
revelation about Sirin.<</if>><</if>>
Velantis has brought out a side of him you’ve never seen. For someone
who does little to hide his hatred of the Guild, he is overtly familiar
with high-ranking mages.<<if $aeran_velantis is true>> This
is not his first time in Velantis—something he failed to tell you
before—and, for all intents and purposes, he seems to have a history
here.<</if>>
He dodges your questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation
with him. <<if $aeranapp <=19>>Though your relationship
is strained—more than strained—he has always trusted you to have his
back.<<else>>Though your relationship is falling apart, he
has always trusted you to have his back.<</if>> You may be
tied together as two of the last remaining Wayfarers, but that seems to
mean little now.<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters
is "chapter2">> And then there’s the matter of the letters…
Someone wanted him to come to Velantis. Regardless of whether he wanted
to or not, he found his way here, just as they
requested.<</if>>
The wisps hum, the incessant buzzing mounting in your ears, and you
force yourself to speak.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is
going on with you?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Spit it out already, Aeran. Stop
wasting my time.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>You speak, the words falling half-formed from your
mouth. “Aeran, I can’t help you if you don’t tell
me—”<<else>>You fold your arms, refusing to back down. “You
know I can’t help you if you don’t tell me—”<</if>>
“When did I ever ask for your help, $firstname?”
He draws to a halt in front of you, <<if $height is "very short"
or $height is "short" or $height is "average">>staring down at
you<<elseif $height is "tall">>staring at
you<<else>>staring up at you<</if>> with those
piercing blue eyes. The warmth you’re accustomed to seeing there—the
unconditional affection for you, the playful spirit, the resolute belief
that you can survive anything together—is gone. In this moment, you
don’t know him. It’s like looking into the eyes of a stranger.
<<if $aeran_pushed is true>>You feel a phantom pain in your
sternum, the ghost of his hand ramming you into the railing this
morning.<</if>>
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your heart trembles in your chest.
“You <<else>>“You <</if>> don’t have to,” you
say finally. Your throat is raw, the words painful to get out.
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>“I care about you, I…”
You pause, another word on the tip of your tongue.
//No.//
You wrench it back. Aeran may have been able to say it, but it’s only
landed you in a world of hurt and confusion. You’re beginning to wonder
whether he even truly meant those words when he said them. Brushes with
death have brought out stranger things.
“I don’t like seeing you like this,” you say finally, inwardly cursing
your awkward choice of words.
He laughs hollowly. “Then don’t look.”<<elseif $aeranrom
>=60>>“I care about you. Fuck Lethalis, fuck everything else,
none of that matters. I can’t stand seeing you like this—”
His expression turns to stone. “Then don’t look.”<<elseif
$aeranrom >=10>>“I care about you. I can’t stand seeing you
like this—”
“Then don’t look.”<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>“You’re my
friend, Aeran. Maybe you don’t realize this, but I care about you. More
than Lethalis, more than Velantis. I don’t want to see you like this—”
He laughs hollowly. “Then don’t look.”<<else>>“You’re my
friend, Aeran. I don’t want to see you like this—”
“Then don’t look.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Too late. You’re not getting rid of me that
easily.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 3A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “When have I ever done what you told
me?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 3B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You can be a real bastard
sometimes, you know.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 3C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>You reach for him, a flimsy attempt at a smile
tugging at your lips, but he steps back and pulls himself out of the
way.<<else>>A flimsy smile tugs at your lips, but it dies
quickly as he draws away from you.<</if>> You hoped your
playful tone would soothe the tension between you, but his expression
has only grown colder.
A stinging pain prickles behind your eyes.
“Maybe it was a mistake, $firstname,” he says quietly. “Looking for you
in Karth.”
You freeze, the wisps humming in your ears. “Looking?” you ask, your
voice barely audible. “What do you mean //looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<nobr>>He’s
silent for a long time, his expression growing colder by the second.
“You’re right, $firstname,” he says finally. “You do things your way, I
do them mine. But I’ve spent the better part of two years looking out
for you, covering for you when things go wrong.
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>You act like you’re <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Varyn’s
only<<else>>$master’s<</if>> living legacy, but
you’re more mercenary now than Wayfarer. The only thing you’re good at
is making a mess.”
<<else>>
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>> You’d be dead two
times over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me.<<elseif
$CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>> The Count would
have killed you if it wasn’t for me.<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>
Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat Alley if it wasn’t for
me.<</if>> You act like you’re <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn’s
only<<else>>$master’s<</if>> living legacy, but
you’re more mercenary now than Wayfarer. The only thing you’re good at
is making a mess.”
<</if>><</nobr>>
A stinging pain prickles behind your eyes. His biting words cut much
deeper than you’re willing to admit.
He curses. “Maybe it was a mistake, $firstname. Looking for you in
Karth.”
Your blood runs cold.
“Looking? What the hell do you mean //looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
barks a cold laugh. The wisps shrink away from him, their blue-white
lights streaking away to circle around the pond. “Yeah, well…” He smiles
hollowly. “I don’t deny that. Never have. It’s time you realize I’m not
the person you remember from all those years ago. Stop turning me into
him. It’s only going to leave you disappointed.”
A painful lump forms in your throat. You swallow hard, trying to ignore
the painful sting in your eyes.
He turns away, watching the wisps swirl through the night air. “Maybe it
was a mistake, $firstname,” he says after a moment. “Looking for you in
Karth.”
You freeze, your blood running cold. “Looking? What the hell do you mean
//looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Karth was a coincidence, a rare
moment of luck in the years of misfortune that followed the Spire’s
fall. You’d given up on following Wayfarer rumours, knowing each trail
would only lead to dead ends and disappointment. You’d returned to work,
taking contracts where you could, and consigned yourself to living out
your life as a sole survivor of your order. The sandwraith was the first
contract you’d taken since making your decision. Hunting it led you to a
dusty desert town in the middle of nowhere… and to Aeran.
For two years, you thought your reunion was a happy accident. You’d
taken the same contract, tracked the same beast, and your paths crossed
on the hunt.
Or did it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You knew I was there,” you say blankly.
“Of course I knew you were there—”
“How?”
“—you’re the only reason I was out there in the first place!”
He curses and turns away, raking a hand through his hair. You watch him
pace, hands held stiffly at your sides, nausea twisting in your stomach.
Aeran rarely speaks of the time between the Spire’s fall and your
reunion in Karth. You have little idea of what he did or where he was in
those intervening months, but you always assumed he was like you…
wandering the continent, picking up the pieces of a broken life and a
broken order.
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is
"chapter2">>Shit… Whatever he’s involved in, the person behind
those letters must be connected somehow.
You pause,<<else>>You pause,<</if>> a wave of
nausea rolling over you. Aeran keeps his past tightly locked away,
walled behind a witty tongue, a quick temper, and an unbreakable will.
But if you’re going to make any sense of this, you have to shatter those
walls. You have to ask the difficult questions—the ones he’s been
running from for nearly half a decade.
You have to ask him about the Spire.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>The Wayfarer Order’s fall is a haze in your mind, like a
moving shadow in the corner of your eye that disappears the moment you
look at it. You heard the reports coming out of Artanis. You had
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa
Varyn’s<</if>> letter. You knew as much as anyone else about
how that night ended: a rioting militia, the Spire overrun, hundreds
dead at the hands of thousands, the citadel destroyed. It was a miracle
anyone survived and those that did were soon scattered to the winds.
It doesn’t take much imagination to understand why he refuses to talk
about that night. But knowing what happened the night the Spire fell is
not the same as hearing of it from letters and second-hand sources.
Aeran was there. He has the scars to prove it. <<if $aeranrom
>=60 or $aeranapp >=80>>Though you care for him
deeply,<<else>>He may be your oldest friend,
but<</if>> even you cannot let this go unaddressed forever.
How did he, of all people, survive when the order itself did not? Varyn
survived, too—surely he must have been with her when the end came for
them?<<if $sirin_info is true>> And now there’s Sirin
Torvar. Was she with them, too? How did he not know she
survived?<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “What happened that night,
Aeran? What happened at the Spire?”"
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>He’s silent for a long time. A breeze passes through the
garden, rustling the leaves of those unwieldly, overgrown plants. Water
laps against the edge of the artificial pond, the soft rippling pounding
in your ears. The courtyard garden closes in on you, shrinking with
each passing second while Aeran stands there, in silence, unable to
answer you.
Why can’t he answer? Why won’t he? Why won’t he just say //something?//
You force in a breath. Your heart is pounding.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Aeran—”
“You
don’t know, $firstname,” he says finally, his voice nearly breaking.
“You don’t know what you’re asking me—”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I have a right
to know.”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 5A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Bullshit! Why won’t you tell
me?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 5B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Laugh. You can’t help yourself. This
is ridiculous.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 5C][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 15, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>He
meets your eyes. “You do,” he murmurs. “Of course you do. But that
doesn’t make me the one who has to tell you.”
Hollowness digs its claws into the pit of your stomach. “Then where do
you want me to go?” you say bitterly. “To Varyn? In case you didn’t
notice, she’s not around.<<if $sirin_info is true>> To
Sirin? Not much luck there either, considering you don’t even want me to
look for her!<</if>> You’re the only one who knows the
truth. You can’t keep shutting me out from it—”
“Believe me, it’s better this way—”
A twisted chuckle rises in the back of your throat. “You don’t get to
decide that. I do.”
He curses and turns away, stalking across the garden. The wisps scatter
in front of him, their retreat lighting his way. You watch him go,
trapped in a stupor by your own surprise, screaming at yourself to do
something to stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Cruel
laughter bubbles across his lips. “You think you’re entitled to my
life, $nickname? <<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>Think
again. Don’t you dare use my feelings for you against me like
that.”<<else>>Because of what? Our
friendship?”<</if>>
“This isn’t about <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>us,”<<else>>you and me,”<</if>>
you say flatly. “You’re the only one who knows the truth of that night.
You can’t keep me from it forever—”
“Can’t I?”
Anger boils in your gut. “You don’t get to decide that. I do.”
“Then find someone else,” he spits. “Leave me out of this.”
He stalks across the garden, wisps scattering in front of him, their
retreat lighting his way. You watch him go, trapped in a stupor by your
own surprise, screaming at yourself to do something to stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Wild,
cruel laughter bubbles out of you. Aeran stares at you in silence, his
confusion slowly disintegrating into disgust.
“Oh, fuck off,” he snarls.
“You fuck off!” you spit. “It’s been five years. You can’t keep it
buried forever—”
He curses and turns away, stalking across the garden. The wisps scatter
in front of him, their retreat lighting his way. You watch him go,
screaming at yourself to do something to stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="heading"><center>Make a
Choice</center></div>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20 20em>><<run Engine.play("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
ABSTAIN")>><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><<if settings.action>>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] He is not leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] He is not
leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells
you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells you.|CHAPTER 2
AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “That’s it? You’re going to walk away?
What do you think that makes me believe about you, Aeran
Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] “That’s it? You’re going to walk away? What do you think
that makes me believe about you, Aeran Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div></div>
<<else>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $hand_broken neq true and random(1,20)
+ $strength >= 18>>[[1. He is not leaving like this. Seize
him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
He is not leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells
you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Block
the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. “That’s it? You’re going to walk away? What do you
think that makes me believe about you, Aeran Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE HIGH PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “That’s it? You’re going
to walk away? What do you think that makes me believe about you, Aeran
Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div>
<</if>><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><<if
settings.action>>
<div class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] He is not leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] He is not
leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells
you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells you.|CHAPTER 2
AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “That’s it? You’re going to walk away?
What do you think that makes me believe about you, Aeran
Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] “That’s it? You’re going to walk away? What do you think
that makes me believe about you, Aeran Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH PERS FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] You’re too stunned to
move. Let him go.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
ABSTAIN]]</div></div>
<<else>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $hand_broken neq true and random(1,20)
+ $strength >= 18>>[[1. He is not leaving like this. Seize
him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
He is not leaving like this. Seize him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility >=
18>>[[2. Block the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells
you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH AG PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Block
the exit. He’s not leaving until he tells you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH AG FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>= 18>>[[3. “That’s it? You’re going to walk away? What do you
think that makes me believe about you, Aeran Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE HIGH PERS PASS]]<<else>>[[3. “That’s it? You’re going
to walk away? What do you think that makes me believe about you, Aeran
Kellis?”|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH PERS
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] You’re too stunned to
move. Let him go.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<strengthPass>>You
grab him by the arm and shove him forcefully into the courtyard wall. He
curses and pulls free, rounding on you—
And falls still. He stands there in silence, back to the wall and
breathing heavily, <<if $height is "very tall">>staring up
at you with wide eyes, his face mere inches from yours.<<elseif
$height is "tall">>his face mere inches from yours.<<elseif
$height is "average">>staring down at you with wide eyes, his face
mere inches from yours.<<else>>staring down at you with
wide eyes.<</if>> He seems almost… surprised?
Relieved?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“There’s
only one thing you need to understand, $firstname.” His voice is dead,
barely more than a whisper. “You weren’t there. You didn’t survive the
Spire, you escaped it—”
“That’s not my fault,” you say. Hurt blooms in your chest. Is he somehow
blaming you for your absence? “If I had been at the summit, I—”
“Would be gone, like the others,” he says bitterly. “Varyn and I carry
the weight of all their deaths on our shoulders. Why do you think she’s
disappeared? <<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to
face you again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to
contact you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut
down in front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The
Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let go.”
You freeze, rooted to the spot, any words of resistance dying in your
mouth. You feel smothered, suffocated, as if he’s thrown you overboard
during a storm and you’ve sunk below the waves, with no one to help.
Too stunned to think, you remain where you are as Aeran brushes past
you. He stalks across the garden, intent on leaving you behind.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">>[[1.
Tell him about the letters.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
LETTERS][$letters_told to true]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[2. His anger is more than you can bear. Apologize, try to
salvage this—whatever you need to do. You have to repair your
friendship. You can’t do this without him.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
04B SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[2. His anger is more than you can
bear. Apologize, try to salvage this—whatever you need to do. You have
to repair your friendship. You can’t do this without him.|CHAPTER 2
AERAN ARGUE HIGH 04B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let him go.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 0, 100)>>You grab him by
the arm, nails digging into his skin, and drag him to a halt. He snarls
and rips his arm free, rounding quickly on you. Acting on instinct, he
rams his hand into your shoulder and shoves you into the archway. Your
back hits the stone pillar and you grunt on impact, <<if
$hand_broken is true>>pain shuddering through your
hand.<<else>> surprise rooting you to the spot. You raise
your head and find Aeran looming ahead of you, fury in his
eyes—<</if>>
He stops. He blinks, the anger fading as guilt flushes across his face.
He reels backwards, a hand pressed against his mouth as he stares at you
in shame.
“Aeran…” you begin.
“There’s only one thing you need to understand, $firstname,” he says.
His voice is dead, barely more than a whisper. “You weren’t there. You
didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it. If you’d been at the summit,
you would be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry the weight of
their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we have to live
with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let go.”
He meets your eyes briefly, then shakes himself and crosses the garden.
He disappears through the archway and out of sight, heading deeper into
the palace—and abandons you to solitude.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SOLITUDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<agilityPass>>Acting on impulse, you throw
yourself forwards, slip past Aeran and skid to a stop in the centre of
the archway. You spread your arms wide, <<if $hand_broken is
true>>mindful of your broken hand, and block the archway with your
body.<<else>>slamming your hands into either side of the
archway, blocking the exit with your body.<</if>>
A furious look crosses his face. “Get out of the way, $firstname,” he
grunts.
“No.”
Aeran curses again and turns away, pacing back and forth. Suddenly, he
stops and stands still, as if all his pent-up anger and frustration has
been wrenched out of him at once. He tilts his head back, his hands held
loosely at his sides, and exhales a long breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>>“You’re so damn impossible sometimes,” he says
quietly.<<else>>“You’re such a fool sometimes,” he says
quietly.<</if>>
You smile faintly. “Are you thanking me or criticizing me?”
He lowers his head and meets your eyes. “There’s only one thing you need
to understand, $firstname,” he says. “You weren’t there. You didn’t
survive the Spire, you escaped it altogether.”
Hurt blooms in your chest. Is he somehow blaming you for your absence?
“That’s not my fault,” you say. “If I had been at the summit, I—”
“Would be gone, like the others,” he says bitterly. “Varyn and I carry
the weight of all their deaths on our shoulders. Why do you think she’s
disappeared? <<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to
face you again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to
contact you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut
down in front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The
Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let go.”
You swallow hard, rooted to the spot, any words of resistance dying in
your mouth. You feel smothered, suffocated, as if he’s thrown you
overboard during a storm and you’ve sunk below the waves, with no one to
help.
“Let me through, $nickname,” he says. “I’m tired.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">>[[1.
Tell him about the letters.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
LETTERS][$letters_told to true]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[2. You can’t let him go. Not like this. You have to—need
to—repair your friendship. You can’t face what’s coming without him.
|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH 04B SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[2. You
can’t let him go. Not like this. You have to—need to—repair your
friendship. You can’t face what’s coming without him. |CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE HIGH 04B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let him go.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 0, 100)>>Acting on
impulse, you throw yourself forwards and slip past Aeran, trying to
outpace him. He grunts and ducks past you, pushing on ahead to the
archway. You stretch out a hand, grabbing for him—
“Stop it, $firstname!” he snaps, rounding on you.
You skid to a stop, your hands falling uselessly to your sides.
Aeran stands in the archway ahead of you, a furious look in his eyes.
“There’s only one thing you need to understand, $firstname,” he says
callously. “You weren’t there. You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped
it. If you’d been at the summit, you would be gone, like the others.
Varyn and I carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s
our decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let go.”
With that, he steps through the archway and walks resolutely away from
you. He disappears down the hall and out of sight, heading deeper into
the palace—and abandons you to solitude.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SOLITUDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<persuasionPass>>He
freezes, rooted to the ground, his back to you.
A lump forms in your throat. “Why won’t you tell me?” you ask. Your
mouth is uncomfortably dry. “Why won’t you trust me?”
“I do, $firstname,” he murmurs. “I do—”
“Then tell me what happened. Please, Aeran. You owe me that much.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>He
glances over his shoulder, his mouth trembling as he looks at you. He
attempts to speak several times, but no words come out. Finally, he
shakes his head and turns away, his shoulders slumping in shame.
“There’s only one thing you need to understand, $firstname,” he says
finally. “You weren’t there. You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped
it altogether.”
Hurt blooms in your chest. Is he somehow blaming you for your absence?
“That’s not my fault. If I had been at the summit, I—”
“Would be gone, like the others,” he says bitterly. “Varyn and I carry
the weight of all their deaths on our shoulders. Why do you think she’s
disappeared? <<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to
face you again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to
contact you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut
down in front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The
Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let go.”
You swallow hard, any further words of resistance dying in your mouth.
You feel smothered, suffocated, as if he’s thrown you overboard during a
storm and you’ve sunk below the waves, with no one to help.
“Let me go, $nickname,” he says quietly. “I’m tired.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">>[[1.
Tell him about the letters.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH
LETTERS][$letters_told to true]]<<else>><s>1.
Conditional story requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>[[2. You can’t let him go. Not like this. You have to—need
to—repair your friendship. You can’t face what’s coming without him.
|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH 04B SPECIAL]]<<else>>[[2. You
can’t let him go. Not like this. You have to—need to—repair your
friendship. You can’t face what’s coming without him. |CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE HIGH 04B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Let him go.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH
04C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
can’t move. Hurt blooms in your chest as he ducks through the archway
and disappears down the hall. Without so much as another word, he
abandons you to the garden and to solitude.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You raise a hand and press your
knuckles against your mouth, a flood of emotions welling up inside you.
You’re torn, broken, the remnants of your friendship caving into a
hollow emptiness within you.
You don’t know what you can do. You don’t know what you should have
done.<<else>>Anger curls in your gut, seething at the hollow
façade of your friendship. Aeran’s stubbornness has always been a thorn
in your side and tonight is another reminder of that. You don’t know
what else you could have done.<</if>>
Maybe nothing at all.
You exhale a long, deep breath and chance a final look around the
garden. The wisps swirl playfully in circles, skimming the pond and
flitting between the plants. A worn smile tugs at your lips as you watch
them. Finally, you leave and head back into the palace, your solitary
footsteps echoing solemnly in your ears as you wind your way back to the
main gallery.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>><<if
$aeranshotmc is true>><<set $mc_aeran_garden to
true>>He throws back his head, coarse laughter shaking his
shoulders. “Think whatever you want, $firstname, I don’t care,” he
snarls, the sound alien to your ears. There’s something strange to the
way he speaks, as if he is forcing the words out. Though he is looking
at you with sheer contempt, there’s something in his eyes… something
that doesn’t feel right. <<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE
FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>“Remember Kane? You
would have died in Rat Alley if it wasn’t for
me.<<else>>“How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me.<</if>> The truth is you need me more than I need
you, you always do—”
The knife in your gut twists. “I didn’t fucking need you when we dealt
with the Count, now did I? I was doing pretty well on my own until you
shot me.”
He pales and his eyes go wide with shock. Whatever state of mind had
taken him over retreats, leaving him hollow and horrified.
“$firstname,” he croaks. “I—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” you hiss. “Fuck off.”
Carried on the wings of your anger, you storm from the garden without a
backwards look. Your footsteps echo solemnly in your ears as you make
your way back to the main gallery, painfully forlorn without Aeran’s to
accompany him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 0, 100)>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<if
$aeranrom >=1>><<timed
10s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 15, 0,
100)>><</if>><<nobr>>He throws back his
head, coarse laughter shaking his shoulders. “Think whatever you want,
$firstname,” he says. “I don’t care.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 3B")>>You’re
going to need me in the end. You always do—”
<<else>>You’re going to need me in the end. You always do.
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>>You’d be dead two times
over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>>The
Count would have killed you if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat
Alley if it wasn’t for me—”
<<else>>How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me—” <</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
Anger curls in your gut. “Oh, fuck you—”
“You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it,” he spits. “If you’d been
at the summit, you would be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry
the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we
have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let go.”
With that, he steps through the archway and walks resolutely away from
you. He disappears down the hall and out of sight, heading deeper into
the palace—and abandons you to solitude.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SOLITUDE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
35>><<if $aeranrom >=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 20, 0,
100)>><</if>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH PASS")>>“Who are what is S.?” you shout
desperately at his retreating back.<<else>>“Who or what is
S.?” you ask quietly.<</if>> “What did they want with the
Spire? Who wanted you to come to Velantis—”
Aeran goes deadly still. “What do you know?” he asks, his voice
dangerously low, his breath erratic.
You steel yourself. You know he’s not going to be pleased with you
prying into his personal matters, but the letters have just created
another wedge between you. It’s better to admit to your trespasses now
than to let them fester. “I know about the letters,” you say. “I know
someone’s been writing to you for years. That they went to Sunderfall,
that they want you in the city—”
He rounds on you. “Shut up,” he hisses.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“I’m sorry,” you continue, digging your feet in. You’re not
stopping now. “I didn’t mean to pry. But whatever you’re involved in,
whatever trouble you’re running from, I can help—”
“Shut up!” His voice rings through the garden. The wisps scatter and
flee, plunging the courtyard into further darkness as their blue-white
lights disappear. “You’ve crossed a line, $firstname—”
“I know,” you say quickly. “And I’m sorry. But you can trust me—”
“Why would I trust you when it’s clear you have no regard for anyone but
yourself?” he snarls. “Nothing else matters as long as you get what
you’re after—”
You blanch, your heart thundering in your chest. “It’s not like that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<nobr>>He throws his head back and laughs. “Isn’t
it?” he says scathingly. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE
HIGH APP 3B")>>“The truth is you need me more than I need you.
You’re going to need me in the end. You always do. This whole fucking
thing was a mistake—”<<else>>“The truth is you need me more
than I need you.
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>>You’d be dead two times
over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me. But I don’t need you. This
whole fucking thing was a mistake—”
<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>>The
Count would have killed you if it wasn’t for me. But I don’t need you.
This whole fucking thing was a mistake—”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat
Alley if it wasn’t for me. But I don’t need you. This whole fucking
thing was a mistake—”
<<else>>How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me. But I don’t need you. This whole fucking thing was a
mistake—”<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
He shoves you out of the way and storms across the garden. You stagger
back and seize his arm, your fingers digging sharply into his skin as
you drag him to a stop.
“Aeran—”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>//“Leave it!”//
He rips his arm free. His eyes rake over you, a pained look flashing
across his face. “I can’t do this anymore, $firstname,” he says
hollowly, turning his back on you. “I just… I can’t.”
He walks away, passing through an archway and disappearing further into
the palace. You watch him go, a painful ache throbbing in your chest, a
hundred curses on your tongue.<<elseif $aeranapp
>=60>>//“Leave it!”//
He rips his arm free and rounds on you. He stares at you, pain and anger
twisting his expression, and then he curses and pushes himself away
from you.
“Just fucking leave it, $firstname,” he says hollowly, turning his back
on you. He walks away, passing through an archway and disappearing
further into the palace. You watch him go, a painful ache throbbing in
your chest, a hundred curses on your tongue.<<else>>//“Fuck
off!”//
He rips his arm free and stalks away, disappearing through an archway
and further into the palace.<</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>As soon as he’s gone, the reality of
your solitude crashes into you and you crumple inside.
You wrap an arm around yourself, your fingers gripping the <<if
$dressed is true>>delicate fabricate of your
$garb<<else>>coarse fabric of your black
uniform<</if>>. A flood of emotions wells up inside you.
You’re torn, broken, the remnants of your friendship caving into a
hollow emptiness within you.<<else>>As soon as he’s gone,
the reality of your solitude crashes into you. Anger curls in your gut,
seething at the hollow façade of your friendship.<</if>>
Exhaling a <<if $aeranapp >=60>>long, shaky breath, you
shove your thoughts aside. You’re not going to waste any more time
thinking about Aeran tonight. He doesn’t deserve
it.<<else>>long breath, you shove your thoughts aside.
You’re not going to waste any more time on Aeran. He’s not worth
it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
leave the garden and head back into the palace. Your footsteps echo
solemnly in your ears as you wind your way back to the main gallery,
painfully forlorn without Aeran’s to accompany them.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 0, 100)>>“Please, Aeran. I don’t want
to do this—”
“Do what? I’m not the one who started this. You did.”
Desperation tears at your heart. You can feel him breaking away from
you—<<if $aeranapp >=60>>and you don’t know whether
there’s anything you can say to stop him.<<else>>and you
don’t know whether you have it in you to stop him.<</if>>
“I’m sorry—”
“Are you?” he hisses. “It doesn’t ever matter what anyone else wants as
long as you get what //you’re// after.”
You blanch. “It’s not like that—”
<<nobr>>“Isn’t it?” He chuckles harshly and shakes his head,
looking at you with contempt in his eyes.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH APP 3B")>>“The
truth is you need me more than I need you. You’re going to need me in
the end. You always do—”
<<else>>“The truth is you need me more than I need you.
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>>You’d be dead two times
over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>>The
Count would have killed you if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat
Alley if it wasn’t for me—”
<<else>>How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me—” <</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Anger curls in your gut, tears
stinging in your eyes.<<else>>Anger curls in your
gut.<</if>> “Fuck you—”
He smiles hollowly.
Somehow, it only makes things worse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>> “You’re such a bastard—”
“Yeah? At least I know what I am.”
He storms across the garden and passes through the archway, disappearing
further into the palace. You watch him go, a painful ache throbbing in
your chest, a hundred curses on your tongue.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>As soon as he’s gone, the reality of
your solitude crashes into you and you crumple inside.
You wrap an arm around yourself, your fingers gripping the <<if
$dressed is true>>delicate fabricate of your
$garb<<else>>coarse fabric of your black
uniform<</if>>. A flood of emotions wells up inside you.
You’re torn, broken, the remnants of your friendship caving into a
hollow emptiness within you.
You don’t know what else you could have done. You don’t know what you
should have done.<<else>>As soon as he’s gone, the reality
of your solitude crashes into you. Anger curls in your gut, seething at
the hollow façade of your friendship. You don’t know what else you could
have done, what else you could have said…<</if>>
Maybe nothing at all.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Exhaling
a <<if $aeranapp >=60>>long, shaky breath, you shove
your thoughts aside. You’re not going to waste any more time thinking
about Aeran tonight. He doesn’t deserve it.<<else>>a long
breath, you shove your thoughts aside. You’re not going to waste any
more time on Aeran. He’s not worth it.<</if>>
You leave the garden and head back into the palace. Your footsteps echo
solemnly in your ears as you wind your way back to the main gallery,
painfully forlorn without Aeran’s to accompany them.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH
PASS")>><<aeranApp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 5, 5, 95)>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE HIGH STRENGTH PASS")>>To your
surprise, he draws suddenly to a halt. He doesn’t look at you, he
doesn’t leave. The seconds pass, the pair of you caught in this limbo,
neither of you able—or willing—to speak. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>When his footsteps finally trail away, he abandons you to
your solitude and a painful regret panging in your chest. Maybe you
should have said something. Maybe you should have tried
harder.<<else>>When his footsteps finally trail away, he
abandons you to your solitude and a seething anger curling in your
gut.<</if>><<else>>You step back and lower your
head, staring at the ground. You can’t <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>bear to look<<else>>stand
looking<</if>> at him anymore.
He doesn’t leave you, not immediately. You’re not sure how long you
stand there, <<if $aeranapp >=60>>waiting—begging—for him
to go. But when his footsteps finally trail away and he abandons you to
your solitude, regret pangs painfully in your chest. Maybe you should
have said something. Maybe you should have tried
harder.<<else>>waiting for him—urging him—to go. When his
footsteps finally trail away and he abandons you to your solitude, anger
curls in your gut, seething at this hollow façade of
friendship.<</if>><</if>>
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Whatever he’s going through, he’s
hurting—hurting so much he can’t even admit the truth to you. As
frustrating as his stubbornness can be, you’re not ready to abandon him.
Not yet.
Exhaling a long, shaky breath, you steel yourself and shove your
thoughts aside. You can’t waste any more time thinking about Aeran
tonight. You leave the garden and head back into the palace, your
solitary footsteps echoing solemnly in your ears as you wind your way
back to the main gallery.<<else>>Aeran’s stubbornness has
always been a thorn in your side and tonight is another reminder of
that. You don’t know what else you could have done.
Maybe nothing at all.
Exhaling a long breath, you steel yourself and shove your thoughts
aside. You’re not going to waste any more time on Aeran. He’s not worth
it. You leave the garden and head back into the palace. Your footsteps
echo solemnly in your ears as you wind your way back to the main
gallery, painfully forlorn without Aeran’s to accompany
them.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$mc_aeran_garden is true>>Though you have half a mind to return
to your quarters, you don’t want to risk encountering Aeran there. You
don’t know where he will go now that you’ve walked out on him…
Frankly, you don’t care.
//Bastard.//<<else>>Though you have half a mind to return
immediately to your quarters, you’re not sure where Aeran has gone.
<<if $aeranapp >=40>>The last thing you want is to
encounter him alone up there and start another fight. And besides…
you’re not sure you can find your way back without first starting at the
gallery.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW LETTERS
A") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP 3A")>>The last
thing you want is to encounter him alone up there. If you see each other
again without time to clear the air, there’s a very good chance you’ll
come to blows again.
Besides, you’re sick of him. That’s enough of a reason not to return to
your apartment at all.<<else>>The last thing you want is to
encounter him alone up there and start another fight. And besides…
you’re sick of him. That’s enough of reason not to return to your
apartment at all.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>>You crumple inside.
You wrap an arm around yourself, your fingers gripping the <<if
$dressed is true>>delicate fabricate of your
$garb<<else>>coarse fabric of your black
uniform<</if>>. A flood of emotions wells up inside you.
You’re torn, broken, the remnants of your friendship caving into a
hollow emptiness within you.
You don’t know what else you could have done. You don’t know what you
should have done.<<else>>Anger curls in your gut, seething
at the hollow façade of your friendship. You don’t know what else you
could have, what else you could have said…<</if>>
Maybe nothing at all.
Exhaling a <<if $aeranapp >=60>>long, shaky breath, you
steel yourself and shove your thoughts aside. You’re not going to waste
any more time thinking about Aeran tonight. He doesn’t deserve
it.<<else>>a long breath, you steel yourself and shove your
thoughts aside. You’re not going to waste any more time on Aeran. He’s
not worth it.<</if>> You leave the garden and head back into
the palace, your solitary footsteps echoing solemnly in your ears as
you wind your way back to the main gallery.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Aeran snorts and draws himself
up to his full height, his piercing blue eyes flickering over you.
“You’re right,” he snarls. “I don’t deny that. I am a coward. And I’ve
let many things—too many things—happen because I am. But at least I’m
confident in my convictions instead of flailing around, letting myself
be pushed into one disaster after the next—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>><<if
$zenaidarefused neq true>>“I wasn’t pushed into this any more than
you were,” you say. “And frankly, I don’t see a disaster, I see an
opportunity. If you don’t like it, you can bow out.<<elseif
$blackout >=1>>“I seem to remember you were the one who agreed
to this in the first place, not me,” you say flatly. “If you don’t like
it, you can bow out.<<else>>“I don’t see a disaster,” you
say flatly. “I see an opportunity. If you don’t like it, you can bow
out.<</if>> We’ve both seen that tower. One Wayfarer is more
than enough to retrieve the Astrial—”
“You’re welcome to have it!” he shouts, his voice oddly strangled. “If
only Umbria would be happy to accept my resignation and let me walk out
of here with all Lethalis’ secrets under my thumb. Believe me,
$firstname, I’d happily give you this one if I could.”
A chill prickles the back of your neck. “Don’t worry. It’s only until
tomorrow. You’ll be rid of me soon enough.”<<if $aeranrom
>=10>> The words tug painfully at your chest, but you do your
best to ignore them. Whatever feelings you may have for him are marred
by your unravelling
friendship.<</if>><<else>><<if
$zenaidarefused neq true>>“I wasn’t pushed into this anymore than
you were,” you say flatly. “We both agreed to take this contract and now
it’s ended. At least I’m still alive and breathing.<<elseif
$blackout >=1>>“I seem to remember you were the one who agreed
to this in the first place, not me,” you say flatly. “And now it’s
ended. At least I’m still alive and breathing.<<else>>“I’m
not the only one responsible for the shit that happened in Rona,” you
say flatly. “At least I’m still alive and breathing.<</if>>
As far as I’m concerned, this is not nearly as disastrous as you seem to
think it is.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he mutters, his voice oddly strangled.
Your gut twists. “What do you want from me, Aeran? It’s over! All of
this is over! <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 SCENE 1 AERAN PINS MC LOW
APP")>>You’ll get what you want soon
enough.<<else>>You’ll be rid of me soon
enough.”<</if>><<if $aeranrom >=10>> The
words tug painfully at your chest, but you do your best to ignore them.
Whatever feelings you may have for him are marred by your unravelling
friendship.<</if>><</if>>
He curses. “It was a fucking mistake looking for you in Karth,
$firstname.”
Your blood runs cold. “Looking? What the hell do you mean //looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Karth was a coincidence, a rare moment of luck in the years of
misfortune that followed the Spire’s fall. You’d given up on following
Wayfarer rumours, knowing each trail would only lead to dead ends and
disappointment. You’d returned to work, taking contracts where you
could, and consigned yourself to living out your life as a sole survivor
of your order. The sandwraith was the first contract you’d taken since
making your decision. Hunting it led you to a dusty desert town in the
middle of nowhere… and to Aeran.
For two years, you thought your reunion was little more than a happy
accident. You’d taken the same contract, tracked the same beast, and
your paths crossed on the hunt.
Or did it?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“You knew I was there,” you say blankly.
“Of course I knew you were there, you’re the only reason I was out there
in the first place!”
Aeran pushes roughly past you, stalking across the garden, a string of
curses on his lips. You back away, arms folded tightly across your
chest, and watch him pace. An unsettled feeling churns in your stomach.
He rarely speaks of the time between the Spire’s fall and your reunion
in Karth. You have little idea of what he did or where he was in those
intervening months, but you always assumed he was like you… wandering
the continent, picking up the pieces of a broken life and a broken
order.
Whatever he’s involved in, it goes back to the Spire.<<if
$aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">> The
person behind those letters must be connected somehow. It’s too much of a
coincidence for them not to be.<</if>>
//Fucking hell…//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>The Wayfarer Order’s fall is a haze in your mind, like a
moving shadow in the corner of your eye that disappears the moment you
look at it. You heard the reports coming out of Artanis. You had
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn’s<<else>>Varyn’s<</if>> letter. You knew
as much as anyone else about how that night ended: a rioting militia,
the Spire overrun, hundreds dead at the hands of thousands, the citadel
destroyed. It was a miracle anyone survived and those that did were soon
scattered to the winds.
Aeran was there. He has the scars to prove it. How did he, of all
people, survive when the order itself did not? Varyn survived,
too—surely he must have been with her when the end came for them?
<<if $sirin_info is true>>And now there’s Sirin Torvar. Was
she with them, too? How did he not know she survived?<</if>>
There is only one thing you know for certain: you’re not letting him
walk out of here without answering you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “What happened that night,
Aeran? What happened at the Spire?”"
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Aeran
is silent for a long time. A breeze passes through the garden, rustling
the leaves of those unwieldly, overgrown plants. Water laps against the
edge of the artificial pond, the soft rippling pounding in your ears.
The courtyard garden closes in on you, shrinking with each passing
second while he stands there, in silence, unable—or unwilling—to answer
you.
//Fuck…//
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Ask him
again.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW APP 3A][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ease off.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW
APP
3B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranrom
>=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 20, 0,
100)>><</if>>Anger ripples through you. “Just answer
the question, Aeran,” you grunt, your voice low. “What happened that—”
He snaps.
<<if $hand_broken neq true and (random(1,20) + $strength >=
18)>><<set $option to 1>>You don’t expect it. Before
you can react, he seizes you by the arm and shoves you forcibly across
the garden. You turn, stumbling as you struggle to recover your balance,
and act on instinct.
Your fist collides with his mouth.
He reels back, dropping to his knees with a hand pressed to his mouth.
You straighten, shaking out the pain in your fingers, and fall into a
defensive stance, watching him carefully. He’s silent for a moment,
breathless as he kneels in the dirt, wisps spiralling frantically in
circles around him. Finally, he drops his hand and rises shakily to his
feet. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Dark blood dribbles down
his chin from a split lip.<<else>>In the dim light, you can
make out the dark blood dribbling down his chin from a split
lip.<</if>>
“There’s only one thing you need to understand about that night,
$firstname,” he says coldly. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped
it. If you’d been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn
and I carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our
decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”<<else>><<set
$option to 2>>You don’t expect it. Before you can react, he has
seized you by the arm and shoved you across the garden. You stumble,
your feet clattering against the stone path, and struggle to recover
your balance. He follows up, faster than you can follow, and slams you
into the nearby wall.
The world spins. You grunt at the <<if $hand_broken is
true>>impact, pain rippling through your hand, and the stone
presses sharply into your back<<else>>impact, the stone
presses sharply into your back<</if>> as Aeran pins you to
the wall. You raise your head and stare <<if $height is "very
short" or $height is "short" or $height is "average">>up
at<<else>>at<</if>> him, chest rising as you
force air into your lungs.<<if $aeran_pushed is true>> Your
mind flashes back to this morning when he rammed you into the ship’s
rails.<</if>>
“There’s only one thing you need to understand about that night,
$firstname,” he says quietly, his voice dangerously low. “You didn’t
survive the Spire, you escaped it. If you’d been at the summit, you’d be
gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry the weight of their deaths on
our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we have to live with. Why do you
think she’s disappeared? <<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she
can’t bear to face you again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring
herself to contact you?<</if>> She saw half her former
apprentices cut down in front of her. It can never go back to the way it
was. The Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let it
go.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $option is 1>>He meets your eyes and there is
nothing there but hate. Hate for you, hate for himself, hate for the
entire damn city. Before you can say another word, he turns and strides
for the exit, silently ducking through the archway and disappearing
deeper into the palace.
You watch him go, anger boiling in your chest. Whatever your
relationship had been in the past, it is now well and truly broken for
good. You aren’t going to waste any more time on Aeran Kellis. Wayfarer
or not, the bastard isn’t worth it.
Not anymore.<<else>>He meets your eyes and there is nothing
there but hate. Hate for you, hate for himself, hate for the entire damn
city. Before you can say another word, he releases you and strides
away, leaving you with your back to the wall.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>You watch him go, gently cradling
your stinging hand, silent<<else>>You watch him go,
silent<</if>> as he disappears deeper into the palace. Anger
boils in your chest. <<if $aeranapp >=20>>Whatever your
relationship has become, you doubt either of you can repair it
now.<<else>>Whatever your relationship had been in the past,
it is now well and truly broken for good.<</if>>
You close your eyes, exhaling a long breath as you shove your thoughts
aside. You aren’t going to waste any more time on Aeran Kellis. Wayfarer
or not, the bastard isn’t worth it. Not anymore.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
leave the garden and head back into the palace, your solitary footsteps
a welcome change as you wind your way back to the main gallery.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
turn away, putting as much distance between you and Aeran as the garden
will allow. You’re tempted to walk away entirely, to leave him to
wallow in his anger and self-inflicted torments.
“$firstname,” he calls.
You glance over your shoulder. “What?”
“There’s only one thing you need to understand about that night,” he
says coldly. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it altogether.
If you’d been at the summit, you would be gone, like the others. Varyn
and I carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our
decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let go.”
You swallow hard, an uncomfortable feeling prickling down your spine.
There’s something about the way he says it…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or
$aeranletters is "chapter2">>[[1. Confront him about the letters.
If their author has something to do with the Spire’s fall, then this may
be your only chance to find the truth.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW
LETTERS]]<<else>>[[1. Push him on it. If there’s more to
this story, this may be your only chance to find out.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE LOW 4B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let him go. There’s been enough bad
blood between the pair of you.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN ARGUE LOW
4C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranrom
>=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 20, 0,
100)>><</if>>“That’s not everything, is it?” you say
sharply. “You—”
His head snaps up. “Oh, of course,” he spits, his eyes going dark.
“You’re going to believe what you want to believe, even when the truth
is staring you in the face. Then here’s a truth for you—maybe something
that will finally get some sense through that thick skull of yours. Hate
me all you want, $firstname, but you need me. And it kills you to know
that. You’re useless on your own.<<nobr>><<if
$blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED")
or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>>You’d be dead two times over in Rona alone
if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>>The
Count would have killed you if it wasn’t for me—”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat
Alley if it wasn’t for me—”
<<else>>How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me—”<</if>><</nobr>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>Anger boils in your chest. “I
think I can do better than you, considering you’re the one who //fucking
shot me!”//
He pales momentarily in horror, but his anger does not relent. “Is that
all you have to say?”<<else>>Anger boils in your chest. “Oh,
fuck you—”
He smiles harshly. “That’s all you have to say?”<</if>>
“You’re such a bastard—”
“Yeah? At least I know what I am and have the conviction to live with
it.”
He storms across the garden and passes through the archway, disappearing
further into the palace. You watch him go, a hundred curses on your
tongue. <<if $aeranapp >=20>>Whatever your relationship
has become, you doubt either of you can repair it
now.<<else>>Whatever your relationship had been in the past,
it is now well and truly broken for good.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
close your eyes, exhaling a long breath as you shove your thoughts
aside. You aren’t going to waste any more time on Aeran Kellis. Wayfarer
or not, the bastard isn’t worth it. Not anymore.
You leave the garden and head back into the palace, your solitary
footsteps a welcome change as you wind your way back to the main
gallery.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 10, 5, 95)>>You say nothing.
Despite the million thoughts racing through your mind, you cannot find
the words.
Aeran exhales a long breath. As you meet his eyes, you could swear you
see a faint, relieved smile, but it could simply be a trick of the
light. He turns, slipping through the archway and disappearing deeper
into the palace. You watch him go, listening to his footsteps trail
away, your anger begrudgingly dissipating.
His stubbornness and irksome behaviour has always been a thorn in your
side. Tonight was just another reminder of that.
Exhausted, worn-out, and in desperate need of a quiet place and some
time to yourself, you leave the garden, your solitary footsteps a
welcome change as you wind your way back to the main gallery.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 40, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranrom
>=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 40, 0,
100)>><</if>>“Then tell me something else,” you say
sharply. “Who’s S.? What were they doing at the Spire? Who wanted you to
come to Velantis—”
Aeran goes deadly still, hands held stiffly at his sides.
“I know about the letters,” you continue. “I know someone’s been writing
to you for years. That they went to Sunderfall, that they want you in
the city—”
He snaps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $hand_broken neq true and
(random(1,20) + $strength >= 18)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE LOW LETTERS A]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 AERAN
ARGUE LOW LETTERS
B]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>He seizes your arm and shoves
you forcibly across the garden. You yelp in surprise, stumbling as you
struggle to recover your balance, and act on instinct.
Your fist collides with his mouth.
He reels back, dropping to his knees with a hand pressed to his mouth.
You straighten, shaking out the pain in your fingers, and fall into a
defensive stance, watching him carefully. He’s silent for a moment,
breathless as he kneels in the dirt, wisps spiralling frantically in
circles around him. Finally, he drops his hand and rises shakily to his
feet. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Dark blood dribbles down
his chin from a split lip.<<else>>In the dim light, you can
just make out the dark blood dribbling down his chin from a split
lip.<</if>>
He meets your eyes and there is nothing there but hate. Hate for you,
hate for himself, hate for the entire damn city.
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>><<nobr>>“You know you’d be dead
two times over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me,” he says, spitting
blood.
<<if $CountB_Branch3 neq true>>“Maybe I should have let the
Count have you.”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>“Maybe I should have let Kane and his thugs
kill you.”
<<else>>“How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me. This whole fucking thing was a
mistake.”<</if>><</nobr>>
“Regrets already?” you sneer.
He pales. Before you can say another word, he turns and strides for the
exit, silently ducking through the archway and disappearing deeper into
the palace.<<else>>“How you made it on your own for three
years is beyond me,” he says, spitting blood. “This whole fucking thing
was a mistake.”
Before you can say another word, he turns and strides for the exit,
silently ducking through the archway and disappearing deeper into the
palace.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You watch him go, anger boiling in your chest. Whatever your
relationship had been in the past, it is now well and truly broken for
good. You aren’t going to waste any more time on Aeran Kellis. Wayfarer
or not, the bastard isn’t worth it.
Not anymore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
leave the garden and head back into the palace, your solitary footsteps
a welcome change as you wind your way back to the main gallery.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>He seizes your arm and shoves
you forcibly across the garden. You yelp in surprise, stumbling as you
struggle to recover your balance, and act on instinct, drawing away. He
follows up, faster than you can move, and slams you into the nearby
wall.
The world spins.
You grunt at the <<if $hand_broken is true>>impact, pain
rippling through your hand, and the stone presses sharply into your
back<<else>>impact, the stone presses sharply into your
back<</if>> as Aeran pins you to the wall. You raise your
head and stare <<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short"
or $height is "average">>up at<<else>>at
him<</if>>, chest rising as you force air into your
lungs.<<if $aeran_pushed is true>> Your mind flashes back to
this morning when he rammed you into the ship’s
rails.<</if>>
He meets your eyes and there is nothing there but hate. Hate for you,
hate for himself, hate for the entire damn city.
<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>><<nobr>>“You know you’d be dead
two times over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me,” he snarls, his voice
barely more than a whisper.
<<if $CountB_Branch3 neq true>>“Maybe I should have let the
Count have you.”
<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>“Maybe I should have let Kane and his thugs
kill you.”
<<else>>“How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me. This whole fucking thing was a
mistake.”<</if>><</nobr>><<else>>“How
you made it on your own for three years is beyond me,” he snarls, his
voice barely more than a whisper. “This whole fucking thing was a
mistake.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Before you can say another word, he releases you and strides
away, leaving you standing alone, your back sagging against the wall.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>You watch him go, gently cradling
your stinging hand, silent<<else>>You watch him go,
silent<</if>> as he disappears deeper into the palace. Anger
boils in your chest. <<if $aeranapp >=20>>Whatever your
relationship has become, you doubt either of you can repair it
now.<<else>>Whatever your relationship had been in the past,
it is now well and truly broken for good.<</if>>
You aren’t going to waste any more time on Aeran Kellis. Wayfarer or
not, the bastard isn’t worth it.
Not anymore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
leave the garden and head back into the palace, your solitary footsteps
a welcome change as you wind your way back to the main gallery.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>When you reach the gallery, you
find it swelling with guests and the terrace ablaze with light. The
crowd has noticeably thinned since you left, with many of the guests
abandoning the gardens and pavilions to seek warmer accommodations
indoors. A cool breeze whispers through the gallery, rustling silks and
decorative banners. <<if $garb is "serithan">>You shiver and
rub your bare arms; as beautiful as your serithan is, it does nothing
to prevent the cold from seeping through the delicate
fabric.<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>You suppress a shiver,
glad for your abberan’s thick jacket.<<else>>You suppress a
shiver, glad for your gear’s sturdy fabric.<</if>> Velantian
nights are surprisingly cool compared to the heat of the day.
Keen to avoid any close looks and questions about your absence, you head
outside to the terrace. The horizon is dark, the mountains obscured by
night. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>The lake is a deep swath
of black, stretching out further than the eye can see. The temple sits
on its shore, gleaming like a beacon.<<else>>You can barely
make out the lake; if not for the golden light illuminating the lakeside
temple, you could not see it at all.<</if>> The lyranaeum
is still and empty, its performers finally retired from its stage.
You slip by a knot of gossiping nobles and find a private spot at the
western edge of the terrace, overlooking the water gardens. Leaning your
back against the terrace balustrade, <<if $mc_reluctant is
true>>you fold your arms tightly across your chest and retreat
into yourself. <<if $aeranapp >=40>>Without Aeran here,
you’re<<else>>If you’re honest, you’re<</if>>
not sure what to do with yourself. You don’t know any of these people
and making introductions so close to the end of the night feels
foolishly awkward…<<else>>you rest your hands loosely in
front of you and try to act as casually as you can. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>Without Aeran here,
you’re<<else>>You’re<</if>> a lone agent. You
hardly know any of these people… and it’s not like you can make
introductions so close to the end of the night.<</if>>
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>><<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>Your head snaps up, drawn by the sound of your name.
Casting an eye across the terrace, you spot a group of nobles staring at
you shamelessly as they mutter to themselves. One points to your
splinted hand.<<else>>You can feel someone watching you.
Raising your head, you glance across the terrace, seeking the source of
your uneasiness. It doesn’t take you long to find a group of nobles
staring shamelessly at you, whispering to each other as they look you up
and down. One points to your splinted hand.<</if>>
//Fuck…// Of course they weren’t going to forget about your tussle with
the Grand Archsage anytime soon. By coming back here, all you’ve done is
drawn unwanted attention to yourself.<<else>>You can feel
eyes on you, some curious, some judgmental.<<if $ancestry is
"aeda">> You hear your name more than once, shamelessly muttered
between curious onlookers.<</if>> No one is alone here, at
the end of the gala, not even the most maligned aristocrats. Despite
your intentions to take a moment for yourself, your solitude has only
drawn unwanted attention.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
push off the balustrade and head back into the crowd, searching
hurriedly for a familiar face—any familiar face. You need a reason to
integrate with these aristocrats before someone questions your
reappearance…
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item">[[1. Check the
terrace.|CHAPTER 2.5 02A]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. Check the western gallery.|CHAPTER
2.5 02B]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[3. Check the eastern gallery.|CHAPTER
2.5 02C]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><s>4. You have nowhere else to
check.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 2>><<set $option to 1>>You duck through an
archway and slip back outside. <<elseif $option is
3>><<set $option to 1>>You walk in a wide circle to
avoid Veyer and quietly slip through a different archway to the terrace.
<<elseif $option is 4>>You quietly slip through a different
archway to the terrace. <</if>>Past the stairs to the
grounds, the terrace widens out in a semi-circle. Carved stone benches
lined with plush pillows are distributed evenly across the area. By day,
this would be a pleasant place to sit and overlook the grounds. By
night, this is a place for hushed talk and whispers between lovers as
they watch the stars and moon above. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 EP
MUSICIAN START")>>A familiar bard<<else>>A
bard<</if>> strumming a pandura has taken up position in the
centre of the terrace, striding between the benches as they play a
mesmerizing tune.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 EP MUSICIAN
START")>> They catch your eye and gracefully turn their back on
you, clearly keen not to engage with you again.<</if>>
Melchior Larkspur stands at the end of the terrace, leaning casually
against the balustrade as he observes the grounds below, no longer
surrounded by sycophants or flatterers. Though you have no way of
knowing whether he is wearing an illusion, he seems to be more like the
person you met beneath Phairan’s statue than the lounging, hedonistic
philanderer he inhabited in the pavilions. <<if $phaedra_favour is
1>>You wonder if Phaedra had something to do with
that…<<else>>You wonder if your discussion had something to
do with that…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02A")>><s>1. Check the
terrace.</s><<else>>[[1. Check the terrace.|CHAPTER
2.5 02A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02B")>><s>2. Check the western
gallery.</s><<else>>[[2. Check the western
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>><s>3. Check the eastern
gallery.</s><<else>>[[3. Check the eastern
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02A")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02B") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>>[[4. You have nowhere else to check.|CHAPTER 2.5
03]]<<else>><s>4. You have nowhere else to
check.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<set $option to 2>>You slip inside the
gallery,<<else>><<set $option to 2>>You cross
the gallery,<</if>>
<<if $mc_reluctant is true>>pushing your way stiffly through
the crowd.<<else>>walking casually through the
crowd.<</if>><</nobr>> <<if $hand_broken
is true and $aeranapp >=40>>You pass the fountain where Aeran
splinted your hand and your heart clenches.<<elseif
$hand_broken>>You pass the fountain where Aeran splinted your hand
and your chest tightens, anger rippling through
you.<<else>>You pass the bubbling fountain, a feeling of
déjà vu crawling across the back of your neck. <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>It was only a few hours ago when you passed through here
with Aeran…
An uncomfortable feeling coils in your chest. You don’t want to think
about him. Not right now.<<else>>It was only a few hours ago
when you passed through here with…
//Fuck.//
Anger coils in your chest. You didn’t come here to think about Aeran,
you came here to escape him.<</if>><</if>>
Clearing your mind, you raise your head and scan the crowd. Phaedra
Amestris sits primly on the edge of an elegant sofa, the train of her
deep crimson skirts pooling gently at her feet. She’s speaking to a
finely dressed retainer in the House Anaxas staff colours. Strange that
she’s alone, rather than surrounded by other nobles of her station…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02A")>><s>1. Check the
terrace.</s><<else>>[[1. Check the terrace.|CHAPTER
2.5 02A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02B")>><s>2. Check the western
gallery.</s><<else>>[[2. Check the western
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>><s>3. Check the eastern
gallery.</s><<else>>[[3. Check the eastern
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02A")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02B") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>>[[4. You have nowhere else to check.|CHAPTER 2.5
03]]<<else>><s>4. You have nowhere else to
check.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 2>>You cross the gallery<<else>>You slip
inside the gallery<</if>> and head for the far side. Here,
the windows descend from the ceiling in tall panels of stained glass.
Now that the sun has fallen, the glass is backlit with conjured light so
the colours fracture in beautiful patterns across the floor. You draw
to a halt, pretending to admire the artistry as you search for anyone
you recognize.
<<if $veyer_impression >=1>><<set $option to
3>>You blink in surprise.
Veyer Krellion lingers in an archway that exits out onto the terrace.
They lean casually against a pillar, arms folded lightly across their
chest as they cast an eye about, observing the milling crowd. They spot
you easily and smirk, their eyes gleaming.
You pause. You have a feeling they aren’t here for the archon’s guests.
They’re here for you.<<else>><<set $option to
4>>No one. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02A") and
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02B") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>>Looks like your choices are limited…<<else>>You
should try somewhere else.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02A")>><s>1. Check the
terrace.</s><<else>>[[1. Check the terrace.|CHAPTER
2.5 02A]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02B")>><s>2. Check the western
gallery.</s><<else>>[[2. Check the western
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02B]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>><s>3. Check the eastern
gallery.</s><<else>>[[3. Check the eastern
gallery.|CHAPTER 2.5 02C]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item"><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02A")
and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 02B") and hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
02C")>>[[4. You have nowhere else to check.|CHAPTER 2.5
03]]<<else>><s>4. You have nowhere else to
check.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
can sense the crowd churning around you, feel their lingering looks and
their curious gazes. You can’t leave, not yet—that will only draw more
attention. You need to give yourself a reason to be here.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Talk to Phaedra.|CHAPTER 2.5
PHAEDRA]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Talk to Melchior.|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $veyer_impression
>=1>>[[3. Talk to Veyer.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER]]
<<else>><s>3. Conditional story requirements have not
been
met.</s><</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Whether
it is through magic or the strength of her own cognizance, Phaedra
senses your approach from a distance. She folds her hands firmly in her
lap, reinforcing her uncompromising image of grace and authority, and
continues her address, feigning unawareness. She must not care whether
you overhear her or not.
“…we need not trouble the archon with machinations that are, frankly,
beneath us all,” she says. “If humiliation is Orestis and Axeon’s goal,
then humiliation it shall be—though perhaps not the kind they intended.”
“Yes, Councillor.”
She pauses. “You disapprove?”
“No, Councillor.”
She waits.
The retainer sighs. “The archon will not approve. Orestis and Axeon are
cousins of the House—”
“And their proximity to Sophia has granted them far too much sway in the
past year while she has been occupied elsewhere. Through no fault of
her own, she cannot act—but I can. Think what you want of Vardell, but
he is an elected official. The city needs him far more than that
incompetent pair of pustules.”
You draw to a halt several feet from the edge of the couch. As the
retainer opens his mouth to object, he catches you in the corner of his
eye and clamps his mouth shut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
ALT]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
01]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>Melchior
is silent as you approach. Though he does not acknowledge you, you have
a feeling he became aware of your presence the moment you stepped onto
the terrace. An illusionist of his reputed talent never misses anything.
The breeze picks up, murmuring in your ears as the cool air rushes over
you. It tugs at Melchior’s hair, the midnight locks whispering across
the nape of his neck. The celestial earrings—so excessive, yet so
exquisite—clink against each other, chiming in the wind.
“There was a wager, you know,” he says after a moment, keeping his back
to you.
You pause. “About what?”
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>>“Whether you would return or not.
After that delightful display with the Grand Archsage, some were certain
you had left to hang your head in shame… or the archon had ordered your
execution.”
“My head’s fine. Firmly on my shoulders.”
He glances over his shoulder, an amused smile on his lips. “As it should
be. I’d hate to see anything else.” His eyes flicker over you. “You
certainly know how to make an impression, $firstname. Mahanin won’t soon
forget you.”
“I doubt that,” you reply, drawing up beside him and resting your hands
on the balustrade. The pavilions are still. Quiet. Dark. It’s strange to
see them like this, after the raucous revelry you witnessed only a few
hours ago. “Give it a week and some new scandal is bound to draw their
attention.”
“You underestimate Velantian nobility. Give it a week and some poor
playwright will be contracted into putting your exploits to the stage,
immortalized forever.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I seriously doubt it’s worth the
effort.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 1A][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…what? They really do
that?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 1A][$option to 2, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Noted. Always wanted to be
immortal.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 1A][$option to 3, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Whether
you would return or not. You disappeared in quite the rush.”
A shiver prickles across the nape of your neck. “I’m free to go where I
want,” you say. “I’m not a prisoner here.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And Her Grace was in the lyranaeum, in quite the
opposite direction. Curious behaviour for a bodyguard, don’t you think?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Never said I was a good bodyguard.”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL 1B][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m off-duty. You won’t find me
following Zenaida around like a little puppy dog.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
1B][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You’re curiously interested for
someone who’s not even on the guestlist.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 1B][$option to
3, $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Veyer’s
smile widens as you approach. “$lastname! Fancy seeing you here—”
“Skip the pleasantries,” you grunt. “What do you want?”
They shrug, unbothered by your abrasive tone. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Is it not enough to be
simply interested in you?” they ask. “We are to be working together,
after all. You could consider us colleagues for the foreseeable future.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, it’s only for—”
They //tsk// and press a finger to their lips. “Careful,” they murmur.
“Certain parties would be very displeased if their intentions were
revealed too soon. The Grand Archsage may no longer be present, but even
whispers have a way of reaching his ears.”
“He’s not here?” You glance over your shoulder, scanning the gallery.
“What happened to him?”<<else>>“Is my curiosity such an
insult?” they ask.
“Not sure yet. Haven’t decided.”
They press a hand to their chest and flash you a mock look of shock.
“How considerate! After the Grand Archsage, I would have thought no
mages could hold your interest.”
You pause, a feeling of unease crawling across the back of your neck,
and glance over your shoulder, scanning the crowd. <<if
$allegra_met is true>>If Quirinus or Arantir are
here…<<else>>If Quirinus is here…<</if>>
Veyer notes your change in tone and quietly drops the act. “He’s not
here,” they say quietly.
“Why? What happened to him?”<</if>>
<<if $sabien_punch is 3>>“He left some time after your
exhilarating altercation,” they reply. “For a man who can heal almost
any injury almost instantaneously, he was quite wounded. Though I
suspect it had little to do with the broken nose.”
A satisfied smile tugs at your lips. “Good.”<<elseif $sabien_punch
is 2>>“He left some time after your altercation,” they say.
“Despite finding your display amusing, he seemed uncharacteristically
shaken. Though you didn’t hear that from me.”
A satisfied smile tugs at your lips. “Good.”<<else>>“He left
some time ago and returned to Ruval Palace. It seems there was little
of interest for him here after you and Kellis left.”
You sigh irritably. “That’s good, I suppose.”<</if>>
“Quite.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_impression to false>>“I’m sure you understand how this
must play out, Zydar,” Phaedra continues. “Rasmira does consider you the
most promising assistant they’ve had in fifty years. An excellent
candidate to fill their shoes in the wake of their imminent retirement. I
would so very much hate for you to prove them wrong. Their
disappointment has a certain… sting.”
The retainer’s hands fall stiffly to their sides. “Yes, Councillor.”
“Now, if you would, please inform Vardell of our little understanding.
And if I may ask a second favour, take this Wayfarer with you. $HeShe
<<is>> new to Mahanin and <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>seems<<else>>seem<</if>> to have
some difficulty navigating the palace.”
<<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>You pause, hesitating at the
sharpness of her tone. You’re not sure what you did to upset her or why
she’s behaving like she doesn’t know who you are.<<else>>You
pause, noting the sharpness of her tone and her insistence on behaving
like she doesn’t know who you are. She must be upset at how you handled
Melchior…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…well, fuck you, too.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE ALT
1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t need an escort,
thanks.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE ALT 1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t respond. You only came here
for an excuse to get the rest of these people off your back. She’s given
you exactly what you want.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE ALT
1C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$phaedra_impression to true>><<if ($origin is "noble") and
(ndef $lastname2)>>“What do you think, $firstname?” Phaedra asks
with a casual glance. “You are the <<if $gender is
"male">>son<<elseif $gender is
"female">>daughter<<else>>child<</if>> of
the Vestran aristocracy. What would your House do with your family’s
unscrupulous maggots? Leave them to fester or cut them out?”
Her words hit you like a punch to the gut.<<elseif ($origin is
"merchant") and (ndef $lastname2)>>“What do you think,
$firstname?” Phaedra asks with a casual glance. “You are the <<if
$gender is "male">>son<<elseif $gender is
"female">>daughter<<else>>child<</if>> of
infamous Coveran merchants. Your family must have its fair share of
unscrupulous maggots. What do they do? Leave them to fester or cut them
out?”
Her words hit you like a punch to the gut.<<else>>“What do
you think, $firstname?” Phaedra asks with a casual glance. “You’re free
from the stink of House politics, but that gives you an undiscerning
eye. If you were a member of a Great House, what would you do? Cut out
the unscrupulous maggots or leave them to fester and
rot?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if ($origin is "noble") and (ndef
$lastname2)>>[[1. [CHILD OF THE CITY] “Considering I was the
unscrupulous maggot, I think you have your answer.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
02A]]
<<elseif ($origin is "merchant") and (ndef $lastname2)>>[[1.
[CHILD OF THE SEAS] “Considering I was the unscrupulous maggot, I think
you have your answer.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 02A]]
<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have not
been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not going to answer that, not
when I don’t know what these lords did to offend you. I won’t determine
some unknown man’s fate like that.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 02B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk away.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
02C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Phaedra
turns, finally deigning to acknowledge your presence. “$lastname, was
it?” she says.<<if $phaedrarom >=1>> The dismissiveness
of her tone bites.<</if>> “I see you keep your tongue as
brutish as <<if $hand_broken is true>>your fist…” Her eyes
flicker down, passing over your splinted hand. “Is it as breakable, I
wonder?”
You reflexively try to curl your fingers into your palm. Pain shudders
through your wrist. “What the hell are you on
about?”<<else>>your fist.”
“As brutish as my… what the hell are you on about?”<</if>>
She fixes you with a cold look. Though she remains seated, she carries
herself with such a natural command, she may as well be towering over
you. “Violence has no place in Oriath District,” she says. “For most,
the criminalisation of armaments—open or concealed—has enforced it.
Frankly, I’m not surprised you found a way around it and took to your
fists. You are a Wayfarer, after all.”
//Fuck… She’s talking about Quirinus.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t care. I’d do it again, if I
could.”|CHAPTER 2.5 2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Quirinus deserved it.”|CHAPTER 2.5
2][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Spare me the judgement, what
happened is between me and him.”|CHAPTER 2.5 2][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>Phaedra
turns, finally deigning to acknowledge your presence. “On the
contrary,” she says, “I’m certain you do. If your performance earlier
this evening was anything to go by, you, like a child, have a habit of
making a mess when left unsupervised.”
Your jaw clenches. “I wouldn’t put it like that—”
“But I do. And frankly, my insight carries far more weight and import
than yours ever will.”
“I—”
“Violence has no place in Oriath District, $lastname. For most, the
criminalisation of open arms has enforced it. Frankly, I’m not surprised
you found a way around it and took to your fists. You are a Wayfarer,
after all.”
//Fuck… She’s talking about Quirinus.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t care. I’d do it again, if I
could.”|CHAPTER 2.5 2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Quirinus deserved it.”|CHAPTER 2.5
2][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Spare me the judgement, what
happened is between me and him.”|CHAPTER 2.5 2][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>Phaedra
turns, finally deigning to acknowledge your presence. “Well, then,” she
says, arching an eyebrow. “Perhaps there are some manners buried deep
within below your brutish exterior. Curious, but unfortunately I have no
interest in pursuing this further. You understand, yes, $lastname?
After your little display, I cannot, in good conscience, show that I am
willing to associate with you. Zydar, show $himher out—and make sure
$heshe <<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>doesn’t<<else>>don’t<</if>> wander.
I’d hate to think what would happen if they encountered a Guild mage
without supervision.”
You grit your teeth and let her insulting tone slide over you. So this
is about Quirinus… No wonder she doesn’t want to be seen talking
favourably with you. There’s no point in retorting. She’s perceptive,
intelligent, and a keen politician. <<if $perception >=8 and
($perceptionsuccess > $perceptionfail)>>You might be able to
talk yourself out of most situations, but you doubt this will be one of
them.<<elseif $perception <=7 and ($perceptionsuccess >
$perceptionfail)>>You might be able to talk yourself out of
situations when you least expect it, but you doubt this will be one of
them. <<else>>You’re not going to be able to talk yourself
out of this one.<</if>>
Zydar clears his throat. “This way, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, bowing
politely, but firmly. “Please.”
Rolling your eyes, you allow him to escort you from the gallery. Despite
the annoyance you feel at being expelled from the gala like an unruly
patron from a tavern, you’re glad to be finally rid of it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>“Oh, I have no doubt of that,” she says. “Your
animosity binds you together as much as it pushes you apart. Besides,
how could you resist the performance of it all? A centuries-old enmity
finally brought to a head. A lone Wayfarer—one of the last of the former
order—striking the Grand Archsage of the Guild of Mages?
Congratulations. You’ve single-handedly fueled months of conjecture and
gossip.”
“That’s not what I—”
“What you intended? Of course not. Regardless, your little display has
been understood as one thing: an unprovoked assault on the Grand
Archsage. Some might even consider it an attempt on his
life.”<<elseif $option is 2>>“You may believe that
wholeheartedly, $lastname, but you will find it difficult to find others
who agree,” she says. “Your display on the terrace occurred before the
eyes of the Velantian court. Your actions were clear to all who
witnessed it—an unprovoked assault on the Grand Archsage. Some might
even consider it an attempt on his life.”<<else>>“Hardly,”
she says. “By striking him in front of the Velantian court, you brought
the judgement of the Great Houses down upon you. In their eyes, your
actions were clear—an unprovoked assault on a key figure in this city.
Some might even consider it an attempt on his life.”<</if>>
“Believe me, if I was trying to kill him, you would know,” you grunt.
She regards you with a flat look. “Let’s not follow that conjecture,
$lastname,” she says. <<if $origin is "noble" and (ndef
$lastname2)>>“Despite certain unsophisticated qualities, you are a
<<if $gender is "male">>son<<elseif $gender is
"female">>daughter<<else>>child<</if>> of
the Vestran aristocracy. You must know full well
that<<else>>“Unsophisticated though you may be, I know you
are an intelligent <<if $gender is "male">>man<<elseif
$gender is
"female">>woman<<else>>individual<</if>>.
You must have realized by now that<</if>> were you in the
employ of Zenaida Anaxas, you would find yourself imprisoned in the
Themistrya tonight.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Quirinus could take this to the archon,
sure, but I doubt it will go that far. He has better things to do with
his time than bother with me.”|CHAPTER 2.5 3][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Prison? Boring. If he’s going to be
predictable, he might as well try a little harder.”|CHAPTER 2.5
3][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “The Themistrya doesn’t worry
me.”|CHAPTER 2.5 3][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
visitedTags("zydar")>>Zydar is silent as he guides you through
the palace, which suits you just fine. Your encounter with Phaedra has
left a sour taste in your mouth and a part of you is eager to pick a
fight. But while a dozen bitter insults linger on your tongue, you can’t
bring yourself to speak them. Just looking at the anxious little man
gives you no satisfaction and the mere thought of yelling at him leaves
an unfulfilled emptiness churning in your stomach.
//Fuck it all.//
You climb the stairs to the second level and wind your way down a
familiar hall. Time stretches out, the minutes passing painfully slow.
No matter how quickly you walk, your apartment seems further and further
away. Annoyingly, the retainer keeps pace, dogging your heels as you
take the lead. He nervously casts an eye to and fro as you pass open
archways and doors, no doubt wondering what to do if you bolt from your
designated route.
When you reach your apartment, you mutter a gruff, reluctant thanks to
Zydar and pull the doors open. You can feel a headache growing, pulsing
between your brows. You want nothing more than to go to
bed.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 05-ROM") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 05-REG")>>You thread your way through
the palace halls, barely noticing the handful of aristocrats who have
also decided that now is a fine time to make their exit. Buoyed by your
conversation with Phaedra, you quickly climb the stairs to the second
level, easily finding your way back. <<if $phaedrarom
>=1>>Your step is light, your heart fluttering—she has a
certain affect on you and you’d be a fool to deny
it.<<else>>Your step is light—somehow, speaking with her has
removed a certain weight from your shoulders.<</if>> It was
nice to ignore your problems—if only for a little while.
You slow your pace as you reach the end of the hall. Suppressing a yawn,
you pull the doors open and slip inside. Gods, you’re looking forward
to finally sleeping in a proper bed…<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 05")>>You walk briskly through the palace halls, pushing
past a handful of aristocrats who have come to the same conclusion as
you and decided now is a fine time to make their exit. Ignoring their
muttered protests, you clamber up the stairs to the second level and
storm down the hall. Your gut twists with a muddle of emotions, gnawing
away at you like a dog at a bone.
Approaching Phaedra was a misstep, one of many you’ve taken tonight.
While you’re still uncertain if her final words were a threat, you know
without a doubt she is displeased with you. Angering a powerful
Velantian politician was not part of the plan… as if you need more
trouble.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>//Be patient,
$firstname… Just a few more days. A few more days and then you can get
out of here, leave it all behind…//
You<<else>>You<</if>> reach your apartment and
pull open the doors.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10
DECLINE")>>You walk briskly through the palace halls, pushing past
a handful of aristocrats who have come to the same conclusion as you
and decided now is a fine time to make their exit. Ignoring their
muttered protests, you clamber up the stairs to the second level and
hurry down the hall. <<if $melchiorapp >=40>>Regret
twists in your gut. While you’re certain Melchior wasn’t offended you
refused his invitation, a part of you wishes you hadn’t. But you’ve had
enough trouble for one evening… You shouldn’t invite
more.<<else>>While part of you regrets refusing Melchior’s
invitation, you’re certain it was for the best. You’ve had more than
enough trouble for one evening. An actors’ company would certainly only
invite more.<</if>>
You reach the end of the hall. Sighing heavily and thinking only of your
bed, you pull the doors open and slip inside your
apartment.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 8
EXIT")>>You storm through the palace halls, barely cognizant of
the handful of guests who have also decided to make an exit. Ignoring
their muttered protests, you clamber up the stairs to the second level
and hurry down the hall. Your gut twists with a muddle of emotions,
gnawing away at you like a dog at a bone.
The memory of Veyer’s mouth on yours is fresh in your mind. Heat flushes
across the back of your neck, crawling down your spine…
You don’t want to admit how close you were to going with them. You don’t
know whether to be disgusted with yourself.
You reach the end of the hall. Exhaling a shaky breath, you push Veyer
from your mind and pull the doors open, slipping inside your
apartment.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 7") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 6B EXIT")>>You walk briskly through
the palace halls, pushing past a handful of aristocrats who have come to
the same conclusion as you and decided now is a fine time to make their
exit. Ignoring their muttered protests, you clamber up the stairs to
the second level and hurry down the hall.
It’s difficult to put Veyer from your mind. No matter how much you don’t
want to think on it, the memory of your conversation and their
invitation lingers. But you know without a doubt this was the best
course of action. They are trouble—and you’ve had more than enough
trouble for one evening.
You reach the end of the hall. Sighing heavily and thinking only of your
bed, you pull the doors open and slip inside your
apartment.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5C") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5.1B") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
5.2B")>>You storm through the palace halls, barely cognizant of
the handful of guests who have also decided to make an exit. Ignoring
their muttered protests, you clamber up the stairs to the second level
and hurry down the hall. Your gut twists with a muddle of emotions,
gnawing away at you like a dog at a bone.
//Fuck Veyer. Fuck them.//
That ridiculous mage… the sheer audacity. You almost have to admire them
for their gall—if you weren’t so angry at them. You should have talked
to anyone else… anyone but them.
You reach the hall faster than you thought. Surprised at how little time
it took and needing to blow off more steam, you kick the doors open and
slip inside your apartment.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">
<<if (($letters_told isnot true) and ($aeranrom >=60 and
$aeranapp >=60)) or ($letters_told isnot true and
$aeranRom_Confession is true)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM]]
<<elseif ($letters_told isnot true) and ($aeranapp >=60) and
($aeranrom <=10) and ($aeranromance isnot true) and
($rhodarthDead_How isnot 5) and ($rhodarthDead_How isnot
6)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND]]
<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO
AERAN]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>“And if he does?” Phaedra counters. “Zenaida may be the
archon’s daughter, but she does not represent the full force of her
House. And House Anaxas will not stoop so far simply to protect a single
bodyguard—a bodyguard who arrived in Velantis under suspicious
circumstances, I might add.”
You pause, swallowing a retort. The councillor is dangerously perceptive
and she has already shown her doubts.<<elseif $option is
2>>“Do not invite more poor fortune on yourself, $lastname,”
Phaedra says. <<if $hand_broken is true>>“You may have hurt
yourself more in your attempt to hurt him than you know. The Grand
Archsage will not<<else>>“The Grand Archsage’s attentions
have passed you by for now, but he will not<</if>> suffer
such an insult forever. He will find a way to punish you in his own
time, mark my words.”
“Noted.”
You pause, swallowing any further retorts. The councillor is perceptive,
intelligent, and a keen politician—and that makes her
dangerous.<<else>>“Then you’re either brazenly confident or a
fool,” Phaedra says. “I suppose to some there is hardly a difference
between the two. The Themistrya has never held a Wayfarer. But I do not
doubt it will test your limits, should you ever find yourself there. I
would not wish such a fate on even my greatest enemy.”
“Is that what I am now?” you ask. “Your greatest enemy?”
She regards you with a cold look. “Hardly. You’re an anomaly—one that I
will watch with great interest from a distance.”
You pause, her words weighing heavily on you. The councillor is
perceptive, intelligent, and a keen politician—and that makes her
dangerous.<</if>> <<if $phaedrarom >=1>>You
should distance yourself from her as quickly and quietly as you can
before you reveal something unintentionally. <<if $perception
>=8 and ($perceptionsuccess > $perceptionfail)>>You might be
able to talk yourself out of most situations, but you doubt this will
be one of them.<<elseif $perception <=7 and ($perceptionsuccess
> $perceptionfail)>>You might be able to talk yourself out of
situations when you least expect it, but you doubt this will be one of
them. <<else>>You’re not going to be able to talk yourself
out of this one.<</if>>
//Shit…//
And you were beginning to like her, too.<<else>>You should
distance yourself from her as quickly and quietly as you can before you
reveal something unintentionally. <<if $perception >=8 and
($perceptionsuccess > $perceptionfail)>>You might be able to
talk yourself out of most situations, but you doubt this will be one of
them.<<elseif $perception <=7 and ($perceptionsuccess >
$perceptionfail)>>You might be able to talk yourself out of
situations when you least expect it, but you doubt this will be one of
them. <<else>>You’re not going to be able to talk yourself
out of this one.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Phaedra
sighs and leans back into the couch. “Zydar, see $lastname out, if you
would,” she says, giving you a little dismissive wave of her hand. “I
think it’s far past time $heshe <<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>retires<<else>>retire<</if>>. And
make sure <<if $pronounsPlural is false>>$heshe
doesn’t<<else>>don’t<</if>> wander. I’d hate to
think what would happen if they encountered a Guild mage without
supervision.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>A smirk tugs at
the corners of your lips and you quickly suppress it. If only she
knew…<<else>>Your jaw clenches.<</if>> “Frankly,
I’ve see enough of the Guild to last a lifetime,” you grunt.
She turns her head to survey the gallery, pointedly ignoring you.
Zydar clears his throat. “This way, Wayfarer $lastname,” he says, bowing
politely, but firmly. “Please.”
Rolling your eyes, you allow him to escort you from the gallery. Despite
the irritation you feel at being expelled from the gala like an unruly
patron from a tavern, you’re glad to finally be rid of it.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>Phaedra
closes her eyes and exhales a slow breath, regret rippling across her
face. “My apologies, $firstname,” she says. “That was horrendously
impolite of me. I did not… stop to consider what the childhood of a
magianis must have been like in the hands of <<if ($origin is
"noble") and (ndef $lastname2)>>a powerful
House.”<<else>>a powerful family.”<</if>>
“Yeah, well…” You fold your arms tightly across your chest, as if you
can press away the emotional distress that flared at the mention of your
family. “Why would you? Why would anyone?”
She pauses, weighing your question as she prepares her answer, then
gestures dismissively at Zydar. The retainer bows quickly and withdraws.
“There is a little known fact about House Amestris, $firstname,” she
says quietly as she watches his retreating back. “‘Little known’ as it
has been decades since it was relevant and… to be quite honest, the
Lotharic provinces have changed significantly since then.”
“Your point?” you say impatiently.
“I had a sister. A half-sister, adopted into the House when she was but a
small child. She was as you are. Magianis.”
You rub the back of your neck, uncertain of how to take her statement.
Either she is playing you or trying to empathize with you… “Was she a
Wayfarer?” you ask.
“No. The Order came for her, as they once did for many children, but she
had no interest in joining their ranks. The Wayfarer master sent to
recruit her—Rindan Cenric, I believe—did not press the issue. She was
content to live her life as she pleased—free of magic and free from
duty.”
You hesitate. “Is she… still with you?”
Phaedra shakes her head. “No. The misfortune of human heritage. She
passed some fifty years ago, quietly and happily. As I said, she was
content with her life. She was dear to many and is sorely missed.” She
sighs and fixes you with a warm smile. “But I suppose you came to me to
discuss other matters. Let us leave the past in the past. Is there
something I can do for you, or have you merely fled to me to avoid the
attention of the gossipmongers?”
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
03C-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Phaedra
throws back her head and laughs. “Oh, my dear, no, no,” she says. “You
won’t determine their fate, rest assured. Call this a… simple exercise
of curiosity. Your background has given you a unique perception of the
world. I would merely like to borrow it for a moment.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Don’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 04A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fine.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$phaedrarom >=1>><<phaedraRomanceLoss>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom - 1, 0,
100)>><</if>><<set $phaedra_impression to
true>>You roll your eyes and walk away, pushing roughly past the
shocked retainer.
“Oh, come now, $firstname,” Phaedra calls. “You’re the one who came to
me. Surely there was a reason for that—or did you simply plan to use me
to escape the gossipmongers? If so, you’ve yet to shake their
attention.”
You slow to a stop and glance over your shoulder at her. “Then don’t ask
me stupid questions,” you grunt. “I’m not interested in your petty
politics.”
She fixes you with a cool stare. “I would hardly call them that. When
the decisions of the people here in this room affect the lives of the
city below, our frivolous feuds are anything but trivial—no matter how
petty they seem to you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re really not doing yourself any
favours.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 05][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay quiet. You have a feeling she’s
the kind of person who always needs to have the final word.|CHAPTER 2.5
PHAE 05][$option to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>She laughs,
smile lines creasing around her eyes as her gaze sweeps over you. “Is
that a problem, $firstname?” she asks archly.
Excitement flutters in your heart. You know that look. You never
expected someone like Phaedra—elegant, powerful, the epitome of
everything an Arathian politician should be—would be the one looking at
you like that. “No,” you say. “Not yet, at least.”
“Good,” she replies, resting an elbow on the armrest and leaning over
conspiratorially. “I enjoy our little interludes. They are remarkably
refreshing.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
ROM-04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>She places a
hand on the couch’s armrest and leans in conspiratorially. “Then let me
share a secret,” she says. “I am, too.”
You raise an eyebrow. “I doubt you’ve done anything to spark rumours—”
Her eyes flicker to you and a secretive smile crosses her lips.
“…or if you have, you’ve had them squashed,” you add.
“Of course,” she replies. “I am a councillor. There will always be
rumours, unsubstantiated or not. But thankfully, I have the temperament
and resources to deal with them.” Her eyes sweep over you, looking you
up and down. “You know, $firstname, I do enjoy our little interludes.
They are remarkably refreshing.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
ROM-04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<phaedraRomance>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0, 100)>>She arches an
eyebrow. “Friendly? Is that how you’ve come to see me? Intriguing.”
You pause and rub the back of your neck, caught off-guard by the candour
of her tone. “Well… As you’ve probably guessed by now, I haven’t had
much a chance to make many… friends here.”
Her smile broadens, her dark eyes sparkling. “Then I’m honoured to be
your first,” she says. She places a hand on the couch’s armrest and
leans in conspiratorially. “You know, $firstname, I do enjoy our little
interludes. They are remarkably refreshing.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
ROM-04]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>She raises an eyebrow. “I hope that will not be a
problem, $firstname.”
“I don’t know. Haven’t decided yet.”
“Good.” She rests an elbow on the armrest and leans over
conspiratorially. “I enjoy our little interludes. They are remarkably
refreshing.”<<elseif $option is 2>>She places a hand on the
couch’s armrest and leans in conspiratorially. “Then let me share a
secret,” she says. “I am, too.”
You raise an eyebrow. “I doubt you’ve done anything to spark rumours—”
Her eyes flicker to you and a secretive smile crosses her lips.
“…or if you have, you’ve had them squashed,” you add.
“Of course,” she replies. “I am a councillor. There are always going to
be rumours, unsubstantiated or not. But thankfully, I have the
temperament and resources to deal with them.” She pauses and exhales a
long breath. “You know, $firstname, I do enjoy our little interludes.
They are remarkably refreshing.”<<else>>She arches an
eyebrow. “Friendly? Is that how you’ve come to see me? Intriguing.”
You pause, taken aback by her candour. “As you’ve probably guessed by
now, I haven’t had much of a chance to endear myself to the people
here.”
Her smile broadens. “Then I’m honoured that you’ve come to me,” she
says. She places a hand on the couch’s armrest and leans in
conspiratorially. “You know, $firstname, I do enjoy our little
interludes. They are remarkably refreshing.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04-REG]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$phaedrarom >=1>><<phaedraRomanceLoss>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom - 1, 0,
100)>><</if>>She regards you coolly for a moment.
“Zydar,” she calls without looking at them, “I’m sure you understand how
this must play out. Rasmira does consider you the most promising
assistant they’ve had in fifty years. An excellent candidate to fill
their shoes in the wake of their imminent retirement. I would so very
much hate for you to prove them wrong. Their disappointment has a
certain… sting.”
The retainer stiffens. “Yes, Councillor.”
“Then, if you would, please inform Vardell of our little understanding,”
she continues, dismissing him with a wave. “Maybe he will finally sleep
soundly at night. His husband will be most… appreciative.”
He pauses, then bows quickly and withdraws.
Phaedra watches him go. “Why the unanticipated visit, $firstname?” she
asks as he retreats across the gallery. “Is there something I can do for
you, or have you merely fled to me to avoid the attention of the
gossipmongers?”
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
03C-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$phaedrarom >=1>><<phaedraRomance>><<set
$phaedrarom to Math.clamp($phaedrarom + 1, 0,
100)>><</if>>She arches an eyebrow. “Well?” she says,
gesturing for you to continue. “Please, enlighten us. Poor Zydar’s been
on his feet all day, I’d hate to keep him waiting.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If Orestis and Axeon are troubling you, get
rid of them. Letting them overstay their welcome will only make things
worse in the end.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 04B-2][$option to 1, $axeon_fate to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t act too rashly, not until
you’re absolutely certain. Even the most unlikeable people deserve a
chance to prove themselves. There’s a difference between someone who is
foolish… and someone who is malicious.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 04B-2][$option
to 2, $axeon_fate to
false]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>“I see,” she says. “As I suspected—you have no fear
of walking the difficult path.”
You smile flatly. “Comes with the territory.”
“Indeed. One must not live long in your profession without a certain
amount of ruthlessness.”
You rub the back of your neck. It feels a little hollow to discuss
ruthlessness with a politician who very likely has never witnessed the
consequences of her decisions.
Phaedra gestures at Zydar. “If you would, please inform Vardell of our
little understanding,” she says, dismissing him with a wave. “Maybe he
will finally sleep soundly at night. At the very least, his husband will
be most… appreciative.”
The retainer bows deeply and retreats.
“Tell me, $firstname,” she says as she watches him disappear across the
gallery. “Why the unanticipated visit? Is there something I can do for
you, or have you merely fled to me to avoid the attention of the
gossipmongers?”<<else>>“I see,” she says. “You’re a constant
surprise, $firstname. Perhaps you have a kinder and more compassionate
spirit than it would seem at first glance. Though I suppose in many ways
mercy is more difficult than judgement.”
You smile hollowly. “Not my place to say. I’m just a Wayfarer.”
Phaedra gestures at Zydar. “If you would, keep your lips sealed,” she
says. “Vardell will have to live with the consequences of his own
actions, at least for now. Perhaps he will have to turn to other
measures to sleep soundly at night. I pity his husband.”
“Yes, Councillor.”
“Now off you go. And remember, Zydar dear, that Rasmira does consider
you the most promising assistant they’ve had in fifty years. An
excellent candidate to fill their shoes in the wake of their imminent
retirement. I would so very much hate for you to prove them wrong.
Rasmira’s disappointment has a certain… sting.”
He nods and bows stiffly, his hands at his sides, and retreats across
the gallery.
“Tell me, $firstname,” she says as she watches him disappear. “Why the
unanticipated visit? Is there something I can do for you, or have you
merely fled to me to avoid the attention of the
gossipmongers?”<</if>>
<<if $phaedrarom >=1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
03C-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “…you see right
through me, don’t you?”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, the gossipmongers. Definitely
the gossipmongers.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Not really. I’m just glad to see a
friendly face.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 03-REG][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Fancy
that coming from the $person who can unbind magic or snap a man’s neck
with a touch,” she says.
You shrug. “There are many kinds of danger. I’m just one. You’re clearly
another. I’d hate to be on your bad side.”
“And I would hate for you to be there.”
“Like he is?”
“Who—Melchior?” She snorts with laughter—as much of a snort as someone
as dignified as her can make. “You misunderstand our relationship,
$firstname. Melchior aggravates me, true, and he is quite the bastard
when he wants to be. His behaviour often creates consequences that are
trivial to him but painfully significant for the rest of us. But he has
his uses. We strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods may be at
odds, but overall I would be remiss not to make use of his talents while
he is indebted to me.”
“Indebted?”
She chuckles lightly and touches your arm. “That is a story for another
time, I’m afraid,” she says. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PHAE
02B")>>“As I told you before, I have to keep some secrets from
you. But perhaps I will tell it to you, if you ever happen to extricate
yourself from House Anaxas.<<else>>Perhaps I will tell it to
you, if you ever happen to extricate yourself from House
Anaxas.<</if>> I do hope you will. Between you and me, you
are wasted as a bodyguard.”
She raises her head and holds your gaze. She pauses, her lips parted as
if she on the verge of saying something else—and she breaks away, her
attention drawn by the sudden rise of angry voices from the opposite end
of the gallery. With a sigh, she squeezes your arm apologetically and
rises to her feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Who,
Melchior?” She snorts with laughter—as much of a snort as someone as
dignified as her can make. “Of course he has. That’s the nature of our
relationship. He aggravates me to no end. But… he has his uses. He is a
bastard, true. His behaviour often creates consequences that are trivial
to him but painfully significant to the rest of us. But we need each
other. We strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods may be at
odds, but overall I would be remiss not to make use of his talents while
he is indebted to me.”
“Indebted?”
She chuckles lightly and touches your arm. “That is a story for another
time, I’m afraid,” she says. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PHAE
02B")>>“As I told you before, I have to keep some secrets from
you. But perhaps I will tell it to you, if you ever happen to extricate
yourself from House Anaxas.<<else>>Perhaps I will tell it to
you, if you ever happen to extricate yourself from House
Anaxas.<</if>> I do hope you will. Between you and me, you
are wasted as a bodyguard.”
She raises her head and holds your gaze. She pauses, her lips parted as
if she on the verge of saying something else—and she breaks away, her
attention drawn by the sudden rise of angry voices from the opposite end
of the gallery. With a sigh, she squeezes your arm apologetically and
rises to her feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
misunderstand our relationship, $firstname,” Phaedra says. “Melchior
aggravates me, true. He is quite the bastard when he wants to be. His
behaviour often creates consequences that are trivial to him but
painfully significant for the rest of us. And yet… he has his uses. We
strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods may be at odds, but
overall I would be remiss not to make use of his talents while he is
indebted to me.”
“Indebted?”
She chuckles lightly and touches your arm. “That is a story for another
time, I’m afraid,” she says. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 PHAE
02B")>>“As I told you before, I have to keep some secrets from
you. But perhaps I will tell it to you, if you ever happen to extricate
yourself from House Anaxas.<<else>>Perhaps I will tell it to
you, if you ever happen to extricate yourself from House
Anaxas.<</if>> I do hope you will. Between you and me, you
are wasted as a bodyguard.”
She raises her head and holds your gaze. She pauses, her lips parted as
if she on the verge of saying something else—and she breaks away, her
attention drawn by the sudden rise of angry voices from the opposite end
of the gallery. With a sigh, she squeezes your arm apologetically and
rises to her feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$phaedra_favour is 1>>“Refreshing? Is that because I’m not a part
of your schemes or despite it?”
She leans back, tapping her fingers softly against the armrest. “Perhaps
both,” she says. “Either way, you gave me Melchior. I am indebted to
you. It’s not a position I typically find myself in.”
You pause. “You know he’s still here. Out on the terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 04A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You’re far more forgiving than I
am. If it were me…”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04C-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$phaedra_favour is 3>>“Refreshing? I’m surprised. I thought you
were… unhappy with me.”
Her brow creases. “Why would I be unhappy with you?”
“I lied. About Melchior.”
She closes her eyes and passes a hand across her face, a small laugh
escaping her lips. “Oh, //him,”// she says, shaking her head. “I was
irritated, yes, but your caution was understandable. Respectable, even.
You are perhaps the only person tonight with a moral compass.”
You pause. “You know he’s here. Out on the terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 04A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Refreshing?
Is that because I’m not a part of your schemes—or despite it?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Schemes? Do you think me particularly prone to
scheming?”
“You’re a politician. Does that answer the question?”
“Yes, and it only raises more. Considering how quick you were to lie to
me earlier this evening, I would have thought you weren’t opposed to a
certain amount of guile.”
You freeze, dread rising in your chest.
She notes your panicked expression and smiles, a quiet chuckle escaping
her lips. She leans back, tapping her fingers softly against the
armrest, and observes you with dark, sparkling eyes. “Yes, I know you
lied to me, $firstname, and yes, I do not hold it against you,” she
says. “You may have tricked me in the moment, but later circumstances
unravelled the truth. Your caution was understandable. Respectable,
even. You are perhaps the only person tonight with a moral compass—even
with the lies.”
You pause, uncertain whether to take her words as praise or
condemnation. “You know he’s here,” you say quickly. “Out on the
terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 04A-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
04B-ROM]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Remember
that, $firstname,” she says and gently presses a hand to your cheek.
Were this another night and she a different woman, you have a feeling
this could end quite differently. “Should Velantis become the city where
you wish to ply your trade, I have a place for you. When Zenaida
loosens her grip on you, come find me in Ithyria.”
You pause, a lump in your throat. “I don’t know if that’s possible—”
She presses a finger to your lips. “Ah ah,” she says softly. “The
invitation stands. Think on it.”
With that, she draws away, her height and unique serithan making her cut
a striking figure as she slips through the crowd. You watch her go, the
ghost of her hand imprinted on your cheek, then make your way to the
exit.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$phaedra_favour is 1>>You frown. “Refreshing? Is that because I’m
not a part of your schemes or despite it?”
She sighs and leans back, shifting slightly as she finds a more
comfortable position on the couch. “Perhaps both. Either way, you gave
me Melchior. I am indebted to you. It is not something I take lightly.”
You pause. “You know he’s still here. Out on the terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 05-REG][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You’re far more forgiving than I
am. If it were me…”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE 05-REG][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$phaedra_favour is 3>>You frown. “Refreshing?”
“Yes—is that so surprising?”
“Yeah… well… You made it pretty clear you were unhappy with me.”
She exhales a long breath and rolls her eyes to the ceiling. “Don’t take
it so personally, $firstname,” she says, waving a hand. “You lied about
Melchior. I was irritated with you, true, but your caution was
understandable. Respectable, even. You are perhaps the only person here
tonight with a moral compass.”
You pause. “You know he’s here. Out on the terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 05-REG][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s></div></div><</nobr>><<else>>“Refreshing?
Is that because I’m not a part of your schemes—or despite it?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Schemes? Do you think me particularly prone to
scheming?”
“You’re a politician. Does that answer the question?”
“Yes, and it only raises more. Considering how quick you were to lie to
me earlier this evening, I would have thought you weren’t opposed to a
certain amount of guile.”
You freeze, dread rising in your chest.
She notes your panicked expression and smiles, a quiet chuckle escaping
her lips. “I know you lied to me, $firstname, but I do not hold it
against you,” she says. “You may have tricked me in the moment, but
later circumstances unravelled the truth. Your caution was
understandable. Respectable, even. You are perhaps the only person
tonight with a moral compass—even with the lies.”
You pause. “You know he’s here,” you say hurriedly, covering your
hesitation. “Out on the terrace.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly aware. It’s only thanks to me that he remains.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You’re a dangerous woman, Phaedra.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PHAE 05-REG][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Why is that? From what I
understand, he seems to have gotten under your skin.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PHAE
05-REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><s>3. Conditional story
requirements have not been
met.</s></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>“Fancy that coming from the $person who can unbind
magic or snap a man’s neck with a touch,” she says.
You shrug. “There are many kinds of danger. I’m just one. You’re clearly
another. I’d hate to be on your bad side.”
“No,” she says, an amused smile on her lips. “You wouldn’t.”
“Like Melchior?”
The amusement fades. “You misunderstand our relationship, $firstname,”
she says. “$firstname. Melchior aggravates me, true, and he is quite the
bastard when he wants to be. His behaviour often creates consequences
that are trivial to him but painfully significant for the rest of us.
But he has his uses. We strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods
may be at odds, but overall I would be remiss not to make use of his
talents while he is indebted to me.”<<elseif $option is
2>>“Who, Melchior?” She snorts with laughter—as much of a snort as
someone as dignified as her can make. “Of course he has. That’s the
nature of our relationship. He aggravates me to no end. But… he has his
uses. He is a bastard, true. His behaviour often creates consequences
that are trivial to him but painfully significant to the rest of us. But
we need each other. We strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods
may be at odds, but overall I would be remiss not to make use of his
talents while he is indebted to me.”<<else>>“You
misunderstand our relationship, $firstname,” Phaedra says. “Melchior
aggravates me, true. He is quite the bastard when he wants to be. His
behaviour often creates consequences that are trivial to him but
painfully significant for the rest of us. And yet… he has his uses. We
strike a careful balance, him and I. Our methods may be at odds, but
overall I would be remiss not to make use of his talents while he is
indebted to me.”<</if>>
“Indebted?”
“A story for another time, I’m afraid,” she says, rising to her feet.
“Perhaps I will tell it to you, if you ever happen to extricate yourself
from House Anaxas. I do hope you will. Between you and me, you are
wasted as a bodyguard.”
With that, she draws away, her height and unique serithan making her cut
a striking figure as she slips through the crowd. Feeling like she’s
left you with more questions than answers, you turn and finally make
your way to the exit.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $phaedrarom
>=1>><<phaedraRomanceLoss>><<set $phaedrarom
to Math.clamp($phaedrarom - 1, 0,
100)>><</if>><<if $option is 1>>“I don’t
need to,” Phaedra replies. “I’m not interested in winning your favour.
But you, on the other hand…”
You grit your teeth. There’s no winning this argument, she’s made that
much clear.
She smiles an irritatingly satisfied smile and turns to
Zydar.<<elseif $option is 2>>She smiles at your silence, a
satisfied gleam in her dark eyes, and turns to Zydar.<</if>>
“If you would, please inform Vardell of our little understanding,” she
says, dismissing him with a wave. “Maybe he will finally sleep soundly
at night. At the very least, his husband will be most… appreciative.”
The retainer bows deeply.
“And remember, Zydar dear,” she adds. “Rasmira considers you the most
promising assistant they’ve had in fifty years. An excellent candidate
to fill their shoes in the wake of their imminent retirement. I would so
very much hate for you to prove them wrong. Their disappointment has a
certain… sting.”
He blanches and freezes mid-bow. With a quick nod and his hands held
stiffly at his sides, he straightens and disappears across the gallery,
eager to leave. She watches him go, her dark eyes staring at his
retreating back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>“I see you’re still
scheming,” you say. “Didn’t have enough of it already tonight?”
“And you’re opposed to it on principle?” she counters. “You gave me
Melchior Larkspur. Like it or not, you are a willing participant—”
“I wouldn’t say willing,” you retort. “It was clear from the beginning
you were always going to get what you wanted from me—”
“And here you are again, treading in the same waters,” she says, rising
to her feet. She sweeps across the floor, her serithan’s train
whispering across the tiles as she closes the distance between you.
“Unlike earlier this evening, I did not ask for you nor did I seek you
out—you came to me. So forgive me if I find your disdain a little
tiresome. You are far too intelligent not to know the careful line
between principle and action. Or perhaps this is all a well-played farce
and you are an ignorant fool.”
“I’m not ignorant. I just don’t want to get involved.”<<elseif
$phaedra_favour is 3>>“I see you’re still scheming,” you say.
“Didn’t have enough of it already tonight?”
“And you’re opposed to it on principle?” she counters. “Is that why you
refused to tell me where one Melchior Larkspur was hiding in plain
sight?”
You round on her, a retort on the tip of your tongue. “I—”
“No need,” she says, rising to her feet. She sweeps across the floor,
her serithan’s train whispering across the tiles as she closes the
distance between you. “Your commitment to your principles is admirable.
Suffice to say, I’d wager you’re one of the few here with a moral
compass... but not all of us can be so fortunate. The disdain you carry
for those who must balance principles against action is naïve at best.”
“I’m not ignorant. I just don’t want to get
involved.”<<else>>“I see you’re still scheming,” you say.
“Didn’t have enough of it already tonight?”
“And you’re opposed to it on principle?” she counters. “Is that why you
refused to tell me where one Melchior Larkspur was hiding in plain
sight?”
You pause, taken aback. “I—”
“I know you lied to me, $firstname. While I am not keen to hold it
against you, your interference tonight has been quite the thorn in my
side. I have yet to decide whether to forgive you.”
You round on her, a retort on the tip of your tongue. “Look, I—”
“Hush now,” she says, rising to her feet. She sweeps across the floor,
her serithan’s train whispering across the tiles as she closes the
distance between you. “Your commitment to your principles is admirable.
Suffice to say, I’d wager you’re one of the few here with a moral
compass... but not all of us can be so fortunate. The disdain you carry
for those who must balance principles against action is naïve at best.”
“I’m not ignorant. I just don’t want to get
involved.”<</if>>
“Too late. You already are.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>As
she moves to pass by you, she comes to a halt and places a hand on your
shoulder.<<if $phaedrarom >=1>> You feel her fingers
tighten, their grip digging into your skin.<</if>> “Be
mindful of your time here, $firstname,” she says quietly in your ear.
“It would serve you well to extricate yourself from House Anaxas as soon
as possible. Between you and me, you are wasted as a bodyguard.”
With that, her hand slips from your shoulder and she strides away. You
glance behind you, watching as she disappears—her height and unique
serithan make her cut a striking figure as she threads her way through
the crowd. Wondering whether her final words were issued as a threat and
left with more questions than you’d like, you put her out of your mind
and finally make your way to the exit.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>Melchior chuckles, shaking his head. “Very well, if
you’re so sure… But between you and me, I wouldn’t place any bets on
it. You’ll certainly end up in someone’s debt and that is not a pleasant
place to be.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Speaking from experience?”
“Hardly. I never lose my bets.” He turns, the angular features of his
face stark in the terrace lights, and regards you with a calculating
look. “I’ll wager another one right now. Your night has not gone as
expected—has it?”<<elseif $option is
2>><<melchiorApp>>He grins, mirth gleaming in his
yellow eyes. “You’d be surprised how little it takes to become the
subject of some important House’s fifth cousin’s third son’s jaded
fixations,” he says. “I shouldn’t complain. Boredom in this city costs a
pretty penny and the elite are willing to spend.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Speaking from experience?”
He glances at you, the angular features of his face stark in the terrace
lights. “Oh no, of course not. Not publicly at any rate. My patron’s
tastes are much more refined.” He pauses, spreading his hands across the
balustrade. “Your night has not gone as expected, has
it?”<<else>><<melchiorApp>>Melchior chuckles, an
unrestrained grin spreading across his face. “Careful,” he says. “Such
wishes should be handled with care.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Speaking from experience?”
The smile disappears. He turns, the angular features of his face stark
in the terrace lights, and regards you with a calculating look.
“Needless to say, I won the wager, of course,” he says. “Your night has
not gone as expected—has it?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
1A-2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is
3>><<melchiorApp>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>“Don’t undersell your talents, you’re more than
capable,” he says sharply. “Far more than any of these fools here.”
<<if ($strengthfail and $agilityfail and $perceptionfail and
$persuasionfail) > ($strengthsuccess and $agilitysuccess and
$perceptionsuccess and $persuasionsuccess)>>“Don’t be so sure
about that,” you mutter and snap your mouth shut. If you keep talking,
you might as well reveal Lethalis’ members and their
plans.<<else>>You press your lips together, uncertain of
what to say. When a compliment comes from someone like him, you can’t
help but feel it comes with strings
attached.<</if>><<elseif $option is 2>>“I doubt
you would follow anyone around,” he replies. “Least of all like a dog.”
You pause, uncertain how to take his meaning.<<else>>He
chuckles, a wicked grin spreading across his lips. “There are many
things that hold my interest,” he says. “It’s the beauty of an open
mind.”
The expectation of an answer lingers in the air, but you press your lips
together and fall silent. You can feel the dual nature of his meaning
oozing through every word he speaks.<</if>>
He takes your silence in stride and turns those keen yellow eyes on you.
His expression is oddly inexpressive as he regards you with a
calculating look. “You have nothing to fear from me, $firstname,” he
says after a moment. “Galas such as this are made for trysts. You’re not
the first to indulge yourself tonight, and—if it’s not too presumptuous
to say—I don’t believe you will be the last.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. //“What?”//' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
1B-extra'>><<set $option to 1, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Laugh. You know it’s said in jest,
but you need a little levity right now.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
1B-extra][$option to 2, $melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 5, 0,
20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Flush and look away. He can think
whatever he wants to think as long as the subject gets dropped.|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL 1B-extra][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause. “Where did you get that idea?”
“It is your first time in Velantis, is it not? Those who are not born of
this city’s Great Houses rarely find their first encounter with them to
be what they think.”
<<if $origin is "nomad">>“If this is Velantian nobility at
their worst, then it’s a little pitiful. If this was Sathir, they would
have planned and executed a bloodless coup by now.”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss them. Their actions may be easy to
dismiss as petty politicking and decadent indulgence, but it hides a
much more sinister demeanour. The Imperial nobility here is young and
untested, barely a century old. They are desperate to prove themselves,
that their Houses are worthy of the elevation granted by Emperor Calas
in the aftermath of the city’s annexation.”<<elseif $origin is
"hunter">>“You should see the clan wars in the Forest of Brennath.
If this is Velantian nobility at their worst, they’ve got nothing on
them.”
“Their actions may be easy to dismiss as petty politicking and decadent
indulgence, true, but I wouldn’t disregard them so easily. The Imperial
nobility here is young and untested, barely a century old. They are
desperate to prove themselves, that their Houses are worthy of the
elevation granted by Emperor Calas in the aftermath of the city’s
annexation.”<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>“If this is the
Velantian nobility at their worst, colour me disappointed. I’ve seen
more elaborate scheming at the village market.”
He chuckles. “I have no doubt. But while it may be easy to dismiss their
actions as petty politicking and decadent indulgence, I wouldn’t
disregard them so easily. The Imperial nobility here is young and
untested, barely a century old. They are desperate to prove themselves,
that their Houses are worthy of the elevation granted by Emperor Calas
in the aftermath of the city’s annexation.”<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>“They’ve got nothing on Nesactium’s underground, that’s
for sure,” you mutter darkly.
“Perhaps. Then again, perhaps it’s merely a different flavour of the
same dish. The Imperial nobility here is young and untested, barely a
century old. They are desperate to prove themselves, that their Houses
are worthy of the elevation granted by Emperor Calas in the aftermath of
the city’s annexation.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>You
roll your eyes. “I’ve seen worse. Never underestimate the pettiness and
greed of the Coveran merchant fleet.”
He chuckles darkly. “We’re in agreement there. But nevertheless, I
wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss their actions. It may be petty
politicking and decadent indulgence on the outside, but it hides a
certain amount of… candid savagery. The Imperial nobility here is young
and untested, barely a century old. They are desperate to prove
themselves, that their Houses are worthy of the elevation granted by
Emperor Calas in the aftermath of the city’s
annexation.”<<else>>“Don’t worry,” you say. “I’m used to a
certain amount of pettiness. The Vestran Great Houses have had hundreds
of years to perfect it. You could almost consider it a noble art.”
“And therein lies the difference. The Imperial nobility here is young
and untested by comparison, barely a century old. They are desperate to
prove themselves, that they are worthy of the elevation granted by
Emperor Calas in the aftermath of the city’s
annexation.”<</if>>
You nearly crick your neck as you glance sideways at him, eyes wide with
surprise. Officially, the Arathian Empire does not consider Velantis’
assimilation into their territories as an annexation. To refer to it as
such at the wrong time, in the wrong company, could land one in a great
deal of trouble. He is either extremely careless… or extremely bold.
Melchior catches your eye, a wry smile playing across his lips, as if he
knows exactly what thought just crossed your mind. You have a feeling
he chose those words deliberately.
//So, the latter, then,// you think.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Speaking from experience, are we?”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL 5A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The Great Houses don’t concern
me.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 5B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “What the hell do you want?”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL 5C][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 5, 5,
95)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
throws back his head and laughs. “In a manner of speaking, yes,” he
says. “But I have no grand titles, if that’s what you’re asking. Just a
vested interest in this city. It’s been my home for more years than I
can count.”
You pause. <<if $ancestry is "melusine">>Melusine live
exceedingly long lives, a fact you’ve thought about a little too often.
Their lifespans far outstrip other beings, even elves and
dwarves.<<else>>Melusine live exceedingly long lives, far
outstripping other beings, even elves and dwarves.<</if>>
Melchior’s offhanded remark could easily mean a couple of decades… or
several centuries.
Or more.
You swallow hard. Talking to him is like walking through a field
littered with traps. “Why are you telling me this, Melchior? What do you
want from me?”
“What do I want from you?” He shrugs and spreads his hands. “Nothing at
all. But shouldn’t I be the one asking you that very question? You are
the one who came to me, after all.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $melchiorrom >=1>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AROM]]<<else>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AREG]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t fancy yourself, you’re not
that special.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6B-NEW][$melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then why don’t you ask it?”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL6C-NEW]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Beyond
your employment with Zenaida Anaxas, of course,” he says pointedly.
You pause, your body tensing. “Of course,” you reply quickly, echoing
him. Once again, you find him impossible to read, his intentions veiled.
What could be an off-hand remark could also be a subtle jab, an attempt
to find the inconsistencies in your story.
You swallow hard and force yourself to relax before he notices. You’ll
need to choose your words carefully if you continue like this. Talking
to him is like walking through a forest littered with traps.
“What do you want from me, Melchior?” you say after a moment.
He smiles. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that very question? You
are the one who came to me, after all.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $melchiorrom >=1>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AROM]]<<else>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AREG]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t fancy yourself, you’re not
that special.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6B-NEW][$melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then why don’t you ask it?”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL6C-NEW]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorDisapp>><<if
$melchiorapp >=40>>The words come out acidly, far more
forceful than you intended.<<else>>The words come out
acidly.<</if>> Talking to him is like walking through a
forest littered with traps.
“I believe I should be the one asking you that question,” he says. “You
are the one who came to me, after all.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $melchiorrom >=1>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AROM]]<<else>>[[1. “Is
that a problem?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6AREG]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t fancy yourself, you’re not
that special.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 6B-NEW][$melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Then why don’t you ask it?”|CHAPTER
2.5 MEL6C-NEW]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you brazenly. You return his gaze and everything around you
shifts. It becomes a challenge, an unspoken test of wills to see who
will break away first. You swallow hard and raise your chin, heart
pounding in your chest as you focus on those piercing yellow eyes.
You’ve yet to see him blink.
“I’m undecided,” he murmurs after a moment. “An unknown factor in a city
where the lines are so clearly drawn? You could be exactly what
Velantis needs… or the opposite.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [FLIRT] “And what about what you
need?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL7AROM][$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom +
10, 0, 20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’ve always prided myself on being
contrary. Guess I shouldn’t stop now.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL7BROM][$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 10, 0,
20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Flush and look away. You have a
feeling he’s not talking about Velantis anymore… Not that you
mind.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL7CROM][$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom +
10, 0, 20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Ugh. You don’t care much for his
tone.|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL7DROM]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
turns his gaze on you, staring at you openly, brazenly. “I’m
undecided,” he says. “An unknown factor in a city where the lines are so
clearly drawn? You could be exactly what Velantis needs… or the
opposite.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Lucky me. So special without even
trying!”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 10REG][$option to 1, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “…laying it on a bit thick, don’t
you think?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL 10REG][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Roll your eyes.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
10REG][$option to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorRomance>>“Me?”
he says, tilting his head. His earrings clink together, tinkling like
little chimes as they brush the side of his neck. “Oh, I always know
exactly what I need. I find being forthright with yourself about your
desires is the swiftest path to inner peace.”
You smirk. “Never been very good at that. I imagine you could teach me a
thing or two.”
He chuckles. “Perhaps,” he says. “I would enjoy that greatly. You have
no idea how unbelievably dull my evening became when you left the
pavilions. I was hoping I would see you <<if $last_location is
1>>again after our encounter was cut so tragically
short.<<else>>again.<</if>>”
You thread your fingers together and cast an eye out at the dark
horizon, trying to hide the amused smile on your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. You’re not sure where
this is going—or if you want it to go anywhere. |CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
ROM2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorRomance>>He
chortles, his musical laugh chiming pleasantly in your ears, and tilts
his head back. The celestial earrings clink together, tinkling like
little chimes as they brush the side of his neck. “Would it be in poor
character for me to admit that my evening became horrifically dull the
moment you left the pavilions?” he asks.
A delighted warmth flares in your chest. “No,” you murmur.
“I was hoping I would see you again.”
“Oh?”
<<if $last_location is 1>>“Of course. Our encounter was cut
so tragically short, after all.”<<else>>“Of course. Why
would I not?”<</if>>
You thread your fingers together and cast an eye out at the dark
horizon, trying to hide the amused smile on your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. You’re not sure where
this is going—or if you want it to go anywhere.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
ROM2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorRomance>>He
grins and chuckles quietly, his musical laugh chiming pleasantly in
your ears. His gleaming yellow eyes sweep over you and your heart
flutters in your chest, the backs of your ears searing with heat.
“Would it be in poor character for me to admit that my evening became
horrifically dull the moment you left the pavilions?” he asks.
“N-no,” you say quickly, stumbling over your words.
“I was hoping I would see you <<if $last_location is
1>>again after our encounter was cut so tragically
short.<<else>>again.<</if>>”
You rub the back of your neck and try to get a hold of your bashfulness.
Your mind whirls, desperately thinking of how to respond. Finding no
good solution, you opt for silence.
Melchior waits, his patience seemingly endless.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I… wanted to see you again,
too.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent. You’re not sure where
this is going—or if you want it to go anywhere.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
ROM2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and look away.
“But I welcome the conversation nonetheless,” he says quickly. “I admit,
I had hoped you would return. <<if $last_location is 1>>Our
earlier encounter was cut so tragically short. I enjoyed
it.”<<else>>I enjoyed our earlier
encounter.<</if>>”
You thread your fingers together and keep your eyes on the dark horizon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Trust me, I wouldn’t be talking to
you if I had a choice. You just happen to be the least insufferable
person here.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Ugh…”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8D]]</div></div><</nobr>>“And
I said I hold nothing against you for helping her,” he says, turning
his glittering yellow eyes on you. “Do you not believe me?”
A shiver flutters down your spine. There’s something about the way he’s
looking at you, about the way he asked the question, that excites you.
He’s magnetic, striking… It’s not simply the height or the sharp
features or the ethereal beauty. You know without a doubt that when you
drop your guard, it will be devastatingly easy to get pulled in.
//If// you drop your guard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I believe you now.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM.2][$option to 1, $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5,
5, 95), $melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 10, 0,
20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What would you do if I said I
didn’t?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8A-ROM.2][$option to 2, $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5, 95), $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 10, 0, 20)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-ROM.2][$option to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
pauses, staring at you with an odd look in his eye. Then he throws his
head back and laughs—mirthful, uncontrollable laughter. “Considering the
company we keep,” he says, casting a careful eye at the nobles gathered
on the terrace, “I will take it as a compliment. Backhanded as it is.”
“Backhanded? I—” You cut off abruptly, your words stuck in your mouth.
He waits patiently, watching you with that smug smirk on his lips. “What
did you expect? I barely know you. I’m not here to stroke your ego—”
“As interesting as that would be, there are already a number of people
eager to perform that service. I assure you, $firstname, my ego is
currently more than satisfied.”
You pause, chewing your lower lip, once again at a loss for words. The
fact that he so easily rattles you is infuriating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You have a feeling he’s not talking
about ego… And you don’t mind. At all.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8C-A
ROM'>><<set $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5,
95), $melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 10, 0,
20)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Infuriating, yes, but you’d be lying to
yourself if you said you didn’t find it intriguing.' 'CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8C-B ROM'>><<set $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp +
1, 5, 95), $melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 10, 0,
20)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. But you rather like that
about him. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION") and
$sirin_info is true>>And considering his indifference to Velantian
politics, he may be a good ally to have if you intend to stay longer in
the city.<<elseif hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>And
considering his indifference to Velantian politics, he may be a good
ally to have in the event things don’t play out the way you want
tomorrow.<<else>>And considering his indifference to
Velantian politics, he may be a good ally to have… at least until you
find a way out of the city.<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8C-C'>><<set $melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5,
5, 95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. If you say anything more, he’ll find
a way to turn it around on you. Might as well start looking for an out
from this conversation…|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8C-D]]</div></div><</nobr>>Keen
to extricate yourself from this conversation as soon as possible, you
rap your fingers against the balustrade and glance over your shoulder.
The crowd mills about the terrace, humming with conversation and subdued
laughter. Whatever attention you garnered earlier seems to have
subsided, the guests distracted by new gossip and their own personal
matters.
Melchior has served his purpose; if you want to leave the gala without
drawing attention to yourself, you should be able to do so now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorApp>>“Well,
then,” he says, his eyes dancing with mirth. “Will wonders never cease?
I was certain I had made a poor impression on you.”
<<if $melchiorrom >=1 and $melchiorapp >=40>>“I said
nothing about impressions,” you reply blithely. “There’s more than
enough time for me to change my mind.”
“Ah, and there it is! Is that a challenge, $firstname?”
“Do you want it to be?”
He grins and leans in, his face inches from yours. “We shall have to
see, won’t we?”<<elseif $melchiorapp >=40>>“Don’t worry,”
you say lightly. “Considering my own reputation for making bad
impressions, I won’t hold it against you.”
He grins. “Much appreciated, $firstname.”<<else>>“Yeah,” you
say brusquely. “I’m still considering that.”<</if>>
You can feel another quip lingering on the tip of his tongue, but he
exhales a breath and says nothing.
//At least he has some self control,// you think begrudgingly. If this
were Aeran…
//Fuck.//
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>The last thing you want to do is
think about Aeran.<<else>>You stop yourself. You’re not
spending another minute of your time tonight on that
bastard.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
know,” he says after a moment. “When you left, I was quite certain I
had done made a poor impression on you. Should I dare to hope I was
wrong?”
You glance at him, meeting his eyes, a small smile tugging at your lips.
“I don’t know yet,” you say. “Keep talking and I’ll tell you.”
He grins. “I look forward to it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<melchiorApp>>He chortles, his musical
laugh chiming in your ears, and tilts his head back. The celestial
earrings clink together, tinkling like little chimes as they brush the
side of his neck. “I’m glad you came to speak with me, $firstname,” he
says. “I was hoping you would seek me out again. My night became
intolerably dull after you left. <<if $last_location is
1>>Shame our earlier encounter was cut so tragically
short.<<else>>I enjoyed our earlier
encounter<</if>>.”<<elseif $option is 2>>He
smirks. “You know I was hoping you would seek me out again, $firstname,”
he says. “My night became intolerably dull after you left. <<if
$last_location is 1>>Shame our earlier encounter was cut so
tragically short.<<else>>I enjoyed our earlier
encounter<</if>>.”<<else>>He pauses. “You know I
was hoping you would seek me out again, $firstname,” he says after a
moment. “My night became intolerably dull after you left. <<if
$last_location is 1>>Shame our earlier encounter was cut so
tragically short. I enjoyed it.<<else>>I enjoyed our earlier
encounter<</if>>.”<</if>>
You thread your fingers together and keep your eyes on the dark horizon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-REG]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Trust me, I wouldn’t be talking to
you if I had a choice. You just happen to be the least insufferable
person here.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Ugh…”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8D]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shrugs. “Of course,” he says. “I hold nothing against you for helping
her. Besides, she and I have come to an… understanding.” He leaves the
words hanging in the air, heavy with insinuation.
“And?” you press, your curiosity getting the better of you. “Are you
going to elaborate?”
He glances at you. “No,” he replies serenely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>>“Only
now? I’m flattered to have your trust.”
“Who said anything about trust?”
“Temporary trust, then. Besides, you have nothing to fear. Phaedra and I
have come to an… understanding.” He leaves the words hanging in the
air, heavy with insinuation.<<elseif $option is
2>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>>He
shrugs. “Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“Trust is fleeting, $firstname. I’ve given you little reason to give me
yours. You are wiser than most… But it matters little what you believe.
Phaedra and I have come to an… understanding.” He leaves the words
hanging in the air, heavy with insinuation.<<else>>He
pauses, taking in your silence. “Then you should know Phaedra and I have
come to an… understanding.” He leaves the words hanging in the air,
heavy with insinuation.<</if>>
Your curiosity gets the better of you. “And? Are you going to
elaborate?”
He leans in and brushes his thumb against the tip of your nose. “No,” he
says serenely.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8D") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8C-D")>>“Searching for someone?” Melchior asks, following your
gaze.<<else>>The crowd hums with conversation and laughter
behind you. Chancing a glance over your shoulder, you cast an eye across
the terrace, watching the milling nobles. Whatever attention you
garnered earlier seems to have subsided, the guests distracted by new
gossip and their own personal matters.
“Searching for someone?” Melchior asks, following your
gaze.<</if>>
“No,” you reply. “Hate to break it to you, but you’re a cover. Frankly, I
just want to get out of here without any more… disturbances.”
He pauses, observing you closely. “If it’s an escape you’re looking for,
I may be able to offer aid… of a sort.”
<<if $melchiorapp >=50>>You raise an eyebrow.
“Oh?”<<else>>Your brows draw together in a frown. “All
right, I’m listening,” you say grudgingly. “This better be
good.”<</if>>
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5
9-ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 9-NO
ROM]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>>You tilt
your chin and meet his gaze, a suggestive smirk on your lips. He grins
and his eyes flash over you, taking you in.
The way he’s looking at you sends delighted shivers rippling down your
spine. You should not be enjoying his company so much—if //enjoy// even
is the word for it—and yet here you are…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>>You tilt
your chin, obstinately meeting his gaze. His eyes flicker over you,
taking you in, and he stares back at you, an alluring smirk on his lips.
A delighted shiver spirals down your spine. You pause, your fingers
gripping the balustrade, irritated at the betrayal. You should not be
enjoying his company so much—if that’s even the word for it—and yet here
you are…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorApp>>You
chortle, hesitantly at first, the chuckling laughter bubbling across
your lips. He meets your eyes, a wide grin on his face, looking quite
pleased with your reaction.
You exhale a calm breath and lean gently against the stone, finally
relaxing. Though you know you shouldn’t enjoy his company so much,
there’s something about him—once you get past the quick wit and the
sharp tongue—that strikes you as amiable <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>and open.
Unlike someone else you know…<<else>>and
open.<</if>>.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and cast a glance over your shoulder, watching the
milling crowd. Whatever attention you garnered earlier seems to have
subsided, the guests distracted by new gossip and their own personal
matters. Melchior has served his purpose; if you want to leave the gala
without drawing attention to yourself, you should be able to do so now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8
CONNECT]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
chuckles lightly and leans in close, gently raising your chin with a
finger. “When one party ends, there’s always another,” he murmurs. “I am
more than happy to show you, if you like. There are more thrilling
places to be than a crowd that merely deigns to tolerate you at best.
What do you say?”
You pause. As tempting as his offer is, it’s quite late by now.
Disappearing into an unknown part of the palace with a person you barely
know is not exactly how you planned to spend your <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>evening… particularly with
the mission looming tomorrow morning.<<else>>your
evening<</if>>.
<<if $aeranromance is true>>Melchior is clearly attracted to
you. While you’ve felt a certain amount of intrigued excitement from
the alluring looks and suggestive banter, you can’t ignore the guilt
lingering in the back of your mind.<<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>> Your gut twists… Aeran is in love with you. Those words
have haunted you since they slipped out that day on the
Dareia.<<elseif $aeranrom >=60>> Your gut twists…
Speaking to Melchior, entangling yourself with whatever this is, hasn’t
made your feelings for Aeran disappear.<<else>> Speaking to
Melchior, entangling yourself with whatever this is, hasn’t made your
feelings for Aeran disappear. But Aeran has never reciprocated—not
really. You don’t know if he ever will.<</if>>
If you’re being honest with yourself, you can barely bring yourself to
think about Aeran now anyway. After your fight in the garden, you don’t
know where you stand. Whatever Melchior is offering—with or without
strings attached—would be a sorely welcome reprieve from everything
you’ve been through tonight.<<else>>Then again, Melchior is
clearly attracted to you. You can’t ignore the lingering looks and
suggestive banter or escape the simmering excitement you feel just by
being near him. Why shouldn’t you go? After your fight with Aeran, you
could use a distraction. Whatever Melchior is offering—with or without
strings attached—would be a sorely welcome reprieve from everything
you’ve been through tonight.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. “What kind of place is this?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL10.A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Accept his invitation. What’s the
worst that could happen?|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10 ACCEPT]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Decline.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10
DECLINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$melchiorapp >=40>>He chuckles. “When one party ends, there’s
always another elsewhere. I am more than happy to show you, if you like.
There are better places to be than in the midst of a crowd that barely
deigns to tolerate you. What do you say?”<<else>>He shrugs.
“When one party gathers, there’s always another elsewhere. I could show
you, if you like. There are better places to be than in the midst of a
crowd that barely deigns to tolerate you. What do you
say?”<</if>>
You pause. As tempting as his offer is, it’s quite late by now.
Disappearing into an unknown part of the palace with a person you barely
know is not exactly how you planned to spend the rest of your
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>evening…
particularly with the mission looming tomorrow
morning.<<else>>evening.<</if>>
But if you return to your quarters now, you may have to face Aeran
again… And after your fight in the courtyard, you <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>don’t know if you can bring yourself to do
that.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>don’t know if you can
stomach it.<<else>>don’t want to see his face any time
soon.<</if>> Whatever Melchior is offering, it would be a
welcome distraction from everything you’ve been through tonight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. “What kind of place is this?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL10.A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Accept his invitation. What’s the
worst that could happen?|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10 ACCEPT]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Decline.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10
DECLINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“My company’s housing,” Melchior
says.
You raise an eyebrow.
He flashes a grin. “Not what you expected, I take it,” he continues.
“Even with the Pallaedrions, it’s a long journey from Mahanin to the
theatre district in Ithyria. Lord Anaxas is generous with his patronage.
When we are invited to perform, my company is given any necessities,
including food and lodging. Tonight was the first of a week’s worth of
performances and they are keen to celebrate their triumph. On their own
terms, of course.”
“I guess I never thought about that.”
“I should warn you. Such gatherings can be quite… raucous. We’re a
different sort outside the watchful eye of our patrons. If you’re
looking for a quiet end to your evening, this will not be it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “Fuck my evening, I just need a
distraction.” " `passage()`>><<set $option to 1,
$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5,
95)>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link "2. “Thanks for the
warning.”" `passage()`>><<set $option to
2>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$option is 1>><<melchiorApp>><</if>>He
nods deeply and draws back, waiting patiently for your answer.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="cycle-item"><s>1. “What kind
of place is this?”</s></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Accept his invitation. What’s the
worst that could happen?|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10 ACCEPT]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Decline.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL10
DECLINE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
rest a hand on the balustrade and exhale a long <<if $melchiorrom
>=5>>breath, a flush of excitement on your
cheeks.<<else>>breath.<</if>> “All right,” you
say. “Let’s get out of here.”
Melchior flashes you a grin and turns on a heel, disappearing across the
terrace.
<<if $height is "very tall">>You follow, keeping an easy
pace with him, cutting across the terrace to the easternmost
edge.<<else>><<if $height is "very short" or $height
is "short" or $height is "average">>You follow at a distance,
nearly breaking into a sprint in order to keep up with
him.<<else>>You follow, hurrying quickly to keep up with his
long strides.<</if>> Thankfully with his height it’s
impossible to lose him in the crowd. You cut your way across the terrace
to the easternmost edge.<</if>> Here, between two overgrown
and flowering shrubs, is a little gate that opens onto a narrow
staircase no doubt intended for servants. You clatter down the steps,
finding a crushed stone path at the bottom that leads you along the edge
of the palace, to the east.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5
PARTY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’m
sorry,” you say, stepping away from the balustrade. “Not tonight. My
day’s been long enough as it is. Goodnight.”
Giving him a wan smile, you turn your back on him and walk sharply
across the terrace. You can feel him watching you, saying nothing as you
disappear. <<if $melchiorrom >=1 and $aeranrom
>=10>>Your gut twists. As much as you don’t want to admit it,
you’re disappointed. Part of you wants him to come after you, to take
this decision out of your hands.<<else>>Your gut twists, the
sting of disappointment sharper than you expected. Part of you wants
him to come after you, to take this decision out of your hands.
But he doesn’t.<</if>>
Exhaling a long, weary breath, you pick up your pace and thread your way
through the remaining nobles, glad to finally escape.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>>As
Melchior leads you down the path, you pass below the massive windows
and arches of another gallery and the shadow of a tall, domed tower. On
any other day, you’d be curious to stop and take in the façades,
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>but the stonework doesn’t seem
nearly as impressive in the dark.<<else>>but it is far too
dark to make out any of the exquisite details in the
stonework.<</if>>
Rounding the edge of the tower, you step through a line of arches and
enter a small, square courtyard. The lattice work above is hung with
flowering plants and vines, obscuring the star-strewn sky. It is lined
with archways on three sides, leading into an open-air corridor. As you
follow the hall to the end, a cacophony of music and laughter grows
louder and louder, ringing in your ears.
You stop outside a heavy wood door. Melchior gives you a knowing smile,
raps once on the door and pushes it open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5
PARTYB]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$dressed is true and ($pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is
true)>>“$lilac_name,” she repeats, looking you up and down.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>Her gaze lingers on your splinted
wrist, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. But she passes over it as
she takes in your $garb, doing a remarkable attempt to look as
professional as possible while kneeling backwards on a
sofa.<<else>>Her gaze lingers on your $garb and she
straightens in a remarkable attempt to look as professional as one can
while kneeling backwards on a sofa.<</if>> “Delighted,
$mylord. Did you see the performance earlier this evening? Just one of
many in our repertoire and a favourite of Lord Anaxas…”
She stops, her words cut off abruptly as she spots <<if
$pendant_worn is true>>the pendant at your
throat.<<else>>the tattoo on your wrist.<</if>>
<<set $lilac_wayfarer to true>>“A Wayfarer?” she says,
glancing at Melchior with an eyebrow raised. “Just when I think you’ve
finished moving in strange circles, you find a stranger pool to jump
into.”
“What can I say? I’m an enigma.”
“Belennor take you, I don’t know how Lyrian has put up with you for so
many years.” She reaches out and grips your wrist, pulling you close.
“Watch this one,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He’s always up to
something.”
“Yes,” Melchior says dryly. “Like accounts and ledgers. Unfortunately
someone here has to feign responsibility.”
“Kythera!”<<elseif $dressed is true>>“$lilac_name,” she
repeats, looking you up and down. <<if $hand_broken is
true>>Her gaze lingers on your splinted wrist and her eyes light
up with curiosity. But she passes over it as she takes in your $garb,
doing a remarkable attempt to look as professional as possible while
kneeling backwards on a sofa.<<else>>Her gaze lingers on
your $garb and she straightens in a remarkable attempt to look as
professional as one can while kneeling backwards on a
sofa.<</if>> “Delighted, $mylord. Did you see the
performance earlier this evening? Just one of many in our repertoire and
a favourite of Lord Anaxas’. Are you perhaps considering offering us
patronage? As I’m sure Melchior has informed you, we are engaged by
House Anaxas for most of the year—”
“I… what?” you blurt.
Melchior’s hand brushes your shoulder. “Not a patron, Kythera. Just a
friend.”
“A friend?” Her hand snakes out and seizes your wrist, pulling you in.
“Watch this one, $lilac_name,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He’s
always up to something.”
“Yes,” Melchior says dryly. “Like accounts and ledgers. Unfortunately
someone here has to feign responsibility.”
“Kythera!”<<elseif $pendant_worn is true or $tattoo_visible is
true>>“$lilac_name,” she repeats, looking you up and down.
<<if $hand_broken is true>>Her gaze passes over your
splinted hand to the pendant at your throat.<<else>>Her gaze
lingers on <<if $pendant_worn is true>>the pendant at your
throat.<<else>>the tattoo on your
wrist.<</if>><</if>> “And a Wayfarer? How
intriguing.” She shoots Melchior a sideways glance. “Just when I think
you’ve finished moving in strange circles, you find a stranger pool to
jump into.”
<<set $lilac_wayfarer to true>>“What can I say? I’m an
enigma.”
“Belennor take you, I don’t know how Lyrian has put up with you for so
many years.” She reaches out and grips your wrist, pulling you close.
“Watch this one,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He’s always up to
something.”
“Yes,” Melchior says dryly. “Like accounts and ledgers. Unfortunately
someone here has to feign responsibility.”
“Kythera!”<<else>>“$lilac_name,” she repeats, looking you up
and <<if $hand_broken is true>>down, pausing briefly as she
takes in your splinted
wrist.<<else>>down.<</if>> “A mercenary, I take
it? How intriguing. I can’t fathom what pond Melchior fished you from,
but I’m certain it’s an interesting story.”
“$firstname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>> a friend, Kit.”
“A friend?” Her hand snakes out and seizes your wrist, pulling you in.
“Watch this one, $lilac_name,” she whispers conspiratorially. “He’s
always up to something.”
“Yes,” Melchior says dryly. “Like accounts and ledgers. Unfortunately
someone here has to feign responsibility.”
“Kythera!”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Stepping through the threshold
is like stepping into the noonday sun. The apartment on the other side
of the threshold is alive with light and warmth. While a number of
conjured lights flicker from brass wall sconces and a chandelier above,
candles occupy almost every available surface, filling the room with a
soft, rippling golden light.
The main room is average-sized, perhaps a little larger than the atrium
of your apartment suite. A sunken area occupies the centre, its floor
lowered half a foot into the ground. Rounded columns stand in each of
the corners, supporting the domed ceiling above. From the shape, it
looks like it could have been a fountain before it was converted into a
cushy lounge.
The sheer number of people in here combined with the sunken floor make
the room feel much smaller than it is. Every couch and chair are
occupied. Decorative pillows have been pilfered and littered around the
floor and what looks like a rug has been rolled up like a log and turned
into a seat for four. Folk lean casually against the walls, careless of
the frescos and priceless artworks they are rubbing up against. You
immediately note the headiness of wine mixed with the scent of dreamweed
wafting through the air. You feel hot and flushed, sweat trickling down
the back of your neck as your <<if
$dressed>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>> sticks
to your skin.
Melchior flashes you a grin and picks his way into the sunken lounge,
careful not to trod on any stray hands or feet as he leads you deeper
into the apartment. You’re reminded of the pavilion marquee where you
first spotted him all those hours ago. But despite the similarities, the
mood here is entirely different. The air may be humming with raucous
laughter and intoxicated conversations, but you feel like the people
gathered here actually like each other and enjoy each other’s company.
In their flushed and bright-eyed faces, you see an unconditional
companionship, born out of years of familiarity and trust.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“…I definitely fucked it up again,” a dwarf says, tears of
laughter streaming from his eyes. He sits on the floor, his back to the
couch, resting his back against the lower legs of a dark-haired human
man. The man’s fingers are in his hair; he quietly chortles as he works
on loosening his braids.
A half-aeda woman tugs her pillow closer and settles down with her legs
crossed. “What? How?”
“I don’t know! But it was in //three separate places—”//
She snorts and shakes her head, her pearlescent crest catching the
golden light, glimmering like water droplets across her forehead.
A little further into the room, two musicians are perched on the back of
a couch, their feet dangling in the air. They have traded off their
instruments—one a pandura, the other a small, bowed instrument you don’t
recognize—and are playing them in some kind of musical duel. A small
crowd has gathered around them, gleefully egging them on.
They sound terrible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Mel!”
The
shout comes from the far side of the lounge. A curvy, round-faced elf
kneels the wrong way on a sofa, her elbows resting against the
upholstered back. Her curly black tresses flow unbound over her
shoulders and she has a hand raised in the air, waving enthusiastically.
She has squished herself between the armrest and six others squeezed
onto the sofa. Her companions are chattering loudly, their glee as
unrestrained as the wine in their hands.
“Kit,” Melchior calls, striding towards her. “All went well tonight, I
take it?”
She grins, her dark eyes dancing wickedly. “Oh?” she drawls, sprawling
languidly over the back of the sofa. She reaches out and playfully pokes
his arm. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you. The fact that you have to ask
that question tells me you weren’t there.”
He chuckles. “And take credit for Vesepia’s moment of triumph? I
wouldn’t ever live it down. Far better to leave it to her capable
hands.”
She chortles, tossing her hair over her shoulder as her dark eyes flit
towards you. She is dressed casually in an oversized tunic and trousers,
cinched at the waist with a corded belt. The remains of colourful
makeup cling to her eyes and forehead, the skin beneath raw and damp as
if she has just scrubbed it clean. There’s something familiar about her
face…
“Who’s this?” she asks.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1.
“$nickname.”' 'CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 1.A'>><<set $lilac_name to
$nickname>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “$firstname.”' 'CHAPTER
2.5 PARTY 1.A'>><<set $lilac_name to
$firstname>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “$lastname.”' 'CHAPTER
2.5 PARTY 1.A'>><<set $lilac_name to
$lastname>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>The
woman glances over her shoulder, her long hair rippling about her like a
curtain of silk. Several of her companions have tossed pillows on the
floor and seated themselves around a makeshift table made from piled
cushions and the back of a broken lute. They’ve begun throwing small
obsidian dice across the wood, whooping gleefully whenever one sails off
the edge. Behind them, a tattooed half-aeda woman shakes her head and
stretches out on the now cushion-less sofa, puffing on a thin reed of
dreamweed. She closes her eyes and exhales, a wisp of smoke curling up
above her and dissipating into the air.
Kit watches the dice for a moment then rounds on you, grinning from ear
to ear. “What do you say, $lilac_name?” she says, arching an eyebrow.
“Do you play pavrat? ”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [LIE] “Yeah, of course.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY
4][$option to 1, $pavrat_lie to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Uh… not really.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY
4][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shake your head. You have no idea
what that is.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 4][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>She grins. “Join us for a round, then. We’re piss-poor actors,
so there’s no stakes tonight. I promise you won’t lose much of your
dignity…” She pauses, her eyes dancing wickedly. “…unless you want
to.”<<else>>She grins. “Not from around here, I take it?
Pav’s easy to learn and there are no stakes tonight. I promise you won’t
lose much of your dignity…” She pauses, her eyes dancing wickedly.
“…unless you want to.”<</if>>
Kit turns around and slides from the couch, slipping onto the floor with
an unexpected grace. She shuffles over to the makeshift table and
crosses her legs, watching the board eagerly.
You blink. There’s something about her movements that finally jog your
memory. You know where you’ve seen her before: on the lyranaeum stage,
moving across it with masterful fluidity and elegance.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You’re that actor,” you blurt.
She glances over her shoulder, a smirk on her lips. “Yes? And?”
“I saw you tonight. In the lyranaeum.”
She chuckles, her laughter surprisingly deep. “What did you think?
Wait—” She holds up a hand. “Compliments only, $lilac_name. I have
dreadfully thin skin.”
“I… don’t know. I didn’t stay for all of it.”
Kit //tsks// with mock offense, but otherwise does not seem insulted.
“Between you and me, not our best work,” she says witheringly. “But
according to Vesepia, we can’t afford more trouble. Lord Anaxas is a
generous patron, but what the College wants, the College gets. To hell
with everyone else.”
You frown, trying not to let your confusion get the better of you. The
way Kit speaks… it’s like you know exactly what she’s referring to. You
glance at Melchior, hoping for some clarity, but he merely shrugs and
settles behind you in her former seat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Kit
shoves a pair of dice into <<if $hand_broken is true>>your
good hand<<else>>your hands<</if>> and beckons
you to sit beside her. You follow suit and cup your palm, examining the
dice. The obsidian is cool against your skin, multifaceted and carved
with little white symbols that mean nothing to you. You’ve never heard
of pavrat. Your best guess is that it’s some Velantian game that never
made it out of the city.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Play the game. If
there are no stakes, you have nothing to lose. Besides, it’s a good way
to distract yourself…|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 PAVRAT]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. The air here is too hot, too thick.
While the change in scenery has given you the distraction you needed,
the amount of people in here makes you uncomfortable. Excuse
yourself.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $pavrat_lie is
true>><<set $pavrat_skill to
1>><<else>><<set $pavrat_skill to
3>><</if>>Squeezing the dice inside your fist, you
flash Kit a smile and settle down on a cushion beside her. Her friends
whoop and holler, grinning enthusiastically as they welcome you to the
table.
<<if $pavrat_lie is true>>“Are you ready, $lilac_name?” a
man with a scraggly beard says cheerfully. “Kit’s the best caster here,
you’re going to get //annihilated.”//
“We’ll see about that,” you counter, fully committed to your lie. Who
knows? Maybe luck will be on your side.<<else>>“Don’t worry
if you lose, $lilac_name,” a man with a scraggly beard says cheerfully.
“You might win the first pass, but it’s a trick—she always loses the
first round on purpose when she’s teaching. The next round you’ll get
//annihilated.”//
<<if ($strengthsuccess and $agilitysuccess and $perceptionsuccess
and $persuasionsuccess) > ($strengthfail and $agilityfail and
$perceptionfail and $persuasionfail)>>“We’ll see,” you say with a
smirk. You’ve had good luck so far. Maybe it will hold
out.<<else>>“We’ll see,” you say with a false smile. Your
faith in luck has sunk to the pit of your stomach, but you’re not going
to let them know that.<</if>><</if>>
The man shrugs. “Your funeral.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Behind him, the woman on the sofa rolls over, her arm flopping
over the edge. “You’re lucky Kit isn’t taking bets,” she says with a
hazy smile, flicking the reed between her fingers. “Never ends well.”
She takes another drag and disappears into a puff of smoke.
A dwarf seated next to you waves a hand. “Yeah, yeah,” they say.
“Remember when Sabriel ended up streaking round the block with his ass
out? Nearly had the Ithyria guards on our doorstep—”
“Ooof,” the man says, wincing. “Harsh. Let’s not go there.”
The group chortles with laughter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Melchior’s hand brushes your shoulder. “Good luck,” he says,
keeping his voice low. “You’re in good hands, but mind Kythera. She’s a
fiend at pavrat. <<if $melchiorrom >=5>>Come meet me
outside later. I have something for you—if you want
it.”<<else>>Come meet me outside later, if you
want.”<</if>>
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>He squeezes your shoulder and a
tantalizing shiver rolls down your spine. You nod, momentarily
speechless, and watch as he slips past you and threads his way through
the room, speaking amiably with all he comes
across.<<else>>He squeezes your shoulder and slips past you.
You watch as he threads his way through the room, speaking amiably with
all he comes across.<</if>> His demeanour here is so
different from what you saw before, you’d almost take him for a
different person. He cares for the people here. It’s the most genuine
thing you’ve seen from him all evening.
Kit waves a hand in front of your face. “Hey!” she says. “You still with
us?”
You blink. “Yeah.”
She smirks and raises her hands, rolling her dice vigorously between her
palms. <<if $pavrat_lie is true>>“Ready?” she
asks.<<else>>“Ready?” she asks.<</if>> “Don’t
listen to these idiots, it’s easy once you get the hang of it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$pavrat_lie is true>>The room bustles and hums around you,
vibrating with life and laughter. You try to focus on the game, learning
on the spot by watching the others’ examples, but it’s far more
complicated than you expected and your attention is pulled in a million
directions. There’s a frenetic energy about this place—people dancing,
singing, playing music, completely at ease with themselves and each
other. <<if $lilac_wayfarer is true>>If anyone else has
noticed you’re a Wayfarer, they don’t seem to
care.<<else>>If anyone has noticed you’re a Wayfarer, they
don’t seem to care.<</if>> The group around the pavrat board
is simply excited to see a new face and make a new friend.
Even though you’re playing miserably, you are buoyed by the laughter and
cheerful spirits that surround you. The anxieties of the night—and the
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>miserable
fight<<else>>fight<</if>> with Aeran—seem like
distant memories. You’re not sure how long you play for, but by the end
of it, Kit has raked in enough wins for an uncontested victory.
Flushed and hooting at the win, Kit scoops the dice off the makeshift
board and stuffs them in a pocket. “That’s enough for now, I think,” she
says, rapidly fanning herself. Her cheeks have gone bright red. “Good
try, $lilac_name. You didn’t know what the fuck you were doing, did
you?”
You grin. “No, not really.”
She snorts with laughter. “You’re such a fuck,” she says as she
stretches out, half-crawling over the scraggly-bearded man. He curses in
protest, then rolls his eyes and gives up as she wriggles towards the
sofa. “I can see why he likes you,” she finishes, extending a hand.
The smoking woman—now lying on her back—reacts instinctively, as if
she’s done this a thousand times before. She draws a reed out of
nowhere, lights it with her fingers, and deposits it in Kit’s hand, who
sticks it in her mouth and takes a satisfied puff as she crawls back to
her spot.
“That’s better,” she says, lounging comfortably on the cushions. “Want
one?”<<else>>The room bustles and hums around you, vibrating
with life and laughter. You try to focus on Kit’s words as she
patiently explains the rules, but your attention is pulled in a million
directions. There’s a frenetic energy about this place—people dancing,
singing, playing music, completely at ease with themselves and each
other. <<if $lilac_wayfarer is true>>If anyone else has
noticed you’re a Wayfarer, they don’t seem to
care.<<else>>If anyone has noticed you’re a Wayfarer, they
don’t seem to care.<</if>> The group around the pavrat board
is simply excited to see a new face and make a new friend.
As predicted, Kit lets you win the first pass, a remarkable feat
considering the amount of mistakes you make. And, also as predicted, she
outstrips you in every other pass, raking in the wins for an
uncontested victory.
Flushed and hooting at the win, Kit scoops the dice off the makeshift
board and stuffs them in a pocket. “That’s enough for now, I think,” she
says, rapidly fanning herself. Her cheeks have gone bright red. “Good
try, $lilac_name. Maybe you can beat me someday.”
You grin. “Maybe.”
She chortles and stretches out, half-crawling over the scraggly-bearded
man. He curses in protest, then rolls his eyes and gives up as she
reaches for the sofa. The smoking woman—now lying on her back—reacts
instinctively, as if she’s done this a thousand times before. She draws a
reed out of nowhere, lights it with her fingers, and deposits it in
Kit’s hand, who sticks it in her mouth and takes a satisfied puff as she
crawls back to her spot.
“That’s better,” she says, lounging comfortably on the cushions. “Want
one?”<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<if $ancestry is
"dwarven">><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [DWARVEN] You shouldn’t. Even though you’re
resistant to dreamweed’s effects, if you have too much you’ll lose your
wits.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 DREAMWEED DECLINE][$mc_dreamweed to true,
$mc_smoking to false]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [DWARVEN] What the hell, why not?
You doubt whatever Kythera has on her will be strong enough to do much
to you.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 DREAMWEED ACCEPT DWARVEN][$mc_dreamweed to
true, $mc_smoking to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. [DWARVEN] Decline.
Dreamweed and you have never mixed. You don’t go near the
stuff.'>><<dialog>><<include "EP 2 PARTY
DREAMWEED
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. You shouldn’t.
You’d rather keep your wits about you.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 DREAMWEED
DECLINE][$mc_dreamweed to true, $mc_smoking to false]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. What the hell, why not? You’ll have a
wretched headache tomorrow, but it’ll be worth it.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5
DREAMWEED ACCEPT][$mc_dreamweed to true, $mc_smoking to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. Decline. Dreamweed and
you have never mixed. You don’t go near the
stuff.'>><<dialog>><<include "EP 2 PARTY
DREAMWEED
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
press the dice back into her hands. “Sorry,” you say, rising to your
feet. “Not interested.”
Kit shrugs and turns to the makeshift table, chattering enthusiastically
with her friends. If she’s disappointed, she gives no sign. You slip
past her, squeezing around a knot of giggling, intoxicated musicians
trying valiantly to see who can sing the highest note, and pass by a
small table overfilled with half-empty glasses and bottles of wine.
<<if $mcalcohol is true>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Snag a bottle.
You’re going to get drunk.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE 2][$mc_drinking to
true, $option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Leave it. Getting drunk is the last
thing you should do right now.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE 2][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE 2][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“No,
thanks.”
She shrugs and takes a drag, her eyelids fluttering deliriously as she
disappears in a cloud of smoke. Out of the corner of your eye, you see
Melchior weave his way back through the sunken lounge. He steps up onto
the raised floor that lines the perimeter and heads for the back of the
room, pausing at an archway. He turns, searching the room, and his gaze
falls on you.
You stare back at him.
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>He smirks and tilts his head,
gesturing for you to follow him. Then he disappears through the
threshold to whatever lies beyond.
//Shit…//
You pause, your thoughts racing as fast as your heart. You’re not
oblivious, you can feel the tension between you. But the question
remains: do you follow him?<<else>>He smiles and turns his
back on you, disappearing into the threshold and whatever lies beyond.
You pause, wondering whether you should follow him. You might as
well—Kit and her friends are likely not going to be very conversational
now that they’ve turned to dreamweed.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Yes.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. No.|CHAPTER 2.5
KIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $drunk to
2>><<set $ep2_end to 2>>“Sure.”
Kit grins and crawls, once more, across her protesting friend. She
snatches a second reed from the woman on the sofa and shoves it into
your hands. Flashing you a satisfied smile, she leans back on her elbows
and takes a long drag. Her eyelids flutter deliriously and she
disappears into a cloud of smoke.
You shrug and follow suit.
<<if $gender is "male" or $gender is "female">>“Good
$child,”<<else>>“Good kid,”<</if>> Kit says
languidly, flopping onto the floor. Her black ringlets spread out around
her head like a halo. “So, you’re a Wayfarer, huh?”
<<if $lilac_wayfarer is true>>You exhale a puff of smoke.
“Yeah.”
She wriggles on the floor, smiling giddily. “You’re lucky, you know.
Melchior doesn’t interest himself in just
anyone.”<<else>>You exhale a puff of smoke. “How’d you know
that?”
<<if $hand_broken is true>>She points at your splint. “Most
folk don’t go around with one of those,” she
says,<<else>>She giggles. “Talk,” she
says,<</if>> wriggling on the floor, trying to find a
comfortable position. “Besides, Melchior doesn’t interest himself in
just anyone.”<</if>>
It could be your imagination, but she sounds a little jealous.
“Figures.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Kit stretches her arms above her head, dangling the reed
between her fingers. “It’s a shame,” she says. “Do you know how many
company members would fuck him if they had a chance? But no! Rules are
rules.”
You yawn. “What rules?” you ask drowsily, barely paying attention to her
words. It’s nice to just sit here, talking about nothing, the dreamweed
lifting the weight from your shoulders. This is the most relaxed you’ve
been all day…
Your toes are <span class="drunk-1">tingling.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>She rolls over onto her stomach and <span
class="drunk-1">brushes a curtain of hair</span> out of her
face. “Simple,” she says. “He doesn’t sleep with his actors. Not since
Lyrian, anyway. Bastard. That was //years// ago.”
<span class="drunk-1">“Mhmm…”</span>
She sticks the reed in her mouth and pats the floor beside her,
beckoning you to join her. You <span class="drunk-1">stare at her
hand,</span> how the movements of her fingers paint <span
class="drunk-1">such pretty patterns,</span> how her slender
rings <span class="drunk-1">shimmer against the gold
embroidery</span> in the rug.
Thinking it would be a good idea to get a closer look, you <span
class="drunk-1">shuffle over and topple,</span> face first,
onto the floor beside her.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>“Lyrian, Lyrian, Lyrian, Lyrian,” Kit says, scratching the rug
with her fingers. “Dumbass. Bastard. Do you know they’re probably in
the Themistrya? Or close to it.”
<span class="drunk-2">“Lyrian,”</span> you repeat. You have
no idea who that is. But it’s <span class="drunk-2">a pretty
name.</span> It sounds interesting on your tongue. <span
class="drunk-1">“Lyrian… Lyrana… Lyranaeum…”</span>
She chortles and lies flat on the floor, pressing her face into a
pillow. You watch as she squirms around, buoyed by her laughter, her
beautiful hair tossing back and forth. Your skin prickles. <span
class="drunk-1">It feels so… strange. Light.</span> You’re on
the floor, but you might as well <span class="drunk-1">be floating
on the</span> <<if $ancestry is "aeda">><span
class="drunk-1">ceiling.</span>
You <span class="drunk-1">//should//</span> be floating on
the ceiling… It’s outrageous, really. Why can’t you have wings? You
<span class="drunk-2">deserve</span> wings. <span
class="drunk-2">The things you could do with a pair of
wings…</span><<else>><span
class="drunk-1">ceiling.</span><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>The smoke seeps up your nose. You can <span
class="drunk-2">feel pressure</span> building between your
brows. <span class="drunk-2">“Who’s Vesepia?”</span> you ask
after a moment.
She buries her head beneath a pillow. “Stupid, that’s who…”
<span class="drunk-2">“No.”</span> You poke her shoulder.
<span class="drunk-2">“Tell me.”</span>
“No!”
<span class="drunk-2">“Tell me.”</span> You poke her again.
<span class="drunk-2">“Tell me, tell me, tell me—”</span>
She blows a raspberry and resurfaces from beneath the pillow. “She heads
the Lilac Company. One third of it, anyways.”
<span class="drunk-2">“…Lilac Company?”</span>
“Us!” She gestures, throwing a hands about her in a wide circle. “This!
You saw us tonight, yes?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>You nod and close your eyes, sinking into your cushion. Your
body feels so… heavy. You could lie here forever. <span
class="drunk-2">Melt into the floor… become part of the
room…</span>
“It wasn’t very good,” Kit’s voice says, echoing somewhere high above
you. And below you. Shit, why is she there? Since when were there two of
her? “I play the best Tamara this side of the Lotharic, but
//goooooods,// is it dull…”
<span class="drunk-3">“Mhmm…”</span>
Your voice falls away, your tongue heavy in your mouth. It feels good to
just lie here…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>>Kit says something. Or you think she does—you can feel her
talking, even if you can’t hear her anymore. You nod along with her,
happy to agree to whatever she says, <span
class="drunk-3">enjoying the feel</span> of the floor beneath
you.
<span class="drunk-3">Gods, it feels good to just lie here
and…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
8>><span class="drunk-4">Lie here and…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
9>><span class="drunk-4">Here…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><span
class="drunk-4">And…?</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Rising to your feet, you quickly
extricate yourself from Kit and company and head across the lounge. No
one pays attention to you; the people here are too engrossed in their
revelries. Even if someone was watching, you doubt they would care or
remember—everyone here is either drunk or high on dreamweed.
The air grows noticeably cooler as you approach the archway. A sheer
blue curtain covers the threshold, swaying to and fro in a soft breeze.
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>Eager to find Melchior and trying
not to think too hard about why he wants to see you alone, you push the
curtain aside and pass through the open door behind
it.<<else>>Curious to find Melchior, you push the curtain
aside and pass through the open door behind it.<</if>>
You find yourself in a private courtyard. A rectangular pool sinks into
the stonework, its deep turquoise waters lapping gently at the edge.
Unlike the decorative ponds and fountains you’ve seen elsewhere, this
one is plain—no grand statues, no spouts of water, no ornamental plants.
While some greenery hangs from the arches, it is nowhere near as
extravagant as other areas of the palace.
This courtyard looks like it has been used, lived in. A divan sits
against the far wall, an embroidered blanket thrown haphazardly over its
armrests. An abberan jacket hangs across the back of a chair. Someone’s
shoes lie forgotten in a corner. A stacks of books lie discarded on a
round table, the topmost lying open for all to read, its pages ruffled
by the light breeze.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Melchior sits with his back to you, kneeling by the pool as he
watches the water. His head is bowed, his back still, his posture
subservient, almost as if in prayer. He glances over his shoulder when
you enter. His yellow eyes glow softly in the dark, alive with magic.
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>He smiles at you, clearly pleased
that you came.<<else>>You can just make out the hint of a
smile. He’s clearly pleased that you came.<</if>>
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>You nudge the door shut with the
back of your foot and enter the courtyard.<<else>>You close
the door and enter the courtyard.<</if>> After the stuffy
warmth inside, the cool air here is a relief.
“I hope Kythera didn’t prove too troublesome,” he says. “She’s wickedly
clever at pavrat.”
“She didn’t give the rest of us a chance to win, that’s for sure,” you
reply, glancing at the pool. The water laps against the edge, rippling
enticingly. You didn’t realize how warm you were indoors. Throwing
caution to the wind, you <<if $dressed is true>>kick off
your shoes and pad across the courtyard<<else>>unlace your
boots, kick them off, and pad across the courtyard<</if>>.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Would you like to know a secret?” Melchior says, watching as
you <<if $garb is "serithan">>hike up your <<if
$serithan_colour is
"turquoise">>skirts<<else>>robes<</if>>
and sit down beside him.<<else>>roll up your trousers as far
as they will go and sit down beside him.<</if>>
“Sure,” you reply, slipping your feet into the water. The water rushes
over your skin, cool and relaxing.
“She cheats.”
You think back to the game and the delight with which Kit played.
Suddenly, her gleefulness makes more sense. “Do the others let her?”
“Not intentionally. They all know she does it, but no one has caught her
yet.”
You pause, noting the fondness in his voice. In the moonlight, his
complexion has taken on a silvery sheen, almost as if it is glowing with
starlight. <<if $melchiorrom >=5>>He is absurdly
beautiful, it’s almost unfair.<<else>>Even you have to admit
he is absurdly beautiful—almost unnaturally so.<</if>> You
wonder if the people celebrating inside see him as you do… or if he is
wearing another disguise. Another illusion.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
swirl a foot through the water. “Can they see you?” you ask quietly.
“Your company. Or are you guising yourself to them, too?”
“Never. I may lie extravagantly to those who deserve it, but never to my
people. Besides… Kythera and Vesepia have always been exceptionally
perceptive. I may be able to trick their minds, but they always know
when I’ve masked myself.”
“But they can’t see through your illusions, can they?”
“No. Not in the way you can.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<if $melchiorrom
>=5>>“Or any magianis.”
“But you’re not just any magianis—are you?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 MELOUT FRIEND
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Kit flops onto the floor, her
black ringlets spread around her head like a halo. “So,” she says,
puffing on her reed. “You’re a Wayfarer, huh?”
<<if $lilac_wayfarer is true>>You draw a knee into your
chest and clasp your hands around it. “Yeah.”
She wriggles on the floor, smiling giddily. “You’re lucky, you know.
Melchior doesn’t interest himself in just
anyone.”<<else>>You draw a knee into your chest and clasp
your hands around it. “How’d you know that?”
<<if $hand_broken is true>>She points at your splint. “Most
folk don’t go around with one of those,” she
says,<<else>>She giggles. “Talk,” she
says,<</if>> wriggling on the floor, trying to find a
comfortable position. “Besides, Melchior doesn’t interest himself in
just anyone.”<</if>>
//Yeah, I figured…// You glance across the room at the archway. Melchior
hasn’t reappeared.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Kit stretches her arms above her head and dangles the reed
between her fingers. “It’s a shame,” she says. “Do you know how many
company members would fuck him if they had a chance? But no! No. Rules
are rules.”
“What rules?” you ask.
She rolls over onto her stomach and brushes a curtain of hair out of her
face. “Simple. He doesn’t sleep with his actors. Not since Lyrian,
anyway. Bastard. That was years ago.”
//Lyrian?//
That’s not a name you recognize. What was the other one you heard?
Vesepia?
Kit sticks the reed in her mouth and pats the floor beside her,
beckoning you to join her. She moves her hand in a circle, her palm
rustling against the coarse fabric of the rug. The slender rings on her
fingers catch the rough threads, pulling one loose.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Who’s
Vesepia?” you ask.
She buries her head beneath a pillow and groans loudly. “Stupid, that’s
who…”
You roll your eyes. “Tell me,” you insist.
She blows a raspberry and resurfaces from beneath the pillow. “She heads
the Lilac Company. One third of it, anyways.”
“…Lilac Company?”
“Us!” She gestures, throwing her hands about her in a wide circle.
“This! You saw us tonight, yes? It wasn’t very good, was it? I play the
best Tamara ard Vestillion this side of the Lotharic, but gods, is it
dull…”
She chatters on for several minutes, jumping sporadically from one idea
to the next with nothing to connect her thoughts together. It’s not long
before you decide she’s far too delirious to continue this
conversation. Feeling wildly out of place, you get to your feet and pick
your way across the lounge.
It’s time you went back.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 ALONE IN
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<confidentOff>><<restedOff>><<tenaciousOff>><<poisonedOff>><<fatiguedOff>><<debilitatedOff>><<intoxicatedOff>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Episode II Complete</span>
After weeks at sea, you have finally reached Velantis. But your first
day in the city did not go as expected. Embroiled in the turmoil between
the Order of Lethalis and the Order of Solarath, <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION") or $aeran_advantage is
true>>you have no choice but to keep your eyes set your goal:
retrieving the Astrial from Diradan Tower.<<else>>your
situation has taken a turn for the worst now that Umbria Bellaris has
rejected your aid. You can’t help but wonder how you will leave the city
now… and what will happen to the Astrial in Diradan
Tower.<</if>>
<div class="description"><span class="heading">New
Factions</span>
//Click to view relationship status.//
<div class="box">
<div class="attribute"><span class="episode"><<link
[img[images/solarathicon.png]]>><<dialog>><<include
"Order of
Solarath">><</dialog>><</link>></span></div>
<div
class="attribute"><span class="episode"><<link
[img[images/arathianicon.png]]>><<dialog>><<include
"Arathian Empire
Faction">><</dialog>><</link>></span></div>
<div
class="attribute"></div>
<div class="attribute"></div>
</div>
</div>
<center><<button "Continue" "EPISODE 2 LEVEL
UP">><</button>></center><<nobr>>
<<set $aeran_approval.ep2 to $aeranapp>>
<<set $aeran_romance.ep2 to $aeranrom>>
<<set $melchior_approval.ep2 to $melchiorapp>>
<<set $melchior_romance.ep2 to $melchiorrom>>
<<unset $option,
$malsara_questions,
$aeran_quirinus_ask,
$malsara_profile,
$themistrya_info,
$aerantell_extra,
$aeran_pushed,
$mc_rigging,
$sabien_overhears,
$sabien_recognizes_mc,
$sabien_blade,
$weapons_refused,
$reputation_tutorial,
$sabien_threatened,
$sabien_stab,
$ras_zenaida,
$aeran_argued,
$aeran_eating,
$fuss,
$mc_reluctant,
$dressed,
$jewelry_worn,
$pendant_worn,
$mc_late,
$arrive_together,
$zenaida_location,
$mc_apology,
$last_location,
$mc_outed,
$allegra_spotted,
$allegra_met,
$wine,
$elleshar_met,
$meissandium_text,
$elleshar_info,
$phaedra_found,
$aeran_promise,
$vote_for,
$vote_against,
$lethalis_angry,
$guaranteed_vote,
$wards,
$oshiro_friendly,
$aeran_angry,
$lilac_wayfarer,
$problem_counter,
$call_him,
$slink,
$tutorial_duel,
$approval_tutorial,
$chapter1end,
$aerantell_extra,
$tempstat,
$hair_leave>>
<</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 KIT")>>Time stretches out as you find
your way back to your apartment. After the chaos of the gala, the
intensity of your meeting with Lethalis, and the haze of the actors’
party, you are relieved to have some peace and quiet to yourself.
There’s a strange beauty about Mahanin at night—the empty galleries, the
still halls, all peacefully slumbering.<<else>>Time
stretches out as you find your way back to your apartment. The
hollowness in your chest envelopes you with every step you take and
you’re relieved to have some peace and quiet to yourself. Despite the
sting of your encounter with Melchior, even you have to admit there’s a
strange beauty about Mahanin at night—the empty galleries, the still
halls, all peacefully slumbering.<</if>>
While you are turned around once or twice, you eventually find the
correct staircase and ascend to the second level. It is frightfully late
by now. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>It
occurs to you that you may only have a handful of hours to sleep before
you depart on your mission… Unfortunate, but it’s the price you’ll have
to pay.<<else>>No matter… with the mission called off, you
have nowhere important to be tomorrow. You can sleep in the
morning.<</if>>
You reach your apartment and pull open the doors. The antechamber is
dark and quiet, the magnificent frescos <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>looming in your peripheral
vision.<<else>>barely visible<</if>>. Beyond,
the central sitting room is illuminated by ribbons of moonlight that
flood in from the windows. The drapes in the balcony threshold flutter
gently in a faint wind, creating undulating shadows that ripple across
the floor.
You’re not surprised the lights have gone out. The husks of conjured
lights sit in their wall sconces, dull and lifeless. Without someone
here to activate them, they have gone dormant, their telltale glow
snuffed out like a candle. Though you see Rasmira’s staff was thoughtful
enough to leave candles and lanterns behind, they remain untouched,
their wicks unlit. If Aeran came through here, he didn’t bother with
them.
Aeran…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
turns his yellow eyes on you. They glow in the darkness, alive with the
light of magic.
You fall silent, a hundred unspoken questions on your tongue. You still
don’t know what to make of him, but not knowing makes him all the more
fascinating.
A pleasantly cool breeze blows through the courtyard, prickling the back
of your neck. The pool laps around your lower legs, rippling,
undulating, the dark surface reflecting a sea of stars. The sight is
mesmerizing, threatening to pull you in. A hand brushes yours <<if
$garb is "serithan">>sending a hundred shivers down your bare
arms.<<else>>sending a hundred shivers spiralling down your
spine.<</if>> You know without a doubt it’s not from the
cold.
You pause, frozen in Melchior’s stare, unable—or unwilling—to move
beneath those unblinking eyes. His gazes sweeps over you and he raises a
hand, his fingers ghosting across your cheek as he tilts your head
towards his. You tremble beneath his touch, anticipation coiling in your
gut.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Kiss him.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ALLO'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You can feel the tension between you,
the game you’re playing. You’re not going to give into him just yet.'
'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1B
ALLO'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] You want him to kiss you, but that’s
all you want.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1CACE'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Stop. You can’t do this.|CHAPTER 2.5
MELOUT ROM 1D]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '5. Let the moment pass.
You’re not going to initiate anything, not when you barely know him.
<<if $melchiorapp >=40>>But his company has been
enjoyable so far.<<else>>But his company has been tolerable
so far.<</if>> You wouldn’t mind talking with him a little
longer.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT
CONNECT'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>>He
turns his yellow eyes on you. They glow in the darkness, alive with the
light of magic.
You fall silent, a hundred unspoken questions on your tongue. <<if
$melchiorapp >=40>>You still don’t know what to make of
him—and that makes you all the more curious.<<else>>You
still don’t know what to make of him. You can’t decide whether you find
that frustrating… or fascinating.<</if>>
Maybe both.
A cool breeze blows through the courtyard, prickling the back of your
neck. The pool laps around your lower legs, rippling, undulating, the
dark surface reflecting a sea of stars. You cast a sideways glance at
Melchior, taking in the sharp edges of that beautiful face. He seems
perfectly at ease, comfortable with your silence, but you pale in
comparison to the ongoing celebrations indoors. So what brought him out
here, to you? <<if $melchiorapp >=40>>Is he as intrigued
by you as you are by him?<<else>>He’s intrigued by you, that
much you’re certain of… but you can’t put your finger on
why.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. You have no intention of going
back to your apartment so soon, if at all tonight. <<if
$melchiorapp >=40>>And his company has been enjoyable so
far.<<else>>But his company has been tolerable so
far.<</if>> You wouldn’t mind talking with him a little
longer.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT
CONNECT'>><</link>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. You should go.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT
FRIEND EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>You seize a bottle and feel the cooling runes snap and sputter
out of existence beneath your fingertips. Shrugging, you tilt your head
back and down a mouthful. The wine is bitter, but so is your mood. It’s
good enough for you.
Bottle in hand, you step out of the sunken lounge and scan the room,
searching for an exit.
A sheer blue curtain flutters suspiciously in a nearby archway, as if
moved by a breeze. Keen to find somewhere with a little more privacy and
a little more quiet, you stake your chances on it being an exit and
cross the room.<<elseif $option is 2>>Ignoring the bottles,
you step out of the sunken lounge and scan the room, searching for an
exit.
A sheer blue curtain flutters suspiciously in a nearby archway, as if
moved by a breeze. Keen to find somewhere with a little more privacy and
a little more quiet, you stake your chances on it being an exit and
cross the room.<<else>>Pointedly ignoring the bottles, you
step out of the sunken lounge and scan the room, searching for an exit. A
sheer blue curtain flutters suspiciously in a nearby archway, as if
moved by a breeze. Keen to find somewhere with a little more privacy and
a little more quiet, you stake your chances on it being an exit and
cross the room.<</if>>
The air is noticeably cooler by the archway. With some relief, you push
the curtain aside, duck through the threshold and step through the open
door on the other side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
find yourself in a private courtyard. A rectangular pool sinks into the
stonework, its deep turquoise waters lapping gently at the edge. Unlike
the decorative ponds and fountains you’ve seen elsewhere, this one is
plain—no grand statues, no spouts of water, no ornamental plants. While
some greenery hangs from the arches, it is nowhere near as extravagant
as other areas of the palace.
This courtyard looks like it has been used, lived in. A divan sits
against the far wall, an embroidered blanket thrown haphazardly over its
armrests. An abberan jacket hangs across the back of a chair. Someone’s
shoes lie forgotten in a corner. A stack of books lie discarded on a
round table, the topmost lying open for all to read, its pages ruffled
by the light breeze.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$mc_drinking is true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE
2A]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE
2B]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You <<if $dressed is
true>>kick off your shoes<<else>>unlace your boots,
kick them off,<</if>> and pad across the courtyard.
<<if $garb is "serithan">>Hiking up your <<if
$serithan_colour is
"turquoise">>skirts<<else>>robes<</if>>,
you sit down and plunge your feet into the
pool.<<else>>Rolling up your trousers as far as they will
go, you sit down and slip your feet into the water.<</if>>
You grab the wine bottle and tilt your head back, downing a second gulp
of sustenance. Now that you’re alone, it’s difficult to keep your mind
off Aeran and what happened in that garden. <<if $aeranapp
>=60>>Gods… You have no idea what you’re going to do about
that.<<else>>Fuck him, fuck him, fuck the
bastard.<</if>>
“I hope Kythera didn’t trouble you—”
You jump, wine drippling down your chin, and the bottle nearly slips
from your grasp.
//Shit.//
Melchior.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>For
a brief moment, you consider trying to hide the bottle, then decide
against it. You came out here to get drunk.
You shove the bottle between your legs, holding it in place with your
knees, and wipe your mouth with the back of your hand. “Not her fault. I
needed a moment to myself.”
He pauses. “I can see that. Should I leave you to it?”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Yes.”|CHAPTER
2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE 3A ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Noooooo.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE
3C
DRUNK]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
<<if $dressed is true>>kick off your
shoes<<else>>unlace your boots, kick them
off,<</if>> and pad across the courtyard. <<if $garb
is "serithan">>Hiking up your <<if $serithan_colour is
"turquoise">>skirts<<else>>robes<</if>>,
you sit down and plunge your feet into the
pool.<<else>>Rolling up your trousers as far as they will
go, you sit down and slip your feet into the water.<</if>>
Now you’re alone, it’s difficult to keep your mind off Aeran and what
happened in that garden. Gods… You can’t even begin to know what you’re
going to do about that. It would be easier to ignore it, pretend it
never happened…
“I hope Kythera didn’t trouble you—”
//Shit.//
Melchior.
When did he sneak up on you? You didn’t hear him enter the courtyard.
“—she can have a forceful personality at times.”
You kick your feet, watching the water ripple around your legs. “Not her
fault,” you say after a moment. “I just needed a moment for myself.”
He pauses. “Should I leave you, then?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yes.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE 3A
ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No.”|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 LEAVE
3B]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
says nothing. You can sense him standing there, watching you from a
distance. Whether he’s disappointed by your lack of engagement or not,
he gives no sign. Finally, you hear the telltale rustle of fabric as he
pulls the curtain aside and returns indoors, leaving you to your
solitude.
<<if $mc_drinking is true>>You exhale a long breath and lean
back, head tilted to the sky, and press the bottle to your lips. The
wine is heady on your tongue and the water uncomfortably cold against
your skin.<<else>>You exhale a long breath and lean back,
head tilted to the sky. The water is uncomfortably cold against your
skin.<</if>> You’re beginning to regret removing your
<<if $dressed is
true>>shoes<<else>>boots<</if>>. You’re
beginning to regret coming here.
You feel exhausted.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $mc_drinking is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY LEAVE
3ADRINK]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY LEAVE
3ANO]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<melchiorApp>><<set $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)>>You swear you can feel him
smiling.
A door softly closes, fabric rustles in your ears, and Melchior appears
at your side. The undulating blues and purples of his serithan flow
around him in perfect imitation of rippling water as he kneels beside
you. He leans over and dips a hand into the water, as if to test the
temperature.
You swirl a foot in a circle. “So, when Kit said you’re always up to
something, it’s not actually about accounts and ledgers, is it?”
“Oh, it is,” he says smoothly. “An actors’ company cannot subsist
without a certain amount of intolerable work. Companies greater than
ours have failed because they could not keep their records straight.
Thankfully, I have more than enough time—and the disposition—for it.”
<<if $melchiorapp >=40>>You arch an eyebrow. “So you
//do// do more than scam aristocrats. Interesting.”
“What can I say? I’m a person of many talents.”
You cast a sideways glance at him. In the moonlight, his complexion has
taken on a silvery sheen, almost as if it is glowing with starlight.
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>He is absurdly beautiful, it’s
almost unfair.<<else>>Even you have to admit he is absurdly
beautiful—almost unnaturally so.<</if>> You wonder if the
people celebrating inside see him as you do… or if he is wearing another
disguise. Another illusion.
“Can they see you?” you ask quietly. “Your company. Or are you guising
yourself to them, too?”<<else>>“When you’re not scamming
aristocrats,” you say pointedly, turning on him. In the moonlight, his
complexion has taken on a silvery sheen, almost as if it is glowing with
starlight. Even you have to admit he is absurdly beautiful—almost
unnaturally so. “Can they see you? Your people? Or are you guising
yourself to them, too?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Never.
I may lie extravagantly to those who deserve it, but never to my
people. Besides… Kythera and Vesepia have always been exceptionally
perceptive. I may be able to trick their minds, but they always know
when I’ve masked myself.”
“But they can’t see through your illusions, can they?”
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>“No. Not in the way you can.”
“Or any magianis.”
“But you’re not just any magianis—are you?”<<else>>“No. Not
in the way you can.”<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<if $melchiorrom
>=5>><<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 MELOUT FRIEND
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<melchiorApp>><<set $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)>><<set $drunk to
1>><<set $ep2_end to 4>>The word come out as a whine,
long and extended. It sounds grating even to your own ears. Shit. What’s
in this stuff? It’s gone right to your head.
You raise the bottle, blinking bleary eyes at it. Fabric rustles in your
ears and Melchior appears out of nowhere. You press the neck of the
bottle against your lips, watching with curiosity as he sits beside you,
the undulating blues and purples of his serithan rippling around him
like water. Out here, beneath the moon, his complexion has taken on a
silvery sheen, almost as if it is glowing with starlight. <<if
$melchiorrom >=5>>He’s so absurdly beautiful, it’s
unfair.<<else>>He is absurdly beautiful. You’d think so even
without the wine—and you’re not happy about it.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You hold out the bottle, thrusting it towards him. “Drink?”
<<if $melchiorrom >=5>>His eyes—those absurdly attractive
eyes—flicker over you.<<else>>His eyes flicker over
you.<</if>> Then he shrugs and takes the bottle from your
hands, tilting his head back as he raises it to his lips and drinks.
He lowers it quickly, coughing. “Gods damn it, Sabriel,” he chokes,
glaring at the bottle. “Where did you find that?”
You chortle, grinning from ear-to-ear, and take the bottle back. “So,”
you say, kicking a foot upward and watching the wave ripple across the
water. “When Kit said you’re always up to something, it’s not actually
about accounts and ledgers, is it?”
“Oh, it is,” he replies, leaning back on his elbows. “An actors’ company
cannot subsist without a certain amount of intolerable work. Companies
greater than ours have failed because they could not keep their records
straight. Thankfully, I have more than enough time—and the
disposition—for it.”
You swallow a mouthful of wine. Though he’s saying words, they don’t
quite make sense to you. “Awww. So you //do// do more than scam
aristocrats. Boring.”
He throws back his head and laughs. “What can I say? I’m a person of
many talents.”
You kick your feet vigorously. The sloshing water is oddly enjoyable.
“Can anyone see you?” you ask. “Your company, I mean. Or are you guising
yourself for them, too?”
He holds out a hand and gestures with his fingers, beckoning you to give
back the bottle. Knowing he won’t answer until you follow suit, you
sigh dramatically, roll your eyes, and pass it to him.
He takes a drink. It’s the longest drink in the world.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Never,” he says finally, lowering the bottle. “I may lie
extravagantly to those who deserve it, but never to my people. Besides…
Kit and Vesepia have always been exceptionally perceptive. I may be able
to trick their minds, but they always know when I’ve masked myself.”
“But they can’t see through your illusions, can they?”
He smirks. “No. Only you can do that.”
You take the wine back. “So, what you’re saying is… I’m special.”
“You and every other magiani.”
“Shit! I forgot about them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Though
a tiny voice in the back of your mind whispers that it’s just the
effect of the wine, you feel like a weight has been lifted from your
shoulders. There’s something oddly freeing about sitting here with
Melchior, your feet stuck in the pool, passing the bottle back and forth
as if you were old friends.
Your conversation takes you well into the night. You’re not sure at what
point your thoughts become a muddled mess, but you hardly care. When
the bottle is finally empty and you find yourself drifting off, you roll
yourself up in a discarded blanket and stumble across the courtyard,
seeking somewhere to pass out. You bump into the divan and topple, face
first, into its pillows.
When sleep comes to claim you, you submit to it with a smile.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $drunk to
1>><<set $ep2_end to 3>>You drink. The wine clouds
your mind. Though Aeran’s <<if $aeranapp
>=40>>callous<<else>>biting<</if>>
words echo round and round your head, they feel distant and dull, his
cruelty a distant pain. One you can almost ignore.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You drink.
//Fuck… fuck… <span class="drunk-1">fuck…</span>//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You drink.
The moon is bright, <span class="drunk-2">so bright</span>
it <span class="drunk-2">hurts your eyes.</span> You raise
an arm and press it against your forehead, shielding yourself from the
<span class="drunk-2">ugly silver thing</span> hanging in
the sky.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You drink.
A <span class="drunk-1">dribble</span> comes out.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Then <span class="drunk-2">a drop.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Then <span class="drunk-2">nothing.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>>You <span class="drunk-1">tilt your head
back</span> as far as it will go, your <span
class="drunk-1">lips parched,</span> desperately searching for
<span class="drunk-2">one more drop.</span> Finding nothing,
you curse and toss the bottle aside. It shatters on the ground, tiny
<span class="drunk-1">shards of glass</span> spilling across
the tiles.
You pick yourself up and <span class="drunk-1">the world nearly
falls out</span> from under you. <span
class="drunk-2">Stumbling on shaky feet,</span> you drag
yourself across the courtyard and <span class="drunk-2">topple,
face first,</span> onto the divan. Your head hurts. Your body
aches.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
7>><span class="drunk-2">You close your eyes.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
8>><span class="drunk-3">You close… your eyes.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><span
class="drunk-4">You close your… eyes…</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$ep2_end to 14>>You’re not sure how long you stay there, alone,
with your feet in the pool. Though the night is slipping by, you feel
stuck, trapped within the same liminal hour between midnight and dawn.
When you finally pull yourself up, you’re too tired to find your way out
of this wing of the palace and back to your apartments.
Rolling yourself up in a discarded blanket, you settle down on the divan
and rest your head against a plush cushion. When you close your eyes,
it takes sleep a long time to claim you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
lean in—
And he draws back at the last second, laughing huskily, a wicked smile
on his lips.
You pause, caught in the moment, relishing in his impish spirit. “So
that’s how it’s going to be, then—”
He presses against you, his lips ghosting across yours, too light to be a
kiss. Teasing you. Taunting you. Your breath hitches in the back of
your throat and a delighted shiver rolls down your spine, relishing in
the tension. You lean in again, trying to kiss him a second time, and he
pulls back with a laugh, his teeth nipping your bottom lip. Desire
coils deep within you, the near-kiss driving you wild.
“I see we’ve shared a similar thought,” he says, his eyes sweeping over
your body. “But how similar is it, I wonder?”
You exhale a trembling breath. He has barely touched you, but already
your heart is beating erratically in your chest.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> INTIMACY] Kiss him.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
INTIMACY'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Kiss him.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.2'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Draw away. You can’t go through with
this.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
EXIT.2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>><<set
$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 5, 0, 20), $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 1, 5, 95)>>He chuckles, his lips drawing
back in a half-smirk, and leans in close. “I see we’ve shared a similar
thought,” he says quietly, his voice a pleasurable hum in your ear.
“How similar is it, I wonder?”
You exhale a trembling breath. He has barely touched you, but already
your heart is beating erratically in your chest. “Depends. How long have
you been thinking it?”
He rests his fingers on your cheek and brushes a thumb across your lips.
“For most of the night.”
You close your eyes. He’s making it very difficult to concentrate.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> INTIMACY] “Melchior… by the gods, just kiss me
already.”' 'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
INTIMACY'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] “Just kiss me. That’s all I want.”'
'CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.2'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Draw away. You can’t go through with
this.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
EXIT.2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Kiss me,” you murmur.
He smirks and leans in, his lips ghosting across yours, too light to be a
kiss. Teasing you. Taunting you. You chuckle and tilt your head,
leaning in.
“Kiss me,” you murmur again.
And again he laughs and draws back, toying with you, a wicked smile on
his lips. “I see we’ve shared a similar thought,” he says. “But how
similar is it, I wonder?”
You pause, a panicked thought flitting through your mind as you realize
what he’s asking. You break away, your legs slipping out from under you,
and sit heavily on the courtyard ground. The tension between you
evaporates.
“Fuck,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<melchiorRomanceLoss>><<set
$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom - 10, 0, 20)>>He pauses,
staring at you in concern. “$firstname?” he asks.
You pass a hand across your face, silently cursing yourself. “No, no,”
you mutter. “This is my fault. I should have said something sooner—”
“What?”
You smile hollowly. “I’m guessing you invited me out here because you
wanted to sleep with me, right? I’m sorry. I’m not… I don’t want to do
that.”
He blinks slowly. “…I see.”
You get awkwardly to your feet. “Maybe we should just…” You shake your
head. “Forget any of this happened. I should go.”
He nods. Though you are flushed with embarrassment, he has the grace not
to comment on it.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<melchiorApp>><<set
$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 10, 5, 95)>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM START")>>Satisfied with your
decision, you exhale a long breath<<else>>You exhale a long
breath<</if>> and flop backwards, staring at the night sky
above. You kick your feet, enjoying the feel of the water against your
skin. “Who’s Vesepia?” you ask after a moment. “I get the feeling she’s a
handful…”
Melchior chuckles. “An apt description,” he says after a moment. “She’s
my partner.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“Artistic partner,” he clarifies. “The Lilac Company is as much hers as
it is mine.”
“For how long?” you ask.
He sighs wearily and lies back, linking his hands behind his head as he
joins you on the courtyard floor. “Four decades or so. She’s been a
thorn in my side for twice as long.”
You swallow your surprise. You have a feeling he’s not exaggerating.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I know someone like that.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MELOUT CONNECT 2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let me guess… You can’t get rid of
them, even if you want to.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT CONNECT 2][$option to
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sounds… pleasant.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MELOUT CONNECT 2][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn your head and break away.
The growing anticipation dissipates, leaving you with a dull knot in
your stomach. Pressing your hands firmly into the pool’s edge, you shift
your weight and shuffle away from him. Water sloshes mundanely around
your legs, slopping up over the side and wetting your <<if
$serithan_colour is "turquoise">>skirts<<elseif
$serithan_colour is
"purple">>robes<<else>>trousers<</if>>.
Now you’ve pulled yourself from this fever dream, reality hits you like a
slap to the face, jostling you awake.<<if $aeranrom
>=10>> Guilt twists deep inside you and you try not to think of
Aeran.<</if>>
It must be well past midnight.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>> Time is slipping away from you, your mission looming
closer with each passing minute.<</if>> You don’t know what
you’re doing here, in this courtyard, with this person you barely know.
You don’t know what you were looking for.
Maybe it was a mistake to come here.
Maybe it wasn’t.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry, Melchior. I can’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MELOUT ROM 1D-1][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. “…I should go.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1D-1][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1D-1][$option to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<melchiorApp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomance>><</timed>><<set
$melchiorrom to Math.clamp($melchiorrom + 5, 0, 20), $melchiorapp to
Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A ALLO")>>You crush your lips
to his and this time he does not pull away. He grunts, wanton longing
humming in his throat, and <<if $hairlength is
"shaved">>caresses the back of your
neck,<<else>>tangles his hands in your
hair,<</if>> drawing you
close.<<else>><<if $hairlength is
"shaved">>Melchior’s hand snakes across the back of your neck and
he pulls you in.<<else>>Melchior’s hand snakes across the
back of your neck, his fingers tangled in your hair, and he pulls you
sharply in.<</if>><</if>> Your breath hitches,
caught in the back of your throat as his lips press against yours,
kissing you fervently.
//“Gods…”//
The word falls from your lips, unbidden. You slip your feet from the
pool, <<if $garb is "serithan">><<if $serithan_colour
is "turquoise">>your skirts<<else>>your
robes<</if>> twisting around you as you curl your damp legs
beneath you.<<else>>water streaming down your lower legs as
you curl them beneath you.<</if>> In response, he tilts his
head and deepens the kiss. It’s teasing and taunting, his lips barely
brushing you one moment and crushing against yours the next. You gasp,
his name a pleading whisper against his mouth, and he chuckles,
delighted by your response. A pleasurable hum rumbles in his throat and
he wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you to your feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Breathless, you break the kiss and inhale deeply, gulping in
cool gasps of air.
He presses a kiss to your jaw, close to your ear. “Come here,” he growls
in a voice that makes you go weak at the knees.
You melt at the touch of his hands. He spins you about and places your
back to him, a hand at your hip, the other sliding across your chest,
caressing you.
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short">>He leans
down, your difference in height no obstacle, and presses his lips to
the side of your neck, planting rough kisses across your skin—not hard
enough to bruise, but enough to leave a mark.<<else>>He
presses his lips to the side of your neck, planting rough kisses across
your skin—not hard enough to bruise, but enough to leave a
mark.<</if>> The feel of him sends a burst of sensual
shivers rolling down your spine and you sink into him, wanting more.
Needing more. His body is lithe and hard as he presses against you. You
swallow a desperate groan, muffling yourself.
You want him to touch you. You need him to touch you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You turn your head, your lips desperately seeking his. He
indulges in the kiss, his breath hot in your mouth. <<if $garb is
"serithan">>His hand brushes your collarbone, seeking the
clasps.<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>His hands brush your
collarbone and he pulls your abberan’s jacket from your shoulders,
discarding it behind you. His fingers find the buttons of your tunic and
begin undoing them, one by one.<<else>>His hand brushes
your collarbone and slides down your chest, seeking the hem of your
tunic.<</if>>
The movement roots you to the spot as an urgent thought crosses your
mind. Physical intimacy is difficult with non-magiani when your touch
temporarily strips your partner of their magic. While some do not care,
many find it a strange and unnerving <<if $mel_touch is
true>>experience.
A memory surfaces in your mind. A moment by the pavilion fountain, when
you thought…
You don’t know what you
thought.<<else>>experience.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Melchior
pauses, sensing your hesitation, and removes his hand from your
shoulder. “Are you all right?” he asks quietly. “Is this what you want?”
Your hand finds his and you thread your fingers together.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “You know what I
am. You know what I can do to you.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY
1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m not… I… There’s a reason I’ve
never done this.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY 1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. //“…yes.”//' 'CHAPTER
2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY
1C'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You crush your lips to his and
this time he does not pull away. He grunts, wanton longing humming in
his throat, and <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>caresses the
back of your neck,<<else>>tangles his hands in your
hair,<</if>> drawing you in close.
When his hand slides down your body, you freeze, a jumble of panicked
thoughts racing through your mind all at once. You’ve kissed him, yes,
but you didn’t say… You didn’t tell him…
“Wait,” you say. “Stop.”
He draws back, concern in his eyes. “Something the matter?”
Your throat constricts, your answer difficult to get out. “I don’t want
to sleep with you,” you blurt.
He pauses. “Ah,” he says quietly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
raise your eyebrows, expecting more, but he shuts his mouth, frozen in
contemplation. You watch him as you wait for an answer, awkward tension
growing between you with each passing moment. Finally, it becomes too
much, more than you can stand. You need to break the silence.
“Melchior—”
“This is my fault, $firstname,” he interrupts. “I should have been clear
about my intentions from the start. But if a desire for sex is not
within your nature, then we should stop this now.”
“I…”
The heat of embarrassment spreads across your cheeks. You pull away and
get awkwardly to your feet, an uncomfortable knot twisting in your
stomach.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Are you fucking
serious right now?”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A ACE.2 A][$option to
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “I… //why?”//' 'CHAPTER
2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A ACE.2 A'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Fine. Just… forget it and get me
out of here.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A ACE.2 B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1A ACE.2
D]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>He
pauses. “Is that what you’re concerned about?” he says after a moment.
“$firstname, if I had reservations about you, I would not have taken
this so far. Besides…” He brushes his thumb across the back of your
hand. “Your touch is not one I am afraid of. I welcome it. Relish it,
even.”
You close your eyes and exhale a steady breath. “Good.”
He chuckles huskily and kisses you. <<nobr>><<if $garb
is "serithan">>Gripping his wrist, you guide his hand across your
collarbone and to your shoulder, urging him on. A moment later, his
deft fingers undo the clasps and he pushes your serithan from your
shoulders. The supple fabric slides down your body and pools at your
feet, leaving you naked in the moonlight. You tremble as the cool night
air prickles your skin and lean back, tilting your head to capture his
lips in a kiss.
<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>Gripping his wrist, you guide
his hand to your tunic, urging him on. A moment later, his deft fingers
undo the buttons and he pushes your tunic from your shoulders. You
tremble, the cool air prickling your bare skin, and lean back, tilting
your head to capture his lips in a kiss. A muffled groan murmurs in his
throat and his hands slide further down your body, quickly loosening
your belt. A moment later, he has you standing naked in the moonlight,
your remaining clothes an irrelevant pile at your feet.
<<else>>Gripping his wrist, you guide his hand down your
body, urging him on. Together, you tug your tunic up and over your head,
tossing it irreverently to the side. You tremble, the cool air
prickling your bare skin, and lean back, tilting your head to capture
his lips in a kiss. A muffled groan murmurs in his throat and his hands
slide further down your body, quickly loosening your belt. A moment
later, he has you standing naked in the moonlight, your remaining
clothes an irrelevant pile at your
feet.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_first to 1>>He pauses. “Because you’re a magianis?”
You close your eyes and nod. “Yeah.”
He falls silent, his thumb gently brushing across the back of your hand.
“$firstname,” he says after a moment, “if I had reservations about you,
I would not have taken this so far. Your touch is not one I am afraid
of. In fact, I welcome it. Relish it, even.”
You exhale a quivering breath. “Go on.”
He kisses your jaw, pressing his lips close to your ear. “I want you,”
he murmurs huskily. “If you would let me have you, say the word—”
<<nobr>><<if $garb is "serithan">>You seize his
wrist, eagerly guiding his hand across your collarbone to your shoulder,
urging him on. His deft fingers undo the clasps and he pushes your
serithan from your shoulders. The supple fabric slides down your body
and pools at your feet, leaving you naked in the moonlight. You tremble
as the cool night air prickles your skin and lean back, tilting your
head to capture his lips in a kiss.
<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>You seize his wrist, eagerly
guiding his hand to your tunic. His deft fingers undo the buttons and he
pushes your tunic from your shoulders. You tremble, the cool air
prickling your bare skin, and lean back, tilting your head to capture
his lips in a kiss. A muffled groan murmurs in his throat and his hands
slide further down your body, quickly loosening your belt. A moment
later, he has you standing naked in the moonlight, your remaining
clothes an irrelevant pile at your feet.
<<else>>You seize his wrist and guide his hand down your
body, urging him on. Together, you tug your tunic up and over your head,
tossing it irreverently to the side. You tremble, the cool air
prickling your bare skin, and lean back, tilting your head to capture
his lips in a kiss. A muffled groan murmurs in his throat and his hands
slide further down your body, quickly loosening your belt. A moment
later, he has you standing naked in the moonlight, your remaining
clothes an irrelevant pile at your
feet.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<nobr>><<if
$garb is "serithan">>You grip his wrist and guide his hand to
your shoulder, urging him on. A moment later, his deft fingers undo the
clasps and he pushes your serithan from your shoulders. The supple
fabric slides down your body and pools at your feet, leaving you naked
in the moonlight. You tremble as the cool night air prickles your skin
and lean back, tilting your head to capture his lips in a kiss.
<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>You grip his wrist and guide
his hand to your tunic, urging him on. A moment later, his deft fingers
undo the buttons and he pushes your tunic from your shoulders. You
tremble, the cool air prickling your bare skin, and lean back, tilting
your head to capture his lips in a kiss. A muffled groan murmurs in his
throat and his hands slide further down your body, quickly loosening
your belt. A moment later, he has you standing naked in the moonlight,
your remaining clothes an irrelevant pile at your feet.
<<else>>You grip his wrist and guide his hand down, urging
him on. Together, you tug your tunic up and over your head, tossing it
irreverently to the side. You tremble, the cool air prickling your bare
skin, and lean back, tilting your head to capture his lips in a kiss. A
muffled groan murmurs in his throat and his hands slide further down
your body, quickly loosening your belt. A moment later, he has you
standing naked in the moonlight, your remaining clothes an irrelevant
pile at your feet.<</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM INTIMACY
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
6>>He chuckles throatily and breaks the kiss, his hands holding
you firmly against him. His serithan is smooth and silky against your
bare back, the fabric whispering enticingly against your skin. Though
your back is to him, you can feel his eyes on you, sweeping over you,
drinking in <<nobr>><<if ($scar1 neq "none" or $scar2
neq "none") and ($tattoo1 neq "none")>>the scars, the tattoos, the
calloused skin.
<<elseif ($scar1 neq "none" or $scar2 neq "none")>>the
scars, the hardened muscles, the calloused skin,
<<elseif ($tattoo1 neq "none")>>the tattoos, the hardened
muscles, the calloused skin,
<<else>>the callouses, the hardened muscles, the worn
skin,<</if>> the years of a hard life imprinted on you like
marks embossed into leather.<</nobr>>
“Stay,” he growls, kissing up your jaw to your ear—rough, but not
overwhelmingly so.
“I…” You’re breathless, frazzled, unable to think clearly.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>He skims a hand across the
back of your neck.<<else>>He tangles his fingers in your
hair.<</if>> //“Stay…”//
It’s a command, a test, a question—all at once. You close your eyes,
heat flushing pleasurably across your chest. <<nobr>>He
places a hand on your waist,
<<if $skinmarks is "freckles">>tracing patterns across your
freckled skin, and follows the line of your hips.
<<elseif $skinmarks is "moles">>tracing patterns across your
skin, skimming across the moles on your skin to follow the line of your
hips.
<<elseif $skinmarks is "vitiligo">>tracing patterns across
your stomach, paying unique attention to the light patches where colour
bleeds from your skin.
<<else>>tracing patterns across your skin, following the
line of your hips.<</if>><</nobr>> His touch is
so light now, so feathery, you’re certain you’re about to come undone
from the anticipation of it all.
“I will,” you breathe. “Maybe. No promises.”
He grins and kisses you. His fingers run along the inside of your thigh,
slipping between your legs. It doesn’t take much for you to give in.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>In
this moment, beneath the moonlight, with a soft breeze whispering
across your skin and lapping water rushing in your ears, it’s easy to
forget. Easy to believe you are someone else—somewhere else—with all the
problems and anxieties tossed aside.
Easy to let yourself go and submit to desire, no matter how fleeting.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$mel_rejected to 1>><<melchiorDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<melchiorRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp - 10, 5, 95), $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom - 10, 0, 20)>><<if $option is
1>>He stands and clasps his hands in front of him, unbothered by
your anger. “I am,” he says grimly. “I admit I had ulterior motives when
I invited you here tonight. A simple kiss is not what I want from you.
But if you do not also want what I want, then we cannot pursue
this.”<<else>>He exhales softly and rises to his feet.
“$firstname,” he says, “I am genuinely sorry for the confusion between
us. But let me make this very clear: I had ulterior motives when I
invited you here tonight. A simple kiss is not what I want from you. But
if you do not also want what I want, then we cannot pursue
this.”<</if>>
You grit your teeth. “You’re a bit of a bastard, you know.”
He ignores the comment. “Shall I show you the way out? You seem tired.”
“I am, thanks,” you grunt, stalking past him and across the courtyard.
“How the hell do I get out of here?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mel_rejected to
1>><<melchiorRomanceLoss>><<set $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom - 10, 0, 20)>>He nods and rises to his
feet.
You can’t help but notice this is the first time all evening he has no
comments, no retorts, no witty ripostes. While you sense no anger or
disappointment from him, he seems very keen for you to leave.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mel_rejected to
1>><<melchiorRomanceLoss>><<set $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom - 10, 0, 20)>>He exhales wearily and rises
to his feet. “$firstname,” he says. “I am genuinely sorry for the
confusion between us. But let me make this very clear: I had ulterior
motives when I invited you here tonight. A simple kiss is not what I
want from you. But if you do not also want what I want, then we cannot
pursue this.”
You raise your head, your eyes narrowed to a glare.
“Perhaps I deserve that,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Here,
let me show you the way out. You must be tired.”
You roll your eyes and stalk past him, heading across the courtyard.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1A
ACE.3]]</div></div><</nobr>>Melchior
guides you through the apartment in silence, leading you through a door
and down an empty corridor. Though you don’t voice it, you’re secretly
grateful for his discretion. A quiet escape through a back door is
preferable to traipsing through a crowd of inebriated, carousing actors.
The last thing you want is to become the centre of attention while
you’re still processing what happened. You’re not sure what hurts more:
that he rejected you or that he makes you feel like a fool.
The end of the corridor opens out into a familiar gallery. It seems you
were closer to your apartment than you thought. Bidding him an awkward
goodnight, you slip through the halls and up a staircase, treading the
silent path back to your apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 ALONE IN
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
push yourself away from him.
Now that you’ve hesitated, the growing anticipation coiling evaporates,
leaving you with a dull knot in your stomach. Reality hits you like a
slap to the face, the truth of what you’ve almost done screaming in your
mind. <<if $aeranrom >=10>>Guilt twists deep inside you
and you try not to think of Aeran.<</if>>
Melchior watches you from the ground, hands folded gently in his lap.
You’re not sure whether it’s concern or disappointment in his
expression, but either way… You want him to stop looking at you.
It must be well past midnight.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>> Time is slipping away from you, your mission looming
closer with each passing minute.<</if>> You don’t know what
you’re doing here, in this courtyard, with this person you barely know.
You don’t know what you were looking for.
Maybe it was a mistake to come here.
Maybe it wasn’t.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m sorry, Melchior. I can’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MELOUT ROM 1D-1][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. “…I should go.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1D-1][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM
1D-1][$option to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mel_rejected to
2>><<melchiorRomanceLoss>><<set $melchiorrom to
Math.clamp($melchiorrom - 10, 0, 20)>><<if $option is
2>>He nods and rises to his feet. “Then let me show you the way,”
he says.
Embarrassment flushes the back of your neck. You grit your teeth, trying
to ignore it. Now you’ve said it, you can’t go back—and you don’t know
where that leaves you. Relieved? Full of regret?
//Whatever.//<<else>><<if $option is 1>>He
smiles and rises to his feet. “If you’re worried you’ve upset me, you
could not be farther from the truth. There is no shame in being certain
of what you want.”<<else>>He pauses, watching you closely as
he takes in your silence. “$firstname,” he says after a moment, rising
quietly to his feet. “If you’re concerned you’ve upset me, nothing could
be further from the truth. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT
ROM 1A EXIT.2")>>There is no shame in being certain of what you
want… or having a change of heart.”<<else>>There is no shame
in being certain of what you
want.”<</if>><</if>>
You can’t bring yourself to meet his eyes. <<if $option is
1>>Now you’ve said it, you can’t go back.<<else>>Now
you’ve pushed him away, there’s no going back.<</if>> You’re
not sure what you feel. Relief? Regret?
It doesn’t matter. The only thing you’re certain of now is exhaustion.
“I should go,” you say.
He nods. “Let me show you the way.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1D-1
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 2>>Melchior guides you across the courtyard and down
another corridor.<<else>>Once you pull your feet from the
water and slip them back into your <<if
$dressed>>shoes<<else>>boots<</if>>,
Melchior guides you across the courtyard and down another
corridor.<</if>> Though you don’t voice it, you’re secretly
grateful for his discretion. A quiet escape through a back door is
preferable to traipsing through a crowd of inebriated, carousing actors.
The end of the corridor opens out into a familiar gallery. It seems you
were closer to your apartment than you thought. Bidding Melchior an
awkward goodnight, you slip through the halls and up a staircase,
treading the silent path back to your apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 ALONE IN
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$option to 2>>You pull your feet from the water and stand up,
brushing droplets from your legs. “I should go,” you say, reaching for
your <<if $dressed is
true>>shoes<<else>>boots<</if>>.
He pauses, regarding you with those indecipherable yellow eyes. “I’ll
show you the way,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MELOUT ROM 1D-1
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
5>><<if $option is 1>>“I’m afraid most of us do.”
“Have to admire your patience. <<if $aeranapp >=40>>He’s
grating on my nerves after two years.<<else>>I’m ready to
strangle him after just two years.<</if>> Can’t imagine what
he’d be like after eighty.”
“I would hardly call it patience, $firstname. Unfortunate circumstance,
perhaps, but not patience. Who am I to complain, after all? Vesepia and I
may grate on each other, but there is much good that comes from our
collaboration. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, our
circumstances are the kind that are best left unhindered.”<<elseif
$option is 2>>“The misfortune of circumstance, I’m afraid,” he
says. “If I knew our choices would have led here all those years ago, I
believe I would have chosen quite differently.”
You pause. “Yeah… I know the feeling.”
“But who am I to complain? Vesepia and I may grate on each other, but
there is much good that comes from our collaboration. Regardless of my
feelings on the matter, our circumstances are the kind that are best
left unhindered.”<<else>>He laughs. “Oh, I wouldn’t go so
far as to say it’s all terrible. Vesepia and I may grate on each other,
but there is much good that comes from our collaboration. Regardless of
my feelings on the circumstances, they are the kind that are best left
unhindered.”<</if>>
You nod, tucking away that piece of information for later. <<if
$melchiorapp >=60>>He’s being surprisingly open with
you.<<else>>He’s far more open with you than you expected.
Either he doesn’t care if this gets back to Vesepia or he’s spinning you
a tale…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You shift, your back scraping against the tiles as you
readjust, trying to find a more comfortable position. Something small
and round presses against your thigh. Curious, you slip a hand into your
pocket and your fingers close around a thin piece of metal.
Melchior’s token.
You withdraw it and hold it up. “I hope tonight doesn’t count for using
this,” you say, rolling it between your fingers.
He laughs. “I’ll make an exception.”
“Oh?”
“As a favour to a friend.”
<<if $melchiorapp >=60>>You
grin.<<else>>Despite your caution, you find yourself
smiling.<</if>> For the first time since you left the
library, you feel a weight lifted from your shoulders. Shoving the token
back into your pocket, you settle back onto the ground and fold your
hands across your stomach, eager to keep talking.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>It’s
easy to lose track of time. Melchior has an affable way about him and
he isn’t keen to pry. You talk of anything and nothing, your
conversation taking you well into the night. When you finally find
yourself drifting off, you roll yourself up in a discarded blanket,
wander across the courtyard and settle onto the divan.
Sleep claims you easily and naturally as soon as your head hits the
pillow. You submit to it with a smile.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>The
antechamber is dark and quiet, the magnificent frescos <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>looming in your peripheral
vision.<<else>>barely visible.<</if>> Beyond,
the central sitting room is illuminated by ribbons of moonlight that
flood in from the windows. The drapes in the balcony threshold flutter
gently in a faint wind, creating undulating shadows that ripple across
the floor.
You’re not surprised the lights have gone out. The husks of conjured
lights sit in their wall sconces, dull and lifeless. Without someone
here to activate them, they have gone dormant, their telltale glow
snuffed out like a candle. Though you see Rasmira’s staff was thoughtful
enough to leave candles and lanterns behind, they remain untouched,
their wicks unlit. If Aeran came through here, he didn’t bother with
them.
Aeran…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Veyer
falls silent, clasping their hands loosely in front of them as they
press their back into the archway. Now you’re away from the intense
light of the library’s chandelier, you have a much clearer look at them.
Compared to the rest of the Lethalis mages—and, if you’re being honest,
the rest of the aristocracy here—Veyer is odd.
Though they’re of average height, their irresistible desire to lean or
recline on any available surface makes them shorter than they really
are. Judging from their clothing—which you now realize is a mixture of
Arathian, Coveran and Sathiric styles—they seem to have dressed for
personal comfort, with little regard for proper presentation. Their dark
hair falls constantly across their face, which they occasionally blow
out of their eyes with an indiscriminate little puff of air. They wear
minimal makeup (only precise kohl lining their eyes) and <<if
$packInv.has('Veyer’s ring')>>no jewelry.
The emerald ring sits heavily in your pocket, pressing against your
thigh.<<else>>no jewelry, save the emerald ring on their
index finger.<</if>>
“If I may, $firstname,” they say after a moment. “You seem… distraught.”
You pause, your eyes narrowed. They glance at you and smirk, their dark
eyes dancing. They must know you picked up on the calm switch from
addressing you by your surname to your given name.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You may not.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 2][$option
to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fine.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
2][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “So what if I am? Frankly,
pretending otherwise is getting exhausting.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
2][$option to 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Don’t say anything.|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER 2][$option to 4]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Veyer bows their head, a look of mock anguish
flickering across their face. “How unfortunate,” they say. “But I see
there is nothing to be done. You are determined to see this through.
Alas, we are but puppets in Nashira’s strings, doomed to play our roles.
The Wayfarer who hates mages. The mage who is ambivalent about the
history of our orders—”
You roll your eyes. “I see why your colleagues can’t put up with you.”
They straighten, readjusting themselves as they finally stand upright.
“Nothing escapes your keen eye,” they reply with a grin. “But I could
say the same of you. You seem to have lost your
companion.”<<elseif $option is 2>>Veyer straightens, finally
standing upright as they meet your eyes. “You aren’t,” they say softly.
“You pretend that you are, but that’s a lie… one you yourself can’t
bring yourself to believe. Take it from someone who has spent far too
much time pretending.”
Your jaw clenches. “Thanks. I’d rather not.”
They smile faintly. “As you wish,” they say. “But I can’t help but
notice you seem to have lost your companion.”<<elseif $option is
3>>Veyer smiles. “And that’s what I admire about you,” they say.
“Your honesty is refreshing, to say the least. The rest of us don’t have
nearly the internal strength to admit to our faults.”
You pause. You have a feeling they want something from you, but you
can’t quite put your finger on it. “I’m not here for your admiration,”
you say finally.
They grin. “Of course not!” they reply, barking a short laugh. “It would
hardly be the same if you were.” They pause and straighten, readjusting
themselves as they finally stand upright. “I can’t help but notice
you’ve lost your companion.”<<else>>Veyer smirks, watching
you closely as they wait for your answer. When you don’t reply, they
roll their eyes and shake their head. “Is that all?” they say. “Am I
really that deserving of your disapproval, $firstname?”
You pass a hand across your face. “…why are you still talking to me?”
“I might point out that you’re the one who came to talk to me. I’m not
at fault here. You could have chosen anywhere else in this gallery to
hide.”
“Who says I’m hiding?”
They give you a flat stare. “You’re not doing a very good job of it.
More than one person here has noticed you do three full rotations of the
gallery and the terrace. And as for me, well, I can’t help but notice
you’ve lost your companion.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp
>=60>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
HIGH]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
LOW]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Aeran?”
You fold your arms. “He’s… I don’t know where he is.”
They press their lips together, observing you with a calculating gaze.
“For the best perhaps,” they say. “I’m glad you rid yourself of him.”
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Your heart
clenches.<<else>>Your gut twists.<</if>> “Why?”
“The man’s dangerous, a liability likely to cause harm to those around
him. You’re intelligent, I’m sure you’ve figured it out after working so
closely with him. He can’t hide it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You don’t know what you’re talking
about.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER HIGH 1][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No more dangerous than I
am.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER HIGH 1][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m not here to talk about
Aeran.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER HIGH 1][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$occupy_line to true>>“Aeran? Frankly, I don’t give a fuck.”
Veyer smiles. “All the better! The man’s dangerous—a liability likely to
cause harm to those around him.”
“Believe me, I //know.”//
“Naturally. I knew you’d see through that façade after working so
closely with him. He can’t hide it.”
Anger burns in your chest. “I don’t want to talk about Aeran!”
The mage pauses, their eyes flickering to the gathered crowd. Your
outburst has turned some heads. Slowly, the conversations around you
resume.
“Good,” they say quietly. “He occupies the attention of far too many
mages, why should he also occupy yours? Frankly, the man irritates me
like an itch that can’t be scratched.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah… I know the feeling.”|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER 3][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m sure the feeling’s
mutual.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 3][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Keep your mouth shut. As you said,
you didn’t come here to talk about Aeran. |CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 3][$option
to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>They shrug, unbothered by your tone. “Perhaps not,”
they say, casting an indifferent eye at the milling crowd. “Certainly
not compared to a friend so old he’s willing to abandon $himher at a
moment’s notice.”
You fold your arms and draw away so you are standing opposite Veyer in
the archway’s threshold, your back pressed against the pillar. “What’s
your problem with him?”
They smile. “If you’re imagining some decade-long feud, it’s nothing so
fanciful. He irritates me like an itch that can’t be
scratched.”<<elseif $option is 2>>They pause, their eyes
passing over you with a calculating gaze. “Of course,” they say after a
moment. “You are both talented warriors, no doubt. <<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>I am looking forward to
seeing you in action tomorrow. Unfortunate that Kellis irritates me like
an itch that can’t be scratched.”<<else>>I should very much
like to see your talents in action one day. Unfortunately, I cannot say
the same for Kellis. The man irritates me like an itch that can’t be
scratched.”<</if>><<else>><<set
$occupy_line to true>>“Good,” they reply, casting an indifferent
eye at the milling crowd. “He occupies the attention of far too many
mages, why should he also occupy yours? Frankly, the man irritates me
like an itch that can’t be scratched.”<</if>>
You smile hollowly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah… I know the feeling.”|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER 3][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m sure the feeling’s
mutual.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 3][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. While Veyer’s
answer bothers you, you have little desire to come to Aeran’s
defense.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 3][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>Veyer chuckles, an appreciative smirk on their face as their
gleaming eyes sweep over you. They open their mouth to reply, their next
words lingering on their lips, but before they can speak a trio of
nobles traipse through the archway, passing directly in front of
you.<<elseif $option is 2>>Veyer throws back their head and
laughs. <<if $occupy_line is true>>“With Kellis? I have no
doubt—”<<else>>“With Kellis? I have no doubt. But I find he
occupies the attention of far too many mages. I won’t let him occupy
mine. I have better places to spend my time—”<</if>>
A trio of nobles traipse through the archway, passing directly in front
of you.<<else>>Veyer takes your silence in stride.
<<if $occupy_line is true>>“Regardless,” they continue
casually. “It’s a shame—”<<else>>“Regardless,” they continue
casually, “I find Kellis occupies the attention of far too many mages. I
won’t let him occupy mine. I have better places to spend my
time—”<</if>>
A trio of nobles traipse through the archway, passing directly in front
of you.<</if>>
The mage pauses, waiting for them to pass, irritation flickering across
their face. “Could have gone anywhere else,” they mutter, glaring at the
trio as they disappear onto the terrace. They roll their shoulders in a
half-shrug and turn their attention back to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
not visitedTags("veyerbrissa")>><<if $master is
"Varyn">>“From what I can see, Brissa taught at least one of her
apprentices well. You take after her.”
You pause. “Sounds like you knew her.”
“Briefly. I’ve been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly three
decades. I was there when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.
Despite her failure to reverse his sentence, she made an impression.
Just as you’ve made an impression.”
You fall silent, uncertain how to respond. Talking to Veyer makes you
feel like you’re treading water in a wide ocean and could drown at any
moment. “She was more of a mother to me than my own parents,” you say
finally. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Of course. I did not intend to pry.”
“I think that’s exactly what you were doing.”<<else>>“Shame
Brissa did not take you as an apprentice. The things you could have
accomplished with her guidance…”
Defensiveness twists in your gut. “$master taught me better than anyone
else could—”
“I have no doubt <<if $master is "Cenric">>he
was<<else>>they were<</if>> an excellent
teacher,” they say quickly. “All I meant is that I see something of
Brissa’s tenacity in you. Just as she made an impression on the Imperial
court, so have you made an impression on me.”
You pause. “Sounds like you knew her.”
“Briefly. I’ve been stationed in Erenvor’s court for nearly three
decades. I was there when she pled Avennor’s case to the emperor.” They
pause, shifting slightly as they adjust their stance. “I apologize for
what I said earlier. I did not mean to imply that—”
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>><<if $master is
"Cenric">>“Cenric was my teacher,” you say abruptly. “He was one
of the most important people in my life.”<<else>>“Sero was
my teacher,” you say abruptly. “They were one of the most important
people in my life.”<</if>>
They raise an eyebrow. “Oh?”<<else>><<if $lastname2 is
"Cenric">>“Cenric was more of a father<<else>>“Sero
was more of a parent<</if>> to me than my own,” you say
abruptly.
They raise an eyebrow. “Oh?”<</if>>
“Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Of course. I did not mean to pry.”
“I think that’s exactly what you were
doing.”<</if>><<else>><<if $master is
"Varyn">>“You take after Brissa. Has anyone told you that?”
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>>You fall silent. “She was one of the
most important people in my life,” you say<<else>>You fall
silent. “She was more of a mother to me than my own,” you
say<</if>> after a moment. “Not that it’s any of your
business.”
“Of course. I did not intend to pry.”
“I think that’s exactly what you were doing.”<<else>>“I know
she was not your mentor, $firstname, but you do take after Brissa
Varyn. Perhaps you are cut from the same cloth.”
<<if (ndef $lastname2)>>Defensiveness twists in your gut.
“$master was my teacher, <<if $master is "Cenric">>he
was<<else>>they were<</if>> one of the most
important people in my life.”<<else>>Defensiveness twists in
your gut. “$master was my teacher. <<if $master is
"Cenric">>He was more of a father than my
own.<<else>>They were more of a parent to me than my
own.<</if>>”<</if>>
“Oh?”
“Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Of course. I did not mean to pry.”
“I think that’s exactly what you were
doing.”<</if>><</if>>
They pause, their eyes widened in surprise, seemingly caught off-guard.
“You’ve caught me red-handed,” they say finally, recovering with an
amused smile on their lips. “I am guilty of the dastardly crime of
wanting to know more about you. Is that so awful?”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t know
yet.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 4][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “When it’s coming from you,
yes.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 4][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Don’t say anything. You’re too tired
for this.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 4][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<unset
$occupy_line>><<if $option is 1 or $option is
2>><<if $option is 1>>“Well, then,” they murmur,
smiling quietly. “I see I’ve yet to completely ruin your opinion of me.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
“Unfortunately, that is a habit that is very difficult to
break.”<<else>>“Noted,” they say, their glittering eyes
dancing. “I’ll keep that in mind for the future.”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>“Don’t push your
luck. We’ll have very little to do with each other after
tomorrow.”<<else>>“Don’t push your luck. We have nothing to
do with each other after tonight.”<</if>>
They catch your eye, an amused smile playing on their lips. “Of course.
If you’re so sure.”<</if>>
You pause, rubbing the back of your neck as your gaze sweeps the gallery
once more. Though some of the guests still regard you with suspicious
looks, more are watching you and Veyer with outright curiosity. You’ll
have to tolerate them a little longer. Leaving now will only raise
unwanted questions.<<else>>Veyer pauses, waiting for an
answer. When you don’t respond, they don’t force further conversation
and fall into silence, joining you as you scan the gallery once more.
Though some of the guests still regard you with suspicious looks, more
are watching you and Veyer with outright curiosity. You’ll have to
tolerate them a little longer. Leaving now will only raise unwanted
questions.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“You said you’ve been stationed in Erenvor for three decades,”
you say quickly, latching onto the first thought that comes to mind.
“That’s a long time to stay in the same post.”
“Emperor Ariston is a lover of consistency,” they reply with a shrug.
“In fact, his protocols demand it. Once a Guild mage is assigned to the
Imperial court, they cannot leave. <<if $allegra_met is true or
visitedTags("arantir")>>Look at Allegra Arantir. She may occupy a
position now where she can manoeuvre herself wherever she pleases, but
she is still tied to the Empire. Becoming the emperor’s favourite has
its perks, but she remains at his beck and
call.”<<else>><<set $allegra_met to false>>Look
at Allegra Arantir—”
Your brows draw together at the unfamiliar name. “Who?”
“Ah…” Veyer pauses and threads their tawny fingers together. “I see you
did not encounter her tonight. Count yourself lucky—she is very close
with the Grand Archsage, if you take my meaning.”
You nod. She’s a high-ranking member of the Order of Solarath, you mean,
you think silently.
“Arantir is the Empire’s foremost battlemage,” they continue. “A general
in her own right, with a list of accomplishments so long the Anaxas’
library could hardly record it all. She may now occupy a position where
she can manoeuvre herself wherever she pleases, but she is still tied to
the Empire. Becoming the emperor’s favourite has its perks, but she
remains at his beck and call.”<</if>>
“Let me guess. More blood oaths.”
They shrug. “Contractual obligations, $firstname. Considering the
tumultuousness of the emperor’s rise to power, his government remains
primarily concerned with those outliers who do not accept the legitimacy
of his reign. Their methods may be harsh to an outsider’s eye, but they
guarantee loyalty.”
“Loyalty isn’t loyalty if its coerced,” you say pointedly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Veyer
pauses, their dark eyes sweeping over you as an unreadable expression
crosses their face. You’re surprised by their silence; the mage has
struck you as the type of person who always finds something to say and
who, at the very least, needs to have the final word. You return their
gaze, waiting for them to speak, and they smirk. You’re not sure when
the shift happened, but the silence between you has become a game, drawn
out in a battle of wits to see who breaks first.
A strange feeling prickles the back of your neck. You can feel the
nearby guests watching you. You cast a glance sideways and your heart
nearly jumps into your throat; somehow you’ve gained the attention of
more than a dozen nobles.
Veyer follows your gaze, their dark eyes dancing as they take in your
spectators. “The Imperial court isn’t all bad, $firstname,” they say.
“I’ve quite enjoyed my time there and it would be in poor taste to
complain about my privileges. But between you and me…” They move
suddenly, closing the space between you in a single movement, and place a
hand on your shoulder. Their touch is light, gentle, but you can feel
the invitation in their grasp.
They lean in <<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very
tall">>conspiratorially, rising up on their
tiptoes,<<else>>conspiratorially<</if>> and
their lips brush your ear. “Most days I am painfully bored.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Though part of
you is loathe to admit it, there’s something about Veyer that you find
deeply attractive. Being this close to them is exhilarating.|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER 5A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. While you’ve enjoyed this
conversation, you can do without the flirtatious implications and
suggestive remarks.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5B]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><<link '3. And you are //painfully//
done with them. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH
MISSION")>>To think you’re stuck working with
them…<<else>>You’re beginning to regret talking to
them…<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
5C'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5B")>>You roll your eyes. “Oh, fuck
off, Veyer. I won’t stoop to being your
plaything.”<<else>>You shove their hand away. “What a
terrible state to put yourself in,” you say scathingly. “But please,
don’t look to me to alleviate it. I won’t stoop to being your
plaything—I don’t hate myself that much.”<</if>>
You turn and storm across the gallery, eager to escape. Strolling
couples and small groups of nobles scatter as you walk through them,
rapidly backing out of the way. The remaining guests only need to take
in the look on your face to know you won’t be meddled with any longer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You turn your head, staring
directly into their dark eyes. “Then it’s a good thing you came to
Velantis,” you murmur.
Veyer’s hand touches your hip. “Indeed,” they reply. They’re so close
you can feel their breath on your cheek. “One can only take watching
that damn Astrial for so long before one’s mind starts to wander.”
You raise an eyebrow. “Watching an Astrial?” you ask, laying your
fingers over theirs, a silent invitation for more.
They smile and hook a hand around your waist, pulling you into them.
“Ah, $firstname,” they say, pressing a finger lightly to your lips. “Not
here. I’m happy to speak more on this topic, but we’ll have to seek…
//other// accommodations.”
Your heart pounds.
“If you’re willing, of course.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Their dark eyes glitter, passing over you once again. “I’m
glad. There’s far too many watchful eyes and keen ears about.”
“I noticed,” you reply, trying to ignore the erratic beat in your chest…
or perhaps accept it. There’s something gratifying about Veyer’s touch,
about the sensual way they look at you—like you’re the most desirable
thing in the world.
They glance over your shoulder. “Call it natural curiosity. The
Velantian court is no different from its Imperial counterpart in
Erenvor. These people live and die by scandal and slander. And a
Wayfarer and a Guild mage… what could be more scandalous than that?”
<<if $allegra_met is true>>“They didn’t seem to mind when I
spoke to Allegra Arantir earlier.”
Veyer’s eyes flicker back to yours. “True, but I think we intend to do a
little more than just speak, don’t you think?” they murmur in your ear.
“Besides, your conversation with Arantir barely made a stir. Even if it
did, no one would dare speak out against her. She is an Imperial
general. But me? I’m negligible. An annoyance at
most.”<<else>>“Can’t imagine… though I’m sure this will
reflect poorly on you in the future. And here I thought appearance was
everything to Imperial court mages.”
Veyer’s eyes flicker back to yours. “To some, yes, but not to me,” they
murmur in your ear. “I’m negligible. An annoyance at
most.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>They
raise a hand, their fingers lightly brushing your cheek. Anticipation
coils in your gut, sending excited shivers rolling down your spine. You
inhale sharply, your breath caught in your throat. They pause, a teasing
smile on their lips, noticeably pleased at the reaction they’ve drawn
from you.
“I’ve made a career out of being an annoyance.”
“A career? How do your colleagues put up with you?”
“They don’t.” Their fingers trail down your cheek and cup your chin. “I
don’t care much for what they think. Don’t you realize by now that I
have always done things my own way?”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “So have
I.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 6][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Oh, I’ve more than realized that.
It’s the first thing I noticed when I stepped into that room.”|CHAPTER
2.5 VEYER 6][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><<link '<<if $aeranrom
>=10>>3. Draw away. You’ve let this go on far enough… You don’t
know if you can bring yourself to look Aeran in the face if you let
this go any further.<<else>>3. Draw away. This has gone far
enough.<</if>>' 'CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 6B
EXIT'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
pull back. “Are you always this much of a flirt, Veyer?” you ask
pointedly.
They pause, surprise flickering across their face. For a moment you
think you’ve knocked them speechless, but then they throw back their
head and laugh. “Flirting, $firstname?” they say. “And here I thought we
were having a pleasant conversation.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Pleasant? I don’t need to waste time
dancing around the subject. I know what you want. Why don’t you just say
it?”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5.1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe you are, but I’m not. It’s a
little tiresome.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 5.1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. And now you’re done with
them.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
5C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER
2.5 VEYER 8 EXIT")>>You step back, disentangling yourself from
them. “No, Veyer,” you say quietly. “I can’t.”<<else>>You
pull away. “I can’t do this, Veyer,” you say. “Not tonight. Maybe not
any night.”<</if>>
They close their eyes and shake their head. “Of course,” they say after a
moment. “I understand. I sometimes act the fool and I see it is the
case here. Another habit that is difficult to break.”
“No, no, it’s not that, I—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>They open their
eyes and give you a wan smile. “If I misunderstood your intentions, I
apologize. But perhaps this is for the best. We both have important
duties to attend to tomorrow morning. I hate to think what Her Grace
would do if either of us failed to make our required appearances.
Goodnight, $firstname.”<<else>>“If I misunderstood your
intentions, I apologize,” they interrupt. “That was not my intent.
Goodnight, $firstname.”<</if>>
Veyer presses a hand to their chest and gives you a short, respectful
bow. Catching your eye a final time, they flash you a quick smile and
withdraw into the gallery. The crowd of onlookers turn away, their
interest fading as rapidly as the elf’s steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
push your back into the archway and tilt your head back, staring at the
ceiling.<<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 8 EXIT")>>
Despite knowing you made the right decision, you can’t ignore the
disappointment in your gut.<</if>> “Fuck,” you mutter.
The evening—after all its twists and turns, unexpected introductions,
too much politics, and the utter headache that became the meeting with
Lethalis—feels distinctly sour.
And you’re exhausted.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>They smile. “Then what a pair we make,” they say
huskily, their lips inches from yours. “What do you say we give them
something to talk about?”<<else>>They laugh. “Perhaps I’m
more of a fool than usual,” they say huskily, their lips inches from
yours. “And here I thought you didn’t notice me at all. What do you say
we give them something to talk about?”<</if>>
You swallow hard and exhale a trembling breath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. There’s something about their touch that has
set your senses on fire. Though they are undeniably attractive, it’s
not about them. Not entirely. Now this has gone this far, you crave
touch. You want them—need them—to keep touching you.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
7]]</div>
<div class="exit-item"><<link '<<if $aeranrom
>=10>>2. You can’t. You can’t bring yourself to do this. You
need to get away from them immediately.<<else>>2. As much as
you want to, you can’t bring yourself to do this.<</if>>'
'CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 8
EXIT'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Cold air rushes over you as
Veyer disentangles themself from you, letting you go. You open your eyes
and find them standing across the way, looking at you… what? Sadness?
Disappointment? You’re not sure.
They give you a wan smile. “Of course,” they say. “I understand. I
sometimes act the fool and I see it is the case here. Another habit that
is difficult to break.”
“No, no, it’s not that, I—”
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>They raise a hand
and give you a little shake of their head. “If I misunderstood your
intentions, I apologize. But perhaps this is for the best. We both have
important duties to attend to tomorrow morning. I hate to think what Her
Grace would do if either of us failed to make our required appearances.
Goodnight, $firstname.”<<else>>They raise a hand and give
you a little shake of their head. “If I misunderstood your intentions, I
apologize. That was not my intent. Goodnight,
$firstname.”<</if>>
Veyer presses a hand to their chest and give you a short, respectful
bow. Catching your eye a final time, they flash you a quick smile and
withdraw into the gallery. The crowd of onlookers turn away, their
interest fading as rapidly as the elf’s steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
push your back into the archway and tilt your head back, staring at the
ceiling. “Fuck,” you mutter.
The evening—after all its twists and turns, unexpected introductions,
too much politics, and the utter headache that became the meeting with
Lethalis—feels distinctly sour.
And you’re exhausted.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Veyer’s eyes flicker over you,
trailing over the features of your face to linger on your lips. They
pause, holding you there, the trembling intensity growing between you
with each passing second. You close your eyes, relishing in their touch,
desperate for more—
<<if $height is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>They lower
your chin and press their lips to yours.<<else>>They raise
your chin and press their lips to yours.<</if>>
The kiss sets you aflame.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Your lips crash against theirs, hastily and hungrily as you
melt into them, searching for more. They chuckle huskily against your
lips. The next thing you know, they’ve seized you and thrust you against
the archway, their body pressing into yours. Your back scrapes against
the stone, but you don’t care. You can barely feel it. Your mind is too
occupied with the tantalizing heat of their lips as they trail
open-mouth kisses down your neck to your collarbone.
You tilt your head back, closing your eyes as you gasp for breath.
“Veyer…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Tell
me something, $firstname,” they murmur, their breath whispering against
your skin. “What’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours? How
fanciful of an imagination do you have? Are you thinking of the things I
could do to you—”
They toy with the front of your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>,
openly—brazenly—caressing you. They don’t care who sees.
“…the //decadent// things we could do together…?”
Their lips find the hollow of your throat and nip gently at the soft
skin.
“…but if imagination is an obstacle, I am more than willing to show
you…”
You swallow a moan. “I…”
Their fingers slide across your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>. Teasing.
Taunting. Their touches have a way of stoking your desire. You swear you
could die happy just knowing the feel of their hands on your exposed
skin.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Guilt ripples as you try not to
think of Aeran. What would he say, if he saw you like
this?<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, anticipation
coiling in your gut. With all these eyes on you, it’s difficult not to
think about Aeran. He’s going to lose his mind when this gets back to
him…<<else>>Anticipation coils in your gut. You think
briefly how Aeran will react when he finds out, taking a sordid kind of
glee as you imagine his anger…<</if>> There are only a few
things that will piss him off more than you already have and sleeping
with a Guild mage is one of them.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1. [
<i class="fas fa-star"></i> INTIMACY] Kiss them.' 'CHAPTER
2.5 VEYER 8'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No… I can’t. I can’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER 6B
EXIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=60>><<if $aeranrom >=10>>You exhale
a trembling breath. //You know what?// you think, the guilt dissipating
with each of Veyer’s touches until it feels like a fleeting memory.
//Aeran can go fuck himself.//<<else>>You exhale a trembling
breath, nearly losing yourself in Veyer’s touches. //You know what?//
you think, excitement fluttering in your stomach. //Fuck
Aeran.//<</if>>
You thread your hand behind Veyer’s neck and pull them into
you.<<else>>Trembling at their touch, you thread your hands
behind Veyer’s neck and pull them into you.<</if>> You kiss
them, open-mouthed, sloppy, uncaring for delicacy in your desperate
need.
For a moment, you forget where you are. The hum of the music, the murmur
of the crowd, the rippling sensation of a hundred eyes on you all
vanish into the rush of your breath, the pulse in your veins, the feel
of Veyer’s hands on you, their breath in your mouth, their lips ravenous
for yours…
Veyer breaks the kiss and rests their forehead against yours. “If your
goal was to cause a stir, you’ve accomplished it,” they say, panting
slightly. They cast a sideways glance at the crowd around you.<<if
(def $sabien_punch)>>“Well… more than you already have
tonight.”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 C")>>You follow
their gaze. “Sorry about that,” you reply with a smirk. “Didn’t you say
you didn’t want to start any rumours?”
A husky chuckle resonates in their throat. “Oh, $firstname… you make
this more than worth the rumours.”<<else>>You follow their
gaze. “Yeah, I see that.”<</if>>
A husky chuckle resonates in their throat and they lean forwards,
kissing you lightly. Their hand ghosts across your chest. Teasing.
Taunting.
“Come with me,” they say, taking your hands in theirs. They pull you
through the archway and into the gallery.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
INTIMACY]]</div></div><</nobr>>Breathless
and eager, your mind buzzing with exhilaration, you allow them to guide
you across the tiled floor and through an archway into a long corridor.
The hall is ablaze with moonlight. You cast eager shadows across the
floor in your rush to find privacy, giddy fumbling with each other, your
hands eager to wander and caress.
Impatient, you grip their arm and slow them to a stop. They spin around,
their dark eyes glittering in the moonlight as they <<if $height
is "tall" or $height is "very tall">>tilt their head up to meet
your gaze,<<elseif $height is "average">>cock their head and
meet your gaze,<<else>>look down and meet your
gaze,<</if>> a playful smirk on their lips. They thread
their fingers around your neck and pull you in, capturing your lips in a
messy kiss. You push them backward and they grunt, their breath hot in
your mouth, as they hit a nearby door. Scrabbling fingers scratch at the
carved wood, desperate to find the handle, and a moment later they are
pulling you with them into a darkened room.
Your lips part from theirs as you reach behind you, catching the open
door with a hand and shoving it shut. When you look up, you find that
the room is small, barely more than a storeroom. A tall window lines a
little alcove across from the door. Veyer stands before it, illuminated
in a panel of moonlight. They glance over their shoulder and look you up
and down, their dark eyes gleaming with mirth. Their hair is mussed,
their clothing disheveled, their face flushed.
They look wholly satisfied with themself.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
INTIMACY.2]]</div></div><</nobr>>Veyer
cocks their head, their dark eyes looking you up and down. “And what is
it that you think I want, $firstname?” they say.
You pause, your words stuck in your throat.
A satisfied smile tugs at their lips and they lean into you, their hand
snaking around your waist as their lips brush your ear. “What do you
think I want?” they repeat.
Your heart hammers in your chest. You can feel the crowd watching you
and Veyer, interspersing their quiet conversations with sideways glances
in your direction. A Wayfarer and a Guild mage… It’s probably the most
scandalous thing any of them can <<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>think of, your brawl with Quirinus
notwithstanding.<<else>>think of.<</if>>
Veyer’s breath ghosts over your skin. “What do you think I want?” they
whisper again, softer this time as they press their lips to the hollow
of your throat.
<<if $aeranrom >=10>>Guilt ripples as you try not to
think of Aeran. What would he say, if he saw you like
this?<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>You pause, anticipation
coiling in your gut. With all these eyes on you, it’s difficult not to
think about Aeran. He’s going to lose his mind when this gets back to
him…<<else>>Anticipation coils in your gut. You think
briefly how Aeran will react when he finds out, taking a sordid kind of
glee as you imagine his anger…<</if>> There are only a few
things that will piss him off more than you already have and sleeping
with a Guild mage is one of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-star"></i> INTIMACY] Kiss Veyer.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
5.2A'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Back away. This has gone too
far.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
5.2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Veyer cocks their head, glancing
at you with a look of mock hurt. “You wound me, $firstname,” they say.
“Never has such an insult torn through my heart.”
You glare at them, your lips turning down in a frown.
They sigh wearily and step back, hands raised in surrender. “You’re
right, of course,” they say after a moment. “I am tiresome. As I’ve
said, I’ve made a career out of being an annoyance. Sometimes that leads
me to likeminded people; other times, it merely leads to awkward
embarrassment. <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>I
hope you won’t hold this against me. We, after all, have work to
do.”<<else>>I hope you won’t hold it against me, in the
event our paths cross again—and I hope they do.”<</if>>
You pause, uncertain how to respond.
Veyer presses a hand to their chest and gives you a short, respectful
bow. Catching your eye a final time, they flash you a quick smile and
withdraw into the gallery. The crowd of onlookers turn away, their
interest fading as rapidly as the elf’s steps.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
push your back into the archway and tilt your head back, staring at the
ceiling. “Fuck,” you mutter.
The evening—after all its twists and turns, unexpected introductions,
too much politics, and the utter headache that became the meeting with
Lethalis—feels distinctly sour.
And you’re exhausted.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You seize their shoulders and
push them backwards, pressing them into the archway’s smooth stone. Your
lips crash against theirs, hastily, hungrily, and they melt against
you, their hands splayed across your back, pulling you in. Your murmured
name is lost on their lips as they kiss you back, fervent and eager,
wanting you.
Craving you.
For a moment, you forget where you are. The hum of the music, the murmur
of the crowd, the rippling sensation of a hundred eyes on you all
vanish into the rush of your breath, the pulse in your veins, the feel
of Veyer’s fingers scraping your back, their breath in your mouth, their
lips ravenous for yours…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>A
breathless murmur whispers across your cheek. “If your goal was to
cause a stir, you’ve accomplished it,” Veyer says, drawing back. They
cast a sideways glance at the crowd around you.<<if (def
$sabien_punch)>> “Well… more than you already have
tonight.”<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETHMC B2.02 C")>>You follow
their gaze. “Sorry about that,” you reply with a smirk. “Didn’t you say
you didn’t want to start any rumours?”
A husky chuckle resonates in their throat and they cup your chin,
running a thumb across your lower lip. “Oh, $firstname… you make this
more than worth the rumours.”<<else>>You follow their gaze.
“Yeah, I see that.”<</if>>
Their hand trails down your chest, creasing the front of your <<if
$dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>> between
their fingers. They lean in, their lips ghosting across your collarbone,
teasing.
Taunting.
“Come with me,” they say, taking your hands and pulling you through the
archway and into the gallery.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 VEYER
INTIMACY]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
step back, pulling yourself free from their grasp. “Sorry, Veyer,” you
say. “I can’t be that person for you tonight. Find someone else to
fuck.”
You storm across the gallery, eager to escape. Strolling couples and
small groups of nobles scatter as you walk through them, rapidly backing
out of the way. The remaining guests only need to take in the look on
your face to know you won’t be meddled with any longer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 TRAVEL TO
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>They plant a kiss to your ear, their teeth nipping
the lobe. Their hand trails further downwards, following the curve of
your stomach. “You’ve stripped me of my magic,” they say. “You’ve left
me undone. If you’re willing—”
Your chest heaves. You close your eyes, your head tilted back, and sink
into the window seat. Your back presses against the cool
glass.<<if $garb is "serithan">> It feels like ice against
your bare skin.<</if>><<else>>You close your
eyes, trying to remember, which is proving difficult when Veyer is so
keen to make themself an attentive lover.
“Then you know you’ve stripped me of my magic,” they murmur. They plant a
kiss to your ear, their teeth nipping the lobe. “You’ve left me undone.
If you’re willing—”
Your head tilts back and you sink into the window seat, your back
pressed against the cool glass.<<if $garb is "serithan">> It
feels like ice against your bare
skin.<</if>><</if>>
“—I would very much like to do to you what you’ve done to me.”
You open your eyes and meet their gaze. The playful smirk, the wicked
dancing eyes that are the gateway to a hundred tantalizing desires.
Breathless and certain of yourself, you push yourself up and take their
face in your hands.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I swear to the gods, Veyer, if you don’t
fuck me right now, I’ll do it myself.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER INTIMACY
3][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. //“Yes.”//' 'CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER INTIMACY 3'>><<set $option to
2>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Kiss them.|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
INTIMACY 3][$option to 3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$ep2_end to 1>><<if $option is 1 or $option is
2>>Veyer grins and leans forwards, pressing their lips to yours.
You fall into the kiss, anticipation coiling in your
gut.<<else>>You crush your lips to theirs in an open-mouthed
kiss, momentarily pulling them off-balance. They yelp in surprise and
disentangle themself from you, trembling with silent laughter. When they
lean forward and kiss you again, you fall into it, eager anticipation
coiling in your gut.<</if>>
<<if $serithan_colour is "turquoise">>They push the long
skirts of your serithan up, hiking them around your waist, and skim
their hand across your legs, tracing tormenting patterns across your
skin. When their deft fingers slide between your thighs, your breath
hitches in your throat and you give into the moment.<<elseif
$serithan_colour is "purple">>They push the long robes of your
serithan up, hiking them around your waist, and skim their hand across
your legs, tracing tormenting patterns across your skin. When their deft
fingers slide between your thighs, your breath hitches in your throat
and you give into the moment.<<else>>Their hand moves
downward, tracing tormenting patterns across your skin. When their deft
fingers undo the ties of your trousers and slide between your thighs,
your breath hitches in your throat. You give into the
moment.<</if>>
The desire.
The craving.
The need to be seen, to be heard, to be felt. You didn’t expect to find
it here, let alone in the hands of a Guild mage, but for now this is all
that matters. You finally have a chance to let go, to set aside all
matters pressing in on you, and give in to someone else.
Of course this is the choice you would make. You had no idea how much
you needed it until now.
You close your eyes and let the moment consume you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“I have to admit, I didn’t think
you’d be quite so eager, $firstname,” they say.
You raise an eyebrow. “Why?”
“I don’t know… Assumptions, perhaps. Ones that were made thoughtlessly.”
They take a step towards you. “I would like to do away with
assumptions,” they continue, <<if $hand_broken is
true>>their eyes flickering to your splinted hand. They reach out,
their fingers lightly touching your other hand, and your skin prickles
at their touch.<<else>>their hand lightly touching yours.
Your skin prickles at their touch.<</if>> “At least for
tonight. Such mindless, useless things, don’t you think?”
Your breath catches in your throat. “Veyer—”
They close the distance between you, and press their lips fervently
against yours. Their teeth graze your bottom lip and a moan murmurs in
the back of your throat. They chuckle huskily against your lips at your
reaction and kiss you again, open-mouthed and heated. Your <<if
$hand_broken is true>>hands claw<<else>>hand
claws<</if>> across their back, desperately tugging at their
jacket. They indulge you immediately and shrug it off, tossing the
elegant garment to the side. Underneath, they wear a high-collard,
sleeveless silk tunic, buttoned down the right side of their chest.
You pause, your eyes raking over them. Their tawny skin is beautifully
tattooed with vibrant ink snaking up both arms to disappear beneath
their tunic. Your fingers skate up their right arm, admiring the
patterns, and twist around a button near their collarbone.
They stare at you.
You pry the button open.
“Do they have a story?” you ask, holding their gaze.
“Yes,” they reply.
You open another button. “Is it a secret?”
An amused smile plays across their lips. “Perhaps,” they say, watching
you intently as you open another button. Through the small gap in their
tunic, you can see the interconnected lines and patterns spread further
across their chest. <<if $garb neq "abberan">><<if
$tattoo1 is "raven">>“Is yours?” they add, glancing at the raven
inscribed on your shoulder.
“Maybe. Why don’t you wait and see?”<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"sun">>“Is yours?” they add, glancing at the sun inscribed on your
inner left wrist.
“Maybe. Why don’t you wait and see?”<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"seadragon">>“Is yours?” they add, glancing at the dragon wrapping
your right arm.
“Maybe. Why don’t you wait and see?”<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"sword">>“Is yours?” they add, glancing at the sword inscribed on
your shoulder.
“Maybe. Why don’t you wait and see?”<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"geometric">>“Is yours?” they add, glancing at the line inscribed
around your right arm.
“Maybe. Why don’t you wait and see?”<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"wayfarer">>“I suppose yours is not, given that it is immediately
recognizable for what it is,” they add, glancing at the Wayfarer
insignia inscribed on your wrist and shooting you a playful
grin.<</if>><<else>>
“Will I find out?”
“Perhaps.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You flick open the final button and slide Veyer’s tunic from
their shoulders. They hold their arms out loosely and let the silk
fabric slither to the floor behind them. Even in the shadowed moonlight,
their tattoos are beautiful. They spread across their torso, sweeping
down their chest and back in swirling, interlocking patterns. They are
so colourful, so elaborate, you can barely make out the thin, twin scars
curving across their ribcage.
Veyer catches your hand and places it on their chest. Their skin is
tantalizingly warm beneath your fingers. They lean in, sliding their
hands down your sides to your waist, and press a gentle kiss to your
lips. Their body presses against you. You can feel their heartbeat
thumping a twin rhythm to yours.
Their lips move from your mouth, following the curve of your cheek to
your jaw. You tilt your head back, a shuddering breath caught in your
throat, and they trail their kisses downwards and along your collarbone.
When their teeth graze your skin, an electrifying pulse spirals down
your spine. You grip their shoulders, pulling them into you, craving
more.
They chuckle huskily, delighted with your response. Suddenly, they shift
their weight, spinning you both around and pushing you backwards. You
melt beneath their touch, eager to bend, eager to let them do whatever
they want with you. You back into the alcove and your knees hit the
window seat behind you. Their lips return to the sensitive spot at your
throat. You shudder at their touch, going weak at the knees, and sit
down, unable—or unwilling—to remain on your feet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>Veyer stands before you, half-naked in the moonlight, and
places their hands on your shoulders. They lower their head, capturing
your lips in a greedy kiss, and lean against you. <<if $garb is
"serithan">>Their hands slide down your sides, pressing the soft,
slippery fabric of your serithan to your skin. You groan against their
mouth, craving the touch of their hands on your body. They tremble
against you in a silent laugh, and their fingers turn to the clasps at
your shoulders. A moment later, their deft fingers pull the knots free
and release the front of your serithan. The soft silk slips down your
body, pooling around your waist. They draw back, their eyes sweeping
appreciatively across <<if $skinmarks is "freckles">>your
bare chest, smiling at your freckles.<<elseif $skinmarks is
"vitiligo">>your bare chest, taking in the light patches where
colour bleeds from your skin.<<else>>your bare
chest.<</if>><<elseif $garb is "abberan">>They
pull your jacket open and slip their hands beneath. They slide them down
your sides, pressing your undertunic’s soft, delicate fabric to your
skin. You groan against their mouth, craving the touch of their hands on
your body. They tremble against you in a silent laugh and tug your
undertunic loose from your trousers. A hand dips beneath the
hem.<<else>>Their hands slide down your sides, pressing the
coarse fabric to your skin. You groan against their mouth, craving the
touch of their hands on your body. They tremble against you in a silent
laugh and tug your tunic loose from your trousers. A hand dips beneath
the hem.<</if>>
When their fingers skim across your bare skin, you could almost kill
them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“$firstname,”
Veyer murmurs, their lips to your ear.
You pause, the tantalizing movements of their fingers nearly paralyzing
you. “What?”
“You do know what happens when a magiani touches someone? Particularly
in… intimate circumstances?”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I know perfectly
well. It’s not like this is my first time.”|CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER INTIMACY
2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I… Yes. I think so.”|CHAPTER 2.5
VEYER INTIMACY 2][$option to 2, $mc_first to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>The
antechamber is dark and quiet, the magnificent frescos <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>looming in<<else>>barely visible
in<</if>> your peripheral vision. Beyond, the central
sitting room is illuminated by ribbons of moonlight flooding in from the
windows. You’re not surprised the conjured lights have died; their
husks sit in the wall sconces, dull and lifeless. Without someone here
to activate them, they have gone dormant, their telltale glow snuffed
out. Rasmira’s staff were thoughtful enough to leave candles and
lanterns out. A few are lit, casting a warm, flickering glow from the
corners.
If Aeran came through here, he didn’t bother to put them out.
//Aeran…//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
1]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
antechamber is dark and quiet, the magnificent frescos <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>looming in<<else>>barely visible
in<</if>> your peripheral vision. Beyond, the central
sitting room is illuminated by ribbons of moonlight flooding in from the
windows. You’re not surprised the conjured lights have died; their
husks sit in the wall sconces, dull and lifeless. Without someone here
to activate them, they have gone dormant, their telltale glow snuffed
out. Rasmira’s staff were thoughtful enough to leave candles and
lanterns out. A few are lit, casting a warm, flickering glow from the
corners.
If Aeran came through here, he didn’t bother to put them out—
You stop, your attention drawn by a flicker of movement in the corner of
your eye. Aeran rises from a chair, casting a shadow across the uneven
moonlight. He turns towards you, hands held stiffly at his sides, raw
guilt and shame stark on his face. He was never good at hiding his
feelings… least of all from you.
It’s a long time before either of you speak.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Break the silence.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
2][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
FRIEND 2][$option to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
step slowly out of the antechamber and come to a halt. Aeran is sitting
slumped in a chair, his fingers curled against his mouth as he stares
out the window. Drawn by your arrival, he quickly pulls himself to his
feet and stands there, wavering, his hands held stiffly at his sides as
he stares at you with wide eyes. He is pale—so very pale—in the
moonlight, a myriad of raw emotions stark on his face. He was never good
at hiding his feelings—least of all from you.
It’s a long time before either of you speak.
“$nickname,” he says. His voice is hoarse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…don’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 2][$option
to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “What do you want, Aeran? Got
something else you want to blame me for?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
2][$option to 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. “I have //nothing// to
say to you.”' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 3'>><<set $option to
3>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>He blinks and exhales a shaky breath. “$firstname,”
he says. “Please. Just listen. I… What I said to you was fucking
stupid. I…” He falls silent, his voice breaking. You can feel the weight
of what has been left unsaid. “It was… cruel. I was being cruel. And
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”<<else>>“No! I—” He
shuts his mouth and rakes a hand through his hair. He paces back and
forth, shadows flickering over him as he steps in and out of the
moonlight. Your anger has torn something in him and he is desperate to
piece it back together. “It’s not that. What I said to you was fucking
stupid, I… It was cruel. I was being cruel. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean
to hurt you.”<</if>>
<<if $mc_aeran_garden is true>>You pause as his words wash
over you, unable to move, unable to speak. Time is meaningless as your
fight in the garden replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a
bitter refrain.<<else>>You pause as his words wash over you,
unable to move, unable to speak. Time is meaningless as your fight in
the garden replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter
refrain.
//You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it altogether.//
You raise your head.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…I think you did.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCUS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I know…”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCEPT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
stride across the apartment, heading for your room. Aeran curses and
throws himself forward, scrambling past furniture to catch up with you.
His hand closes around your arm and he pulls you to a <<if
$hand_broken is true>>stop, careful not to bump your splinted
hand.<<else>>stop.<</if>>
“Please,” he begs. “$nickname, please, I can explain—”
You turn your head sharply to the side, looking over your shoulder as
you meet his eyes. His grip on your arm tightens, his fingers digging
into your skin. Hurt clenches around your heart like a fist, threatening
to rip it in two. Your standing on a precipice and all it will take is
one push. You can either let yourself fall… or step away for good.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i> ROMANCE] “I don’t need you to. Not
anymore.”' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
2A-BREAK'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “…what? Then explain
//what?”//' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
2B'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Say nothing.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
2C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>He slumps beneath the weight of your words and raises his head,
forcing himself to look at you. Though his ashen face betrays his need
to run, to escape, to flee your accusing gaze, he holds still. He
doesn’t contradict you, doesn’t even try to fight—he simply stands there
in silent acceptance.<<elseif $option is 2>>He stops dead
in his tracks, his agitated pace killed by your words. He turns, staring
back at you, his face ashen. He doesn’t contradict you, doesn’t even
try to fight—he simply stands there in silent acceptance. However poorly
you think of him now, it cannot match how he views himself. All his
hate and anger and blame turned inward—on the only person he believes
deserves it.<<else>>He slumps beneath the weight of your
words and draws away. Though his ashen face betrays his need to run, to
escape, to flee your accusing gaze, he holds still. He doesn’t
contradict you, doesn’t even try to fight—he simply stands there in
silent acceptance.<</if>>
You can feel the seconds slipping by. You take a step towards him and,
for a fleeting moment, you want nothing more than to go to him, to pull
him out of his self-made prison, tell him that you forgive him for it
all. It would be so easy…
But you can’t. Not yet. You love him—you know you do—but forgiveness is
earned. <<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>You won’t let him
use your feelings for each other against you.<<else>>You
won’t let him use your feelings against you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Aeran?”
you press. “Talk to me. What’s going on with you—?”
“You ask too many questions, $firstname,” he says quietly.
Hollow laughter courses through you, unbidden, shaking you to your
core. “There’s an easy solution for that. Not my fault you don’t want to
take it—”
“$firstname…” He’s pleading now.
“Since when did we keep secrets from each other? I’ve been nothing but
honest with you since Karth, but you—” <<if $aeranletters is
"chapter1" or $aeranletters is "chapter2">>You’re speaking
furiously, your anger untethered. You push down the part of you that
winces at your own words… You //haven’t// been honest with him, not
entirely. You found the letters, which were never meant for your
eyes.<<else>>The words are falling furiously from your lips
now.<</if>> “You just… //refuse// to return the favour. I
know there’s things you can’t talk about. //I know.// But you would take
a dagger for me and you can’t even bring yourself to tell me the truth.
What kind of a relationship is that?”
You cut off abruptly as he looks away, shoulders slumped, unable to hold
your gaze any longer. He seems willing—eager even—to stay here and let
you yell, as if your anger can absolve him of his guilt.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1. [
<i class="fas fa-heart-broken"></i> ROMANCE] Leave him.
You’re done with this bullshit. And you’re done with him.' 'CHAPTER 2.5
AERAN ROM 4 BREAK'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just tell me, Aeran. Do you blame
me? Do you blame me for not being there?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM
5]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>He pauses, eyes wide, barely
daring to believe you. He has a terrified look about him, as if he’s
about to run from you, unable to confront the truth in those two little
words. <<if $option is 1 or $option is 2>>Seizing the
moment, you quickly cross the apartment and take his hands in
yours.<<else>>Seizing the moment, you reach out and take his
hands in yours.<</if>> He freezes, shaking at your touch,
but doesn’t draw away. You thread your fingers through his, holding him
firmly, but gently.
“I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through,” you say quietly.
“But you can’t keep this locked away forever, it’s destroying you—”
He closes his eyes. “I know.”
“Do you blame me? For… not being there that day?”
You don’t need to say the name. The ghost of the Spire settles between
you, threatening to tear you apart. Your home. The home of your youth,
the last bastion of the Wayfarers, the order that became your family,
though neither of you had a choice in the matter. The weight of your
shared history presses on you as you wait for his answer.
“No,” he whispers.
“Do you hate me for not being there?”
//“Never.”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>The
shaking stops. He pulls you into an embrace and raises a hand to your
cheek, the pads of his fingers ghosting across your skin. <<if
$height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>Cupping your chin, he tilts your head up to meet his
eyes.<<elseif $height is "tall">>Cupping your chin, he
gently turns your head to meet his eyes.<<else>>He stares up
at you and meets your eyes.<</if>> Glistening tears cling
to his lashes, threatening to fall.
“I could never hate you, $firstname,” he says.
His touch is warm and ignites something deep within you. Your heart
pounds frenetically in your chest, so quickly and so rapidly you’re sure
he can hear it. Memories of the past two years flood your mind—every
touch, every look, binding you together, leading you here. <<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>You know he feels it, too. He told
you as much that day on the //Dareia…//
He’s in love with you.<<else>>You’re certain he feels it,
too. That day on the //Dareia,// after you woke from your
injuries…<</if>>
You’ve been dancing around the subject for weeks, too afraid to admit
what you both know. He’s struggling—struggling with something you can
only begin to understand—and that makes him terrified. Terrified of you.
Terrified of himself. Terrified of where it will lead you. But this
journey to Velantis has fundamentally changed your relationship and
there is no going back. You’re wavering on the edge, caught between the
desire to fall together and the need to push each other away.
And you can’t avoid it any longer.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1. [
<i class="fas fa-heart-broken"></i> ROMANCE] Leave him.'
'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 5 BREAK'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Stay.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6B'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranromance to false, $aeranrom to 0, $aeran_breakup to 2, $aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 95)>><<set $ep2_end to
11>>You wrench your arm free and something within you breaks.
You can’t bring yourself to look at him as you tear yourself free. You
need to be somewhere else, somewhere, anywhere away from him. You walk
briskly to your room, your mind oddly occupied by the mundane nature of
such a simple action, and close your door. For a brief moment you wonder
whether—no, you wish—he will come after you, but he doesn’t. Through
the heavy oak, you hear his footsteps retreat across the apartment,
fading to nothing.
It’s only then that you allow yourself to fall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Your
knees give out and you sink to the floor, your back scraping against
the door. You gasp for air, shuddering gasps wracking your body, but no
matter how deeply you breathe, you can’t seem to force enough air into
your lungs. It’s an ugly, desperate, howling sound, so raw you can
barely believe it comes from you. You blink, a furious stinging pain
prickling around your eyes, but no tears fall. Something within you
refuses to weep. Refuses to cry.
Refuses to grieve.
It’s a long time before you can bear to drag yourself from the floor and
throw yourself onto the bed. No matter how hard you try, sleep does not
come for you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“What
I said to you was fucking stupid. It was cruel. I was being cruel. And
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you—”
You wrench your arm free and step back, drawing away from him. Being
this close to him now, while he’s saying these words… It’s suffocating.
You barely know how to make sense of it.
<<if $mc_aeran_garden is true>>The fight in the garden
replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter
refrain.<<else>>The fight in the garden replays in your
mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.
//You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it
altogether.//<</if>>
Your throat is tight. A part of you doesn’t want you to speak. It
doesn’t know how. But you swallow the lump and force the words past your
lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…I think you did.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCUS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I know…”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCEPT]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pause, desperate to look away, but unable to move. Your throat
tightens. Even if you wanted to speak, you doubt you could.
“What I said to you was fucking stupid,” Aeran says. “It was cruel. I
was being cruel. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you—”
Hollow laughter bubbles past your lips, unbidden. You wrench your arm
free and step back, drawing away from him. Being this close to him now,
while he’s saying these words… It’s suffocating. You barely know how to
make sense of it.
<<if $mc_aeran_garden is true>>The fight in the garden
replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter
refrain.<<else>>The fight in the garden replays in your
mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.
//You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it
altogether.//<</if>>
You exhale a long breath and swallow the lump in your throat. You know
what you have to say. You can force the words past your lips.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “…I think you did.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCUS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I know…”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCEPT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<set
$aeranromance to false, $aeranrom to 0, $aeran_breakup to 2, $aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 95)>><<set $ep2_end to
11>>“Right…” you say finally. “Of course. You can’t even say
anything, can you?”
“$firstname—”
“Fuck off!”
<<if $option is 1 or $option is 2>>You storm across the
apartment, desperate with the need to be somewhere, anywhere away from
him. You slam your door closed without care, the thump reverberating
through you—and you freeze.<<else>>You push him out of the
way and storm to your room, slamming your door closed without care. The
ensuing thump reverberates through you—and you
freeze.<</if>> For a moment, you’re unable to bring yourself
to move. You stand there, a fist pressed against the wood, your fingers
clenched so tight your knuckles pale and your fingernails dig into the
palm of your hands. You find yourself wishing—against all odds—that he
will come after you.
But he doesn’t. Through the heavy oak, you hear his footsteps retreat
across the apartment, fading to nothing.
It’s only then that you allow yourself to fall.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Your
knees give out and you sink to the floor, your back scraping against
the door. You gasp for air, shuddering gasps wracking your body, but no
matter how deeply you breathe, you can’t seem to force enough air into
your lungs. It’s an ugly, desperate, howling sound, so raw you can
barely believe it comes from you. You blink, a furious stinging pain
prickling around your eyes, but no tears fall. Something within you
refuses to weep. Refuses to cry.
Refuses to grieve.
It’s a long time before you can bear to drag yourself from the floor and
throw yourself onto the bed. No matter how hard you try, sleep does not
come for you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You can’t bring yourself to say
the name. The Spire. Your home. The home of your youth, the last bastion
of the Wayfarers, the order that became your family, though neither of
you had a choice in the matter. The weight of your shared history
presses in on you as you wait for his answer, each passing moment
carving away another piece of your heart.
“No,” he whispers finally.
You pause. “Do you hate me for not being there?”
He meets your eyes. //“Never.”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>A shuddering breath escapes you as relief—desperate, grateful
relief—shakes you to the bones. A stinging pain prickles behind your
eyes and you blink furiously, refusing to let the tears fall. “Then what
can I do?” you ask, <<if $option is 3>>taking a step
towards him.<<else>>stepping towards him.<</if>>
The tread of your feet is oddly muffled against the thick, luxurious
rugs as you close the distance between you. “Tell me, please. I can’t
help you if you don’t tell me—”
He closes his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I can’t. I don’t remember
them the way you do. I can’t hold onto them—”
You place a hand on his arm. He’s shaking beneath your touch. “I’m not
holding on,” you say. “I don’t pretend to know what you went through
that night. But you can’t keep this locked away forever, Aeran, it’s
destroying you. And you aren’t the only one broken by this, they were a
part of me, too.”
Tears glistening in the corners of his eyes, Aeran exhales a trembling
sigh and sinks to his knees in front of you. He bows his head, crumpling
before you. “I know,” he says. “I know. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry,
$firstname…”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
pause, stiff, uncertain what to do as your heart pounds feverishly in
your chest. Memories of the past two years flood your mind—every touch,
every look, binding you together, leading you here. <<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>You know he feels it, too. He told
you as much that day on the //Dareia…//
He’s in love with you.<<else>>You’re certain he feels it,
too. That day on the //Dareia,// after you woke from your
injuries…<</if>>
You’ve been dancing around the subject for weeks, too afraid to admit
what you both know. He’s struggling—struggling with something you can
only begin to understand—and that makes him terrified. Terrified of you.
Terrified of himself. Terrified of where it will lead you. But this
journey to Velantis has fundamentally changed your relationship and
there is no going back. You’re wavering on the edge, caught between the
desire to fall together and the need to push each other away.
And you can’t avoid it any longer.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<link '1. [
<i class="fas fa-heart-broken"></i> ROMANCE] Leave him.'
'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 5 BREAK'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Stay.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6A'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><<set $aeranromance to
false, $aeranrom to 0, $aeran_breakup to 2>><<set $ep2_end
to 11>><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCUS")>>With trembling hands, you run your fingers gently across
his cheek and raise his head, tilting his chin up so you can look into
his eyes. “I’m sorry,” you say quietly. “But I can’t do this anymore.”
He nods. Somehow, his silence—that wretched, quiet acceptance—hurts more
than any cruel words could. Desperately holding back your tears, you
bow down and press your lips to his forehead—the one and only kiss
you’ll give him. Then you pull away and walk calmly across the
apartment, your footfalls hollow in your ears.<<else>>You
pull away. “I’m sorry, Aeran,” you murmur. “But I can’t do this
anymore.”
He nods. Somehow, his silence—that wretched, quiet acceptance—hurts more
than any cruel words could. Desperately holding back your tears, you
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short">>raise
yourself up on tiptoes and press your lips to his cheek.<<elseif
$height is "average">>lean up and press your lips to his
cheek.<<else>>lean in and press your lips to his
cheek.<</if>> He closes his eyes, tears streaking across his
cheeks, but says nothing as you pull away. Giving him one final, quiet
smile, you turn your back and calmly cross the apartment, your footfalls
hollow in your ears.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>It’s
only after you shut your door that you finally allow yourself to break.
Your knees give out and you sink to the floor, your back scraping
against the door. You gasp for air, shuddering gasps wracking your body,
but no matter how deeply you breathe, you can’t seem to force enough
air into your lungs. It’s an ugly, desperate, howling sound, so raw you
can barely believe it comes from you. You blink, a furious stinging pain
prickling around your eyes, but no tears fall. Something within you
refuses to weep. Refuses to cry.
Refuses to grieve.
It’s a long time before you can bear to drag yourself from the floor and
throw yourself onto the bed. No matter how hard you try, sleep does not
come for you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0, 100)>>You exhale a
trembling breath and thread your fingers through his hair. He responds
without hesitation, looping his arms around your waist, pulling you
close. His shoulders heave as he takes in a shuddering breath,
supplicant as he kneels before you.
“$firstname…” he murmurs.
A feverish chill runs down your spine as you rake your hands through his
hair. The thick, sandy brown mop of hair you’ve always loved. His
fingers clutch at the fabric of your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>, pressing
against your hips. You pause and gaze down at him, a tangled mess of
emotions twisting in your gut. The pang of hurt you felt only minutes
ago melts, giving way to a raw, aching joy.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Kiss him.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6A-1][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Aeran…”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6A-1][$option to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom + 5, 0, 100)>><<if
$height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>You reach up with both hands and thread your fingers
through his hair—that thick, sandy brown mop of hair you’ve always
loved—and pull him into you.<<else>>You thread your fingers
through his hair—that thick, sandy brown mop of hair you’ve always
loved—and pull him into you.<</if>> He responds without
hesitation, wrapping his arms around you in an embrace. His lips are so
close to yours… You can feel his breath on your cheek.
Your heart flutters, pounding with a raw, aching joy.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Kiss him.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6B-1][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Aeran…”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM STAY
6B-1][$option to 2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Your knees give out from under you and you sink to
the floor, your hands twined in his hair. Consumed by this one
encompassing instinct, you lean in and crush your lips to his. He
freezes, his breath caught in his throat, and then he melts against you.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>His hands cradle your neck as
he draws you up with him, kissing you fervently.<<else>>His
hands cradle your neck, tangled in your hair as he draws you up with
him, kissing you fervently.<</if>>
You press against him, and the <<if $dressed is true>>supple
silk of your $garb<<else>>coarse fabric of your
tunic<</if>> sticks awkwardly to your skin. He tilts his
head and deepens the kiss, wrapping his arms tightly around you. Joy
flutters in your heart, filling you with a bliss you can barely stop to
understand, as if thinking about it too much will cause it to
disappear.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 7")>> Veyer
momentarily crosses your mind and a spike of guilt twists through you,
tempered only by the certainty you feel now. How //wrong// that kiss
was… and how //right// this is.<</if>>
He breaks away and draws back, cupping your face with his hand. You
stare back at him, taking in the deep blue earnestness of his eyes, the
pale scar through his eyebrow, the ghost of a week-old sunburn on his
nose. Such familiar features, but it’s like you’re looking at him for
the first time.
“Aeran,” you breathe.<<else>>He tilts his head, gazing up at
you with sheer wonder in his eyes. He stands, his hands lingering on
your hips as he rises to his feet, pulling you into him. Your breath
catches in the back of your throat as he presses you against him,
<<if $dressed>>the supple silk of your
$garb<<else>>rough fabric of your tunic<</if>>
sticking to your skin. <<if $height is "very short" or $height is
"short" or $height is "average">>You raise your chin, your eyes
flickering over him, taking<<else>>Your eyes flash over him,
taking<</if>> in the deep blue earnestness of his eyes, the
pale scar through his eyebrow, the ghost of a week-old sunburn on his
nose.
<<if $hairlengthlength is "shaved">>He brushes a hand across
your face, cupping your chin as he leans in<<else>>He
brushes a stray hair from your forehead, his fingers skimming across
your face to cup your chin as he leans in<</if>>, his lips a
breath away from yours.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
7")>> You pause, frozen as Veyer momentarily crosses your mind,
and a spike of guilt twists through you, tempered only by the certainty
you feel. How //wrong// that kiss was… and how //right// this
is.<</if>>
“Aeran,” you murmur.<</if>>
He kisses you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> INTIMACY] Kiss him back.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
INTIMACY'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Kiss him back.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
ACE'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>Consumed by this one encompassing instinct, you
crush your lips against his. He freezes, momentarily breathless, and
then he melts into you. <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>His
hands cradle your neck, desperate to hold you close and never let
go.<<else>>His hands tangle in your hair, desperate to hold
you close and never let go.<</if>>
You press against him, and the <<if $dressed is true>>supple
silk of your $garb<<else>>coarse fabric of your
tunic<</if>> sticks awkwardly to your skin. He turns his
head and deepens the kiss, holding you close. Joy flutters in your
heart, filling you with a bliss you can barely stop to understand, as if
thinking about it too much will cause it to disappear.<<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 7")>> Veyer momentarily crosses your
mind and a spike of guilt twists through you, tempered only by the
certainty you feel now. How //wrong// that kiss was… and how //right//
this is.<</if>>
He breaks away and draws back, cupping your face with his hand. You
stare back at him, taking in the deep blue earnestness of his eyes, the
pale scar through his eyebrow, the ghost of a week-old sunburn on his
nose. Such familiar features, but it’s like you’re looking at him for
the first time.
“Aeran,” you breathe.
He kisses you.
<<else>>He pulls back, staring at you with sheer wonder in
his eyes. You stare back at him, your heart fluttering anxiously,
strangely cognizant of the way your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>> sticks to
your skin. Your eyes sweep over him, taking in the deep blue earnestness
of his eyes, the pale scar through his eyebrow, the ghost of a week-old
sunburn on his nose.
<<if $hairlength is "shaved">>He brushes a hand across your
face, cupping your chin as he leans in,<<else>>He brushes a
stray hair from your forehead, his fingers skimming across your face to
cup your chin as he leans in,<</if>> his lips a breath away
from yours.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 7")>> Veyer
momentarily crosses your mind and a spike of guilt twists through you,
tempered only by the certainty you feel now. How //wrong// that kiss
was… and how //right// this is.<</if>>
“Aeran,” you murmur.
This time, he kisses you.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. [ <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i> INTIMACY] Kiss him back.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
INTIMACY'>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. [ <i class="far
fa-heart"></i> ROMANCE] Kiss him back.' 'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
ACE'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranromance to true>>You melt against him. Looping your hands
around his neck, you pull him into you, desperate for more. He grunts,
surprised by your eagerness, and his lips part, deepening the kiss. A
hazy euphoria courses through you, hardly daring to believe that he’s
here with you—touching you, kissing you. You collide together in a
tangle of limbs, pushing and pulling, barely aware of your surroundings.
Your hip bangs against a side table and nearly knocks over a vase, but
you don’t care.
You don’t want to stop.
You can’t stop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Lead him. You know what you want.|CHAPTER
2.5 AERAN INTIMACY 1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let him lead you.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
INTIMACY 1B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
8>><<set $aeranromance to true>>You melt against him.
Looping your hands around his neck, you pull him into you, kissing him
deeply. A hazy euphoria courses through you, hardly daring to believe
that he’s here with you, like this, finally, finally, finally…
You collide together in a tangle of limbs, barely aware of your
surroundings. He kisses you roughly and pulls you close, fervent in his
urgency. Sensing where this could be going, you break away, breathless,
your heart pounding in your chest, and rest a hand against his cheek.
“Aeran,” you say quietly.
He meets your eyes. “$nickname.”
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>You rise up on your tiptoes and kiss him
softly.<<else>>You kiss him softly.<</if>> “Can
we… just be here together? For a moment?”
He pauses, <<if $hairlength is "shaved">>gently cupping the
back of your neck,<<else>>cupping the back of your neck, his
fingers in your hair,<</if>> staring at you as if
completely mesmerized. He pulls you in close and presses a kiss to your
forehead. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “I’d like that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Taking
you by the hand, he guides you across the room and settles onto a
divan. Curling up among the cushions, you rest your head <<if
$height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>against his chest.<<else>>against his
shoulder.<</if>> He wraps an arm around you and holds you
close. <<if $aeranshotmc is true>>His hand brushes your
shoulder—that shoulder—and you feel him freeze, paralyzed by hesitance.
You thread your fingers with his and guide his hand to the <<if
$garb is "serithan">>freshly healed scar, skimming over the marred
flesh. A permanent reminder of what happened that night in the Count’s
villa.<<else>>spot. Beneath <<if $dressed is
true>>your jacket’s supple fabric<<else>>your tunic’s
coarse fabric<</if>> is the freshly healed scar, a permanent
reminder of what happened that night in the Count’s
villa.<</if>>
“It wasn’t your fault,” you say quietly.
“$firstname—”
“It //wasn’t// your fault.”
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>You prop yourself up and kiss
him,<<else>>You turn your head and kiss
him,<</if>> silencing any further resistance. He exhales a
trembling sigh and gives into the kiss, rejecting any remaining fear or
hesitancy to something far more powerful.<<else>>His hand
brushes your shoulder, running it up and down your arm. He exhales a
trembling little sigh, delighting in your shared
closeness.<</if>>
There’s something so comforting, so right about how this feels.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4 ACCUS")>>Your
earlier anger dissipates,<<else>>Your frustration with him
dissipates,<</if>> rushing away from you like a tide pulled
back out to sea. The barriers between you were broken by a kiss, and,
for the first time in a very long time, you finally feel at peace.
When sleep finally comes for you, it comes for you both. Wrapped in each
other’s arms, you and Aeran fall into an easy slumber.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
7>>You press against him—carefully, gently, testing his
boundaries. He groans against your lips, kissing you fervently. An eager
shiver rolls down your spine and you press your fingers into his arms,
guiding him backwards across the room. He backs into a divan and comes
to an abrupt halt, his lips grazing yours, unwilling to break the kiss. A
delighted chuckle hums in your throat and you push a palm against his
shoulder. He goes willingly, stumbling backward and landing on the plush
cushions.
His hand grips yours and he stares up at you with wonder in his eyes,
almost as if he can’t quite believe you’re here. “$firstname…” he
murmurs.
You raise a hand and cup his cheek, taking in his beautiful eyes.
There’s something so easy about being with him that leaves you feeling
frightfully alive. Physical intimacy has always been difficult for
magiani. There’s a reason most Wayfarers only seek relationships with
each other: when you can suppress magic with a single touch, it leaves
most people feeling uncomfortably vulnerable.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. It’s the reason you’ve never
sought out something like this before. Not to this degree."
`passage()`>><<set $mc_first to
3>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link "2. It’s the reason any
attempt at a relationship—or whatever passed for one—never lasted. "
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>But with Aeran, it’s different. You’re free to be who you are,
without fear of judgement.
Excitement courses through you and you take a breath, trailing a hand
gently across his chest. “Do you want this?” you ask quietly.
He says nothing. Reaching up, he <<if $height is "very
tall">>twines his fingers around the neckline of your <<if
$dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>><<else>>slides
a hand around the back of your neck<</if>> and pulls you
in, crushing his mouth to yours. A little moan escapes you and you part
your lips, deepening the kiss. Soon his fingers are in your hair and
your hands are on him, and you’re tumbling against each other, falling
into the pillows in a tangle of limbs.<<if $hand_broken is
true>>You bump your splinted hand and pain flares through your
fingers, but you barely notice it—it feels dull, distant.
Unimportant.<</if>>
You break the kiss, breathless, eager, and push yourself up, straddling
him. Your clothing is mussed and twisted, tangled around your body.
Heart pounding in your chest, anticipation flushing your brow, you raise
your hands <<nobr>>and
<<if $garb is "serithan">>undo the clasps of your serithan,
eager to rip the whole bloody thing off. The supple fabric ripples
beneath your fingers and you sense Aeran watching you. It slips down,
the <<if $serithan_colour is
"turquoise">>skirts<<else>>robes<</if>>
pooling at your waist. His gaze rakes over you, taking in your naked
upper <<if $skinmarks is "freckles">>body, lingering on your
freckles.<<elseif $skinmarks is "vitiligo">>lingering on
the light patches where colour bleeds from your
skin.<<else>>body.<</if>> A devious smile
spreads across his face.
<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>shrug out of your jacket,
discarding it on the floor. You rapidly unbutton your tunic, eager to
rip the whole blood thing off. The supple fabric ripples beneath your
fingers and you sense Aeran watching you. You grin and toss it on the
floor, noting the devious smile spreading across his face. His gaze
rakes over you, taking in your naked upper <<if $skinmarks is
"freckles">>body, lingering on your freckles. <<elseif
$skinmarks is "vitiligo">>lingering on the light patches where
colour bleeds from your
skin.<<else>>body.<</if>>
<<else>>reach for the hem of your tunic. You pull it up,
rapidly peeling it away, and discard it on the floor. You sense Aeran
watching you. A devious smile spreads across his face and his gaze rakes
over you, taking in your naked upper <<if $skinmarks is
"freckles">>body, lingering on your freckles.<<elseif
$skinmarks is "vitiligo">>lingering on the light patches where
colour bleeds from your
skin.<<else>>body.<</if>><</if>><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $aeranshotmc is true>>The smile fades. You
follow his gaze and spot the scar marring your shoulder—the deep wound,
freshly <<if $scar2 neq "none">>healed, the newest of your
collection.<<else>>healed.<</if>> He glances
away, his hands falling to his sides, guilt flushed across his face.
You kiss his cheek. “Hey,” you murmur.
He closes his eyes. “$firstname…”
//“Hey.”// You close your hand around his and place it against your
shoulder, covering the scar. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“I—”
“It wasn’t your fault. You hear me?”
He nods.
You kiss him. He groans a breathless sigh and suddenly sits up, sliding a
hand along the curve of your back. Any fear or hesitancy he had is
lost, giving way to something far more powerful.<<else>>A
faint, ridiculous thought strikes you—that this isn’t the first time
he’s seen you naked. The past two years have been harsh and hard, and
he’s treated your wounds plenty of times. But this is different—so
wildly, wildly different.
You kiss him. He groans a breathless sigh and suddenly sits up, sliding a
hand along the curve of your back.<</if>>
Your fingers find the hem of his tunic and you peel it away, throwing it
to the side with the rest of your clothing. You slip a hand across his
back, exploring the web of coarse scars and knotted flesh. A low growl
murmurs in the back of his throat and you lean in, capturing his lips
with an ardent kiss, nipping at his lower lip. He breathes your name
again and delight pools in your gut. You pull away, trailing kisses
across his jaw and to his ear, eager to hear him murmur your name again.
A few ideas cross your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Your fingers toy with the laces of his trousers. “Lie back,”
you murmur, your lips grazing his ear.
He turns your head and kisses you.
“Lie back,” you repeat.
He does.
Heart racing, you kiss him firmly and trail your hands down his chest
and stomach, tracing patterns across his skin. The intimacy of the
moment, touching him like this, leaves you trembling with anticipation
and excitement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Breathless
and lost in a haze of desire, it doesn’t take much for you both to
finally let go.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>He pushes you—gently, carefully,
testing your boundaries—and you give in, stumbling backwards until your
back hits the wall. He follows, pressing against you eagerly, trailing
kisses across your mouth, your jaw, your neck, down to the hollow of
your throat. Though he has you pinned, you have never felt so safe,
enclosed as you are by him. His hands wander across your body, feeling
you, exploring every part you have to offer. There’s such an aching
desire in his touch, such an urgent need to make up for lost time that
he leaves no doubt in your mind: he has wanted this for as long as you
have.
Your fingers catch the hem of his tunic. He groans into your kiss, your
name little more than a breathless whisper, and you drag the hem up. He
breaks away reluctantly, allowing you to pull the tunic over his head,
then returns for more, his mouth hot against yours. You slide your hands
across his back, grazing over the web of coarse scars and knotted
flesh.<<if $hand_broken is true>>When you bump your splinted
hand and pain flares through your fingers, you barely notice it. It’s
dull. Distant. Unimportant.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $garb is "serithan">>His fingers skate across
your collarbone, pausing at your serithan’s clasps. One simple tug, and
you’ll be free of it…<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>His hands
skate across your collarbone, pulling your jacket from your shoulders
and pushing it free. The buttons are next, but he pauses, his fingers
uncertain as they toy with the clasps…<<else>>His fingers
slide beneath the hem of your own tunic, skating across your skin. He
pulls at the hem, dragging it upwards, and pauses.<</if>>
“$nickname,” he murmurs, his face buried in the crook of your neck. “Is
this…?”
You catch his fingers and rub your thumb across the back of his hand.
There’s something so easy about being with him that leaves you feeling
frightfully alive. Physical intimacy has always been difficult for
magiani. There’s a reason most Wayfarers only seek relationships with
each other: when you can suppress magic with a single touch, it leaves
most people feeling uncomfortably vulnerable.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. It’s the reason you’ve never
sought out something like this before. Not to this degree."
`passage()`>><<set $mc_first to
3>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link "2. It’s the reason any
attempt at a relationship—or whatever passed for one—never lasted."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>But
with Aeran, it’s different. You’re free to be who you are, without fear
of judgement.
You rake your fingers through his hair and shift your weight, pressing
your body eagerly against his.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Touch me, Aeran.
Please. I want… I need you to touch me.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN INTIMACY
1C][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “Gods, //yes.”//'
'CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN INTIMACY 1C'>><<set $option to
2>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. You don’t need to say anything. Show
him what you want.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN INTIMACY 1C][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
7>><<if $garb is "serithan">><<if $option is 1
or $option is 2>>You guide his hands to the clasps at your
shoulders. Murmuring his thanks for your reassurance, he kisses you
soundly and leans in, his fingers tugging at the clasps. He undoes one,
loosening the silken fabric, and a burst of anticipating shivers dance
across your skin.<<else>>You kiss him, sloppily, hungrily,
and thread your fingers around his. Guiding his hand to your shoulder,
you brush his fingers across the clasp, urging him to undo it. The
fabric loosens, sending a burst of anticipating shivers prickling across
your skin.<</if>> You tremble, anticipation coiling in your
gut, elated to savour this moment, but hungry for more.
Sensing your desire, he deepens the kiss, lips parted, teeth grazing
your lower lip—and you break, your willpower dissolved. You reach for
the last clasp and tear it free, sending the supple fabric rippling down
your body to pool at your feet.<<elseif $garb is
"abberan">><<if $option is 1 or $option is 2>>You
close a hand around his fingers and guide them to the buttons. Murmuring
his thanks for your reassurance, he leans in and kisses you soundly,
his fingers pry the buttons open.<<else>>You kiss him,
sloppily, hungrily, and thread your fingers around his, guiding his hand
to the buttons, urging him to undo them.<</if>> A burst of
shivers explodes across your skin as he opens each one and you shrug the
delicate fabric from your shoulders, eager to be rid of it.
Sensing your desire, he deepens the kiss, lips parted, teeth grazing
your lower lip—and you break, your willpower dissolved. Desperate to be
free of the rest of your clothes, you pull the laces of your trousers
free, shedding them as quickly as you can.<<else>><<if
$option is 1 or $option is 2>>You close your hand around his
fingers, clasping the hem. Murmuring his thanks for your reassurance, he
leans in and kisses you soundly, and slides your tunic
up.<<else>>You kiss him, sloppily, hungrily, and help him
pull your tunic up.<</if>> You part briefly as he pulls it
over your head, and a rush of cool air washes over you, anticipant
shivers exploding across your skin. You collide together again, crushing
your lips to his.
Sensing your desire, he deepens the kiss, lips parted, teeth grazing
your lower lip—and you break, your willpower dissolved. Desperate to be
free of the rest of your clothes, you pull the laces of your trousers
free, shedding them as quickly as you can.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $aeranshotmc is true>>He breaks the kiss and
draws away. Cheeks flushed and eyes bright, his gaze slides over your
naked <<if $skinmarks is "freckles">>body, lingering on your
freckles.<<elseif $skinmarks is "vitiligo">>body, lingering
on the patches where colour bleeds from your
skin.<<else>>body.<</if>> He pauses, his hands
falling to his sides as he spots the scar marring your shoulder—the deep
wound, freshly <<if $scar2 neq "none">>healed, the newest
of your collection.<<else>>healed.<</if>> He
closes his eyes and turns away, raking a hand through his hair, guilt
flushed across his cheeks. You reach out and catch his hand, gently
placing it on your shoulder to cover the scar.
“It wasn’t your fault,” you say quietly.
“$firstname—”
“It //wasn’t// your fault.”
You kiss him. He groans a breathless sigh, murmuring your name against
your lips, and slides his hands along the curve of your back. Any fear
or hesitancy he had is lost, giving way to something far more
powerful.<<else>>He breaks the kiss and draws away. Cheeks
flushed, eyes bright, his gaze slides over your <<if $skinmarks is
"freckles">>body, lingering on your freckles.<<elseif
$skinmarks is "vitiligo">>lingering on the light patches where
colour bleeds from your skin.<<else>>body, drinking you
in.<</if>> A faint, ridiculous thought strikes you—that this
isn’t the first time he’s seen you naked. The past two years have been
harsh and hard, and he’s treated your wounds plenty of times. But this
is different—so wildly, wildly different.
You kiss him. He groans a breathless sigh, murmuring your name against
your lips, and slides his hand along the curve of your
back.<</if>>
His touch sears your skin, leaving you gasping for breath. Renewed with
urgent desire, his mouth leaves yours, trailing messy kisses across your
jaw and down your neck. You close your eyes, tilting your head back as
his hands slide across your body. He follows, pressing kisses down your
sternum and across your stomach, sinking down and down until he is
kneeling in front of <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN ROM 4
ACCUS")>>you once more<<else>>you<</if>>.
Your heart races. You twine your fingers in his hair and tilt your head
back, overcome by his touch.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Breathless,
stunned, and lost in a haze of desire, it doesn’t take much for you
both to finally let go.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>“Didn’t think I’d find you here,” you say, passing through the
antechamber and into the main room. You drape your hands across the back
of a couch, watching him carefully as you wait for his reply.
He runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah, well… <<if $master is
"Varyn">>pretty sure Varyn had some saying about not going to bed
angry,” he says reluctantly, doing everything in his power to avoid
meeting your gaze.
“Did she? Can’t remember.”
“Maybe I’m misremembering.”
“Maybe.”<<else>>Varyn used to say something about not going
to bed angry,” he says reluctantly, doing everything in his power to
avoid meeting your gaze.
“Did she? Doesn’t sound like her. Not that I would know.”
“No. You wouldn’t.”
Silence falls between you, as awkward as the
last.<</if>><<else>>“$nickname,” he says. His
voice is hoarse.
You pass through the antechamber and drape your hands across the back of
the nearest couch. You look at him, steadfast in your silence, and wait
for him to continue. He stares back at you and nods, the message clear.
His excuse better be good—or you’re done.
“I know this is the last thing you want to do tonight,” he starts.
You roll your eyes. “Oh, come on…”
He pauses, some useless explanation on the tip of his tongue no doubt,
and backs down at the last second.
The coward.
Jaw clenched and exasperation mounting, you lean heavily against the
back of the couch and fix him with an unflinching stare. The silence is
excruciating.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>He
folds his arms. “I wasn’t sure if you would come back, you know,” he
says finally, casting you a sideways glance. “I was… waiting, but I
thought maybe… you wouldn’t want to be around me tonight.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 MEL") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER
7")>>[[1. “I can think of at least one place I could be. Don’t
make me regret saying no.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
3A]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story requirements have
not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re right. I don’t.”|CHAPTER 2.5
AERAN FRIEND 3B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “If you have something to say, spit
it out.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
3C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 VEYER 7")>>He frowns. “Great,” he says
acidly. “Is that why you’re a little…” He trails off.
“A little what?”
He runs a hand across his jaw. “Nothing… Just…” He trails away with a
shrug.
A spike of panic curls in your gut. Your encounter with Veyer left you a
little mussed, but surely he can’t know from just looking at you that
you… Better bury this quickly. You’re not prepared to have this kind of
fight with Aeran—not that who you choose to kiss is any of his business.
“Forget it,” you say. “If you have something to say to me, why don’t you
spit it out?”<<else>>“And where’s that? Made some friends I
don’t know about?”
“Yeah,” you reply flatly. “Maybe I have. What’s it to you?”
He runs a hand across his jaw. “Nothing,” he says, shrugging. “Good for
you.”
A spike of irritation courses through you. “Forget it,” you say. “If you
have something to say to me, why don’t you spit it
out?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
3C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Irritation
spikes through you. With your patience scraped thin and fatigue
mounting, you shove yourself away from the couch and stride across the
apartment, heading for your room.
Aeran scrambles after you. “Just here me out, all right!” he calls.
“What I said before… it was fucking stupid. More than that, it was
cruel. And I’m sorry. I never wanted to hurt you like that.”
<<if $mc_aeran_garden is true>>You stop, your hands falling
stiffly to your sides. The fight in the garden replays in your mind,
circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.<<else>>You stop,
your hands falling stiffly to your sides. The fight in the garden
replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.
//You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it
altogether.//<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Who says I’m hurt?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
FRIEND 4A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Right. Whatever makes you feel
better.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 4B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Hear him out. You owe him that
much.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
4C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
winces, pain flickering across his face. “What I said to you was
fucking stupid, $firstname,” he says.
Irritation spikes through you. With your patience scraped thin and
fatigue mounting, you shove yourself away from the couch and stride
across the room.
“More than that, it was cruel!” he calls desperately. “And I’m sorry. I
never wanted to hurt you like that.”
<<if $mc_aeran_garden is true>>You stop, your hands falling
stiffly to your sides. The fight in the garden replays in your mind,
circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.<<else>>You stop,
your hands falling stiffly to your sides. The fight in the garden
replays in your mind, circling your thoughts in a bitter refrain.
//You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it
altogether.//<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Who says I’m hurt?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN
FRIEND 4A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Right. Whatever makes you feel
better.”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 4B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Hear him out. You owe him that
much.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
4C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
do,” he says. “Besides, if this was reversed… if it was me who was
hearing those things—”
You snort. “Oh, so now you have feelings?”
“I—”
<<if $aeranletters is "chapter1" or $aeranletters is
"chapter2">>“You know what I don’t understand? You would take a
dagger for me, but you can’t even bring yourself to tell me the truth.
Look, I know there’s things you can’t talk about. I know. But ever since
Karth, I’ve been nothing but honest with you…” You’re speaking
furiously now, you can’t stop yourself even if you wanted to. You push
down the part of you that winces at your own words—you haven’t been
honest with him. Not entirely. You found the letters, which were never
meant for your eyes. Too late now. You can’t bring yourself to tell him.
“…and you don’t have the decency to return the
favour.”<<else>>“You know what I don’t understand? You would
take a dagger for me, but you can’t even bring yourself to tell me the
truth. Look, I know there’s things you can’t talk about. I know. But
I’ve been nothing but honest with you and you don’t have the decency to
return the favour.”
He pales. To your surprise, he doesn’t shout, he doesn’t retort, he
doesn’t try to defend himself—he simply doesn’t say anything at all. He
seems willing—eager, even—to stand here and let you yell yourself
hoarse, as if your anger can absolve him of his
guilt.<</if>>
Somehow, his silence makes it worse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [END FRIENDSHIP] Fuck this. You’re
done.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 5 BREAK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just tell me one thing, Aeran. Do
you blame me for not being there?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
6]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares at you and runs a hand across his mouth and chin. You can feel
him thinking through a dozen ways to respond to your bitterness,
rejecting each one in turn. You fold your arms and watch him for a
moment, giving him ample time to answer you.
He doesn’t.
You inhale a sharp breath. “You know what I don’t understand, Aeran?”
you say finally. “You’d take a dagger for me, but you can’t even bring
yourself to tell me the truth. I know there’s things you can’t take
about. I know. But I’ve been nothing but honest with you since Karth and
you don’t even have the decency to return the favour.”
He nods and looks away, hanging his head. To your surprise, he doesn’t
shout, he doesn’t retort, he doesn’t try to defend himself—he simply
doesn’t say anything at all. He seems willing—eager, even—to stand here
and let you yell yourself hoarse, as if your anger can absolve him of
his guilt.
Somehow, his silence makes it worse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [END FRIENDSHIP] Fuck this. You’re
done.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 5 BREAK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just tell me one thing, Aeran. Do
you blame me for not being there?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
6]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
know you have questions, $firstname,” he continues. “But there are
things I can’t… things I don’t want to talk about. It’s better for
me—and for you—if we leave it behind us.”
You fold your arms. “I don’t understand,” you say. “You’d take a dagger
for me, but you can’t bring yourself to tell me the truth? What happened
that night that you’re so scared of—”
“I’m not scared—”
“Really? Because everything you’ve said tonight proves otherwise.”
He pales. To your surprise, he doesn’t shout, he doesn’t retort, he
doesn’t try to defend himself—he simply doesn’t say anything at all. He
seems willing—eager, even—to stand here and let you yell yourself
hoarse, as if your anger can absolve him of his guilt.
Somehow, his silence makes it worse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [END FRIENDSHIP] Fuck this. You’re
done.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 5 BREAK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Just tell me one thing, Aeran. Do
you blame me for not being there?”|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
6]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to 35,
$aeran_friend_break to 2>><<set $ep2_end to 11>>You
close your eyes and rub a hand across the back of your neck. “Fuck…”
Aeran says nothing. You can sense him waiting for you—for you to
respond, for you to do the work, for you to bridge the gap. And in that
silence, a painful realization dawns on you: he’s said his piece. This
is as much of an apology as he will ever give you. Though you know
without a doubt your unravelling friendship hurts him as much as it
hurts you, he is never going to do what he needs to in order to save it.
You open your eyes and walk determinedly across the room.
“…$firstname?” he calls tentatively.
You keep walking.
“$firstname—”
“I can’t deal with you anymore,” you snap, relishing in the words. It
feels good to tell him to fuck off. “I can’t deal with //this.// I’m
going to bed. Don’t bother me.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
wrench your door open and slam it behind you. For a brief moment, you
think he’s going to shout at you through the door, but he doesn’t. You
pause, one hand pressed against the carved doorframe, and listen as his
footsteps retreat across the apartment and fade to nothing.
You swallow hard. There’s an uncomfortable lump in your throat. You
thought you’d be relieved, but you just feel… empty.
Struggling to ignore the twisting feeling in your gut, you throw
yourself onto your bed, not even bothering to undress. You lie there in
silence, staring at the ceiling, and force yourself to relax. But no
matter how hard you try, sleep does not come for you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You can’t bring yourself to say
it.
//The Spire.//
The name lingers between you, hanging in the air. The Spire. Your home.
The home of your youth, the last bastion of the Wayfarers, the order
that became your family, though neither of you had a choice in the
matter. Your shared history weighs heavily on your shoulders as you wait
for his answer.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“No,”
he says finally.
You pause. “Do you hate me for not being there?”
He raises his head and meets your eyes. “Never.”
“Then what do I do?” you ask. <<if $aeranrom is 0>>“I love
you, Aeran, you’re like a brother to me. I don’t like seeing you like
this, I don’t want to see you like this.<<else>>“I care
about you, Aeran. I don’t like seeing you like this, I don’t want to see
you like this.<</if>> But I don’t know what to do anymore—”
“I know.”
“—I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at the end of my rope—”
//“I know.”//
“Then what? I don’t pretend to know what you went through that night.
But you can’t keep this locked away forever, it’s destroying you. And
you aren’t the only one broken by this. They were a part of me, too.
Don’t I deserve to know what happened?”
He looks away, arms folded, and stares at the floor. He can’t even bear
to look you in the eye anymore.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. [END FRIENDSHIP]
Fuck… You can’t do this anymore. Even two decades of friendship has its
limits.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND 7 BREAK]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let it go. Pushing him on this is
straining your friendship. As frustrated as you are with him, you care
about him too much to jeopardize it like this.|CHAPTER 2.5 AERAN FRIEND
8]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to 35,
$aeran_friend_break to 2>><<set $ep2_end to
11>>“Right…” You rub the back of your neck, your fingernails
scraping painfully against your skin. “So that’s that, I guess.”
You turn and head for your room. The finality of your tone echoes
hollowly in your ears.
“$firstname?” he calls.
You keep walking.
“Wait—what are you doing?”
You stop. <<if $master is "Varyn">>“Varyn always thought you
were the smart one,” you say bitterly,<<else>>“Didn’t Varyn
use to sing you praises about how smart you were?” you say
bitterly,<</if>> glancing over your shoulder. “Figure it
out.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
wrench your door open and slam it behind you. For a brief moment, you
think he’s going to shout at you through the door, but he doesn’t. You
pause, one hand pressed against the carved doorframe, and listen as his
footsteps retreat across the apartment and fade to nothing.
You swallow hard. There’s an uncomfortable lump in your throat. You
thought you’d be relieved, but you just feel… empty.
Struggling to ignore the twisting feeling in your gut, you throw
yourself onto your bed, not even bothering to undress. You lie there in
silence, staring at the ceiling, and force yourself to relax. But no
matter how hard you try, sleep does not come for you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<aeranApp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 20, 5, 95)>><<set $ep2_end to
9>>You press a hand to your mouth, your fingers digging into your
skin. “All right,” you say quietly. “All right… let’s leave it, then.”
His eyes widen, relief flooding across his face. “$firstname…?”
“I don’t want to fight with you, Aeran,” you say, picking your way
across the apartment towards him. “If that means never talking about the
Spire again, then I can learn to accept that. Maybe the past should
stay in the past.”
“Maybe, yeah…”
You place a hand on his shoulder and he catches your eye, a hollow smile
on his lips. You can feel him struggling—struggling with himself,
struggling to believe the genuineness of your words. You can’t blame
him. After the mind games of the Velantian court and the Order of
Lethalis combined, it’s difficult to see honesty even when it’s staring
you in the face.
You draw him into an embrace. <<if $aerandeal is
"secret">>“Just don’t forget,” you add, slipping into the playful
banter that is so familiar to you both. “You do owe me a secret…”
He snorts with laughter and claps you on the back. “Now there’s a threat
if I ever heard one,” he replies. For a moment, he almost sounds like
himself.
“Me? Threaten you? Never.”
He pauses, falling silent again, and releases you. “I’ll make this up to
you, $firstname,” he says, sincerity shining in his blue eyes. “I
promise.”
You smile. “That’s more than enough for me.”<<elseif $aerandeal is
"favour">>“Just don’t forget,” you add, slipping into the playful
banter that is so familiar to you both. “You do owe me a favour…
He snorts with laughter and claps you on the back. “Now there’s a threat
if I ever heard one,” he replies. For a moment, he almost sounds like
himself.
“Me? Threaten you? Never.”
He pauses, falling silent again, and releases you. “I’ll make this up to
you, $firstname,” he says, sincerity shining in his blue eyes. “I
promise.”
You smile. “That’s more than enough for me.”<<else>>He
pauses, uncertain how to respond, then draws you in, hugging you
fiercely. “I’ll make this up to you, $firstname,” he says. “I promise.”
You smile. “That’s more than enough for me,” you reply, releasing
him.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Relief
washes over you as you return to your room. You undress, <<if
$dressed is true>>kicking off your shoes and peeling off your
$garb, happy to be finally finished with
them.<<else>>kicking off your boots and removing your
gear.<</if>> Your bed is unforgivingly comfortable, its
plush pillows and warm blankets a welcome reprieve.
Though you and Aeran did not say it outright, something in your
friendship shifted tonight. The fragility that has threatened to
fracture it since your arrival in Velantis remains, but you are
strengthened by your own resolve. Whatever he’s hiding from you, you
know you can work past it. You can work past anything.
You need to. Losing him now would not only lose a friend, but it would
be akin to losing the Spire all over again… And you can’t bring yourself
to go through that once more.
You twist around, overwhelmed by the luxuriousness of your bed. When you
finally close your eyes, it doesn’t take long for sleep to claim you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
11>>You cross the room as quietly as you can. When you reach the
threshold, you slow to a stop, rest a hand against the doorframe and
lean in.
“Aeran…?”
Nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You follow a sliver of moonlight across the floorboards to his
bed. The room is pristine, the covers untouched. <<if
$aeranletters is "chapter2">> The mess of belongings that were
previously strewn about have been tidied and packed away—in fact, you
don’t see them anywhere.<<else>>There’s no sign of his
belongings, no trace of him.<</if>> It’s as if he never
stepped foot in this room.
You swallow a lump in your throat, wavering between stinging hurt and
simmering anger. Wherever he’s gone, he’s made one thing clear—he would
rather lose himself in Mahanin, in this place that he hates, then be
anywhere near you.
“Fuck you, too, then,” you breathe.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Storming
out of his room, you cross the apartment and slam your door shut. You
undress rapidly, <<if $dressed is true>>kick off your shoes
and peeling off your $garb, eager to be rid of the ridiculous
clothes.<<else>>kicking off your boots and removing your
gear.<</if>> Though your bed is unforgivably comfortable,
its plush pillows and warm blankets do nothing to improve your mood.
You close your eyes.
Sleep takes a long time to claim you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$ep2_end to 12>>Shaking your head, you cross the apartment as
quietly as you can and slip into your room. You undress, <<if
$dressed is true>>kicking off your shoes and peeling off your
$garb, relieved to finally be finished with
them.<<else>>kicking off your boots and removing your
gear.<</if>> Your bed is unforgivingly comfortable, its
plush pillows and warm blankets a welcome reprieve.
When your head hits the pillows, it doesn’t take long for sleep to claim
you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>You cross the room as quietly as
you can. When you reach the threshold, you slow to a stop, rest a hand
against the doorframe and lean in.
“Aeran…?”
Nothing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Prompted
by your curiosity, you follow a sliver of moonlight across the
floorboards. <<if $aeranletters is "chapter2">>The mess of
belongings that were previously strewn about have been tidied and put
away<<else>>His belongings have been tidily put
away<</if>> in a pack leaning against the wall, near the
window. His boots are tossed halfway across the floor and his gear lies
in a crumpled pile on the far side of the room. A huddled lump lies
beneath the bed covers, twisted in the bedsheets, a familiar mop of
tousled brown hair just visible on the pillow. Faint breaths rise and
fall in the uneven shudder of a restless sleep.
You’re reminded of Rona and your cramped apartment. All those times you
would roll over in the night, bumping shoulders with him as you nearly
fell off your pallet…
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Go to
him.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN ROM 2A]]</div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Leave him.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN ROM
2B]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
12>>You push further into the room, <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>skirting the edge of the divan and reach the
table.<<else>>banging your knee against the edge of a divan.
Cursing under your breath, you squeeze past it and nearly collide with
the table.<</if>> Someone has been in here. The remnants of
your afternoon meal have been cleared away, its surface wiped clean and
polished. You turn, glancing towards Aeran’s side of the apartment.
His door is flung wide open, the threshold dark. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>There is no sound of movement within, but he’s always
been a quiet sleeper.<<else>>Strange of him to leave the
door open, but it’s been a long time since you’ve slept anywhere
safe.<</if>>
Your face twists into a scowl.
//Forget it, $firstname. Just forget it.//
You’ll deal with him in the morning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$ancestry is "elven">>Careful not to make a
sound,<<else>>Walking cautiously so as not to bump into any
more furniture,<</if>> you pick your way across the
apartment and slip into your room. You undress, <<if $dressed is
true>>kicking off your shoes and peeling off your $garb, relieved
to finally be finished with them.<<else>>kicking off your
boots and removing your gear.<</if>> Your bed is
unforgivingly comfortable, its plush pillows and warm blankets a welcome
reprieve.
When your head hits the pillows, it doesn’t take long for sleep to claim
you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>//Shit.//
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 ALONE IN APARTMENT")>>Is he
here? You’ve been gone a long time. You don’t know where he went after
your fight, but he must have returned by now.<<else>>Is he
here? You don’t know where he went after your fight.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>If you know him
at all, then he would have returned sometime before you. With your
mission looming ahead tomorrow morning, he will want to be well-rested
and prepared. Besides… he has nowhere else to go.<<else>>If
you know him at all, then he would have returned sometime before you—he
has nowhere else to go.<</if>>
You push further into the room, <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>skirting the edge of the divan and reach the
table.<<else>>banging your knee against the edge of a divan.
Cursing under your breath, you squeeze past it and nearly collide with
the table.<</if>> Someone has been in here. The remnants of
your afternoon meal have been cleared away, its surface wiped clean and
polished. You turn, glancing towards Aeran’s side of the apartment.
His door is flung wide open, the threshold dark. <<if
$aeranletters is "chapter2">>You pause, hesitant to invade his
privacy once more, torn between checking on him and leaving him
be.<<else>>You pause, torn between checking on him and
leaving him be.<</if>> If he is there, what would you say?
What can you say?
//The Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let go.//
The sting of his words play a biting refrain, repeating again and again
in your mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if not hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.5 ALONE IN
APARTMENT") and $aeranromance is true>>[[1. Check on him.|CHAPTER
2.5 NO AERAN ROM]]<<else>>[[1. Check on him.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO
AERAN FRIEND]]<</if>></div>
<div class="exit-item">[[2. Leave him.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>//Shit.//
Is he here? He must be. There’s nowhere else for him to go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 NO AERAN
3END]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $ep2_end to
10>>You steal across the room, barely daring to breathe as you
approach him. But when you reach his bedside, you freeze, panic
fluttering in your chest as you realize you aren’t sure what you meant
to do by coming here. Did you intend to wake him? Talk to him? Two years
on the road together and you know all too well that Aeran does not like
being woken unintentionally…
You draw back, the floorboards creaking outrageously in your ears.
Through the window, you can see the warm, glowing lights of the grounds
below. The terrace is alight with faint music and laughter, a handful of
guests still intent on staying far into the night…
“What are you doing in here, $firstname?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)>>You spin around, reacting on
instinct to the sudden noise. Aeran is sitting up in his bed, legs swung
over the edge so his bare feet rest gently against the floor. He’s
shirtless—his skin is so very pale in the moonlight, nearly white. It
only makes the web of coarse scars and knotted flesh radiating across
his chest and back all the more visible.
He glares at you, his arms tense, his brow furrowed. He’s not happy to
see you.
//Shit.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You clear your throat. Your mouth is uncomfortably dry. “I…
wanted to check on you,” you say carefully. “Make sure you were all
right—”
“I’m fine,” he says bitterly. “Or at least I was until you came barging
in here—”
“Aeran—”
He pushes off the bed and draws himself up to his full height. You
hesitate and watch him approach, your heart pounding traitorously in
your chest.
“I’m only going to say this once, $firstname,” he says, drawing to a
stop in front of you. He stands so close you’re almost touching.
You curl your fingers inwards, forming fists as your arms hang stiffly
at your sides.
“I—”
<<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short" or $height is
"average">>He presses a hand to your face, roughly cupping your
chin as he pulls it upwards.<<elseif $height is "tall">>He
presses a hand to your face, roughly cupping your
chin.<<else>>He presses a hand to your face, roughly cupping
your chin as he pulls it downwards.<</if>> “Get out,” he
growls, his voice low.
A shiver explodes at the nape of your neck and ripples down your spine.
You pause, rooted to the floor, wanting to leave, but desperate to stay.
From the way he’s looking at you, you know he feels the same. Seconds
pass, stretching out this moment as he stares back at you, wavering
between the need to push you away and the desire to draw you in.
His hand drops to his side.
“Get out,” he repeats, drawing away. “Please. Just… get out.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
nod quietly and back away from him. Too hurt and confused to speak, you
turn your back on him and flee across the apartment. You’re
furious—furious with him for behaving this way, furious with yourself
for going into his room in the first place.
You wrench your door open and slip into your room. You undress rapidly,
<<if $dressed is true>>kick off your shoes and peeling off
your $garb, eager to be rid of the ridiculous
clothes.<<else>>kicking off your boots and removing your
gear.<</if>> Though your bed is unforgivably comfortable,
its plush pillows and warm blankets do nothing to improve your mood.
You close your eyes and try to push Aeran from your mind.
Sleep takes a long time to claim you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2
END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$ep2_end to 11>>You pause, watching him for a moment, an awkward
feeling twisting in your gut. Deciding you better leave before he wakes
up and sees you staring at him, you slip from his room and shut the
door. Quickly crossing the apartment, you return to your own room and
undress rapidly, <<if $dressed is true>>eager to be rid of
your ridiculous clothes<<else>>kicking off your boots and
removing your gear.<</if>> Though your bed is unforgivably
luxurious, its plush pillows and warm blankets feel false… as if you
don’t deserve the comfort they provide.
You close your eyes.
Sleep takes a long time to claim you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 4>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)>>You curl your fingers down,
stick your index finger up as far as it will go, and press it to the tip
of his nose.
He draws back, not even bothering to bat your hand away as he moves out
of range. “Let’s get this over with,” he mutters.<<else>>The
word slithers out of your mouth, half-formed. Aeran’s grip on you
tightens and you pull away, making a face. He’s mad about how much you
drank or something. But you didn’t drink //that// much, <span
class="drunk-1">not really.</span> Maybe if you speak as
clearly as you can, you’ll convince him you’re not that drunk.
<<if $option is
1>>“Yeah,”<<else>>“Yes,”<</if>> you
repeat.
He groans and passes a hand across his face. “Let’s just get this over
with…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)>>He groans and passes a hand
across his face. “Let’s just get this over with,” he
mutters.<<elseif $option is 2>>The word slithers out of your
mouth, half-formed. Aeran curses and draws away, passing a hand across
his face. He’s still pissed about how much you drank. But you didn’t
drink //that// much, <span class="drunk-1">not
really</span>. Maybe if you speak as clearly as you can, you’ll
convince him you’re not that drunk.
“Fine,” you say, spiting out the consonants.
He rolls his eyes. “Let’s just get this over
with…”<<else>>He sighs irritably and rakes a hand through
his hair. “Let’s just get this over with…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $areaname to "
Episode II: Library">>Idris pushes the doors open and guides you
through. A cavernous library lies beyond, every inch of its walls lined
with heavy bookcases. Its ceiling rises impossibly high above you, its
curved dome so far away that <<if $ancestry is "elven">>even
your eyes have difficulty making out the decorative
mosaics.<<else>>you can barely make out the decorative
mosaics.<</if>> Several mezzanines wrap around the chamber,
each level spiralling higher than the next, their bookcases growing in
height until the topmost cases nearly reach the dome.
You can’t imagine why someone needs this many books… Then again, Cenric
had a lot of books. A whole library of them.
While you’re standing awestruck by the towering tomes, Idris stalks
quietly by, his movement triggering a flash of silver light. It
undulates as it passes over him, then disappears as quickly as it
appeared.
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>>“…with all due respect, Your
Grace, $heshe <<is>> your liability —”
“$HisHer actions tonight may be indicative of a bad temperament, but it
hardly makes $himher a liability—”
“Then perhaps the sentiment should be reflected upon you! Who, after
all, let this drunken <<if $gender is
"male">>bastard<<elseif $gender is
"female">>bitch<<else>>fool<</if>> have
the run of Mahanin?”<<else>>“…and here I thought you would
be grateful, Oshiro, considering how many times you, in all your
tactical wisdom, lectured us on the benefits of diversifying our
opportunities. I left Velantis to search for a Wayfarer. I returned with
two. Did you take my success as an insult?”
“Great gods, princess! You brought an unknown liability into Lethalis
without consultation or approval simply because $heshe
<<was>> there—”
“And you think Kellis would have agreed to come had I refused his
associate? Left $himher to whatever morbid fate Rona could
provide?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
round a line of bookcases. Seven fancy people gather around a large,
carved hexagonal table, seated in elaborate, high-backed chairs. A
crystal chandelier floats above them, its decorative arms overhanging
the table below like the branches of a tree as it slowly rotates. It’s
the stupidest thing you’ve ever seen.
You spot Zenaida immediately. She sits on the far side of the table, her
hands splayed against the polished surface as if she is about to rise
out of her seat. She’s arguing with a short, broad-shouldered dwarf who
has the face of a man who always gets his way. Malsara’s here, too, of
course. She never goes anywhere without her. If you didn’t know better,
you’d almost think their relationship was something more than noble and
bodyguard.
A human woman in <<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE ESCAPE") or
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WG ELLE AG PASS")>>a
familiar<<else>>an eye-catching<</if>> dusky
rose serithan occupies the next seat over. She’s pretty, you suppose—her
warm golden-brown complexion is striking and her brown, curly hair is
elegantly styled and adorned with a gold comb. She can’t be much older
than you or Zenaida. From the way she carries herself, you have a
feeling she’s the most important person here.
The rest of the mages are inconsequential. Another dwarf, a dark-haired
elf who looks like the living embodiment of the words “arrogant
bastard”, a melusine who seems bored out of their mind, and a
freckle-faced scribe who is rapidly recording every spoken word into the
leatherbound book in front of her. You watch her for a moment,
fascinated by the way the pages bleed lines of ink.
Shaking your head, you try to clear your mind and focus on Zenaida and
the mage in the rose serithan. Hopefully you won’t have to learn all
their names… After the gala tonight, your head is so stuffed with names
you doubt you have room for more.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if (def
$sabien_punch)>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
SABIEN]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 NO
SABIEN]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $problem_counter to
2>><<lethalisLoss>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 5, 95)>>“That is uncharitable of
you, Oshiro,” Zenaida is saying. “I cannot blame $himher for behaving as
every other guest has—”
The dwarf snorts. “I don’t see anyone else lining up to punch Sabien
Quirinus—”
“I’m sure if the Grand Archsage were a lesser man, the line would exceed
the palace limits. Besides, from all appearances, he purposefully
provoked $lastname. This situation, while unfortunate, should have no
bearing on our proceedings. This was clearly an unrelated event, no more
than a drunken brawl that can be blamed on heated words and too much
drink.”
A pause. “Great gods, princess, I can’t believe you’re defending—”
“I do not condone their behaviour, I am merely providing context—”
The woman in the rose serithan rises from her seat. Chairs scrape
against the floor as the mages follow suit and turn as one, seven sets
of eyes turning on you and Aeran.
“The Wayfarers, Archsage,” Idris announces.
<span class="drunk-1">//Archsage?//</span>
You frown, ignoring the painful throb pulsing in your hand. “Not another
one,” you mutter. You’ve had enough of archsages to last a lifetime.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Aeran
grips your shoulder and quickly forces you into a seat. “Sorry for the…
difficulties we’re having this evening,” he says.
The mage in the rose serithan regards him coolly. “I hope you understand
the difficult position your companion has put us in tonight. Assaulting
the Grand Archsage in full view of the Velantian court is not an event
easily forgotten.”
“But you’re not the court, are you? I thought you’d have more important
things to worry about than whether or not Sabien can take a punch to the
face.”
You shift back and forth in your chair, trying to find a comfortable
position. The seat creaks loudly beneath you.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Bastard deserved
it.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK SABIEN 1][$option to 1, $problem_counter
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. “At least it was
//funny…”//' 'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK SABIEN 1'>><<set $option to
1, $problem_counter +=1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Pick at your splint.|CHAPTER 2.4
DRUNK SABIEN
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $problem_counter to
1>><<lethalisLoss>><<set $lethalisapp to
Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 10, 5, 95)>>“Your Rona solution was a
ramshackle excuse of an idea and you know it!”
“And yet when I returned, my ramshackle excuse of an idea is the only
avenue we have left. Solarath is squeezing us. The acolytes are gone,
Quirinus has ousted us from Diradan, and Pallas abandoned us to join his
cause. Our numbers are dwindling and instead of devising a new
strategy, you waste your time blaming me—”
The mage in the rose serithan rises from her seat. Chairs scrape against
the floor as the mages follow suit and turn as one, seven sets of eyes
turning on you and Aeran.
“The Wayfarers, Archsage,” Idris announces.
<span class="drunk-1">//Archsage?//</span>
“Not another one,” you groan.
An awkward silence settles over the room. Everyone is looking at you,
but you can’t imagine why. You haven’t done anything to warrant this
much attention.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“And $heshe <<is>> drunk,” the dwarf says.
“Zenaida, I thought you had assured us these Wayfarers were
professionals—”
Zenaida leans her elbows against the table and buries her face in her
hands. The elf bursts into raucous laughter. They lounge back in their
seat, their arms stretched behind their head, and grin from ear to ear.
“Well, this is unexpected,” they drawl, their dark eyes dancing
wickedly. “How delightful.”
Aeran grips your shoulder and forces you into a seat. “Sorry for… this,”
he mutters. “$firstname may have had a little too much of Zenaida’s
mother’s wine.”
The archsage fixes him with a cool look. “Despite your companion’s
condition, I must thank you for coming,” she says. “This is all the time
we can afford to deliberate. Given how our circumstances have changed,
haste is all but necessary now—”
“Hasty this, hasty that,” the dwarf grouses. “Maybe we should
acknowledge that hasty antics based on mismanaged intelligence and
overreactions is what got us into this mess in the first place—”
“And if you had it your way, we’d be waiting out the years while
Solarath conducts their experiments and sees their goals through to the
end with little interference,” the freckled scribe snaps.
“Sod it all, Quinn, I know you’re new to Diradan, but even you should
realize staying ahead of Solarath is impossible since Sabien Quirinus
took control—”
“So you’d rather be complacent?”
“His chance of success is slim to none—”
“Oh, stuff it, Oshiro, no one agrees with you,” the elf mutters.
“Quirinus will die eventually,” the dwarf says. “If an assassin doesn’t
get lucky, then by his own tomfoolery or natural causes. And when he’s
gone, we can neatly—and quietly—put Solarath back where it belongs—”
“Not all of us have the luxury of waiting, Oshiro,” the freckly woman
interrupts. “You and Ashani, perhaps, but you put too much faith in your
ability to outlast him. Solarath is more than the Grand Archsage—”
“Oshiro does not speak for me,” the melusine says.
“See?” The elf leans back with a satisfied smirk. “Even Ashani doesn’t
agree with you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You <span class="drunk-1">blink in
confusion.</span> It’s impossible to keep track of them all when
they’re talking over each other. Your neck is starting to hurt from all
this back and forth.
The archsage slams her hands on the table. “Enough!” she shouts.
Furiously rubbing the back of your neck, you glance across the table and
notice a glimmer on the woman’s hand. A distinctive bracelet is wrapped
around her wrist—a gold chain that extends down her hand to attach to a
set of rings. In its centre, pressed against the back of her hand, is a
white gemstone that pulses with a faint light.
“We will discuss this matter without resorting to petty insults,” she
continues. “Zenaida has given us the means to act. A decision on how to
best utilize these means can—and must—be reached.”
//“If// one can be reached,” the elf says. “Considering one of our
supposed saviours decided to show up drunk, I don’t think even $heshe
<<has>> much confidence in us. Then again, $lastname has
kindly done us the favour of preventing this from turning into another
evening of making decisions about decisions. I have to thank $himher for
that.”
The dwarf—not the one from before, the unimportant one—mutters to
herself and scoots her chair to the side. She seems quite unhappy about
the seating <<if $pava is true>>arrangements and keeps
giving you a dirty
look.<<else>>arrangements.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Something
to share, Leda?” the elf says.
She scowls, clearly annoyed at having the room’s attention thrown her
way. <<if $pava is true>>“I see no reason for //$himher// to
be here,” she says scornfully. “After what $heshe did to Pava—”
“Surely Pava Kydilla is not so fragile she’ll shatter into pieces at a
few belligerent words,” Zenaida interrupts. “We have more important
things to discuss—or do you want Ashani to exhaust themselves
maintaining the dampening ward while we fret about an aristocrat’s
bruised ego?”<<else>>“No,” she says. “I simply want to reach
the end of these proceedings as swiftly as possible out of respect for
Ashani. They have maintained the dampening ward for too long already.”
The melusine regards her with a flat, unimpressed
look.<</if>>
The term catches your attention. There’s <span
class="drunk-1">something familiar</span> about it, but you
can’t put your finger on it…
“Dampening ward?” you blurt. “What the fuck is a dampening ward?”
The archsage sighs wearily. “A concern for us, but not for you,
$lastname. I admit, I am uncertain whether the ward applies to you.
Magiani interactions with such magic remain undocumented. While our
conversations are no doubt confined within it, it is possible theirs may
slip through. As such, it would be in all our interests to maintain
discretion and for our guests to keep their voices in check.”
You scowl. Why is she telling you off? All you did was <span
class="drunk-1">ask a question…</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>The mage in the rose serithan—the archsage—looks at
you witheringly. “Wayfarer Kellis, I’m sure you understand the delicacy
of the situation,” she says.<<else>>The elf snorts with
laughter. “What?” they say, lounging back in their chair. “I’m glad
someone had the guts to say it.”
The mage in the rose serithan—the archsage—fixes them with a witheringly
look and they fall silent. “Wayfarer Kellis, I’m sure you understand
the delicacy of the situation,” she continues.<</if>> “By
striking the Grand Archsage, $lastname has crossed a line on our behalf,
one we were not prepared to cross. He will look for retribution for
this slight. It may not come today, it may not come tomorrow, but when
it does come, it will fall on us as surely as it will fall on $himher.”
“The Grand Archsage doesn’t worry me,” Aeran says. “We’ve dealt with
worse—”
“Of course you have!” the dark-haired dwarf interrupts. “What’s a Grand
Archsage compared to Cere Nalos of Rona? <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>I understand the actions you took while in his service
nearly led to your deaths. Had Zenaida not interfered—”<<elseif
$blackout >=1>>Didn’t $lastname almost die at his hand before
Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of death?”<<else>>I
understand you would have found yourself indebted permanently to him had
Zenaida not interfered—”<</if>>
He snarls. “Watch your tongue, mage—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. You should do something. So,
<span class="drunk-1">do something…?</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4
DRUNK SABIEN 2A'>><<set $option to
1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Aeran yelling at mages is always
funny.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK SABIEN 2A][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
make a face and scratch at your wrist. The splint is uncomfortable and
heavy and it itches your skin. If you could just get it off…
Elated by the idea of pulling it off, you dig your fingers into the
splint and wage a silent war against knotted bandages.
“Wayfarer Kellis, I’m sure you understand the delicacy of the
situation,” the mage in the rose serithan—the archsage—says. “By
striking the Grand Archsage, $lastname has crossed a line on our behalf,
one we were not prepared to cross. He will look for retribution for
this slight. It may not come today, it may not come tomorrow, but when
it does come, it will fall on us as surely as it will fall on $himher.”
“The Grand Archsage doesn’t worry me,” Aeran says. “We’ve dealt with
worse—”
“Of course you have!” the dark-haired dwarf interrupts. “What’s a Grand
Archsage compared to Cere Nalos of Rona?”
He rolls his eyes and seizes your hand, pulling it away. “Stop it.”
The dwarf continues with gusto. <<if $CountB_Branch3 is
true>>I understand the actions you took while in his service
nearly led to your deaths. Had Zenaida not interfered—”<<elseif
$blackout >=1>>Didn’t $lastname almost die at his hand before
Zenaida pulled $himher from the jaws of death?”<<else>>I
understand you would have found yourself indebted permanently to him had
Zenaida not interfered—”<</if>>
“Watch your tongue, mage—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. You should do something. So,
<span class="drunk-1">do something…?</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4
DRUNK SABIEN 2A'>><<set $option to
1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Aeran yelling at mages is always
funny.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK SABIEN 2A][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>You <span class="drunk-1">reach for his arm—</span>
And your hand collides with the edge of the table. Pain flares through
your fingers. You grit your teeth, holding in a yelp, and sit back in
your chair. Tears well in the corners of your eyes.
No one has noticed your mishap. They’re too busy listening to Aeran
yell.<<else>>Grinning from ear to ear, you lean back in your
chair and <span
class="drunk-1">watch.</span><</if>>
“I am merely stating facts!” the dwarf continues. “Are you always so
easily offended by the truth?”
“Truth?” Aeran spits. “What truth? Your opinion means nothing until
you’ve faced the same adversity. I doubt you’d last more than a day in
Rona—”
The room erupts into discord.
“Enough!” the archsage shouts. Drawn by her voice, you glance across the
table and notice a glimmer on her hand. A distinctive bracelet is
wrapped around her wrist—a gold chain that extends down her hand to
attach to a set of rings. In its centre, pressed against the back of her
hand, is a white gemstone that pulses with a faint light. “We are not
here to throw insults at each other. Regardless of the impression we
have made on each other, we work towards a common goal. I ask you all to
remember that.”
Scowling and muttering to himself, the dwarf settles back into his seat.
The rest of the mages follow suit, watch Aeran warily. Maybe it’s just
you, but they seem a little afraid of him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Well,
isn’t this a delight?” the elf drawls, grinning from ear to ear. “Here I
thought we’d trapped ourselves in another evening of making decisions
about decisions. I have to thank you, Kellis, for this interesting turn
of events.”
The dwarf—not the one from before, the unimportant one—mutters to
herself and scoots her chair to the side. She seems quite unhappy about
the seating <<if $pava is true>>arrangements and keeps
giving you a dirty
look.<<else>>arrangements.<</if>>
“Something to share, Leda?” the elf asks.
She scowls, clearly annoyed at having the room’s attention thrown her
way. <<if $pava is true>>“I see no reason for $lastname to
be here,” she says scornfully. “After what $heshe did to Pava—”
“Surely Pava Kydilla is not so fragile she’ll shatter into pieces at a
few belligerent words,” Zenaida interrupts. “We have more important
things to discuss—or do you want Ashani to exhaust themselves
maintaining the dampening ward while we fret about a noblewoman’s
bruised ego?”<<else>>“No,” she says. “I simply want to reach
the end of these proceedings as swiftly as possible out of respect for
Ashani. They have maintained the dampening ward for too long already.”
The melusine regards her with a flat, unimpressed
look.<</if>>
“…dampening ward?” you ask, scratching at your split. “What the hell is a
dampening ward?”
Aeran grabs your hand and pushes it away. “$firstname…” he warns.
“I admit, I am uncertain whether the ward would apply to our guests,”
the archsage says. “Magiani interactions with such magic remain
undocumented. While our conversations are no doubt confined within it,
it is possible theirs may slip through. As such, it would be in all our
interests to maintain discretion and for our guests to keep their voices
in check.”
You scowl. Why is she telling you off? All you did was <span
class="drunk-1">ask a question…</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $aeran_veyer to
true>>“Umbria Bellaris, I take it?” Aeran says, rounding on the
archsage.
She nods. “Aeran Kellis, correct?” she replies, ignoring you completely.
“You certainly match your description.”
“I’d love to know who gave it to you.”
The gemstone in her bracelet pulses, casting a strange light around her
wrist and fingers. “You’re notorious among certain circles, Wayfarer
Kellis. People talk.”
“Do they now? Hate to know what I did to get the attention of the
Guild—”
“Divided though we are, there is one commonality shared among all sects
of the Guild of Mages. Our alliances go beyond the Council, beyond the
Guild. The Order of Lethalis has supporters across Rhesainia, from
political courts to the Merchants’ Consortium to the lords of the
criminal underworld. I had heard of you long before Zenaida proposed her
alliance—”
//“Alliance?// Do you know why I’m here?”
She raises an eyebrow and gestures for him to continue. You shift
restlessly in your seat, irritated that she has cut you out of the
conversation entirely. <span class="drunk-1">//Stupid
archsage…//</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“I’m here for the crowns //she// promised us,” Aeran
continues, pointing at Zenaida. “I don’t care about the petty politics
of Guild sects, I care about <<if $aeranrom
>=10>>$nickname<<if $lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>>
well-being.<<elseif $aeranapp >=60>>$firstname<<if
$lastname.last() is
"s">>’<<else>>’s<</if>>
well-being.<<else>>our well-being.<</if>> You
may know me by reputation, but I’m not here to live up to it. Forget the
Wayfarer Order; it no longer exists. We’re mercenaries now. We were
hired for a job. Let us do it or get out of the fucking way.”
The elf clicks their tongue. “And here I thought you were a student of
Brissa Varyn,” they say. They fiddle idly with an emerald ring, spinning
it to and fro on the table. “I see you inherited her sharp tongue, but
none of her tact.”
“She didn’t train me to be a diplomat, she trained me to be a Wayfarer,”
he retorts. “And even she had her limits—”
They grin and flick their ring, spinning it faster and faster.
He scowls. “Veyer Krellion, right?”
“So, you //do// recognize me! I wondered how much Brissa spoke of me—”
“Nothing flattering. I know you’re the Guild’s representative in the
Arathian court. You argued against the retraction of the decree
outlawing Wayfarer movement in Imperial territories.”
The smile disappears. “Didn’t think you’d be interested in politics ten
years gone, boy.”
“Ten years is not that long ago. I was there, I heard you speak—”
“Regardless, what does it matter? Brissa Varyn was successful and the
decree was retracted. Be thankful for that. If it was still in effect
today, this little gathering would not be possible.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$master is "Varyn">><<if $hand_Broken is true>>You
dig your fingers into the bandages and scratch vigorously at your
splint. Hot anger blooms from your gut, coursing through you like a
fever.<<else>>You curl your fingers into a fist as hot anger
blooms from your gut, coursing through you like a
fever.<</if>> Though Aeran was often at odds with Varyn, he
always had a deeper connection to her than you. And now he is familiar
with an Imperial court mage, thanks to her. All this talk of Imperial
laws and politics… she never spoke of this with you. While you
accompanied her on diplomatic missions during your training, once you
graduated and left the Spire, she never raised the topic again.
But she invited Aeran to accompany her to the Arathian court ten years
ago…
Just another little fact from his past he never told you.
<span class="drunk-1">//Fucking
secrets.//</span><<else>><<if $hand_Broken is
true>>You dig your fingers into the bandages and scratch
vigorously at your splint.<<else>>You twist your fingers
together, curling them into a fist.<</if>> None of this
makes sense. Though Aeran was often at odds with Varyn, he was still
deeply connected to her. You know he accompanied her on diplomatic
missions during your apprenticeships, but didn’t that come to an end
when you were inducted into the Order? And now he is familiar with an
Imperial court mage, thanks to her? And he accompanied her to Erenvor to
see the Order’s banishment overturned?
<span class="drunk-1">//None of this makes any
sense…//</span><</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Call him out on
it.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 4][$option to 1, $problem_counter +=1, $call_him
to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Ugh, just get to the fucking point
already!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 4][$option to 2, $problem_counter
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Yawn. All this talk is boring you
out of your mind…|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 4][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>“You bastard,” you blurt.
Aeran doesn’t answer. Like everyone else at this fucking table, he
didn’t hear you.
“…yes, thank you for this reminder of your position, Veyer. You do love
to mention the importance of your assignments, even when you aren’t—”
“Leda—”
“Moving on, then! Kellis, I want to know—”
“You bastard!” you shout.
Silence settles through the library. You can feel the entire room
staring at you with looks ranging from cold annoyance to utter disgust.
Can’t imagine why… They’re not the ones you insulted.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran rises to his feet and grips
your shoulder. “We can talk about this later, $firstname,” he says.
“But Varyn—”
“Later,” he snaps.
You grind your teeth, anger simmering in your gut, but does as he
asks.<<else>>Aeran stands abruptly. “What did I say about
keeping your mouth shut?” he hisses, seizing your shoulder.
“But Varyn—”
“Just shut up, $firstname.”
Anger boils in your gut, but you do as he
asks.<</if>><<elseif $option is 2>>Silence
settles through the library. You can feel the entire room staring at you
with looks ranging from cold annoyance to utter disgust. Can’t imagine
why… They have no reason to be this insulted. All they do is <span
class="drunk-1">talk—talk—talk—</span>you’re just want them to
stay on track. You’re doing them a favour.
<span class="drunk-1">Right?</span>
“Remind again, Zenaida,” the dwarf says. “This is who you spoke so
highly of? Your champion from Rona, the one who is the answer to all our
problems?”
She grimaces. “Yes.”
“Are you certain your retainer brought us the correct $person and not
some ruffian who—”
The elf grins and throws their head back, laughing so hard their whole
body shakes. The sound drowns everything else out. You blink. A moment
later, Aeran is on his feet, yelling
again.<<else>><<set $slink to true>>Mouth open
wide, you slink back in your chair and slide down as far as you can go.
While you are sorely tempted to keep sliding—and sliding and
sliding—until you disappear beneath the table entirely, you have a
feeling the archsage won’t approve. That elf, on the other hand… they
seem like the kind of person who would <span class="drunk-1">find
it funny.</span>
Your head <span class="drunk-1">lolls on your
shoulders.</span> You blink, drawing yourself abruptly out of your
reverie. Aeran is on his feet, yelling again. You’ve missed part of the
conversation.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Why
don’t we talk about the Astrial?” Aeran says. “That’s why we’re here,
isn’t it? Something tells me it won’t be in Diradan Tower for long.
What’s your plan for getting it out? Are you sending us in or not?”
“You assume much, considering the state of your friend over there,” the
important dwarf says. “You have a contract with Zenaida, not Lethalis.
This is a question of trust. She may have sought you personally, but in
doing so, she made you—an unknown entity—privy to our innermost secrets.
Forgive me for maintaining caution and distance while we assess the
situation at hand, particularly with a drunkard in our midst.”
He laughs harshly. “You want to talk about trust? To a Wayfarer stuck in
a pack of Guild mages?”
“The Guild is not a united entity,” Zenaida says. “The actions of some
do not reflect the actions—or beliefs—of all—”
“Fucking hell, Zenaida, don’t pull that bullshit on me. Lethalis,
Solarath, whatever other sects you’ve broken into—I don’t care. Keep
squabbling with each other, it’s none of my business.”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Fuck this. You
want to talk about Varyn.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 5A][$problem_counter
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. Laugh. You might not
know what’s going on, but at least you <span class="drunk-1">know
it’s funny.</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 5B'>><<set
$problem_counter +=1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Yawn. They can keep yelling at each
other for all you care…|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
5C]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>You
chortle, raucous laughter shaking you to your core. It’s the kind of
laughter that you can’t stop, even if you wanted to.
Good thing you don’t want to.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran passes a hand across his face.
“$firstname…”<<else>>Aeran rolls his eyes.
“$firstname…”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
6]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$call_him is true>>“Since when do you go to the fucking Imperial
capital?” <<if $slink is true>>you blurt, hands on the table
as you drag yourself upright.<<else>>you
blurt.<</if>> “Since when does Varyn—”
“We’re not here to talk about Varyn!” he yells.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You blink. The ensuing silence
presses in around you, hollow and empty. He’s glaring at you now, his
fury with you barely contained, and… It hurts. Tears sting your eyes and
your throat constricts, sore and raw.<<else>>You blink,
surprised by his forcefulness. The ensuing silence is heavy, pressing in
around you, filling your lungs until you’re
suffocating.<</if>><<else>>“Since when do you go
to the fucking Imperial capital?” <<if $slink is true>>you
blurt, hands on the table as you drag yourself
upright.<<else>>you blurt.<</if>>“Since when
does Varyn—”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>Aeran rounds on you. “We can talk
about this later, $firstname,” he hisses.
“But Varyn—”
“Later.”
You grind your teeth, anger simmering in your gut, but does as he
asks.<<else>>Aeran rounds on you. “What did I say about
keeping your mouth shut?” he hisses, seizing your shoulder.
“But Varyn—”
“Just shut up, $firstname.”
Anger boils in your gut, but you do as he
asks.<</if>><</if>>
<<if $problem_counter is 4>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK OUT
5.2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
6]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
sprawl in your chair, picking absently at <<if $garb is
"serithan">>the fancy embroidery of your fancy
serithan.<<elseif $garb is "abberan">>the fancy embroidery
of your fancy jacket.<<else>>the hem of your
tunic.<</if>> Whatever they’re yelling about now doesn’t
matter to you. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You don’t like seeing
Aeran at the end of his rope, but you’re annoyed with him.
<span class="drunk-1">Maybe he deserves
it…</span><<else>>But it’s nice to see Aeran at the
end of his rope…
Gods know he <span class="drunk-1">fucking deserves
it.</span><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
6]]</div></div><</nobr>><<lethalisLoss>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 40, 5, 95)>>“Idris!”
A sharp voice cuts through the library. It takes you a moment to realize
who has spoken: the archsage.
And she is angry.
“Kindly escort $lastname out,” she commands, staring you down as if you
have declared yourself her sworn enemy. “It’s clear $heshe lacks the
comportment to participate in this council—”
“Hey!” You kick your chair back and struggle to your feet. “Nothing’s
wrong with my <span class="drunk-2">compartment…</span> or…
<span class="drunk-1">comportment…</span> or <span
class="drunk-1">//whatever—”//</span>
“Then consider your actions carefully next time,” she says. “I have
little patience for such antics, $lastname. Your behaviour tonight has
done nothing to convince me you are capable of handling the mission at
hand. I will not put the fate of Lethalis in the hands of a drunken
fool.”
You open your mouth to protest, but someone seizes your arm and pulls
you forcibly from the table. You struggle against your captor, desperate
to stay put, but there’s little you can do. Your body is <span
class="drunk-2">uncomfortably slow,</span> your movements
<span class="drunk-2">sluggish…</span> A small part of your
mind is oddly alert, dictating every action you take as you put up your
failing resistance.
Despite your efforts, Idris easily manhandles you and drags you out of
the library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
EXPELLED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“You,” Aeran says, rounding on
the important dwarf. “Oshiro, was it? You think you can’t trust us
because you can’t pin us down with a blood oath, right? How do you think
dealings are done in Calantha? In Farandor? Not everyone relies on
unethical magic to cover their asses. As far as I see it, you don’t have
a choice. Who else are you going to send into Diradan? No one can get
through that cloud except a magianis—”
“Theoretically,” the elf says.
Aeran pauses. “What do you mean, //theoretically?”//
They flex their fingers, idly examining the emerald ring on their index
finger. “As far as I’m aware, this is the first time the citadel’s wards
have ever been dissolved. The shroud devours flesh and bone within
minutes and no ward, barrier, or shield can stop them. Not even our
experts know how much power resides within that cloud. If we do send you
to the tower, I wonder… will we finally discover a magic potent enough
to affect a magianis?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
squeeze your eyes shut, trying to ignore the headache thumping in the
back of your skull. The elf doesn’t make sense. Magic can’t touch you.
You’re <span class="drunk-1">basically</span> <span
class="drunk-2"><b>invincible.</b></span>
“It’s not possible. Believe me, I’ve tried. I’ve tried a dozen—a
hundred—ways, and it’s always the same—”
“Ah, but the tower is quite different, is it not? Unless the Wayfarer
Order ran tests and experiments the Guild is not aware of. Your
Grandmaster, as I recall, was quite interested in the extent of your
natural immunity. Its causes, its applications, its limitations…”
You grimace.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“Bullshit!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 7][$option to 1, $problem_counter
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. Gods, this headache…
<span class="drunk-1">It’s all you can think about…</span>'
'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 7'>><<set $option to
2>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $areaname to "
Episode II: Mahanin Palace">><<set $mahanin_mural to
true>><<if $problem_counter <=3>><<set
$aeran_advantage to true>><<else>><<set
$aeran_advantage to false>><</if>>Outside in the
gallery, your anger bursts. You curse and swear, hurling every
imaginable insult at Idris, but the man is implacable. He simply lets
you loose and steps back, clasping his hands together as he keeps a
close eye on you. Once you’ve shouted yourself hoarse, you wobble on
your feet and sit down, your vision swimming and your head aching.
Your throat and mouth are uncomfortably dry. You’d give <<if
$hand_broken is true>>your good hand<<else>>a
hand<</if>> for some water, but you doubt your silent
guardian will be that accommodating. Time slows to a painful crawl. It
could be minutes, it could be hours—all you know is that Aeran has holed
himself up in there with a half-dozen mages, which cannot be healthy
for anyone.
“You don’t say much, do you?” you call after a while.
Idris shrugs.
You grit your teeth. <span class="drunk-1">Stupid, boring
man.</span> The least he could is talk to you while you’re stuck
out here…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Trying
to ignore the pounding in your head, you twist around and search for a
distraction. The gallery is eerily empty. Moonlight floods through the
windows and stretches across the floor, turning the intricate tiles into
a pool of silver light. Outside, the night sky has clouded over
slightly and thin, whispy lines of black and indigo streak across the
stars. There are no signs of firelights… They must have stopped.
On the far side of the gallery, a mural stretches across the opposing
wall. It’s the largest one you’ve seen in the palace so far, spanning
from the floor to the ceiling. You stand up and stagger towards it,
curiosity getting the better of you.
Like many other murals in the palace, it is a mosaic composed of
hundreds of thousands of tiny, gilded fragments, carefully pieced
together to make a whole. The scene unfurls before you—a roaring sea
rising to meet majestic mountains, a sky set aflame. Between them, the
green grasses and red rocks are a battlefield laid to waste, the
survivors looking inwards toward the doors in the centre. Woven around
the intricate carved wood is the mural’s centrepiece: a blazing scarlet
sun, its light seeping across the landscape in tendrils, splitting it in
two.
It must be ancient; despite the intricate spellwork that keeps its
colours preserved, parts have been worn away by time. The ghosts of
fallen fragments leave holes in detailed eyes, hands, faces. Parts of
the sky and mountains have peeled away, revealing swaths of the coarse
surface beneath.
Something about the mural’s imagery draws you in. It’s not a scene from
Meissandic lore like the palace’s other murals—at least not one you’re
familiar with. You raise <<if $hand_broken is true>>your
good hand<<else>>a hand<</if>>, your fingers
hovering inches from the gilded mosaics as you follow the arcing lines
towards the blazing sun.
You <span class="drunk-1">want to touch it…</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
10]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$option is 1>>The word slips out and suddenly you’re under the
scrutiny of seven mages. You lean forwards, rest your elbow on the
table, and press your chin into your palm. <span
class="drunk-2">“Buuuullshit,”</span> you repeat. Your elbow
slides across the table, little bit by little bit. “That’s bullshit. If
you think that’s true, you don’t know Sero…”
The elf rolls their eyes. <<if $master is "Sero">>“Do you
think so? Maybe you didn’t know <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>your namesake<<else>>them<</if>>
as well as you thought.<<else>>“Do you think so? Maybe you
didn’t know the Grandmaster as well as you thought.<</if>>
Then again, who’s to argue with a drunk?”<<else>>You
<span class="drunk-1">rub the back</span> of your neck.
The headache is still there.
You <span class="drunk-1">rub it again.</span>
“That’s bullshit and you know it—”
“Is it? Or perhaps you didn’t know your Grandmaster as well as you
thought.”
“Watch your tongue, Krellion, or I swear—”<</if>>
“Enough!” the archsage calls. “Wayfarer Kellis, I did not request your
presence here tonight to see insults and threats thrown about. I am not
asking you to befriend us, I am asking you to help us. We have a common
goal and a common enemy—which I sense this table has forgotten.”
The unimportant dwarf frowns. “Common enemy? I would hardly phrase it
that way. Kellis is a mercenary. His loyalty only goes as far as
Zenaida’s coin purse—he has all but admitted to that. Considering he
spent an afternoon sailing with the Grand Archsage—”
“Against my will,” Aeran says flatly.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $allegra_info is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
8A-ALLEG]]<<else>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
8B]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>She
glowers at him. “Then perhaps you can explain why $lastname spent an
evening cavorting with his lieutenant?”
Your ears prick up at your name. “I did… what?” you ask sluggishly.
“I saw $himher in the pavilions tonight! I saw $himher speak with
Allegra Arantir!”
The accusation washes over you. You can’t remember who that is, let
alone why it would piss of this mage…
Wood scrapes against wood and the important dwarf’s chair flies
backward. He rises to his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge,
hands splayed against the surface.
“Arantir?” he shouts. “$HeShe <<has>> been collaborating
with Arantir? Gods damn it, this better not be true, or by Belennor—”
“By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do violence against the magianis
mercenary,” the freckly scribe snaps. “I see that ending well—”
“Why does it matter?” Aeran demands. “There are hundreds of mages here
tonight, as you all should know. Arantir must have sought $himher out on
purpose. Are you going to hold that against $himher?”
//Arantir… <span class="drunk-1">Arantir…</span>//
You close your eyes, trying to remember. You met her in the
pavilions.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 WP ALLEGRA WINE")>> She
gave you wine.<</if>> Who was she? What did she say?
A memory clicks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. A <span
class="drunk-1">woman</span> in a <span
class="drunk-1">crimson serithan!</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
9A-ALLEG'>><<set $problem_counter
+=1>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. A <span
class="drunk-1">woman</span> in a <span
class="drunk-1">green serithan!</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
9B-ALLEG'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $aeran_solarath to
true>>She glowers at him. “Then perhaps you can explain why you
spent an evening cavorting with his lieutenant?”
“Just what are you accusing me of?”
“I //saw// you in the pavilions with Allegra Arantir. I saw you speak
with her. Strange, no? That you so eagerly sought out a <<if
$aeran_allegra is true>>Solarath mage—”
A memory stirs in the back of your mind. Dim lights, the crowded room,
the smell of wine and food… And a <span class="drunk-2">woman in a
green serithan…</span><<else>>Solarath
mage—”<</if>>
“Yes, I spoke to her, but not without reason. Considering Zenaida left
us in the dark, can you blame me for doing reconnaissance on my own?
Maybe you should thank me—otherwise how else would you know that Arantir
hired a Brightblade to investigate Diradan?”
Wood scrapes against wood as the important dwarf’s chair flies backward.
He rises to his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge.
“Arantir?” he bellows. “Arantir hired a Brightblade? Gods damn it, this
better not be true, or by Belennor—”
The freckled scribe blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro,
threaten to do violence against the magianis mercenary, I see that
ending well. You do realize he’s the one who took down Damalian?”
That shuts him up. The important dwarf sits down and pulls his chair in.
Aeran is shaking. His face is pale, his body tense. His hands grip the
table, steadying himself. You don’t recognize the name Damalian, but
considering his reaction, it can only refer to one man—the Guild mage
turned murderer Aeran tracked in Vestra, so many years ago. The one who
gave him his scar.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“That
bastard doesn’t matter,” Aeran growls. “Just like Arantir doesn’t
matter. What //matters// is that a Brightblade lasted in Diradan for
five, maybe ten minutes. Even they couldn’t regenerate endlessly.
Arantir’s pissed, of course, but that failure will hardly stop her. The
Brightblade was Solarath’s best bet at re-entering the tower. It’s only a
matter of time before they find a way to extend their regenerative
capabilities.”
The elf clicks their tongue. “Damn it. If the shroud has proven
dispersible—even only partially—then Solarath must be preparing to
strike the tower in force.”
“And we cannot forget Nova,” Zenaida adds. “She was all but abducted by
Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the truth from
her mind.”
The important dwarf scowls. “Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They
cannot force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I
assure you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now—”
The archsage raises a hand and quickly silences the table. “We have
always known the Guild was headed for open conflict. If Solarath has
indeed hired a Brightblade and aims to investigate the tower, then there
is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the
victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, the mages
unwilling to look each other in the eye. You shrug and fiddle with the
front of your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>. You can’t
imagine why <span class="drunk-1">the Astrial</span> makes
them <span class="drunk-2">so uncomfortable</span> when they
came here to talk about it.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
PREVOTE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“Yeah,
I met her,” you say. “Tall lady, right? Red serithan, had a little gold
broach. She wanted… she wanted some illusionist, needed help finding
him or something…”
The unimportant dwarf rolls her eyes. “Kellis, please, if $heshe
<<is>> going to stay, keep $himher quiet at the very least.”
<<if $problem_counter >=4>>The archsage sighs wearily.
“Enough,” she says. “Idris, kindly escort $lastname out. It’s clear
$heshe lacks the comportment to participate in this council—”
“Hey!” You kick your chair back and struggle to your feet. “Nothing’s
wrong with my <span class="drunk-2">compartment…</span> or…
<span class="drunk-1">comportment…</span> or <span
class="drunk-1">//whatever—”//</span>
“Then consider your actions carefully next time,” she says. “I have
little patience for such antics, $lastname. Your behaviour tonight has
done nothing to convince me you are capable of handling the mission at
hand. I will not put the fate of Lethalis in the hands of a drunken
fool.”
You open your mouth to protest, but someone seizes your arm and pulls
you forcibly from the table. You struggle against your captor, desperate
to stay put, but there’s little you can do. Your body is <span
class="drunk-2">uncomfortably slow,</span> your movements
<span class="drunk-2">sluggish…</span> A small part of your
mind is oddly alert, dictating every action you take as you put up your
failing resistance.
Despite your efforts, Idris easily manhandles you and drags you out of
the library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
EXPELLED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>The
elf clicks their tongue. “That was Phaedra Amestris, $lastname, not
Allegra Arantir,” they say scornfully. “By the gods…”
Zenaida’s hand hits the table. “Enough about Arantir!” she snaps, nearly
rising from her seat. Gold light swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your
imagination? “Have you forgotten Nova? She was by all means abducted by
Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath,” the important dwarf says. “They
cannot force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I
assure you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right now—”
The archsage raises a hand and quickly silences the table. “Any
conclusions we come to tonight will not be made in haste,” she says
gravely. “We have always known the Guild was headed for open conflict.
Whoever retrieves the Astrial first will be the first victor in this
war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, the mages
unwilling to look each other in the eye. You shrug and fiddle with the
front of your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>. You can’t
imagine why <span class="drunk-1">the Astrial</span> makes
them <span class="drunk-2">so uncomfortable</span> when they
came here to talk about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
PREVOTE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Yeah,
I met her,” you drawl. “It’s called being //polite.// And you know what
she told me? She said she sent a //Brightblade// into Diradan Tower—”
“A Brightblade?” the elf says, their eyes narrowing. “Explain.”
You smirk. “Caught your attention now, have I? I—”
“Enough, $lastname,” the archsage says coldly. “Explain. What did
Arantir tell you?”
You lean back in your chair and rub the back of your hand across your
mouth. It’s <span class="drunk-1">difficult</span> to
<span class="drunk-1">remember</span> <<if
$last_location is 1>>what feels like hours
ago…<<else>>hours ago…<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Ugh, I don’t know. Something about how they
couldn’t get into the tower.”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 10-ALLEG][$option to 1,
$problem_counter +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “They died. I think…”|CHAPTER 2.4
DRUNK 10-ALLEG][$option to 2, $problem_counter +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Nothing much. They went in, they
came back.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 10-ALLEG][$option to
3]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
archsage sighs wearily. “But before our discussion can truly begin,
Idris—”
The man appears from nowhere. You had forgotten about him.
“Yes, Archsage Bellaris?”
She fixes you with a cold look, staring you down as if you have declared
yourself her sworn enemy. “Kindly escort $lastname out,” she commands.
“It’s clear $heshe lacks the comportment to participate in this
council—”
“Hey!” You kick your chair back and struggle to your feet. “Nothing’s
wrong with my <span class="drunk-2">compartment…</span> or…
<span class="drunk-1">comportment…</span> or <span
class="drunk-1">//whatever—”//</span>
“Then consider your actions carefully next time,” she says coldly. “I
have little patience for such antics, $lastname. Your behaviour tonight
has done nothing to convince me you are capable of handling the mission
at hand. I will not put the fate of Lethalis in the hands of a drunken
fool.”
You open your mouth to protest, but someone seizes your arm and pulls
you forcibly from the table. You struggle against your captor, desperate
to stay put, but there’s little you can do. Your body is <span
class="drunk-2">uncomfortably slow,</span> your movements
<span class="drunk-2">sluggish…</span> A small part of your
mind is oddly alert, dictating every action you take as you put up your
failing resistance.
Despite your efforts, Idris easily manhandles you and drags you out of
the library.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
EXPELLED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$option is 1>>The elf frowns. “Is that so? Then perhaps Solarath
has not moved as quickly as I presumed. Arantir will want to test the
shroud thoroughly before they strike the tower.”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly!” the important
dwarf bellows.
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps. Gold light
swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your imagination? “Have you forgotten
Nova? She was by all means abducted by Quirinus today. How long will it
be before his agents pull the truth from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force anything from
her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you, princess, Markal
is the least of our concerns right now—”
You grit your teeth. You’ve been forgotten again.<<elseif $option
is 2>>The elf clicks their tongue. “Is that so? So even a
Brightblade’s power fails here. I suspected it would be the case, but to
have confirmation…”
“Then we have time to consider our actions thoroughly,” the important
dwarf says self-importantly. “If even a Brightblade can fail, then we
are in possession of the only beings capable of penetrating the tower—”
“Damn the Brightblade and damn Solarath!” Zenaida snaps, nearly rising
from her seat. Gold light swirls in her dark eyes—or was it your
imagination? “Have you forgotten Nova? She was by all means abducted by
Quirinus today. How long will it be before his agents pull the truth
from her mind?”
“Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They cannot force anything from
her, lest they kill her in the process. I assure you, princess, Markal
is the least of our concerns right now—”<<else>>The elf runs
a hand over their chin. “Is that so? Then Solarath is moving faster
than I presumed. If the shroud has proven dispersible—even only
partially—then it is only a matter of time before they find a solution
and strike the tower in force.”
“And we cannot forget Nova,” Zenaida says. “She was all but abducted by
Quirinus today. It won’t be long before his agents pull the truth from
her mind.”
The important dwarf scowls. “Savant Markal is under a blood oath. They
cannot force anything from her, lest they kill her in the process. I
assure you, princess, Markal is the least of our concerns right
now.”<</if>>
The archsage raises a hand and quickly silences the table. “We have
always known the Guild was headed for open conflict,” she says gravely.
“If Solarath has indeed hired a Brightblade and aims to investigate the
tower, then there is no other avenue now. Whoever retrieves the Astrial
first will be the victor in this war.”
Silence settles over the table in the wake of her words, the mages
unwilling to look each other in the eye. You shrug and fiddle with the
front of your <<if $dressed is
true>>$garb<<else>>tunic<</if>>. You can’t
imagine why <span class="drunk-1">the Astrial</span> makes
them <span class="drunk-2">so uncomfortable</span> when they
came here to talk about it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
PREVOTE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>The library doors open, their
creaking hinges bellowing through the gallery. Aeran stalks towards you,
<<if $aeran_advantage is true>>an irritable scowl on his
face,<<else>>a dark scowl on his face,<</if>>
and seizes you by the arm.
“Come on, $firstname,” he mutters. “We’re going—”
“But—”
//“Let’s go.”//
He takes off across the gallery, towing you with him. You pass through
an archway and out onto a mezzanine. It overlooks a dark hallway, the
lights dormant and unresponsive to your presence. You pause, frowning in
confusion, a flash of panic coursing through you.
You have <span class="drunk-1">no idea where</span> you are.
“What happened?” you call, following him down the stairs to the level
below. “Aeran—”
“Fucking hell, $firstname,” he mutters. “They voted.”
“What?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<if
$aeran_advantage is true>><<set $mission_on to
true>>“They voted! They voted on the fucking mission and they’re
sending us tomorrow—//morning.”//
<span class="drunk-2">Tomorrow…</span> //what?//
You blink. Though you understand his words, they don’t make sense.
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You catch his hand and pull him to a
stop. “What do you mean tomorrow morning?”
He pauses and tilts his head, gazing up at the ceiling. “I’ll explain
later,” he says quietly after a moment. “We’re lucky they agreed to go
through with it. You almost fucked it up for both of us.”
“Fucked it up? It’s not my fault—”
He curses. “You’re drunk, $firstname!” he shouts, clattering down the
rest of the steps. “What did you think would happen? Do you have any
idea what I had to do to get them to listen? How close we were to having
all of this be for nothing?”
“But Zenaida—”<<else>>You seize his arm, but he shrugs you
off and slows to a stop. “What do you mean tomorrow morning?” you ask.
“You’ll find out tomorrow,” he snaps. “Hopefully you’ll be sober enough
to understand. We’re lucky they agreed to go through with it, you almost
fucked it all up—”
“It’s not my fault—”
He curses and clatters down the rest of the steps. “You’re drunk,
$firstname! What did you think would happen? Do you have any idea what I
had to do to get them to listen? How close we were to having all of
this be for nothing?”
“But Zenaida—”<</if>>
“Zenaida’s word means shit. She’s not in charge here, Umbria and the
rest of her lackeys are. We should have seen this coming before we left
Rona. Guess you were too busy fucking that up, too.”
His voice grates in your ears and simmering anger twists in your
stomach. <<if $aeranapp >=60>>You stalk after him, a pang
of hurt prickling in your eyes, and follow him into a garden
courtyard.<<else>>You stalk after him, following him into a
garden courtyard.<</if>> The fresh, cool air hits you like
an avalanche. Like the gallery before, the garden is flooded with
moonlight, a beacon compared to the dark halls that surrounding. An
artificial pond ripples nearby, wisps dancing above the water, their
blueish-white lights winking in and
out.<<else>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 5, 95)>>“They voted! They voted on
the fucking mission. They’re not following through.”
A cold dread twists in your stomach. “…what?”
He laughs hollowly. “Contract’s dead. No Lethalis, no Astrial, no
crowns. Well done, $firstname, <<if $mareadead is true>>I
haven’t seen you fuck up this badly since you killed a woman for a
chalice.<<else>>you fucked it up.<</if>>”
You blink. Though you understand his words, they <span
class="drunk-1">don’t make sense.</span> “What do you mean, no
crowns?”
“We’re not getting paid, you idiot!”
“But Zenaida—”
“Zenaida’s word means shit. She’s not in charge here, Umbria and the
rest of her lackeys are. We should have seen this coming before we left
Rona. Guess you were too busy fucking that up, too.”
<<if $aeranapp >=60>>You pull back, a <span
class="drunk-1">stinging pain prickling</span> in your
eyes.<<else>>You draw back, <span
class="drunk-1">anger simmering</span> deep inside you. “This
isn’t my fault—”<</if>>
“No? You’re drunk, $firstname! What did you think would happen?”
He stalks away and cuts through a garden courtyard. You follow, dogging
his heels, and the fresh, cool air hits you like an avalanche. Like the
gallery before, the garden is flooded with moonlight, a beacon compared
to the dark halls that surrounding. An artificial pond ripples nearby,
wisps dancing above the water, their blueish-white lights winking in and
out.<</if>>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
11]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
$aeranapp >=40>>You cross your arms and press them tight
against your chest. You hate it when Aeran is pissed at you. But this is
about more than whatever poor decisions you made tonight. A month ago
you would have been quick to say that you know Aeran better than you
know yourself. As two of the last remaining Wayfarers, you’re tied to
each other in a way that goes beyond words. But Velantis has brought out
a side of him you’ve never seen—a side you don’t like. He’s keeping
secrets from you and you can’t understand why.
The wisps hum, the <span class="drunk-1">incessant buzzing
mounting</span> in your ears.
<<if $aeran_advantage is true>>“Why are you angry?” you
shout. “I did nothing! It’s not my fault if those
mages—”<<else>>“This is not my fault! This is their
fault—”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>“Fault?” he snaps, rounding on
you. “Like you understand that. I’ve spent the better part of two years
looking out for you, covering for you when things go wrong—”
<span class="drunk-1">“You shot me.”</span>
He pauses. “…what?”
“You. <span class="drunk-1">Shot.</span> Me. I’m not the one
<span class="drunk-1">doing wrong things</span> when you’re
over here <span class="drunk-2">sticking arrows</span>
<span class="drunk-3">in my chest—”</span>
He pales and reels back in horror, as if he’s about to run. Hurt blooms
in your chest just looking at him.<<else>>“Fault?” he snaps,
rounding on you. “Like you understand that. I’ve spent the better part
of two years looking out for you, covering for you when things go
wrong.<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE
FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>> You’d be dead two
times over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for me.<<elseif
$CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>> The Count would
have killed you if it wasn’t for me.<<elseif hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>
Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat Alley if it wasn’t for
me.<</if>> You act like you’re <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn’s
only<<else>>$master’s<</if>> living legacy, but
you’re more mercenary now than Wayfarer. The only thing you’re good at
is making a mess.”
You reel back, <span class="drunk-1">hurt blooming</span> in
your chest.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the hell is wrong with you?”|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK 12 HIGH][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fucking… fuck! If you have
something to say, just spit it out already!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 12
HIGH][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Your
jaw clenches, <span class="drunk-1">heated hostility</span>
burning in your mouth. Gods, he makes it easy for you to hate him.
Velantis has brought out a side of him you cannot stand, and his
secretive bullshit does nothing to alleviate it. He dodges your
questions whenever you try to have a frank conversation with him.
<<if $aeranapp <=19>>Though your relationship is
strained—more than strained—he has always trusted you to have his
back.<<else>>Though your relationship is falling apart, he
has always trusted you to have his back.<</if>> You may be
tied together as two of the last remaining Wayfarers, but that seems to
mean little now.
The wisps hum, the <span class="drunk-1">incessant buzzing
mounting</span> in your ears.
<<if $aeran_advantage is true>>“Why are you angry?” you
shout. “I did nothing! It’s not my fault if those
mages—”<<else>>“This is not my fault! This is their
fault—”<</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>>“Fault?” he snaps, rounding on
you. “Like you understand that. I’ve spent the better part of two years
looking out for you, covering for you when things go wrong—”
<span class="drunk-1">“YOU SHOT ME.”</span>
He pales.
“You. <span class="drunk-1">//Shot.//</span> Me. I’m not the
one <span class="drunk-2">doing wrong things</span> when
you’re over here <span class="drunk-3">sticking arrows in my
chest—”</span>
He closes his eyes. “Fuck off, $firstname.”<<else>>“Fault?”
he snaps, rounding on you. “Like you understand that. I’ve spent the
better part of two years looking out for you, covering for you when
things go wrong.<<if $blackout >=1 and (hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN"))>>
You’d be dead two times over in Rona alone if it wasn’t for
me.<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 neq true and $blackout >=1>>
The Count would have killed you if it wasn’t for me.<<elseif
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>
Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat Alley if it wasn’t for
me.<</if>> You act like you’re <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn’s
only<<else>>$master’s<</if>> living legacy, but
you’re more mercenary now than Wayfarer. The only thing you’re good at
is making a mess.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK 16LOW][$option to 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Fucking… fuck! If you have
something to say, just spit it out already!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
16LOW][$option to
2]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>He doesn’t answer.
The wisps dance around the garden, pulled in patterns comprehensible
only to them. A handful come to inspect you, fluttering near your
shoulders and arms, cloaking you in a soft blue-white light. You
<span class="drunk-1">flap your arms</span> and send them
spiralling across the courtyard in retreat.
<<if $option is 1>>“What’s wrong with me?” he says hollowly
after a moment. “You’re one to talk.”
“I know—//I know// you’re keeping things from
me—”<<else>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 10, 0, 100)>>//“‘Spit it out,’”// he
says hollowly after a moment. “Wish I could.”
“Then why don’t you? I know you’re keeping things from
me—”<</if>>
“We’re not having this conversation now, $firstname,” he snaps. “Come
on, let’s go back—”
“Bullshit!” You blink furiously, but the tears are welling up anyway.
This is so… stupid. <span class="drunk-1">Why are you
crying?</span> <<if $aeranrom >=60>>“I care about
you, you idiot! Fuck Lethalis, fuck Zenaida, I don’t care.<<elseif
$aeranrom >=10>>“I care about you, you idiot!<<elseif
$aeranapp >=60>>“You’re my friend, Aeran. As good as my
brother.<<else>>“You’re my friend, Aeran.<</if>>
Don’t do this—”
You <span class="drunk-1">reach for him</span> but he easily
dodges and steps out of the way. “Maybe it was a mistake,” he says
bluntly. “Looking for you in Karth.”
“Looking? What—what do you mean //looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You remember Karth. It was a coincidence, a rare moment of
luck in the years of misfortune that followed the Spire’s fall. You’d
given up on following Wayfarer rumours, knowing each trail would only
lead to dead ends and disappointment. You’d returned to work, taking
contracts where you could, and consigned yourself to living out your
life as a sole survivor of your order. The sandwraith was the first
contract you’d taken since making your decision. Hunting it led you to a
dusty desert town in the middle of nowhere… and to Aeran.
For two years, you thought your reunion was a happy accident. You’d
taken the same contract, tracked the same beast, and your paths crossed
on the hunt.
<span class="drunk-1">Or did it?</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“…you knew,” you say blankly. “You knew I was there.”
“Of course I knew! You’re the only reason I was out there in the first
place!”
He curses and turns away, raking a hand through his hair. You watch him
pace, <span class="drunk-1">gobsmacked, unable to
move,</span> the wine you drank threatening to come back up. As
you fight to push it down, a single question comes unbidden to your
mind—a question you know you would <span class="drunk-1">never
dare</span> to ask if you were sober.
The Wayfarer Order’s fall is a haze in your mind. You heard the reports
coming out of Artanis. You had <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa
Varyn’s<</if>> letter. You knew as much as anyone else about
how that night ended: a rioting militia, the Spire overrun, hundreds
dead at the hands of thousands, the citadel destroyed. It was a miracle
anyone survived and those that did were soon scattered to the winds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Aeran was there. He has the scars to prove it. <<if
$aeranrom >=60 or $aeranapp >=80>>Though you care for him
deeply,<<else>>He may be your oldest friend,
but<</if>> even you cannot let this go unaddressed forever.
How did he, of all people, survive when the order itself did not? Varyn
survived, too—surely he must have been with her when the end came?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “What happened at the Spire?”"
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>You blurt it out, this desperate question you’ve been too
afraid to ask.
But, once again, he doesn’t answer. A breeze passes through the garden,
rustling the leaves of those unwieldly, overgrown plants. Water laps
against the edge of the artificial pond, the soft rippling pounding in
your ears. The courtyard garden closes in on you, <span
class="drunk-1">shrinking with each passing second</span> while
he stands there in silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
6>><span class="drunk-1">Why can’t he answer?</span>
<span class="drunk-2">Why won’t he?</span>
<span class="drunk-3">Why won’t he just say
something?</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
take a breath, your <span class="drunk-1">heart
pounding</span> in your chest.
“What happened at the Spire?”
“$firstname, I said we’re //not// having this conversation tonight!”
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I have a right
to know…”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 13A HIGH][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Bullshit! BULLSHIT! Why won’t you
tell me?”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 13B HIGH][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
10, 0, 100)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. <span
class="drunk-1">Laugh.</span>' 'CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 13C
HIGH'>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 0,
100)>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<aeranDisapp>>“You
do,” he murmurs. “Of course you do. But not tonight. And not like
this—”
You grit your teeth. “You don’t get to decide that!”
He curses and turns away, stalking across the garden. The wisps scatter
in front of him, their retreat lighting his way. You watch him go,
trapped in a stupor by your own surprise, <span
class="drunk-1">screaming at yourself</span> to stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK HIGH
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Cruel
laughter bubbles across his lips. “You think you’re entitled to my
life, $nickname? <<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>>Think
again. Don’t you dare use my feelings for you against me like
that.”<<else>>Because of what? Our
//friendship?”//<</if>>
“You can’t keep me from this forever—”
“Can’t I?”
Anger boils in your gut. “It’s not fair!”
“Yeah?” he spits. “Most things aren’t. Get used to it.”
He stalks across the garden, wisps scattering in front of him, their
retreat lighting his way. You watch him go, trapped in a stupor by your
own surprise, <span class="drunk-1">screaming at
yourself</span> to stop him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK HIGH
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Wild,
cruel laughter bubbles out of you. Aeran scowls at you, his expression
turning from annoyance to disgust.
“Oh, fuck off,” he snarls.
“YOU FUCK OFF! It’s been five years, you can’t hide this forever—”
He curses and turns away, stalking across the garden. The wisps scatter
in front of him, their retreat lighting his way. You watch him go,
<span class="drunk-1">screaming at yourself</span> to stop
him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK HIGH
TIMED]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="heading"><center>Make a
Choice</center></div>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20 20em>><<run Engine.play("CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
ABSTAIN")>><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><<if settings.action>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
[STRENGTH] Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
14HIGH STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “Don’t walk away! You
can’t walk away!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
PERS]]</div></div><<else>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t walk away! You can’t walk
away!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
PERS]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><<if
settings.action>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $hand_broken neq true and random(1,20)
+ $strength >= 18>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
14HIGH STRENGTH PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [STRENGTH] Grab
him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [PERSUASION] “Don’t walk away! You
can’t walk away!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH PERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] You’re too stunned to do
anything. Sit down.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><<else>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if
$hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >= 18>>[[1.
Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH STRENGTH
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Grab him.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
STRENGTH FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t walk away! You can’t walk
away!”|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH PERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] You’re too stunned to do
anything. Sit down.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 14HIGH
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</if>><</nobr>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<if
$aeranrom >=1>><<timed
10s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 40, 0,
100)>><</if>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5, 95)>>You <span
class="drunk-1">throw yourself</span> at him with all your
might. He ducks out of the way effortlessly and spins around, grabbing
you by the arm.
“Get a hold of yourself, $firstname—”
Your <span class="drunk-1">fist collides</span> with his
mouth.
He reels back and drops to his knees, a hand pressed to his mouth. You
pause, <span class="drunk-1">frozen in shock,</span> pain
<span class="drunk-1">rippling</span> through your fingers.
He’s silent for a moment, breathless as he kneels in the dirt, wisps
spiralling frantically in circles around him. Finally, he drops his hand
and rises shakily to his feet. <<if $ancestry is
"elven">>Dark blood dribbles down his chin from a split
lip.<<else>>In the dim light, you can make out the dark
blood dribbling down his chin from a split lip.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“There’s
only //one// thing you need to understand about that night,
$firstname,” he says coldly. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you
//escaped// it. If you’d been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the
others. Varyn and I carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders
now. It’s our decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s
disappeared? <<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to
face you again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to
contact you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut
down in front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The
Wayfarer Order is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
He spits blood at your feet and stalks through the garden, disappearing
through an archway without a backwards glance.
Your <span class="drunk-1">heart pounds,</span> surprise and
hurt <span class="drunk-1">rippling</span> through you.
<span class="drunk-2">//What did I just do…? What the hell did I
do?//</span>
“Fuck,” you say.
You <span class="drunk-2">slump</span> to your knees and
<span class="drunk-2">vomit</span>.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case
1>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<if
$aeranrom >=1>><<timed
10s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 40, 0,
100)>><</if>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5, 95)>>You <span
class="drunk-1">throw yourself</span> at him with all your
might. He ducks out of the way and spins, grabbing you by the arm.
“Get a hold of yourself, $firstname—”
You <span class="drunk-1">throw a punch,</span> your fist
connecting pathetically with his shoulder.<<if $hand_broken is
true>> Pain ripples through your fingers.<</if>>
Grunting with frustration, you <span class="drunk-1">lash out
again,</span> but he simply skips backwards, easily ducking a
second punch. <span class="drunk-3">The world spins</span>
and you slump forwards, winded, your knees <span
class="drunk-2">nearly giving out.</span>
You hang your head, gasping for breath, spit dribbling pitifully across
your lips. <span class="drunk-2">Nausea twists</span> in
your stomach. You feel sick.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“There’s
only one thing you need to understand about that night, $firstname,” he
says coldly. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it. If you’d
been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry
the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we
have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
He pushes you away from him and stalks through the garden. <<if
$hand_broken is true>>You watch him go, gently cradling your
stinging hand, silent<<else>>You watch him go,
silent<</if>> as he passes through an archway and disappears
deeper into the palace. Your <span class="drunk-1">heart is
pounding furiously,</span> surprise and hurt <span
class="drunk-1">rippling through you</span> as the magnitude of
what just happened dawns on you.
<span class="drunk-2">//What did I just do…? What the hell did I
do?//</span>
“Fuck,” you say.
You <span class="drunk-1">slump to your knees</span> and
<span class="drunk-1">vomit.</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<persuasionInef>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>><<if
$aeranrom >=1>><<timed
10s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 15, 0,
100)>><</if>><<set $aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp - 15, 5, 95)>>He glances over his shoulder.
“As if you’re in a state to stop me,” he says coldly.
“Bullshit—”
“There’s only //one// thing you need to understand about that night,
$firstname. You didn’t survive the Spire, you //escaped// it. If you’d
been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry
the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we
have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
Without another word, he stalks through the garden and passes through an
archway. You watch him go, <span
class="drunk-1">dumbstruck,</span> your mind <span
class="drunk-1">reeling.</span>
//<span class="drunk-1">What did he say?</span> <span
class="drunk-2">What did you say?</span> <span
class="drunk-3">What the hell just happened?</span>//
Nausea <span class="drunk-1">ripples</span> through you.
“Oh, fuck,” you murmur.
You <span class="drunk-1">slump to your knees</span> and
<span class="drunk-1">vomit.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)>>You <span
class="drunk-1">fall</span> to your knees, wild, messy <span
class="drunk-1">tears flooding</span> down your cheeks. You
<span class="drunk-1">gasp</span> for <span
class="drunk-1">breath,</span> your <span
class="drunk-1">body shaking,</span> unable <span
class="drunk-1">to do anything</span> but sit there and
<span class="drunk-1">weep.</span>
Aeran stares at you in shock. “Fucking hell,” he mutters. “Get yourself
together, $firstname…”
You shake your head, unable <span class="drunk-1">to hold
back</span> the <span class="drunk-1">ugly
sobbing.</span>
He curses and throws his hands in the air. “Fine,” he snaps. “You want
to know about that night? There’s only //one// thing you need to
understand. You didn’t survive the Spire, you //escaped// it. If you’d
been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry
the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we
have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
He stalks from the garden and passes through an archway, disappearing
deeper into the palace. You watch him go, <span
class="drunk-1">dumbstruck,</span> your mind <span
class="drunk-1">reeling,</span> still shaken by your <span
class="drunk-1">uncontrollable sobs.</span>
“Fuck!” you scream.
Nausea <span class="drunk-2">courses</span> through you. You
<span class="drunk-2">crumple on the ground</span> and
<span class="drunk-2">vomit.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<set $drunk to
1>><<set $ep2_end to 13>>You lie there, <span
class="drunk-1">crumpled in an unknown garden</span> in some
<span class="drunk-1">unknown part of the palace</span> by a
puddle of your own sick.
Wisps dance to and fro, flying in large loops around the garden, their
blue-white streams <span class="drunk-3">zipping through your
peripheral vision</span> and past your nose.
You <span class="drunk-2">watch them through half-opened
eyes,</span> content to sink further into the ground. It’s not
particularly comfortable, lying here on the cold stone path, but it’s
better than <span class="drunk-1">dragging yourself through the
palace…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><span class="drunk-4"><<link
"Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></span></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><span class="drunk-2">You’re better off on your
own.</span>
<span class="drunk-3">You’re better off without <<if
$aeranapp
>=40>>Aeran<<else>>him.<</if>></span>
<span
class="drunk-4">You begin to drift off…</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><span class="drunk-4"><<link
"Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></span></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“…love to know where Her Grace dug this one up,” a voice says
somewhere above you.
<span class="drunk-4">“…hm…?” You’re groggy. You can barely open
your eyes.</span>
Someone hooks their firm hands beneath your armpits and pulls you to
your feet. You <span class="drunk-3">stagger, your knees
weak,</span> <span class="drunk-2">barely able to stay
upright.</span> You taste vomit in your mouth.
“Careful, careful, $heshe<<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>’s<<else>>’re<</if>> not steady—”
“I have $himher, stop fretting,” a second voice grunts.
You feel a sharp tug and you’re pulled to one side, dragged helplessly
along. You try to force out a protest, but all that comes out is an
<span class="drunk-3">incomprehensible muddle of
words.</span> You don’t even understand what you said.
“When did this become your problem, <span
class="blur-name">Rasmira</span>?” the second voice says,
puffing with exertion. They must be the one carrying you.
You frown. <span class="drunk-3">The name is
familiar…</span> just like the voice… <span
class="drunk-4">but you can’t make sense of it.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><span class="drunk-4"><<link
"Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></span></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“When
it became clear that Her Grace’s character would fall under attack
should the wrong person discover her bodyguard passed out in a private
garden,” the first voice answers. “Not all of a steward’s duties are
glamorous, you should know that by now.”
The second voice tsks. “The things you do for the House…”
“Careful, <span class="blur-name">Venka</span>—”
<span class="drunk-1">Another name! A familiar name.</span>
<span class="drunk-3">You can’t put your finger on
it.</span>
“—think what you want, but keep your feelings to yourself. I will not be
witness to your grousing.”
The second voice sighs wearily. “Very well. As you wish.”
“I do not do this for the house. I do this for Her Grace.”
“Save me the explanation, <span
class="blur-name">Rasmira</span>, I know where your loyalties
lie. Let’s get this one back where $heshe <<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>belongs<<else>>belong<</if>>—before
$heshe <<if $pronounsPlural is
false>>causes<<else>>cause<</if>>
<<if (def $sabien_punch)>>another stir. Assaulting the Grand
Archsage is enough of an adventure for one evening, don’t you
think?”<<else>>a stir. It wouldn’t reflect well on Her Grace
for the wrong person to find $himher like this,
yes?”<</if>>
Head <span class="drunk-1">lolling on your shoulders,</span>
you allow yourself to be drawn away and you <span
class="drunk-3">slowly slip into glorious
unconsciousness…</span>
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><span
class="drunk-4">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE]]</span></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>><<if $option is
1>>“What’s wrong with me?” he snarls. “You’re one to
talk—”<<else>><<aeranDisapp>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5, 95)>>//“‘Spit it
out?’”// he snarls. “You wish.”<</if>>
“Yeah? Then tell me what the fuck you’re keeping from me—”
He laughs hollowly. “The last thing we’re going to do tonight is have
this conversation, $firstname, believe me—”
//“Coward.”//
Aeran snorts and draws himself up to his full height, his piercing blue
eyes flickering over you. “You’re right,” he snarls. “I am a coward. And
I’ve let many things—too many things—happen because I am. But at least
I’m confident in my convictions instead of flailing around, letting
myself be pushed into one disaster after the next—”
“Oh, //fuck// you—”
“You know what, $firstname? It was a fucking mistake looking for you in
Karth.”
“Looking? What the hell do you mean //looking?”//
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You remember Karth. It was a coincidence, a rare moment of
luck in the years of misfortune that followed the Spire’s fall. You’d
given up on following Wayfarer rumours, knowing each trail would only
lead to dead ends and disappointment. You’d returned to work, taking
contracts where you could, and consigned yourself to living out your
life as a sole survivor of your order. The sandwraith was the first
contract you’d taken since making your decision. Hunting it led you to a
dusty desert town in the middle of nowhere… and to Aeran.
For two years, you thought your reunion was little more than a happy
accident. You’d taken the same contract, tracked the same beast, and
your paths crossed on the hunt.
<span class="drunk-1">Or did it?</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“…you knew,” you say blankly. “You knew I was there.”
“Of course I knew! You’re the only reason I was out there in the first
place!”
He stalks across the garden, a string of curses falling from his lips.
You watch him pace, <span class="drunk-1">gobsmacked, unable to
move,</span> the wine you drank <span
class="drunk-1">threatening</span> to come back up. As you
fight to push it down, a single question comes unbidden to your mind—a
question you <span class="drunk-1">would never ask</span> if
you were sober.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "1. “What happened that night,
Aeran? What happened at the Spire?”"
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>Aeran
is silent for a long time. A breeze passes through the garden, rustling
the leaves of those unwieldly, overgrown plants. Water laps against the
edge of the artificial pond, the soft rippling <span
class="drunk-1">pounding</span> in your ears. The courtyard
garden closes in on you, <span class="drunk-1">shrinking with each
passing second</span> while he stands there, in silence,
unable—or unwilling—to answer you.
<span class="drunk-3">//Fuck…//</span>
Nausea <span class="drunk-1">rolls</span> through you. You
blink, <span class="drunk-1">forcing it down,</span> trying
to ignore it.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Ask him
again.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 17A-LOW]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. Fuck it. Fuck
<i>him.</i> He’s never going to answer you, is he?' 'CHAPTER
2.4 DRUNK
17B-LOW'>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 20, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranrom
>=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 40, 0,
100)>><</if>>Anger ripples through you. “Just answer
the question, Aeran,” you grunt, your voice low. “What happened that—”
He snaps.
<<if $hand_broken neq true and random(1,20) + $strength >=
18>>Hazy as your mind is, you <span class="drunk-1">don’t
expect it.</span> He <span class="drunk-1">seizes
you</span> by the arm and <span class="drunk-1">shoves
you</span> forcibly across the garden. You turn, <span
class="drunk-1">stumbling</span> as you struggle to <span
class="drunk-1">recover your balance,</span> and lash out.
Your <span class="drunk-1">fist collides</span> with his
mouth.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 17A-LOW
PUNCH]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>Hazy
as your mind is, <span class="drunk-1">you don’t expect
it.</span> He <span class="drunk-1">seizes you by the
arm</span> and <span class="drunk-1">shoves you</span>
forcibly across the garden. You <span
class="drunk-1">stumble,</span> your feet <span
class="drunk-1">clattering</span> against the stone path, and
<span class="drunk-1">struggle to recover</span> your
balance. He follows up, faster than you can follow, and <span
class="drunk-1">slams you</span> into the nearby wall.
<span class="drunk-3">The world spins.</span>
You grunt at the <<if $broken_hand is true>>impact, <span
class="drunk-1">pain rippling</span> through your hand, and
the stone presses sharply into your back<<else>>impact, the
<span class="drunk-1">stone presses sharply</span> into your
back<</if>> as he <span class="drunk-1">pins you
down.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK 17A-LOW NO
PUNCH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 5, 5,
95)>><<aeranDisapp>><<if $aeranrom
>=1>><<timed
5s>><<aeranRomanceLoss>><</timed>><<set
$aeranrom to Math.clamp($aeranrom - 5, 0,
100)>><</if>>“Bullshit,” you say, <span
class="drunk-1">staggering across the garden</span> as you
<span class="drunk-1">put as much distance between you and
Aeran</span> as the courtyard will allow. “Bullshit… fucking…
//coward…”//
“$firstname,” he calls.
You <span class="drunk-1">glance over</span> your shoulder.
“What?”
“There’s only one thing you need to understand about that night,” he
says coldly. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it altogether.
If you’d been at the summit, you would be gone, like the others. Varyn
and I carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our
decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
He stalks through the garden and out of sight, heading deeper into the
palace. You watch him go, <span class="drunk-1">anger boiling in
your chest.</span> Whatever your relationship had been in the
past, it is now well and truly broken for good.
Nausea <span class="drunk-2">courses</span> through you.
“Fuck,” you say.
You <span class="drunk-2">slump to your knees</span> and
<span class="drunk-2">vomit.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
reels back, dropping to his knees with a hand pressed to his mouth. You
straighten, <span class="drunk-1">shaking out</span> the
pain in your fingers, and fall into <span class="drunk-1">a
defensive stance,</span> watching him carefully. He’s silent for a
moment, breathless as he kneels in the dirt, wisps spiralling
frantically in circles around him. Finally, he drops his hand and rises
shakily to his feet. <<if $ancestry is "elven">>Dark blood
dribbles down his chin from a split lip.<<else>>In the dim
light, you can make out the dark blood dribbling down his chin from a
split lip.<</if>>
“There’s only one thing you need to understand about that night,
$firstname,” he snarls. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it.
If you’d been at the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn and I
carry the weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our
decisions we have to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
He spits blood at your feet and stalks from the garden. You watch him
go, <span class="drunk-1">anger boiling</span> in your
chest. Whatever your relationship had been in the past, it is now well
and truly broken for good.
Nausea <span class="drunk-1">courses</span> through you.
“Fuck,” you say.
You <span class="drunk-1">slump to your knees</span> and
<span class="drunk-1">vomit.</span>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“There’s
only one thing you need to understand about that night, $firstname,” he
hisses. “You didn’t survive the Spire, you escaped it. If you’d been at
the summit, you’d be gone, like the others. Varyn and I carry the
weight of their deaths on our shoulders now. It’s our decisions we have
to live with. Why do you think she’s disappeared? <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Why she can’t bear to face you
again?<<else>>Why she can’t bring herself to contact
you?<</if>> She saw half her former apprentices cut down in
front of her. It can never go back to the way it was. The Wayfarer Order
is dead. It’s time to let it go.”
You <span class="drunk-1">glare back at him
defiantly,</span> nausea <span
class="drunk-2">rippling</span> through you.
Then your <span class="drunk-1">knees give out</span> from
under you and you <span class="drunk-1">vomit</span> at his
feet.
He jumps back, exhaustion and disgust rippling across his face. For a
moment, you think he’s going to kneel down and help you, but he shakes
his head and steps away. Cursing under his breath, he turns his back on
you and stalks out of the garden.
<<if $broken_hand is true>>You watch him go, gently cradling
your stinging hand, silent<<else>>You watch him go,
silent<</if>> as he disappears deeper into the palace.
<span class="drunk-1">Anger boils</span> in your chest.
Whatever your relationship had been in the past, it is now well and
truly broken for good.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
RAS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<button
'Continue' 'EPISODE 2 LEVEL
UP'>><</button>></center><<nobr>><<set
$hide_gear to false>>
<<unset $option,
$malsara_questions,
$aeran_quirinus_ask,
$malsara_profile,
$themistrya_info,
$aerantell_extra,
$aeran_pushed,
$mc_rigging,
$sabien_overhears,
$sabien_recognizes_mc,
$sabien_blade,
$weapons_refused,
$reputation_tutorial,
$sabien_threatened,
$sabien_stab,
$ras_zenaida,
$aeran_argued,
$aeran_eating,
$fuss,
$mc_reluctant,
$dressed,
$jewelry_worn,
$pendant_worn,
$mc_late,
$arrive_together,
$zenaida_location,
$mc_apology,
$last_location,
$mc_outed,
$allegra_spotted,
$allegra_met,
$wine,
$elleshar_met,
$meissandium_text,
$elleshar_info,
$phaedra_found,
$aeran_promise,
$vote_for,
$vote_against,
$lethalis_angry,
$guaranteed_vote,
$wards,
$oshiro_friendly,
$aeran_angry,
$lilac_wayfarer,
$problem_counter,
$call_him,
$slink,
$tutorial_duel,
$approval_tutorial,
$chapter1end,
$aerantell_extra,
$tempstat,
$hair_leave>><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Level Up</span>
<<if $health is "full">><<set $skillpoints to
3>>Your first day in Velantis has left you with new insights. You
have received <b>3 skill
points.</b><<else>><<set $skillpoints to
2>>Your first day in Velantis has left you with new insights. Due
to your injuries, you have received <b>2 skill
points.</b><</if>>
<span class="heading">Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strength +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP 2][$strength
+=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Save Your Progress?</span></center>
This is the final passage of the current build. Please make a save here
to ensure your file is saved. Progress saved on the next passage will
not transfer to the next update.
It is highly recommended you backup your browser save file to your
device with ''Save to Disk.''
<div class="promptbutton"><div class="box"><div
class="save-1"><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span> Save Game'>><<run
UI.saves()>><</button>></div><div
class="save-2"><<button '→ Proceed' 'EPISODE 2 END
2'>><</button>></div></div></div><div
class="chaptertitle"><<fadein 3s 0s>>Episode III ✦ The
Tower<</fadein>></div><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION") or $aeran_advantage is
true>>As morning dawns, $firstname finds $himself facing a mission
that will certainly change $hisher life. The <b>Astrial</b>
waits at the top of <b>Diradan Tower</b>… all $heshe
<<has>> to do is get there…<<else>>As morning
dawns, $firstname finds $himself facing dangerous uncertainty. After the
<b>Order of Lethalis’</b> rejection of $hisher services,
$heshe is in need of funds and new lodging. But as $heshe <<if
$pronounsPlural is
true>>contemplate<<else>>contemplates<</if>>
this challenge, a single question remains: what will become of the
<b>Astrial</b> and <b>Diradan
Tower?</b><</if>>
<span class="proceed"><<link "→" "Episode 3
Pause">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><<timed
1s>><<goto "DEMO END PUBLIC">><<set $areaname
to " Episode III: Mahanin Palace">><<set $gamechapter to
3>><</timed>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Level Up</span>
You have <b>$skillpoints skill point(s)</b> remaining.
<span class="heading">Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<if $skillpoints is 3>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP 2][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 2>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP 2][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Strength
+1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP 2][$strength +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$agility +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$perception +=1, $skillpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|EPISODE 2 LEVEL UP
2][$persuasion +=1, $skillpoints
-=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<elseif
$skillpoints is 0>><center><<button 'Start Episode
III' 'EPISODE 3
SAVE'>><</button>></center><</if>><<set
$veyer_impression +=1, $umbria_impression +=1>>Oshiro’s mouth
twists with a nasty sneer. Beside him, Veyer lets out a cackling laugh
and raps their fingers against the table, <<if $veyer_impression
<=1>>regarding you with newfound… respect? Admiration? Glee?
You’re not sure what it is. You can’t make sense of the elf at
all.<<else>>regarding you with satisfied delight. You pause,
hesitant to respond. Veyer has taken a shining to you, but you don’t
know why. You can’t make sense of the elf at all.<</if>>
Across the table, Quinn rests her elbows on the surface and rolls her
eyes, staring at the ceiling.
<<if $umbria_impression <=1>>Umbria regards you steadily.
Maybe you’re imagining it, but she looks almost… approving. As if your
sharp tongue has done something to improve her perception of
you.<<else>>Umbria fixes you with a steady look, a faint
smile on her lips. Maybe you imagined it, but she almost seems to find
your retort amusing.<</if>>
“And I hold to that,” she says conclusively, cutting off all further
interruptions. “Protest all you want, Archsage Oshiro, but I do not hold
the same objections as you.”
The dwarf grimaces and falls silent, doing little to hide his
displeasure.
“Wayfarer $lastname,” Umbria continues, turning to address you. “You
asked why we seek the Astrial, how we intend to use it once it is in our
hands. The answer, as with anything Lethalis seeks to accomplish, is
complex. I’m uncertain what was taught at the Spire, how much your
masters cared about ancient relics, so I must ask: do you know what the
Diradan Astrial is?”
Beside you, Aeran shifts uncomfortably in his seat. His brows draw
together in a deep crease and his mouth moves inaudibly, as if he is
about to interject. At the last moment, he brushes it off and quietly
slumps back in his chair, arms folded tight across his chest as he waits
for Umbria to continue.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHQUEST AST UMBRIA
EXP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<melchiorDisapp>>He
pauses, a slight frown on his lips. “I don’t need to,” he says
witheringly. “But I’ll take it under advisement.”
“Great.”
“I don’t usually accept the criticisms of others—regardless of whether
they are made in good or bad faith.”
“Good for you.”
“But I’ll do so this time. Consider it a toast to our burgeoning
friendship.”
You nearly choke. “Our what?”
He smirks, his eyes gleaming, and a wide smile spreads across his face.
“You should know I was hoping you would seek me out again, $firstname,”
he says.
You press your lips together and narrowly avoid rolling your eyes.
“Sure. Why? Does this have something to do with our //burgeoning
friendship?”//
“It can, if you like. My night became intolerably dull after you left.
<<if $last_location is 1>>Shame our earlier encounter was
cut so tragically short. I enjoyed it.<<else>>I enjoyed our
earlier encounter.<</if>>”
You thread your fingers together and keep your eyes on the dark horizon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-REG]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Trust me, I wouldn’t be talking to
you if I had a choice. You just happen to be the least insufferable
person here.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Ugh…”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8D]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
turns to face you and leans an elbow against the balustrade. “Because
your business is your own, not mine,” he says. You can just make out the
tips of his sharply pointed teeth gleaming in the terrace lights. “But I
welcome the conversation. I admit, I had hoped you would return.
<<if $last_location is 1>>Our earlier encounter was cut so
tragically short. I enjoyed it.”<<else>>I enjoyed our
earlier encounter.<</if>>”
You thread your fingers together and keep your eyes on the dark horizon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $phaedra_favour is 1>>[[1. “Even
though I gave you up to Phaedra?”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8A-REG]]<<else>><s>1. Conditional story
requirements have not been met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “So did I.”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8B][$melchiorapp to Math.clamp($melchiorapp + 5, 5, 95)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Trust me, I wouldn’t be talking to
you if I had a choice. You just happen to be the least insufferable
person here.”|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Ugh…”|CHAPTER 2.5
MEL8D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>“Sure.”
Kit grins and crawls, once more, across her protesting friend. She
snatches a second reed from the woman on the sofa and shoves it into
your hands. Flashing you a satisfied smile, she leans back on her elbows
and takes a long drag. Her eyelids flutter deliriously and she
disappears into a cloud of smoke.
You shrug and follow suit.
<<if $gender is "male" or $gender is "female">>“Good
$child,”<<else>>“Good kid,”<</if>> Kit says
languidly, flopping onto the floor. Her black ringlets spread out around
her head like a halo. “So, you’re a Wayfarer, huh?”
<<if $lilac_wayfarer is true>>You exhale a puff of smoke.
“Yeah.”
She wriggles on the floor, smiling giddily. “You’re lucky, you know.
Melchior doesn’t interest himself in just
anyone.”<<else>>You exhale a puff of smoke. “How’d you know
that?”
<<if $hand_broken is true>>She points at your splint. “Most
folk don’t go around with one of those,” she
says,<<else>>She giggles. “Talk,” she
says,<</if>> wriggling on the floor, trying to find a
comfortable position. “Besides, Melchior doesn’t interest himself in
just anyone.”<</if>>
It could be your imagination, but she sounds a little jealous.
“Figures.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Kit stretches her arms above her head, dangling the reed
between her fingers. “It’s a shame,” she says. “Do you know how many
company members would fuck him if they had a chance? But no! Rules are
rules.”
You yawn. “What rules?” you ask. It’s nice to just sit here, talking
about nothing. This is the most relaxed you’ve been all day…
She rolls over onto her stomach and brushes a curtain of hair out of her
face. “Simple,” she says. “He doesn’t sleep with his actors. Not since
Lyrian, anyway. Bastard. That was //years// ago.”
//Lyrian?//
That’s not a name you recognize. What was the other one you heard?
Vesepia?
Kit sticks the reed in her mouth and pats the floor beside you,
beckoning you to join her. She moves her hand in a circle, her palm
rustling against the coarse fabric of the rug. The slender rings on her
fingers catch the rough threads, pulling one loose.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>“Who’s
Vesepia?” you ask.
She buries her head beneath a pillow and groans loudly. “Stupid, that’s
who…”
“Tell me,” you insist, taking another drag.
She blows a raspberry and resurfaces from beneath the pillow. “She heads
the Lilac Company. One third of it, anyways.”
“…Lilac Company?”
“Us!” She gestures, throwing her hands about her in a wide circle.
“This! You saw us tonight, yes? It wasn’t very good, was it? I play the
best Tamara ard Vestillion this side of the Lotharic, but gods, is it
//dull…”//
She chatters on for several minutes, jumping sporadically from one idea
to the next with nothing to connect her thoughts together as you finish
your reeds. It’s not long before you decide she’s far too delirious to
continue this conversation. Eyes a little blurred and head a little
dazed, you get to your feet and pick your way across the lounge.
It’s time you went back.
<<unset $textGroup>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER
2.5 ALONE IN
APARTMENT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will not consume any recreational drugs. All subsequent story
moments involving dreamweed will default to $himher refusing without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mc_dreamweed to false, $mc_smoking to
false>><<goto "CHAPTER 2.5 PARTY 5 DREAMWEED
DECLINE">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><<if
$option is 1>><<melchiorApp>>Melchior smirks, mirth
dancing in his eyes.
It takes you a moment to realize he was joking. “Funny,” you say,
<<if $melchiorapp <=49>>rolling your
eyes.<<else>>trying to suppress a smile.<</if>>
He exhales softly and spreads his hands across the balustrade, leaning
into it. “Your night has not gone as expected,” he says quietly. “Has
it?”<<elseif $option is
2>><<melchiorRomance>>Sputtering laughter bubbles up
inside you and spills across your lips, escaping uncontrollably.
Melchior watches, eyes dancing gleefully, as you hang onto the
balustrade for dear life, your body shaking.
Chuckling to himself, he spreads his hands across the balustrade and
leans into it. “Your night has not gone as expected,” he says once
you’ve quieted yourself. “Has it?”<<else>>Melchior chuckles,
his eyes dancing with mirth.
Keeping up the pretense, you roll your eyes and lean against the
balustrade. He exhales softly and steps towards you, taking up a similar
position as you stare out at the grounds below.
“Your night has not gone as expected,” he says after a moment. “Has
it?”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2.5 MEL
1A-2B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
elf whistles. “A Brightblade?” they say. “Where the hell did you hear
that?”
“Allegra Arantir,” you reply.
Wood scrapes against wood as Oshiro’s chair flies backwards. He rises to
his feet, chest pressed against the table’s edge, hands splayed against
the surface. “Gods damn it,” he curses, breathing heavily. “You better
not be lying, Wayfarer, or by Belennor—”
Quinn blows out a sharp breath. “By all means, Oshiro, threaten to do
violence against the magianis mercenary,” she says, folding her arms. “I
see that ending well.”
He snorts, his expression growing darker by the minute. “Scoff all you
want, we’d be fools not to question the validity of $hisher statement—”
“Validity?” Zenaida says. “$lastname is a consummate professional.
$HeShe <<has>> no reason to lie when we are the ones who
hold the purse strings—”
Discord erupts around you as a dispute engulfs the meeting. Across the
table, Ashani closes their eyes, their lips pursing into a disapproving,
fine line. Umbria stands in silence, ignoring the heated argument. She
barely flinched when you mentioned Allegra.
Your mind races. Aren’t they supposed to be rivals? Surely that would
get some kind of reaction from her?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 LETHMC ASTRALLEGRA 02
CONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mc_aeran_garden to true>>“Please, Aeran. I don’t want to do
this—”
“Do what? I’m not the one who started this. You did.”
Desperation tears at your heart. You can feel him breaking away from
you—<<if $aeranapp >=60>>and you don’t know whether
there’s anything you can say to stop him.<<else>>and you
don’t know whether you have it in you to stop him.<</if>>
“I’m sorry—”
“Are you? It doesn’t ever matter what anyone else wants as long as you
get what //you’re// after.”
“It’s not like that—”
<<nobr>>“Isn’t it?” He laughs harshly, the sound alien to
your ears. But there’s something strange to the way he speaks, as if he
is forcing the words out. Though he is looking at you with sheer
contempt, there’s something in his eyes… something that doesn’t feel
right.
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL INJURED") or
hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE FAIL-INJURED") or hasVisited("Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN")>>“Remember Kane? You would have died in Rat
Alley if it wasn’t for me.
<<else>>“How you made it on your own for three years is
beyond me.<</if>>
The truth is you need me more than I need you, you always
do—”<</nobr>>
The knife in your gut twists. “I didn’t fucking need you when we dealt
with the Count, now did I? I was doing pretty well on my own until //you
shot me.”//
He pales and reels back, his eyes wide with shock. Whatever state of
mind had taken him over retreats, leaving him hollow and horrified.
“$firstname,” he croaks. “I—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” you hiss. “Fuck off.”
Carried on the wings of your anger, you storm from the garden without a
backwards look. Your footsteps echo solemnly in your ears as you make
your way back to the main gallery, painfully forlorn without Aeran’s to
accompany him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 2 SCENE 5
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="storyversion2"><<patch>></div>
<span class="chaptertitle-center">Your Journey Will
Continue...</span>
You have reached the end of <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span>’s public build. Progress
saved on this page will not be transferred over.
If you have not recently saved, please re-load your autosave and make a
save when prompted. It is highly recommended that you use <b>Save
to Disk</b> to download your saves to your device as backup to
your browser saves. They can be loaded into the game using <b>Load
from Disk.</b>
Episode III is currently in development. The first scene of the episode
will be available to play on <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span>’s alpha build in late
August.
<span class="heading">Join the Community</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span> has an official
Discord server. Check out the community tab on the game’s front page for
more information.
<span class="heading">Report a Bug</span>
Encountered a bug? You can file a report through the <a
href="https://forms.gle/MA1HkDxAhp9PjXrE8" target="_blank">official
bug report form.</a>
<span class="heading">Support the Game</span>
If you enjoyed the game, please consider supporting
<i>Wayfarer’s</i> development on <b><a
href="https://www.patreon.com/idrellegames"
title="patreon.com/idrellegames"
target="_blank">Patreon!</a></b> Patrons get early access
to in-development episodes, behind-the-scenes looks at the game, coding
and writing tutorials, private channels in the Discord server, and
other perks.
Thanks for playing!
<blockquote><span class="idrellegames">~ IDRELLE
GAMES</span></blockquote><<nobr>><<set
$nav to 1>><<liveblock>><div
class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">
<<if $nav is 1>><span
class="journal-active">People</span><<else>><<link
'People'>><<set $nav to
1>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 2>><span
class="journal-active">Locations</span><<else>><<link
'Locations'>><<set $nav to
2>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 3>><span class="journal-active">History
& Lore</span><<else>><<link 'History &
Lore'>><<set $nav to
3>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 4>><span
class="journal-active">Magic</span><<else>><<link
'Magic'>><<set $nav to
4>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 5>><span
class="journal-active">Bestiary</span><<else>><<link
'Bestiary'>><<set $nav to
5>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 6>><span
class="journal-active">Letters</span><<else>><<link
'Letters'>><<set $nav to
6>><<update>><</link>><</if>></span></center></div><</liveblock>><</nobr>>
Over
the years you have collected notes on various people, places and items
of interest. You should review your notes every so often—you might
remember something important or learn something new.
<<liveblock>><<if $nav is 1>><<include
"People">>
<<elseif $nav is 2>><<include "Locations">>
<<elseif $nav is 3>><<include "History">>
<<elseif $nav is 4>><<include "Magic">>
<<elseif $nav is 5>><<include "Bestiary">>
<<elseif $nav is 6>><<include
"Letters">><</if>><</liveblock>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Aeran Kellis</span>
<<link '<img src="images/aeranportrait.jpg" title="Click to
View" class="codex"
width="30%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/aeranportrait.jpg" width="60%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>>I’m
sure I don’t need to go through the events of how we met. Looking back,
I think he was just as scared as I was. Two kids travelling up a
mountain in a cart, knowing we were headed towards something but not
knowing <i>what</i>. I still remember looking at the night
sky and seeing the southern lights for the first time.
Aeran is an elf from Tyridia, Artanis. He grew up in close proximity to
the Wayfarer Order as they would often stop and resupply in the city
before travelling further north. Many things about the Order that came
as a surprise to me were common knowledge to him. He’s very tight-lipped
about his childhood, but I know he was orphaned young and spent time on
the streets before he was taken in by someone called the Artificer. A
rune engineer. I don’t know much about him, other than he was vocally
nonreligious.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>It’s a little unconventional that
Brissa Varyn chose to train both of us. I remember she had such a fight
with Grandmaster Sero about that. Wayfarer masters do not take more than
one apprentice at a time, but she was insistent she train both of us.
Something about our combined potential, I don’t know. Sero relented,
eventually. Or Brissa wore him down.
We take after her, albeit in different ways. Aeran inherited her skill
with a bow; I’d say he even surpasses her. I’ve never met anyone who can
shoot with such speed and pinpoint accuracy from any distance. I, on
the other hand, inherited her talent for diplomacy (or manipulation, as
Cenric would call it). Aeran’s too straight forward for that. He used to
butt heads with Varyn quite a bit when it came to finding diplomatic
approaches.<<else>>While at the Spire, he trained with
Brissa Varyn. He’s not much like her, although he did inherit her skill
with a bow. I’ve never met anyone who can shoot with such speed and
pinpoint accuracy from any distance. She tried to teach him her
diplomacy skills (or manipulation, as Cenric would call it), but he’s
too straightforward for that. He used to butt heads with her all the
time about that.<</if>>
We had minimal contact in the years after graduation. He travelled
everywhere, rarely staying in the same spot for more than a few months.
I’d hear about him now and again. He restored a cursed village in the
Coveran Republic and captured and detained a serial murderer in Vestra.
He was at the Spire during the summit. He won’t talk about it, even five
years later. I think something happened there that changed him. There
are parts of him that are still very much the same—he’s still bright and
cheery, he still won’t hesitate to crack a joke or poke some fun at
you—but there’s a darkness there now, under the
surface.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Alexia Antonis</span>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Ren Varadon</span>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Calla Tormond</span>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Melchior Larkspur</span>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Nelani an'Zoraia</span>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Felix Navorre</span>
FORTHCOMING
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Rindan Cenric</span>
I think it’s safe to say that, for good or ill, Cenric changed my life.
When I think about how I came into his custody, it’s hard to know
whether I hold resentment for him or not. He took me away from my home,
from my life, but in the process gave me something
<i>better</i>.
It’s… complicated. And I think he understands that. He’s well over two
centuries old. The world has changed drastically over the course of his
lifetime. He’s searched for and recruited so many Wayfarers, changed so
many lives. He maintains all the records, researches the Order’s
history, does everything he can to learn about the Order’s past while
carving out its future. He is, in some ways, the embodiment of the
Order, even though he’s never been grandmaster.
I remember the first time I went to his study in the Spire. It’s a
memorable room – stained-glass windows that face a dramatic mountain
view. Bookcases lining the walls. Numerous books and scrolls,
meticulously catalogued. Maps, new and old, framed and hung on the wall.
But the thing that stood out to me was the collection of canvases. They
are old and faded with age, some of them over a hundred years old. They
depict mythological creatures, princesses, knights and warriors, all
from the hands and mind of a child. Gifts from previous students, when
they were young. Children who were raised in the Order’s care. Some who
went on to become Wayfarers. Others who left to pursue a life elsewhere.
<<if $master is "Cenric">>He was a good teacher. Underneath
all the surliness, he is kind and patient. No pretentiousness, no
extravagance – he is painfully straightforward. I learned my trade from
him, and I am thankful.
As with Sero, I have heard nothing of him since the fall of the Spire.
If Cenric is alive, I don’t know why he hasn’t attempted to contact me.
Maybe that means…
No. He’s alive. I’m sure of it.<<else>>I haven’t heard
anything of him since the fall of the
Spire.<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Brissa Varyn</span>
Brissa Varyn is unique among Wayfarer masters in that she came to the
Order as an adult. Though this happens from time to time – the Order
will accept anyone who was born without magic, regardless of age – it is
not common. No one knows much about the life she lived prior to the
joining the Order. She rarely speaks of it, preferring to leave it
shrouded in mystery. There are rampant rumours, of course, but they
should be taken with a grain of salt.
What I do know is that she is from a noble elven family in Vestra. With
her family’s aid, she disguised her lack of magic through the subtle use
of alchemy and spent years – decades, even – undetected. She worked as a
diplomat for the Vestran royal family, travelling to major cities and
rubbing shoulders with the elite. When her magical immunity was
discovered, she was stripped of her title and thrown in prison, only to
break out and seek out the Wayfarer Order.
Varyn is the Order’s diplomat. She is the one who negotiates with other
guilds around the world, who represents the Order in the halls of kings
and emperors. She stands by the belief that communication between two
conflicting parties must always be attempted before resorting to
violence. Though she is a talented archer and warrior, she can talk her
way through even the most difficult of encounters.
<<if $master is "Varyn">>She fought hard to train both me
and Aeran. She saw something in us, potential of some kind she refused
to lose. She fought Grandmaster Sero on that front and eventually they
conceded. She was a good teacher. Attentive, but not afraid to challenge
us. Aeran butted heads with her on many fronts, but still, he respects
her and her teachings greatly.<<else>>She trained Aeran,
seeing potential in him. Though he butted heads with her on many fronts,
he always said she was a good teacher. He respects her
greatly.<</if>>
Since the fall of the Spire, Varyn has disappeared. She suspected
someone was pulling the strings and coordinated the attack on our home.
No one has heard from her since she began her investigation and headed
to Erenvor, the Imperial capital.
I don’t know whether she’s alive or dead.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Amali Sero</span>
I don’t know how to explain Grandmaster Sero. They are the kind of
person you need to meet and then come to your own conclusions. They are
extravagant. Eccentric. Excessive. Brilliant. While Varyn would say they
are shrewd and not to be fooled by their crude demeanour, Cenric would
say they are infuriatingly talented and let it drop there.
It’s been two decades and I still don’t quite understand the rivalry
between Cenric and Sero. From what I’ve heard, they were a prodigy,
swiftly rising through the Order until they were appointed to
grandmaster. Being human, Sero is considerably younger than many other
Wayfarers (although they don’t look it – I believe they are in their
sixties now). Maybe Cenric holds that against them. Despite Sero’s
talents, Cenric has been with the Order for over two centuries.
Though I suppose none of that matters now.
<<if $master is "Sero">>Other Wayfarers said it was an
honour to be hand-picked by the Grandmaster. They were a demanding,
challenging teacher, with little patience. While elements of that
reputation were true, I don’t think they were to the degree I was told.
Sero was difficult, yes. They pushed me when I needed to be pushed. They
challenged me when I needed to be challenged. But they are not without
compassion. I learned everything I know from them. I would not be who I
am without their training.<<else>>Sero’s reputation at the
Spire was of a demanding teacher with little patience. I don’t know if
this reputation holds true as no one trained beneath them while I was
there. I don’t think they have much interest in training younger
generations. They are focused on the world beyond the Spire’s
walls.<</if>>
<<if $master is "Sero">>As with Cenric, I have heard nothing
of Sero since the fall of the Spire. If they are alive, I don't know
why they haven’t attempted to contact me. Maybe that means...
No. They’re alive. I’m sure of it.<<else>>I haven’t heard
anything of the Grandmaster since the fall of the
Spire.<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Humans</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Humans are the most common and diverse sentient
beings<sup>[1]</sup> in the world. Archeological evidence
indicates that ancient humans may have originated in Rhesainia, in and
around the Lotharic Sea and its surrounding regions.
Human physiology is diverse. Like dwarves, skin shades and hair colours
range from very dark to very pale neutral shades. Brown is the most
common eye colour, but other common colours include black, hazel, green,
blue and grey. Facial and body hair appears on individuals of any
gender. Their lifespans are relatively short compared to dwarves, elves
and melusine, ranging between eighty and a hundred years.
Barring Calantha and other countries in proximity to the Maribian Basin,
humans live in most areas of the world. Artefacts from ancient humans
are found all over the world, supporting the theory that they have been
inclined to migration and they may have explored more readily and
eagerly than ancient dwarves or the Eleneids.
<span class="codexheading">Notes on Mixed Ancestry</span>
Humans are compatible with other sentient beings, barring some melusine.
Half-humans<sup>[2]</sup> tend to assume the physical
traits of their non-human parent. For example, an individual with human
and melusine ancestry may have skin, hair and eye colours that do not
occur naturally in humans. Half-humans may have longer or shorter
natural lifespans than their human parent.
<i><sup>[1]</sup> “Sentient being” is used here as an
all-encompassing term for humans, dwarves, elves, melusine, aeda, and
any individuals of mixed ancestry. In the past, the term “humanoid” has
been used as a descriptor. However, the term is considered outdated at
best and offensive at worst as it assumes that humans occupy a natural
state to which all other species must be compared.</i>
<i><sup>[2]</sup> How a person of mixed ancestry
identifies differs greatly from person to person and culture to culture.
For the sake of clarity, I use the term “half-human” here to refer to
any person with one human parent and one non-human
parent.</i><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Dwarves</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Dwarves are among the most common and diverse sentient beings in the
world. Archeological evidence indicates that ancient dwarves—also known
as the Dwarvennar—may have originated in Vergelnar, though eventually
they migrated to many parts of the world.
Dwarven physiology is diverse. Like humans, skin shades and hair colours
encompass a range from very dark to very pale neutral shades. Brown is
the most common eye colour, but other common colours include amber and
orange.
It is uncommon for dwarven hair to turn completely grey or white with
age, though older dwarves will accumulate streaks where pigment has been
lost. Dwarven hair is thick and dense, and grows very quickly. Facial
and body hair appears on individuals of any gender.
Compared to humans, elves, melusine and aeda, dwarves are naturally
short. On average, they are no shorter than four and a half feet and no
taller than five feet, but there are exceptions. They have naturally
high endurance and can travel on foot for much longer distances than
other sentient beings. They are particularly resilient and have an
enhanced natural resistance, making them immune to most diseases and
toxins. Like humans, dwarves cannot physically enter the Maribian Basin
without dire consequences.
Dwarves are exceptionally long-lived, with the average life span ranging
between 250 and 300 years. Their long life spans have a strong societal
impact and has led to the development of closed dwarven communities. As
a result, nations with predominantly dwarven populations, such as
Farandor, often only allow dwarves to enter politics.
<span class="codexheading">Notes on Mixed Ancestry</span>
Dwarves are compatible with other sentient beings, barring some
melusine. Half-dwarves<sup>[1]</sup> tend to assume the
physical traits of their dwarven parent, particularly height.
Half-dwarves may have a shorter lifespan than their dwarven parent, but
most half-dwarves live well into their second century.
<i><sup>[1]</sup> How a person of mixed ancestry
identifies differs greatly from person to person and culture to culture.
For the sake of clarity, I use the term “half-dwarf” here to refer to
any person with one dwarven parent and one non-dwarven
parent.</i><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Elves</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Elves are the most common of the sentient beings of Eleneid
descent<sup>[1]</sup>. Archaeological evidence supports that
ancient elves may have first separated from the melusine and the aeda
in the Maribian Basin.
Elven physiology is diverse. Like all Eleneids, their ears are
distinctively pointed. Ears vary in size, length and shape, with some
ears smaller and closer to the head and others long and extended.
Unlike other Eleneids, elven skin shades and hair colours range from
very dark to very pale neutral shades. This is reminiscent of dwarven
and human characteristics, which may imply that modern elves may share
more common ancestry with dwarves and humans than their melusine and
aeda counterparts. Facial and body hair appears on individuals of any
gender.
Gold is one of the most common elven eye colours, and others include
green, blue, violet, red, and brown. Their eyesight is particularly
sharp and most elves and half-elves can see in the dark.
Elves are long-lived, with their average lifespans ranging between 160
and 180 years.
Elves live in all areas of the world, though the largest populations are
found in Istaran. Calantha boasts a population that is almost entirely
elven, as the Maribian Basin prevents humans and dwarves from crossing
its borders and its dense rainforests are unfavourable to many melusine
and aeda. Mathara, an independent pirate nation in the Dravaden Isles,
is also almost entirely comprised of elves.
<span class="codexheading">Notes on Mixed Ancestry</span>
Elves are compatible with other sentient beings, barring some melusine.
Half-elves<sup>[2]</sup> tend to assume the physical traits
of their elven parent, particularly the pointed ears and night vision.
Half-elves tend to have a shorter lifespan than their elven parent, but
many of them live well past 100.
<i><sup>[1]</sup> The Eleneids. Ancient sentient
beings who are the progenitors of elves, melusine and aeda. Remnants of
their advanced civilization can be found throughout the world, but are
primarily concentrated in western Istaran and south-eastern Erethar. For
more information, see page 66.</i>
<i><sup>[2]</sup> How a person of mixed ancestry
identifies differs greatly from person to person and culture to culture.
For the sake of clarity, I use the term “half-elf” here to refer to any
person with one elven parent and one non-elven
parent.</i><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Melusine</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Melusine are rare<sup>[1]</sup> aquatic sentient beings of
Eleneid descent. It is unknown when ancient melusine may have first
separated from ancient elves and aeda<sup>[2]</sup>, but
archaeological evidence supports that the species we know today as
melusine first originated off the coast of Sathir.
Melusine biodiversity exceeds that of all other sentient beings. There
are many subspecies that are categorized as melusine, even though they
are physiologically distinct. However, there are several distinct traits
that appear across all subspecies of melusine.
Like other Eleneids, all melusine have pointed ears. Their hands (and
sometimes feet) are webbed, though the amount of webbing depends on the
subspecies. Their nails are long, thick and hard, sometimes described as
“claw-like”. Some subspecies have fish tails (some in the singular
variety, others with two), while others have scaled legs. Scales may
extend onto their torsos and arms. Some melusine may have
natural-occurring patterns or marks in their skin, particularly on their
faces. This pattern takes on a darker, more concentrated pigmentation
compared to the rest of their skin.
Many melusine may have coloured sclera (including black) and their eyes
are bright. Colouring of skin, scale, hair and eyes can vary from bright
patterns to subdued shades of all hues.
Regardless of distinct physiology, all melusine can breathe underwater,
though not all can breathe air. It is a common misconception that they
have gills, like a fish, but this is incorrect. In addition, they can
see underwater and have decent night vision.
<span class="codexheading">Melusine Subspecies</span>
<span class="codexaccent">Ikat</span>
Ikat melusine live in the polar regions of the world. They can sometimes
be found off the coast of Farandor and Artanis, in the waters of the
Shattered Sea. They have pronounced fangs and webbed hands, and
powerful, single tails. Their tails, torsos and parts of their arms are
scaled.
Skin, scale, hair and eye colours are typically coordinated and often
black, dark grey or deep blue. Ikat melusine are much larger than their
tropical and fresh-water counterparts, and often have round, wide faces
and bodies.
They do not typically communicate with the surface.
<span class="codexaccent">Ayadan</span>
Ayadan melusine live in tropical waters. Their cities and settlements
are built on continental shelves, typically off the coast of islands.
They are among the most common melusine in contact with the surface
world and are particularly concentrated around Naro, the Dravaden Isles,
and Corsida.
Ayadans are diverse in skin, scale, hair and eye colours. Colours can
range the full spectrum of the rainbow, with some of the most common
colour combinations including crimson, coral, green, purple and
turquoise. Yellow eyes are very common.
Aside from their ability to breathe underwater, Ayadan physiology is
comparable to elves. Their legs are typically scaled and the scales may
extend up their torso and to their chest. They are compatible with other
sentient beings.
<span class="codexaccent">Atheiran</span>
Atheiran melusine live in tropical waters, typically alongside their
Ayadan brethren. They are very similar in terms of colouring and
physiology, with one notable exception: Atheiran Melusine have fish
tails in the place of legs.
<span class="codexaccent">Ati</span>
Ati melusine live in the deep ocean, at the bottom of the ocean basin.
Like the Ikat, they have pronounced fangs and webbed hands, and
powerful, single tails. Their tails, torsos and parts of their arms are
scaled. Skin, scale, hair and eye colours are typically pale (often
white or silver) and translucent. Many emanate a soft silver light.
They do not typically communicate with the surface as they cannot
breathe air.
<span class="codexaccent">Theita</span>
Theitan melusine live in freshwater lakes and rivers. They are unique
among melusine as they spend their time equally on land and in water.
Their skin, scale, hair and eye colours are typically softer and cooler
than their oceanic counterparts, with soft blues, greens and browns
among the most common colours. Their fangs and webbing are far less
pronounced.
Like the Ayadans, Theitan physiology is comparable to elves and they
have scaled legs. They are compatible with other sentient beings.
Regardless of subspecies, all melusine have incredibly long lifespans.
Some Ayadan, Atheiran and Theitan melusine on record are over seven
hundred years old and all died due to external forces. Due to difficulty
in reaching Ikat and Ati melusine, their average lifespans are unknown.
It is possible melusine could live to be well over a thousand years.
There are many melusine who have migrated from their underwater
settlements to live on the surface. This is particularly common with
Ayadan and Theitan melusine, who can integrate easily with surface
society. Most major cities in the world, such as Velantis, Corsida and
Ailan, have pockets of well-established melusine communities. Some
residents have lived on the surface for many centuries.
<span class="codexheading">Notes on Mixed Ancestry</span>
Only Ayadan and Theitan melusine are compatible with other sentient
beings. Half-melusine<sup>[3]</sup> tend to overwhelmingly
assume the physical traits of their melusine parent, particularly
unusual skin, hair and eye colours, alongside pointed ears and fangs.
While half-melusine cannot breathe underwater, they can hold their
breath for a highly extended period of time. Though they do not tend to
inherit their melusine parent’s night vision, they are able to see
clearly underwater.
Half-melusine have greatly extended lifespans compared to their
non-melusine parent, but lifespan may differ greatly from individual to
individual.
//<sup>[1]</sup> I do not use the term “rare” here to denote
scarcity or to imply that the melusine are on the verge of extinction. I
use it simply to denote that, comparatively on a global scale, melusine
populations are much smaller than human, dwarven, and elven
populations. However, as many melusine live in inaccessible areas deep
within oceans, lakes and rivers, a true count of their total population
is unknown.
<sup>[2]</sup> This occurrence is known as the Elenerium
Shift.
<sup>[3]</sup> How a person of mixed ancestry identifies
differs greatly from person to person and culture to culture. For the
sake of clarity, I use the term “half-melusine” here to refer to any
person with one melusine parent and one non-melusine
parent.//<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Aeda</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Aeda are rare winged sentient beings of Eleneid
descent<sup>[1]</sup>. It is unknown when ancient aeda may
have first separated from ancient elves and melusine, but archaeological
evidence supports that the species we know today as aeda originated in
the Gairloch Mountains, near Aos.
Aeda biodiversity is quite extensive. There are three major subspecies
with similar, but distinct physiologies. Regardless, there are several
traits that are present across all subspecies of aeda.
Like all Eleneids, aeda have pointed ears. Their nails are long, sharp,
and curved, sometimes described as “talon-like”. Some aeda living in
close proximity to humans, dwarves, and elves will file them down. Skin
tones are in the same range as human, dwarves, and elves, ranging from
very dark to very pale neutrals. However, their hair and eye colours are
typically distinct and take on metallic and jewel-toned hues.
Their most distinctive feature are their wings, which sprout from their
mid to upper backs. Wings can take on a variety of types, dependent on
an aeda’s subspecies. Aeda often learn to fly before they learn to walk.
Aside from their wings, all aeda have crests. These naturally-occurring
facial markings appear around their eyes and forehead, and grow in size
and colour as an aeda ages. Crests appear in a wide range of patterns
and shapes, ranging from distinctive spirals, to lines that resemble
lightning, to specks that resemble freckles. Crest colour typically
matches an aeda’s hair or eye colour<sup>[2]</sup>.
Aeda are known for their excellent hearing, which far outstrips the
capabilities of other sentient species.
<span class="codexheading">Aeda Subspecies</span>
<span class="codexaccent">Arinna</span>
Arinnans live primarily in the mountainous regions of Istaran and
Rhesainia. They are usually quite tall and have average to large builds.
Their wings are feathered and they have the largest wingspan of all
aeda. Hair colours are predominantly black, dark brown, metallic gold or
bronze. The most common eye colours are gold and bronze.
<span class="codexaccent">Syna</span>
Synans live primarily in the mountainous regions of Vergelnar. They are
typically of medium height and build. Their wings are feathered and
smaller than their Arinnan counterparts. White and silver are the
predominant hair colours and the most common eye colours are silver and
violet.
<span class="codexaccent">Asteria</span>
Asterians typically live in forested areas across the globe. They are of
small to medium builds, but with a large wingspan. Unlike their
counterparts, Asterian aeda wings are membranous and often compared to
butterfly wings. Asterian wings are brightly coloured and patterned,
typically in jewel-tones that complement the aeda’s hair, crest and eye
colour.
Jewel-tones for hair and eye colour are extremely common in Asterians.
Greens, blues, and violets that mimic emeralds, sapphires and amethysts
are all common. Some Asterian aeda have pearlescent hair and wings that
shift colour in the light.
Regardless of subspecies, all aeda have comparatively short lifespans
compared to other sentient beings. Many aeda are reported to have an
expected lifespan of 60 to 80 years.
Due to their location, many aeda cities are inaccessible without aid.
However, there are many aeda who have migrated from their homes to live
among humans, dwarves, elves, and melusine. Many major cities in the
world, such as Velantis and Varthrandir, boast small aeda communities
that have been established for centuries.
<span class="codexheading">Notes on Mixed Ancestry</span>
Aeda are compatible with other sentient beings.
Half-aeda<sup>[3]</sup> tend to overwhelmingly assume the
physical traits of their aeda parent, with one notable exception:
half-aeda never inherit wings or night vision. They do, however, inherit
crests and their aeda affinity for otherwise unusual hair and eye
colour. Half-aeda often have the same enhanced hearing as their aeda
parent.
A half-aeda’s lifespan will primarily be affected by their non-aeda
parent. While they live longer than most aeda, by how many decades can
change drastically depending on whether they have human, dwarven, elven
or melusine ancestry. It differs greatly from individual to individual.
<i><sup>[1]</sup> I do not use the term “rare” here to
denote scarcity or to imply that the aeda are on the verge of
extinction. I use it simply to denote that, comparatively on a global
scale, aeda populations are much smaller than human, dwarven, and elven
populations.</i>
<i><sup>[2]</sup> In some aeda cultures, such as Aos
or Aurai, crests are enhanced with tattooing and piercing
practices.</i>
<i><sup>[3]</sup> How a person of mixed ancestry
identifies differs greatly from person to person and culture to culture.
For the sake of clarity, I use the term “half-aeda” here to refer to
any person with one aeda parent and one non-aeda
parent.</i><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="letters">5 Starfall, 1247
<<if $master is "Varyn">>$firstname,
By all stars and fortune, I hope this letter finds you.
Five days ago, at the height of the summit, a mob of militia from the
neighbouring villages attacked the Spire. They broke through the gate,
set the courtyard aflame… killed and maimed any they could set their
hands on. We fought, but we were not enough to stem the tide.
The Spire has fallen.
The survivors have dispersed into the wilderness for now. Last week I
was aggrieved when you did not return to headquarters for the summit,
but now I am relieved.
It is by this strange fortune that you have survived. I beg you, do not
return to the Spire. Not for revenge, not for closure. It is no longer
safe for our kind.
Something – or someone – sinister is at work. I believe someone else may
have pulled the militia’s strings. I am travelling to Erenvor to
investigate. Do not follow me. If anything comes of this, I will contact
you when the time is right.
Be well.
Brissa
<<elseif $master is "Sero">>$firstname,
By all stars and fortune, I hope this letter finds you.
Five days ago, at the height of the summit, a mob of militia from the
neighbouring villages attacked the Spire. They broke through the gate,
set the courtyard aflame… killed and maimed any they could set their
hands on. We fought, but we were not enough to stem the tide.
The Spire has fallen.
The survivors have dispersed into the wilderness for now. If the
Grandmaster lives, I do not know where they have gone. Sero was quite
aggrieved when you did not return for the summit, but now I am sure they
are relieved.
It is by this strange fortune that you have survived. I beg you, do not
return to the Spire. Not for revenge, not even to search for Sero. It is
no longer safe for our kind.
Something – or someone – sinister is at work. I believe someone else may
have pulled the militia’s strings. I am travelling to Erenvor to
investigate. I heed you—do not step foot in the capital. If anything
comes of this, I will contact you when the time is right.
Live well,
Brissa Varyn<<else>>$firstname,
By all stars and fortune, I hope this letter finds you.
Five days ago, at the height of the summit, a mob of militia from the
neighbouring villages attacked the Spire. They broke through the gate,
set the courtyard aflame… killed and maimed any they could set their
hands on. We fought, but we were not enough to stem the tide.
The Spire has fallen.
The survivors have dispersed into the wilderness for now. If your former
master lives, I do not know where he has gone. Cenric was quite
aggrieved when you did not return for the summit, but now I am sure he
is relieved.
It is by this strange fortune that you have survived. I beg you, do not
return to the Spire. Not for revenge, not even to search for Cenric. It
is no longer safe for our kind.
Something – or someone – sinister is at work. I believe someone else may
have pulled the militia’s strings. I am travelling to Erenvor to
investigate. I heed you—do not step foot in the capital. If anything
comes of this, I will contact you when the time is right.
Live well,
Brissa Varyn<</if>></div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Sathir</span>
<<link '<img src="C:/game/images/sathir.png" title="Click to
View" class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/sathir.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> An Encylopedia
of the World <i>by Devrian Thornbird</i></span>
Sathir is a nation in western Rhesainia. It is bordered by the Arathian
Empire to the east, by the Coveran Republic to the south-west, and
Arsenia to the south-east. It is separated from its eastern neighbours
by the Gairloch Mountains.
Most of the country’s population live near the banks of the Vara and
Koric rivers, where the only arable land is found. Sarin, the capital,
rests in the delta of the Vara river. Large regions of the Osian desert,
which covers most of the country’s territory, are sparsely inhabited.
Sathir is governed by the Revin dynasty, which came to power some 300
years ago. The dynasty is splintered into many branches, with different
heads of the family jostling for power. The current ruler, Queen Ares
Revin IX, unseated her brother, King Baran Revin XVII, during a coup in
1229.
<<if $origin is "nomad">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth, though as a
child I saw more of it than the elite who govern it. We visited Sarin
once. It’s a beautiful city. I remember the water gardens and the barges
that travelled down the river. We saw the queen, from a distance. My
parents met with her directly, but the children were not allowed to
attend. I was too young to understand at the time, but I can’t help but
wonder what they spoke of – and whether my family had a hand in the
queen’s
coup.</i></blockquote><<else>>\<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Artanis</span>
<<link '<img src="images/artanis.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/artanis.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> An Encylopedia
of the World <i>by Devrian Thornbird</i></span>
Artanis, or the Artanisian Protectorate, formerly the Kingdom of
Artanis, is a nation in south-eastern Rhesainia located between the
Greywind Mountains and the Frostmark Mountains. It is bordered by the
Kingdom of Vestra to the north.
The country’s capital, Tyridia, is located on the Vost River. Other
notable cities include Trost, Trian and Ilis. The Forest of Brennath
spans much of the country’s territory to the north.
Artanis was an independent kingdom until 1239, when it was annexed by
the Arathian Empire.
The Spire, an ancient citadel traditionally belonging to the Wayfarer
Order, rests within Artanis’ borders.
<<if $origin is
"hunter">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth. I never saw much
of it as a child. My clan remained within the Forest of Brennath, far
from the political upheaval happening in Tyridia. Occasionally we would
hear whispers and rumours about the events in the capital, but I was too
young to pay attention to them. The Empire had a presence in Artanis
long before its annexation, constantly pushing
south.</i></blockquote><<else>>\<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Arsenia</span>
<<link '<img src="images/arsenia.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/arsenia.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> An Encylopedia
of the World <i>by Devrian Thornbird</i></span>
Arsenia, also known as Arsenian Alliance, is a nation located in central
Rhesainia. It is bordered by Sathir to the north-west and the Arathian
Empire to the north.
The country’s capital, Nesactium, is located on the Koric River delta,
near the Sathirian border. The regions to the east are rich and fertile,
with vast plains and farms. Wineries are common in eastern Arsenia and
wine remains the nation’s most valued export.
Arsenia is governed by a council composed of the heads of the Great
Houses. The council is headed by an elected sovereign. The current
sovereign is Kassandra Divnar II.
There are two ancient citadels within Arsenia’s borders: Sunderfell,
located in the Gairloch Mountains, and Noctia Tower (the sister citadel
to Vestra’s Solia Tower), located on the Sylen peninsula. Sunderfell is a
derelict ruin, said to be cursed so strongly it cannot be approached
without magical aid. Noctia Tower is home to the Arsenian chapter of the
Guild of Mages.
<<if $origin is
"farmer">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth. I remember the
fields – they go on forever and ever. Local markets are popular in
eastern Arsenia; they aren’t just a place to go to sell or purchase
goods, they are festivals, the kind you will get dressed in your best to
attend. It’s not uncommon for Arsenian youth to declare their love for
each other and elope, which sounds much more spontaneous than it is.
It’s all planned in advance, with both families giving their permission
and their blessing before hand. Truly spontaneous elopements are frowned
upon.</i></blockquote><<elseif $origin is
"urchin">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth. I remember
Nesactium’s streets, cold and unforgiving, like a maze. I remember the
mobs of urchins who would beat you senseless if you carried a couple
coins. Sometimes they would do it even if you didn’t. You could join a
mob for protection, but the initiation process was usually excruciating
and humiliating—brandings, beatings, forcing you to prove your worth by
stealing from a difficult mark… Once you were on the streets, there was
very little help from those who weren’t.
I’d rather not say more on the
topic.</i></blockquote><<else>>\<</if>>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Vestra</span>
<<link '<img src="images/vestra.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/vestra.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> An Encylopedia
of the World <i>by Devrian Thornbird</i></span>
The Kingdom of Vestra, also known as Vestra, is a nation in
north-eastern Rhesainia. It is bordered by the Arathian Empire to the
west and the Artanisian Protectorate to the south.
Often called “the lake country”, Vestra is known for its rolling hills,
flowing rivers and freshwater lakes. Lake Parthia, the largest
freshwater lake on the continent, is located within its borders. The
capital, Vodena, is a major port city and sits between two branches of
the Morello River.
Two ancient citadels are located within Vestra’s borders. Ameidan Tower,
home to the Vestran chapter of the Guild of Mages, is located on an
island in Lake Parthia. Solia Tower, the sister citadel to Arsenia’s
Noctia Tower, is located on the south-western coast. It houses a
secondary off-shoot of the Vestran chapter.
Vestra is governed by a monarchy. The current ruler is Vasco Pelledra
III, who came to power in the aftermath of the Vestran Civil War
(1243-1248).
<<if $origin is "noble">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth. Despite my
family’s hatred of my lack of magic, I was never left wanting. I lived a
privileged life, more privileged than most. The Vestran aristocracy’s
wealth saw to that. Some call Vodena the cultural capital of the
continent, but I never really saw it as
such.</i></blockquote><<else>>\<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Coveran Republic</span>
<<link '<img src="images/covera.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/covera.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> An Encylopedia
of the World <i>by Devrian Thornbird</i></span>
The Coveran Republic, also known as Covera, is an island nation in
eastern Rhesainia, located off the coast of Sathir. It is recognized for
its pure white cliffs and impressive military and merchant fleets.
The country’s capital, Tol Covere, is located on the south end of its
largest island, Covera. The Republic is governed by an elected assembly
of representatives from each island, which is led by a chancellor. The
current chancellor is Tor Marinas, who was the first Rhesainian ruler to
establish trade treaties with Farandor.
The Republic controls the largest maritime trade network in the world,
rivaled only by Farandor.
<<if $origin is
"merchant">><blockquote><i><span
class="codexaccent">$firstname’s Notes:</span>
I don’t have much to add about the country of my birth. But I remember
how beautiful Tol Covere is – I’ve yet to see a city to match it. Most
of the buildings are carved from white stone native to the area. When
you approach the city by water, it’s so bright you can see it from miles
away.</i></blockquote><<else>>\<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Spire</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> Artanis:
A People’s History <i>by Adriana
Fairweather</i></span>
The Spire is the former headquarters of the Wayfarer Order. Located in
the Frostmark Mountains in southern Artanis, the Spire is one of seven
ancient citadels constructed in an age long forgotten. It has been
converted and renovated by its inhabitants every several centuries and
bears architectural history from many different eras.
The Spire receives its name from the multiple slender, barbed towers
that rise above the rest of the building. Stained glass windows are an
accent feature on most of the towers and levels, depicting intricate
designs in deep violets and reds. Unlike its sister citadels, the Spire
contains no magical properties or barriers. It is thought Alassar steel
has been embedded into the walls and foundation. Non-Wayfarers visiting
the citadel have reported feelings of unease and a suppression of magic
from standing within the Spire’s grounds.
It is unknown when the Wayfarer Order took the Spire as its
headquarters. It is thought the Order has occupied the citadel since its
founding, a date now lost to time. There are many secrets and
unexplained oddities within the Spire, remnants of a bygone age. Due to
structural damages, the Order’s records show that the underground levels
of the citadel were never fully mapped or explored, as the risk was
deemed to be too great.
In 1247, the Spire was attacked by militia from Trost. The rampage
destroyed a large portion of the citadel and killed many of the
Wayfarers in residence. Many surviving Wayfarers believe that the
Council of Mages is responsible for instigating the attack, though it is
impossible to prove and the Archsages have never claimed
responsibility.
The Order has since fled the area, leaving the citadel—and its many
secrets—abandoned.
<blockquote><i><span class="codexaccent">$firstname’s
Notes:</span>
We don’t know how many survived. And by we, I mean… I. I don’t know and
Aeran says little about it. There could be more survivors, there could
be other Wayfarers—like myself—who never made it to the summit. But
Rhesainia is a large continent and communication across distances is
difficult for people like us. It’s a miracle Aeran and I even found each
other.
If there are more of us out there… if there are other surviving
Wayfarers… I’ve yet to hear from them. I have hope, though. Maybe during
my travels, I will find a record that another Wayfarer has passed
through town. We tend to make an impression, after
all.</i></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Wayfarer Order</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Journal entry written by
$firstname $lastname in the summer of 1245</i></span>
The Wayfarer Order is a sect of non-magical warriors with traditions
that span back a thousand years or more. While much of the Order’s early
history has been lost to time, the contemporary Order has been a
presence in Rhesainia for six centuries, establishing itself as a force
to be reckoned with and a haven for those born without magic.
Not anyone can become a Wayfarer. While magical strength and power vary
greatly from person to person, a Wayfarer must be born with a complete
and total immunity to magic. Magical immunity is a double-edged sword:
while magic cannot affect us, we cannot use magic, magical items or
anything designed, crafted or influenced by magic.
Wayfarers are many things. We are warriors, monster hunters, and curse
breakers. Often times we are mercenaries. We are trained and set out to
wander the world, resolving problems that require our particular
skillset. Magic is a natural part of life, but even nature can become
uncontrolled, particularly when stoked by outside influences.
<span class="codexheading">Ranks</span>
There are five ranks within the Order.
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Recruits</span> are those who have recently
joined us. They have not yet undergone their training and are unclaimed
by a Master. Sometimes recruits find us on their own; other times we
find them, relying on rumours and stories we hear throughout our travels
and reporting our findings back to the Spire. Many recruits are
children (like myself and Aeran), but some join the Order later in life.
Joining the Order is voluntary, but most join regardless—to be among
others like you, free of stigma, is a powerful thing.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Apprentices</span> are recruits who have
elected to join the Order. They are chosen by a Master and trained at
the Spire. While many forms of combat are crucial to Wayfarer training,
Apprentices are also taught diplomacy and politics, study animals and
beasts, and are rigorously trained in field medicine and surgery. When
curative magic does not work on you, you must be responsible for your
own injuries.</span>
<span class="record-item">Upon completing their training, <span
class="codexaccent">Wayfarers</span> set out into the world. I
like to think this is where the name for the Order originated—warriors
who wander, never tied to one place for long. Most Wayfarers remain at
this rank. They may return to the Spire whenever they wish, but some
leave and never come back.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Masters</span> are Wayfarers who have
returned to the Spire to train the next generation of Wayfarers. They
have set aside their former lives to accept a unique set of duties and
responsibilities. While some do venture out beyond the Spire on various
missions, most remain within the Spire’s grounds. Rindan Cenric and
Brissa Varyn are two of the most prominent Masters. Both are well over a
hundred years old and have trained dozens of apprentices.</span>
<span class="record-item">There is only one <span
class="codexaccent">Grandmaster</span> of the Wayfarer Order.
The Grandmaster is the head of the Order and responsible for overseeing
the Spire and the Order’s relations with outsiders. The Grandmaster is
elected by the current Wayfarer Masters and serves the Order for a term
of twenty-five years. If the Grandmaster acts outside of the Order’s
interests, they may have their authority
revoked.</span></div>
<span class="codexheading">Magic Suppression</span>
Physical contact with the source, whether that be a person or an object,
is the primary way we break magic. The stronger the magic (complex
bindings, multiple sources), the more difficult it becomes to suppress.
The extent of our abilities can also vary greatly depending on the type
of magic.
Sustained magic refers to magic that requires a constant connection to
its source. Barriers, security spells, wards—anything that is designed
to be active from the moment the spell is cast. Much of the world’s
architectural and engineering feats rely on sustained magic. Sustained
magic can be destroyed long after the spell was originally cast. If a
Wayfarer can find all the binding points that sustain the enchantment
and break them one by one, the spell will fail.
Recurrent magic refers to magic that must be cast each time to take
effect. For example, transmogrification—the act of transforming one
thing into another on a physical level—can be disrupted during the
casting process, but once the spell is complete, we cannot alter its
effects or change the target back to its original form.
Magic that affects the mind is, again, different. Illusion magic, for
example, alters how individuals perceive its target. For us, when an
illusion is cast, we will see through the mask to the person or object
beneath.
<span class="codexheading">Alassar Weapons</span>
The most important tool in a Wayfarer’s arsenal is their Alassar weapon.
Alassar steel contains antimagic properties and can suppress, break or
destroy magic at a touch. The forging technique of Alassar steel leaves
it with a watered look, creating patterns in the steel that are unique
to each weapon.
Most Wayfarers carry Alassar swords or daggers, but there are some bows
and arrowheads in existence. Bows provide a unique challenge to their
users as it is not the bow that suppresses magic, but rather the arrow.
Alassar arrowheads are, therefore, much more valuable than the bow
itself.
The forging process of Alassar steel was lost several centuries ago.
There have been some attempts to recreate it and while Wayfarer
blacksmiths have occasionally been able to create weapons with magical
suppression, none have been able to recreate the antimagic properties of
true Alassar steel. Existing weapons cannot be melted down and reforged
without diluting the steel’s antimagic.
As Alassar weapons are limited, not every Wayfarer has one. Upon the
completion of their training, an apprentice may inherit their Master’s
former weapon, be gifted one from a Wayfarer intending to retire, or
granted a weapon from a deceased Wayfarer who died during the course of
their duties. The gifting of an Alassar weapon is a solemn event, tied
deeply to tradition. It is not performed lightly.
There is a legacy tied to each weapon. The records master keeps an
archive of all existing weapons, their past owners, and their current
user. Some weapons have names attached; others do not. Upon being gifted
their Alassar weapon, a Wayfarer may choose to take their weapon’s
current name or rename it to give it a new history.
<span class="codexheading">Outside Relations</span>
Wayfarers are simultaneously viewed with respect and suspicion. Our
ability to combat complications that no one else can puts us in a place
of reverence. However, we are abnormal. Our immunity is unnatural and
very different to individuals who suffer from a low level of magic. We
make people uncomfortable. To most, there is something sinister and
outright wrong with us, particularly among those who practice the
Meissandic faith. If magic is a blessing from the gods, then where does
that put us? Beyond the power of deities?
Officially, the Order takes a firm apolitical stance. We are not under
the jurisdiction of any nation and we will not involve ourselves in the
politics of the countries we visit. However, this stance is much more
complicated in practice.
Our relationship with the Guild of Mages is plagued by distrust. The
Guild represents some of the most powerful individuals in the world and
we are beyond that power. Countries that have strong ties to the
Guild—such as the Arathian Empire and the Kingdom of Vestra—also view us
with immense distrust.
Wayfarer involvement in the Marcian Conspiracy twenty years ago has
destroyed Imperial relations with the Order, exiling us from the nation.
<blockquote><i><span class="codexaccent">$firstname’s
notes:</span>
10 Ivernian, 1247
I don’t know how to add this note, but the Spire is gone. Attacked by
militia from Trost during an unprecedented summit. Almost all active
Wayfarers were in attendance and almost all of them are dead. The
citadel has been abandoned.
We don’t have a home anymore. We don’t have a place to call ours,
somewhere safe from the outside world, where we can just… live.
I don’t know what to think. The only reason I am alive is because I
received Sero’s summons too late and couldn’t travel to the Spire in
time for the summit.
It’s gone. All of it.
Gone.</i></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Farandor</span>
<<link '<img src="images/farandor.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/farandor.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> A Pocket Guide
to Vergelnar <i>by Adriana Fairweather</i></span>
Farandor is a country located in Vergelnar. Bordered by the Rhesainian
Ocean to the north and the Shattered Sea to the east, the nation is
divided into fifty-five individual territories that comprise the entire
mainland of the continent.
The country has an extensive coastline that feature some of the most
distinct environments in the world today. Its fjords remain a popular
destination for tourists, particularly during the summer months. Winters
are harsh, with some of the heaviest snowfall records in the southern
hemisphere.
Its population is primarily dwarven, though some of the country’s major
cities boast a thriving human population. Historians believe that the
country’s populace may trace their roots back to the Dwarvannor, ancient
dwarves who may have originated on the continent. Some Dwarvannor ruins
exist in the country’s far south, close to the south pole. The most
notorious of these is the Ring of the Firebird—an all-consuming inferno
that chases itself in a circle across a deep crevice in the ice flats.
Farandor’s territories are each overseen by a clan. Clans differ greatly
in size and culture, and many have historical rivalries and alliances
that span centuries. The nation itself is governed by an assembly of
fifty-five representatives, with one representative elected from each
clan. Clan representatives meet once a month at the House of Assembly in
the capital city, Varthrandir, which is currently overseen by House
Iorthir.
Farandor has a strenuous relationship with Rhesainian countries,
particularly Artanis, Arsenia, and the Arathian Empire. The 11th and
12th centuries were marked by an extended period of conflict, as
Farandor extended its influence over the Lotharic and Azure Seas. Though
Farandor has since relinquished its control over the Lotharic
city-states, several Faran settlements still remain on various islands
throughout the region.
Today, Farandor is known for its robust trade network and its
technological advances in science and magic. Faran technology is
considered revolutionary and innovative in many parts of the world.
<blockquote><i><span class="codexaccent">$firstname’s
Notes:</span>
Still not sure if I’d want to visit, but the Ring of the Firebird sounds
interesting.</i></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>FORTHCOMING.
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Calantha</span>
<<link '<img src="images/calantha.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/calantha.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> A Pocket Guide
to the West <i>by Adriana Fairweather</i></span>
Calantha is a country located in eastern Istaran. While it has a
nebulous relationship with its Rhesainian neighbours, Calantha primarily
keeps to itself. The nation is primarily populated by elves, however
there is a large community of melusine within its capital, Maribor. Due
to its proximity of the Maribian Basin, only individuals of Eleneid
descent are able to cross Calantha’s borders unharmed by the power of
the Wall.
The Wall is an invisible barrier that stretches out from the Maribian
Basin in central Istaran. It causes maladies of all sorts to those
without Eleneid heritage—migraines, hallucinations, seizures and,
inevitably, death. The Wall is a permanent magical structure that dates
back to before the Astrandium. Its origins are unknown, and it has been
theorized on many occasions that it could be either a
naturally-occurring construct or artificially created. Recent research
supports both theories. Any attempts to remove or dampen its effects
have been unsuccessful.
Like many other countries in Istaran, Calantha’s climate is dominated by
monsoons. Its rainy season lasts for the better part of the year. Its
rainforests are dense and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Basilisks, while rare, a notorious inhabitant of the Calanthan
rainforests.
Calantha is governed by a council of twelve legislators, elected by
popular vote. Only citizens above the age of eighty are given the right
to vote. A strange practice, perhaps, but Rhesainian political
scientists reason this is due to the absence of a human population
within the nation’s territories.
In recent years, delegates from the Coveran Republic have successfully
established trade agreements with the Calanthan government. Calanthan
goods are highly prized in the world over for their unusual magical
properties, elegant designs, and high quality.
The permanent aeda metropolis of Aurai is located within Calanthan
borders. The city and its surrounding lands are recognized as an
independent territory.
<blockquote><i><span class="codexaccent">$firstname’s
Notes:</span>
The Wayfarer Order never had much presence in Calantha. It’s still a
mystery as to whether non-Eleneid Wayfarers can pass through the Wall—no
one is eager to risk their lives to put that to the test. Despite this,
there must have been some connection between Calantha and the Order in
the past. The term Alassar steel is derived from the Calanthan language.
It means “that which
disrupts.”</i></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>FORTHCOMING
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Ivernian Calendar</span>
This is the calendar created by an Arathian empress in the 8th century
IE (Imperial Era). Ivernia ard Castella was said to be fascinated with
celestial objects and the origins of the Eleneids. She funded a number
of research academies dedicated to astronomy and her scientists mapped
the heavens.
It is the most accurate calendar to date and is used globally, with the
exception of Calantha.
<span class="codexheading">Months</span>
<div class="box"><div class="cc"><span
class="codexaccent">Summer</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Month 1 —</span> Celestian (31
days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 2
—</span> Sovereign (29 days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 3
—</span> Summermarch (31 days)</span></div>
<span class="codexaccent">Autumn</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Month 4 —</span> Harvestide (30
days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 5
—</span> Stormwind (31 days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 6
—</span> Harrowmere (30 days)</span></div></div>
<div class="cc"><span
class="codexaccent">Winter</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Month 7 —</span> Firstfall (31
days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 8
—</span> Eventide (31 days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 9
—</span> Starfall (30 days)</span></div>
<span class="codexaccent">Spring</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Month 10 —</span> Sunreach (31
days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 11
—</span> Ivernian (30 days)</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Month 12
—</span> Guardian (31
days)</span></div></div></div><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Eleneids</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> On the
Physiology of Modern Beings: A Primer <i>by Livia
Nicomica</i></span>
Eleneids are a progenitor species and the ancient ancestors of elves,
melusine, and aeda. Archeological evidence from supports that their
existence does not predate that of ancient humans and dwarves.
[…] Tens of thousands of years ago, a great Eleneid civilization spanned
much of the world, originating in western Istaran and south-eastern
Erethar. Remnants of their grand metropolises still stand today, though
many of the ruins are shielded by impenetrable
wards<sup>[1]</sup>. We can only speculate as to the cause
of this civilization’s downfall, as their ruins predate the Astrandium
by several millennia.
Eleneid physiology remains today, carried on in their descendants. Due
to the Elenerium Shift, elves, melusine, and aeda are now distinct
species. However, they share many commonalities, primarily pointed ears
and eye, hair, and skin tones not found in humans or dwarves.
Some Eleneid species may display a stronger natural attunement to magic
than their human and dwarven counterparts. Magianis, notably, does not
occur in melusine and aeda unless human or dwarven heritage is present
in the individual’s close ancestry<sup>[2]</sup>. The
condition is known to occur in elves, regardless of their close
ancestry.
//<sup>[1]</sup> In her book,// Notes on Istaran, //Adriana
Fairweather argues that the Calanthan Wall is not a naturally-occurring
construct, but may be the remnant of Eleneid engineering.
<sup>[2]</sup> There may be evidence to the contrary. See// A
Natural Inheritance: Theories on Magical Heritage// by Sorania Galen
for further reading.//<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Dwarvannor</span>
Dwarvannor were one of three Progenitor species in the known world. Not
much is known about them, save for evidence that they emerged from the
volcanic crevices of the Vergelnar region in ancient times. It is
thought they were adept with fire magic. A Dwarvennor enchantment called
the Ring of the Firebird rages in the far south--an all-consuming
inferno that chases itself in a circle across a deep crevice in the ice
flats. No one knows why the enchantment was cast or what lies beneath
it.
At some point in their late history, the Dwarvannor fought against the
Eleneids. It is unknown if they joined forces with ancient
humans.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle">Ancient Humans</span>
Ancient Humans were one of three Progenitor species in the known world.
It is thought they are the original inhabitants of the world, appearing
on the continent Rhesainia many years before the Dwarvannor or the
Eleneids appeared.
Not much is known about ancient humans. There is some evidence of
unusual magics and enchantments around Rhesainia. A common example are
pockets of slowed time and invisibility around ancient burial sites.
These enchantments have faded over tens of thousands of years and can be
breached with some persistence.
Ancient remains indicate that they were taller and larger in every
regard than their modern-day descendants.
At some point in their late history, ancient humans fought the Eleneid.
It is unknown if they joined forces with the
Dwarvannor.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Fannarl</span>
<span class="codexaccent">NATIVE:</span> Frostmark Mountains
<span class="codexaccent">MAGICAL CAUTIONS:</span> Corrosive
venom
<span class="codexaccent">NON-MAGICAL CAUTIONS:</span> Jaws,
tail, antlers
<span class="codexaccent">RARITY:</span> Rare
<span class="codexaccent">THREAT LEVEL:</span> High
Fannarls are mammals native to the southern reaches of Artanis,
particularly the Frostmark Mountains. They are large beasts, roughly the
size of two horses. Their bodies are covered in fur, usually white,
though there are some varieties that are mottled white and black. The
fur does not extend to their legs, which are covered in black scales.
Their tails are shaped like a scorpion’s, curling back over its body.
They have feline faces crowned with antlers.
Fannarls are lithe, dangerous predators drawn to light, fire and urban
activity. When venturing through territory that has had active
sightings, it is recommended to keep a silent profile and extinguish all
lights.
The most notable aspect of the fannarl is its venom. Bright blue in
colour, it drips from the fannarl’s mouth and is used to incapacitate
its prey. Fannarl venom is corrosive and will eat through armour and
furs in a matter of minutes. While its venom is magical in nature and
Wayfarers will not be affected by it, their gear is not immune. Only
Alassar steel can withstand fannarl venom.
The fannarl’s tail is particularly dangerous. It can extend and lash
around the creature’s body, striking anything in its way with great
force. Should it charge, its antlers can cause severe blunt force
trauma.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Rona</span>
<<link '<img src="images/rona.png" title="Click to View"
class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/rona.png" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>><span
class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from an Imperial communiqué, author
unknown//</span>
To most Rhesainian countries, Rona is a question mark best left alone. A
remnant of Imperial colonialism and an attempted foray into eastern
Istaran, the town itself is too far from major trade routes and produces
too little to be of interest. Abandoned and left to its own devices
some twenty-five years ago, Rona is considered a dangerous, backwater
city. It is controlled by seven rival crime lords, all of whom are
former pirates. Collectively, they are called the Seven and rule Rona
with an iron fist.
The wetlands of eastern Istaran are unforgiving and, at first glance,
the town appears to be at constant war with the nature that surrounds
it. Wood rots at an alarming rate, vines break stone and mortar, and the
local vegetation spawns wherever it pleases. In most districts, Rona’s
buildings are clustered tightly together. Due to the surrounding
wetlands and channels, most buildings are elevated and the roads are
strung together by boardwalks.
There are seven major districts in Rona.
<span class="codexheading">The Docks</span>
Anything going in or out of Rona must pass through the Docks. The
harbour is located on Valorance Bay, which feeds out into the Cobalt
Sea. The Docks are primarily a warehouse and distribution sector, though
there are some tenements dotted between the warehouses. The Slippery
Weasel is the most popular tavern.
The Docks are overseen by Cere Nalos, the Crimson Count.
<span class="codexheading">Marshwall</span>
Located in the middle of town, Marshwall is cramped, confined and
primarily a residential sector, though it also has a number of small
shops and taverns. The town square is located in Marshwall—an important
location for most of Rona’s residents as it hosts a weekly market.
Marshwall is overseen by Flora Goldhorn, the Saffron Duchess.
<span class="codexheading">Deadwood</span>
Deadwood is Rona’s largest residential district. It is also the home of
the local Guild chapter, which is carefully watched by Deadwood’s
overlords. I suppose there is concern that the Guild chapter may send
word to the Empire at any moment, but from what I’ve seen, the chapter
here would rather have nothing to do with the mages in Velantis and
Erenvor, preferring to quietly go about their experiments without
interference.
Deadwood is overseen by Leva Vane, the Indigo Sovereign, and Sayida
Burn, the Umber Baroness. It is said they are siblings from Farandor and
are the most amiable of the Seven.
<span class="codexheading">South Isle</span>
Home to Rona’s rich and wealthy—whatever that means in Rona. Many of the
residents here are former nobles who fled their homes for dubious
reasons and arrived in the middle-of-nowhere expecting a certain quality
of life.
The South Isle is controlled by Anselma Malley, the Viridian Lady.
<span class="codexheading">The Cove</span>
Rona’s commercial and entertainment district. The Cove is one long,
winding boardwalk that follows the coast. Taverns, leisure houses, inns,
dreamweed dens, shops, businesses—if you want it, you can find it in
the Cove.
The Cove is neutral territory, controlled by none.
<span class="codexheading">Edgewater</span>
Rona’s slums. The slums are large, sprawling and could collapse and fall
into the water at any given moment. There isn’t much of note here.
Edgewater is controlled by Mari Rack, the Calico Lord, though many think
he is in the pocket of the Crimson Count.
<span class="codexheading">Flotsam Grove</span>
The Grove is a further step down from the slums. Located in Deadfall
Marsh, it is a sprawling, overgrown labyrinth of rotting buildings,
collapsed tenements and vegetation. The Grove's inhabitants are
colloquially referred to as greendrifts.
Many who go into the Grove do not come out alive.
The Grove is overseen by Samwell Every, the Ebony
Marquis.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
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class="codexchaptertitle">Basilisk</span>
<span class="codexaccent">NATIVE:</span> Istaran rainforests
<span class="codexaccent">MAGICAL CAUTIONS:</span>
Petrifying gaze
<span class="codexaccent">NON-MAGICAL CAUTIONS:</span>
Venom, powerful jaws, size
<span class="codexaccent">RARITY:</span> Very rare
<span class="codexaccent">THREAT LEVEL:</span> High
Basilisks are water serpents native to Istaran. Living up to 200-300
years, basilisks are territorial and, outside of their mating season,
live in isolation. They are very large, with adults reaching up to 50
feet in length. Their scales are typically black, though dark greens and
blues can also be found, and are marked by a pattern of white scales in
the shape of a diadem on their foreheads.
Basilisks in the wild do not generally attack unless provoked.
The most notable aspect of the basilisk is its petrifying gaze.
Petrification occurs when the serpent locks eyes with its victim. The
magic spawns a stone-like rash on the victim’s skin, starting at the
eyes, and causing paralysis wherever the rash spreads. The petrification
of younger basilisks is slow, taking up to an hour for the rash to
spread across the victim’s entire body. The older the basilisk, the
faster the petrification, with older serpents spreading complete
petrification within a matter of seconds.
Petrification requires a direct line of sight between the serpent’s eyes
and its victim’s eyes. Petrification can be deterred by closing or
binding the eyes, or otherwise blocking an individual’s vision.
Basilisk venom is potent and may cause paralysis if left untreated.
However, it can be easily treated with common medicinal herbs.
Wayfarers are completely immune to basilisk petrification, but not to
its venom.
Basilisk tooths are rare and highly coveted in Rhesainian countries. The
teeth can be turned into ivory with special properties. Sculptures, art
and decorative boxes from Calantha are often accented with basilisk
ivory.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Brightblades</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> The
Compendium of Rhesainian Institutions, Edition VI</span>
Of the many warrior sects across Rhesainia, the Brightblades are among
the most coveted and most expensive. Founded in Corsida 300 years ago,
the Brightblades train only the most promising bloodbinders in their
craft. The art of bloodbinding is a specific magical ability that allows
an individual to heal their wounds almost instantaneously. Such
curative magic generates a substantial glow, which is the origin of the
Brightblades’ name—a sect of warriors who, upon injury, would shine
bright.
Brightblades work primarily within the Arathian Empire, Vestra and
Arsenia. They work in small detachments, reporting to an overseer in
Corsida to receive their posts.
It is uncommon for a Brightblade to work alone, unsupervised by an
overseer.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Blood Oaths</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> A
Treatise on Rhesainian Judicial Systems <i>by Ennia
Scaevola</i></span>
A blood oath is a powerful type of Preservation magic that ties an
individual to a set of pre-determined terms. They require a trained and
highly skilled Brightwarden to perform. In the absence of a
Brightwarden, a correctly attuned automaton may be used.
Due to the way blood oaths warp the bound individuals’ personal magic,
they must be taken voluntarily and cannot be forced upon the unwilling.
Originally developed by Guild mages in the Arathian Empire, blood oaths
were first pioneered as an alternative punishment to execution.
Convicted criminals are given a choice: elect to swear a blood oath and
be bound to a specified punishment, or face execution. Some punishments
are mundane such as enchanting the prisoner to always tell the truth or
prevent them from handling weapons. Others are bizarre, testing the
depths of the caster’s creativity by enchanting the prisoner to speak
only in rhymes or to move only through dance. And others still are a
slow death sentence, forcing the prisoner into never-ending hard labour
or to fight on the front lines of a war.
Beyond the judicial system, blood oaths have been adopted into political
courts, the Arcanists’ Lodge, and the criminal underworld. They are
regularly used to ensure loyalty to a cause. To refuse a blood oath is
tantamount to admitting that one individual distrusts the other.
Once a blood oath is sworn, the effects of the enchantment cannot be
removed until the terms are complete or one party dies. To break a blood
oath results in severe pain and, in repeat attempts, death.
Blood oaths are an illegal practice in Farandor.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Astrandium</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> A Brief
History of World Religions <i>by Signoth
Athilseran</i></span>
The Astrandium is a critical event in the Meissandic faith and tells of a
cataclysm that nearly ended the world.
Millennia ago, an invading horde fell to earth from an unknown plane,
shattering the world in a great cataclysm. The Harbingers scattered
across the land, flooding the continent with their magic. They levelled
mountains, caused the seas to rise and swallow cities and villages, and
rained fire and ash down from the sky.
From the scorched ruins of a nameless village rose a young woman named
Rhesaina. She scaled the Gairloch Mountains, making the perilous climb
to Adrasus Citadel, an ancient temple sacred to Meissa, the progenitor
deity and forebearer of the gods. The Divinity heard her plea and
blessed her with sacred magic. Commanded by the Divinity to lead the
world against the Harbingers, Rhesaina set out to gather six warriors of
legend to join her on her path.
With the warriors at her side, Rhesaina sought the boons of Meissa’s
children. Her companions were blessed each in turn, one by each god, and
gifted arcane weapons. They were named Sentinels, protectors of the
world and vessels of the gods’ power, and bound to stop the world’s
destruction.
But even the power of the gods was not enough to halt the Harbingers. As
chaos surged and the land fell to ruin, Rhesaina and the Sentinels made
a choice. Sacrificing their lives to diffuse their power across the
world, they banished the Harbingers, sending them back to the void and
preventing their return for all time.
Today, Rhesaina and the Sentinels are worshipped as minor gods,
particularly in cities around the Lotharic Sea. The continent of
Rhesainia bears her name. Rhesaina’s origins are a deeply contested part
of the faith, with many countries claiming her as their own and
declaring their capitols as the place of her birth. Currently, the
Meissandium accepts Erenvor, the Imperial capital, as the place of
Rhesaina’s birth.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>//Marked
on the front...//
<div class="letters">$firstname $lastname,
As of the 1st of Celestian, 1247, you are hereby formally recalled to
the Spire. The Order requests that you cease all current activities,
aid, and/or contracts, and return to headquarters as soon as possible.
A summit will be held on the 31st day of the month of Eventide, 1247.
All active Wayfarers are required to attend.
Grandmaster Amali Sero</div>
<hr>
//Marked on the reverse...//
<div class="letters"><<if $master is
"Varyn">>$firstname,
I hope this message finds you well. I realize the unusualness of Sero’s
official request may give you pause (it has been a quarter century since
the Order last gathered in full), but consider this a personal request
for you to attend the summit. Change is coming. We will need your
strength.
Varyn<<elseif $master is "Sero">>$firstname,
Look. I know this sounds odd. More than odd, it sounds downright
suspicious. If I were you, I’d toss this letter in a fire and pretend I
never got the damn thing.
But believe me when I say that this request has not gone out without
great consideration. We need every one of you at the headquarters. The
fate of the Order hinges on this summit—and I do not say that lightly.
Sero
P.S. Pretty sure you left a drawer full of mismatched socks last time
you were here. Please claim them.<<else>>$firstname,
Sero’s demand may seem odd, but I promise you, this summit is necessary.
I wouldn’t ask you to drop everything and return if I didn’t believe in
it. The future of the Order, our history, our ways—everything may
depend on it.
Please come.
Cenric
P.S. I hope you are
well.<</if>></div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Guild of Mages</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> The
Compendium of Rhesainian Institutions, Edition VI</span>
The Guild of Mages is an influential organization that holds much
authority and respect across the world. Founded in the Arathian Empire,
the Guild has been a powerful presence in Rhesainia for centuries and
has now expanded throughout most of the world. Every country, kingdom
and nation hosts a Guild embassy and mages are often employed in the
political courts and militaries of the world.
For those who do not want illustrious careers as politicians or
generals, many become sought-after healers, architects and engineers.
Guild researchers and inventors are often at the forefront of their
fields, competing with the likes of the Arcanist’s Lodge and the
Meissandium.
<span class="codexheading">Academies</span>
The Guild has many academies spread throughout the world, but the
majority are located within Rhesainia. Prospective students must pass a
series of exams to enroll in a Guild academy. Exams must be taken
between ages eleven and eighteen, however there are some exceptions made
for elves, dwarves and melusine due to their long lifespans. The
examination process is rigorous and students must be adequately
prepared.
It is common for the families of prospective students to hire
Guild-approved tutors to formally instruct their children in preparation
for the examination process.
Some students are selected for Guild training outside of the exams. The
Guild seeks children and youth with strong magical attunement and it is a
common practice in major urban areas to send children for attunement
testing. If selected, the new novitiate’s family is compensated
splendidly.
Guild novitiates spend, on average, ten to fifteen years undergoing
rigorous training. Upon graduation, they are inducted into the Guild and
sworn to serve it for life.
The most celebrated Guild academies are:
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Oseiran Tower.</span> Located in Erenvor,
the capital of the Arathian Empire</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Diradan
Tower.</span> Located in Velantis, in the Arathian
Empire</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Ameidan
Tower.</span> Located on Lake Parthia, in the Kingdom of
Vestra</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Solia
Tower.</span> Located on the Lotharic coast, in the Kingdom of
Vestra</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Noctia
Tower.</span> Located on the Lotharic coast in
Arsenia</span></div>
All of these, save Oseiran Tower, are located in pre-Astrandium citadels
that have been refurbished for the Guild’s purposes.
<span class="codexheading">The Council of Mages</span>
The Guild is overseen by the Council of Mages, a governing body made up
of six of the Guild’s most elite mages and the Grand Archsage. Council
members, including the Grand Archsage, must be voted into their
positions by all certified Archsages.
The Council’s word is final on all Guild activities. Guild mages answer
to the Council before they answer to anyone else.
<span class="codexheading">Ranks</span>
There are seven ranks in the Guild, in addition to the Grand Archsage.
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Novitiates</span> are students who are
undergoing basic training. Novitiates remain at this level until they
are chosen for apprenticeship.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Acolytes</span> are students who are
completing their apprenticeship under the guidance of a Savant. Many
mages remain acolytes well into their twenties.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Mages</span> are individuals who have
competed their training and achieved certification.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="codexaccent">Guild
masters</span> are certified mages who oversee Guild chapters
located in towns and cities that do not have an academy. Their primary
job is to act as intermediary between their post and the Guild, resolve
any magical disasters that may occur, and scout for new
novitiates.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Savants</span> are mages who have achieved
proven mastery of their magic. To successfully achieve this rank,
Savants must prove their skill through invention, research, or public
demonstration. They can only claim the title upon the creation of a new
technique or by proving a new magical theory. Mages must achieve the
rank of Savant to instruct.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sages</span> are mages who oversee the
daily function and governing of the academies. They are administrators
and officials, and handle many of the smaller decisions that do not need
the approval of the Council.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Archsages</span> are mages who have
obtained the highest rank in the Guild. They are masters of their craft,
often pioneering new methods and approaches. Many Archsages find
themselves in powerful positions within courts, governments and
militaries. Mages must achieve the rank of Archsage to be eligible to
sit on the Council.</span>
<span class="record-item">The <span
class="codexaccent">Grand Archsage</span> is not a rank, but a
position. The Grand Archsage is the Guild’s elected leader, overseeing
the Council and governing the Guild’s
direction.</span></div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="letters">18 Ivernian, 1251
Aeran,
I will not begin with the usual pleasantries. Though you refuse to
answer my letters, I know you receive them. There is little I can say
now that will convince you to return to the Empire, but nevertheless, I
will try.
I am finished in Arsenia. Sunderfell did not offer the answers I sought.
Though I believe it is part of the larger picture somehow, the
connection point eroded long ago. Whatever evidence there was—if there
was any at all—is lost to time.
S. will soon finish their excavation of the Spire. I know you do not
want to hear this (it pains me, too, to discuss our home in such a
fashion), but they have unearthed… something. Another key to this
puzzle. And it points to the same road as the others: Velantis.
Consider this my last letter. If you have an ounce of conscience left,
inform $firstname of what has transpired. Would you not want the truth,
if you were in $hisher stead?
Meet me in Velantis. This is larger than any of us now. We must finish
what we started.</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Marcian Conspiracy</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//An account copied from the records of
Rindan Cenric, 1243//</span>
The Marcian Conspiracy (1228-1232) was a period of political upheaval
within the Arathian Empire. Emperor Calas ard Nesarian’s ninety-year
rule was marked by expansionist campaigns and a relentless northern push
to expand Arathian borders. With the emperor occupied by the war, the
day-to-day management of the empire was left to the joint rule of his
three favourite children: Ariston, his eldest son, Lucilla, his youngest
daughter, and Marcius, his adoptive son.
When the emperor succumbed to hveslan exposure on the front lines in
1228, the Imperial line of succession was left in question. Following
Imperial tradition and the influence of the late emperor’s mother,
Asenna ard Nesarian, the Imperial senate supported Ariston’s right to
succession. He was crowned emperor mere days after his father’s death.
Ariston’s rise to power was not favourably viewed outside the senate.
Empress Eirene, Calas’ wife, had a longstanding feud with Asenna. She
harboured public dislike for her mother-in-law’s influence over her son
and saw Ariston as weak-willed and feeble-minded. Though Ariston wore
the crown, Asenna was the true power behind the throne. In a bid to
oppose Asenna, Eirene put the full weight of her influence and Guild
connections behind her daughter Lucilla. Swaying a large portion of the
aristocracy to their side, Eirene and Lucilla began a secret campaign to
undermine Ariston’s rule and depose him.
Over the next several months, conflict grew between the two opposing
parties. While the Imperial family maintained a perfect façade, Erenvor
simmered with tension. As Ariston and Lucilla politely continued as
normal, senators were found poisoned, aristocrats were arrested under
false charges, and fights broke out in the streets. It would only be a
matter of time before the siblings declared an all-out war.
<span class="codexheading">Rising Tensions</span>
Fearing trouble in the capital and with the support of his late father’s
generals, Marcius abandoned the northern campaign and marched the
military home. When the Imperial army returned to Erenvor in 1229, it
was met by the Imperial guard and a host of Guild mages and first-class
warrior companies, including the Corsida Brightblades. Marcius faced a
choice: either attack the city of his birth and condemn Erenvor to a
siege that would devastate its population and resources, or surrender
and be tried for treason. Marcius chose a third option: fake his death,
disappear into the city and oppose Ariston and Lucilla from the inside.
With Marcius’ disappearance, Ariston and Lucilla returned to their
scheming. While Lucilla had the full weight of the Guild behind her,
Ariston had control of the Imperial court. Though Ariston remained
Emperor in name, in truth the city was divided: half controlled by
Ariston and Asenna, half by Lucilla and Eirene. Concerned with
outmaneuvering his mother and sister, Ariston had little time for the
business of ruling. His popularity sunk, even among his supporters.
Meanwhile, in the streets of Erenvor, rumours spread that Marcius ard
Nesarian had survived. While popular support grew among the lower
classes, Marcius himself orchestrated arrangements with select wealthy
merchants and politicians, planting the seeds for a bloodless coup.
<span class="codexheading">The 1231 Coup</span>
In 1231, Lucilla and Eirene orchestrated a coup and attempted to poison
Ariston and Asenna. Betrayed by those closest to her, Lucilla’s plan
failed and she and her mother were placed under house arrest, pending
trial for treason. Eirene passed away a few short months later, and
Lucilla was exiled to the Daidara Temple in northern Arathia.
In the aftermath of Lucilla’s coup, Ariston believed he had complete
control of Erenvor and, by extension, the Empire. The Imperial military
and two full contingents of Brightblades answered to him. The Guild
mages who supported Lucilla were given a choice: support Ariston’s rule
or face arrest. Most chose to support the Emperor; those that did not
were tried for treason and executed, exiled, or placed under the
compulsions of a blood oath.
As Ariston consolidated his power, he faced one problem: his plummeting
popularity. Ignoring the growing unrest in the capital, Asenna believed
all opposition to their rule was over and pushed Ariston to continue his
father’s campaigns. Despite a series of small revolts throughout,
Ariston followed his grandmother’s advice and began plans for a new
northern campaign.
<span class="codexheading">Wayfarer Involvement</span>
The consolidation of Ariston’s power, particularly in regards to
Arathian Guild mages, was a growing issue for Marcius. Though he had
hoped for a bloodless coup, many of his connections withered when
Lucilla’s influence was excised from the city. Without strong
connections to the Guild of Mages, Marcius had no way to oppose the
sheer magical might Ariston now commanded. But Marcius had one
connection he never thought to use, until now: a friend from his youth, a
friend who had been taken to the Spire many, many years ago, and now
roamed the world as a Wayfarer.
With great caution, speed and secrecy, Marcius sent a letter to the
Spire, pleading for the help of Darius Avennor. Avennor was intrigued.
He was Arathian, native to Erenvor—though he had distanced himself from
the Empire, he had a strong dislike of Ariston, Asenna and their
practices. In particular, he opposed how Imperial politics had become
intertwined with the Guild of Mages, a connection Ariston was eager to
grow. Several other Arathian Wayfarers whom like Avennor, had cut
themselves off from the country of their birth, were interested in
Marcius’ proposal.
Avennor’s former master, Brissa Varyn, cautioned him not to go,
insisting that Wayfarers should not involve themselves in political
strife. But Avennor was insistent. Despite Master Varyn’s warnings and
the general disdain of Grandmaster Amali Sero, Avennor and six Arathian
Wayfarers departed for Erenvor.
<span class="codexheading">The 1232 Coup</span>
Ariston was unable to quell the ongoing riots. More than once, he heard
whispers of his adoptive brother’s name and a growing conspiracy that
the true successor was alive and would return to take the throne.
Assured the rumours and riots were nothing of note, Ariston left the
capital in the early months of 1232 and began the long journey north to
the border. He left Asenna in power, naming her regent in his absence.
On the 7th of Summermarch, Marcius, Avennor and their supporters enacted
their plan. A large-scale revolt swept the city. Asenna watched as the
revolutionaries pushed towards the Imperial palace. They met little
resistance, aside from the Imperial guard. Marcius found the lack of
opposition unsettling. It wasn’t until they breached the Imperial gates
that Asenna unleashed the full power of the Arathian Guild mages,
massacring the revolutionaries on the palace steps.
<span class="codexheading">Aftermath</span>
Marcius, Avennor and the few survivors were arrested and tried for
treason under Imperial law. Upon hearing of the trial, Brissa Varyn was
dispatched to Erenvor <<if $master is "Varyn">>(sans
apprentices)<<else>>(sans apprentice)<</if>>,
where she pleaded for Avennor and the six Wayfarers who accompanied him.
As Wayfarers, they were no longer Imperial citizens, and should be
released to the Order. Her request was denied.
As Wayfarers could not be bound to a blood oath, all six were executed
publicly. For Avennor and his followers’ actions, the Wayfarer Order was
expelled from the Empire and its territories, on pain of death.
Placed under house arrest, Marcius waited two months for Ariston to
return from the front lines to judge his brother. Ariston did not show
Marcius the same leniency as he gave Lucilla. His choice was simple:
undertake a lifelong blood oath or face execution. Unwilling to be bound
to his brother’s demands for the rest of his life, Marcius chose
execution.
<span class="codexheading">Lasting Consequences</span>
Emperor Ariston ard Nesarian’s Imperial rule is uncontested. Lucilla
remains in Daidara Temple, composing a history of her father’s rule.
Marcius is remembered as a power-hungry, jealous despot.
In recent years, Wayfarers have been allowed to traverse Imperial
territories once more, though they are regarded with extreme suspicion
and hatred. Most of the Order avoid Erenvor
outright.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Magianis</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> The
Absence of Magic: Existence Without Connection, The Lotharic Journal of
Magic (LXXIV.III) <i>by Sorania Galen and Cosmas
Aegineta</i></span>
[…] Magic is a natural part of life. It is the great connection shared
between all living things. From the melusine who inhabit the depths of
the oceans to the aeda soaring among the highest peaks, magic is the one
constant that occurs across all beings.
However, there are many circumstances that may result in the
nonexistence of magic. The absence of magic—the absence of
connectivity—is most often seen in flora and fauna. Many of these
magically inert planets and animals can be found in pockets the world
over. They are particularly concentrated in areas around Astran
wastelands<sup>[1]</sup>, but curiously do not enter into
the exclusion zone.
For sentient beings<sup>[2]</sup>, the absence of magic is
far more rare. Occurring in less than 1% of the world population, the
condition in sentient beings is referred to as
<i>magianis</i>, from the Arathian word
<i>“magia”</i> (magic) and the suffix
<i>“nis”</i> (absence).
In many areas of the world, it was once believed that the absence of
magic occurred as a sign of religious punishment. Meissandic doctrine,
for example, states that the absence of magic is a curse bestowed by the
gods as penalty for invoking the wrath of Meissa.
[…] The cause of magianis is unknown. Individuals with the condition may
be born into anyone, even those with strong magical heritage. Though
recent studies have pursued the theory there may be a genetic component
to its occurrence, the magical prowess of an individual’s parents has
little bearing on it. The child of an Archsage has as high a probability
of being born magianis as anyone else.
In Aspasia Pera’s <i>Theories on the Evolution of Magic</i>,
she states that the absence of magic in sentient beings is likely the
result of spontaneous genetic mutation […] An individual’s ancestry may
play a significant role in the occurrence of magianis. It is far more
common in humans and dwarves than in the Eleneid species. Individuals
with mixed Eleneid-human or Eleneid-dwarven ancestry are even more
likely to be magianic. It is less common in individuals of elven
ancestry. It is very rare in melusine and aeda, with less than a dozen
individuals with the condition recorded.
[…] Regardless of the cause, the result is the same. Magianic
individuals cannot use magic, nor can they be affected by it. They exist
outside its domains, in direct opposition to it.
<i><sup>[1]</sup>Barren wastelands saturated with
dangerous levels of uncontrolled magic. These exclusion zones date back
to the Astrandium and are the result of a natural disaster.
<sup>[2]</sup>As per Livia Nicomica’s</i> Biodiversity
in Modern Beings, <i>“sentient beings” is the preferred
collective term to encompass humans, dwarves, elves, melusine, aeda, and
any individuals of mixed ancestry between these distinct
species.</i>
<blockquote><i><span class="codexaccent">$firstname’s
Notes:</span>
Found this in a used bookstore the last time I was in Nesactium. Article
was published in 1243, but was later retracted by the Lotharic Journal
of Magic at the request of the Guild of Mages, citing error and false
evidence.</i></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="letters">Celestian 5, 1252
In the absence of a blood oath, this document exists as written proof of
the verbal agreement made between Wayfarers $firstname $lastname and
Aeran Kellis, and Cere Nalos, the Crimson Count of the free city-state
of Rona, on the 5th of Celestian, 1252.
The terms are as follows:
You are hereby employed in service to the Count. You work for him, and
him only. You will not accept any additional contracts and you will not
entertain any further employment throughout the duration of your
contract.
You will not divulge information pertaining to your contract. You will
not discuss the terms of your contract with any person besides the
Count.
You will avoid contact with the Count’s mercenary companies until
instructed.
You will not seek to depart Rona until the terms of your contract are
complete.
You will complete your assigned task by nightfall of the 12th of
Celestian, 1252.
Any attempt to break or circumvent these terms will result in your
immediate capture and detention.
Upon the successful completion of your assigned task, you will be
granted a sum of 300 crowns each.</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Annexation of Velantis</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> The
Middle Sea: A History of the Lotharic City-States <i>by Cimon
Arestia</i></span>
[…] The Faran-Rhesainian Wars left a devastating impact on the Lotharic
city-states. Scarred by the decades-long invasion and with their
resources dwindling, the city-states could do little to stave off famine
and disease.
But the Arathian Empire had not forgotten the promises made during the
war. In exchange for their military aid, Emperor Calas ard Nesarian
expected the city-states to uphold their accords. When they refused, he
declined to remove his forces from within their sovereign borders,
ushering in a new period of upheaval.
[…] By the end of the Lotharic Wars, Velantis was the last city-state to
resist Imperial occupation. In 1160, a peace treaty was struck between
the Velantian Assembly and the Arathian Empire, without the royal
family’s knowledge. The Assembly ceded the city-state, officially
marking the end of the war.
Upon annexation, the Velantian government was dissolved. As per Imperial
law, the remaining members of the royal family were executed or exiled.
House Anaxas, who had been long held in political esteem, were elevated
by the emperor and installed as the city’s new governors. Under their
rule, the former city-state became the Velantian
Protectorate.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Rhodarth Nairan</span>
<<if $chapter1route is "docks">><<if $rhodarthGone is
true or $rhodarthDead_How is 10>>Rhodarth is a half-melusine
mercenary captain Aeran and I encountered in Rona. He and his company
were employed by the Crimson Count and sent to capture us after we
defaulted on our contract.
From what I can tell, he is a skilled leader and expert combatant,
trained in the use of spears and lances. <<if $brightbladecodex is
true>>He is also a bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the
Corsida Brightblades, though the latter appears to be something he has
abandoned. Regardless, his magic and skills make him a particularly
dangerous warrior: bloodbinders can heal immediately from any wound,
barring those inflicted by certain types of magic or Alassar
steel.<<else>>He is a bloodbinder, which, combined with his
martial skills, make him a particularly dangerous warrior: bloodbinders
can heal immediately from any wound, barring those inflicted by certain
types of magic or Alassar steel.<</if>><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 END START")>><<if $rhodarthGone is
true>>As far as I know, he and his company are still in the employ
of the Crimson Count.<<else>>I don’t know what happened to
him after the incident at the Count's
villa.<</if>><</if>>
<<elseif $rhodarthDead is true>>Rhodarth was a half-melusine
mercenary captain Aeran and I encountered in Rona. He and his company
were employed by the Crimson Count and sent to capture us after we
defaulted on our contract.
He was a skilled leader and expert combatant, trained in the use of
spears and lances. <<if $brightbladecodex is true>>He was
also a bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the Corsida Brightblades,
though the latter appears to be something he had abandoned. Regardless,
his magic and skills made him a particularly dangerous warrior:
bloodbinders can heal immediately from any wound, barring those
inflicted by certain types of magic or Alassar
steel.<<else>>He was a bloodbinder, which, combined with his
martial skills, made him a particularly dangerous warrior: bloodbinders
can heal immediately from any wound, barring those inflicted by certain
types of magic or Alassar steel.<</if>>
He and Aeran knew each other quite well, though both were tight-lipped
about their previous relationship.
<<if $rhodarthDead_How is 6>>I executed Rhodarth at the
Count’s villa.<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is 5>>Aeran
executed Rhodarth at the Count’s villa on my orders.<<elseif
$rhodarthDead_How is 7>>I left Rhodarth to the Count’s mercies
after our encounter at his villa. Though I don’t know for sure, his
blood oath likely killed him.<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
9>>Aeran killed Rhodarth after I was injured during the
fight.<</if>><<else>>Rhodarth is a half-melusine
mercenary captain Aeran and I encountered in Rona. He and his company
were employed by the Crimson Count and sent to capture us after we
defaulted on our contract.
From what I can tell, he is a skilled leader and expert combatant,
trained in the use of spears and lances. <<if $brightbladecodex is
true>>He is also a bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the
Corsida Brightblades, though the latter appears to be something he has
abandoned. Regardless, his magic and skills make him a particularly
dangerous warrior: bloodbinders can heal immediately from any wound,
barring those inflicted by certain types of magic or Alassar
steel.<<else>>He is a bloodbinder, which, combined with his
martial skills, make him a particularly dangerous warrior: bloodbinders
can heal immediately from any wound, barring those inflicted by certain
types of magic or Alassar steel.<</if>>
He and Aeran know each other quite well, though both are tight-lipped
about their previous relationship.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 END START")>><<if
$CountA_Branch1 is true or $CountA_Branch4 is true>>The last I saw
of him was when he escorted us out of the Count’s villa. I don’t know
whether he is still in service to the Count or not.<<elseif
$CountA_Branch2 is true>>Rhodarth helped us fight the Count’s
basilisk. The blood oath binding him to the Count was broken when Cere
Nalos died. He has since left Rona.<<elseif $CountA_Branch3 is
true>>Rhodarth and his company fought us under the Count’s orders.
The melee was brutal, but he survived. The blood oath binding him to
the Count was broken when Cere Nalos died. He has since left
Rona.<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$rhodarthGone is true>>Rhodarth is a half-melusine mercenary
captain Aeran and I encountered in Rona.
From what I can tell, he is a skilled leader and expert combatant,
trained in the use of spears and lances. <<if $brightbladecodex is
true>>He is also a bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the
Corsida Brightblades, though the latter appears to be something he has
abandoned. Regardless, his magic and skills make him a particularly
dangerous warrior: bloodbinders can heal immediately from any wound,
barring those inflicted by certain types of magic or Alassar
steel.<<else>>He is a bloodbinder, which, combined with his
martial skills, make him a particularly dangerous warrior: bloodbinders
can heal immediately from any wound, barring those inflicted by certain
types of magic or Alassar steel.<</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 END START")>>As far as I know, he
and his company are still in the employ of the Crimson
Count.<</if>><<elseif $rhodarthDead is
true>>Rhodarth was a half-melusine mercenary captain Aeran and I
encountered in Rona. When we met, he and his company were in the employ
of the Crimson Count. From what I can tell, he was a skilled leader and
expert combatant, trained in the use of spears and lances. He was also a
bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the Corsida Brightblades, though
the latter appears to be something he had abandoned. Regardless, his
magic and skills made him a particularly dangerous warrior: bloodbinders
can heal immediately from any wound, barring those inflicted by certain
types of magic or Alassar steel.
He and Aeran knew each other quite well, though both were tight-lipped
about their previous relationship.
Rhodarth died at the Count’s villa. I could do nothing to save
him.<<else>>Rhodarth is a half-melusine mercenary captain
Aeran and I encountered in Rona. When we met, he and his company were in
the employ of the Crimson Count. From what I can tell, he is a skilled
leader and expert combatant, trained in the use of spears and lances. He
is also a bloodbinder and a (former?) member of the Corsida
Brightblades, though the latter appears to be something he has
abandoned. Regardless, his magic and skills make him a particularly
dangerous warrior: bloodbinders can heal immediately from any wound,
barring those inflicted by certain types of magic or Alassar steel.
He and Aeran know each other quite well, though both are tight-lipped
about their previous relationship.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 END START")>><<if
$CountB_Branch1 is true>>Rhodarth helped us fight the Count’s
basilisk. He has since left the city.<<elseif $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>Rhodarth attempted to the fight the Count, but activated a
blood oath. He survived due to the Count’s death, but barely. He has
since left the city.<<elseif $CountB_Branch3 is true>>The
last I saw of him was when he escorted us out of the Count’s villa. I
don’t know whether he is still in service to the Count or
not.<</if>><</if>><</if>><</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading">Action Points & Health</span>
Status indicates your character’s number of available action points,
health, and any penalties to your number of action points.
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/actionpoints.png" alt="Action Points"
class="status"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
You have <span class="accent">$actionpoints / $maxactionpoints
action points</span>.</div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/health1.png" alt="Health"
class="status"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">Health</span>
<<if $health is "full">>You are at <span
class="accent">full health.</span><<elseif $health is
"recovering">>You are <span
class="accent">recovering.</span> <span
class="accent">Action Points</span> are decreased by 1.
<span class="accent">Rest</span> to return to <span
class="accent">full health</span>.<<elseif $health is
"healing">>You are <span
class="accent">healing.</span> <span
class="accent">Action Points</span> are decreased by 2.
<span class="accent">Rest</span> to recover your
health.<<else>>You are <span
class="accent">injured.</span> If you are injured again, you
will lose consciousness. <span class="accent">Action
Points</span> are decreased by 2. Use a <span
class="accent">Medical kit</span> to
heal.<</if>></div></div>
</div>
<span class="heading">Vitalities</span>
Vitalities add a temporary bonus to your skills. They last the duration
of an episode. Some vitalities can be nullified by specific ailments.
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div
class="attribute"><center><<if $contented is
true>><div class="diamond-buff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-heart"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Contented'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Contented");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Contented").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-heart"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Contented'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Contented");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Contented").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
<div
class="attribute"><center><<if $tenacious is
true>><div class="diamond-buff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-running"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Tenacious'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Tenacious");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Tenacious").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-running"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Tenacious'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Tenacious");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Tenacious").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
<div
class="attribute"><center><<if $confident is
true>><div class="diamond-buff">
<div class="center"><i class="far
fa-hand-rock"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link
'Confident'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confident");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Confident").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="far
fa-hand-rock"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link
'Confident'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Confident");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Confident").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
</div>
<div
class="box"><div class="attribute-2"><center><<if
$rested is true>><div class="diamond-buff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-cloud-moon"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Rested'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Rested");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Rested").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-cloud-moon"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Rested'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Rested");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Rested").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
<div
class="attribute-3"><center><<if $focused is
true>><div class="diamond-buff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-book-open"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Focused'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Focused");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Focused").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-book-open"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Focused'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Focused");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Focused").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div></div>
</div>
<span
class="heading">Ailments</span>
Ailments add a temporary penalty to your skills. They last the duration
of an episode. Some ailments can be removed by using the correct item or
nullified by specific vitalities.
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div
class="attribute"><center><<if $poisoned is
true>><div class="diamond-debuff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-skull-crossbones"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Poisoned'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Poisoned");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poisoned").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-skull-crossbones"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Poisoned'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Poisoned");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poisoned").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
<div
class="attribute"><center><<if $intoxicated is
true>><div class="diamond-debuff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-glass-cheers"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Intoxicated'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Intoxicated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Intoxicated").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-glass-cheers"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Intoxicated'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Intoxicated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Intoxicated").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center>
</div>
<div class="attribute"><center><<if $debilitated is
true>><div class="diamond-debuff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-briefcase-medical"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Debilitated'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Debilitated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Debilitated").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-briefcase-medical"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Debilitated'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Debilitated");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Debilitated").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
</div>
<div
class="box"><div class="attribute-2"><center><<if
$hungover is true>><div class="diamond-debuff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-head-side-virus"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Hungover'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Hungover");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Hungover").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-head-side-virus"></i></div><div
class="ribbon"><div class="effect"><<link
'Hungover'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Hungover");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Hungover").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div>
<div
class="attribute-3"><center><<if $fatigued is
true>><div class="diamond-debuff">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-tired"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Fatigued'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Fatigued");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Fatigued").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><<else>><div
class="diamond">
<div class="center"><i class="fas
fa-tired"></i></div><div class="ribbon"><div
class="effect"><<link 'Fatigued'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Fatigued");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Fatigued").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><</if>></center></div></div>
</div><span
class="heading">Skills</span>
<div class="main-wrapper"><<nobr>>
<<if ($contented is true or $tenacious is true or $confident is
true) and ($poisoned is true or $debilitated is true or $fatigued is
true)>>
<div class="badge skilldisplay-both">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas fa-angle-double-up"></i>$strength<i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i></div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $contented is true or $tenacious is true or $confident is
true>>
<div class="badge skilldisplay-buff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-up"></i>$strength</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $poisoned is true or $debilitated is true or $fatigued is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-debuff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i>$strength</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<else>>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<</if>>
<<if ($contented is true or $tenacious is true or $rested is true)
and ($poisoned is true or $intoxicated is true or $debilitated is
true)>><div class="badge skilldisplay-both">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas fa-angle-double-up"></i>$agility<i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i></div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $contented is true or $tenacious is true or $rested is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-buff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-up"></i>$agility</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $poisoned is true or $intoxicated is true or $debilitated
is true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-debuff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i>$agility</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<else>><div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div><</if>>
<<if ($contented is true or $rested is true or $focused is true)
and ($poisoned is true or $intoxicated is true or $hungover is
true)>><div class="badge skilldisplay-both">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas fa-angle-double-up"></i>$perception<i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i></div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $contented is true or $rested is true or $focused is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-buff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-up"></i>$perception</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $poisoned is true or $intoxicated is true or $hungover is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-debuff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i>$perception</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<else>><div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div><</if>>
<<if ($contented is true or $confident is true or $focused is
true) and ($poisoned is true or $hungover is true or $fatigued is
true)>><div class="badge skilldisplay-both">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas fa-angle-double-up"></i>$persuasion<i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i></div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $contented is true or $confident is true or $focused is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-buff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-up"></i>$persuasion</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<elseif $poisoned is true or $hungover is true or $fatigued is
true>><div class="badge skilldisplay-debuff">
<div class="circle"><div class="number"><i
class="fas
fa-angle-double-down"></i>$persuasion</div></div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<<else>><div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div><</if>><</nobr>></div>
<div class="heading">Attributes</div>
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="attribute"><<if $ancestry
is "human">><<link 'Lost in the
Crowd'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Lost in the Crowd");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Lost in the Crowd").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $ancestry
is "dwarven">><<link 'Sturdy
Constitution'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Sturdy Constitution");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Poison Immunity").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $ancestry
is "elven">><<link 'Night
Vision'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Night Vision");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Night Vision").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $ancestry
is "aeda">><<link
'Superhearing'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Superhearing");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Superhearing").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $ancestry
is "melusine">><<link 'Aquatic
Affinity'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Aquatic Affinity");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Aquatic Affinity").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><</if>></div><div
class="attribute"><<if $origin is "nomad">><<link
'Child of the Desert'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Desert");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Desert Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $origin
is "hunter">><<link 'Child of the
Wilds'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Wilds");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Wilds Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $origin
is "farmer">><<link 'Child of the
Fields'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Fields");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Fields Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $origin
is "urchin">><<link 'Child of the
Streets'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Streets");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Streets Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $origin
is "merchant">><<link 'Child of the
Seas'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Seas");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Seas Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $origin
is "noble">><<link 'Child of the
City'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the City");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the City Journal").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><</if>></div><div
class="attribute"><<if $master is "Varyn">><<link
'Silvertongued'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Silvertongued");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Silvertongued").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<elseif $master
is "Sero">><<link
'Universalist'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Universalist");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Universalist").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<else>><<link
'Battle Master'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Battle Master");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Battle Master").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><</if>></div></div>
<div
class="box"><div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div>
<div class="attribute">???</div></div>
</div>Click
on a card to view a faction’s status, your relationship with them, and
any current pacts.
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/lethalis.png" alt="Faction 1" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<if $lethalisstatus is 1
or $lethalisstatus is 2 or $lethalisstatus is 3>><<link
'Order of Lethalis'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Order of Lethalis");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Order of Lethalis").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $lethalisstatus)>>Order of
Lethalis<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/solarath.png" alt="Faction 2" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<if $solarathstatus is 1
or $solarathstatus is 2 or $solarathstatus is 3>><<link
'Order of Solarath'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Order of Solarath");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Order of Solarath").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $solarathstatus)>>Order of
Solarath<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/arathian.png" alt="Faction 3" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<if $empirestatus is 1
or $empirestatus is 2 or $empirestatus is 3>><<link
'Arathian Empire'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Arathian Empire");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Arathian Empire Faction").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $empirestatus)>>Arathian
Empire<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div></div>
<div
class="box"><div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/velantis.png" alt="Faction 4"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<if (def $velantisstatus)>><<link
'Velantian Loyaltists'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Velantian Loyalists");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Velantian Loyalists").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $velantisstatus)>>Velantian
Loyalists<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/arcanist.png" alt="Faction 5" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<if (def
$arcanistsstatus)>><<link 'Arcanists’
Lodge'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Arcanists’ Lodge");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Arcanists' Lodge").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $arcanistsstatus)>>Arcanists’
Lodge<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/meissandium.png" alt="Faction 6" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<if (def
$meissandiumstatus)>><<link 'The
Meissandium'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Meissandium");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Meissandium").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (def $meissandiumstatus)>>The
Meissandium<<else>>Unknown
Faction<</if>></span></center></div></div>
</div>Click
on a card to view a companion’s status and your relationship with them.
<div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><<if
(ndef $aeranstatus) or $aeranstatus is "unmet">><img
src="images/aeran.png" alt="Companion 1" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link">The
Wayfarer</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/aeranportrait.jpg" alt="Aeran Kellis"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Aeran
Kellis'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Wayfarer");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Wayfarer").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $aeranstatus or $aeranstatus is
"unmet")>>The Wayfarer<<else>>Aeran
Kellis<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $alexiastatus) or $alexiastatus is
"unmet">><img src="images/alexia.png" alt="Companion 2"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Mage</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/alexiaportrait.jpg" alt="Alexia Antonis"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Alexia
Antonis'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Mage");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Mage").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $alexiastatus) or $alexiastatus is
"unmet">>The Mage<<else>>Alexia
Antonis<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $renstatus) or $renstatus is
"unmet">><img src="images/ren.png" alt="Companion 3"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Assassin</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/renportrait.jpg" alt="Ren Varadon" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<link 'Ren
Varadon'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Assassin");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Assassin").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $renstatus)>>The
Assassin<<else>>Ren
Varadon<</if>></span></center></div></div>
<div
class="box"><div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $callastatus) or $callastatus is
"unmet">><img src="images/calla.png" alt="Companion 4"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Mercenary</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/callaportrait.jpg" alt="Calla Tormond"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Calla
Tormond'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Mercenary");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Mercenary").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $callastatus) or $callastatus is
"unmet">>The Mercenary<<else>>Calla
Tormond<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $melchiorstatus) or $melchiorstatus
is "unmet">><img src="images/melchior.png" alt="Companion 5"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Illusionist</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/melchiorportrait.jpg" alt="Melchior Larkspur"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Melchior
Larkspur'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Illusionist");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Illusionist").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $melchiorstatus) or
$melchiorstatus is "unmet">>The
Illusionist<<else>>Melchior
Larkspur<</if>></span></center></div><div
class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $nelanistatus) or $nelanistatus is
"unmet">><img src="images/nelani.png" alt="Companion 6"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Ambassador</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/nelaniportrait.jpg" alt="Nelani an'Zoraia"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Nelani
an’Zoraia'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Ambassador");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Ambassador").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $nelanistatus) or $nelanistatus is
"unmet">>The Ambassador<<else>>Nelani
an’Zoraia<</if>></span></center></div></div>
<div
class="box"><div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><<if (ndef $felixstatus) or $felixstatus is
"unmet">><img src="images/felix.png" alt="Companion 7"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div class="link">The
Alchemist</div></div><<else>><img
src="images/felixportrait.jpg" alt="Felix Navorre"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Felix
Navorre'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Alchemist");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Alchemist").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div><</if>></div><span
class="cardname"><<if (ndef $felixstatus) or $felixstatus is
"unmet">>The Alchemist<<else>>Felix
Navorre<</if>></span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"></div>
<div class="card-item"></div></div>
</div>Established
in the faded years of antiquity, the Wayfarer Order has been present in
Rhesainia for millennia. While little is known about the earliest years
of the Order, the words of the founders have been passed down, master
to apprentice, throughout the centuries.
While all modern Wayfarers are taught the tenets, not all swear by them,
and they are often veiwed as relics of a bygone era. It has been years
since you have spoken the tenets, and even longer since you were taught
their words.
<center><span class="heading">The First</span>
<<if $tenet1 is false>><i>To protect others, I
must…</i> You do not recall the specifics of this
tenet.<<else>><i>To protect others, I must first
protect myself</i><</if>>
<span class="heading">The Second</span>
<<if $tenet2 is false>><i>To shield the world, I
must…</i> You do not recall the specifics of this
tenet.<<else>><i>To shield the world, I must first
shield my kin</i><</if>>
<span class="heading">The Third</span>
<<if $tenet3 is false>><i>To safeguard my
predecessors’ legacy…</i> You do not recall the specifics of this
tenet.<<else>><i>To safeguard my predecessors’ legacy,
I must aid and nurture those like me</i><</if>>
<span class="heading">The Fourth</span>
<<if $tenet4 is false>><i>To ward against powers
beyond my own…</i> You do not recall the specifics of this tenet.
<<else>><i>To ward against powers beyond my own, I
must understand the nature of that which is beyond my
control</i><</if>>
<span class="heading">The Fifth</span>
<<if $tenet5 is false>><i>To guard this
land…</i> You do not recall the specifics of this
tenent.<<else>> <i>To guard this land, I must
understand and befriend its people</i><</if>>
<span class="heading">The Sixth</span>
<<if $tenet6 is false>><i>To defend all…</i> You
do not recall the specifics of this tenet.<<else>>
<i>To defend all, I must swear my allegiance to
none</i><</if>></center>Click
on a completed chapter to review an episode synopsis and an overview of
your past actions.
<span class="heading">Prologue</span>
<div class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<link 'Prologue'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Prologue");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Prologue Story Log").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<span class="heading">Act I</span>
<div class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr><td><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 1 END
START")>><<link 'Episode I:<br>Conflict at
Rona'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Episode I");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Chapter I Story Log").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>><<else>>Episode
I<</if>></td>
<td><<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 END OF
EPISODE")>><<link 'Episode II:<br>House of the
Phoenix'>><<dialog>><<include 'Episode 2 Story
Log'>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>Episode
II<</if>></td>
<td>Episode III</td>
<td>Episode IV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Episode V</td>
<td>Episode VI</td>
<td>Episode VII</td>
<td>Episode VIII</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<span class="heading">Act II</span>
<div class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td>Episode IX</td>
<td>Episode X</td>
<td>Episode XI</td>
<td>Episode XII</td></tr>
</table></div>
<span class="heading">Act III</span>
<div class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td>Episode XIII</td>
<td>Episode XIV</td>
<td>Episode XV</td></tr>
</table></div><center><span
class="heading">Prologue</span></center>
In the frozen southern wastes of Artanis, you travelled with Rindan
Cenric and Aeran Kellis to the Spire, home of the Wayfarer Order. You
were waylaid by an Imperial outpost guarding the highway. While Cenric
argued with the sentries, you were attacked by a fannarl, a vicious
monster with a thirst for flesh and blood. Cenric held out against the
creature long enough to receive aid from Brissa Varyn and Amali Sero,
fellow Wayfarers who had been tracking the fannarl for days. Their
reunion was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sabien Quirinus, a
savant of the Guild of Mages, who wanted the monster’s corpse for
unspecified reasons. Quirinus interrogated you, questioning how and why
you entered the custody of the Wayfarers.
After the Savant’s departure, you travelled through the snowy woods and
finally reached the Spire.
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="heading">Episode I:<br>Conflict at
Rona</span></center>
<<if $chapter1route is "docks" and $zenaidarefused neq
true>>After six months trapped in Rona, your time in the city came
to an unpredictable and violent end. Struggling to make enough crowns
to get out of town, you and Aeran accepted a contract from the Crimson
Count to find a missing artefact.
While you were grappling with dead leads, you were approached by Zenaida
Anaxas, a Savant of the Guild of Mages. She had a proposition for you:
in exchange for your services, she would guarantee a quick escape from
Rona and enough payment to ensure you will never have to accept gritty,
unwanted work ever again.
The catch: you and Aeran would travel with her to Velantis, to the heart
of the Guild of Mages. Once there, you would ascend Diradan Tower,
break through the magical barriers and steal <b>an
Astrial</b>, an ancient weapon from a bygone era imbued with
immeasurable power.
Backed into a corner, you accepted Zenaida’s terms. But in doing so, you
defaulted on your contract with the Count and brought the full force of
his ire down upon you. Through your wits and Aeran’s force of will, you
managed to escape and left Rona behind for good.<<elseif
$chapter1route is "docks" and $zenaidarefused is true>>After six
months trapped in Rona, your time in the city came to an unpredictable
and violent end. Struggling to make enough crowns to get out of town,
you and Aeran accepted a contract from the Crimson Count to find a
missing artefact—an ancient chalice of great power.
While you were grappling with dead leads, you were approached by Zenaida
Anaxas, a Savant of the Guild of Mages. She had a proposition for you:
in exchange for your services, she would guarantee a quick escape from
Rona and enough payment to ensure you will never have to accept gritty,
unwanted work ever again.
The catch: you and Aeran would travel with her to Velantis, to the heart
of the Guild of Mages. Once there, you would ascend Diradan Tower,
break through the magical barriers and steal <b>an
Astrial</b>, an ancient weapon from a bygone era imbued with
immeasurable power.
Refusing Zenaida’s offer, you and Aeran continued your search for the
chalice, which led you all over the city. <<if $flotsamgrove is
true>>Eventually, your investigation led you to Flotsam Grove,
where you discovered the chalice in the hands of a woman named Marea.
<<if $chaliceStatus is "marea">>You left the chalice with
her and returned to the Count empty-handed.<<elseif $aeranchalice
is true>>Aeran took the chalice from her by force and you returned
to the Count.<<else>>You took the chalice from her and
returned to the Count.<</if>><<elseif $marshwall is
true>>Eventually, your investigation led you to Marshwall and the
residence of the Saffron Duchess. This was a false lead and you were
forced to return to the Count empty-handed.<<else>>Your
investigation turned up nothing but dead ends, and you were forced to
return to the Count empty-handed.<</if>>
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true or $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>When you returned to the Count, the full force of his ire
was brought down upon you. Zenaida found you and spirited you away on
her ship, the <i>Dareia</i>. You have left Rona for good,
but in exchange you were forced to accept her terms and work for the
Order of Lethalis.<<else>>You returned to the Count and
managed to escape his villa unscathed. However, your actions in Flotsam
Grove and the removal of the chalice instigated a riot. Rona burned and
you and Aeran nearly lost your lives. You were rescued by Zenaida, who
spirited you away from the city onboard her ship, the
<i>Dareia</i>. You have left Rona for good, but in exchange
for saving your life, you were forced to accept Zenaida terms and work
for the Order of Lethalis.<</if>><<else>>After
six months trapped Rona, your time in the city came to an unpredictable
and violent end. Struggling to make enough crowns to get out of town,
you and Aeran accepted a contract from the Crimson Count. Your mission:
find and recover a missing artefact—an ancient chalice—and return it
safely to the Count.
Your investigation led you all over the city. <<if $flotsamgrove
is true>>Eventually, you found your way to Flotsam Grove, where
you discovered the chalice in the hands of a woman named Marea.
<<if $chaliceStatus is "marea">>You left the chalice with
her and returned to the Count empty-handed.<<elseif $aeranchalice
is true>>Aeran took the chalice from her by force and you returned
to the Count.<<else>>You took the chalice from her and
returned to the Count.<</if>><<elseif $marshwall is
true>>Eventually, you found your way to Marshwall and the
residence of the Saffron Duchess. This was a false lead and you were
forced to return to the Count empty-handed.<<else>>You found
nothing but dead ends, and you and Aeran were forced to return to the
Count empty-handed.<</if>>
<<if $CountB_Branch1 is true or $CountB_Branch2 is
true>>When you returned to the Count, the full force of his ire
was brought down upon you. You were rescued by Zenaida Anaxas, a Savant
of the Guild of Mages. She spirited you away on her ship, the
<i>Dareia</i>. You have left Rona for good, but in exchange
you were forced to accept a contract.<<else>>You returned to
the Count and managed to escape his villa unscathed. However, your
actions in Flotsam Grove and the removal of the chalice instigated a
riot. Rona burned and you and Aera nearly lost your lives. You were
rescued by Zenaida Anaxas, a Savant of the Guild of Mages. She spirited
you away onboard her ship, the <i>Dareia</i>. You have left
Rona for good, but in exchange for saving your lives, you were forced to
accept a contract.<</if>>
Zenaida’s contract is simple. Under the employ of the Order of Lethalis,
you and Aeran will travel with Zenaida to Velantis, to the heart of the
Guild of Mages. Once there, you will ascend Diradan Tower, break
through the magical barriers and steal <b>an Astrial</b>, an
ancient weapon from a bygone era imbued with immeasurable power.
She has promised to pay you handsomely for your services.
<div class="specialtitle"><center>Your Journey So
Far…</center></div><div
class="storylog"><ul><li>You followed Luthais to Rat
Alley and fought Kane.</li>
<li><<if $vlvilla is true>>You investigated the
Viridian Lady’s villa. <<if $heramet is true>>There, you
encountered Hera Ambrose, the Viridian Lady’s wife. Hera is particularly
interested in ancient magical artefacts and gave you a single request:
hand the Chalice of Offering to her, rather than the Count. Afterwards,
you met with Anselma Malley and survived your audience with
her.<<else>>While there, you encountered Anselma Malley and
survived your audience with
her.<</if>><<else>>You did not investigate the
Viridian Lady’s villa.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $cove is true>>You investigated the Cove,
where you encountered Lars Drakehand. The merchant was responsible for
bringing <<if $chaliceinfo1 is true>>the Chalice of
Offering<<else>>the chalice<</if>> to Rona. He
feared punishment from the <b>Osgar family</b> for losing
it.
<li><<if $aerandeal is "favour">>You made a deal with
Aeran and now he <b>owes you a favour</b><<elseif
$aerandeal is "secret">>You made a deal with Aeran and now he
<b>owes you a secret</b>.<<elseif $aerandeal is
"location">>You made a deal with Aeran and now you get to choose
the next place you visit.<<else>>You did not make a deal
with Aeran for a secret or a
favour.<</if>></li><<else>>You did not
investigate the Cove.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $edgewater is true>><<if $edgewaterhome
is true>>Aeran investigated Edgewater while you went home to your
apartment on Mulch Road. <<if $aeranletters is
"putaway">>You discovered some letters among Aeran’s things, but
declined to pry into his business.<<elseif $aeranletters is
"chapter1">>You discovered <b>some letters</b> among
Aeran’s things. They were written in the old Wayfarer code; you took the
time to decipher the code and make a copy of the first letter. You’re
not sure what to make of it, but you do know that Aeran has been keeping
secrets from you.<</if>><<else>>You
investigated Edgewater and went to Moss Lane. You encountered Madam
Grey, a melusine vying to control the
district.<</if>><<else>>You did not investigate
Edgewater.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $deadwood is true>>You investigated Rona’s
chapter of the Guild of Mages. While there, you encountered the Guild
master, Aegineta, an eccentric old human mage with a strong distaste for
the Guild’s internal politics.<<else>>You did not
investigate Deadwood.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $flotsamgrove is true>>After careful
consideration, you decided to pursue your leads to Flotsam Grove. Upon
your arrival, you discovered that the chalice had been taken by a gang
of children from the Grove. The chalice had fallen into the hands of
Marea, the Grove’s newly self-appointed leader. With its power, she was
able to heal her people of any injuries and illnesses. Emboldened by
their newfound power, the Grove was preparing to declare its
independence from Rona. <<if $chaliceStatus is "marea">>You
chose to leave the chalice with Marea.<<elseif $aeranchalice is
true>>Aeran took the chalice from Marea by force.<<elseif
$mareadead is true>>You took the chalice from Marea by force and
killed her.<<else>>You took the chalice from
Marea.<</if>>
Afterwards, you returned to the South Isle, where you encountered
<b>Rhodarth</b>, a mercenary captain sent to escort you back
to the Crimson Count.<<elseif $marshwall is true>>After
careful consideration, you decided to pursue your leads to Marshwall.
Once there, you investigated the residence of Flora Goldhorn, the
Saffron Duchess. The house was eerie, and filled with a strange noise
resonating from the upper floors. There, you discovered the corpses of
Goldhorn and her subordinates. They were victims of what appeared to be a
sloppy assassination. Before you could leave, you were attacked by one
of Goldhorn’s killers. The attacker was suffering from <b>some
strange effects</b>—she was filled with uncontrolled bloodlust and
could not be reasoned with.
Afterwards, you encountered <b>Rhodarth</b>, a mercenary
captain sent to escort you back to the Crimson
Count.<<else>>Without any promising leads, you elected to
return early to the Crimson Count and report on your failure. When you
returned, you encountered <b>Rhodarth</b>, a mercenary
captain employed by the Count.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $CountB_Branch1 is true>>The Count attempted
to kill you and Aeran by throwing you into the pool to face the Gorgo, a
basilisk living in the water beneath the villa. <<if
$basiliskslain is true>>Teaming up with Rhodarth, you fought and
killed the basilisk. Rhodarth attempted to kill the Count himself for
unleashing the basilisk on his company. His blood oath activated and
slowly began to kill him. <<if $rhoHelp is true>>You chose
to help him, and turned on the Count. <<if $Chapter1_Unconscious
is true>>He grievously injured you and you blacked
out.<</if>><<else>>Not wanting to involve
yourself further, you chose not to help
him.<</if>><<else>>Teaming up with Rhodarth, you
fought the basilisk. During the fight, you were grievously injured in
the process and blacked out.<</if>><<elseif
$CountB_Branch2 is true>>Intrigued by you, the Count had a
proposal: extend your contract and work for him in a permanent capacity.
This offer, however, did not extend to Aeran. When Rhodarth was ordered
to kill Aeran, he turned on the Count and attacked him instead. Doing
so activated his blood oath, which began to slowly kill him. <<if
$Chapter1_Unconscious is true>><<if $aeranshotmc is
true>>While fighting the Count, you were taken hostage and Aeran
shot you by accident.<<else>>While fighting the Count, you
were grievously
injured.<</if>><</if>><<else>><<if
$chaliceStatus is "count">>With the chalice back in the Count’s
hands, you were free to go.<<else>>By chance, you managed to
convince the Count to let you go.<</if>> You and Aeran were
drawn by the sounds of an unknown commotion to the town square. Once
there, you discovered the entire square was on fire and militia from
Flotsam Grove were attacking the city. Caught in the chaos of a
collapsing city, you were grievously
injured.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $Chapter1_Unconscious is true>>You woke up on
the <i>Dareia</i>, the flagship of <b>Zenaida
Anaxas</b>. You discovered that she had rescued you and that Aeran
had accepted a contract while you were unconscious. You have no choice
now but to work for the <b>Order of
Lethalis</b>.<<else>>After the fight, you were
apprehended by <b>Zenaida Anaxas</b>. In exchange for
getting you out of Rona, she offered you a contract with the
<b>Order of Lethalis</b>. Backed into a corner, you had no
choice but to accept. You returned to her flagship, the
<i>Dareia</i>, and left Rona for
good.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $countDead is true>><<if $countDead_How
is 1>>The Crimson Count is dead, slain by your
hand.<<elseif $countDead_How is 2>>The Crimson Count is
dead, slain by Aeran.<<elseif $countDead_How is 3>>The
Crimson Count is dead, slain by Malsara Markal on the orders of Zenaida
Anaxas.<<elseif $countDead_How is 4>>The Crimson Count is
dead, slain by Aeran after you were
injured<</if>><<else>>The Crimson Count remains
alive.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $rhodarthDead is true>><<if
$rhodarthDead_How is 1>><b>Rhodarth is dead,</b> slain
by the Count.<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
2>><b>Rhodarth is dead.</b> Aeran killed him by
missing his shot.<<elseif $rhodarthDead_How is
3>><b>Rhodarth is dead,</b> killed by the effects of
his blood oath.<</if>><<elseif $rhodarthGone is
true>>Rhodarth <b>remains in the employ</b> of the
Crimson Count.<<else>><b>Rhodarth is alive</b>
and has departed Rona with his company.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $chaliceStatus is "count">>The chalice was
returned to the Count.<<elseif $chaliceStatus is
"marea">>You left the chalice with Marea, in Flotsam
Grove.<<elseif $chaliceStatus is "ocean">>You dropped the
chalice into the ocean.<<elseif $chaliceStatus is
"viridianLady">>You gave the chalice to the Viridian Lady when she
attacked the <i>Dareia</i> as you fled Rona. <<if
$heramet is true>>It seems as though it will fall into Hera’s
hands now.<</if>><<else>>You never found the
chalice.<</if>></li>
<li><<if $aerantell is true>>You <b>informed
Aeran</b> that Zenaida came to Rona specifically to find
him<<else>>You <b>did not inform Aeran</b> that
Zenaida came to Rona specifically to find
him.<</if>></li></ul></div><</if>>
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="storyversion2"><<patch>></div><div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">Writing &
Programming</div></div></div>Created, written,
designed, and programmed by Anna MacAlpine.
<br><div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-tumblr-square"></i> <a
href="https://idrellegames.tumblr.com" title="tumblr"
target="_blank">@idrellegames</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-twitter-square"></i> <a
href="https://twitter.com/idrellegames" title="twitter"
target="_blank">@idrellegames</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-instagram-square"></i> <a
href="https://www.instagram.com/idrellegames" title="instagram"
target="_blank">@idrellegames</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-twitch"></i> <a
href="https://www.twitch.tv/idrellegames" title="twitch"
target="_blank">@idrellegames</a></span></div>
<div class="heading-wrapper"><div
class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div
class="heading-title">Artwork</div></div></div>Wayfarer
sigil and logo design by Jessica Roy.
<br><div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><a href="https://www.jcr-portfolio.com/"
title="website"
target="_blank">jcr-portfolio.com</a></span></div>
Character portraits and cover art by Rory Yaya.
<br><div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-tumblr-square"></i> <a
href="https://sunshinemage.tumblr.com/" title="tumblr"
target="_blank">@sunshinemage</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-twitter-square"></i> <a
href="https://twitter.com/RoryYaya" title="twitter"
target="_blank">@RoryYaya</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><i class="fab
fa-instagram-square"></i> <a
href="https://www.instagram.com/roryyaya/" title="instagram"
target="_blank">@roryyaya</a></span></div>
<div class="heading-wrapper"><div
class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div
class="heading-title">Assets</div></div></div><span
class="accent">Scripts & Other Codes</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><a
href="http://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">SugarCube v2
Documentation</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://twinery.org/cookbook/">Twine
Cookbook</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://twinelab.net/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/#/">Custom
Macro Collection (v2.6.1)</a> by Chapel</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy’s
Custom Macros</a> by cyrusfirheir</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://github.com/mikewesthad/twine-resources/tree/master/demos/html-maps">Clickable
Images with HTML Maps</a> by mikewesthad</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://ccrberus.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template">Twine
SugarCube Template</a> by cerberus</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://awmorgan.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template">SugarCube
Template</a> by a.w. morgan</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://vahnya.itch.io/twine-template-ii">Twine Template
II</a> by Vahnya</span></div>
<span class="accent">Backgrounds & Other Images</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><a
href="https://about.canva.com/license-agreements/free-media/">Canva</a>
(alhontess, barsrsind, BreakingtheWalls, Canva Layouts, Chikovnaya,
Clker-Free-Vector-Images, DAPA Images, florinfenica, GDJ, m.kucova,
pinkbrush, pixabay, Serhii Borodin, sketchify, Twilight Sparkle,
vectortradition, Vintage Illustrations)</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">Rawpixel</a>
(Public Domain collection)</span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://fontawesome.com/license/free">Font
Awesome</a></span>
<span class="record-item"><a
href="https://linearicons.com/">Linearicons</a> by
Perxis</span></div>
<span class="accent">Maps</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><a
href="https://www.wonderdraft.net/">Wonderdraft</a></span></div>
<div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">Patron
Characters</div></div></div><div
class="record"><span class="record-item">Quinn (Episode
II)</span></div>
<div class="heading-wrapper"><div
class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div
class="heading-title">Playtesters</div></div></div><div
class="record"><span class="record-item">Aileani, Albie,
AnaRinoa, Arielle (@a-tear-in-the-veil), Azia T., Chilled Glasses, Ezhi,
Ham, Heather Dodds, Lili, Mesal, Milo C., Mr. Teatime, Nicholas,
Nyahkolas, Olivia Schouten, Owen, Sadie, Samthefanboi, Sanchez Eli,
sistersolaris, Thiren, ToastySkeleton, Young
Griff</span></div>
<div class="heading-wrapper"><div
class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">Many Thanks to
My Patrons</div></div></div><div
class="record"><span class="record-item">Abby N., Aditi, Aidan
K., Aidads, Aliann232, Alice H., Alice J., Alix Morgan Jordan,
alltimewoat, Alo, Alyssa Nelson, Amanda, Amanda A., Angel, AnnaMarie,
Anonymous, Aria L., Arielle Scena-Shifrin, Ash Balgaard, Auden Lee,
Averey H., Averious, Avery L., Azia T., Bailey W., Beem, Bemmii, Beth
Anne C., Bethany E., Bianca B., Blake Lockford, Bri, Brit, Cait,
Caitlyn, Caitlyn S., Callum R., Cande, Chaeldra, Chap Chappington,
Charlie, Charlie, CirceNath, Clamoribus, Clarissa S., Cross,
curlzformetal, Dianna F., Dj, Easyk14, Edelle, Elias R., Elishe Wittes,
Ellie O'Hare, Emma, Emma Cole, Emma L.</span>
<span class="record-item">FairfaxLeasee, fooltofancy, Gabe Clark,
GoldenSwan13, greyyourwarden, Gryphon P., Heather Dodds, Hedgehog
Treefrog, Heledd, Ida, i-had-bucky, ilmhist, Imani T., Ireth, Isobel M.,
JacksonLovesPopcorn, Jasmin, Jasmine L., Jennifer Alencar, Jesse
Robins, Joseph Ortiz, JustCallMeFox!, Justin R., Kaigan, KC, Keegan,
Kelsey M, Kiana Lee (@galpalaven), Kota, Kristen, Lara, Lauren, Leah D.,
Lin Lezsan, Lucerni, Lumis, lumosmanaged, Lyca, Lyri, Mace, Maeva,
maya, Megan K, Meom Meom, Miah F, Michelle, Mika C., Mintie,
misakikaito, mrissti, Mumbles, Natasha Strickey, Nat G.,
Night-Triumphantt, NT, Nya Ninja, OmegaScales, Oscar Arcane, Outcastie,
Owen, oxjenayxo</span>
<span class="record-item">Painted Phoenix, PB, Pheo, Pixiuu,
Princy, Pundargandalf, Quaryelle, Queer-Formless-Blob, Rachel “Kary”
Costa, Raven4138, Rajpreet, Ren O., Rissa Yap, Rosie Midget, Rrxanne
Bvais, Ry A.V., Sara T., Sasha E. Head, Serenbach, seresa, Sid G.,
Sidtart, siri nial, Skye Phillips, Soft Thoughts, sometimes lol,
springsalad, Stellan, Suwariish, Sybylladella, Taireeah, Theia,
Tifftastically, Turbo, ugo, V., Violet (@koldsoba), vitkaylitka, yanphi,
Yli, Zee, zombiefishgirl</span></div>
<div class="disclaimer"><a
href="https://idrellegames.itch.io/wayfarer/devlog">Read the latest
patch notes here</a>
Wayfarer is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events and incidents
are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual
persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely
coincidental.</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i>
Funds</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check your current
amount of money. Most merchants will only accept Arathian crowns as form
of payment.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Click to View'>>
<<dialog>><div class="inventory"><div
class="box"><div class="inv-1"><b><i class="fas
fa-coins"></i></b></div>
<div class="inv-2">$gold Arathian crowns.</div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>></div></div>
<span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-shield-alt"></i>
Gear</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check your weapons,
assorted tools, and specialized equipment useful for your
trade.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $hide_gear is
true>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Inaccessible</button><<else>><<button
'Click to View'>>
<<dialog>><div class="inventory"><div
class="box"><div class="inv-1"><b><i class="fas
fa-shield-alt"></i></b></div>
<div class="inv-2"><<if $gearInv.isEmpty()>>You don’t
have any gear.<<else>><<inventory
'$gearInv'>><<run
$gearInv.sort()>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-shopping-bag"></i>
Pack</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check your personal
items, including accessories, artefacts, and gifts you have received.
Some personal items can be sold to merchants.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Click to
View'>><<dialog>><div class="inventory"><div
class="box"><div class="inv-1"><b><i class="fas
fa-shopping-bag"></i></b></div>
<div class="inv-2"><<if $packInv.isEmpty()>>You don’t
have anything in your pack.<<else>><<inventory
'$packInv'>><<run
$packInv.sort()>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>></div></div>
<span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-question"></i>
Quest</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check your items
associated with current quests. Items from expired quests will be
removed automatically from your inventory at the end of an
episode.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Click to
View'>><<dialog>><div class="inventory"><div
class="box"><div class="inv-1"><b><i class="fas
fa-question"></i></b></div>
<div class="inv-2"><<if $questInv.isEmpty()>>You don’t
have any quest items.<<else>><<inventory
'$questInv'>><<run
$questInv.sort()>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>></div></div>
<span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-gem"></i>
Valuables</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check items available
for exchange. Valuables can be sold to merchants for money (though not
all merchants will accept some valuables). Some can be saved and given
as gifts.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<button 'Click to
View'>><<dialog>><div class="inventory"><div
class="box"><div class="inv-1"><b><i class="fas
fa-gem"></i></b></div>
<div class="inv-2"><<if $junkInv.isEmpty()>>You don’t
have any valuables.<<else>><<inventory
'$junkInv'>><<run
$junkInv.sort()>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>></div></div>
<span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-flask"></i>
Consumables</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1">Check your consumable
items. Each consumable has a maximum amount of uses. You must use all of
an item’s available uses before you can purchase it again.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $hide_gear is
true>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Inaccessible</button><<else>><<button
'Click to View'>><<dialog>><div
class="inventory"><div class="box"><div
class="inv-3"><b><i class="fas
fa-flask"></i></b></div><div
class="inv-2"><span class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical
Kit</span>
<b>Description:</b> Powerful tinctures and ointments dull
the pain and allow the user to return to normal functionality after an
injury. May have unforeseen side effects.
<b>Uses:</b> <<if $enmedkiteqp is
true>>$enmedkit/2<<else>>You do not have this
item.<</if>></div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="inv-3"><b><i
class="fas fa-flask"></i></b></div><div
class="inv-2"><span class="specialtitle">Claw
Traps</span>
<b>Description:</b> Traps to entangle and incapacitate your
target.
<b>Uses:</b> <<if $clawtrapeqp is
true>>$clawtraps/3<<else>>You do not have this
item.<</if>></div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="inv-3"><b><i
class="fas fa-flask"></i></b></div><div
class="inv-2"><span
class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<b>Description:</b> Creates a small explosion when thrown.
Handle with care.
<b>Uses:</b> <<if $thundersphereeqp is
true>>$thunderspheres/3<<else>> You do not have this
item.<</if>></div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="inv-3"><b><i
class="fas fa-flask"></i></b></div><div
class="inv-2"><span class="specialtitle">Infusion of
Snakeweed</span>
<b>Description:</b> A potent poison. Use with care. Do not
ingest.
<b>Uses:</b> <<if $snakeweedeqp is
true>>$snakeweed/5<<else>>You do not have this
item.<</if>></div></div>
<div class="box"><div class="inv-3"><b><i
class="fas fa-flask"></i></b></div><div
class="inv-2"><span class="specialtitle">Infusion of
Dreamweed</span>
<b>Description:</b> Calms the nerves, mellowing the person
who ingests it.
<b>Uses:</b> <<if $dreamweedeqp is
true>>$dreamweed/5<<else>>You do not have this
item.<</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Close Inventory'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</dialog>><</button>><</if>></div></div>Strength
measures your physical power. It controls elements such as your ability
to lift heavy objects, burst through doors, overpower enemies and
general physical prowess.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Agility
measures your dexterity. It controls elements such as acrobatics,
balance, ability to dodge attacks and general
finesse.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Persuasion
measures your ability to persuade, intimidate, coerce or manipulate
others to your line of thinking. You may be able to talk your way out of
a fight or glean information from those who would rather not give it to
you.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Powerful
tinctures and ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to
normal functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<b>Using an enhanced medical kit allows you to immediately return
to full health after sustaining an injury.</b><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Create
a small explosion to distract or maim enemies. Use with
caution.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Entangles
your enemies. Use with caution.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Perception
measures your ability to notice the details of your surroundings. You
are more likely to spot key items, notice things that are out of place,
and discover hidden areas and objects.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Poison
for your blade or to slip into your enemies’ drinks. May incapacitate
or kill. Do not ingest.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Calms
the nerves and mellows the person taking it. Similar to snakeweed, but
will not kill. May incapacitate your enemies.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>During
<b>Exploration</b> you may expend <b>Action
Points</b> to travel to a selected location. You have a limited
amount of Action Points per chapter, so consider your options wisely.
You can check the remaining number of Action Points at any time in your
Journal.
If you do not wish to use the interactive map, you can toggle it off in
Settings. The interactive map is not available for mobile
players.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Combat
has been initiated! During combat, many of your actions will be checked
against your Strength and Agility skills and added to a dice roll. The
higher your Strength and Agility skills, the more likely you are to pass
a skill check.
Should you fail a skill check, you will become
<b>Injured</b>, which reduces your number of available
Action Points used during Exploration. Be careful. If you fail a check
while injured, you may fall unconscious.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>There
are four skills in <span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer.</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><b>Strength</b> measures your
physical power. It controls elements such as your ability to lift heavy
objects, burst through doors, overpower enemies and general physical
prowess.</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>Agility</b> measures your
dexterity. It controls elements such as acrobatics, balance, ability to
dodge attacks and general finesse.</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>Perception</b> measures
your ability to notice the details of your surroundings. You are more
likely to spot key items, notice things that are out of place, and
discover hidden areas and objects.</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>Persuasion</b> measures
your ability to persuade, intimidate, coerce or manipulate others to
your line of thinking. You may be able to talk your way out of a fight
or glean information from those who would rather not give it to
you.</span></div>
Many of your character’s actions during the game are skill checks. Skill
checks take your current skill level and add it to a dice roll. The
higher your skill level, the more likely you are to pass a skill check.
You will have opportunities to level up your skills as you progress
through the story. During the Prologue, your choices will add additional
skill points to the base level.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="character-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/lethalisicon.png" alt="Lethalis Avatar"
class="characters"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">The Order of Lethalis</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Leader:</span> <<if
$umbria_intro is true or hasVisited("Umbria meeting")>>Umbria
Bellaris<<else>>Unknown<</if>>
<span class="specialtitle">Members:</span>
<div class="records"><span class="record-item">Zenaida
Anaxas</span>
<span class="record-item">Nova Markal</span>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH VOTE") or hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.4
DRUNK RAS")>><span class="record-item">Veyer
Krellion</span>
<span class="record-item">Oshiro</span>
<span class="record-item">Ashani</span>
<span class="record-item">Leda</span>
<span
class="record-item">Quinn</span><</if>></div><span
class="specialtitle">Associates:</span> Malsara Markal
<span class="specialtitle">Status:</span> <<if
$lethalisstatus is 1>>Allies<<elseif $lethalisstatus is
2>>Enemies<<elseif $lethalisstatus is
3>>Encountered<</if>></div>
</div>
</div><hr><div class="character-wrapper">
<div class="stat-bar-group"><span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span> Rapport:
$lethalisapp <span class="char-float"><<if $lethalisapp
>= 80 && $lethalisapp <= 100>>Loyal<<elseif
$lethalisapp >= 60 && $lethalisapp <=
79>>Friendly<<elseif $lethalisapp >= 40 &&
$lethalisapp <= 59>>Neutral<<elseif $lethalisapp >= 20
&& $lethalisapp <= 39>>Cold<<elseif $lethalisapp
>= 0 && $lethalisapp <=
19>>Hostile<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$lethalisapp" max="100"></progress>
</div>
</div><hr><div class=character-wrapper><div
class="record">
<span class="specialtitle">Pacts</span><<if
$lethaliscontract1 is "forged">><span class="pact-item">You
have agreed to retrieve an Astrial from Diradan
Tower.</span><</if>>
<<if (ndef $lethaliscontract1)>><span
class="pact-broken">You have not forged any pacts with this
faction.</span><</if>>
</div>
</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="character-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/solarathicon.png" alt="Solarath Avatar"
class="characters"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">The Order of Solarath</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Leader:</span> Sabien Quirinus
<span class="specialtitle">Members:</span>
<div class="records"><span class="record-item"><<if
(def $allegra_met)>>Allegra
Arantir<<else>>Unknown<</if>></span>
</div><span class="specialtitle">Associates:</span>
Unknown
<span class="specialtitle">Status:</span> <<if
$solarathstatus is 1>>Allies<<elseif $solarathstatus is
2>>Enemies<<elseif $solarathstatus is
3>>Encountered<</if>></div>
</div>
</div><hr><div class="character-wrapper">
<div class="stat-bar-group"><span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span> Rapport:
$solarathapp <span class="char-float"><<if $solarathapp
>= 80 && $solarathapp <= 100>>Loyal<<elseif
$solarathapp >= 60 && $solarathapp <=
79>>Friendly<<elseif $solarathapp >= 40 &&
$solarathapp <= 59>>Neutral<<elseif $solarathapp >= 20
&& $solarathapp <= 39>>Cold<<elseif $solarathapp
>= 0 && $solarathapp <=
19>>Hostile<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$solarathapp" max="100"></progress>
</div>
</div><hr><div class=character-wrapper><div
class="record">
<span class="specialtitle">Pacts</span>
<<if (ndef $solarathcontract1)>><span
class="pact-broken">You have not forged any pacts with this
faction.</span><</if>>
</div>
</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="character-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/arathianicon.png" alt="Arathian Avatar"
class="characters"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">The Arathian Empire</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Head of State:</span> Emperor
Ariston ard Nesarian
<span class="specialtitle">Velantian Archon:</span> Sophia
Anaxas
<span class="specialtitle">Affiliates:</span>
<div class="records"><span class="record-item"><<if
hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LYR SANDRO INTRO")>>Sandro
Anaxas<<else>>Unknown<</if>></span>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 MARQUEE START")>><span
class="record-item">Phaedra Amestris</span><</if>>
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 EP NOBLES 02A")>><span
class="record-item">Councillor Vardell</span>
<span class="record-item">Councillor
Mephala</span><</if>></div><span
class="specialtitle">Associates:</span>
<div class="records"><span
class="record-item">Rasmira</span></div><span
class="specialtitle">Status:</span> <<if $empirestatus is
1>>Allies<<elseif $empirestatus is
2>>Enemies<<elseif $empirestatus is
3>>Encountered<</if>></div>
</div>
</div><hr><div class="character-wrapper">
<div class="stat-bar-group"><span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span> Rapport:
$empireapp <span class="char-float"><<if $empireapp >= 80
&& $empireapp <= 100>>Loyal<<elseif $empireapp
>= 60 && $empireapp <= 79>>Friendly<<elseif
$empireapp >= 40 && $empireapp <=
59>>Neutral<<elseif $empireapp >= 20 &&
$empireapp <= 39>>Cold<<elseif $empireapp >= 0
&& $empireapp <=
19>>Hostile<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$empireapp" max="100"></progress>
</div>
</div><hr><div class=character-wrapper><div
class="record">
<span class="specialtitle">Pacts</span>
<<if $sophia_pact is 1 or $sophia_pact is 2>><span
class="pact-item">You accepted the archon’s request and agreed to
remove Zenaida from the Order of Lethalis</span><<elseif
$sophia_pact is 3>><span class="pact-broken">You refused the
archon’s request to remove Zenaida from the Order of
Lethalis</span><<else>><span
class="pact-broken">You have not forged any pacts with this
faction.</span><</if>>
</div>
</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="character-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/velantisicon.png" alt="Velantis Avatar"
class="characters"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">The Velantian Loyalists</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Leader:</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Members:</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Associates:</span>
<div class="records"><span class="record-item"></span>
<span class="specialtitle">Status:</span> <<if
$velantisstatus is 1>>Allies<<elseif $velantisstatus is
2>>Enemies<<elseif $velantisstatus is
3>>Encountered<</if>></div>
</div>
</div><hr><div class="character-wrapper">
<div class="stat-bar-group"><span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span> Rapport:
$velantisapp <span class="char-float"><<if $velantisapp
>= 80 && $velantisapp <= 100>>Loyal<<elseif
$velantisapp >= 60 && $velantisapp <=
79>>Friendly<<elseif $velantisapp >= 40 &&
$velantisapp <= 59>>Neutral<<elseif $velantisapp >= 20
&& $velantisapp <= 39>>Cold<<elseif $velantisapp
>= 0 && $velantisapp <=
19>>Hostile<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$empireapp" max="100"></progress>
</div>
</div><hr><div class=character-wrapper><div
class="record">
<span class="specialtitle">Pacts</span>
</div>
</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>FORTHCOMING
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><div
class="character-wrapper">
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><img
src="images/aeranicon.png" alt="Aeran's Avatar"
class="characters"></div><div class="column-2"><span
class="heading">Aeran Kellis</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Age:</span> 30s
<span class="specialtitle">Ancestry:</span> Elven
<span class="specialtitle">Affiliation:</span> Wayfarer
Order
<span class="specialtitle">Status:</span> <<if
$aeranstatus is 1>>Allies<<elseif $aeranstatus is
2>>Missing<<elseif $aeranstatus is
3>>Dead<<elseif $aeranstatus is
4>>Deserted<<elseif $aeranstatus is
5>>Enemies<</if>></div>
</div>
</div><hr><div class="character-wrapper">
<div class="stat-bar-group"><span class="specialtitle"><i
class="fas fa-hands"></i> Bond:
$aeranapp <span class="char-float"><<if $aeranapp >= 80
&& $aeranapp <= 100>>Loving<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>Friendly<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 40 && $aeranapp <=
59>>neutral<<elseif $aeranapp >= 20 && $aeranapp
<= 39>>Cold<<elseif $aeranapp >= 0 &&
$aeranapp <=
19>>Hostile<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$aeranapp" max="100"></progress>
</div>
<<if $aeranromance is true>><div
class="stat-bar-group"><span class="specialtitle"><i
class="fas fa-heart"></i> Romance: $aeranrom
<span class="char-float"><<if $aeranrom >= 80 &&
$aeranrom <= 100>><<if $aeranRom_Confession is
true>>In
Love<<else>>Devoted<</if>><<elseif
$aeranrom >= 60 && $aeranrom <= 79>><<if
$aeranRom_Confession is true>>In
Love<<else>>Loving<</if>><<elseif
$aeranrom >= 40 && $aeranrom <=
59>>Enamoured<<elseif $aeranrom >= 20 &&
$aeranrom <= 39>>Interested<<elseif $aeranrom >= 1
&& $aeranrom <= 19>>Intrigued<<elseif $aeranrom
=== 0>>Not Interested<</if>></span></span>
<progress @value="$aeranrom" max="100"></progress>
</div><</if>>
</div><hr><div class=character-wrapper>
<<nobr>><div class="box"><div
class="char-3">Personal History</div></div>
<div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[1231]</div>
<div class="char-2">Recruited into the Wayfarer Order and began
training under Brissa Varyn.</div>
</div>
<div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[1241]</div>
<div class="char-2">Graduated and became a full-fledged
Wayfarer.</div>
</div>
<div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Eventide 1247]</div>
<div class="char-2">Survived the fall of the Spire.</div>
</div>
<div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[1250]</div>
<div class="char-2">Reunited with $firstname in Karth.</div>
</div>
<div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Firstfall 1251]</div>
<div class="char-2">Arrived in Rona.</div>
</div>
<<if $rhodarthDead_How is 6>><div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Celestian 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">$firstname killed Rhodarth, his former lover.
He is not likely to forget this.</div>
</div><</if>>
<<if $rhodarthDead_How is 5>><div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Celestian 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">Forced to kill Rhodarth, his former lover. He
will not forget this.</div>
</div><</if>>
<<if $aeranshotmc is true>><div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Celestian 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">Shot $firstname during the conflict with the
Crimson Count.</div>
</div><</if>>
<<if $aeranRom_Confession is true>><div
class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Celestian 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">Confessed he is in love with
$firstname.</div>
</div><</if>>
<<if $aeran_breakup is 2>><div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Sovereign 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">$firstname ended their relationship before it
could even truly begin.</div>
</div><</if>>
<<if $aeran_friend_break is 2>><div class="char-box">
<div class="char-1">[Sovereign 1252]</div>
<div class="char-2">$firstname ended their friendship for
good.</div>
</div><</if>><</nobr>>
</div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>PLACEHOLDER
<<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>As
a human you are but one of many. You don’t stand out, particularly in
the urban areas where human populations are high. You will have
alternative options for escaping high stakes scenarios and will have an
easy time conducting your business anonymously.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>As
a dwarf, you have inherited a strong resistance to most poisons, both
natural and artificial. You cannot be affected by the <span
class="accent">Poisoned</span> ailment, and it will take you
longer to become afflicted with the <span
class="accent">Intoxicated</span> ailment.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>As
an elf, you have inherited the ability to see in the dark. You will
automatically pass all Perception checks that occur at
night.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Thanks
to your melusine ancestry, you have inherited the ability to swim
underwater for extended periods of time. You will have additional action
options in scenarios involving water.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Thanks
to your aeda ancestry, you have inherited an acute sense of hearing.
You will have additional action options related to sound and hearing
that allow you to be perceptive of the world around you. You may pick up
on details you might otherwise miss.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
are from a family of warriors who reside in the deserts of Sathir. You
have spent most of your childhood travelling your native lands, training
to fight and protect. Even at your young age you have mastered a
diverse set of weapons and techniques. Though you were never ostracized
by your family for your peculiar lack of magic, you were always treated
with a sense of pity – an unfortunate soul unable to live out their
potential.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your
family urged you to go with him to a better future and never look back.
As a native of Sathir, you speak two languages: Sathiric and Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Agility<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
are from a clan of hunters in the Artanisian wilds. You have spent most
of your childhood learning the ways of the hunt. Many in your clan
thought your lack of magic to be a hindrance and at a young age you were
branded the black sheep of the family. Though you worked twice as hard
to prove yourself among those who wielded magic, you could never live up
to the clan’s expectations.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your clan
insisted your path was with him and unceremoniously sent you on your
way.
As a native of Artanis, you speak two languages: Artanisian and
Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Perception<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
are the child of farmers from the rich fields of Arsenia. You have
never held a weapon in your life, but you are accustomed to hard work.
You spent much of your childhood taking your family’s goods to the local
market, where you nurtured a hidden talent for bartering. Though you’ve
always felt relatively normal, your friends and peers have always seen
you as a little strange, perhaps due to your lack of magic.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your
parents sent you away without ceremony, saying it was for the best.
As a native of Arsenia, you speak two languages: Arsenian and Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Persuasion<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
have never known parents or a family. All you have left of them is the
name they gave you. You are one of the hundreds of children lost on the
streets of Nesactium, the capital of Arsenia. Most don’t survive. Those
without magic shouldn’t survive. But you did. Everything you know you’ve
taught yourself.
It was by chance Cenric found you, a chance you’ll never take for
granted. When he offered to take you away to another life—one where food
and shelter were guaranteed, where you will be taught to defend
yourself, where you won’t be shamed and spit on—you couldn’t say no.
As a native of Arsenia, you are fluent in Arsenian and Arathian. You are
also well-versed in the Nesactium street dialect.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Agility and +1 Perception<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
were born in Tol Covere to a wealthy family whose mercantile empire
spans the Rhesainian Ocean. As a child with no magic, you were often
forgotten about, nothing more than a waste of resources in comparison to
your magically talented siblings and cousins. Even so, you were taken
on multiple journeys and have already seen your fair share of the world,
from aristocrats to pirates.
When Cenric approached your family with an offer to join the Wayfarer
Order, they agreed to turn you over to his custody – for a price.
As a native of the Coveran Republic, you are fluent in multiple
languages including Coveran, Arathian, Faran and Narese.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Agility and +1 Persuasion<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
were born in Vodena, into the Vestran aristocracy. Despite your lack of
magic, you were given the education of a noble, studying history,
mathematics, sciences, music, and multiple languages. However, you were
always seen as an odd child, the disappointment of the family, and you
were ostracized from your peers.
When Cenric approached your family with an offer to join the Wayfarer
Order, you begged your parents to allow you to go with him, hoping he
would bring a much-needed change in your life.
As a native of Vestra, you are fluent in multiple languages including
Vestran, Arathian, Coveran and Mairan.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Perception and +1 Persuasion<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>It
was a debate among apprentices whether it was a gift or a curse to be
handpicked for mastership by the leader of the Order themself. A
challenging teacher known for their colorful humour, flashy fighting
style and seeming invulnerability, Amali Sero left you with an uncanny
ability to adapt to many situations.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 to all stats<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Not
all Wayfarers valued combat as a means to an end. Before joining the
ranks of the Order, Brissa Varyn spent her early career as a diplomat.
As your teacher she impressed upon you the importance of assessing your
surroundings and utilizing dialogue and discussion before violence. She
left you with the ability to perceive and interpret your surroundings
and persuade others to your line of thinking.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+2 to Perception and +2 to Persuasion<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Sometimes
thought to be a relic of the past, Rindan Cenric’s teachings were with
the Order for two centuries prior to its collapse. Uncompromisingly
stubborn, Cenric insisted on thorough study and practical applications.
As your teacher he imparted you with a comprehensive battle study that
can be applied to many situations, whether in combat or not.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+2 to Strength and +2 to Agility<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Your
map catalogue marks the areas you have visited. It includes everything
from a map of the continent to the layout of the city to a guide to a
specific district. You will gather more maps throughout your journey.
<div class="box"><div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/world map cover.png" alt="Continent of Rhesainia"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Continent of
Rhesainia'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/worldmapa.png" alt="Continent of Rhesainia" width="95%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center></div>
<div
class="card-item"><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/rona cover.png" alt="Rona" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<link
'Rona'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/rona.png" alt="Rona" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center></div>
<div
class="card-item"><<if (def
$velantis_codex)>><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/velantis cover.png" alt="Velantis" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<link
'Velantis'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/velantis map.png" alt="Velantis" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center><<else>><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/unknown map.png"
alt="Undiscovered" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link">Undiscovered</div></div></div></center><</if>></div></div>
<div
class="box"><div class="card-item"><<if $mahanin_map is
true>><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/mahanin cover.png" alt="Mahanin Grounds"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Mahanin
Grounds'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/mahanin.png" alt="Mahanin Grounds" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center><<else>><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/unknown map.png"
alt="Undiscovered" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link">Undiscovered</div></div></div></center><</if>></div>
<div
class="card-item"><<if $placeholder is
true>><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/placeholder.png" alt="Placeholder" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<link
'Placeholder'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/placeholder.png" alt="Velantis" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center><<else>><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/unknown map.png"
alt="Undiscovered" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link">Undiscovered</div></div></div></center><</if>></div>
<div
class="card-item"><<if $placeholder is
true>><center><div class="overlay"><img
src="images/placeholder.png" alt="Placeholder" class="card"><div
class="middle"><div class="link"><<link
'Placeholder'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/placeholder.png" alt="Placeholder" width="70%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>></div></div></div></center><<else>><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/unknown map.png"
alt="Undiscovered" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link">Undiscovered</div></div></div></center><</if>></div></div><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Malsara Markal</span>
Malsara is a mystery. Even a month at sea hasn’t revealed much about her
character. She is ferociously tight-lipped about herself, to the point
I’m surprised I’ve learned anything at all.
This is what I do know:
She is human and around my own age. Her skillset is diverse—not only she
is a capable fighter, but she is a skilled Planeswalker. She
demonstrates remarkable control over her magic, which allows her to
teleport herself and others. I’m not sure what her limitations are, but I
have only seen her transport up to two additional people. Planeswalkers
are difficult adversaries because their movements are difficult to
track. While I can easily stop her powers if I can get a hold of her,
someone who can teleport at will makes that next to impossible.
While she is Zenaida’s bodyguard, more importantly she is an operative
of the Erebian League. <<if $malsara_hired is true>>She has
no said which chapter she belongs to—I gather that is a crucial
secret—and it’s uncommon for a League operative to be hired to protect a
Velantian aristocrat. Zenaida’s father is the one who hired
her.<<else>>She has not said which chapter she belongs to—I
gather that is a crucial secret—and I have no idea how a League
operative came to protect a Velantian aristocrat. Maybe it has something
to do with her sister, Nova.<</if>>
Regardless, she is devoted to Zenaida. While she has a tense
relationship with her twin sister Nova, there is no doubt that she cares
for her, too.
Of all the Lethalis representatives I’ve met, Malsara is the most
reserved. I get the feeling she is aligned with the Order not because
she wants to be, but because Zenaida and Nova are.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Nova Markal</span>
I don’t have much to say about Nova, other than she despises Wayfarers
on such a deep level I can’t help but wonder if it’s personal. She is
not very much like her sister. While Malsara is reserved and at least
has the decency to respect those she dislikes, Nova is… //prickly//
doesn’t do it justice. If she isn’t baiting Aeran and me with taunts,
she is rude directly to our faces.
She has always been like this, ever since we met in Rona. I can’t
imagine this level of loathing comes from nowhere (though I doubt I will
ever find out why).
Nova has been a close friend of Zenaida’s for years. They graduated
Diradan Tower together, both ascending to the rank of Savant. Nova is a
Dustforger—from the hints I’ve overheard, she seems to be quite talented
at personal transmogrification. One of her favourite pranks is to
change her appearance to mimic that of the person she is talking to. She
also enjoys changing her hair colour to match Malsara’s and then
pretends to be her sister.
She is a member of the Order of Lethalis. Judging from her resistance to
me and Aeran joining the cause, I suspect she did not approve of this
idea and resents us for it.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Zenaida Anaxas</span>
Zenaida Anaxas is the heir to the Velantian Protectorate, a Savant of
the Guild of Mages, and a member of the Order of Lethalis.
Quiet and composed, she commands the kind of self-importance that comes
with wealth and privilege. She sailed into Rona, a city that loathes all
Imperials, seeking a Wayfarer and left with two in her
employ.<<if $countDead_How is 3>> She had Cere Nalos
executed without a second thought (not that I can complain, bastard
needed to die).<</if>> She rescued Aeran and me from Rona—as
much as I hate to admit it, without her, we’d still be trapped there.
Or dead.
She doesn’t say much about herself, but I can’t shake the feeling that
behind the polite façade, she is hiding something. She doesn’t flaunt
her powers, but as she has only ever used protective barriers and wards,
she must be a Brightwarden.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Themistrya</span>
<span class="codexaccent"><i>Excerpt from</i> A
Treatise on Rhesainian Judicial Systems <i>by Ennia
Scaevola</i></span>
The Themistrya is a high-security Arathian prison. Located on an island
off the south-western coast of the Velantian peninsula, the prison is a
converted stronghold from the pre-Imperial era.
Occupying the entire island, the Themistrya’s black walls rise sixty
feet above the sea to dominate the skyline. It is shrouded in a complex
layer of security wards which prevent its prisoners’ escape. The wards
suppress magic, in addition to other restraints that keep convicts’
powers from manifesting. Due to the potent bindings within the isle and
the walls, the weather surrounding the Themistrya is often disrupted.
Heavy fog is common, making the approach from the south-west dangerous.
Though most Themistryan prisoners are released after their trial to face
their punishment (by way of either execution or blood oath), for some,
the prison has become their permanent home. Aristocrats accused of
treason have been held within the Themistrya several times. Such wealthy
prisoners often live out their lives in luxury in the fortress’ upper
levels.
Prior to Imperial annexation, the Themistrya was vital to the protection
of Velantis. It served as the primary defense against naval warfare
during both the Faran-Rhesainian War and the Lotharic Wars. It is often
said that those who control the Themistrya control the
peninsula.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Velantis</span>
<<link '<img src="images/velantis map.png" title="Click to
View" class="codex"
width="40%">'>><<popover>><center><img
src="images/velantis map.png" width="90%"
class="map"></center><</popover>><</link>>
<span
class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// A Pocket Guide to the Lotharic
Sea //by Adriana Fairweather//</span>
Velantis is among the oldest cities of the world. Located between the
Gairloch Mountains and the coast of the Lotharic Sea, the city spans the
length and breadth of the Velantian peninsula, from which it derives
its name. Famous for its immense white walls, beautiful palaces and
temples, and unique natural landmarks, Velantis is the cultural and
religious centre of the Lotharic region. Due to its location, it is a
major hub of trade and is the only Rhesainian city to maintain open
trade relations with Aos.
What is now a thriving metropolis began from much humbler origins.
Ancient archeological evidence suggests the peninsula was inhabited in
pre-Astrandium times, with small coastal and mountain villages spread
across the territory. United through shared culture and language, the
villages grew in size and population, eventually merging to form the
city that stands today. The remnants of these pre-historic villages are
immortalized in the names of Velantis’ six districts: Oriath, Dessenia,
Falmar, Delorath, Acaitha, and Ithyria.
Modern Velantis has preserved much of its ancient history. The
Astrandium age citadel, Diradan Tower, occupies the shores of Lake
Messeida, and the Plaza of the Hexatheon houses Meissandic monuments
that date back several millennia. Mahanin Palace, the ancestral home of
the Velantian royal family, is one of the oldest structures on the
peninsula. Its sister palace, Ruval (built a thousand years or so
afterwards) and the monuments at the Plaza of the Hexatheon stand as a
testament to ancient Velantian skill and craftmanship. The city protects
its numerous natural landmarks, including Lake Messeida and Lake
Naiadros, the isles of Seiran Bay, and the Crystalis.
[…] Since its unification with the Arathian Empire in 1160, Velantis has
been governed as an Imperial province under House Anaxas. As a cultural
centre of art, science, and religion, it quickly became one of the most
important cities in Arathian territory. It is home to the Guild of
Mages, with Diradan Tower serving as their headquarters and principal
academy, and houses Eidranian City, the spiritual enclave that serves as
the centre of the Meissandic faith. Seiran College, located in
Dessenia, is among the foremost research and educational institutions in
Rhesainia, attracting thousands of students and scholars each
year.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Pallaedrions</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// A Survey of
Transdimensional Infrastructure, The Journal of Advanced Arcanum
(CCIII.XIV) //by Fariha Ascarra//</span>
[…] since its inception sixty years ago, the Pallaedrion system has
revolutionized the modern city by maintaining a web of transdimensional
portals capable of transporting individuals across great distances.
From a single centralized bastion, the Pallaedrion uses spatial and
temporal augmenters to link multiple nodes across a localized web. The
nodes are maintained through synergetic connection and must be
interlocked. Should one become a rogue element and cut itself off from
the whole, the entire system will collapse.
The more nodes that must be maintained, the more difficult it becomes to
sustain the full network. Experiments with the Velantian
system<sup>[1]</sup> have shown that large Pallaedrion
networks can maintain numerous receiver nodes, but become compromised
when too many nodes are activated as transfers. It is the act of
transference itself that strains the system. To counter this, the
Velantian Pallaedrions function on an automated timetable, giving each
node a dedicated time to act as the transfer and to default to the
receiver at all other times.
//<sup>[1]</sup> The Velantian systems sustains a network of
thirty-six nodes from a central bastion in Acaitha, making it one of
the largest Pallaedrion systems in Rhesainia.//<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Weapon Legacy</span>
As Alassar steel can no longer be forged, Alassar weapons have been
handed down the Order throughout the centuries, passing from deceased or
retired members to recently inaugurated ones.
Each weapon’s history is storied and varied. Some weapons have elaborate
histories, becoming symbols in significant wars or ascending into the
realm or legends or folklore. While nothing noteworthy has happened to
your blade in recent history, it is remembered for its most famous
wielder.
<<if $blade_history is "slayer">><span
class="codexheading">The Beast Slayer</span>Six hundred years
ago, your sword was wielded by Tavrien, a human Wayfarer. Tavrien made a
name for himself protecting the Artanisian countryside from beast
attacks. He eventually left Artanis, travelling Rhesainia as a famed
monster hunter.
He slew the last known dragon, who had made a lair in caverns below
Sunderfell Tower.
<<if (def $blade)>>He named his blade //Dragonfang//, a name
which you <<if $blade is
"Dragonfang">>kept<<else>>retired in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><<elseif
$blade_history is "kingkiller">><span
class="codexheading">The Kingkiller</span>
During the height of the Wayfarer Order some eight hundred years ago,
your sword was wielded by Mathari, an elven Wayfarer. The Sathiric
Empire had laid claim to Rhesainia. Contesting the Grandmaster’s
decision not to meddle, Mathari left the Order and joined the Erebian
League. Working as an assassin and under the League’s protection, she
systemically assassinated the empire’s heads of state, bringing about a
civil war that signalled the empire’s end and the creation of Sathir,
Arsenia and the Coveran Republic.
Mathari’s actions are said to be the reason the Wayfarer Order does not
involve itself in international politics.
<<if (def $blade)>>She named her blade //Longclaw//, a name
which you <<if $blade is
"Longclaw">>kept<<else>>retired in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><<elseif
$blade_history is "quester">><span class="codexheading">The
Quester</span>
Three hundred years ago, your sword was half of a pair wielded by
Vaisran, a dwarven Wayfarer. Vaisran left the Spire, pledging to travel
the world on a mission to discover the cause of magical immunity.
Leaving Rhesainia behind, they crossed the Greywind Mountains and
travelled east.
Not much is known about their journey. Fifty years after their
departure, a Faran delegate arrived at the Spire with Vaisran’s blade in
hand, a number of leatherbound journals, and a report that the Wayfarer
had appeared in southern Farandor. They walked into the Ring of the
Firebird and never returned. Their second blade could not be recovered.
<<if (def $blade)>>They named their blade //Soulrender//, a
name which you <<if $blade is
"Soulrender">>kept<<else>>retired in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><<elseif
$blade_history is "magehunter">><span
class="codexheading">The Mage Hunter</span>
Five hundred years ago, your sword was wielded by Nemera, a
half-melusine Wayfarer. Abandoning the Order to create her own mercenary
company, Nemera hunted and killed members of the Guild of Mages who had
wronged her. She quickly became a terrifying force, and mages across
Rhesainia lived in fear that she would come for them next.
Nemera’s reign of terror did not last long. She was cornered in the
streets of Nemain, where she and her company were annihilated by the
Guild.
<<if (def $blade)>>She named her blade //Scourgebane//, a
name which you <<if $blade is
"Scourgebane">>kept<<else>>retired in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><<elseif
$blade_history is "fated">><span class="codexheading">The
Fated</span>
While there is no singular event that defines your sword’s history, it
was gifted to you with great caution. Forged over a thousand years ago,
your sword was wielded by a Wayfarer known as Drust. Not much is known
about Drust, save that they met an early end in combat and the weapon
was all that was left of them.
Throughout the centuries, the story has remained the same, though the
players have changed. With a few exceptions, every wielder has died in
combat, far from the Spire.
<<if (def $blade)>>They named their blade //Vanariel//, a
name which you <<if $blade is
"Vanariel">>kept<<else>>discarded in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><<elseif
$blade_history is "unknown">><span class="codexheading">The
Unwritten</span>
Despite the lengthy records listing nearly a millennia’s worth of
wielders, your sword has never been marked by anything special. Its
history is that of a tool to be used, not an artefact to be displayed in
some wealthy gallery’s collection.
On the other hand, that means you aren’t overshadowed by its history. It
is yours—and yours alone.
<<if (def $blade)>>Your predecessor named their blade
//Starsong//, a name which you <<if $blade is
"Starsong">>kept<<else>>retired in favour of
//$blade//<</if>>.<</if>><</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Contented</span> vitality temporarily
increases all skills by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $contented is
true>>This vitality is active.<<else>>This vitality is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Tenacious</span> vitality temporarily
increases Strength and Agility by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $tenacious is
true>>This vitality is active.<<else>>This vitality is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Confident</span> vitality temporarily
increases Strength and Persuasion by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $confident is
true>>This vitality is active.<<else>>This vitality is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Rested</span> vitality temporarily
increases Agility and Perception by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $rested is
true>>This vitality is active.<<else>>This vitality is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Focused</span> vitality temporarily
increases Perception and Persuasion by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $focused is
true>>This vitality is active.<<else>>This vitality is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Poisoned</span> ailment temporarily
decreases all skills by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $poisoned is
true>>This ailment is active.<<else>>This ailment is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Intoxicated</span> ailment temporarily
decreases Agility and Perception by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $intoxicated is
true>>This ailment is active.<<else>>This ailment is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Hungover</span> ailment temporarily
decreases Perception and Persuasion by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $hungover is
true>>This ailment is active.<<else>>This ailment is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Debilitated</span> ailment temporarily
decreases Strength and Agility by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $debilitated is
true>>This ailment is active.<<else>>This ailment is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
<span class="accent">Fatigued</span> ailment temporarily
decreases Strength and Persuasion by 2.
<center><span class="accent"><<if $fatigued is
true>>This ailment is active.<<else>>This ailment is
not
active.<</if>></span></center><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">The Meissandium</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// A Question of Faith: A
Spiritualist’s Journey Through the Religions of the World //by
Anonymous//</span>
The Meissandium is the dominant religion in Rhesainia. Their temples
appear in all countries across the continent and its clergy are
respected members of society. Though religious beliefs have shifted
greatly over the past several centuries, most Rhesainians follow the
traditions of their forebearers and acknowledge the gods’ touch on the
world<sup>[1]</sup>.
<blockquote>//Upon their awakening, the One Called Meissa claimed
their calling as the Progenitor Deity partook in the Great Weaving. The
Divinity crafted stars and suns, planets and moons, stretching their
will across the universe, forging light out of dark. But the act of such
colossal creation was too great. With their final breath, they sparked
life into the universe, an act that divided their essence and birthed
six new gods: the Hexatheon.
Born to fulfill their creator’s purpose, the Hexatheon shaped and
cultivated life. Their work was long and difficult, and fatigued them
greatly. When it was finally completely, they chose a planet to call
their own and plucked it from the cosmos. Naming it Eisarath, they
descended to the surface and interred themselves in six divine tombs
where they would sleep for all eternity as immortal guardians of their
beloved world.
— The Creation of Eisarath, as told to me by a Lotharic meissant, 1106,
during my journey to Eidranian City.//</blockquote>
Unlike other religions discussed in this book, the Meissandic gods take
no shape nor gender. Their essences inhabit the world, blessing their
chosen dominions with the vestiges of their power.
While each god<sup>[2]</sup> is revered in Rhesainian
countries, some have a dominant god who oversees and protects the
region. The Sentinels have their own sects within the Meissandic faith
and are often considered to be minor gods to be worshipped within their
own right. Sentinel sects are officially considered a subdivision of the
Sentinel’s associated god.
<div class="pc"><span class="codexheading">Meissandic
Deities & Their Sentinels</span>
<div class="entry"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><span class="codexaccent">GOD</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">DOMINIONS</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">SENTINEL</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Belennor</td>
<td>Sun, Cultivation, Law & Order</td>
<td>Athor the Just</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adara</td>
<td>Moon, Nature, Wilderness & Fertility</td>
<td>Phairan the Divergent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lyrana</td>
<td>Love, Family, Music & the Arts</td>
<td>Aureia the Protector</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Antares</td>
<td>War, Courage, Chivalry & Martial Arts</td>
<td>Biara the Dauntless</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Metisara</td>
<td>Wisdom, Knowledge, Science & Learning</td>
<td>Seiara the Farsighted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nashira</td>
<td>Time, Space, Fate & Death</td>
<td>Aion the Sly</td>
</tr>
</table></div></div><div class="mobile"><div
class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
BELENNOR</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> Sun, Cultivation, Law
& Order</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Athor the
Just</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
ADARA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> Moon, Nature, Wilderness
& Fertility</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Phairan the
Divergent</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
LYRANA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> Love, Family, Music &
the Arts</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Aureia the
Protector</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
ANTARES</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> War, Courage, Chivalry
& Martial Arts</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Biara the
Dauntless</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
METISARA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> Wisdom, Knowledge,
Science & Learning</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Seiara the
Farsighted</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">GOD:
NASHIRA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Dominions:</span> Time, Space, Fate &
Death</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sentinel:</span> Aion the
Sly</span></div></div>
<span class="codexheading">Faith & Magic</span>
Meissandic doctrine preaches that magic is the Hexatheon’s final gift to
the world. During the Astrandium, Rhesainia and the Sentinels are the
Originators: the first individuals to receive their blessings.
Therefore, they were the first to attain the ability to tap into the
essence and power that permeates the world and bend it to their will.
Every child born into the world since carries a god’s blessing. Those
without are said to be cursed, abandoned and unwanted by the Hexatheon,
perhaps as a punishment from Nashira for misdeeds they will commit
throughout their life. The Wayfarer Order staunchly ignore Meissandic
texts. Most Wayfarers and other magiani are staunchly nonreligious.
Some Meissandic sects believe that those with exceptionally strong magic
are direct descendants of the Sentinels.
<span class="codexheading">Order & Politics</span>
The Meissandium is led by the High Meissant, their elected leader.
Beneath them are the meissants, leaders of the clergy who oversee
individual temples, both public and personal. Clerics are sworn priests
who answer to the meissants and serve the general populace.
The Meissandium is governed from Eidranian City, an independent enclave
located on an island in the centre of Naiadros Lake in Velantis. The
enclave houses one of the oldest Meissandic temples in the world
dedicated to the full pantheon. Every year, Velantis oversees a surge of
Meissandic pilgrims who make the journey to Eidrania for the Dance of
the Stars. The Dance of the Stars is a celestial event that occurs on
the first night of Firstfall, heralding the start of winter. While it is
a significant event in the Meissandic faith, the Dance of the Stars
also holds great cultural importance in Rhesainian countries.
Rhesainian noble houses are culturally expected to have one child join
the Meissandium and pay annual tithes. These tithes are used to fund
restoration projects, general upkeep, and historical and magical
research.
//<sup>[1]</sup> Some melusine cities, such as Maira and
Vella, follow Meissandic practices. Despite their proximity to Velantis,
Meissandic teachings are not accepted by the aeda of Aos.
<sup>[2]</sup> Though Meissa is an important figure and
appears frequently in Meissandic iconography, they are not
worshipped—with one notable exception. In Eastern Rhesainia, Meissa is
worshipped as a monotheistic god and the Hexatheon is viewed as a
pantheon of false gods. The Meissandium has publicly denounced this sect
as a dangerous cult.//<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Combat
has been initiated and you are in a duel!
<span class="specialtitle">Combat</span>
During combat, many of your actions will be checked against your
Strength and Agility skills and added to a dice roll. The higher your
Strength and Agility skills, the more likely you are to pass a skill
check.
Should you fail a skill check, you will become
<b>Injured</b>, which reduces your number of available
Action Points used during Exploration. Be careful. If you fail a check
while injured, you may fall unconscious.
<span class="specialtitle">Duels</span>
Duels are special combat events with hightened stakes. Not only must you
pass a skill check, but you must also choose the correct option. If you
fail a skill check or choose incorrectly during a duel, you will fall
unconscious.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Astrials</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// A Brief History of
World Religions //by Signoth Athilseran//</span>
In the Meissandic tradition, the Astrials are holy artefacts wielded by
the Sentinels during the Astrandium. Blessed by the gods, the weapons
were a critical component in the war and bringing an end to the
cataclysmic event.
Over the past millennia, many Astrandium age weapons have been
discovered and paraded around the continent with the claim they are a
“true” Astrial. The history of False Astrials is long and bloody,
causing strife, assassinations, religious and political upheaval, and
more than one coup. To this day, a cutthroat black market surrounds the
trade of Astrandium age artefacts. Anyone in possession of such relics
is eager to have theirs authenticated as a potential Astrial.
Officially, the Meissandium has only claimed three Astrandium age
weapons as Astrials.
<div class="pc"><div class="entry"><table
style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">HISTORY</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">POSSESSOR</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">AUTHENTICATED</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Axe of Athor</td>
<td>Discovered by Mairan melusine in a crater at the bottom of
the Lotharic Sea.</td>
<td>The Imperial Court of Erenvor, Arathian Empire. <span
class="codexaccent">Available for public viewing for the Arathian
Great Houses.</span></td>
<td>439</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shield of Aureia</td>
<td>Resurfaced on the Artanisian coast during the
Faran-Rhesainian Wars.</td>
<td>The Coveran Assembly of Tol Covere, Coveran Republic.
<span class="codexaccent">Available for public viewing with a
fee.</span></td>
<td>1158</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bow of Phairan</td>
<td>Unknown.</td>
<td>The Temple of Adara in Nesactium, Arsenia. <span
class="codexaccent">Unavailable for public
viewing.</span></td>
<td>1233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spear of Biara</td>
<td>Several attempts have been made to authenticate Astrandium
age spears as Astrials. The most noteworthy is the False Spear of Sarin,
which was successfully authenticated in 1090 as part of Queen
Tryphaena’s claim to the throne. Its legitimacy was exposed sixty years
later, leading to the downfall of her house.</td>
<td>None.</td>
<td>1006 (attempted)
1078 (false)
1080 (false)
1090-1150 (false)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Staff of Seiara</td>
<td>All attempts to authenticate the staff have been
rejected.</td>
<td>None.</td>
<td>981 (attempted)
1045 (attempted)
1046 (attempted)
1048 (attempted)
1137 (attempted)
1159 (attempted)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dagger of Aion</td>
<td>Several attempts have been made to authenticate the dagger,
including a noteworthy string of attempts during the Faran-Rhesainian
War. All were rejected.</td>
<td>None.</td>
<td>1144 (attempted)
1156 (attempted)
1158 (false)
1162 (false)
1170 (false)
1190 (attempted)
1203 (false)
</td>
</tr>
</table></div></div><div class="mobile"><div
class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL: AXE OF
ATHOR</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span> Discovered by Mairan
melusine in a crater at the bottom of the Lotharic Sea.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> The Imperial Court of
Erenvor, Arathian Empire. Available for public viewing for the Arathian
Great Houses.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span>
439</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL:
SHIELD OF AUREIA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span>> Resurfaced on the
Artanisian coast during the Faran-Rhesainian Wars.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> The Coveran Assembly of
Tol Covere, Coveran Republic. Available for public viewing with a
fee.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span>
1158</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL: BOW
OF PHAIRAN</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span> Unknown.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> The Temple of Adara in
Nesactium, Arsenia. Unavailable for public viewing.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span>
1233</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL: SPEAR
OF BIARA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span> Several attempts have been
made to authenticate Astrandium age spears as Astrials. The most
noteworthy is the False Spear of Sarin, which was successfully
authenticated in 1090 as part of Queen Tryphaena’s claim to the throne.
Its legitimacy was exposed sixty years later, leading to the downfall of
her house.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> None.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span> 1006 (attempted),
1078 (false), 1080 (false), 1090-1150 (false)</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL: STAFF
OF SEIARA</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span> All attempts to
authenticate the staff have been rejected.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> None.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span> 981 (attempted), 1045
(attempted), 1046 (attempted), 1048 (attempted), 1137 (attempted), 1159
(attempted)</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">ASTRIAL:
DAGGER OF AION</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">History:</span> Several attempts have been
made to authenticate the dagger, including a noteworthy string of
attempts during the Faran-Rhesainian War. All were
rejected.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Possessor:</span> None.</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Authenticated:</span> 1144 (attempted),
1156 (attempted), 1158 (false), 1162 (false), 1170 (false), 1190
(attempted), 1203
(false)</span></div></div><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Augmenters</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// Contemporary Modifiers,
Augmenters & Automatons, The Journal of Advanced Arcanum (CCXIV.II)
//by Dagna Vestillion//</span>
[…] expanding the limits of natural power has long been a point of
interest to both the Guild of Mages and the Arcanists’ Lodge. While
archeological evidence suggests that our Astrandium age ancestors
displayed magical skill that far outstrips our own, perhaps the question
is not why but rather how. How did they achieve the miracles they
produced? Perhaps it had nothing to do with talent or raw skill, but
rather the tools available to them.
The purpose of the joint Guild/Lodge study was to pursue the hypothesis
that an augmenter’s potential is determined by its material and
fabrication, not the strength of the individual attuning it. When
fabricated from synergetic materials, an augmenter will enhance an
individual of the associated sphere tenfold as compared to one who is
from an unrelated sphere […]<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="codexchaptertitle">Magic</span>
<span class="codexaccent">//Excerpt from// Arcane Arts: An
Arathian Perspective //by Sorania Galen//</span>
Magic is the art of harnessing, manipulating, and exploiting one’s
connection to the world’s energies. Casting, enchanting,
spellwork—whatever you wish to call it, it all surmounts to the same
thing: a symbiotic relationship between an individual and the powers
that permeate the world around us. It is a central part of life, one
which we all rely upon.
All variations of magic can be traced back to one of six spheres,
collectively called the Hexade. When an individual awakens to their
magical power, they are attuned to one of the sources. Attunement
naturally occurs between the ages of eight and thirteen, or at the onset
of puberty. Prior to attunement, children do not display signs of
magic, though they may interact with it and be affected by
it<sup>[1]</sup>.
Attunement determines the type of magic an individual can perform,
affect, and control.
<span class="codexheading">The Hexade & the Arathian
Classification of Magic</span>
The Guild of Mages classifies all forms of attunement into six spheres.
There are three pairs of spheres, divided by internal and external
forces. Internal forces channels magic towards the self; external forces
channels magic beyond the caster.
The Arathian Classification of Magic is the predominant system adopted
throughout most of the world.
<div class="pc"><div class="entry"><table
style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">CLASS</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">SPHERE</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">TALENTS</span></td>
<td><span
class="codexaccent">DIRECTION</span></td>
<td><span class="codexaccent">MEISSANDIC
GOD</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dustforger</td>
<td>Transformation</td>
<td>Transmutative and transmogrification magic</td>
<td>External</td>
<td>Adara</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Soulweaver</td>
<td>Conjuration</td>
<td>Creation and summoning magic</td>
<td>Internal</td>
<td>Belennor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spiritbreaker</td>
<td>Disruption</td>
<td>Force and energy magic</td>
<td>External</td>
<td>Antares</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brightwarden</td>
<td>Preservation</td>
<td>Curative and barrier magic</td>
<td>Internal</td>
<td>Lyrana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lightseeker</td>
<td>Illumination</td>
<td>Illusion and perception magic</td>
<td>External</td>
<td>Metisara</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Planeswalker</td>
<td>Dispersion</td>
<td>Temporal and spatial magic</td>
<td>Internal</td>
<td>Nashira</td>
</tr>
</table></div></div><div class="mobile"><div
class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
DUSTFORGER</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Transformation</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Transmutative and
transmogrification magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> External</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Adara</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
SOULWEAVER</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Conjuration</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Creation and summoning
magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> Internal</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Belennor</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
SPIRITBREAKER</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Disruption</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Force and energy
magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> External</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Antares</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
BRIGHTWARDEN</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Preservation</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Curative and barrier
magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> Internal</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Lyrana</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
LIGHTSEEKER</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Illumination</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Illusion and perception
magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> External</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Metisara</span></div>
<div class="record"><span class="codexaccent">CLASS:
PLANESWALKER</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Sphere:</span> Dispersion</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Talents:</span> Temporal and spatial
magic</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Direction:</span> Internal</span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="codexaccent">Meissandic God:</span>
Nashira</span></div></div>
<span class="codexheading">Dual Attunement</span>
In rare cases some individuals may attune to more than one
sphere<sup>[2]</sup>. These individuals have unique and
heightened talents as abilities from one sphere combine and mix with the
abilities of another. In some cases, individuals can be attuned to the
same sphere twice, which heightens their powers beyond the usual
limits<sup>[3]</sup>.
Most dual attuned individual are mages sworn to the Guild. However,
there are other orders and organizations who seek out dual attuned
specialist, such as the Corsida Brightblades.
Due to the number of combinations that occur when attunement overlaps,
Arathian scholars have not yet fully classified all of the possible
abilities that come from such combinations.
//<sup>[1]</sup> The exception, of course, are magiani
children.
<sup>[2]</sup> There is only one record of a triple-attuned
individual: Sabien Quirinus, the current Grand Archsage of the Guild of
Mages.
<sup>[3]</sup> Such as the case with bloodbinders.
Bloodbinders famously use their dual attuned abilities to cast
regenerative magic automatically upon themselves, healing any wound
effectively and immediately. This is beyond the scope of regular
Brightwarden capabilities.//<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Pronouns
<<liveblock>>$HeShe
$heshe
$HimHer
$himher
$HisHer
$hisher
$HisHers
$hishers
$Himself
$himself
<</liveblock>>
[[test]]<<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<if (def $aerancodex)>><<link
'<<if $aerancodex is true>>[+] <</if>>Aeran
Kellis'>>
<<dialog "" "page">><<include "Aeran
Kellis">><</dialog>>
<<set $aerancodex to false>><<update>>
<</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $alexiacodex is true>><<link
'Alexia Antonis'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"Alexia
Antonis">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $rencodex is true>><<link 'Ren
Varadon'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "Ren
Varadon">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if $callacodex is true>><<link 'Calla
Tormond'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "Calla
Tormond">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $melchiorcodex is true>><<link
'Melchior Larkspur'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Melchior
Larkspur">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $nelanicodex is true>><<link
'Nelani an’Zoraia'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Nelani
an'Zoraia">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if $felixcodex is true>><<link 'Felix
Navorre'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "Felix
Navorre">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $cenric_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Rindan Cenric'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Rindan Cenric">>
<<set $cenric_codex to true>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $varyn_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Brissa Varyn'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Brissa Varyn">>
<<set $varyn_codex to true>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $sero_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Amali Sero'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Amali Sero">>
<<set $sero_codex to true>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<if (def $rhodarthcodex)>>
<<link '<<if $rhodarthcodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Rhodarth Nairan'>><<dialog ""
"page">>
<<include "Rhodarth Nairan">>
<<set $rhodarthcodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>>
<<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $malsara_codex)>>
<<link '<<if $malsara_codex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Malsara Markal'>><<dialog ""
"page">>
<<include "Malsara Markal">>
<<set $malsara_codex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><<if (def $nova_codex)>>
<<link '<<if $nova_codex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Nova Markal'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Nova Markal">>
<<set $nova_codex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>>
<<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $zenaida_codex)>>
<<link '<<if $zenaida_codex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Zenaida Anaxas'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Zenaida Anaxas">>
<<set $zenaida_codex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<if $origin is "nomad" or (def
$sathircodex)>><<link '<<if $sathircodex is
false>><<else>>[+]
<</if>>Sathir'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Sathir">>
<<set $sathircodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $origin is "hunter" or (def
$artaniscodex)>><<link '<<if $artaniscodex is
false>><<else>>[+] <</if>>Artanis'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Artanis">>
<<set $artaniscodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $origin is "urchin" or $origin is "farmer" or
(def $arseniacodex)>><<link '<<if $arseniacodex is
false>><<else>>[+]
<</if>>Arsenia'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Arsenia">>
<<set $arseniacodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if $origin is "noble" or (def
$vestracodex)>><<link '<<if $vestracodex is
false>><<else>>[+]
<</if>>Vestra'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Vestra">>
<<set $vestracodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $origin is "merchant" or (def
$coveracodex)>><<link '<<if $coveracodex is
false>><<else>>[+] <</if>>Coveran
Republic'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Coveran Republic">>
<<set $coveracodex to false>><<update>>
<</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $arathianempirecodex is
true>><<link 'Arathian Empire'>>
<<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Arathian
Empire">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if (def $farandorcodex)>><<link
'<<if $farandorcodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Farandor'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Farandor">>
<<set $farandorcodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $narocodex is true>><<link
'Naro'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"Naro">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if $dravadenislescodex is true>><<link
'Dravaden Isles'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"Dravaden
Isles">><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if (def $calanthacodex)>><<link
'<<if $calanthacodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Calantha'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Calantha">>
<<set $calanthacodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $spire_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>The Spire'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "The Spire">>
<<set $spire_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<if (def $ronamap)>><<link '<<if
(ndef $ronacodex)>>[+]
<</if>>Rona'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Rona">>
<<set $ronacodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if (def $themistrya_codex)>><<link
'<<if $themistrya_codex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Themistrya'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "The Themistrya">>
<<set $themistrya_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $velantis_codex)>><<link
'<<if $velantis_codex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Velantis'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Velantis">>
<<set $velantis_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $pallaedrion_codex)>><<link
'<<if $pallaedrion_codex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Pallaedrion'>><<dialog "" "page">>
<<include "Pallaedrions">>
<<set $pallaedrion_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>><</if>></td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $humans_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Humans'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Humans">><<set $humans_codex
to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $dwarves_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Dwarves'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Dwarves">><<set
$dwarves_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $elves_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Elves'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Elves">><<set $elves_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $melusine_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Melusine'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Melusine">><<set
$melusine_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $aeda_codex)>>[+]
<</if>>Aeda'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Aeda">><<set $aeda_codex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
<td><<if (def $ancienthumanscodex)>><<link
'<<if $ancienthumanscodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Ancient Humans'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Ancient Humans">><<set
$ancienthumanscodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if (def $dwarvannorcodex)>><<link
'<<if $dwarvannorcodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Dwarvannor'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include
"Dwarvannor">><</dialog>><<set $dwarvannorcodex
to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $eleneidcodex)>><<link
'<<if $eleneidcodex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Eleneids'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "The
Eleneids">><</dialog>><<set $eleneidcodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $calendar)>>[+]
<</if>>Calendar'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Calendar">><<set $calendar to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><<link '<<if (ndef
$wayfarer_codex)>>[+] <</if>>The Wayfarer
Order'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "The
Wayfarer Order">><</dialog>><<set
$wayfarer_codex to
false>><<update>><</link>></td>
<td><<if (def $mageguildcodex)>><<link
'<<if $mageguildcodex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Guild of Mages'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"The Guild of Mages">><<set $mageguildcodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $brightbladecodex)>><<link
'<<if $brightbladecodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Brightblades'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Brightblades">><<set
$brightbladecodex to
false>><<update>><</dialog>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><<if (def
$blade_history)>><<link '<<if (ndef
$weapon_codex)>>[+] <</if>>Weapon
Legacy'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "Weapon
Legacy">><</dialog>><<set $weapon_codex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $meissandium_codex)>><<link
'<<if $meissandium_codex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Meissandium'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"Meissandium Codex">><</dialog>><<set
$meissandium_codex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $astrandiumcodex)>><<link
'<<if $astrandiumcodex is true>>[+] <</if>>The
Astrandium'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include "The
Astrandium">><</dialog>><<set $astrandiumcodex
to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><<if (def $marciancodex)>><<link
'<<if $marciancodex is true>>[+] <</if>>Marcian
Conspiracy'>><<dialog "" "page">><<include
"Marcian Conspiracy">><</dialog>><<set
$marciancodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if (def $velantisannexcodex)>><<link
'<<if $velantisannexcodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>The Annexation of Velantis'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "The Annexation of
Velantis">><</dialog>><<set $velantisannexcodex
to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<if (def $astrialscodex)>><<link
'<<if $astrialscodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Astrials'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include
"Astrials">><</dialog>><<set $astrialscodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if
(def $augmentercodex)>><<link '<<if $augmentercodex
is true>>[+] <</if>>Augmenters'>><<dialog
"" "page">><<include
"Augmenters">><</dialog>><<set $augmentercodex
to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if
(def $bloodoathcodex)>><<link '<<if $bloodoathcodex
is true>>[+] <</if>>Blood Oath'>><<dialog
"" "page">><<include "Blood
Oath">><</dialog>><<set $bloodoathcodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
</tr>
<tr><td><<if
(def $magianiscodex)>><<link '<<if $magianiscodex is
true>>[+] <</if>>Magianis'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include
"Magianis">><</dialog>><<set $magianiscodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<if
(def $magiccodex)>><<link '<<if $magiccodex is
true>>[+] <</if>>Magic'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Magic
Codex">><</dialog>><<set $magiccodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<if (def $basiliskcodex)>><<link
'<<if $basiliskcodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Basilisk'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include
"Basilisk">><</dialog>><<set $basiliskcodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td><<link
'<<if (ndef $fannarlcodex)>>[+]
<</if>>Fannarl'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include
"Fannarl">><</dialog>><<set $fannarlcodex to
false>><<update>><</link>></td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>???</td>
<td>???</td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><<liveblock>><div
class="codex-page"><table style="width:100%">
<tr>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $sero_summons)>>[+]
<</if>>A summons from the Grandmaster'>><<dialog
"" "page">><<include "A summons from the
Grandmaster">><</dialog>><<set $sero_summons to
false>><<update>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $brissa_letter)>>[+]
<</if>>A letter from Brissa Varyn'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "A letter from Brissa
Varyn">><</dialog>><<set $brissa_letter to
false>><<update>><</link>></td>
<td><<link '<<if (ndef $nalos_contract)>>[+]
<</if>>Terms of Contract: Cere Nalos'>><<dialog
"" "page">><<include "Terms of Contract: Cere Nalos,
Celestian 5, 1252">><</dialog>><<set
$nalos_contract to
false>><<update>><</link>></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><<if (def $aeranlettercodex)>><<link
'<<if $aeranlettercodex is true>>[+]
<</if>>Aeran Kellis: 18 Ivernian'>><<dialog ""
"page">><<include "Aeran Letter Ivernian
18">><</dialog>><<set $aeranlettercodex to
false>><<update>><</link>><<else>>???<</if>></td>
<td>???</td>
<td>???</td>
</tr>
</table></div><</liveblock>><span
class="heading">Navigation</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-chevron-right"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Forwards the player on regular
passages.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1">→</div>
<div class="tut-2">Forwards the player on special
passages.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-redo"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Cycles the player through dialogue or question
loops.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-cross"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Ends a dialogue or question loop
early.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-menu"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Opens the UI bar.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Closes the game menus.</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<span class="heading">Action Keys</span>
Some dialogue and action choices are marked with a special icon
alongside a descriptor. These choices are important and should be
considered carefully.
<span class="specialtitle">Special Indicators</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-skull"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Execute an enemy.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="far
fa-flag"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Spare an enemy.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Forge a pact.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-handshake-slash"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Break a pact.</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<span class="specialtitle">Romance & Intimacy</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates sexual desire and
romance.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="far
fa-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates romance, but no sexual
desire.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-hand-holding-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates polyamorous desire.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-star"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates sexual desire, but no
romance.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Ends a relationship.</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set
$nav to 1>><<liveblock>><<nobr>><div
class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">
<<if $nav is 1>><span
class="journal-active">Character</span><<else>><<link
'Character'>><<set $nav to
1>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 2>><span
class="journal-active">Status</span><<else>><<link
'Status'>><<set $nav to
2>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 3>><span
class="journal-active">Abilities</span><<else>><<link
'Abilities'>><<set $nav to
3>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 4>><span
class="journal-active">Factions</span><<else>><<link
'Factions'>><<set $nav to
4>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 5>><span
class="journal-active">Companions</span><<else>><<link
'Companions'>><<set $nav to
5>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 6>><span class="journal-active">Wayfarer
Tenets</span><<else>><<link 'Wayfarer
Tenets'>><<set $nav to
6>><<update>><</link>><</if>> •
<<if $nav is 7>><span class="journal-active">Story
Log</span><<else>><<link 'Story
Log'>><<set $nav to
7>><<update>><</link>><</if>></span></center></div><</nobr>><</liveblock>>
<<liveblock>><<if
$nav is 1>><<include "Character">>
<<elseif $nav is 2>><<include "Status">>
<<elseif $nav is 3>><<include "Abilities">>
<<elseif $nav is 4>><<include "Factions">>
<<elseif $nav is 5>><<include "Companions">>
<<elseif $nav is 6>><<include "Wayfarer
Tenets">>
<<elseif $nav is 7>><<include "Story
Log">><</if>><</liveblock>><div
class="profile">
<center><<if $ancestry is "human">><img
src="images/human_icon.png" class="profileimg"><<elseif
$ancestry is "dwarven">><img src="images/dwarven_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $ancestry is "elven">><img
src="images/elven_icon.png" class="profileimg"><<elseif
$ancestry is "aeda">><img src="images/aeda_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<else>><img
src="images/melusine_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><</if>><<if $origin is
"nomad">><img src="images/nomad_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $origin is "hunter">><img
src="images/hunter_icon.png" class="profileimg"><<elseif
$origin is "farmer">><img src="images/farmer_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $origin is "urchin">><img
src="images/urchin_icon.png" class="profileimg"><<elseif
$origin is "merchant">><img src="images/merchant_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<else>><img
src="images/noble_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><</if>><<if $master is
"Varyn">><img src="images/varyn_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $master is "Sero">><img
src="images/sero_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<else>><img
src="images/cenric_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><</if>><<if $blade_history is
"slayer">><img src="images/slayer_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $blade_history is
"kingkiller">><img src="images/kingkiller_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $blade_history is
"quester">><img src="images/quester_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $blade_history is
"magehunter">><img src="images/magehunter_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $blade_history is
"fated">><img src="images/fated_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><<elseif $blade_history is
"unknown">><img src="images/unknown_icon.png"
class="profileimg"><</if>></center>
<h1>$firstname $lastname</h1>
<<if ($nickname is $firstname) or ($nickname is
"")>><<else>><h2>“$nickname”</h2><</if>>
<ul
class="facts">
<li><<if $gender is
"nb">>Nonbinary<<else>><<print
$gender.toUpperFirst()>><</if>></li>
<li><<liveblock>>$HeShe/$HimHer<</liveblock>>
<span title="change your pronouns"><<popLink "[+]" ""
true>><<include "Pronouns
Change">><</popLink>></span></li>
<li><<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Half-Aeda<<elseif
$ancestry is
"melusine">>Half-Melusine<<else>><<print
$ancestry.toUpperFirst()>><</if>></li></ul>
<ul
class="facts"><li>Child of the <<if $origin is
"nomad">>Desert<<elseif $origin is
"hunter">>Wilds<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>Fields<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>Streets<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>Seas<<else>>City<</if>></li>
<li>Trained
by <<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa Varyn<<elseif
$master is "Cenric">>Rindan Cenric<<else>>Amali
Sero<</if>></li>
<<if (def $blade)>><li>Wielder of $blade, the
<<if $blade_history is "slayer">>Beast Slayer<<elseif
$blade_history is "kingkiller">>Kingkiller<<elseif
$blade_history is "quester">>Quester<<elseif $blade_history
is "magehunter">>Mage Hunter<<elseif $blade_history is
"fated">>Fated<<elseif $blade_history is
"unknown">>Unwritten<<else>>Unavailable<</if>></li><</if>>
</ul>
</div>
<div
class="description">
<h2>Physical Appearance</h2>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><b>[Complexion]</b> <<print
$skintone.toUpperFirst()>><<if $skinmarks is
"freckles">>, freckled<<elseif $skinmarks is
"moles">>, moles<<elseif $skinmarks is "vitiligo">>,
vitiligo<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Eyes]</b> <<if
$eyecolour is "ruby">>Ruby red<<elseif $eyecolour is
"topaz">>Topaz yellow<<elseif $eyecolour is
"emerald">>Emerald green<<elseif $eyecolour is
"sapphire">>Sapphire blue<<elseif $eyecolour is
"amethyst">>Amethyst violet<<else>><<print
$eyecolour.toUpperFirst()>><</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Hair]</b> <<if
$haircolour is "ruby">>Ruby red<<elseif $haircolour is
"topaz">>Topaz yellow<<elseif $haircolour is
"emerald">>Emerald green<<elseif $haircolour is
"sapphire">>Sapphire blue<<elseif $haircolour is
"amethyst">>Amethyst violet<<elseif $haircolour is
"pearlescent">>Pearlescent<<else>><<print
$haircolour.toUpperFirst()>><</if>>, $hairtexture,
$hairlength</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Facial Hair]</b>
<<print $facialhair.toUpperFirst()>></span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Height]</b>
<<print $height.toUpperFirst()>></span>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">><span
class="record-item"><b>[Crest]</b> <<print
$crestpattern.toUpperFirst()>>,
$crestcolour</span><</if>></div>
</div>
<div class="description">
<h2>Scars</h2>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item"><<nobr>><<if $scar1 is
"none">>None
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarforehead">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A forehead scar from an incident you'd rather not talk
about
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarlefteye">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A scar through your left eye from a knife fight
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarburn">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A burn scar on your right shoulder from an incident with a
mage that went out of control
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarclaw">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A claw slash on your back from a monster fight
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarchest">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A long scar across your chest from a duel gone wrong
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarknee">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> An unremarkable scar on your knee from doing something
inadvisable in your youth
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarCount2">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from your duel with the
Crimson Count
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarCount3">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your stomach from your attempt on the
Crimson Count’s life
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarBasilisk4">><b>[Episode
I]</b> Marks on your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s
basilisk attempted to squeeze you to death
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarRhodarth">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from your fight with Rhodarth
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarBasilisk1">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your side from your fight with the Crimson
Count’s basilisk
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarBasilisk2">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your side from getting grazed by a basilisk’s
teeth during your fight at the Crimson Count’s villa
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarBasilisk3">><b>[Episode
I]</b> Marks on your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s
basilisk attempted to squeeze you to death
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarCount">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your shoulder from where the Crimson Count
stabbed you
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarAeran">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from where Aeran shot you
during your fight with the Crimson Count
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarTownSquare">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A small scar on your forehead from getting hit on the head
when Rona’s town square collapsed
<<elseif $scar1 is "scarAtral">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your chest from getting hit by the butt of
Atral’s axe during your fight in the
townsquare<</if>><</nobr>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<nobr>><<if $scar2 is
"none">>None
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarCount2">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from your duel with Cere
Nalos, the Crimson Count
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarCount3">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your stomach from your attempt on the
Crimson Count’s life
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarBasilisk4">><b>[Episode
I]</b> Marks on your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s
basilisk attempted to squeeze you to death
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarRhodarth">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from your fight with Rhodarth
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarBasilisk1">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your side from your fight with the Crimson
Count’s basilisk
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarBasilisk2">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your side from getting grazed by a basilisk’s
teeth during your fight at the Crimson Count’s villa
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarBasilisk3">><b>[Episode
I]</b> Marks on your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s
basilisk attempted to squeeze you to death
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarCount">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your shoulder from where the Crimson Count
stabbed you
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarAeran">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from where Aeran shot you
during your fight with the Crimson Count
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarTownSquare">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A small scar on your forehead from getting hit on the head
when Rona’s town square collapsed
<<elseif $scar2 is "scarAtral">><b>[Episode
I]</b> A scar on your chest from getting hit by the butt of
Atral’s axe during your fight in the
townsquare<</if>><</nobr>></span></div>
</div>
<div
class="description">
<h2>Tattoos</h2>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if
$tattoo1 is "none">>None<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"thunderbird">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A thunderbird
across your back<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"raven">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A raven on your
right shoulder
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "sun">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A sun on your inner left wrist<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"manticore">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A manticore on
your right thigh<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"seadragon">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A sea dragon
wrapping your left arm<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"sword">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A sword embraced in
a ring of fire on your left arm<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"wayfarer">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> The Wayfarer
symbol on your inner right wrist
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "geometric">><b>[Before Episode
I]</b> A geometric line wrapping your upper right
arm<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $tattoo2 is
"none">>None<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"thunderbird">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A thunderbird
across your back<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"raven">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A raven on your
right shoulder<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"seadragon">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A sea dragon
wrapping your left arm<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"sun">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A sun on your inner
left wrist<<elseif $tattoo2 is "manticore">><b>[Before
Episode I]</b> A manticore on your right thigh<<elseif
$tattoo2 is "sword">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A sword
embraced in a ring of fire on your left arm<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"wayfarer">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> The Wayfarer
symbol on your inner right wrist<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"geometric">><b>[Before Episode I]</b> A geometric
line wrapping your upper right arm<</if>></span>
</div>
</div>
<<liveblock>><<if settings.records>><div
class="description">
<h2>Records</h2><div class="record">
<span class="record-item"><b>[Strength Passes]</b>
$strengthsuccess</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Agility Passes]</b>
$agilitysuccess</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Perception Passes]</b>
$perceptionsuccess</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Persuasion Passes]</b>
$persuasionsuccess</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Strength Fails]</b>
$strengthfail</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Agility Fails]</b>
$agilityfail</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Perception Fails]</b>
$perceptionfail</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Persuasion Fails]</b>
$persuasionfail</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Injuries]</b>
$injuries</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Blackouts]</b>
$blackout</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Enemies Executed]</b>
$executions</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Enemies Spared]</b>
$spares</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Pacts Forged]</b>
$pactforged</span>
<span class="record-item"><b>[Pacts Broken]</b>
$pactbroken</span>
</div><</if>><</liveblock>><center><span
class="heading">Episode II:<br>House of the
Phoenix</span></center>
After four weeks at sea, you looked forward to finally reaching
Velantis. But you arrival in the city did not got as planned: the Grand
Archsage, Sabien Quirinus, was waiting for Zenaida and throttled her
hopes for a quiet return. You learned that all was not well: an
explosion shattered Diradan Tower, expelling the Guild of Mages from the
campus and threatening the city. Separated from her retainers, Zenaida
was sent ahead to answer to her mother and explain her actions.
Meanwhile, you and Aeran travelled upriver in Quirinus and Nova’s
company, doing your best to keep the Grand Archsage’s questions at bay.
You travelled through Velantis by boat and reached Mahanin Palace, where
you were requested to attend a gala at Zenaida’s behest. While
exploring the grounds, you encountered all manner of important,
powerful, and interesting people, including Phaedra Amestris, a
Velantian councillor; Melchior Larkspur, an illusionist and entertainer;
Sandro Anaxas, the father of Zenaida and a lover of theatre; and Sophia
Anaxas, the archon of Velantis.<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK
START")>> Keen to put your troubles aside, you indulged a little
too much and became drunk on Velantian wine.<</if>>
Zenaida informed you that the Order of Lethalis was using the gala as a
cover for an emergency meeting. At the firelight show, you were swept
away to a secret library hidden deep within the palace where you
encountered Zenaida’s colleagues and the leading members of Lethalis,
including Umbria Bellaris, their leader, and Veyer Krellion.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2.4 DRUNK START")>>Your intoxicated
mind led you to behave poorly and you were expelled from the meeting,
leaving Aeran to handle it on his own. <<if $aeran_advantage is
true>>Afterwards, he found you and informed of the bad news:
regardless of whatever state you might find yourself, you will be
assaulting Diradan Tower and retrieving the Astrial tomorrow
morning.<<else>>Afterwards, Aeran found you and angrily
informed you of the bad news: Lethalis was less than impressed with your
behaviour and you have been unceremoniously fired from the mission. You
are out of a contract—and without the promised
crowns.<</if>>
Too drunk to think straight, your conversation devolved into an angry
and bitter fight. Aeran abandoned you in the gardens and you passed out
with little memory of your surroundings.<<else>>The meeting
taught you many enlightening things about Quirinus, <b>the Order
of Solarath,</b> Diradan, and the Astrials. You learned that a
dangerous magical field called the shroud encircles the tower, killing
anyone who dares to enter it. You were also informed that the Astrials
are ancient augmenters, powerful artefacts that could grant access to
new magical talents, and that Quirinus aims to collect them to enhance
his own abilities and pursue his search for the “true” origin of magic.
<<if hasVisited("CHAPTER 2 LETH MISSION")>>Lethalis voted to
proceed with the mission. They are sending you and Aeran to the tower
the following morning, where you will puncture the shroud and retrieve
the Astrial.<<else>>However, despite these tidings, Lethalis
voted to stay their hand. They will not risk proceeding with the
mission. You were unceremoniously informed that your talents were no
longer needed, putting your payment and guaranteed exit from the city
into jeopardy.<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle"><center>Change Your
Pronouns</center></span>Use the following form to change
<span class="accent">$firstname’s</span> pronouns. You must
proceed to the next passage for the change to take effect.
<span class="heading">Presets</span>
<div class="pronoun-pop"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">He/Him</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "He">>
<<set $heshe to "he">>
<<set $HimHer to "Him">>
<<set $himher to "him">>
<<set $HisHer to "His">>
<<set $hisher to "his">>
<<set $HisHers to "His">>
<<set $hishers to "his">>
<<set $Himself to "Himself">>
<<set $himself to "himself">>
<<update>>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<</button>></span></div>
<div class="pronoun-pop"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">She/Her</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "She">>
<<set $heshe to "she">>
<<set $HimHer to "Her">>
<<set $himher to "her">>
<<set $HisHer to "Her">>
<<set $hisher to "her">>
<<set $HisHers to "Hers">>
<<set $hishers to "hers">>
<<set $Himself to "Herself">>
<<set $himself to "herself">>
<<update>>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<</button>></span></div>
<div class="pronoun-pop"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">They/Them</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to true>>
<<set $HeShe to "They">>
<<set $heshe to "they">>
<<set $HimHer to "Them">>
<<set $himher to "them">>
<<set $HisHer to "Their">>
<<set $hisher to "their">>
<<set $HisHers to "Theirs">>
<<set $hishers to "their">>
<<set $Himself to "Themself">>
<<set $himself to "themself">>
<<update>>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<</button>></span></div>
<div class="pronoun-pop"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">Xe/Xem/Xyr/Xyrself</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "Xe">>
<<set $heshe to "xe">>
<<set $HimHer to "Xem">>
<<set $himher to "xem">>
<<set $HisHer to "Xyr">>
<<set $hisher to "xyr">>
<<set $HisHers to "Xyrs">>
<<set $hishers to "xyrs">>
<<set $Himself to "Xyrself">>
<<set $himself to "xyrself">>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<<update>>
<</button>></span></div>
<div class="pronoun-pop"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">Ze/Zir/Zir/Zirself</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "Ze">>
<<set $heshe to "ze">>
<<set $HimHer to "Zir">>
<<set $himher to "zir">>
<<set $HisHer to "Zir">>
<<set $hisher to "zir">>
<<set $HisHers to "Zirs">>
<<set $hishers to "zirs">>
<<set $Himself to "Zirself">>
<<set $himself to "zirself">>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<<update>>
<</button>></span></div>
<span class="heading">Custom Pronouns</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Singular or Plural</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronounsPlural" false checked>>
Singular</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronounsPlural" true>>
Plural</label>
<span class="specialtitle">Nominative</span>
<i><b>Ey</b> went to the market today.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HeShe" "Ey">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$heshe" "ey">>
<span class="specialtitle">Accusative</span>
<i>I met <b>em</b> today.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HimHer" "Em">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$himher" "em">>
<span class="specialtitle">Pronominal Possessive</span>
<i>If ey does not get a haircut, <b>eir</b> hair grows
long.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HisHer" "Eir">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$hisher" "eir">>
<span class="specialtitle">Predicative possessive</span>
<i>If I need a sword my friend will let me borrow
<b>eirs</b>.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HisHers" "Eirs">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$hishers" "eirs">>
<span class="specialtitle">Reflexive</span>
<i>Ey wanted to impress her, so ey baked a cake
<b>emself</b>.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$Himself" "Emself">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$himself" "emself">>
<span style="float: right;"><<button 'Confirm Custom
Pronouns'>>
<<run Dialog.close()>>
<<update>><</button>></span>
/*silent*/<<popLink
"Click me for normal dialog" "My title" false>><a
onclick='SugarCube.Dialog.close();'>Close</a><</popLink>>
<<popLink
"[+]" "" true>><<include "Pronouns
Change">><</popLink>>/*<<run
Dialog.setup("Wayfarer Alpha Build");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("ALPHA POPUP").processText());
Dialog.open();>>*/<div
class="storyversion1"><center><<patch>></center></div>
<div
class="main-title"><div class="big"><img
src="images/title.png" alt="Wayfarer"
class="title"></div><div class="small"><img
src="images/title small.png" alt="Wayfarer"
class="title"></div></div>
<div class="subtitle"><span class="subtitle-item">[[NEW
GAME|New Game Start]]</span>
<span class="subtitle-item"><<link "LOAD
GAME">><<run
UI.saves()>><</link>></span>
<span class="subtitle-item"><<link
"SETTINGS">><<run
UI.settings()>><</link>></span>
<span class="pc"><span class="subtitle-item"><<link
"FULLSCREEN">><<run
Fullscreen.toggle();>><</link>></span></span></div><<set
$ronamap to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Rona<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>Codex Updated:
Letters<</notify>><</timed>>You slip between the
stalls, passing mothers who clutch their children’s hands as they
barter for goods. Servants representing Rona’s wealthiest voice outrage
at overpriced luxuries. As you push through the crowd, you keep one hand
firmly on your sword hilt and the other at your hip, covering the
leather purse strapped to your belt.
Everything you own of value is there—a small medicinal kit, a handful of
personal letters, a pittance of gold, and a pendant engraved with the
Wayfarer sigil.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. View your inventory. [You can
access it at any time from the menu]'>><<run
slideWin("Inventory")>><<set $window to true, $menu to
2>><<update>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '2. View your codex. [You
can access it at any time from the menu]'>><<run
slideWin("Codex")>><<set $window to true, $menu to
4>><<update>><</link>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Continue.|Chapter
1-1-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>It’s
been six months since you and Aeran arrived in Rona. You spent every
last crown on your passage here, in hopes that a town free from Imperial
prejudices would prove to be profitable. You pitched yourselves as
mercenaries capable of getting the job – any job – done. It didn’t
matter if you were clearing out a cellar infested with rats, hunting a
dangerous beast stalking the town’s borders, or taking down a local
arsonist – if there was a job to be done, you would do it.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
Though Imperial reservations about Wayfarers are mostly absent, the
people of Rona view you with unease. Your lack of magic sets you apart
and it is enough to make some people refuse to interact with you
altogether. With many of Rona’s wealthier residents refusing to hire you
on principle, you couldn’t afford to be particular about the jobs you
took or charge a pretty penny.
Your contracts were small and ugly at first, the scraps and cast-offs no
one else wanted. The offers came from the poor and the desperate,
people who had otherwise failed to attract the successful, sought-after
mercenaries who were plentiful around town. You took them anyway –
anything to make a living.
And now, half a year later, you are barely scraping by. Though you have
been quietly building your reputation as someone who always follows
through on your work, well-paying work is scarce. You and Aeran have
considered leaving Rona more than once. Unfortunately, not many ship
captains allow Wayfarers onboard and the few who do have dramatically
increased the fee out of fear of potential damages. Without enough
crowns to pay for passage, you are trapped here.
So, when you were approached by your current employer, you could hardly
say no. For one, very few people refuse the Crimson Count and live to
tell the tale. For another, with the crowns from this contract, you can
finally leave Rona behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-4]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Gender</span>
Select a gender from the options below. Once chosen, you cannot change
your gender.
<span class="heading">Male</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Your character
will be refered to as a <span class="accent">man</span> in
the present and a <span class="accent">boy</span> in
childhood flashbacks.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>>
<<set $gender to "male">>
<<set $person to "man">>
<<set $Person to "Man">>
<<set $child to "boy">>
<<set $Child to "Boy">>
<<set $cousin to "brother">>
<<set $Cousin to "Brother">>
<<set $mylord to "my lord">>
<<set $MyLord to "My lord">>
<<set $Insult to "Bastard">>
<<set $insult to "bastard">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Pronouns")>><</button>></span></div>
<span class="heading">Female</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Your character
will be refered to as a <span class="accent">woman</span> in
the present and a <span class="accent">girl</span> in
childhood flashbacks.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>>
<<set $gender to "female">>
<<set $person to "woman">>
<<set $Person to "Woman">>
<<set $cousin to "sister">>
<<set $Cousin to "Sister">>
<<set $child to "girl">>
<<set $Child to "Girl">>
<<set $mylord to "my lady">>
<<set $MyLord to "My lady">>
<<set $Insult to "Bitch">>
<<set $insult to "bitch">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Pronouns")>><</button>></span></div>
<span class="heading">Nonbinary</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Your character
will be refered to as a <span class="accent">person</span>
in the present and a <span class="accent">child</span> in
childhood flashbacks.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>>
<<set $gender to "nb">>
<<set $person to "person">>
<<set $Person to "Person">>
<<set $cousin to "cousin">>
<<set $Cousin to "Cousin">>
<<set $child to "child">>
<<set $Child to "child">>
<<set $mylord to "ser">>
<<set $MyLord to "Ser">>
<<set $Insult to "Toe-rag">>
<<set $insult to "toe-rag">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Pronouns")>><</button>></span></div><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Pronouns</span>
Select a preset or input your own. You can change your pronouns at any
time from the Journal using the <span
class="specialtitle">[+]</span> button.
<span class="heading">Presets</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">He/Him</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "He">>
<<set $heshe to "he">>
<<set $HimHer to "Him">>
<<set $himher to "him">>
<<set $HisHer to "His">>
<<set $hisher to "his">>
<<set $HisHers to "His">>
<<set $hishers to "his">>
<<set $Himself to "Himself">>
<<set $himself to "himself">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">She/Her</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "She">>
<<set $heshe to "she">>
<<set $HimHer to "Her">>
<<set $himher to "her">>
<<set $HisHer to "Her">>
<<set $hisher to "her">>
<<set $HisHers to "Hers">>
<<set $hishers to "hers">>
<<set $Himself to "Herself">>
<<set $himself to "herself">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">They/Them</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to true>>
<<set $HeShe to "They">>
<<set $heshe to "they">>
<<set $HimHer to "Them">>
<<set $himher to "them">>
<<set $HisHer to "Their">>
<<set $hisher to "their">>
<<set $HisHers to "Theirs">>
<<set $hishers to "their">>
<<set $Himself to "Themself">>
<<set $himself to "themself">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">Xe/Xem/Xyr/Xyrself</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "Xe">>
<<set $heshe to "xe">>
<<set $HimHer to "Xem">>
<<set $himher to "xem">>
<<set $HisHer to "Xyr">>
<<set $hisher to "xyr">>
<<set $HisHers to "Xyrs">>
<<set $hishers to "xyrs">>
<<set $Himself to "Xyrself">>
<<set $himself to "xyrself">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1"><span
class="specialtitle">Ze/Zir/Zir/Zirself</span></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Select'>><<set
$pronounsPlural to false>>
<<set $HeShe to "Ze">>
<<set $heshe to "ze">>
<<set $HimHer to "Zir">>
<<set $himher to "zir">>
<<set $HisHer to "Zir">>
<<set $hisher to "zir">>
<<set $HisHers to "Zirs">>
<<set $hishers to "zirs">>
<<set $Himself to "Zirself">>
<<set $himself to "zirself">>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div>
<span class="heading">Custom Pronouns</span>
<span class="specialtitle">Singular or Plural</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronounsPlural" false checked>>
Singular</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$pronounsPlural" true>>
Plural</label>
<span class="specialtitle">Nominative</span>
<i><b>Ey</b> went to the market today.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HeShe" "Ey">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$heshe" "ey">>
<span class="specialtitle">Accusative</span>
<i>I met <b>em</b> today.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HimHer" "Em">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$himher" "em">>
<span class="specialtitle">Pronominal Possessive</span>
<i>If ey does not get a haircut, <b>eir</b> hair grows
long.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HisHer" "Eir">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$hisher" "eir">>
<span class="specialtitle">Predicative possessive</span>
<i>If I need a sword my friend will let me borrow
<b>eirs</b>.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$HisHers" "Eirs">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$hishers" "eirs">>
<span class="specialtitle">Reflexive</span>
<i>Ey wanted to impress her, so ey baked a cake
<b>emself</b>.</i>
<b>Capitalized</b>
<<textbox "$Himself" "Emself">>
<b>Uncapitalized</b>
<<textbox "$himself" "emself">>
<div class="box"><span
class="pronouns-1"></span><span
class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Confirm Custom
Pronouns'>><<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Ancestry")>><</button>></span></div><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Review</span><span
class="heading">General</span>
<span class="accent">Gender:</span> <<if $gender is
"male">>Male<<elseif $gender is
"female">>Female<<elseif $gender is
"nb">>Nonbinary<</if>>
<span class="accent">Pronouns:</span> $HeShe/$himher
<span class="accent">Ancestry:</span> <<if $ancestry
is "human">>Human<<elseif $ancestry is
"elven">>Elven<<elseif $ancestry is
"dwarven">>Dwarven<<elseif $ancestry is
"melusine">>Half-melusine,
half-human<<else>>Half-aeda, half-human<</if>>
<span class="heading">Appearance</span>
<span class="accent">Complexion:</span> <<if $skintone
is "light beige">>Light beige<<elseif $skintone is "warm
beige">>Warm beige<<elseif $skintone is "cool
beige">>Cool beige<<elseif $skintone is "light
brown">>Light brown<<elseif $skintone is "warm
brown">>Warm brown<<elseif $skintone is "dark
brown">>Dark brown<<elseif $skintone is "warm
black">>Warm black<<elseif $skintone is "deep
black">>Deep black<<elseif $skintone is "cool
black">>Cool black<<elseif $skintone is
"scarlet">>Scarlet<<elseif $skintone is
"pink">>Pink<<elseif $skintone is
"coral">>Coral<<elseif $skintone is
"green">>Green<<elseif $skintone is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $skintone is
"blue">>Blue<<elseif $skintone is
"violet">>Violet<</if>>
<span class="accent">Distinguishing Marks:</span> <<if
$skinmarks is "none">>None<<elseif $skinmarks is
"freckles">>Freckles<<elseif $skinmarks is
"moles">>Moles<<elseif $skinmarks is
"vitiligo">>Vitiligo<</if>>
<span class="accent">Eye Colour:</span> <<if
$eyecolour is "blue">>Blue<<elseif $eyecolour is
"grey">>Grey<<elseif $eyecolour is
"green">>Green<<elseif $eyecolour is
"hazel">>Hazel<<elseif $eyecolour is
"brown">>Brown<<elseif $eyecolour is
"black">>Black<<elseif $eyecolour is
"red">>Red<<elseif $eyecolour is
"golden">>Gold<<elseif $eyecolour is
"amber">>Amber<<elseif $eyecolour is
"silver">>Silver<<elseif $eyecolour is
"violet">>Violet<<elseif $eyecolour is
"orange">>Orange<<elseif $eyecolour is
"yellow">>Yellow<<elseif $eyecolour is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $eyecolour is
"bronze">>Bronze<<elseif $eyecolour is "ruby">>Ruby
red<<elseif $eyecolour is "topaz">>Topaz
yellow<<elseif $eyecolour is "emerald">>Emerald
green<<elseif $eyecolour is "sapphire">>Sapphire
blue<<elseif $eyecolour is "amethyst">>Amethyst
violet<<elseif $eyecolour is
"pearlescent">>Pearlescent<</if>>
<span class="accent">Current Hair:</span> <<if
$haircolour is "black">>Black<<elseif $haircolour is "dark
brown">>Dark brown<<elseif $haircolour is
"brown">>Brown<<elseif $haircolour is "sandy
brown">>Sandy brown<<elseif $haircolour is
"auburn">>Auburn<<elseif $haircolour is
"red">>Red<<elseif $haircolour is
"ginger">>Ginger<<elseif $haircolour is "dark
blonde">>Dark blonde<<elseif $haircolour is
"blonde">>Blonde<<elseif $haircolour is "ash
blonde">>Ash blonde<<elseif $haircolour is
"white">>White<<elseif $haircolour is
"grey">>Grey<<elseif $haircolour is
"scarlet">>Scarlet<<elseif $haircolour is
"pink">>Pink<<elseif $haircolour is
"coral">>Coral<<elseif $haircolour is
"green">>Green<<elseif $haircolour is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $haircolour is
"blue">>Blue<<elseif $haircolour is
"violet">>Violet<<elseif $haircolour is
"gold">>Gold<<elseif $haircolour is
"silver">>Silver<<elseif $haircolour is
"bronze">>Bronze<<elseif $haircolour is "ruby">>Ruby
red<<elseif $haircolour is "topaz">>Topaz
yellow<<elseif $haircolour is "emerald">>Emerald
green<<elseif $haircolour is "sapphire">>Sapphire
blue<<elseif $haircolour is "amethyst">>Amethyst
violet<<elseif $haircolour is
"pearlescent">>Pearlescent<</if>>, $hairtexture
<span class="accent">Current Hair Length:</span>
<<print $hairlength.toUpperFirst()>>
<span class="accent">Current Facial Hair:</span> <<if
$facialhair is "none">>None<<elseif $facialhair is "clean
shaven">>Clean shaven<<elseif $facialhair is
"stubble">>Stubble<<elseif $facialhair is
"moustache">>Moustache<<elseif $facialhair is
"goatee">>Goatee<<elseif $facialhair is
"beard">>Beard<</if>>
<span class="accent">Height:</span> <<if $height is
"very short">>Very short<<elseif $height is
"short">>Short<<elseif $height is
"average">>Average<<elseif $height is
"tall">>Tall<<elseif $height is "very tall">>Very
tall<</if>>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">><b>Crest Pattern &
Colour:</b> <<if $crestpattern is
"swirls">>Swirls<<elseif $crestpattern is
"lines">>Lines<<elseif $crestpattern is
"specks">>Specks<<elseif $crestpattern is
"lightning">>Streaks of lightning<<elseif $crestpattern is
"vines">>Vines<<elseif $crestpattern is
"bark">>Bark<</if>>,
$crestcolour<<else>>\<</if>>
<span class="heading">Want to Make Changes?</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Change your
appearance? Return to the start of the appearance
selection.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Confirm'>>
<<run
Engine.play("Complexion")>><</button>></span></div>
<div
class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Change your character?
Return to the start of the character creator.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Confirm'>>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your
Gender")>><</button>></span></div>
<center><<button 'Confirm Character & Begin
Game'>><<run Engine.play("GAME
START")>><</button>></center><<set
$gamechapter to 0.1>><div
class="chaptertitle"><<fadein 3s
0s>>Prologue<</fadein>></div><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>In the southern wastes
of Artanis two children travel down a dark forest road. Watched over by
a surly guardian, they hurtle towards a destiny neither expects…
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "Prologue
1-1">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Name</span>
<span class="heading">Given Name</span>
<<if $origin is "nomad" and $gender is
"male">><<textbox "$firstname" "Heran">><<elseif
$origin is "nomad" and $gender is "female">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Ilia">><<elseif $origin is "nomad" and $gender
is "nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Adi">><<elseif
$origin is "hunter" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Dara">><<elseif $origin is "hunter" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Kerensa">><<elseif $origin is "hunter" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Elan">><<elseif
$origin is "farmer" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Kal">><<elseif $origin is "farmer" and $gender
is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Enara">><<elseif $origin is "farmer" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Aleth">><<elseif
$origin is "urchin" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Peran">><<elseif $origin is "urchin" and
$gender is "female">> <<textbox "$firstname"
"Valeska">><<elseif $origin is "urchin" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Sterris">><<elseif
$origin is "merchant" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Valin">><<elseif $origin is "merchant" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Rienna">><<elseif $origin is "merchant" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Corin">><<elseif
$origin is "noble" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Moandor">><<elseif $origin is "noble" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Septienna">><<elseif $origin is "noble" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Risha">><</if>>
<<link 'View
Suggestions'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Given Names");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Given Names").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>>
<span class="heading">Surname</span>
<<if $origin is "nomad">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Osiron">>
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Irollan">>
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Vallea">>
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Mallak">>
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Briadis">>
<<elseif $origin is "noble">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Inteus">><</if>>
<<link 'View
Suggestions'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Surnames");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Surnames").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>>
<<button "Confirm">><<if $firstname is
"">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter a given name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter a family name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sophia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sandro">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sabien">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Umbria">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Allegra">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Raven">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ves">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kellan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Vara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Rhodarth">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Athana">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Phaedra">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hypatia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lyrian">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iaera">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Quirinus">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bellaris">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arantir">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Sithia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Osgar">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Helmi">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Nairan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Amestris">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Blushrose">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Amatheia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<dialog>><<include "Name Confirm
QCC">><</dialog>>
<</if>><</button>><span
id="textbox-error"></span></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Origin</span>
Choose from six possible backgrounds. Each Origin boosts a different set
of skills, and comes with a unique history. Your choice of Origin will
affect the course of your journey, unlocking unique dialogue and action
options.
Click on a card to view an Origin’s description. You will be asked to
confirm your Origin before you proceed.
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/nomad.png" alt="Child of the
Desert" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Desert'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Desert");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Desert").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Desert</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/hunter.png" alt="Child of the
Wilds" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Wilds'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Wilds");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Wilds").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Wilds</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/farmer.png" alt="Child of the
Fields" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Fields'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Fields");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Fields").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Fields</span></center></div></div>
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/urchin.png" alt="Child of the
Streets" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Streets'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Streets");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Streets").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Streets</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/merchant.png" alt="Child of the
Seas" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Seas'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Seas");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Seas").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Seas</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/noble.png" alt="Child of the
City" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
City'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the City");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the City").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
City</span></center></div></div><<set
$lastname1 to $lastname>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Mentor</span>
Your time at the Spire has trained you for the life of a Wayfarer.
Throughout your years there, your master imparted their wisdom to you,
leading to a permanent skill boost.
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/sero.png" alt="Amali Sero"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Amali Sero'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Amali Sero");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Amali Sero QCC").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Amali Sero</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/varyn.png" alt="Brissa Varyn"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Brissa
Varyn'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Brissa Varyn");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Brissa Varyn QCC").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Brissa
Varyn</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/cenric.png" alt="Rindan Cenric"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Rindan
Cenric'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Rindan Cenric");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Rindan Cenric QCC").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Rindan
Cenric</span></center></div></div><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Skill Points</span>
You have <b>3 skill points</b> remaining.
<span class="heading">Current Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strength +1|QCC Stats 2][$strength
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|QCC Stats 2][$agility
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|QCC Stats
2][$perception +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|QCC Stats
2][$persuasion +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Skill Points</span>
You have <b>2 skill points</b> remaining.
<div class="heading">Current Skills</div>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strength +1|QCC Stats 3][$strength
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|QCC Stats 3][$agility
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|QCC Stats
3][$perception +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|QCC Stats
3][$persuasion +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Skill Points</span>
You have <b>1 skill point</b> remaining.
<span class="heading">Current Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Strength +1|QCC Post Stats][$strength
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Agility +1|QCC Post Stats][$agility
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Perception +1|QCC Post
Stats][$perception +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Persuasion +1|QCC Post
Stats][$persuasion +=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
def $lastname2>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Surname
Change");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Surname Change").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Review</span>
<span class="heading">General</span>
<span class="accent">Name:</span> $firstname $lastname
<span class="accent">Gender:</span> <<if $gender is
"male">>Male<<elseif $gender is
"female">>Female<<elseif $gender is
"nb">>Nonbinary<</if>>
<span class="accent">Pronouns:</span> $HeShe/$himher
<span class="accent">Ancestry:</span> <<if $ancestry
is "human">>Human<<elseif $ancestry is
"elven">>Elven<<elseif $ancestry is
"dwarven">>Dwarven<<elseif $ancestry is
"melusine">>Half-melusine,
half-human<<else>>Half-aeda, half-human<</if>>
<span class="accent">Place of Birth:</span> <<if
$origin is "nomad">>Sathir<<elseif $origin is
"hunter">>Artanis<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>Arsenian Alliance<<elseif $origin is
"urchin">>Arsenia<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>Coveran Republic<<else>>Kingdom of
Vestra<</if>>
<span class="accent">Wayfarer Master:</span> <<if
$master is "Sero">>Amali Sero<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Brissa Varyn<<else>>Rindan
Cenric<</if>>
<span class="heading">Appearance</span>
<span class="accent">Complexion:</span> <<if $skintone
is "light beige">>Light beige<<elseif $skintone is "warm
beige">>Warm beige<<elseif $skintone is "cool
beige">>Cool beige<<elseif $skintone is "light
brown">>Light brown<<elseif $skintone is "warm
brown">>Warm brown<<elseif $skintone is "dark
brown">>Dark brown<<elseif $skintone is "warm
black">>Warm black<<elseif $skintone is "deep
black">>Deep black<<elseif $skintone is "cool
black">>Cool black<<elseif $skintone is
"scarlet">>Scarlet<<elseif $skintone is
"pink">>Pink<<elseif $skintone is
"coral">>Coral<<elseif $skintone is
"green">>Green<<elseif $skintone is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $skintone is
"blue">>Blue<<elseif $skintone is
"violet">>Violet<</if>>
<span class="accent">Distinguishing Marks:</span> <<if
$skinmarks is "none">>None<<elseif $skinmarks is
"freckles">>Freckles<<elseif $skinmarks is
"moles">>Moles<<elseif $skinmarks is
"vitiligo">>Vitiligo<</if>>
<span class="accent">Eye Colour:</span> <<if
$eyecolour is "blue">>Blue<<elseif $eyecolour is
"grey">>Grey<<elseif $eyecolour is
"green">>Green<<elseif $eyecolour is
"hazel">>Hazel<<elseif $eyecolour is
"brown">>Brown<<elseif $eyecolour is
"black">>Black<<elseif $eyecolour is
"red">>Red<<elseif $eyecolour is
"golden">>Gold<<elseif $eyecolour is
"amber">>Amber<<elseif $eyecolour is
"silver">>Silver<<elseif $eyecolour is
"violet">>Violet<<elseif $eyecolour is
"orange">>Orange<<elseif $eyecolour is
"yellow">>Yellow<<elseif $eyecolour is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $eyecolour is
"bronze">>Bronze<<elseif $eyecolour is "ruby">>Ruby
red<<elseif $eyecolour is "topaz">>Topaz
yellow<<elseif $eyecolour is "emerald">>Emerald
green<<elseif $eyecolour is "sapphire">>Sapphire
blue<<elseif $eyecolour is "amethyst">>Amethyst
violet<<elseif $eyecolour is
"pearlescent">>Pearlescent<</if>>
<span class="accent">Current Hair:</span> <<if
$haircolour is "black">>Black<<elseif $haircolour is "dark
brown">>Dark brown<<elseif $haircolour is
"brown">>Brown<<elseif $haircolour is "sandy
brown">>Sandy brown<<elseif $haircolour is
"auburn">>Auburn<<elseif $haircolour is
"red">>Red<<elseif $haircolour is
"ginger">>Ginger<<elseif $haircolour is "dark
blonde">>Dark blonde<<elseif $haircolour is
"blonde">>Blonde<<elseif $haircolour is "ash
blonde">>Ash blonde<<elseif $haircolour is
"white">>White<<elseif $haircolour is
"grey">>Grey<<elseif $haircolour is
"scarlet">>Scarlet<<elseif $haircolour is
"pink">>Pink<<elseif $haircolour is
"coral">>Coral<<elseif $haircolour is
"green">>Green<<elseif $haircolour is
"teal">>Teal<<elseif $haircolour is
"blue">>Blue<<elseif $haircolour is
"violet">>Violet<<elseif $haircolour is
"gold">>Gold<<elseif $haircolour is
"silver">>Silver<<elseif $haircolour is
"bronze">>Bronze<<elseif $haircolour is "ruby">>Ruby
red<<elseif $haircolour is "topaz">>Topaz
yellow<<elseif $haircolour is "emerald">>Emerald
green<<elseif $haircolour is "sapphire">>Sapphire
blue<<elseif $haircolour is "amethyst">>Amethyst
violet<<elseif $haircolour is
"pearlescent">>Pearlescent<</if>>, $hairtexture
<span class="accent">Current Hair Length:</span>
<<print $hairlength.toUpperFirst()>>
<span class="accent">Current Facial Hair:</span> <<if
$facialhair is "none">>None<<elseif $facialhair is "clean
shaven">>Clean shaven<<elseif $facialhair is
"stubble">>Stubble<<elseif $facialhair is
"moustache">>Moustache<<elseif $facialhair is
"goatee">>Goatee<<elseif $facialhair is
"beard">>Beard<</if>>
<span class="accent">Height:</span> <<if $height is
"very short">>Very short<<elseif $height is
"short">>Short<<elseif $height is
"average">>Average<<elseif $height is
"tall">>Tall<<elseif $height is "very tall">>Very
tall<</if>>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">><b>Crest Pattern &
Colour:</b> <<if $crestpattern is
"swirls">>Swirls<<elseif $crestpattern is
"lines">>Lines<<elseif $crestpattern is
"specks">>Specks<<elseif $crestpattern is
"lightning">>Streaks of lightning<<elseif $crestpattern is
"vines">>Vines<<elseif $crestpattern is
"bark">>Bark<</if>>,
$crestcolour<<else>>\<</if>>
<span class="heading">Scars & Tattoos</span>
<span class="accent">Scars:</span><div
class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if $scar1 is
"none">>None<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarforehead">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A forehead
scar from an incident you'd rather not talk about<<elseif $scar1
is "scarlefteye">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A scar
through your left eye from a knife fight<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarburn">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A burn scar on
your right shoulder from an incident with a mage that went out of
control<<elseif $scar1 is "scarclaw">><b>[Before
Chapter I]</b> A claw slash on your back from a monster
fight<<elseif $scar1 is "scarchest">><b>[Before
Chapter I]</b> A long scar across your chest from a duel gone
wrong<<elseif $scar1 is "scarknee">><b>[Before Chapter
I]</b> An unremarkable scar on your knee from doing something
inadvisable in your youth<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarCount2">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on your
shoulder from your duel with the Crimson Count<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarCount3">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on your
stomach from your attempt on the Crimson Count’s life<<elseif
$scar1 is "scarBasilisk4">><b>[Chapter I]</b> Marks on
your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s basilisk attempted to
squeeze you to death<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarRhodarth">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on your
shoulder from your fight with Rhodarth<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarBasilisk1">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on
your side from your fight with the Crimson Count’s
basilisk<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarBasilisk2">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A scar on your
side from getting grazed by a basilisk’s teeth during your fight at the
Crimson Count’s villa<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarBasilisk3">><b>[Chapter I]</b> Marks on your
midriff from when the Crimson Count’s basilisk attempted to squeeze you
to death<<elseif $scar1 is "scarCount">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A scar on your shoulder from where the Crimson Count
stabbed you<<elseif $scar1 is "scarAeran">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from where Aeran shot you
during your fight with the Crimson Count<<elseif $scar1 is
"scarTownsquare">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A small scar on
your forehead from getting hit on the head when Rona’s town square
collapsed<<elseif $scar1 is "scarAtral">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A scar on your chest from getting hit by the butt of
Atral’s axe during your fight in the
townsquare<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $scar2 is
"none">>None<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarCount2">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on your
shoulder from your duel with Cere Nalos, the Crimson Count<<elseif
$scar2 is "scarCount3">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep
scar on your stomach from your attempt on the Crimson Count’s
life<<elseif $scar2 is "scarBasilisk4">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> Marks on your midriff from when the Crimson Count’s
basilisk attempted to squeeze you to death<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarRhodarth">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on your
shoulder from your fight with Rhodarth<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarBasilisk1">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A deep scar on
your side from your fight with the Crimson Count’s
basilisk<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarBasilisk2">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A scar on your
side from getting grazed by a basilisk’s teeth during your fight at the
Crimson Count’s villa<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarBasilisk3">><<b>[Chapter I]</b> Marks on your
midriff from when the Crimson Count’s basilisk attempted to squeeze you
to death<<elseif $scar2 is "scarCount">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A scar on your shoulder from where the Crimson Count
stabbed you<<elseif $scar2 is "scarAeran">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A deep scar on your shoulder from where Aeran shot you
during your fight with the Crimson Count<<elseif $scar2 is
"scarTownsquare">><b>[Chapter I]</b> A small scar on
your forehead from getting hit on the head when Rona’s town square
collapsed<<elseif $scar2 is "scarAtral">><b>[Chapter
I]</b> A scar on your chest from getting hit by the butt of
Atral’s axe during your fight in the
townsquare<</if>></span></div>
<span class="accent">Tattoos:</span><div
class="record"><span class="record-item"><<if $tattoo1 is
"none">>None<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"thunderbird">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A thunderbird
across your back<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"raven">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A raven on your
right shoulder
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "sun">><b>[Before Chapter
I]</b> A sun on your inner left wrist<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"manticore">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A manticore on
your right thigh<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"seadragon">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A sea dragon
wrapping your left arm<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"sword">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A sword embraced in
a ring of fire on your left arm<<elseif $tattoo1 is
"wayfarer">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> The Wayfarer
symbol on your inner right wrist
<<elseif $tattoo1 is "geometric">><b>[Before Chapter
I]</b> A geometric line wrapping your upper right
arm<</if>></span>
<span class="record-item"><<if $tattoo2 is
"none">>None<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"thunderbird">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A thunderbird
across your back<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"raven">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A raven on your
right shoulder<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"seadragon">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A sea dragon
wrapping your left arm<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"sun">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A sun on your inner
left wrist<<elseif $tattoo2 is "manticore">><b>[Before
Chapter I]</b> A manticore on your right thigh<<elseif
$tattoo2 is "sword">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A sword
embraced in a ring of fire on your left arm<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"wayfarer">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> The Wayfarer
symbol on your inner right wrist<<elseif $tattoo2 is
"geometric">><b>[Before Chapter I]</b> A geometric
line wrapping your upper right
arm<</if>></span></div>
<div class="heading">Skills</div>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<span class="heading">Want to Make Changes?</span>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Change your
appearance and starting stats? Return to the Origin
selection.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button
'Confirm'>><<run Engine.play("QCC
Origin")>><<set $strength to 5>><<set $agility
to 5>><<set $perception to 5>><<set $persuasion
to 5>><</button>></span></div>
<div class="box"><span class="pronouns-1">Change your
character? Return to the start of the character creator.</span>
<span class="pronouns-2"><<button 'Confirm'>>
<<run Engine.play("Choose Your Gender")>><<set
$strength to 5>><<set $agility to 5>><<set
$perception to 5>><<set $persuasion to
5>><</button>></span></div>
<center><<button 'Confirm Character & Begin
Game'>><<set $prologueend to true>><<run
Engine.play("GAME START")>><</button>></center><<fadeout
4s 6s>><<fadein 4s 0s>><div
class="actbanner"><center><img src="images/prologue.png"
alt="Prologue"
width="80%"></center></div><</fadein>><</fadeout>><<timed
13s>><<goto "Prologue
Title">><</timed>><span
class="next">[[Next|Prologue Title]]</span><<set
$areaname to " Prologue">><div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">Winter,
1231</div></div></div>The covered cart bounces along
the mountain path, rolling over pits and pebbles as its wheels churn
through muddied snow. One corner of the canvas cover, torn loose many
hours ago, flaps noisily in the cold wind. The horses snort and nicker
as they climb the steep path, their driver sternly urging them forwards.
Night fell some time ago and the moon rises above the dark tree line,
hanging amid a splash of vibrant stars.
You sit in a corner, a fur-lined cloak resting heavily around your
shoulders. The cloak isn’t yours; it belongs to the cranky dwarf at the
head of the cart and it doesn’t fit you very well. A small dagger in a
worn leather sheath is strapped to your belt—another gift from the
dwarf, something he insisted you take “just in case.” The journey, he
said, would be long and you never knew what surprises waited for you on
the road.
The inside of the cart is lit by a single lantern strung from the centre
bow. It swings back and forth, illuminating the sacks of supplies and
rations strapped down for transit and your travelling companion—a lanky
boy curled up on the far side of the cart. He snores softly, his head
drowsily lolling on his shoulder, untroubled by the cart’s jostling.
Unable to sleep, you stare out the back of the cart, eyes drawn to the
disappearing lights in the distance. The cart passed through the last
town without thought of stopping, and as it vanishes into the night, so
do all chances of hot food and a warm bed.
Your stomach growls pitifully. You wonder whether you should say
something to your grouchy escort but think better of it—he fully expects
you to be asleep right now. He said some hours ago that your
destination is close and he would wake you when you arrived.
Not your fault you can’t sleep. It’s cold, so cold you can see your
breath rise in the light of the lantern. The cart is uncomfortable.
You’re in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers. And the loose
flap is far, far too loud.
You ignore your stomach and, trying not to think about food, crawl
towards the back of the cart. Balancing precariously on the edge, you
stick out your hand and reach, fingers clawing at the air for the flap.
You catch it.
The cart hits a bump. You fly forwards, a muffled scream ripping from
your throat as you are tossed towards the craggy road.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$gamechapter to 1>><<set $prologueend to
true>><div class="chaptertitle"><<fadein 3s
0s>>Episode I ✦ Conflict at
Rona<</fadein>></div><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>>Twenty-one years have
passed since the cold night <b>$firstname $lastname</b> and
<b>Aeran Kellis</b> joined the Wayfarers. They are now
warriors, trained in the ways of their order, accomplished and
accredited in their own right. They have changed—and so too has the
world.
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>><<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>The <b>Arathian
Empire</b> spreads its reach ever further. The <b>Guild of
Mages</b> emerges as the strongest institutional power in the
world with representatives in every political court. And the
<b>Wayfarer Order</b>, torn asunder by a devastating loss,
has grown obsolete.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>><<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Far from the reach of wars
and politics, $firstname and Aeran are half a world away, in the pirate
haven of <b>Rona</b>. Trapped in town with very few funds,
they scrounge for work, looking for enough crowns to buy passage to new
horizons.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→' "Chapter 1
Pause">><</link>></span><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote><<timed 1s>><<goto "Chapter 1-1-1">><</timed>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Rona Town Square">><div
class="heading-wrapper"><div class="heading-icon"><span
class="icon-sigil"></span></div><div
class="heading-box"><div class="heading-title">12 Celestian,
1252</div></div></div>It’s raining when you reach the
town square.
Town square may be a little generous, all things considered. Nestled
within the coastal wetlands of Calantha, Rona is a trade port on a good
day and a coastal community at war with nature every other. Clusters of
weathered buildings cling precariously to the dots of land that speckle
the lagoon. Floating walkways connect the islands, weaving their way
through tangles of overgrown vegetation. The channels between the
walkways are dark and filled with debris. The air is thick and stagnant,
the sky a perpetual grey, the appearance of the sun an abnormality.
The last remnant of the Arathian Empire’s attempt to settle the land,
Rona cut ties with the Empire a quarter of a century ago. It is an
unremarkable dot on the map, often forgotten, untethered to the
governance of any nation. Once overseen by a magistrate, the true power
lies with the seven rival crime lords who crawled out of the woodwork to
fill the void left in the Empire’s wake. They are called (rather
unimaginatively) the Seven.
A haven for pirates and adventurers, marauders and mercenaries, Rona is
the place you go when no other city will take you.
Grimacing at the rain, you pull up your hood and enter the square.
Sitting at the juncture of several major thoroughfares, Rona’s town
square is a floating platform that stretches between several islands.
Surrounded on four sides by rickety buildings that tilt inwards on each
other, the square is currently home to a plethora of wooden stalls
erected for market day.
In the centre of the platform is an enclosed hole where the boards have
been sawed away. Rising from the water below is the upper half of a
bronze statue, a remnant of Rona’s Imperial heritage. Depicting the
emperor who ruled at the time of Rona’s settlement—poised, triumphant,
glorified in his royal armour—the statue supposedly cracked the platform
beneath and fell through into the lagoon below. What remains is a
heavily graffitied and defaced sculpture claimed by several nesting
wetland birds.
With the rain little more than a light drizzle the townspeople are
hardly deterred from going about their daily business. Though the
sizable market day crowd has yet to form, a couple dozen townspeople are
already out and about. The cacophony of voices rises as fishmongers,
bakers, and merchants peddle their wares.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger' 'Medical kit'>><<pickup
'$packInv' 'Wayfarer pendant'>><<fadeout
4s 6s>><<fadein 4s 0s>><div
class="actbanner"><center><img src="images/act1.png"
alt="Act 1"
width="80%"></center></div><</fadein>><</fadeout>><<timed
13s>><<goto "Chapter 1
Title">><</timed>><span
class="next">[[Next|Chapter 1 Title]]</span>A
hand grabs you and yanks on your cloak, pulling you back in. You
collapse sideways on the floor, breathing rapidly, your cheek pressed
against the rough wood. You rock back and forth, feeling every pit and
rut on the road as the cart rolls on. Slowly getting your jagged breath
under control, you look up and stare at the boy who saved you.
He sits, cross-legged, with his back against a sack of supplies, his fur
cloak pooling around his gangly frame. His face, usually pale, is
flushed. The tip of his nose is red. Pointed ears stick out from under a
long mop of unruly sandy brown hair. His eyes are blue and earnest.
He’s around the same age as you—maybe a little older, maybe a little
younger. It’s hard to tell.
He joined the cart a few days ago when you passed Tyridia—a big city,
the last haven before the world turns into an endless sea of forests and
mountains.
You haven’t said a word to him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[1. “I thought you were
asleep.”|Prologue 1-3A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t touch me.”|Prologue
1-3-B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Thanks, I guess.”|Prologue
1-3-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
shrugs. “Not really. Can’t sleep.”
“Me neither.” You push yourself up and scoot backwards so your back
rests against the edge of the cart. You wrap your arms around your knees
and hold tight. Your heart flutters in your chest, leftover panic from
your near miss refusing to let go.
“I’m Aeran, Aeran Kellis.” The boy smiles. “You’re welcome.”
“For what?”
He points at the back of the cart. “Saving your life,” he says. “If you
fell out, you would have rolled all the way back to Trost and I don’t
think Cenric would come back for you.”
Rindan Cenric. The cranky dwarf driving the cart. When he met you, he
said you were important, and he was taking you to a place called the
Spire.
You make a face. “I think he would.”
“Maybe.” Aeran pauses and chews the inside of his cheek. “Okay, you’re
right, he would. But falling out would have hurt like crazy. So. I still
saved you.”
“Hurray.”
“What were you trying to do, by the way?”
You glare at him. “You talk a lot—has anyone ever told you that?”
“You’re grumpy,” he shoots back. “Has anyone ever told
<i>you</i> that?”
You stare at each other in silence, but you can’t hold out for long—a
grin splits from ear to ear. You and Aeran dissolve into laughter.
The cart pulls to an abrupt stop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>It
comes out harsher than you meant. The boy draws back, a confused look
on his face.
“Okay,” he says. “Sorry.”
You push yourself up and scoot backwards so your back rests against the
edge of the cart. You wrap your arms around your knees and hold tight.
Your heart flutters in your chest, leftover panic from your near miss
refusing to let go.
“That’s not what I…”
<i>Meant,</i> you were going to say, but you’ve trailed off.
The boy fidgets with his cloak and tries not to look at you.
“What’s your name?” you ask apologetically.
“Aeran,” he replies. “Aeran Kellis.” He glances at you cautiously. “What
were you trying to do, by the way? You really don’t want to fall out
and roll all the way back to Trost, Cenric would lose it.”
Rindan Cenric. The cranky dwarf driving the cart.
You glare at Aeran and avoid his question. “You talk a lot. Has anyone
ever told you that?”
“And you’re grumpy,” he shoots back. “Has anyone ever told
<i>you</i> that?”
You stare at each other in silence, but you can’t hold out for long—a
grin splits from ear to ear. You and Aeran dissolve into laughter.
The cart pulls to an abrupt stop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
boy makes a face. “You’re… welcome?” He pauses. “I guess?”
You snort. You’re not sure if he’s making fun of you or not.
The boy smiles. “I’m Aeran. Aeran Kellis.”
“Nice to meet you,” you say. You push yourself up and scoot backwards so
your back rests against the edge of the cart. You wrap your arms around
your knees and hold tight. Your heart flutters in your chest, leftover
panic from your near miss refusing to let go.
“What were you trying to do, by the way?” he asks.
You shrug. “Nothing.”
“Oh, okay.” He looks away, fidgeting with his cloak as he tries not to
stare at you.
“I do mean it,” you say, breaking the silence. “Thank you for saving
me.”
He grins, cautious yet optimistic. “Yeah! I mean. Wouldn’t want to fall
out and roll all the way back to Trost. Cenric would lose it.”
Rindan Cenric. The cranky dwarf driving the cart.
You roll your eyes. “You talk a lot,” you say. “Has anyone ever told you
that?”
“And you’re grumpy,” he shoots back. “Has anyone ever told
<i>you</i> that?”
You stare at each other in silence, but you can’t hold out for long—a
grin splits from ear to ear. You and Aeran dissolve into laughter.
The cart pulls to an abrupt stop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-4]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Hey!”</i>
a gruff voice calls from the box seat.
A moment later a dwarf appears round the back of the cart. He’s old. His
shoulder-length brown hair, streaked with grey, is swept back into a
tail. In the flickering lantern light you can make out the jagged scars
that run down the left side of his face, turning his eye into an ugly
lump of scarred tissue.
He looks a little bit like a tree stump.
Cenric eyes the pair of you, unsuccessfully trying to mask his fatigue
and annoyance. “We’re several leagues from the Spire and these mountains
are dangerous,” he barks. “You don’t know what lurks out there in the
darkness. Quiet down and go to bed.”
“Yes, sir!” Aeran says, scrambling to sit upright. He elbows you in the
side and you nod in agreement.
Cenric steps away, muttering under his breath. You hear his footsteps
trudge alongside the cart until he hoists himself back into the box
seat. The horses nicker and the cart trundles on.
You stare at your hands, twisting your fingers together. The past month
has been a blur. If someone asked you to recount the events of a single
day in your journey so far, you would no doubt disappoint them. Every
day is the same, with a slightly different landscape.
You don’t even know what the Wayfarers want with you. At least, not
exactly. It’s difficult to wrangle words out of Cenric on a good day, so
even when he does speak to you, he’s light on the details. All you know
is you’re headed to a place called the Spire and it is very,
<i>very</i> far away.
Memories of the life you lived before this journey hit you, unbidden and
unwanted. You retreat further into your cloak as you sift through your
memories of the person you were before this journey.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHOOSE YOUR
ORIGIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Origin</span>
Choose from six possible backgrounds. Each Origin boosts a different set
of skills, and comes with a unique history. Your choice of Origin will
affect the course of your journey, unlocking unique dialogue and action
options.
Click on a card to view an Origin’s description. You will be asked to
confirm your Origin before you proceed.
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/nomad.png" alt="Child of the
Desert" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Desert'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Desert");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Desert").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Desert</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/hunter.png" alt="Child of the
Wilds" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Wilds'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Wilds");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Wilds").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Wilds</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/farmer.png" alt="Child of the
Fields" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Fields'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Fields");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Fields").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Fields</span></center></div></div>
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/urchin.png" alt="Child of the
Streets" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Streets'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Streets");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Streets").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Streets</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/merchant.png" alt="Child of the
Seas" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
Seas'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the Seas");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the Seas").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
Seas</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/noble.png" alt="Child of the
City" class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Child of the
City'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Child of the City");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Child of the City").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Child of the
City</span></center></div></div><<if
$origin is "nomad">><<notify 3000>>+1
Strength<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+1
Agility<</notify>><</timed>><<elseif
$origin is "hunter">><<notify 3000>>+1
Strength<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+1
Perception<</notify>><</timed>><<elseif
$origin is "farmer">><<notify 3000>>+1
Strength<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+1
Persuasion<</notify>><</timed>><<elseif
$origin is "urchin">><<notify 3000>>+1
Agility<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+1
Perception<</notify>><</timed>><<elseif
$origin is "merchant">><<notify 3000>>+1
Agility<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+1
Persuasion<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<notify
3000>>+1 Perception<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify>>+1
Persuasion<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>That
is who you were. But it doesn’t mean that’s who you have to be.
Restless, Aeran taps his fingers along the floor of the cart. The sound
draws you out of your whirling thoughts.
“Think you’re going to sleep?” he whispers.
You shake your head. You’re wide awake—you couldn’t sleep even if you
wanted to.
Aeran grins. “Me, neither.” He stretches his hands high above his head.
“So, you know my name. What’s yours?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHOOSE YOUR
NAME]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Name</span>
<span class="heading">Given Name</span>
<<if $origin is "nomad" and $gender is
"male">><<textbox "$firstname" "Heran">><<elseif
$origin is "nomad" and $gender is "female">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Ilia">><<elseif $origin is "nomad" and $gender
is "nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Adi">><<elseif
$origin is "hunter" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Dara">><<elseif $origin is "hunter" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Kerensa">><<elseif $origin is "hunter" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Elan">><<elseif
$origin is "farmer" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Kal">><<elseif $origin is "farmer" and $gender
is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Enara">><<elseif $origin is "farmer" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Aleth">><<elseif
$origin is "urchin" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Peran">><<elseif $origin is "urchin" and
$gender is "female">> <<textbox "$firstname"
"Valeska">><<elseif $origin is "urchin" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Sterris">><<elseif
$origin is "merchant" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Valin">><<elseif $origin is "merchant" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Rienna">><<elseif $origin is "merchant" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname" "Corin">><<elseif
$origin is "noble" and $gender is "male">><<textbox
"$firstname" "Moandor">><<elseif $origin is "noble" and
$gender is "female">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Septienna">><<elseif $origin is "noble" and $gender is
"nb">><<textbox "$firstname"
"Risha">><</if>>
<<link 'View
Suggestions'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Given Names");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Given Names").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>>
<span class="heading">Surname</span>
<<if $origin is "nomad">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Osiron">>
<<elseif $origin is "hunter">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Irollan">>
<<elseif $origin is "farmer">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Vallea">>
<<elseif $origin is "urchin">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Mallak">>
<<elseif $origin is "merchant">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Briadis">>
<<elseif $origin is "noble">><<textbox "$lastname"
"Inteus">><</if>>
<<link 'View
Suggestions'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Surnames");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Surnames").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>>
<<button "Confirm">><<if $firstname is
"">><<replace "#textbox-error">>
Please enter a given name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter a family name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sophia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sandro">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Sabien">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Umbria">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Allegra">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Raven">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ves">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kellan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Vara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Rhodarth">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Athana">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Phaedra">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hypatia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lyrian">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iaera">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This given name is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
Please enter an acceptable name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Quirinus">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Bellaris">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Arantir">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Sithia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Osgar">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Helmi">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Nairan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Amestris">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Blushrose">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<elseif $lastname is "Amatheia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>
This surname is in use.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<dialog>><<include "Name Confirm
Prologue">><</dialog>>
<</if>><</button>><span
id="textbox-error"></span></center><<set $lastname1 to $lastname>>Aeran smiles. “Hi, $firstname.”
“…hi,” you reply cautiously, smiling back.
“So, where’re you from?” he asks, scuffing his boot back and forth across the floor of the cart.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[1. Tell the truth.|Prologue 1-7A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Lie.|Prologue 1-7B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug it off.|Prologue 1-7C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin is "nomad">>“Sathir,” you say quietly.
“Where’s that?”
“Far away.” You pull your cloak tighter around your shoulders. “It’s
different there. There’s no…” You pause, searching for the word. Cenric
told you about the white stuff that falls from the sky, but the word is
new, and you don’t always remember. “Snow! There’s no snow. There’s the
desert. It’s like… a sea of sand. And it’s hot, except at night. Then it
gets really cold.”
Aeran’s eyes widen. “A sea of sand… I’d like to see that.” He makes a
face. “I’ve never been outside Tyridia before. This must be the farthest
I’ve been from home.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs and pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms around
them. “It’s hard to leave when you’re surrounded by walls.”
You nod. Cities are few and far between in the Osian desert, and your
clan never spent much time near them. You’re more familiar with trading
posts and villages. Walls are strange, trapping hundreds and hundreds
and hundreds of people inside. They don’t make sense.<<elseif
$origin is "hunter">>“Do you know the Forest of Brennath?” you say
quietly. “I’m from there.”
“Where’s that?”
“North of here. A long ways away.” You pull your cloak tighter around
your shoulders. “The forest is different there. The trees are bigger,
taller—some of them are as wide as a house. They go on and on and on,
forever and ever. If you climbed to the top of a tree and looked out,
all you will see are trees.”
Aeran’s eyes widen. “I’d like to see that,” he says. “A forest that
doesn’t end.”
“It does end, but no one knows where.”
“No one?”
You pause. “Well… maybe someone. But no one from my clan does.”
Aeran makes a face. “I’ve never been outside Tyridia before. This must
be the farthest I’ve been from home.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs. “It’s hard to leave when you’re surrounded by walls.”
You nod. There are no cities in the Forest of Brennath. The first time
you saw one was on this journey. It had never occurred to you that so
many people could live clustered together, surrounded by walls. You
think it’s strange, trapping hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of
people inside. Walls don’t make sense.<<elseif $origin is
"farmer">>“Arsenia,” you say quietly.
“Where’s that?”
“Far away.” You pull your cloak tighter around your shoulders. “It’s
different there. It’s warm and it doesn’t snow, at least not like this.
There are fields and fields and fields that go on forever. My family has
a farm. We grew a lot of different things, sold them at markets.” You
pause, trying not to think of your home. You’re having a hard time
imagining what the house looks like. “I miss the animals.”
“You had animals?”
You rub your nose with the back of your hand. “Yeah. Horses and dogs and
cats and cows…”
“That’s amazing!” He makes a face. “You know, I’ve never been outside
Tyridia before. This must be the farthest I’ve been from home.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs and pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms around
them. “It’s hard to leave when you’re surrounded by walls.”
You nod. It’s a strange thing to say, but it makes sense.<<elseif
$origin is "urchin">>“Nesactium,” you say quietly.
“Where’s that?”
“It’s the capital of Arsenia, a country to the north.” You pull your
cloak tighter around your shoulders. “It’s a big city. Loud. Too many
people. Not like here.” You glance out the back of the cart, staring at
the splash of stars in the night sky. You don’t remember seeing stars
like this back home. “It’s quiet here.”
Aeran nods and pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms around
them. “I know what that’s like. Tyridia’s loud, too. Everyone’s pushing
and shoving, and they’re mad all the time.” He makes a face. “I’ve never
been outside the city before. This must be the farthest I’ve been from
home.”
“You never left? Until now? Why?”
He shrugs and pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms around
them. “It’s hard to leave when you’re surrounded by walls.”
You nod. The streets of Nesactium are a labyrinth you never thought
you’d escape. You know all too well what it feels like to be trapped by
the walls of civilization.<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“Tol Covere,” you say quietly.
“Where’s that?”
“Far away, in a place called the Coveran Republic.” You pull your cloak
tighter around your shoulders. “It’s different there. An island – a
whole bunch of islands. It’s warm and bright and you can always smell
the sea.” Thinking about home conjures up an image in your mind – your
family’s villa, perched on white rocks above turquoise waves. “We had to
sail a long ways to get here.”
Aeran’s eyes brighten. “I’ve always wanted to see the sea. What’s it
like?”
You shrug. “Salty.”
“Salty…?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s weird. Why’s it like that?”
“I don’t know, it just is!”
Aeran makes a face and pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms
around them. “I’ve never been outside Tyridia before. This must be the
farthest I’ve been from home.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs. “It’s hard to leave when you’re surrounded by walls.”
You nod. It’s a strange thing to say, but it makes
sense.<<else>>“Vodena,” you say quietly.
“Where’s that?”
“It’s the capital city of the Kingdom of Vestra.” You pull your cloak
tighter around your shoulders. “It’s a big city, an important city. My
family has an estate. It’s a big white house with lots of flowers and a
red door.” You trail off. Your throat feels raw and you’re very, very
cold. Talking about home makes you think of home – and you would rather
not think of home right now.
Aeran nods. “Is this your first time leaving the city?”
“No.” You look out the back of the cart, staring at the splash of stars
across the night sky. They’re brighter here than they are at home. “My
family travelled a lot. Sometimes they’d take me with them.”
Aeran makes a face. He pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms
around them. “I’ve never been outside Tyridia before. This must be the
farthest I’ve been from home.”
You nod. “Me, too.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-8]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Erenvor,”
you say.
“The Imperial capital?” he asks, eyes wide. “What’s it like?”
Your mouth is dry. You avoid looking at him and stare out the back of
the cart, focusing on the stars splashed across the night sky. “It’s…
fine. It’s a city. With people.”
“And Cenric found you there?” Aeran continues. “I thought he didn’t care
much for the Empire.”
“Well, he was there,” you snap. “And that’s how I got to be here.”
His eyes narrow. You feel like he doesn’t quite believe you, but saying
anything else will just dig a deeper hole.
“Okay,” he says finally. He pulls his knees into his chest, wrapping his
arms around them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-8]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
your business,” you say.
Aeran’s face falls. He looks away, staring out the back of the cart at
the starry night sky. He pulls his knees into his chest and wraps his
arms around them. “Okay. Sorry I asked.”
You chew the inside of your cheek. He’s trying to be friendly, maybe you
shouldn’t blame him for that. You’ve been on the road for so long, just
you and Cenric, and the dwarf doesn’t say much. You’re lonely. But that
doesn’t mean you want to be friends with some random boy who
unexpectedly joined you on your journey into the mountains.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-8]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
cart trundles on. You and Aeran sit in silence for some time, jostled
to and fro by the bumps in the road. The winding path hits a steep
incline and you hear Cenric muttering to the horses, urging them
forwards. You think you overhear him asking them to stop complaining.
“Do you know much about the Wayfarers?” Aeran asks after a moment.
You shake your head. “I didn’t hear anything about them until Cenric
showed up.” You pause, rubbing the back of your neck with your hands.
You’re stiff all over. You want to get out of this cart. “Do… do you
know much about the Wayfarers?”
He rests his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands. “They come
through Tyridia every so often,” he replies. “Everyone knows about them.
They’re warriors. Or monster hunters. Or something. People respect
them, but they also stay away. Let them do what they need to. They do
all sorts of things, but they’re… different.”
“Because they don’t have magic.”
He nods. “Yeah.”
Like the Wayfarers, you don’t have magic. You know your immunity is the
reason you’re here, the reason Cenric sought you out. No matter how hard
you tried, a normal life was always out of reach.
You chew a fingernail and watch him carefully. Your childhood taught you
to be cautious about who you revealed this information to. Some were
indifferent. Others pitied you. And some…
You swallow the lump in your throat. You’d rather not think about that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Admit you don’t have magic. You’re not sure,
but if you’re here because you don’t have magic, maybe the same is true
for him.|Prologue 1-9A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Nod and keep quiet. He doesn’t need
to know anything more about you.|Prologue
1-9B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I…
don’t have magic.”
Your heart pounds in your chest as you wait for a reply. Aeran looks
away, hugging his knees even closer to his chest. He doesn’t say
anything for a long time. The silence is unbearable.
“Me, neither.”
His words hit you hard. You look at him, eyes wide, and see him smiling.
You smile back.
“I wonder if we’ll… if we’ll become Wayfarers,” Aeran muses. “Maybe
that’s why Cenric took us.”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
You chew your lower lip. His words make sense. Maybe too much sense. You
don’t know how you feel about it. You don’t know if you want to become a
Wayfarer. And if you don’t… will Cenric even give you the chance to
refuse?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-10]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Okay,”
you say, nodding. You fall silent.
Aeran hugs his knees even closer to his chest. “I wonder if… we’ll
become Wayfarers.”
“Uh huh.”
“Maybe that’s why Cenric took us.”
“Mhm.”
“What do you think?”
He’s making it difficult for you to stay quiet.
You shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
His eyes narrow and he prods you with a foot. “Come on, you must think
something.”
“I said I don’t know!” you snap.
Aeran pales. He draws back, scooting across the floor and into a corner
of the cart. “Okay,” he says and falls silent. He stares at the swinging
lantern above and avoids looking at you.
You chew your lower lip, mulling over what Aeran said. It makes sense.
Maybe too much sense. You don’t know how you feel about it. You don’t
know if you want to become a Wayfarer. And if you don’t… will Cenric
even give you the chance to refuse?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-10]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
cart dips, its wheels rolling through a rut in the road. You lurch
forwards, knees banging against the floor. Your hand jerks out and grabs
the edge of the cart and you catch yourself before you can fall flat on
your face. Your teeth are rattled, your knees bruised.
You’re getting very tired of travelling.
<i>Very</i> tired.
You cast an eye at Aeran, but he seems relatively unruffled by the
cart’s jostling. He is on his knees, hands planted in front of him, and
stares out the back of the cart, mouth agape. He sniffs and
unconsciously rubs his nose with the back of his hand.
“Look,” he says.
You look at the back of the cart. “Wha—”
You blink, falling silent. You crawl forwards, shimmying to the back to
get a better look.
A curtain of light surges across the night sky in a flickering dance. It
shimmers, its green glow roiling and swirling through the stars. You
can’t see where it begins or ends. You watch, open-mouthed, as the
lights dance their celestial dance.
“What… what is that?” you ask.
“The southern lights,” Aeran replies, scooting up beside you. “You
usually can’t see them from Tyridia, but I’ve heard travellers talk
about them.”
You gape, awestruck.
“The Meissandium says they’re a blessing from the gods,” he continues.
“That they… uh… ‘favour all who travel beneath their light.’ Whatever
that means.” He rests his hands on the lip of the cart and sticks his
head out from under the canvas canopy. “The Arcanist always said that
was crap. The lights are natural, not magical, though he didn’t want to
explain how he knew that.”
Aeran exhales a long breath. You watch the mist rise into the cold air
in the lantern light.
“I don’t know,” he adds after a moment. “I like the idea that something
like that doesn’t need magic to be… well… powerful.”
You sit back on your heels, knees folded beneath you. The lights swirl
and a patch of violet ripples through the green.
“Yeah,” you whisper. “I like that.”
You and Aeran fall into a comfortable silence, the two of you clinging
to the back of the cart to watch the lights dance. The lights roam the
night sky, their patterns unpredictable. You try to guess where they
will move next, pointing at different spots in the sky, but you always
guess wrong. Aeran laughs, muffling the sound by pressing a hand over
his mouth. You can’t help the blissful grin that spreads from ear to
ear.
The horses bray in distress as the cart abruptly jolts to a stop. Cenric
mutters inaudibly to the horses, calming them.
Aeran shoots you a puzzled look.
“What’s going on?” he mouths.
You spread your hands and shake your head.
“Should we take a look?” he adds.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Slip out of the cart to see what’s going
on.|Prologue 1-11-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay in the cart and
listen.|Prologue 1-11-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Yeah,”
you whisper.
You heave yourself over the ledge and drop onto the road. Frozen mud
crunches beneath your feet as you land on the path. Aeran follows,
keeping close.
“The lands beyond are dangerous, traveller!” a voice, young and
unsteady, yells. “Go back to Trost!”
“To the former, certainly, considering it’s common knowledge,” Cenric
growls. “To the latter—unlikely. Wasting my time is a waste of yours.
Let me through.”
“Do you have a pass?”
“Say what now?”
You crouch down and quietly move around the side of the cart. Two
lanterns are propped on the driver’s box. Cenric sits in the driver’s
seat, clutching the reins in his gloved hands, a thick wool blanket
covering his lap. He stares ahead, glaring at two sentries standing in
front of the horses, spears clutched in their hands.
Though they are cloaked in heavy winter gear, you can make out a flash
of armour beneath the furs and wools. An unfamiliar gold insignia
embroiders the patches placed on their right shoulders. You squint,
trying to figure out what it is—a bird of some kind?
The road ahead is barricaded. A dilapidated banner is erected just off
the road, its dark flag flapping loosely in the wind. Further away,
tucked between two large snow drifts, is a short, squat lodge. It is
well-lit, with flickering lamps in the windows and lanterns hung from
brackets along the walls. Like most lights conjured by magic, the light
is bright and cold—very different from the natural warmth of the fire in
Cenric’s lamps. Rows of icicles cling to the eaves, peeking out from
under a foot of snow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-12-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
shake your head. “I’m staying right here.”
Aeran shrugs and crawls to the back of the cart. “Well, I’m going to
look,” he whispers. “Do what you want.”
“Wait, Aeran—”
He drops over the back of the cart and disappears.
Alone in the cart, you pull your cloak tight around your shoulders and
stare out the back. The southern lights gleam high in the sky, but you
can’t focus on their beautiful, unpredictable patterns now. You can hear
voices from somewhere ahead of the cart.
“The lands beyond are dangerous, traveller!” a voice, young and
unsteady, yells. “Go back to Trost!”
“To the former, certainly, considering it’s common knowledge,” Cenric
growls. “To the latter—unlikely. Wasting my time is a waste of yours.
Let me through.”
“Do you have a pass?”
“Say what now?”
“A pass,”
“Two hundred years and I’ve never needed a bloody pass,” Cenric grunts.
“Since when did the Arathian Empire man checkpoints in the Artanisian
wilderness?”
“This is an Imperial highway, sir,” a new voice replies.
“A highway to where, exactly? Trost is the last settlement on this
road—”
“Regardless of what territories lie beyond the road itself,” the voice
interrupts, “by virtue of trade treaties, the highways are Imperial
land.” Though the person speaking maintains an official tone, they can’t
quite hide their anxiety.
Cenric groans. “I’m not here to argue semantics. You want a pass? Here’s
my pass—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-12-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“A
pass,” the sentry on the right insists. Though he is partially obscured
by a giant scarf and fur-lined cap, you can make out a pale face with a
wispy beard beneath. He grips his spear and grinds the end back and
forth into the snow.
“Two hundred years and I’ve never needed a bloody pass,” Cenric grunts.
“Since when did the Arathian Empire man checkpoints in the Artanisian
wilderness?”
“This is an Imperial highway, sir,” the sentry on the left replies with
all the grace of someone reciting a script. She holds her arms stiffly
at her sides, brown eyes fixated on Cenric.
“A highway to <i>where,</i> exactly? Trost is the last
settlement on this road—”
“Regardless of what territories lie beyond the road itself, by virtue of
trade treaties, the highways are Imperial land.” Though she maintains
an official tone, she can’t quite hide the anxiety in her voice.
Cenric groans. “I’m not here to argue semantics. You want a pass? Here’s
my pass—”
He stands abruptly, throwing off the blanket and draws his sword. The
watered blade shines white in the lantern light.
The soldier on the right hisses and drops into a defensive stance,
pointing her spear at Cenric. Her companion stares blankly from Cenric
to her and back again and leans heavily on his spear, driving the end
further into the snow.
“Marcella,” he says cautiously, “is he… is he threatening us?”
“I don’t know, Berand,” she hisses back, “what do you think?”
“Maybe we should let him through.”
“Don’t be an idiot—”
“Enough,” Cenric snaps. “Clearly some Imperial fool ordered you here
without education about the surrounding area. While the nosy side of me
wonders what the hell you did to deserve such a forsaken post, I don’t
care enough to find out. You should know the Spire, the headquarters of
the Wayfarer Order, lies in the mountains beyond.” He sighs wearily and
sheathes his sword. “I am returning home—Imperial blockade or not.”
“This isn’t a <i>blockade,”</i> Marcella splutters. Cenric
ignores her and picks up the reins, ready to urge the horses forwards.
“This is a—”
An unearthly howl rips through the air. Marcella spins around, clutching
her spear. Berand raises his head, looking to and fro as he desperately
traces the source of the noise.
The howl echoes through the valley a second time.
“What was that?” Berand asks shakily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-13]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$ancestry is "elven">>Aeran nudges you and points at something in
the distance, beyond the blockade. You follow his gesture, your elven
eyesight piercing the darkness.
Your jaw drops and a chill runs down your spine.
The creature beyond the barricades is huge—far larger than a horse,
larger than two horses put together. It has a feline face with powerful
jaws that stretch almost all the way to the back of its skull. Its head
is crowned with thin, jagged antlers, stretching outwards behind its
ears. Its body is covered with white fur, but its limbs are black and
scaled, ending with a black claw. A long, scaled tail curves away from
its body, curling up like a scorpion tail.
“What <i>is</i> that?” you mouth.
“Fannarl,” Aeran says. “They usually don’t come this far north, but when
they do—”
The fannarl leaps forward, rushing towards the pool of light. Without
warning, Aeran pushes you face-first into the snow and shoves you under
the cart. With your breath knocked from your lungs, you roll onto your
side and watch Aeran slide under after you.
“What—”
He covers your mouth with a gloved hand. <i>“Shut up!”</i>
he hisses.
Any further protests die at the back of your throat. The horses bray
with unease, their hooves stamping furiously on the ground. The cart
creaks as Cenric steps out of the driver’s seat. You watch the heels of
his boots crunch on the road, the tip of his scabbard hovering inches
from the snow.
“Fall back!” he bellows. “Now!”
Berand stutters, barely managing a single word. “But—”
<i>“Now!”</i>
Two pairs of boots backtrack towards the cart. The fannarl unleashes
another howl, one that shakes you to the bone. The horses whinny but
they do not bolt. Your stomach twists. Cenric said these roads were
dangerous but he never explained why. Creatures like this… no.
<i>Monsters</i> like this must be the reason.
You shuffle to the front of the cart and peer out from under it. Cenric
stands in the centre of the pool of light, sword drawn, fur-lined cloak
blowing gently in the wind. He is calm, collected, ready to strike.
There is something almost heroic in his stance, in the way he holds his
blade. It is completely at odds with the surly, grumpy temperament
you’ve come to know.
And then the fannarl’s giant claw swipes out of the darkness and knocks
him into the snowbank.
Your jaw drops. Marcella screams.
The fannarl breaks through the barricades, smashing the wood to pieces,
and lands in the centre of the light. It snarls, blue gunk dripping
between its teeth, and paces back and forth, its luminous blue eyes
searching the clearing.
Its tail unfurls and lashes out in a wide circle around its body. The
horses scream and collapse in a spray of blood.
Your stomach hurls and you slap a hand over your mouth to keep from
retching. You glance at Aeran. “Is… is Cenric dead?”
“I don’t know.”<<else>>Aeran nudges you and points at
something in the distance, beyond the blockade. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>You follow his gesture and narrow your eyes, trying in
vain to peer through the darkness. You can hear
<i>something</i> moving out there. It’s not just the howl.
You can make out paws crunching through the snow, a hiss of breath, the
swish of something long and thin against the
snow…<<else>>You follow his gesture but can’t see anything
through the darkness.<</if>>
“What is it?” you mouth.
His eyes widen. “…you can’t see it?”
You grit your teeth. “I can’t see in the dark—”
Without warning, he pushes you face-first into the snow and shoves you
under the cart. With your breath knocked from your lungs, you roll onto
your side and watch Aeran slide under after you.
“What—”
He covers your mouth with a gloved hand. <i>“Shut up!”</i>
he hisses.
Any further protests die at the back of your throat. The horses bray
with unease, their hooves stamping furiously on the ground. The cart
creaks as Cenric steps out of the driver’s seat. You watch the heels of
his boots crunch on the road, the tip of his scabbard hovering inches
from the snow.
“Fall back!” he bellows. “Now!”
Berand stutters, barely managing a single word. “But—”
<i>“Now!”</i>
Two pairs of boots backtrack towards the cart. The creature – whatever
it is – unleashes another howl, one that shakes you to the bone. The
horses whinny but they do not bolt. Your stomach twists. Cenric said
these roads were dangerous but he never explained why. Aeran is too
frightened to describe what he saw. You need to know what’s out there.
Knowing may be terrifying; not knowing is a thousand times worse.
You shuffle to the front of the cart. Snow clumps around you as you
wiggle forwards. Aeran grabs at your cloak, gesturing for you to stop,
but you wave a hand at him. You turn your face sideways and peer out
from under the cart.
Cenric stands in the centre of the pool of light, sword drawn, fur-lined
cloak blowing gently in the wind. He is calm, collected, ready to
strike. There is something almost heroic in his stance, in the way he
holds his blade. It is completely at odds with the surly, grumpy
temperament you’ve come to know.
And then a giant claw swipes out of the darkness and knocks him into the
snowbank.
Your jaw drops. Marcella screams.
The creature breaks through the barricades, smashing the wood to pieces,
and lands in the centre of the light. It’s huge – far larger than a
horse, larger than two horses put together. It has a feline face with
powerful jaws that stretch almost all the way to the back of its skull.
Its head is crowned with thin, jagged antlers, stretching outwards
behind its ears. Its body is covered with white fur, but its limbs are
black and scaled, ending in black claws. A long, scaled tail curves away
from its body, curling up like a scorpion tail.
It snarls, blue gunk dripping between its teeth, and paces back and
forth, its luminous blue eyes searching the clearing.
Then its tail unfurls and lashes out in a wide circle around its body.
The horses scream and collapse in a spray of blood.
Your stomach hurls and you slap a hand over your mouth to keep from
retching. “What… what is that <i>thing?”</i>
“Fannarl,” Aeran replies. “They usually don’t come this far north, but
when they do…”
He trails off. His implication doesn’t need to be voiced.
Your mouth goes dry. “Is… is Cenric dead?”
“I don’t know.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-14]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$ancestry is "aeda">>You hear the distinct sound of a sword being
unsheathed. Is Cenric threatening them? That seems out of character,
even for someone with as little patience as him…<<else>>You
wish you could see what was going on. What did Cenric show them? You’re
pretty sure it’s not a pass.<</if>>
“Marcella,” the first voice says cautiously, “is he… is he threatening
us?”
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>Maybe it <i>is</i> in
character for him…<<else>>Did he draw a sword or something?
Isn’t that a little… excessive, even for Cenric?<</if>>
“I don’t know, Berand,” the second hisses back, “what do you think?”
“Maybe we should let him through.”
“Don’t be an idiot—”
“Enough,” Cenric snaps. “Clearly some Imperial fool ordered you here
without education about the surrounding area. While the nosy side of me
wonders what the hell you did to deserve such a forsaken post, I don’t
care enough to find out. You should know the Spire, the headquarters of
the Wayfarer Order, lies in the mountains beyond.” He sighs wearily. “I
am returning home – Imperial blockade or not.”
“This isn’t a <i>blockade,”</i> Marcella splutters. “This is
a—”
An unearthly howl rips through the air. You shiver, hair raising on the
back of your neck. You suddenly do not want to be alone in this cart.
You scramble to the back and heave yourself over the ledge, dropping
onto the road. Frozen mud crunches beneath your feet.
You quietly move around the side of the cart. Aeran is a dark shape
crouched near the driver’s box. He glances at you as you crawl up next
to him and puts a finger to his lips.
You can see three people in front of you. Cenric is one. His sword is
drawn, the watered blade shining bright in the lantern light.
The two others are sentries—a man and a woman, young, barely adults.
Though they are cloaked in heavy winter gear, you can make out a flash
of armour beneath the furs and wools. An unfamiliar gold insignia
embroiders the patches placed on their right shoulders. You squint,
trying to figure out what it is—a bird of some kind?
The road ahead is barricaded. A dilapidated banner is erected just off
the road, its dark flag flapping loosely in the wind. Further away,
tucked between two large snow drifts, is a short, squat lodge. It is
well-lit, with flickering lamps in the windows and lanterns hung from
brackets along the walls. Like most lights conjured by magic, the light
is bright and cold—very different from the natural warmth of the fire in
Cenric’s lamps. Rows of icicles cling to the eaves, peeking out from
under a foot of snow.
The howl echoes through the valley a second time.
“What was that?” Berand asks shakily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-13]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
fannarl raises its head and howls. The sound pierces your ears and you
slam your hands over them. The creature’s tail swings back around in a
wide arc and slashes through the top of the cart. Timbers crack and the
canvas cover, frame and all, collapse inward. The tail swings around for
another pass.
Something grabs your feet and yanks you backwards.
You kick desperately as you’re dragged out from under the cart. You
flail, rolling back and forth. You open your mouth to scream but your
assailant shoves a gloved hand over your mouth.
It’s Berand.
“Shhhh!” he breathes. “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay—”
“It’s <i>not</i> okay,” Marcella interrupts. She crouches
beside him, huffing breathlessly, having pulled Aeran from the wrecked
cart. Her spear lies beside her in a pocket of snow. “I can’t believe
that idiot was travelling here with <i>children—”</i>
The tail crashes through what remains of the cart, smashing it to
splinters. The fannarl crouches, ready to pounce, its grinning jaws
widening even further. It leers at the cart, claws shimmering in the
snow.
“Hey, ugly! You’re looking the wrong way!”
The fannarl hisses, churning up snow as it spins around, all interest in
the cart lost. Cenric stands at the other side of the clearing, looking
a little winded but none the worse for wear. His cloak is shredded on
the left side, but his armour is otherwise untouched.
He falls into a defensive stance, sword shining bright. The fannarl
leaps at him, claws extended. He dodges to the side, his sword slicing
through the air. The fannarl lands in a mountain of snow, bright red
blood oozing from a wound. It howls, incensed, eyes rolling, and turns
on Cenric.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-15]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>“Now!”</i>
Marcella hisses, grabbing her spear. <i>“Move it!” </i>
The four of you run for the trees, keeping low as you drag yourselves
through the snowbanks. Snow clings to your lower legs as you drag
yourself through it. Ahead, Berand stumbles, nearly falling flat on his
face. Marcella reaches for him and helps him up, pushing him towards the
trees. She turns back and grabs your hand, tugging you through the
snow. You reach the trees and sink behind one, one hand pressed against
your chest. Your heart is beating rapidly. You can’t stop shaking.
Marcella reaches the trees with Aeran. She pushes him further back into
the woods, then crouches behind a tree to survey the clearing.
“Shit,” she mutters. <i>“Shit.”</i>
Berand crawls through the snow and crouches next to her. “Maybe if we
wait long enough it’ll go away?”
Marcella laughs hoarsely. “As if we’d be that lucky…” She shakes her
head. “There’s only one thing we can do now. Get to Trost and get help—”
“And endanger the villagers by leading it right to them?”
“It’s distracted by that Wayfarer, Berand! It won’t notice us!”
“How can you be sure?”
“Stars above…” Marcella sighs. “There are Guild mages in Trost. If we
get the Savant’s help—”
“You think mages can help with something like that?”
“A Guild mage could!”
“But then it’s the same problem as before!”
Marcella groans and closes her eyes, sinking into the snow. “I knew this
was going to be a shit post, I knew it, we weren’t trained for this—”
You ignore Marcella and Berand and crawl over to Aeran. He lies on his
back, staring at the soaring pines, so dark green they appear black in
the night. The southern lights gleam green and violet, their dance
undisturbed.
“What do we do?” you whisper.
He sits up and brushes snow and pine needles from his shoulders. “I
don’t know.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
1-16]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
peek out from behind the trees. The snow in the clearing is trampled
and streaked with blood from the dead horses and the wounded fannarl.
Cenric circles the fannarl, steady and patient, waiting for an opening.
It watches him, hissing and spitting the blue gunk across the ground.
Cenric darts forward to land a strike, but its tail lashes around in a
protective, lethal circle. He retreats, narrowly avoiding the tail.
“We have to do something,” you continue. Your hand falls to your side,
gripping the small dagger attached to your belt. <<if $origin is
"nomad" or $origin is "hunter" or $origin is "urchin">>You know
how to use it. You’re not going to let yourself get eaten by that
<i>thing</i>. Not without a fight.<<else>>You
don’t know how to use it, at least not properly. But if worst comes to
worst, you’re not going to let yourself get eaten by that
<i>thing</i>. Not without a fight.<</if>> “What
do you know about fannarls? How do you kill them?”
Aeran stares at you. “You don’t.”
“But what if you could?” you press.
Aeran groans and puts his hands over his face. “I… I don’t know… Any
time there’s a sighting the Tyridian guard sends out warnings and keeps
people away from the area until it moves on. Sometimes hunters try to
deal with them, but they only really go away if they get a Wayfarer from
the Spire…”
“A Wayfarer like Cenric.”
“Yeah.” Aeran lowers his hands. “I guess so. Fannarls have some kind of…
I don’t know, magical venom? The blue stuff in its jaws. A Wayfarer
wouldn’t have to worry about that, but they’re still fast and their
claws and tails are more of a problem than their magic…”
Aeran’s voice fades away. Meanwhile, Marcella and Berand are still
arguing. You’ve tuned them out. They’re as clueless as you are. Maybe
even more.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue FIRST
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
clutch the hilt of your dagger, your thoughts spinning. An idea is
forming in your mind. Well, several ideas, if you’re being honest. And
all of them are various shades of bad.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Help
Cenric attack the monster. [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|Prologue CHOICE1
STRENGTH][$strength +=1, $choice1 to "strength"]]</div>
<p>You have a dagger. <<if $origin is "nomad" or $origin is
"hunter" or $origin is "urchin">>You know how to use it and you’re
sure you have the strength to do enough damage to help him land a
killing blow.<<else>>While you may be untrained, you’re sure
you have the strength to do enough damage to help him land a killing
blow.<</if>></p>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use yourself to distract the
monster. [Skill Gain: +1 Agility]|Prologue CHOICE1 AGILITY][$agility
+=1, $choice1 to "agility"]]</div>
<p>You don’t have much, but you’re quick. You’re fast. If you
lured the monster away, you could give Cenric enough time to
strike.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Use the environment to distract the
monster. [Skill Gain: +1 Perception]|Prologue CHOICE1
PERCEPTION][$perception +=1, $choice1 to "perception"]]</div>
<p>You may be ill-equipped to fight a monster, but that doesn’t
mean you can’t help. Looking around the clearing for
something—anything—you can use to make a distraction, you notice the
banner on the other side of the broken barricades. It is directly in
line with the fannarl… One solid push and it would come tumbling
down.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Convince Marcella and Berand to
help. [Skill Gain: +1 Persuasion]|Prologue CHOICE1
PERSUASION][$persuasion +=1, $choice1 to "persuasion"]]</div>
<p>The sentries are armed. So is Aeran. If the four of you banded
together and attacked… maybe you could help Cenric kill the fannarl.
Five against one are much better odds than one against
one.</p><<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
Help Cenric attack the monster.|Prologue CHOICE1 STRENGTH][$strength
+=1, $choice1 to "strength"]]</div>
<p>You have a dagger. <<if $origin is "nomad" or $origin is
"hunter" or $origin is "urchin">>You know how to use it and you’re
sure you have the strength to do enough damage to help him land a
killing blow.<<else>>While you may be untrained, you’re sure
you have the strength to do enough damage to help him land a killing
blow.<</if>></p>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Use yourself to distract the
monster.|Prologue CHOICE1 AGILITY][$agility +=1, $choice1 to
"agility"]]</div>
<p>You don’t have much, but you’re quick. You’re fast. If you
lured the monster away, you could give Cenric enough time to
strike.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Use the environment to distract the
monster.|Prologue CHOICE1 PERCEPTION][$perception +=1, $choice1 to
"perception"]]</div>
<p>You may be ill-equipped to fight a monster, but that doesn’t
mean you can’t help. Looking around the clearing for
something—anything—you can use to make a distraction, you notice the
banner on the other side of the broken barricades. It is directly in
line with the fannarl… One solid push and it would come tumbling
down.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Convince Marcella and Berand to
help.|Prologue CHOICE1 PERSUASION][$persuasion +=1, $choice1 to
"persuasion"]]</div>
<p>The sentries are armed. So is Aeran. If the four of you banded
together and attacked… maybe you could help Cenric kill the fannarl.
Five against one are much better odds than one against
one.</p><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Strength<</notify>>You grip your dagger and
push yourself forward through the snow.
Aeran grabs your wrist. “What are you doing?” he exclaims.
<i>“Helping.”</i>
You tear free from his grasp and stumble back towards the clearing.
Marcella and Berand yell at you to come back to the trees, but you
plunge forward, undeterred. Too afraid to leave the protection of the
trees, they can’t do anything to stop you.
The cold wind bites at your cheeks as you wade through the snow, keeping
to the shadows as you circle around behind the fannarl. Cenric holds
his ground in the centre of the clearing. He dodges in to strike but the
fannarl is too fast. It slides backwards over the trampled snow and
Cenric’s sword comes up short, striking nothing but air. The fannarl
hisses and leers, blue gunk oozing over its teeth and dripping onto the
bloodied snow. Its tail lashes around and Cenric ducks, throwing himself
to the side.
He grunts, wheezing, and turns back to the creature. The exertion is
wearing him down.
You reach the far side of the clearing.
The creature spits in Cenric’s face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
2-1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Agility<</notify>>You look across the
clearing, weighing your options. Getting the fannarl’s attention is the
easy part. Getting away is a whole other story. For this to work, you’re
going to need a place to hide, somewhere the fannarl can’t reach you.
You won’t know until you get there.
You press a hand to your chest and feel the rapid beat of your heart.
You’ll have to move fast.
“$firstname—”
You hear Aeran say your name, but you don’t respond. You’re already
dashing through the snow, hurtling towards the clearing and the
fannarl’s sharp-toothed maw. Marcella and Berand yell at you to come
back to the trees, but you plunge forward, undeterred. Too afraid to
leave the protection of trees, they can’t do anything to stop you.
The cold wind bites at your cheeks as you wade through the snow in a
straight line to the clearing. Cenric has baited the fannarl to the far
end and the creature’s back is to you. You have no idea what you’re
going to do when you get there, but you’ll think of something.
You trip as you stumble out onto the trampled, bloodied snow, flying
forward with your hands extended. You cry out and land hard, crashing
unceremoniously to the ground. Pain shoots up your hands.
Cenric stares past the fannarl and locks eyes with you, mouth slightly
open in surprise.
Throwing yourself to your feet, you scoop up a ball of snow and throw it
at the fannarl. It hits its side and explodes against its fur. The
fannarl turns around, hissing softly, and its luminous eyes find you.
“Hey!” you yell. “Hey! Over here!”
The fannarl growls. Blue gunk oozes over its teeth, dripping onto the
snow underfoot. And then it spits—in your direction.
Blue ooze hits you directly in the face and chest. It clings to your
clothes and cloak and you smell the acrid scent of something burning
though you feel fine. Stunned, you stare blankly at the fannarl. You’re
vaguely aware Cenric is shouting something at you, but you can’t make
out the words. Your heart is pounding.
You don’t think. Or can’t think.
You’re kind of past that point anyway.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
2-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Perception<</notify>>Your heart hammers in
your chest. Fear creeps up your spine, rooting you in place. If you
don’t go now, you won’t go at all.
And Cenric may die fighting the creature and it will eat all of you.
Shivering with cold, fear, and a weird rush of excitement, you push
yourself forward through the snow.
Aeran grabs your wrist. “What are you doing?” he exclaims.
“I have an idea,” you hiss, pulling yourself free. “Just… stay back and
let me do it, okay?”
“$firstname—”
“It’s better than doing nothing!” you snap and plunge forward,
undeterred. Marcella and Berand yell at you to come back to the trees,
but you ignore them. They’re too afraid to leave the protection of the
trees. They can’t do anything to stop you.
The cold wind bites at your cheeks as you wade through the snow, keeping
to the shadows as you circle around the clearing. You don’t want the
fannarl to spot you. You dive behind the broken remains of the cart and
listen as Cenric holds his ground, grunting with exertion as he tries to
land a strike on the fannarl.
You peek out from behind the broken cart, judging the distance between
you and the banner. If you keep low and stick to the edge of the
clearing, you may be able to make it unnoticed…
Cenric darts forward. The fannarl slides backwards over the trampled
snow and Cenric’s sword comes up short, striking nothing but air. The
fannarl hisses and leers, blue gunk oozing over its teeth and dripping
onto the bloodied snow. Its tail lashes around and Cenric ducks,
throwing himself to the side.
You run out from behind the cart and head for the banner, keeping to the
edge of the clearing. Cenric and the fannarl haven’t noticed you yet.
The trampled snow is much easier to move through and you skid to a stop
by the banner.
You look up. The flag is attached to a wooden pole that has seen better
days. It is cracked and leaning heavily to one side. You put your hands
against it and push. The wood groans, but nothing happens.
You didn’t exactly think this through.
Back in the clearing, Cenric grunts and wheezes, turning back to the
creature. The exertion is wearing him down.
You push against the pole again.
Nothing happens.
The creature spits in Cenric’s face.
Blue gunk sprays over his face and chest, clinging to his cloak and
armour. Cenric falls backwards, unable to see, desperately wiping at his
eyes with one hand. The fannarl lowers itself to the ground, preparing
to pounce.
A small figure barrels out of the dark and slams into the pole.
Aeran.
“Come on!” he yells.
You put your hands on the pole.
“One—two—<i>three!”</i>
You push together with all your might.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Persuasion<</notify>>“Okay,” you say, more
to yourself than anyone else. “Okay…”
You thumb the hilt of your dagger and peer through the trees. Whatever
you do, you need to do it quickly. Cenric’s a Wayfarer, an excellent
warrior, but the fannarl… You don’t know how one man can fight a
creature like that and win. It seems impossible.
“We have to do something,” you announce.
Marcella and Berand don’t hear you. Or ignore you.
Gritting your teeth, you march over to them. “Hey!” you say, tapping
them on the shoulders. “We have to do something!”
Marcella looks down at you. “Be quiet. That’s the only way you’re
getting through this—”
“No, it isn’t,” you say flatly. “From what Aeran tells me, running back
to Trost is pointless. The fannarl could chase us down before we even
got there. The only chance we have is to help Cenric. You’re armed.
You’re warriors, aren’t you? You know how to use that spear, right?”
Marcella flushes. “I’m not about to be insulted by a child—”
“<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
have<<else>>$HeShe has<</if>> a point,” Berand
says.
She rounds on him, seething so much her breath rises like steam in the
cold night air. “Stay out of this.”
“I’m just saying—”
“You’re saying <i>nothing—”</i>
“Stop it!” you shout, raising your hands to get their attention. “You’re
not helping! We have to help Cenric. The chances of taking it down are
much better if the five of us attack together.”
“You’re a child,” Marcella says.
You glance at Aeran. He shrugs and sighs wearily.
“Yeah—and?” you say, turning back to her. You unsheathe your dagger. “At
least I’m going to do something instead of hiding here like little—”
“We’ll help,” Berand says quickly. “What’s your plan?”
“I—uh…” You falter. You weren’t expecting him to jump in so abruptly
like that. You walk to the edge of the trees and peer around at the
clearing. “We need to surround it,” you say. You grip the hilt of your
dagger. The leather is oddly comforting. “Keep out of the light until
everyone is ready. Attack it from all sides, at the same time. Confuse
it. Then we have a chance.”
Is it a good plan? Is it a bad plan? You don’t know. But Berand is
nodding along as if you are some tactical genius. Marcella blows out a
long, hot breath, an unhappy scowl creasing her brow.
“Fine,” she says, brandishing her spear. “But if this fails… get out and
get to Trost. Get the Guild’s help.”
You nod. “Fine.”
“All right, let’s go.” Marcella straightens herself, raising her chin.
She is shaking, maybe from the cold, maybe from her own fear. “Berand,
keep an eye on the boy. You go to the far side. I’ll keep an eye on this
one.” She nods at you. “We’ll attack from behind the cart.”
<i>Great.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
2-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>Blue
gunk sprays over his face and chest, clinging to his cloak and armour.
Cenric falls backwards, unable to see, desperately wiping at his eyes
with one hand. The fannarl lowers itself to the ground, preparing to
pounce.
You strike. Hurtling through the air, you charge at the fannarl and leap
onto its back, stabbing recklessly with your dagger. Blood streams from
the gashes in its back, black against the white of its fur.
The creature howls. Its tail curls up straight, hovering over its body
and lashes downwards, but it is unable to reach you. It shakes itself
violently, trying to throw you from its back. You drop your dagger and
cling to its matted fur, holding on for dear life as it throws itself
around the clearing, bucking wildly.
You lock eyes with Cenric as the fannarl lurches around the clearing. He
stares at you, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape, face shining bright
with smears of blue gunk.
The fannarl pulls up short and twists back and forth. You hold on as
tight as you can and squeeze your eyes shut as you’re jerked from side
to side. You feel like you’re about to throw up.
You lose your grip. The fannarl shakes you free and you fly through the
air, hitting the ground and rolling through the snow. You open your
eyes, dazed, and stare at the sky, seeing nothing but streaks of bright,
luminous green.
You can hear the fannarl whimpering and hissing as it paces back and
forth.
A face looms over you.
Cenric’s.
You blink. “Hi,” you say.
“That was pretty stupid, $firstname,” Cenric says. “Brave, but stupid.
Come on, let’s get you up.”
He puts an arm around your shoulder and helps you to your feet. You
retreat behind the smashed remains of the cart. You sit down in the
snow, your head still spinning, eyes closed, and catch your breath.
Cenric peers out from behind the cart.
“What is it doing?” you ask.
“Licking its wounds,” Cenric says. “And staring at our hidey-hole.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t know if you meant to do this, but I think you made it angry.”
You laugh and groan, holding your head in your hands.
Cenric puts a hand on your shoulder. “Hey kid,” he says. “I know you
wanted to help. Thanks.”
Your head slowly stops spinning. You cautiously open your eyes. Cenric
crouches nearby, the shadow of a smile on his grizzled face. His armour
and cloak are battered. The fannarl’s venom has burned through the furs
in places though Cenric himself is fine.
“So what do we do now?” you ask.
“Now?” Cenric shrugs and straightens up, drawing his sword. “Now I go
and piss it off even more.”
“Can I help?”
He shakes his head. “You best keep back for this one, kid.”
A dark figure shuffles through the snow and a moment later Aeran
appears, dropping down next to you. “Marcella and Berand are gone,” he
pants. “They went to Trost to get help—”
Cenric frowns. “Who? The sentries?”
“Yeah.”
He sighs wearily and shakes his head. “Well, better than having them
underfoot here.” Cenric pauses, eyeing you and Aeran. “Keep an eye out
for each other,” he says, passing you your dagger. He must have grabbed
it after you dropped it. “And get to the lodge. I want you barricaded in
there if things take a turn for the worst. Fannarls can outrun you and
track a scent over several leagues, so it’s pointless to run. Better to
wait for it to lose interest.”
Aeran nods.
The wounded fannarl howls.
Cenric smiles and steps around the side of the cart. “Looking a little
ugly there, eh, ugly?” he shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
3-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
your heart pounding in your chest, you run for the lodge. Aeran runs
alongside you. Though you’re pretty sure he could outrun you if he
wanted to, he keeps pace with you. You’re several feet from the lodge
when you glance over your shoulder—
Cenric is kneeling on the ground, winded, blood coating his sword. The
fannarl, drawn by your movement, is staring right at you. It snarls and
leers and begins to paw its way through the snow towards the lodge.
Fear strikes your heart and you sprint for the lodge. Yanking the door
open, you and Aeran slip through and slam the door shut together.
Aeran lets out a nervous laugh and sinks to the floor, his head between
his hands. You sit beside him, breathing heavily.
“Come on,” you say, elbowing Aeran in the side. “We can’t just sit here.
Cenric said to barricade the door—”
“This is… I don’t know what this is,” Aeran mutters. “There’s a monster
that wants to kill and maybe eat us, you run off to go fight it anyway,
and now we’re trapped in a house and the only thing between us and the
giant venomous monster that wants to kill and maybe eat us is one
Wayfarer.”
You push yourself up and peer through the windows. Cenric fights the
fannarl, but he doesn’t seem any closer to killing it than before. What
if he can’t kill it? What if—
<i>Don’t think about that.</i>
You sit down, pushing your back against the wall as you look around the
lodge. It’s a single, threadbare room divided into sections—one for
cooking, one for recreation, one for bathing. One wall is taken up by a
large, unlit hearth. A ladder in the far corner leads up to an attic. A
tattered rug that has long since lost its original colour covers the
floor beneath a table, a couple of chairs and a worn couch. Personal
items are strewn around the room – unwashed clothing, worn boots, a few
books. Dirty dishes are piled up by the hearth. Conjured lights hang in
brackets around the room, illuminating it with a cold, clear light.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue SECOND
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
run.
Forward.
If you ran backwards the fannarl would have pounced and that would be
the end of you. But it doesn’t expect you to go towards it. You dash
past Cenric and charge for the nearest tree. You’ve turned into a
fleet-footed spirit, the depth of the snow barely hindering you, carried
by the wind—
Or maybe that’s the fear talking.
The rush of wind fills your ears, though it may also be the fannarl’s
howl. You leap over a snow drift and slam into the tree. You reach up,
clinging to the lowest branch, and pull yourself up.
The fannarl leaps towards the tree, claws extended.
You pull yourself up by another branch.
The fannarl reaches the base of the tree and circles it, snuffling and
hissing, following your scent. You climb further, pushing yourself up
until the branches begin to thin and you are balancing precariously at
the top.
The fannarl shakes its head ferociously and knocks its antlers against
the tree.
The tree sways. You cling desperately to your branch with your frozen
hands and shut your eyes. The cold night wind is raw against your
cheeks.
An unearthly shriek sends a chill up your spine. You open your eyes and
look down. Cenric spins through the snow in a spray of blood, his sword
shining bright in the dark. The fannarl lurches away from your tree,
hissing and spitting, blood seeping through its matted fur. Its tail
curls up protectively over its body.
A gust of wind blows through the tops of the trees. Your frozen hands
lose their grip, and you fall—down, down, down, through the branches,
screaming all the way. You land in a snowdrift, sinking through the snow
like a pebble thrown in water.
You can hear the fannarl whimpering and hissing as it paces back and
forth.
A face looms over you.
Cenric’s.
“That was pretty stupid, $firstname,” he says. “Brave, but stupid. Come
on, let’s get you up.”
He puts an arm around your shoulder and helps you to your feet. You
retreat a little distance behind the trees. You sit down in the snow,
your head still spinning, eyes closed, and catch your breath.
“You took a hit, kid,” Cenric says. “A face full of goo. Not very nice.
Let’s get you cleaned up before that venom burns through your clothes.”
You nod and he wipes the blue gunk from your face and front. You open
your eyes and peer at your cloak. There are small, charred marks where
the venom scorched the furs, but otherwise you are fine.
“That’ll have to do for now,” he says. “You all right?”
You nod.
“Good.” He leaves your side and peers around the trees at the clearing.
“What is it doing?” you ask.
“Licking its wounds,” Cenric says. “And staring right at us.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t know if you meant to do this, but I think you made it angry.”
You laugh and groan, holding your head in your hands.
Cenric puts a hand on your shoulder. “Hey kid,” he says. “I know you
wanted to help. Thanks.”
Your head slowly stops spinning. You cautiously open your eyes. Cenric
crouches nearby, the shadow of a smile on his grizzled face. His armour
and cloak are battered from his fight.
“So what do we do now?” you ask.
“Now?” Cenric shrugs and straightens up, drawing his sword. “Now I go
and piss it off even more.”
“Can I help?”
He shakes his head. “You best keep back for this one, kid.”
A dark figure shuffles through the snow and a moment later Aeran
appears, dropping down next to you. “Marcella and Berand are gone,” he
pants. “They went to Trost to get help—”
Cenric frowns. “Who? The sentries?”
“Yeah.”
He sighs wearily and shakes his head. “Well, better than having them
underfoot here.” Cenric pauses, eyeing you and Aeran. “Keep an eye out
for each other and get to the lodge. I want you barricaded in there if
things take a turn for the worst. Fannarls can outrun you and track a
scent over several leagues, so it’s pointless to run. Better to wait for
it to lose interest.”
Aeran nods.
The wounded fannarl howls.
Cenric smiles and steps out from under the trees. He wades through the
snow. “Looking a little ugly there, eh, ugly?” he shouts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
3-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
broken wood cracks. The pole teeters and tumbles forward, crashing
towards the ground. It smashes into the fannarl, catching the creature’s
tail the moment it leaps forward. The creature howls in pain, twisting
right and left, furiously trying to throw the heavy wood pole off its
tail.
Aeran raises a fist to the sky. “Yeah—!”
Cenric appears beside you and ushers you away from the clearing and
towards the lodge. “I don’t know if that was very smart or very stupid,”
he says. “Are you all right?”
You nod. Aeran does, too.
“Good.” Cenric pulls the lodge door open and ushers you through. He
slams the door behind you and peers out the window, watching the fannarl
carefully. It tugs its tail, struggling to pull it free, and hisses,
spitting more venom. “Looks like you made it angry.”
You and Aeran exchange looks.
“I know you wanted to help,” Cenric adds, the shadow of a smile on his
grizzled face. “So… thanks.” His armour and cloak are battered from the
fight. Though the fannarl’s venom has burned through the furs in places,
he appears to be fine.
“Marcella and Berand are gone,” Aeran says. “They went to Trost to get
help—”
Cenric frowns. “Who? The sentries?”
“Yeah.”
He sighs wearily and shakes his head. “Well, better than having them
underfoot here.”
“What do we do now?” you ask.
“Now?” Cenric shrugs and rests a hand on the hilt of his sword. “Now I
go and piss it off even more.”
“Can I help?” you ask.
“You best keep back for this one, kid.” He pauses, eyeing you and Aeran.
“Keep an eye out for each other. I want you barricaded in here if
things take a turn for the worst. Fannarls can outrun you and track a
scent over several leagues, so it’s pointless to run. Better to wait for
it to lose interest.”
Aeran nods.
The fannarl howls.
Cenric smiles and slips through the door. You and Aeran peer through the
window, watching as he wades through the snow.
“Looking a little ugly there, eh, ugly?” he shouts, drawing his sword.
With a final great tug, the wounded fannarl pulls its tail free at last.
It turns, keeping low to the ground as it snarls violently, its
luminous eyes staring from Cenric to the lodge’s door and back again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
3-1-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
four of you sneak out from the trees and split off in two directions to
circle round the clearing. When you try to push ahead of Marcella, she
grabs your shoulder and shoves you behind her. You grit your teeth and
stay silent.
The cold wind bites at your cheeks as you wade through the snow. Cenric
holds his ground in the centre of the clearing. He dodges in to strike
but the fannarl is too fast. It slides backwards over the trampled snow
and Cenric’s sword comes up short, striking nothing but air. The fannarl
hisses and leers, blue gunk oozing over its teeth and dripping onto the
bloodied snow. Its tail lashes around and Cenric ducks, throwing
himself to the side.
He grunts, wheezing, and turns back to the creature. The exertion is
wearing him down.
You reach the broken remains of the cart and crouch down behind it.
Marcella clutches her spear and peers around the side, watching the
fannarl. She tenses up, ready to spring forward. You unsheathe your
dagger and hold it tight.
The creature spits in Cenric’s face.
Blue gunk sprays over his face and chest, clinging to his cloak and
armour. Cenric falls backwards, unable to see, desperately wiping at his
eyes with one hand. The fannarl lowers itself to the ground, preparing
to pounce.
“NOW!”
Marcella and Berand charge forward from opposite sides of the clearing. A
yell unleashes itself unbidden from your throat and you fling yourself
after Marcella, dagger raised. The fannarl turns, confused by the
two-pronged attack. It hisses and draws back, its tail raised high,
ready to lash out.
Marcella’s speartip turns red and hot, glowing with the essence of her
magic. She thrusts forward, jabbing it deep into the creature’s side.
The fannarl throws its head back and howls. She yanks it out, spraying
the clearing with blood, and aims for its side again. Berand strikes at
it from the other side, his spear grazing its matted fur. The fannarl’s
head turns from side to side, its luminous eyes focusing on Marcella,
then Berand, then Marcella again. It leers, more blue venom spewing over
its teeth.
You rush forward, dagger raised. You spot Aeran on the other side of the
clearing, his dagger in hand.
“No!” Cenric yells. “Get back, all of you! NOW!”
You stop.
Marcella ignores him. As she strikes at the fannarl, the creature turns,
jaws wide, and sprays her with blue venom. She stumbles, dropping her
spear, fingers clawing at her face, her skin turning bright red. She
gasps for breath and lets out a strange, wheezing sound. Her armour
smokes.
“Marcella!” Berand yells. He sprints across the clearing, slipping and
sliding on the snow, and grabs her by the shoulder. She shakes her head
desperately, clutching at her throat. The venom is seeping through her
furs and armour.
The fannarl snarls viciously and leaps at them, claws extended.
Cenric dives in front and strikes, sword clashing against the creature’s
claws. The fannarl howls in pain and veers sideways, limping to the
other side of the clearing. Its white fur is dark and matted with blood.
“Get out of here!” Cenric shouts. “You’ve done enough!”
Berand stares blankly at him, one hand still gripping Marcella’s
shoulder.
<i>“Go!”</i>
Berand scrambles backwards, dragging Marcella with him. They disappear
into the dark of night.
Cenric wastes no time and crosses the clearing, sweeping you and Aeran
up and ushering you towards the lodge. He pulls the door open and pushes
you through. The door slams behind you.
“That was pretty stupid,” he says. “Brave, but stupid. You can explain
what you were thinking later. For now, I don’t want to hear another peep
out of you. Stay here, stay barricaded. Fannarls can outrun you and
track a scent over several leagues, so it’s pointless to run if things
take a turn for the worst. Better to wait for it to lose interest.”
You and Aeran exchange looks.
“Don’t argue with me,” Cenric says. “I know you wanted to help, but you
may have cost a woman her life. Leave this to someone who knows what
he’s doing.”
You can’t look him in the eye.
Cenric puts a hand on your shoulder. “Keep an eye out for each other,”
he says. “Promise me that.”
You nod.
“Thanks, kid.”
He slips through the door. You and Aeran peer through the window,
watching as he wades through the snow towards the wounded fannarl. It
turns, drawn by the sound of his movement, and keeps low to the ground.
It snarls violently as its luminous eyes stare from Cenric to the
lodge’s door and back again.
“Looking a little ugly there, eh, ugly?” he shouts, drawing his sword.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
3-1-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sink down, back to the door, and try to ignore the hammering of your
heart by taking in your surroundings. It’s a single, threadbare room
divided into sections—one for cooking, one for recreation, one for
bathing. One wall is taken up by a large, unlit hearth. A ladder in the
far corner leads up to an attic. A tattered rug that has long since lost
its original colour covers the floor beneath a table, a couple of
chairs and a worn couch. Personal items are strewn around the
room—unwashed clothing, worn boots, a few books. Dirty dishes are piled
up by the hearth. Conjured lights hang in brackets around the room,
illuminating it with a cold, clear light.
Aeran lies on the floor, head between his hands.
“This is… I don’t know what this is,” he mutters. “There’s a monster
that wants to kill and maybe eat us and now we’re trapped in a house and
the only thing between us—”
You nudge him gently with your foot. “Hey,” you say.
“—and the giant venomous monster that wants to kill and maybe eat us is
one Wayfarer—”
“We’ll be okay,” you say.
Aeran falls silent. He stares at you.
“We’ll be okay,” you repeat. You’re not sure if it’s for his benefit or
yours.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue SECOND
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>Cenric
said to barricade yourself in here, but you’re winded and sore from
your fight. Maybe there’s another way to keep yourself safe…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Climb the
ladder into the attic. [Skill Gain: +1 Agility]|CHOICE 2
AGILITY][$agility +=1, $choice2 to "agility"]]</div>
<p>There is a ladder in the far corner. You could climb up to the
attic and hide where the fannarl can’t see you.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore Cenric’s advice and leave the
lodge. [Skill Gain: +1 Persuasion]|CHOICE 2 PERSUASION][$persuasion
+=1, $choice2 to "persuasion"]]</div>
<p>Maybe hiding here isn’t the right idea, despite what Cenric
said. If Cenric can’t kill it, it will come after you. You’d rather make
your stand here than hide and wait to be eaten. Aeran will take some
persuading, though…</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Follow Cenric’s advice and barricade
the door. [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|CHOICE 2 STRENGTH][$strength +=1,
$choice2 to "strength"]]</div>
<p>It doesn’t matter how sore and tired you are. Get yourself
together and make a barricade.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Look around for an alternative.
[Skill Gain: +1 Perception]|CHOICE 2 PERCEPTION][$perception +=1,
$choice2 to "perception"]]</div>
<p>There may be something here that you’ve missed. Calm yourself
down and take another look.</p><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Climb the ladder into the attic.|CHOICE 2
AGILITY][$agility +=1, $choice2 to "agility"]]</div>
<p>There is a ladder in the far corner. You could climb up to the
attic and hide where the fannarl can’t see you.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore Cenric’s advice and leave the
lodge.|CHOICE 2 PERSUASION][$persuasion +=1, $choice2 to
"persuasion"]]</div>
<p>Maybe hiding here isn’t the right idea, despite what Cenric
said. If Cenric can’t kill it, it will come after you. You’d rather make
your stand here than hide and wait to be eaten. Aeran will take some
persuading, though…</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Follow Cenric’s advice and barricade
the door.|CHOICE 2 STRENGTH][$strength +=1, $choice2 to
"strength"]]</div>
<p>It doesn’t matter how sore and tired you are. Get yourself
together and make a barricade.</p>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Look around for an
alternative.|CHOICE 2 PERCEPTION][$perception +=1, $choice2 to
"perception"]]</div>
<p>There may be something here that you’ve missed. Calm yourself
down and take another
look.</p><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Agility<</notify>>“Screw this,” you mutter,
getting to your feet. You cross the room and put your hands on the
ladder. The wood is rough and splintered – you’re glad you’re wearing
gloves. You look up and stare into the dark void of the attic above.
You put a foot on the ladder and climb up a few rungs. The wood creaks
ominously and the ladder swings back and forth. You’re halfway up when a
rung bends beneath your weight and you fall forwards, letting out a
surprised yell as you cling desperately to the ladder.
“$firstname!”
Aeran rushes over, hands thrust out to catch you if you fall. “Are you
all right?” he asks.
“Yeah,” you say, recovering your balance. “Just a little wobbly.”
You scramble up the ladder and pull yourself into the attic. “Come on!”
you call. “Hurry!”
Aeran puts a foot on the lowest rung. “I thought Cenric said to
barricade the door?”
“This is better,” you reply.
“You think?” he asks as he starts to climb.
“A few chairs against the door isn’t going to do anything!” you answer
hotly as he scrambles up the ladder. “Do you think we can move all that
furniture ourselves?”
Aeran pulls himself up and rolls onto the landing next to you. “Probably
not.”
“It’s safer,” you say as you sit back on your heels and glance around
the attic. There isn’t a lot of space. The ceiling slopes down sharply;
it’s low enough that even a dwarven adult wouldn’t be able to stand
without stooping. Wood boxes are stacked haphazardly around the room,
leaving very little space to move around. Between the boxes is a small,
discrete window made of darkened glass. There are no lamps—the only
light comes from below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Persuasion<</notify>>“Screw this,” you
mutter and draw your dagger. The blade glints in the cold light. You
stare at it, mulling over your decision.
Do you want to do this?
The fannarl could kill you.
The fannarl could kill you even if you stay hidden.
You reach for the door.
Aeran grabs your arm. “Cenric said—”
“I know what Cenric said,” you interrupt. “But I don’t want to… I can’t
wait here while he’s out there fighting that thing.”
“So, you’re – what? Going to run away? Going to…” He falls silent as he
looks at the dagger in your hand. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“No,” you reply. “But it’s what I’m going to do.”
Aeran nods.
“Are you coming?”
He sighs and draws his own dagger. “I guess so.”
You smile. “Thanks.”
He frowns, confused. “For what?”
“For putting up with my really <i>bad</i> ideas,” you reply.
He laughs. “Isn’t that what friends are for?”
You push the door open and step out into the cold.
You stay low, keeping to the shadows as you make your way back to the
clearing. You don’t have a plan, you don’t even have the
<i>beginnings</i> of one. You’re shaking with fear and a
rush of anticipation. Part of you feels like laughing, the other like
crying.
But you’re committed. There’s no going back now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-2-A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Strength<</notify>>“Come on,” you say and
drag yourself across the room to the table. “Think you can help me pull
this?”
Aeran gets to his feet. He looks pale and shaky, but there’s a gleam of
determination in his eyes. No matter how scared he is, he still wants to
fight. “Yeah.”
Together, you drag the table across the floor. It’s hard work. The table
is heavy, much too heavy for two children to lift, and it keeps getting
caught on the rug. You ground yourselves and pull as hard as you can,
inching it off the rug. Then you run to the other side and push with all
your might. The table squeals horribly as it scrapes across the floor.
“Do… do… you think we can flip it?” you pant.
“What?” Aeran asks, breathless.
You stop pushing and squat down, trying to catch your breath. “I mean
flip it on its side! So the flat part… is against… the door!” You
gesture wildly, trying to get your point across.
He shakes his head. “Too… heavy…”
“But—”
“Too heavy!”
You’re too tired to argue. You stumble to your feet, take up your
position and continue pushing. Finally, you slam the table against the
door.
Your chest heaves. Your muscles ache. A bead of sweat runs down your
spine.
Silently, you and Aeran rummage around the lodge, grabbing anything you
can carry to barricade the door. You drag chairs and push them onto
their sides, stacking them against each other. You grab heavy pots from
the hearth and slide them under the table, resting them against the
bottom of the door like a door stopper while Aeran piles books on top of
the table. For a brief moment you wonder whether you can move the couch
then think better of it.
Finally, exhausted, you collapse in the middle of the empty room and lie
down, staring at the ceiling. Aeran hovers by a window, peering through
to the clearing beyond. You’ve been so busy trying to make the
barricade you forgot Cenric is out there, fighting a monster.
Fighting a monster to keep you safe.
“$firstname,” Aeran says.
You slowly get up and crawl over to the window. “What is it?”
Aeran’s gone pale. He gestures out the window.
You peer through the glass and look into the clearing. Cenric is backed
against the broken cart. His cloak has been torn free and snow and blood
crust the side of his face. His sword arm hangs limp at his side. He
grips his sword with his other hand—even at this distance you can tell
it’s not natural for him. He looks like he is ready to fall over.
Panic flutters in your heart. Your body tenses, every muscle ready to
run, even though you have nowhere to go.
Cenric stumbles, falling to his knees.
<i>“No,”</i> you whisper.
The fannarl hisses. Instead of striking him, it turns, its eyes shifting
to the lodge.
To the window.
To <i>you.</i>
The creature leaps, its tail raised in an arc above its body, and
hurtles towards the lodge.
You fly back from the window. <i>“Shit! Shit—shit—shit!”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-3-A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>+1 Perception<</notify>>“Screw this,” you
mutter, getting to your feet. You pace the room, chewing your lower lip
as you take a second look. The floorboards creak under your feet. There
has to be something here that can help you, there has to be…
Marcella and Berand are sentries. They must have more weapons than the
spears they used. If you can find their stash, then maybe you can find
something to defend yourself. Something better than your dagger. But
where would they put something like that?
In the kitchen, the hearth is a normal hearth. You crouch and stick your
head into the chimney. It's blackened from use and nothing looks out of
the ordinary—nothing surprising is shoved up here.
You look through the bathing area next. It's behind a divider on the far
side of the room, hiding away an empty copper tub. Nothing fancy,
nothing unusual.
“What are you doing?” Aeran asks. “I thought Cenric said to barricade
the door?”
You peek out from behind the divider. “I’m looking for something
better,” you say. “Something we can use. A few chairs against the door
won’t do anything.” You spot the ladder on the far side of the room.
Maybe you should check the attic.
“You’re wasting your time,” Aeran says.
“Then you do it,” you snap as you cross the room. “I’m doing what—” A
floorboard squeaks loudly under your feet. You stop, gingerly shifting
your weight from one foot to the other. It’s only one floorboard in
particular that squeaks. A floorboard directly under the rug…
“Help me move this!” you say, dropping to your knees and pulling on the
edge of the rug. “Come on!”
Aeran grabs the rug and you roll it back, stopping to shove furniture
out of the way as you need to. By the time you reach the creaky
floorboard, you’re sweating in your furs and breathing heavily.
The creaky floorboard isn’t a floorboard at all, but the outline of a
trapdoor.
You glance at Aeran and grin. “See? I knew there was something here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-4-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran sit in silence, the spike of fear lessening its grip with
every passing minute.
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">>In the quiet you can hear the
distinct sounds of the fight outside. The crisp swing of Cenric’s blade
in the air. The low hiss of the monster. The crunch of feet and claws on
snow. A low grunt of pain—
“Aeran,” you say, “what’s happening out there?”
He hovers by the window, running a hand along the edge. He triggers the
latch and cracks it open, peering out into the darkness. “Cenric’s
pinned down at the cart,” he says. “He’s not… he’s not in good shape.”
“Is he still fighting?”
“He looks wounded. Something’s wrong with his sword arm.”
“What about the fannarl?”
“It’s just… staring at him. It—oh shit.” Aeran flies back from the
window. “It’s moving—it’s running—it’s coming straight for the
lodge—!”<<else>>In the quiet you can hear the dull, distant
sounds of the fight happening outside and the screech of the fannarl’s
howl. It feels… far away. It’s like you climbed the ladder and entered a
different dimension.
Aeran hovers by the window, running a hand along the edge. He triggers
the latch and cracks it open, peering out into the darkness.
“$firstname,” he says.
You crawl over to the window. “What is it?”
<<if $ancestry is "elven">>Aeran slides out of the way and
gestures.
You poke your head out the window and look into the clearing. Cenric is
backed against the broken cart. His cloak has been torn free and snow
and blood crust the side of his face. His sword arm hangs limp at his
side. He grips his sword with his other hand—even at this distance you
can tell it’s not natural for him. He looks like he is ready to fall
over.
Panic flutters in your heart. Your body tenses, every muscle ready to
run, even though you have nowhere to go.
Cenric stumbles, falling to his knees.
//“No,”// you whisper.
The fannarl hisses. Instead of striking him, it turns, its eyes shifting
to the lodge. Though you know it can’t see you in the window, you feel
like it is staring directly at you.
The creature leaps, its tail raised in an arc above its body, and
hurtles towards the lodge.
You fly back from the window. <i>“Shit!
Shit—shit—shit!”</i><<else>>You can’t see anything,
it’s too dark.
“Cenric’s pinned down at the cart,” Aeran says. “He’s not… he’s not in
good shape.”
“Is he still fighting?”
“He looks wounded. Something’s wrong with his sword arm.”
“What about the fannarl?”
“It’s just… staring at him. It—oh shit.” Aeran flies back from the
window. “It’s moving—it’s running—it’s coming straight for the
lodge—!”<</if>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-1-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>A
claw crashes through the window below. It withdraws and a moment later
the monster smashes through the door, sending bits of wood flying in
every direction. You scream and fall back, terror spiking through your
chest. Aeran slaps a hand over his mouth to keep himself quiet. Though
you are both shaking with terror, you and Aeran cautiously crawl over to
the trapdoor and peer into the room below.
Shattered glass and wood cover the floor. The fannarl prowls the room,
its claws slicing deep marks in the wood floors. Despite its matted,
bloodied fur and the numerous slashes on its sides and back, it seems
relatively unfazed by its wounds. Even though one eye has been reduced
to a bloody socket, the monster is intent on hunting you.
Cenric said it could track a scent for leagues before it loses interest…
Why does it want <i>you?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-1-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
fannarl snaps at a chair, picking it up in its jaws and flings it
across the room. It raises its head and sniffs. It pounces over a
shredded couch and headbutts the ladder with such force it rips free
from its screws and falls down with a clatter.
You and Aeran pull away. The fannarl rises up on its hind legs, its head
poking up through the trapdoor. It spots you and sneers, its teeth long
and sharp and dripping with blue venom.
Its head disappears and you scramble as far away from the trapdoor as
possible, but its head reappears and it snaps at you. One claw rests on
the ledge of the trapdoor, slicing deep into the wood.
Your back hits a line of boxes stacked to the ceiling. The fannarl
shakes it head, its antlers knocking into the low, sloping walls. The
boxes shake. One above you tilts dangerously towards you.
The fannarl reaches for you, its claw scraping along the wood floor. You
and Aeran scream, clinging to each other, but it can’t reach. It
withdraws its claw and tries again, seething and snarling.
You look up. You can see the night sky through the small attic window –
the bright stars and the glowing green lights dancing above the
treeline.
<i>The window.</i>
Voiceless from fear, you tap Aeran rapidly on the shoulder and point at
the window. Without waiting for an answer, you crawl across the attic,
dodging sideways as the fannarl’s claw pushes up through the trapdoor.
It’s a tight squeeze, but you force yourself through and roll out onto
the snow-covered roof. You scramble up to the peak and balance there
carefully. Aeran appears moments later. You lean over and offer a hand,
pulling him up as the entire lodge shakes, the fannarl howling within
its depths.
A bright light flashes before your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
5-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>Cenric
skids through the snow, sidestepping the fannarl as it claws at him.
Its claws catch his cloak and rip through the furs, tearing it from his
shoulders. He pulls free, unfazed that the creature nearly gored him,
and turns, slashing at its side. His sword strikes deep, cutting through
fur and flesh, spraying the snow with dark blood. The fannarl howls in
pain and hisses furiously, its tail swinging back and forth. Without
warning, it pounces—
And catches Cenric between its claws. He drops his sword from the impact
as it pins him to the ground and bares its teeth, ready to tear his
throat out.
You scream—no words, just one long, loud, continuous shriek—and run at
the fannarl.
It turns its head at the commotion but you’re already hurtling through
the snow. You run into it with great impact and plunge your dagger into
its side. You stab ferociously and wildly, tearing through fur and
flesh.
Pinned between the snow and the creature’s claws, Cenric stares at you
in horror. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he yells as he
struggles against the claw to no avail.
The fannarl hisses and releases him, spitting venom in every direction
as it spins in a circle and swats at you. Aeran pulls you down, narrowly
avoiding its claws. Cenric struggles to his feet, his sword-arm hanging
limply against his side. He grabs his sword with his left hand.
“Get back to the lodge!” he shouts.
You stagger to your feet and grip the hilt of your dagger. The fannarl
snaps at you. You leap back and trip, falling into the snow. It opens
its maw and hisses.
Terror seizes you. You can’t move, can’t think, can’t breathe—all you
can do is stare into the terrible void of its mouth, at the long, sharp
teeth dripping with venom.
You hear Aeran yelling. He seems so far away.
You blink.
Aeran slams into the creature’s side and plunges his dagger into its
eye. The fannarl unleashes an uncanny screech. He withdraws the dagger
and skids through the snow towards you. The creature howls and thrashes
back and forth. He narrowly avoids a crushing blow from its tail and
grabs you, dragging you away from the clearing with all his might.
As he collapses into the snow beside you, a bright light flashes before
your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
5-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran nearly trip over each other as you rush back from the window
into the farthest corner of the room. The fannarl barrels into the door,
the wood bulging from the impact. You hear it scraping and clawing at
the door, but it can’t break through. You glance at each other,
breathing a little easier. Your barricade holds.
A claw smashes through the window.
You scream and push yourself back but there’s nowhere else to go.
Shattered glass spews across the room, littering the floor as the claw
smashes through another window and another. The creature’s head pokes
through the empty frame, its luminous eyes peering across the room
directly at you. It snarls and hisses, hackles raised. Despite its
matted, bloodied fur and the numerous slashes on its sides, despite one
eye being reduced to a bloody socket, it seems relatively unfazed by its
wounds.
It <i>wants</i> to hunt you.
The fannarl snaps and presses its head further into the room. It can
only reach so far, its body blocked by the window frame. It hisses,
swaying back and forth. It draws back, disappearing from the window.
You’re about to crawl out of your corner when the fannarl rams into the
door.
Then again.
And again.
The lodge shakes.
“What’s it doing?” Aeran whispers, terrified.
“Trying to break in,” you whisper back.
A claw bursts through the door.
You scream, clutching at Aeran. The claw withdraws, leaving a large hole
through which you see the shadow of the fannarl and the clearing
beyond.
And then a bright light flashes before your eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
5-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull the trapdoor open and peer down into a dark cellar. A rickety
ladder leads down into the void. There are no lights. <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>Not that it’s a problem for you. You can
make out distant outlines of storage boxes. No weapons, as far as you
can tell. But you could hide down there. The fannarl won’t be able to
follow you down.
“I suppose we could hide down here—”<<else>>You glance at
the conjured lights lining the room. You could grab one of those, but
the last time you touched a conjured light, it snuffed out faster than a
candle.
“Do you see anything down there?” you ask Aeran.
He peers into the darkness. “Boxes. Lots and lots of boxes.”
“No weapons?”
He shakes his head.
“I suppose we could hide down there—”<</if>>
The fannarl howls outside. You and Aeran scramble to the nearest window
and look out. Cenric is backed against the broken cart. His cloak has
been torn free and snow and blood crust the side of his face. His sword
arm hangs limp at his side. He grips his sword with his other hand—even
at this distance you can tell it’s not natural for him. He looks like he
is ready to fall over.
Panic flutters in your heart. Your body tenses, every muscle ready to
run, even though you have nowhere to go.
Cenric stumbles, falling to his knees.
<i>“No,”</i> you whisper.
The fannarl hisses. Instead of striking him, it turns, its eyes shifting
to the lodge. Though you know it can’t see you in the window, you feel
like it is staring directly at you.
The creature leaps, its tail raised in an arc above its body, and
hurtles towards the lodge.
You fly back from the window. <i>“Shit! Shit—shit—shit!”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-4-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran nearly trip over each other as you rush back from the window
and scramble for the trapdoor. The fannarl barrels into the door, the
wood bulging from the impact. Aeran reaches the trapdoor first and flies
down the rickety ladder. You sit down and swing you legs over the edge.
As you turn around to lower yourself onto the top rung, a claw smashes
through the window.
Glass shatters, spewing across the room. You close your eyes and look
away. When you open them, the fannarl’s head pokes through the empty
frame, its luminous eyes peering across the room directly at you. It
snarls and hisses, hackles raised. Despite its matted, bloodied fur and
the numerous slashes on its sides, despite one eye being reduced to a
bloody socket, it seems relatively unfazed by its wounds.
It <i>wants</i> to hunt you.
The fannarl snaps and presses its head further into the room. It can
only reach so far, its body blocked by the window frame. It hisses,
swaying back and forth. It draws back, disappearing from the window.
“$firstname!” Aeran yells. “Come on!”
You’re frozen on the ladder. Your legs won’t move.
The fannarl rams into the door and smashes it open.
You scream and clamber down as fast as you can, the ladder swaying back
and forth. The fannarl bounds over to the trap door. It shoves its head
down the gap, but its antlers catch on the sides. It snaps and snarls,
mere feet away from your head. Terrified, you let go and drop the last
few feet into the cellar, collapsing on the floor.
It’s pitch-black down in the pit. All you can see are the luminous eyes
glowing several feet above you, the flash of teeth. You scramble up and
back away from the ladder, clutching at Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-4-C]]</div></div><</nobr>><i>Thud.</i>
Something
slams into the fannarl. The creature raises its head and howls,
spinning around. You catch a glimpse of an arrow buried in its side
before it darts away.
“Thought you had better aim than that, Varyn!” a husky voice calls.
“You don’t know what I’m aiming at, Sero,” another voice replies – cool
and light, with a refined accent.
<i>“Tch!”</i>
The fannarl snarls and whines. You can hear sounds of a fight. The
newcomers must be facing it head on. You sit on the cellar floor, heart
hammering in your chest, their voices ringing in your ears. You wish you
could see what is going on, but you don’t dare climb out of the cellar
yet.
“I see you’ve been taking your own sweet time with this thing, Cenric,”
Sero shouts.
“Good to see you, too,” Cenric grunts.
<i>He’s alive…</i>
“Where are the recruits?”
“Hiding.”
“You’re looking pretty rough, old man – need some help?”
Cenric barks a laugh. “Should have asked earlier if you wanted to be
polite!”
“It’s the thought that counts.”
Varyn grunts. “If the two of you could deign to focus for once in your
life—”
The fannarl screeches.
“It’s almost down!” Sero yells. “Cenric, can you fight?”
Cenric snorts. “Do you even need to ask that question?”
“Down!” Varyn shouts.
You hear scuffling, shouting, snarling, fighting – you can’t tell who is
winning. You hover by the ladder, one hand on the rung, wondering
whether you should climb up and see what is happening or stay where you
are.
Gritting your teeth, you pull yourself up one rung and begin your climb.
An explosion of red light floods the floor above you. Your ears ring.
You clutch at the ladder, nearly losing your grip. Shock courses through
your body. You can’t stop shaking.
A deafening silence follows.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
4-4-D]]</div></div><</nobr>>“What…
happened?” Aeran breathes.
“I… don’t know.”
You hesitate, still clinging to the ladder. You can’t hear the fannarl.
Is it dead? It must be. Steeling yourself, you clamber up as quickly as
you can and emerge onto the lodge’s floor. Aeran follows and together
you peek through the broken window at the clearing beyond.
The fannarl’s corpse lies curled in the middle of a sea of ash, charred
wood and melted snow, burned to the bone. Cenric and two others stand
several feet away. One is a figure cloaked in black, hood pulled over
their face, gleaming twin daggers in their hands. The other is an elven
woman. Her long red-gold hair streams over her shoulders. A quiver rests
at her hip and she holds a gleaming bow.
They must be Wayfarers.
“I suppose thanks are in order.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
6-1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
hasVisited("CHOICE 2 PERSUASION")>>You watch, eyes wide, breath
heavy in your lungs, as a flaming arrow pierces the darkness and lodges
itself deep into the fannarl’s left shoulder. The creature throws its
head back and lets out an ear-shattering howl, its claws sinking into
the snow, its tail curled high.<<else>>You watch, eyes wide,
breath heavy in your lungs, as a flaming arrow pierces the darkness.
The fannarl howls and runs through the smashed door, its claws sinking
into the snow, its tail curled high. The arrow pierced its side, lodging
deep in its left shoulder.<</if>>
The creature snarls, shaking its head back and forth.
A second flaming arrow hits the creature in its right shoulder. The
fannarl grunts, unleashing a pitiful howl.
An elven woman enters the clearing, dressed in heavy furs and armour.
Her hood is down and her long red-gold hair streams over her shoulders. A
quiver rests at her hip and she holds a gleaming white bow. She must be
a Wayfarer.
In one swift, seamless movement, the woman nocks another arrow and fires
it into the fannarl’s side.
“Thought you had better aim than that, Varyn!” a husky voice calls.
The fannarl lowers its head and charges at the woman. She gracefully
leaps to the side. The fannarl rushes past her, burying its antlers in a
snowbank. It raises its head and shakes it, flinging snow everywhere.
“You don’t know what I’m aiming at, Sero,” she replies. Her voice is
cool and light with a refined accent.
<i>“Tch!”</i>
A figure in a black cloak drops out of a tree and lands squarely on the
fannarl’s back. They unsheathe a gleaming white dagger. Another
Wayfarer? The figure wastes no time and plunges it into the fannarl’s
remaining eye. Blood splatters across the creature’s face and it bucks
wildly, throwing the figure off. They roll through the snow, tangled in
their cloak, and bounce back onto their feet and drop into a defensive
position, completely unruffled.
The fannarl drops low, howling and whining as it paces back and forth,
blood dripping down its face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
5-1-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
see you’ve been taking your own sweet time with this thing, Cenric,”
Sero says.
Cenric appears at the edge of the clearing, his sword arm still hanging
limp. “Good to see you, too,” he grunts.
“Where are the recruits?”
“Hiding.”
“You’re looking pretty rough, old man – need some help?”
Cenric barks a laugh. “Should have asked earlier if you wanted to be
polite!”
“It’s the thought that counts,” Sero replies, shrugging.
The fannarl’s tail lashes around. Cenric, Sero and Varyn duck.
Varyn sighs wearily and strings another arrow. “If the two of you could
deign to focus for once in your life—” She grunts and lets the arrow
fly.
The fannarl howls as the arrow strikes deep into its flesh. It hobbles
right and left, its head hanging low, blood seeping through its fur.
Varyn’s arrows stick out from its sides like a porcupine’s quills.
“It’s almost down!” Sero yells, drawing a second blade. “Cenric, can you
fight?”
Cenric snorts. “Do you even need to ask that question?”
“Down!” Varyn shouts.
The tail swings around again. They duck, avoiding its sweeping attack.
The fannarl snarls, turning from Cenric to Varyn to Sero and back again.
It settles on Sero and lowers its head, antlers pointed at them. It
charges.
“Cenric!” Varyn yells, drawing another arrow. “Help them!”
Cenric scuffles through the snow and shoves Sero out of the way. The
fannarl charges by and collides with the remains of the cart, its
antlers caught in the wood.
Varyn strings an arrow. Sero raises a dagger, preparing to throw—
The fannarl and the cart explode in a shower of flames.
Cenric, Varyn and Sero step back, hands raised to protect their faces
from the light. The flames die as quickly as they appeared, leaving
behind nothing but charred wood and a sea of ash. The snow has melted in
a circle, creating a muddy pool. The fannarl’s corpse lies curled in
the middle, burned to the bone.
“I suppose thanks are in order.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
6-1]]</div></div><</nobr>>An
elven man sweeps into the clearing, flanked by a half dozen people. He
is tall and dressed in intricately embroidered robes of white, red, and
grey. No furs, no hat, no cloak, no boots. He isn’t prepared for the
winter weather, but strangely he doesn’t shy away from the cold. His
blonde hair and short beard are elegantly styled. There is an elevated
confidence about him that makes Cenric, Sero and Varyn seem like common
thugs in comparison.
“Sabien Quirinius, at your service,” he says. “Savant of the Guild,
alumnus of Diradan Tower, and Imperial Mage at the court of Erenvor.”
Cenric spits on the ground. “Little far from the Empire for you, don’t
you think?”
“My work brings me to all manner of unique places beyond the interests
of my peers,” the man replies. “And in honour of this auspicious moment,
I’ll ignore your poor attempt at a jaded stab at my character. I
expected nothing less from you, Rindan Cenric.”
“Oh, trust me, if I wanted to insult you, you’d know,” Cenric says.
“What auspicious moment would this be?” Varyn interrupts.
The man spreads his hands. “Why, fighting together to defeat a common
enemy, of course,” he says. “It’s not every day that the Guild of Mages
and the Wayfarer Order fight side-by-side.”
Sero dissolves into loud, raucous laughter. They lean forward, hands on
their stomach, shaking with mirth.
<<if $choice2 is "agility">>On the top of the lodge’s roof,
you shuffle from side to side, pain cramping through your calves. You’ve
been up here for too long. With the fannarl dead, you might as well
come out of your hiding spot and regroup with Cenric.
“Should we go down?” you ask.
Aeran nods.
Together you clamber over through the snow, slipping and sliding your
way down. Your stomach flip-flops when you reach the edge, but you let
yourself sail off the end and fly through the air. You land in a
snowdrift with a soft thump.
Aeran lands beside you and together you stand up and brush snow from
your clothes. You trudge through the snow towards the clearing,
listening to the adults’ conversation as you draw closer.<<elseif
$choice2 is "strength">>You stand on shaking legs. The fannarl is
dead. You should come out of hiding and regroup with Cenric.
“Should we go?” you ask.
Aeran nods.
Together you carefully cross the lodge, avoiding the worst of the
shattered glass and wood. You slip through the door and trudge through
the snow towards the clearing, listening to the adults’ conversation as
you draw closer.<<elseif $choice2 is "perception">>You
glance at Aeran. With the fannarl dead, you can come out of hiding and
regroup with Cenric.
“Should we go?” you ask.
Aeran nods.
Together you carefully cross the lodge, avoiding the worst of the
shattered glass and wood. You slip through the door and trudge through
the snow towards the clearing, listening to the adults’ conversation as
you draw closer.<<else>> You gingerly get to your feet and
brush the snow from your back and rear. Your heart is pounding and you
can’t seem to stop shaking. But the fannarl is dead. You should regroup
with Cenric.
You have a feeling you’re going to get an earful later.
You glance at Aeran. “Let’s go.”
He nods. Together you trudge through the snow to the clearing, listening
to the adults’ conversation as you draw closer.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
6-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
have an interesting definition of ‘fighting side-by-side,’” Cenric
says. “Considering the fannarl was on its last legs by the time you got
here.”
“Well,” the savant says, smiling. “We all play our part.” He kneels next
to the fannarl’s corpse, inspecting it with interest. “I have searched
long and far for a specimen as interesting as this. I presume you will
take no offense if I relieve you of it?”
Sero stops laughing. “Relieve you of… what the hell does that mean?”
“He wants to take the corpse,” Varyn answers.
“Yeah, I get <i>that,</i> Varyn. I want to know why.”
“He’s a researcher,” she explains. “Made quite the name for himself in
certain circles for his investigations into the true source of magic.”
“Very astute, Lady Varyn,” Quirinus replies.
She holds up a hand. “No titles are necessary,” she says. “I am a
Wayfarer master before I am anything else.”
“A matter of pride?” he asks. “Or do you simply wish to refute any
northern ties you may still hold?”
“That is a personal matter you enquire after, Savant,” she replies
smoothly, unfazed. “And so it shall remain. Do what you want with the
fannarl. We only care that it’s dead. It doesn’t matter to me what
happens after.”
He nods, rising to his feet and clasping his hands in front of him.
“Thank you, my lady. I—”
You sneeze.
Quirinus looks across the clearing, his elven eyes undeterred by the
darkness. He raises his chin. “Visitors?” he asks.
Cenric glances at you and Aeran at the edge of the clearing.
“Apprentices,” he says.
“Ah.” Quirinus’ expression darkens. “I was under the impression the
Order had ceased recruitment. The streets of Erenvor and Velantis,
Vodena and Nesactium and even Tol Covere whisper there is no more need
for Wayfarers. That your Order is dying and soon it will be obsolete. Is
this a final attempt to pass on your teachings?”
“Those fortunate enough to be born without magic are always welcome
within our walls,” Sero says coolly.
“Fortunate?” the savant raises a pale eyebrow. “To live beyond the
natural boundaries of this world, separated from the blessing of the
gods… I can only imagine it as a horrific case of misfortune.”
Cenric snorts. Sero’s mouth twitches – they look as though they are one
comment away from laughing convulsively or stabbing Quirinus with a
dagger. Varyn remains stone-faced.
“To you, perhaps,” she replies. “But for those who have never known
magic, it is simply a state of being.”
“And what if you could change that state of being?” Quirinus continues.
“Give yourself the chance at a normal life? Or have you lived too many
decades with too much pride?”
Cenric grunts, seething beneath the snow and blood caked on his face.
You wonder how much longer the savant can talk before he punches him.
Varyn must sense the same thing; she discreetly steps beside him and
puts a calm but restraining hand on his shoulder.
“Hypotheticals are of no use to us,” Varyn replies. “‘Might haves’ and
‘could haves’ are poor tools when the present moment is all that
matters.”
“And what do the children think?” the savant says, gesturing elegantly
in your direction. “These poor souls you’ve dragged into the southern
abyss, perhaps against their will—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “That’s not true!”|Prologue
6-3-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stay silent.|Prologue
6-3-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
stares at you, eyebrows raised, mildly surprised that you have spoken.
He drops his hand and smiles, quickly composing himself. “Is it not?
Then how, may I ask, did the Wayfarers find you? And when presented the
offer to join their grand Order, did you feel you had a choice?”
His words feel like sharp pinpricks all over your body. Your gut twists.
Your journey has been so long, it feels like years have passed since
you left home. Somehow you know, even if the circumstances of your
departure had been different, you would have ended up here nonetheless.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Doesn’t matter.”|Prologue
6-4-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know.”|Prologue
6-4-B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent.|Prologue
6-4-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
smiles at you. “This I must ask—how were they found? How were they
discovered? With what intentions? And when presented with the offer to
join your grand Order, did they feel they had a choice?”
His words feel like sharp pinpricks all over your body. Your journey has
been so long; even though only a month or so has passed, it feels like
years since you left home. Somehow you know, even if the circumstances
of your departure had been different, you would have ended up here
nonetheless.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Doesn’t matter.”|Prologue
6-4-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I don’t know.”|Prologue
6-4-B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent.|Prologue
6-4-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your chin. “We’re here now, aren’t we?” you continue. “Besides,
it’s not like you know us – or what we left behind.”
The savant eyes you and frowns, his lips drawing into a thin line.
“True,” he says. “I do not. Nor should I care to – you are but another
inconsequential being in the horde of insignificant people whose
destinies will amount to nothing greater than to live and to die.”
Your blood boils at the insult. You’re reminded of all the people who
looked down on you for your lack of magic, who claimed a life without
magic was no life at all. You grind your teeth and glare at the savant
as a gust of air swirls snow around you. You barely realize you’re
shivering from the cold.
Beside you, Aeran clenches his jaw, biting back whatever insult has come
bubbling up. He kicks the snow, his boot chipping away to the mud
beneath.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If we’re so insignificant, then why do you
care? Take your stupid monster and go.”|Prologue 6-5-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Whatever.”|Prologue
6-5-B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Stay silent.|Prologue
6-5-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Ah,
yes,” Quirinus says. “And that is the crux of the matter, is it not?”
He glances at Cenric, Sero and Varyn. “Would this child even be here
today, to freeze in the snow, to be hunted and nearly killed by a
monster, if you had given them a choice?”
A gust of wind blows snow around you. You shiver in your boots and pull
your cloak tight, Quirinus’ words running circles in your head. How can
someone both make sense and not make sense at the same time?
“Leave the kid alone,” Cenric snaps. “Take your bloody monster corpse
and go.”
“The child intrigues me,” he replies. “It is not so often that I meet a
young mind uncorrupted by $hisher elders—”
“$firstname $lastname,” you interrupt. You’re not about to be called
<i>child</i>.
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. <<if $origin is
"noble">>“$lastname,” he says. “Ah yes, the noble House $lastname
of the Vodena elite. I have visited your grandparents’ summer estate
many times. I knew they had a child kept hidden from prying eyes. You
must be $himher.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>
“$lastname,” he says. “I have heard of the great strides House $lastname
has made in the past decades. I had heard whispers of a secret child,
one kept hidden from the public eye. You must be
$himher.”<<else>>“$lastname,” he says. “I am unfamiliar with
that name. I will remember it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-0]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No
response?” Quirinus says. “Perhaps you are intelligent enough to know
your place after all—”
“Leave the kid alone,” Cenric snaps. “Take your bloody monster corpse
and go.”
“The child intrigues me,” he replies. “It is not so often that I meet a
young mind uncorrupted by $hisher elders—”
“$firstname $lastname,” you interrupt. You’re not about to be called
<i>child.</i>
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. <<if $origin is
"noble">>“$lastname,” he says. “Ah yes, the noble House $lastname
of the Vodena elite. I have visited your grandparents’ summer estate
many times. I knew they had a child kept hidden from prying eyes. You
must be $himher.”<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“$lastname,” he says. “I have heard of the great
strides House $lastname has made in the past decades. I had heard
whispers of a secret child, one kept hidden from the public eye. You
must be $himher.”<<else>>“$lastname,” he says. “I am
unfamiliar with that name. I will remember it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-0]]</div></div><</nobr>>Quirinus
opens his mouth and lets out a little <i>tch</i>. He’s
surprised by your impudence. Maybe it didn’t occur to him that someone
as <i>insignificant</i> as you would think to talk back.
If so, he hasn’t been paying attention.
“I wonder,” he says, “is impudence a requirement for all your
apprentices? Here I thought it was a learned trait.” He clasps his hands
in front of him. “I commend you, child—”
“$firstname $lastname,” you interrupt. You’re not about to be called
<i>child.</i>
<<if $origin is "noble">>“$lastname,” Quirinus says. “Ah
yes, the noble House $lastname of the Vodena elite. I have visited your
grandparents’ summer estate many times. I knew they had a child kept
hidden from prying eyes. You must be $himher.” He smiles. “I commend you
for your bravery. Not many would dare to insult me so openly. It is…
refreshing.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>“$lastname,”
Quirinus says. “I have heard of the great strides House $lastname has
made in the past decades. I had heard whispers of a secret child, one
kept hidden from the public eye. You must be $himher.” He smiles. “I
commend you for your bravery. Not many would dare to insult me so
openly. It is… refreshing.”<<else>>“$lastname,” Quirinus
says. “I am unfamiliar with that name. I will remember it.” He smiles.
“I commend you for your bravery. Not many would dare to insult me so
openly. It is… refreshing.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-0]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fold your arms and look away. You feel childish – it
<i>is</i> childish. But the last thing you want is to
continue talking with this man.
Quirinus eyes you. “I wonder,” he says, “is impudence a requirement for
all your apprentices? Here I thought it was a learned trait.” He clasps
his hands in front of him. “I commend you, child—”
“$firstname $lastname,” you interrupt. You’re not about to be called
<i>child.</i>
<<if $origin is "noble">>“$lastname,” Quirinus says. “Ah
yes, the noble House $lastname of the Vodena elite. I have visited your
grandparents’ summer estate many times. I knew they had a child kept
hidden from prying eyes. You must be $himher.” He smiles. “I commend you
for your bravery. Not many would dare to insult me so openly. It is…
refreshing.”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>“$lastname,”
Quirinus says. “I have heard of the great strides House $lastname has
made in the past decades. I had heard whispers of a secret child, one
kept hidden from the public eye. You must be $himher.” He smiles. “I
commend you for your bravery. Not many would dare to insult me so
openly. It is… refreshing.”<<else>>“$lastname,” Quirinus
says. “I am unfamiliar with that name. I will remember it.” He smiles.
“I commend you. Not many would dare to insult me so openly. It is…
refreshing.”<</if>>
You grunt. If he thinks <i>that</i> was an insult…
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-0]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No
response?” Quirinus says. “Perhaps you are intelligent enough to know
your place after all—”
“Leave the kid alone,” Cenric snaps. “Take your bloody monster corpse
and go.”
“The child intrigues me,” he replies. “It is not so often that I meet a
young mind uncorrupted by $hisher elders—”
“$firstname $lastname,” you interrupt. You’re not about to be called
<i>child.</i>
Quirinus raises an eyebrow. <<if $origin is
"noble">>“$lastname,” he says. “Ah yes, the noble House $lastname
of the Vodena elite. I have visited your grandparents’ summer estate
many times. I knew they had a child kept hidden from prying eyes. You
must be $himher.”<<elseif $origin is
"merchant">>“$lastname,” he says. “I have heard of the great
strides House $lastname has made in the past decades. I had heard
whispers of a secret child, one kept hidden from the public eye. You
must be $himher.”<<else>>“$lastname,” he says. “I am
unfamiliar with that name. I will remember it.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-0]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Leave
the kid alone, Quirinus,” Cenric warns.
His hand rests on the hilt of his sword. The gesture does not go
unnoticed. Quirinus does not react, though his silent retainers—all
mages, you assume—stir restlessly, eyeing Cenric carefully. Varyn steps
calmly in front of him.
“I, too, must ask that you let us continue on our journey, Savant,” she
says. “The road to the Spire is long and we do not have the same
advantages as you. This interrogation of our apprentices is unwanted and
unnecessary.”
“Lady Varyn, this is a harmless conversation,” Quirinus replies. “Permit
me to indulge myself for a brief moment. Surely you can spare that—you
have fought a difficult battle and you must need some time to recover
your strength, correct?”
Varyn’s mouth twitches.
“Call it a curiosity,” he continues smoothly, “I so rarely meet your
recruits before they are inducted into your Order.”
He looks you up and down. You can’t shake the feeling he is scrutinizing
everything about you from the way you stand to your second-hand cloak.
“Tell me, $lastname, were you scared when the fannarl attacked?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-1-A][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue
7-1-B][$varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-1-C][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Does it matter?”|Prologue
7-1-D][$seroapp +=1, $cenricapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
straighten your back and set your jaw and spit your answer out quickly.
You refuse to be intimidated by this man.
“I see,” Quirinus says. His expression is unreadable. “Then tell me,
$lastname, did you enjoy fighting this creature?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-2-A][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue
7-2-B][$varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-2-C][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I only wanted to make sure we
survived.”|Prologue 7-2-D][$seroapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
straighten your back and set your jaw and spit your answer out quickly.
You’re not about to be intimidated by this man. He doesn’t need to know
the panic that gripped your heart every moment since the fannarl
attacked.
“I see,” Quirinus says. His expression is unreadable. “Then tell me,
$lastname, did you enjoy fighting this creature?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-2-A][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue
7-2-B][$varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-2-C][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I only wanted to make sure we
survived.”|Prologue 7-2-D][$seroapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
straighten your back and set your jaw, standing as tall as you can.
You’re not about to be intimidated by this man. You were
scared—terrified even—but you’re not ashamed to admit it. You didn’t let
your fear control you.
“I see,” Quirinus says. His expression is unreadable. “Then tell me,
$lastname, did you enjoy fighting this creature?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-2-A][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue
7-2-B][$varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-2-C][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I only wanted to make sure we
survived.”|Prologue 7-2-D][$seroapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
raise your chin and fold your arms, glaring straight back at Quirinus.
If he doesn’t want to play fair, then you won’t either.
“I see,” Quirinus says. His expression is unreadable. “Then tell me,
$lastname, did you enjoy fighting this creature?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-2-A][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue
7-2-B][$varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-2-C][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I only wanted to make sure we
survived.”|Prologue 7-2-D][$seroapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Exhaustion
tugs at your body, but you force it back. You don’t know why the
fannarl attacked. You wish it had gone somewhere else, had left you
alone. You’d give anything to still be travelling up the bumpy road with
Aeran, staring out the back of the cart at the southern lights.
Quirinus nods deeply. “Then I must know, $lastname – is this a path you
would have chosen for yourself, had you been given the choice?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-3-A][$varynapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue 7-3-B][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-3-C][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Why bother thinking about it? I’m
here now.”|Prologue 7-3-D][$cenricapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Exhaustion
tugs at your body, but you force it back. It’s a good kind of
exhaustion, the kind that comes after the rush of a thrill. The fight
was unexpected, invigorating even…
Not that you’re about to admit it.
Quirinus nods deeply. “Then I must know, $lastname – is this a path you
would have chosen for yourself, had you been given the choice?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-3-A][$varynapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue 7-3-B][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-3-C][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Why bother thinking about it? I’m
here now.”|Prologue 7-3-D][$cenricapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Exhaustion
tugs at your body but you force it back. It’s a good kind of
exhaustion, the kind that comes after the rush of a thrill. The fight
was unexpected, invigorating even… Despite the panic, the nerves, you
feel a sense of accomplishment. You helped take down a monster. You
adapted. You survived.
You aren’t ashamed of that.
Quirinus nods deeply. “Then I must know, $lastname – is this a path you
would have chosen for yourself, had you been given the choice?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-3-A][$varynapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue 7-3-B][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-3-C][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Why bother thinking about it? I’m
here now.”|Prologue 7-3-D][$cenricapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>Exhaustion
tugs at your body but you ignore it. The fight is a blur—you can barely
remember your own actions. But you know that whatever you did, whatever
action you took… You were trying to protect yourself and Aeran.
Quirinus nods deeply. “Then I must know, $lastname—is this a path you
would have chosen for yourself, had you been given the choice?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “No.”|Prologue 7-3-A][$varynapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [LIE] “No.”|Prologue 7-3-B][$seroapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Yes.”|Prologue 7-3-C][$cenricapp
+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “Why bother thinking about it? I’m
here now.”|Prologue 7-3-D][$cenricapp +=1, $varynapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
had no choice but to leave your home. True, you could have refused to
go with Cenric… but you know, deep in your heart, that had you stayed,
you would have lived an isolated, miserable life.
But if things had been different… if your circumstances had changed… you
would have stayed.
“Very well,” he says. “Whether by your choice or not, you are to be a
warrior. It’s a dangerous path, one you should not tread lightly. What
makes you think you can walk this path?”
You scowl. What kind of question is that? You feel like Quirinus is
trying to trap you in an answer he can use against you.
You decide to answer as bluntly as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m
strong.” [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.” [Skill Gain: +1
Agility]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.” [Skill Gain: +1
Perception]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.” [Skill Gain: +1
Persuasion]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
+1 Random Skill]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat =
5]]")>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m strong.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility
+=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 5]]"
)>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
have a feeling this is the answer Quirinus is fishing for – a sign of
resentment, maybe, a sign that had things been different, this is the
last place you would go. But it’s not true. One way or another, you know
you would have ended up here.
But Quirinus doesn’t need to know that.
“Very well,” he says. “Whether by your choice or not, you are to be a
warrior. It’s a dangerous path, one you should not tread lightly. What
makes you think you can walk this path?”
You scowl. What kind of question is that? You feel like Quirinus is
trying to trap you in an answer he can use against you.
You decide to answer as bluntly as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m
strong.” [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.” [Skill Gain: +1
Agility]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.” [Skill Gain: +1
Perception]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.” [Skill Gain: +1
Persuasion]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
+1 Random Skill]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat =
5]]")>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m strong.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility
+=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 5]]"
)>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
know, one way or another, you would have ended up here. It doesn’t
matter if your circumstances had been different.
Quirinus frowns, a crease forming between his eyebrows. Clearly this is
not the answer he was hoping for.
“Very well,” he says. “Whether by your choice or not, you are to be a
warrior. It’s a dangerous path, one you should not tread lightly. What
makes you think you can walk this path?”
You scowl. What kind of question is that? You feel like Quirinus is
trying to trap you in an answer he can use against you.
You decide to answer as bluntly as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m
strong.” [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.” [Skill Gain: +1
Agility]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.” [Skill Gain: +1
Perception]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.” [Skill Gain: +1
Persuasion]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
+1 Random Skill]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat =
5]]")>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m strong.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility
+=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 5]]"
)>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
glare at Quirinus, your impatience rearing its ugly head. Not that you
care. You have no reason to try to placate this man.
Cenric chuckles. Sero grins.
Quirinus frowns, a crease forming between his eyebrows.
“Very well,” he says. “Whether by your choice or not, you are to be a
warrior. It’s a dangerous path, one you should not tread lightly. What
makes you think you can walk this path?”
You scowl. What kind of question is that? You feel like Quirinus is
trying to trap you in an answer he can use against you.
You decide to answer as bluntly as possible.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.skillgain>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m
strong.” [Skill Gain: +1 Strength]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.” [Skill Gain: +1
Agility]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.” [Skill Gain: +1
Perception]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.” [Skill Gain: +1
Persuasion]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
+1 Random Skill]|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.” [Skill Gain:
Random]|Prologue 7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat =
5]]")>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I’m strong.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$strength +=1,
$tempstat = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I’m fast.”|Prologue 7-4-A][$agility
+=1, $tempstat = 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I’m observant.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. “I’m smart.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 4]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<print either(
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$strength +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$agility +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$perception +=1, $tempstat = 5]]",
"[[5. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. I know I can.”|Prologue
7-4-A][$persuasion +=1, $tempstat = 5]]"
)>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<if
$tempstat === 1>> <<notify 3000>>+1
Strength<</notify>><<elseif $tempstat === 2>>
<<notify 3000>>+1
Agility<</notify>><<elseif $tempstat === 3>>
<<notify 3000>>+1
Perception<</notify>><<elseif $tempstat === 4>>
<<notify 3000>>+1
Persuasion<</notify>><<else>><<notify
3000>>+1 Random
Skill<</notify>><</if>>“Curious,” Quirinus says.
“Curious indeed. I respect your frankness, $lastname. A trait too often
overlooked.”
You glance at Aeran. His scowl is as dark as yours.
<i>“Shut up,”</i> he whispers. Only you can hear him.
“That’s enough, Savant,” Varyn says coldly. “You do not have the right
to interrogate $lastname, nor <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>
are $heshe<<else>>is $heshe<</if>> obligated to
answer. I thank you for your assistance in destroying the fannarl, but
we now must part ways.”
Without waiting for an answer, she sweeps across the clearing and puts
an arm around your shoulder, ushering you and Aeran down the path. “We
left our horses up ahead,” she says, pointedly ignoring the savant and
his people. “Come.”
You leave the clearing, walking quickly to keep up with Varyn’s pace.
She’s taller than you expected. As you walk, you can’t help but look
over your shoulder. Sero and Cenric are saying
<i>something</i> heated to Quirinus. You wish you could
overhear it.
“Don’t look back,” she says. “It’s better to leave that bastard be.”
It’s dark further up the road. The wind howls through the trees,
sweeping more flurries in your direction. The sky is dark with clouds.
No more dancing southern lights, no more stars. More snow is on its way.
Varyn pulls a torch from her belt and lights it. Flames flare,
illuminating the path ahead. She glances at you and Aeran. <<if
$ancestry is "elven">>“Not truly necessary, I suppose,” she says.
“But even in the dark, a light is comforting, don’t you
think?”<<else>>“A light is always comforting in the dark,
don’t you think?” she says.<</if>>
You nod silently. You’re not sure what to say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
7-5]]</div></div><</nobr>>Varyn’s
pale, pointed face is flushed red in the light, maybe from the exertion
or the cold. Her glossy red-gold hair is braided away from her
forehead, showing pointed ears marked with small holes – maybe she wears
earrings, but has removed them due to the cold? Her eyes are gold, keen
and bright. You have a feeling she’s the kind of person who notices
everything from a single glance, from the mud on the soles of your boots
to a stray hair on the back of your cloak. A scar runs through her left
eyebrow and pulls at the corner of her eye. It looks like it’s an old
injury. It doesn’t seem to bother her.
A bright light flares behind you and a loud, deep sound reverberates
through the wood. Heart in your mouth, you spin around. A hole has
appeared in the clearing, a hole that hangs mid-air, as if sliced out of
reality itself. It is oval-shaped and tinged in a pulsing gold light.
Quirinus’ people file through, the fannarl’s corpse levitating alongside
them. They disappear, one-by-one, into the void.
Moments later, the gap collapses inward on itself and disappears. The
woods are still.
“Ugh,” Varyn mutters. “Show off.”
“What… was that?” Aeran asks.
“A portal,” she explains “Advanced and highly temperamental transference
magic. Sabien is one of the few mages who can accurately and
consistently perform it on large groups without aid. Very useful for his
expeditions to remote locations.”
“You don’t like him much,” Aeran observes.
Varyn laughs. “Hm, I suppose I do let it show, don’t I? I’m normally a
much better actor, but in his case…” She shakes her head. “Sabien
Quirinus sets my teeth on edge.”
“And yet somehow you’re the only one capable of – how did you put it?
Settling things diplomatically?”
Sero strolls up next to Varyn, their hood pulled down around their
shoulders and their hands resting on the hilts of their daggers. Now
that there is no fight or interrogation, you take a better look at them.
They’re the tallest of the three Wayfarer masters. They appear to be
human, with a rich brown face and a square jaw. Their silver-streaked
locs are swept back into a long tail.
“You coming, old man?” they call over their shoulder.
Cenric traipses into view. His surliness is growing by the minute. “Do I
dare ask what you were doing away from the Spire?”
“Oh, forgive us for doing our jobs and taking on a hunt in your
absence,” Sero says. “That fannarl had been terrorizing Trost and the
surrounding area for three weeks.”
“Three weeks?” Cenric clicks his tongue. “For a monster on your
doorstep? And you call me old. Looks like <i>your</i> age
must be getting to you.”
Sero barks a laugh, lines creasing around their brown eyes. You look
from them to Cenric to Varyn and back again. <<if $origin is
"merchant" or $origin is "noble" or $origin is "urchin">>You’ve
spent enough time in urban areas populated with people of many
ancestries that you know that age is difficult to discern. Even though
Sero looks older than Varyn and Cenric, they are human and could very
well be the youngest of the three.<<else>>You’ve visited
various communities populated with people of many ancestries. You know
age is difficult to discern. Even though Sero looks older than Varyn and
Cenric, they are human and could very well be the youngest of the
three.<</if>>
Not that it matters. They’re all ancient to you anyway.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue RIDE
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $textGroup>><<set $textGroup =
1>><</if>><<switch
$textGroup>><<case 1>>Varyn clears her throat. “You
are aware we have guests,” she says icily.
Sero and Cenric exchange looks.
Sero shrugs.
“I don’t mind,” Aeran says unexpectedly. “This is the most I’ve heard
Cenric say the entire journey. It’s nice. Kind of.”
Sero dissolves into laughter, the kind of loud, contagious laugh that
holds nothing back. Cenric grumbles, but even he is smiling. Varyn
grins.
“I suppose introductions are in order,” she says. “Though this is far
from how I imagined it – we didn’t expect Cenric for another week.”
Cenric shrugs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Brissa Varyn,” she continues, smiling graciously. She carries
herself with such a refined air it’s hard to believe someone like her
had been coolly firing arrows into a rabid monster not an hour ago. She
must have been an aristocrat in another life. “Ambassador of the Order.
You know Cenric, of course—he has been a master for far longer than Sero
or I, alongside his duties as archivist. You would do well to listen to
him. His advice, though a little rough around the edges, is sound.”
“Compliments, Varyn?” Cenric snorts. “That’s unlike you.”
“I do my best,” she replies sweetly.
“Hey, I—”
“Amali Sero,” she continues, gesturing towards them. “Though it seems
implausible, they are the Grandmaster of the Order. Cenric and I answer
to them – and one day, you will, too.”
You swallow the lump in your throat and stop in your tracks. Aeran walks
into you, the collision nearly knocking him off his feet and into the
snow.
Varyn raises an eyebrow and fixes him with her collected, golden gaze.
“You’re Kellis?” she asks. “The Artificer’s foster child?”
Aeran nods quickly and looks away, wiping his nose with the back of his
hand.
She slows her pace, observing him with a strange look. “The horses are
here,” she says abruptly, handing the torch to Sero. “Wait here. I will
only be a moment.” Without further delay, she disappears into the dark,
guided by her elven eyesight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link "Continue."
`passage()`>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>><<unset
$textGroup>>You shiver and rub your arms for warmth. Your toes
feel numb. You wiggle them back and forth in your boots, hoping to warm
them up. Snow is falling – large, thick flakes that dance on the wind.
Impulsively, you stick out your tongue and turn around in a circle,
trying to catch one on the tip of your tongue.
Sero chuckles.
Varyn returns, leading two brown horses. “Unfortunately, not all of us
can ride,” she says. “We’ll have to walk, take it slow, perhaps take
turns riding—”
“I’ll walk,” Sero interrupts. “I’m not about to force an injured man to
walk all the way back to the Spire. Varyn, you take one kid; Cenric,
take the other.”
You stop spinning and look at the three Wayfarer masters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Ride with Varyn|Prologue VARYN
RIDE][$choiceride to "varyn", $varynapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ride with Cenric.|Prologue CENRIC
RIDE][$choiceride to "cenric", $cenricapp +=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Walk with Sero.|Prologue SERO
RIDE][$choiceride to "sero", $seroapp
+=1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
def $textGroup>><<set $textGroup +=
1>><</if>>“I’ll
go with her,” you say, pointing at Varyn.
“Me?” Her eyes widen with surprise. “Very well. Up you get.”
Varyn helps you mount the horse, then swings up behind you. You’re so
tired you feel like you’re about to fall off into the snow. You squeeze
your knees and clutch at the horse’s mane, trying desperately to keep
yourself upright. The horse whinnies and nickers, tossing its head back
and forth until you let go.
“It’s all right,” Varyn says. “I won’t let you fall. Trust me.”
She gently takes the reins and clicks her tongue, guiding her horse
forwards.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-1-A]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
want to go with him,” you say, pointing at Cenric.
He stares blankly at you. “You sure about that, kid?”
You walk over to his horse and put your hands on the saddle. “Yeah.”
He shrugs. You guess that means a “yes”. You’re getting better at
understanding Cenric’s non-verbal replies.
With Cenric’s injured arm hanging limp, Varyn helps you mount the horse.
Cenric climbs on awkwardly after you. You’re so tired you feel like
you’re about to fall off into the snow. You squeeze your knees and
clutch at the horse’s mane, trying desperately to keep yourself upright.
The horse whinnies and nickers, tossing its head back and forth until
you let go.
“You might not want to do that, kid,” Cenric says. “She doesn’t like
people pulling at her mane.”
The horse snorts. You let go.
“Sorry,” you mumble. You reach forward and gently pat the horse’s neck.
It flicks its ears and whinnies.
“Yeah, I know,” Cenric says. “You’ll just have to put up with $himher
until we get to the Spire. I promise, $heshe won’t bite.”
It nickers and takes off at a trot.
“Hang on, kid,” he says. “It might be a bit bumpy if you’re not used to
riding.”
“Bumpier than the cart?” you shoot back.
Cenric chuckles. “Maybe. You should get some rest, it’s been a long
night.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue-8-1-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I’ll
walk with them,” you say, pointing at Sero.
“Are you sure you want to walk?” Varyn asks. “The horses—”
You shake your head and walk determinedly to Sero’s side.
“If <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$heshe
want<<else>>$heshe wants<</if>> to walk, Varyn,
then $heshe’ll walk,” they say.
Varyn sighs and sweeps over to Aeran, asking if he wants to ride with
her. Cenric ignores both of them and awkwardly mounts his horse, his
injured arm hanging limply at his side. He looks exhausted. His horse
flicks its ears and nickers.
Varyn and Cenric take the lead, the horses plodding on down the path.
You walk side-by-side with Sero, enjoying the silence of the woods. The
road twists and turns as it slowly climbs upwards. Though you’re
exhausted, though your muscles are aching, though you want nothing more
than to lay down and not get up for a week, you are enjoying the climb.
At least you’re not in a rattling cart that hits every bump in the road.
“How far away is the Spire?” you ask.
“A few miles,” they reply. “That is either very far away or not very far
at all, depending on who you ask. Funny how the perception of distance
changes depending on the person.”
“Cenric has been saying for weeks that the Spire’s not that far away,”
you complain.
“See?” they say. “That’s the perception talking. Cenric’s travelled
farther and longer than most of us – that’s what living for two
centuries will do to you. Lots of time to walk from one side of the
continent to the other. Everything’s within walking distance in his
mind.”
You’re not sure if it’s a joke or not. You don’t understand much about
Sero.
“What’s it like?” you ask. “The Spire?”
“It’s a citadel,” they reply. “A grand citadel. I don’t think there’s
any other buildings in the world built like her. It looks like it’s
either about to bite you or eat you, but it’s home. It’s home to a lot
of us. Even professional wanderers need a place to return to when the
world’s worn them out.”
“Is that what you do? Wander?”
Sero barks a laugh. “In a way, yes. But it’s also much more than that.
We’re also adventurers. Our talents demand we go looking for trouble.
Although sometimes trouble has a nasty way of finding you – you had a
good brush with that earlier tonight.”
“Are there other masters?”
“Yes,” they reply. “Our ranks are shrinking, but there are still many
Wayfarers out there. Most of us don’t spend time at the Spire. We might
come back once in a while, but the world that needs us is out there—”
Sero gestures grandly at a cluster of trees. “Not up on a frozen hill in
the southern wasteland.”
“Are there other apprentices?”
“Some, but most are finishing their training. You and Kellis will be the
youngest by far.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-1-C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
party is silent as it moves through the woods. The road twists and
turns in its slow climb upwards. You doze, head lolling forwards, rocked
to sleep by the ride.
When you wake, you wave in and out of consciousness. You’re vaguely
aware that Varyn is humming to herself.
“…what’s that?” you ask sleepily. Your eyes are closed. You think
there’s a snowflake on your nose.
“A song my father used to sing,” she replies. “I don’t remember the
words.”
You sneeze.
“We’ll be at the Spire soon.”
You rub your nose. “What’s it like?”
“The Spire?” She hums a little, mulling over her answer. “It’s old. Not
in very good shape – Wayfarers aren’t exactly architects. When something
falls apart, we don’t always know how to fix it. But it’s full of
secrets, even Rindan doesn’t know them all and he’s been with the Order
for over two centuries.”
She pauses. You listen to the gentle <i>thump thump
thump</i> of the horse’s hooves on the snow. “Sometimes I wonder
the extent of what we’ve lost over the centuries,” she says. “Knowledge
struck from the records and hidden away by previous grandmasters.”
“Maybe I’ll find all the secrets.”
She laughs. “Perhaps! It should be someone’s mission – why not yours?”
“Are there other masters?” you ask.
“Several dozen,” she replies. “Some are at the Spire, others are not.
Those who are currently mentoring apprentices are there. You will meet
them soon enough.”
“…there are other apprentices?”
“A handful. Most are close to graduation. You and Aeran will be the
youngest to join our ranks.”
She clicks her tongue and spurs her horse forwards. You are in the lead;
Cenric trails behind, chatting with Aeran, while Sero brings up the
rear on foot.
“While you were asleep, Cenric told us your actions during the fight
with the fannarl,” Varyn says. <<if $choice1 is
"strength">>“You were very brave to attack it outright. Not many
in your position would have done so.”
“Cenric said it was ‘brave but stupid.’”
“And he would be right. I would encourage you to think your actions
through before you blunder through on brute strength alone. It’s a harsh
lesson, one that can get you killed if you fail to think about the
consequences of your actions.”
You hang your head.<<elseif $choice1 is "agility">>“I see
you can intuitively adapt to your surroundings. Keep that up and Sero
will be singing you praises.”
“…Is that a bad thing?”
“Not at all. Sero is notoriously difficult to please. They are a stern
teacher – keep that in mind should you train under them.”
You swallow hard. You look over your shoulder and peer through the
darkness. Sero walks alongside Cenric’s horse, speaking quietly with him
and Aeran. They stop and look up, staring directly at you. You look
away, intimidation twisting your stomach.<<elseif $choice1 is
"perception">>“I see you have an intuitive grasp on analyzing your
environment and using it to your advantage. This is an excellent skill,
one whose importance is often overlooked. Being aware of your
surroundings is often the difference between life and death for a
Wayfarer.”
“…so… it was a good thing?”
“Trapping the fannarl the way you did undoubtedly helped save your life
and Aeran’s,” Varyn replies. “You did well.”
You flush, smiling from her praise.<<else>>“You analyzed the
situation and knew you could not fight alone, but together, you might
stand a chance. Inspiring those wracked with fear to fight by your side
is not easily done. A Wayfarer’s work, though it seems lonely, is never
done in isolation. You meet countless people from all walks of life. You
must keep a level head and consider those around you and not just
yourself.”
“But… Marcella… Berand… they ran away! And Marcella might die because of
me—”
“True,” Varyn interrupts. “And that is a consequence you must accept.
Although your attack did not go as planned, I commend you. You show
great promise for leadership.”
You flush, smiling from her praise.<</if>>
“Your instincts are good, $firstname,” she continues. <<if
$choice2 is "strength">>“You barricaded yourself in the lodge,
which kept the fannarl at bay long enough for Sero and me to arrive.”
“Cenric told me to.”
“And you followed through. That is, in my eyes,
commendable.”<<elseif $choice2 is "agility">>“You climbed to
a hiding place that kept you out of the fannarl’s reach long enough for
Sero and me to arrive.”
“Yeah, but Cenric told me to barricade the door… and I didn’t…”
“And found a better way, one that played to your strengths. That is, in
my eyes, commendable.”<<elseif $choice2 is
"perception">>“You considered your surroundings and found a hiding
place that kept you out of the fannarl’s reach long enough for Sero and
me to arrive.”
“Yeah, but Cenric told me to barricade the door… and I didn’t…”
“You found a better way, one that played to your strengths. That is, in
my eyes, commendable.”<<else>>“You had the heart to make a
difficult decision. You did not stand down, you did not bow to fear –
and you did not let your friend bow to it either.”
“Yeah, but Cenric told me to barricade the door… and I didn’t listen…”
“But you took action. And that, in my eyes, is
commendable.”<</if>>
You nod, shifting uncomfortably in the saddle. Your legs are sore.
“Rest if you want,” Varyn says softly. “I’m here. You won’t fall off the
horse, I promise.”
You nod. Your eyes are already closed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $varynapp >=
$seroapp>><<set _highestApproval to
$varynapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER VARYN]]">><<else>><<set _highestApproval
to $seroapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER SERO]]">><</if>><<if $cenricapp >
_highestApproval>><<set _highestApproval to
$cenricapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER CENRIC]]">><</if>><<print
_highestMentor>></div></div><</nobr>>The
party is silent as it moves through the woods. The road twists and
turns in its slow climb upwards. You doze, head lolling forwards, rocked
to sleep by the ride.
When you wake, you wave in and out of consciousness. Cenric is muttering
to the horse.
“Why do you do that?” you ask. Your eyes are closed. You think there’s a
snowflake on your nose.
Cenric shrugs. “Horses are good listeners. Better than people.”
<<if $origin is "farmer">>You nod. You always liked the
horses on your family’s farm.
<<else>>“Okay—”<</if>>
You sneeze.
“The Spire’s not too far away.”
You rub your nose. “You said that three days ago.”
“All right, fine, the Spire is a little closer than not too far away.”
You laugh, but your laughter turns into a sneezing fit. You snuffle and
rub your nose more vigorously. “What’s it like?”
“Ancient,” Cenric replies. “It’s over a thousand years old. Time may
weather it, but it always stands true. We don’t know who built it, or
why – the original inhabitants were well before the time of the
Wayfarers. Maybe they were our precursors. Too many records have been
lost or destroyed. Piercing together our history is a battle in and of
itself. I’ve been with the Order for over two centuries and in all that
time I’ve barely scratched the surface.”
“…I think that’s the most I’ve heard you say since I met you,” you say.
Cenric chuckles. “I suppose that’s right. I’m not a conversational sort.
Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.”
The two of you fall silent for some time. You listen to the gentle
<i>thump thump thump</i> of the horse’s hooves on the snow.
“Cenric,” you say quietly, “how did you find me?”
“Eh?”
“How did you know I was there? That I existed at all?”
“Oh.” He sighs wearily. “We keep records of scraps of information that
come our way. Rumours, whispers, sightings, messages… Gossip from
aristocrats in the cities or markets in the country. We’re not like the
Guild – we don’t have magic to help us find those with potential.”
“You mean those without magic.”
“Yeah.” He shifts uncomfortably in the saddle. “We have to rely on
other, slower methods. Many of our leads come from members of our Order
travelling the world. When we’re certain a rumour is true, we send
someone to investigate and present the potential recruit with an offer.”
“That’s what… happened with me?”
<<if $origin is "nomad">>“We’d been hearing rumours about a
non-magical child in the Osian deserts for many years, but we could
never pinpoint your location. Your clan travelled long distances and it
seemed they were never in the same place twice. By the time we found
your family, I wasn’t even sure if you were the same child we’d been
hearing about all that time.”
You chew your lower lip. “What if my family said no? Or if I had said
no?”<<elseif $origin is "hunter">>“We’d been hearing rumours
of a non-magical child in the Forest of Brennath for a few years. Your
clan knows the area and is difficult to locate, but there are a few
communities you trade with regularly.”
You nod. “Yeah. Trian and Ilis.”
“Right. I think that’s where the rumours started. We eventually were
able to locate your clan and… Well, here you are.”
You chew your lower lip. “What if my clan said no? Or if I had said
no?”<<elseif $origin is "farmer">>“We started hearing
rumours of a non-magical child in southern Arsenia about a year ago. One
of our Order passed through the area and saw a kid get hit square in
the face with a fireball.”
You frown. You vaguely remember that incident. It was during the autumn
festival… There was a player troupe at the market performing tricks and
stunts to entertain the crowd. You were standing too close to the stage…
an accident…
You don’t really remember what happened. You do remember the black eye
you got from the boy who beat you when the fire exploded in your face
and left you unharmed.
“…yeah,” you mutter. You chew your lower lip and think over your next
question. “What if my parents refused? Or if I had said
no?”<<elseif $origin is "urchin">>“I was passing through
Nesactium on a contract,” Cenric says. “I hadn’t intended to find you, I
just did. Non-magic kids… you stick out when you’re on the street.
You’re faster, you notice everything around you. Survival is built into
your core. I knew you needed to get out. Otherwise that city would eat
you alive.”
You hang your head and chew your lower lip. “What if I had said
no?”<<elseif $origin is "merchant">>“A Wayfarer – Damalian –
travelled on one of your family’s ships. He said it was the most
impressive fleet he had ever laid eyes on. But he also saw you towed
around by your family. Ignored, shunted aside… among other things. He
knew what you were, but he wasn’t able to approach your family—”
“You mean he didn’t have enough gold,” you interrupt sharply.
“I… yes,” he says.
“He tried to get me out, but my parents wanted payment. A high payment.”
Cenric nods. “It took us some time… to figure out an alternative.”
Anger spikes through your chest. You look away bitterly. You knew your
parents sold you out for a high price and you don’t want to revisit it.
You chew your lower lip. “What if I had said no? What
then?”<<else>>“House $lastname is well known in many circles
outside Vodena. And like most noble families, it has skeletons in its
closet.”
“…thanks.”
“I…” Cenric pauses. “Sorry. That’s not what I meant.”
“It’s fine.”
“What I meant to say was… even your family isn’t immune to secrets. And
secrets are what everyone wants to know. We heard about you a few years
ago – the secret child of House $lastname, hidden away from society.
Most rumours said you were ill and sickly, but different information
reached our ears. We knew you were non-magical – and we knew the lengths
your family would go to keep that secret.”
You chew your lower lip, thinking. “I wanted to leave,” you say. “But
what would have happened if I said no?”<</if>>
“Then I would have left you and not pursued the matter,” Cenric replies
shortly. “We aren’t in the business of forcing people here against their
will. If we arrive at the Spire and you say you want to leave, you can
go.”
Was it really that simple?
“You have the potential to become something more,” he continues. “But if
it’s not what you want… Your life is your own.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-2-B]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
nod. “Are there other Wayfarer masters?”
“Several dozen or so,” he replies. “They come and go as they please.
Wayfarers travel the world in pursuit of work, and while many call the
Spire home, some stay away for years. Decades, even.”
“And are there other apprentices?”
“A handful. You and Aeran will be the youngest by far.”
He leans forward and pats the horse’s neck. You’re trailing behind
Varyn, who has trotted on ahead with Aeran. Sero is behind you, bringing
up the rear on foot. You have a feeling they’re listening in to every
word you say.
“I… may have told Sero and Varyn about your actions earlier tonight,”
Cenric says after a moment. “While you were dozing off.”
“Oh no.”
“I maintain that you were brave but stupid.” He sighs. <<if
$choice2 is "strength">>“I am thankful you did as I asked and
barricaded yourself in the lodge. I don’t know what would have happened
if Sero and Varyn didn’t arrive when they did.”
“I don’t want to think about that.”<<elseif $choice2 is "agility"
or $choice2 is "perception">>“You didn’t listen to me, but I
suppose that doesn’t matter. You found a way that worked for you. You
have good instincts, $firstname. Keep listening to them.”
“I’ll try.”<<else>>“You didn’t listen to me, you did the
exact opposite… But you stood your ground. You and Aeran protected
yourselves – and thankfully Sero and Varyn showed up at the right time.
I’d rather not think about what would’ve happened if they hadn’t.”
You shake your head. “Me, neither.”<</if>>
“You did good, kid. No matter what you think, you did good.”
You nod, shifting uncomfortably in the saddle. Your legs are sore.
“You should rest if you can,” he adds. “Been a long night.”
You nod sleepily. Your eyes are already closed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $varynapp >=
$seroapp>><<set _highestApproval to
$varynapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER VARYN]]">><<else>><<set _highestApproval
to $seroapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER SERO]]">><</if>><<if $cenricapp >
_highestApproval>><<set _highestApproval to
$cenricapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER CENRIC]]">><</if>><<print
_highestMentor>></div></div><</nobr>>You
walk in silence for some time. The clouds haven’t cleared and snow
continues to fall. Snowflakes brush your eyelashes and nose – they
tickle, making you sneeze. The path winds upward, getting steeper with
each step. The horses slow to a walk. Distracted by the falling
snowflakes, you wander a little ahead.
It's pretty up here, even at night. You wonder what kind of view you
will see when dawn breaks? If you even reach the Spire by dawn?
You’re so tired.
You drop to your knees and sit in the snow. You glance down the path.
Aeran is dozing on his horse. Sero walks between Varyn, Cenric and their
horses, quietly discussing something. You wait, kicking your foot and
pushing a clump of snow back and forth.
The Wayfarers reach you. Varyn trots by and looks down, smiling. “Having
fun?” she asks.
You shrug.
Cenric rides by without comment.
Sero reaches you and offers a hand to pull you up. You take it.
“If you’re too tired to walk, ride with Cenric,” they say.
“I’m fine,” you reply, stifling a yawn.
Sero chuckles. “I believe you,” they say.
You know they don’t believe you.
“I had an interesting chat with Cenric while you were wandering off on
your own,” Sero says. <<if $choice1 is "strength">>“He said
you came hurtling out of the woods and attacked the fannarl on your
own.”
You nod.<<elseif $choice1 is "agility">>“He said you came
hurtling out of the woods, threw snowballs at the fannarl and then
scampered up a tree in the blink of an eye.”
You look at your feet. “I’m not sure if it was in the blink of an
eye…”<<elseif $choice1 is "perception">>“He said you came
hurtling out of the woods and pushed a pole over to trap the fannarl.”
You nod.<<else>>“He said you came hurtling out of the woods
with a band of warriors and coordinated an attack on the fannarl.”
You nod.<</if>>
They chuckle. “Imagine that.”
“Is there something wrong with that?”
Sero shakes their head. “Not at all. I’ve enjoyed hearing about your
resourcefulness. You’re not what I expected.”
You purse your lips. “What else did Cenric say?”
<<if $choice2 is "strength">>“Oh, something about you
creating such an impenetrable barrier that not even a full-grown fannarl
could break into the lodge.”<<elseif $choice2 is
"agility">>“Oh, something about you ignoring direct instructions
and finding your own way by climbing up a ladder and keeping yourself
out of reach.” <<elseif $choice2 is "perception">>“Oh,
something about you ignoring direct instructions and finding your own
way by climbing down a secret trapdoor anyone could have missed and
keeping yourself out of reach.”<<else>>“Oh, something about
you ignoring direct instructions and choosing to make a stand. Seems
you’ve got a burgeoning talent for leadership – Varyn will be
proud.”<</if>>
You’re not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. You stare
blankly at Sero.
Sero sighs. “Listen, you’ve got talent, $lastname. What Cenric told me
shows that you’re resourceful and adaptable. You take to the situation
at hand and then find a way to make it work for you. That takes nerve.
That takes intelligence. Hold on to that – adaptability will get you
farther in this world than anything else.”
You nod, swaying back and forth. Your legs feel numb…
Sero puts a steadying hand on your shoulder. “Maybe walking wasn’t such a
great idea,” they mutter. “Hey, Cenric! $lastname needs some help!”
By the time you scramble onto the horse (Cenric holding onto you so you
don’t fall off), you’re waving in and out of consciousness. Your head
lolls.
“It’s all right, $lastname,” Sero says gently. “Rest now. We’re almost
home.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $varynapp >=
$seroapp>><<set _highestApproval to
$varynapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER VARYN]]">><<else>><<set _highestApproval
to $seroapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER SERO]]">><</if>><<if $cenricapp >
_highestApproval>><<set _highestApproval to
$cenricapp>><<set _highestMentor to "[[Continue.|Prologue
MASTER CENRIC]]">><</if>><<print
_highestMentor>></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$master to "Varyn">><<set $perception
+=2>><<set $persuasion +=2>>When you wake again, you
can hear the adults talking in a low murmur. The horses have slowed and
you aren’t jostled as much in the saddle. You wonder if it’s a sign
you’re reaching the end of your journey.
“This discussion should wait until morning,” Varyn says. “Let the
children rest, they’ve been through an ordeal tonight—”
“I’m sure it’s been on your mind,” Sero interrupts. “They will need
training. They will need mentors. We three are the only masters without
apprentices—”
“I thought it was obvious,” Cenric says. “Sero is grandmaster. They
guide the Order. $lastname and Kellis’ training will fall to Varyn and
I.”
“If that is so, then may I raise a proposal,” Varyn says. “I would like
to train $lastname. <<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
show<<else>>$HeShe shows<</if>> much promise.
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe
have<<else>>$HeShe has<</if>> a keen intuition,
one that reminds me of my own when I first joined the Order.”
“If you wish,” they reply. “I can’t imagine $hisher talents would wither
under your tutelage, Varyn.”
“Thank you.”
The Wayfarer masters continue talking, but you’re too tired to make out
their words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$master to "Sero">><<set $strength +=1>><<set
$agility +=1>><<set $perception +=1>><<set
$persuasion +=1>>When you wake again, you can hear the adults
talking in a low murmur. The horses have slowed and you aren’t jostled
as much in the saddle. You wonder if it’s a sign you’re reaching the end
of your journey.
“This discussion should wait until morning,” Varyn says. “Let the
children rest, they’ve been through an ordeal tonight—”
“I’m sure it’s been on your mind,” Sero interrupts. “They will need
training. They will need mentors. We three are the only masters without
apprentices—”
“I thought it was obvious,” Cenric says. “Sero is grandmaster. They
guide the Order. $lastname and Kellis’ training will fall to Varyn and
I.”
“Though that may be,” they reply, “I have a responsibility to new
apprentices as much as I do to the Order. It has been over a decade
since I have trained an apprentice. $lastname shows promise. Much
promise. I will train $himher.”
“Are you certain?”
“I won’t have $hisher talents wither under your tutelage, Cenric.”
“…has anyone told you you’re a tiresome person, Sero?”
“Yes. You do. Often.”
Varyn sighs wearily.
The Wayfarer masters continue talking, but you’re too tired to make out
their words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$master to "Cenric">><<set $strength +=2>><<set
$agility +=2>>When you wake again, you can hear the adults
talking in a low murmur. The horses have slowed and you aren’t jostled
as much in the saddle. You wonder if it’s a sign you’re reaching the end
of your journey.
“This discussion should wait until morning,” Varyn says. “Let the
children rest, they’ve been through an ordeal tonight—”
“I’m sure it’s been on your mind,” Sero interrupts. “They will need
training. They will need mentors. We three are the only masters without
apprentices—”
“I thought it was obvious,” Cenric says. “Sero is grandmaster. They
guide the Order. $lastname and Kellis’ training will fall to Varyn and
I.” He pauses. “I… should be the one to train $lastname. <<if
$pronounsPlural is true>>$HeShe have<<else>>$HeShe
has<</if>> good instincts, but <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$heshe need<<else>>$heshe
needs<</if>> direction.”
“Tell me something, Cenric,” Sero says. “How long has it been since you
last had an apprentice?”
“Fifty years, more or less.”
“Hm.” They pause. “I’ll allow it – provided $hisher talents don’t wither
under your tutelage.”
“…has anyone told you you’re a tiresome person, Sero?”
“Yes. You do. Often.”
Varyn sighs wearily.
The Wayfarer masters continue talking, but you’re too tired to make out
their words.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>So.
You’re to be <<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn's<<elseif $master is "Sero">>Amali
Sero's<<else>>Rindan Cenric's<</if>> apprentice.
It seems the Wayfarer masters have decided for you, although your
actions seem to have impacted their decision. You wonder who you would
choose, had you been given the choice.
You wonder if Aeran will get to choose who instructs him.
You’re too tired to think clearly.
You doze off.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Prologue
8-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’re
not sure how much time has passed when you wake again, but the clouds
have cleared and the snow has stopped falling. You jostle up and down as
<<if $choiceride is "varyn">>Varyn guides her
horse<<else>>Cenric guides his horse<</if>> up a
narrow path. You crest the hill and slow to a stop.
<<if $choiceride is "varyn">>“We’re here,” Varyn says
softly, nudging you to make sure you’re awake.<<else>>“We’re
here,” Cenric grunts, nudging you to make sure you’re
awake.<</if>>
A great stone citadel rises up before you, its slender, barbed towers
black against the starry sky. A wall protects the perimeter and,
directly before you, a large, arched gate of black iron. Even though
it’s open, it looks menacing – a gate welcoming you into a dark abyss.
<<if $choiceride is
"varyn">>Cenric<<else>>Varyn<</if>> crests
the hill after you, holding onto Aeran, who is so exhausted he looks
like he is ready to fall out of the saddle. You dismount and your legs
feel like jelly. You stumble and reach out, grabbing onto <<if
$choiceride is
"varyn">>Varyn<<else>>Cenric<</if>> for
support.
<<if $choiceride is "varyn">>“Are you all right?” Varyn
asks.
You nod. “Just glad to be back on the ground.”
She laughs. “Riding will do that to you if you’re not used to it. It
gets better with time.”<<else>>“All right, kid?” Cenric
grunts.
You nod. “Just glad to be back on the ground.”
He chuckles. “Yeah. Me, too.”<</if>>
Together, you pass through the gate and enter the courtyard. Sero slams
the gate closed with a deep, echoing boom. The horses’ hooves clatter
against the cobblestones as you make your way across. You stare up at
the looming citadel, mouth agape. In the dark it blocks out everything,
its towers consuming everything in front of you.
You exchange looks with Aeran, who seems as speechless as you. You stand
close together, staring up at the citadel. Now that you’re closer, you
can see several large, stained-glass windows lit with the warmth of
flickering lanterns. Signs of life.
Signs of the Wayfarers.
Your hand slips into Aeran’s and you squeeze it tight.
“It was a long road,” Cenric says, standing beside you. “Huh, kid?”
As he looks up at the flickering lights in the windows, his surly
expression softens. He seems a little less weary, a little less drained.
“Welcome to the Spire.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|PROLOGUE END
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$master is "Sero">><<notify 3000>>+1 to All
Skills<</notify>>
<<elseif $master is "Varyn">><<notify 3000>>+2
Perception<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+2
Persuasion<</notify>><</timed>><<else>><<notify
3000>>+2 Strength<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+2
Agility<</notify>><</timed>><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
Your choices during your journey to the Spire left a lasting impression
upon the Wayfarer masters. <<if $master is "Varyn">>Brissa
Varyn chose you as her<<elseif $master is "Sero">>Amali Sero
chose you as their<<else>>Rindan Cenric chose you as
his<</if>> apprentice.
<div class="box"><div class="column-1"><<if $master is
"Varyn">><img src="images/varyn_icon.png" width="100%"
alt="Varyn Emblem" class="status"><<elseif $master is
"Sero">><img src="images/sero_icon.png" width="100%" alt="Sero
Emblem" class="status"><<else>><img
src="images/cenric_icon.png" width="100%" alt="Cenric Emblem"
class="status"><</if>></div><div
class="column-2"><<if $master is "Sero">><div
class="heading">Grandmaster Amali Sero</div>
It was a debate among apprentices whether it was a gift or a curse to be
handpicked for mentorship by the leader of the Order themself. A
challenging teacher known for their colorful humour, flashy fighting
style and seeming invulnerability, Amali Sero left you with an uncanny
ability to adapt to many situations.
<span class="accent">Attribute: Universalist</span>
+1 to All Skills.<<elseif $master is "Varyn">><div
class="heading">Master Brissa Varyn</div>
Not all Wayfarers valued combat as a means to an end. Before joining the
ranks of the Order, Brissa Varyn spent her early career as a diplomat.
As your teacher she impressed upon you the importance of assessing your
surroundings and utilizing dialogue and discussion before violence. She
left you with the ability to perceive and interpret your surroundings
and persuade others to your line of thinking.
<span class="accent">Attribute: Silvertongued</span>
+2 Perception and +2 Persuasion<<else>><div
class="heading">Master Rindan Cenric</div>
Sometimes thought to be a relic of the past, Rindan Cenric’s teachings
were with the Order for two centuries prior to its collapse.
Uncompromisingly stubborn, Cenric insisted on thorough study and
practical applications. As your teacher he imparted you with a
comprehensive battle study that can be applied to many situations,
whether in combat or not.
<span class="accent">Attribute: Battle Master</span>
+2 Strength and +2 Agility.<</if>></div></div>
<center><<button 'Continue'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END
2")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
Your intuition and instincts as a youth have proven your tactical
affinities. Though you continue to train throughout your career as a
Wayfarer, you excel in certain areas.
<span class="heading">Starting Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<center><<button 'Continue'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END TATTOO
1")>><</button>></center><<if
def $lastname2>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Surname
Changed");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Surname Change").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</if>><<set $prologueend to
true>><span class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue
Complete</span>
You now have access to your <span
class="specialtitle">Journal</span>, <span
class="specialtitle">Inventory</span>, <span
class="specialtitle">Codex</span> and <span
class="specialtitle">Maps</span> from the <span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr lnr-menu"></span>
Game Menu</span>. Check them regularly to see updates and track
changes as you continue your journey.
<span class="heading">Journal</span>
Your Journal contains all information pertaining to your character’s
skills and stats. <span class="accent">Skill
progression</span> is listed here, along with any <span
class="accent">Attributes</span> you might obtain throughout
your journey. <span class="accent">Relationships</span> with
companions and factions are also tracked here.
Check the <span class="specialtitle">Story Log</span> for
summaries of completed chapters and details on your choices and
outcomes.
<span class="heading">Codex</span>
Your Codex contains information about characters, locations, history,
and lore. You will be notified when a new codex entry is added. Check
back regularly to discover new entries!
<span class="heading">Maps</span>
Your map catalogue contains any world and city maps you collect over the
course of your journey.
<center><<button 'Begin Chapter I'>><<run
Engine.play("Prologue
Save")>><</button>></center><<fadeout
2s 3s>><<fadein 2s 0s>><div
class="logo"><img src="images/logo.png" alt="Idrelle Games"
width="100%"></div><</fadein>><</fadeout>><<timed
6s>><<goto "Welcome
Load">><</timed>><span
class="next">[[Next|Welcome Load]]</span><<timed 1s>><<goto "Welcome">><</timed>>You
tug on your hood, pulling it further over your face to stave off the
rain. The Crimson Count. You can almost hear Aeran’s sarcastic remark
when you first came across the crime lord’s name.
<i>“Bold. Terrifying. With that kind of alliteration, I’m shaking
in my boots.”</i>
The Count is, perhaps, the most powerful man in Rona. As one of the
Seven, he controls a large portion of the city. You were hired to find a
rare artefact stolen from his villa and, in exchange for a large sum of
gold, you agreed to find and retrieve it within a week.
Every hour of your time is precious. You received word this morning that
the Count wishes to see you tonight and expects his property to be
returned to him intact. If you fail to deliver, he will not hesitate to
show you the depths of his displeasure.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-5]]</div></div><</nobr>>This
is the extent of what you know.
The artefact is ancient, possibly dating back to before the Astrandium
some three thousand years ago. It doesn't look like much—little more
than a simple, copper chalice. The Count refused to tell you its magical
properties, which has led you to suspect he either doesn’t know and is
working to find out, or he knows and it is something quite potent and he
wishes to keep it a secret. The chalice went missing the night after a
gala attended by all members of the Seven and their retinues.
How you are supposed to find an unadorned chalice in a city swarming
with stolen goods is a little beyond you. Despite this, you have managed
to assemble three promising leads and Aeran is currently at the Docks,
questioning informants—
Your skin prickles at the nape of your neck. You stop. Raising your
head, you scan the market. Even as the crowd jostles around you, no one
paying you any attention, you can’t shake the feeling that someone is
watching you.
Someone who isn’t here to argue about discounts on fish or imports from
Farandor.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $perception
>=18>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-6]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-7A]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
turn abruptly, staring across the square, blocking out the discord.
Even though the square is filled with nearly a hundred people, you spot
the one who doesn’t belong almost immediately.
The stranger stands at the edge of the square. Hooded and cloaked in
black, they are of a slight build and medium height. Though you cannot
see their face, they hold themselves with a curious mix of confidence
and vigilance.
You slip into the crowd and walk back the way you came, pushing in the
opposite direction to most of the meandering townspeople. The hooded
figure watches you as you work your way across the square. When you are
several feet away, they turn and disappear down an alley.
“Hey!” you shout. “Hey – <i>wait!”</i>
As you step forward to chase after the stranger, you feel something tug
at the leather pouch strapped to your belt. You spin, catching the wrist
of a young elf in the midst of trying to cut your purse. His eyes go
wide with shock.
“I—I—I wasn’t doing nothing!” he exclaims.
“Looks like you were trying to cut my purse.” Your grasp tightens on his
wrist. “Emphasis on ‘trying.’”
The boy squirms. “Was not.”
You sigh. “Look, if this is the line of work you’re considering, you
might as well be honest about it.”
The boy hangs his head, embarrassment flushing his cheeks. He stares at
the ground, unable to meet your eye. He’s young, perhaps thirteen or
fourteen, with pale golden eyes and black hair in a loose mop around his
shoulders. He has all the marks of a greendrift—gaunt, underfed, a
motley collection of bruises spread across his face and arms. “I was
just doing what I was told.”
You pause, considering his words. So, he’s no simple cutpurse. But who
would tell him to target you? On one hand, it could be nothing—one of
Rona’s many small-time thugs exploiting a child to suss out viable
targets. Petty theft and muggings are common in Rona.
On the other hand… it could be something. You haven’t lived the quietest
life since your arrival six months ago. There are a number of people
who could want revenge, petty or not. And you can’t quite shake the
uneasiness you felt when the stranger watched you from a distance.
There’s something off about them, something you can’t quite put your
finger on.
“Please, ser—” The boy squirms in your grip. “I won’t try it again,
honest, I won’t.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Let him go with a warning.|Chapter
1-1-6A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Push him for answers.|Chapter
1-1-6B-LUTHAIS FIRE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
turn abruptly, staring across the square, blocking out the discord.
Even though the square is filled with nearly a hundred people, you spot
the one who doesn’t belong almost immediately.
The stranger stands at the edge of the square. Hooded and cloaked in
black, they are of a slight built and medium height. Though you cannot
see their face, they hold themselves with a curious mix of confidence
and vigilance.
You slip into the crowd, pushing in the opposite direction to most of
the meandering townspeople. The hooded figure watches you as you work
your way across the square. When you are several feet away, they turn
and disappear down an alley.
“Hey!” you shout. “Hey – <i>wait!”</i>
You move forwards, chasing after the stranger, pushing your way through
the crowd. You skid to a stop at the alley’s entrance and press a hand
against the wall. The alley is dark and unlit, and in the growing rain
it is impossible to see further down it.
You’re about to step forwards when you realize you are missing a
familiar weight at your hip. Your pack is missing.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-7B-AGILITY CHECK-STUFF
STOLEN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$packInv' '$holding' 'Wayfarer pendant'>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Medical kit'>><<set $gold
-=5>><<notify 3000>>- Wayfarer
Pendant<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>- Medical
kit<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>-5
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$luthaisstole to true>>You whirl around and stare back into the
crowd, searching for any likely cutpurses. All thoughts of the mystery
figure leave you as you curse your own lack of awareness. You need to
retrieve your purse. Not only does it contain all your remaining funds,
but it has your medicinal kit. That alone is worth more to you than
gold.
You spot movement at the edge of the square. A young elf is speeding
towards the main thoroughfare. He slows as he exits the square, shoots a
furtive look over his shoulder, then stops to examine the leather pouch
in his hands.
He’s young, perhaps thirteen or fourteen, with a shaggy mop of black
hair that settles around his shoulders. He’s dressed in a shabby tunic
and bears all the hallmarks of a greendrift—gaunt, underfed, with a
motley collection of bruises across his arms and face.
Like so many in this town, he’s only trying to survive.
He opens the pouch, poking through the contents and pulling them out to
get a better look. Parchment, coins, and a familiar pendant…
This is your cutpurse.
The boy stops looking through your purse and ties it to his belt. He
takes off down the thoroughfare, walking quickly, but not so quickly as
to draw attention from passersby. You follow him, unnoticed, from a
distance.
After tailing him for several blocks, you decide it’s time to catch up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Chase him
down.|Chapter 1-1-8A-AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY]
Chase him down.|Chapter 1-1-8B-AGILITY
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Approach him calmly.|Chapter
1-1-8C]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[1. Chase him down.|Chapter
1-1-8A-AGILITY PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Chase him down.|Chapter
1-1-8B-AGILITY FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Approach him calmly.|Chapter
1-1-8C]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>>You
let him go. Surprised, he stumbles and falls backwards onto the ground.
“I’ll hold you to that,” you say. The boy slowly gets to his feet,
rubbing his backside. “If I were you, I would think twice about robbing
someone just because someone else tells you to do it. Could end poorly
for you next time.”
The boy nods. He glances at you and, just as quickly, looks away. “Uh…”
Gods, what is he still doing here?
“Something else on your mind?” you ask. “Asking advice from a failed
target is also, perhaps, not the best idea—”
“They asked me to tell you something.” The boy looks down and shuffles
his feet.
You fold your arms. “Who did?”
“I don’t know who they are,” the boy says quickly. Perhaps a little too
quickly. “They’re down in Rat Alley. They gave me a silver to tell you
that they… that they have your friend.”
“Friend?”
The boy nods. “Kellis.”
Shit.
Aeran was investigating the Docks, he wasn’t supposed to be anywhere
near Rat Alley. What the hell did he get himself into?
Unless…
Unless the kid is lying. Or whoever paid him to cut your purse is lying.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley. You can’t take the risk
that Aeran is in trouble.|Chapter 1-1-6A-1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go to the Docks. The kid must be
lying and you don’t have time to deal with this shit.|Chapter
1-1-6A-2-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$luthaisfire to true>>“Who told you to rob me?” you demand.
The boy stares at you, terrified. “I—I don’t know!”
“Oh, please, I’m sure your memory isn’t that faulty.”
He looks away.
“What’s your name?” you ask.
“…Luthais.”
“All right, Luthais,” you continue. “I need you to tell me who told you
to do this. Consider it payment for trying to cut my purse.”
“I don’t know who they are!”
“That’s the truth?”
Luthais lifts his head and looks you straight in the eye.
<i>“No.”</i>
He yells, raising a hand high in the air, his fingers consumed with a
golden light. The fire he summons is small, contained, a juvenile
attempt at some of the more destructive spells used by battlemages in
Rhesainia. But if released, there is enough concentrated energy there to
do damage.
Luthais lets the fire fly and shoves his hand into your face.
His palm strikes your chin. You reel back from the impact, but do not
let go. You squeeze your eyes shut from the blinding light as the fire
washes over you. You feel nothing, save for the smarting on your chin.
As with all magic, it has no effect. The fire burns out as quickly as it
was summoned.
You open your eyes and see Luthais standing still, hands at his sides,
mouth open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “A bit rude, don’t you think?”|Chapter
1-1-6B-1-KANE MENTIONED]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’ll have to try better than
that.”|Chapter 1-1-6B-2-KANE NOT
MENTIONED]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
take off, ducking down a main thoroughfare and head deeper into town.
Like so many places in Rona, Rat Alley doesn’t match its name. Less of
an alley and more of a sunken square between buildings, Rat Alley is
squished between a seedy tavern, a disreputable blacksmith, and several
run-down tenements. Pitched between two of the Seven’s jurisdictions, it
is frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides. It is often the
preferred location for petty brawls.
You’ve made it half of the way down the street before you realize that
the boy is following you. You skid to a stop and grab him by the back of
his tunic as he runs past you. He screeches as you pull him to a stop.
“Let me go let me go let me go—”
“Quiet down, I’m not hurting you,” you snap as you let go. “What are you
doing?”
The boy flushes deep red. “Coming with you?”
“No.”
The boy raises his chin, golden eyes burning brightly. “You can’t stop
me.”
You pause. “What’s your name, kid?”
“Luthais.”
“Listen, Luthais,” you say. “The people in Rat Alley are not the kind of
people you want to be messing with. You are lucky you had a run-in with
them and they let you go. Don’t go near them again.”
Luthais sets his jaw. “You’re just saying that because you don’t trust
me.”
“You tried to cut my purse, I don’t have any reason to trust you,” you
retort. “I’m saying this because there are some messes you shouldn’t be
involved in. Go back to the square and stay out of this.”
The boy rubs his nose. “I don’t need you looking out for me.”
You look at him. The rain—which has turned from a light drizzle to a
steady downpour—has plastered his black hair across his forehead. He
looks cold and miserable, as pathetic as any street urchin caught
outside in the rain could be. But behind those bright eyes, a deep anger
burns.
Maybe he has a score to settle with these thugs. Or maybe there’s
something else going on. You don’t know—and you don’t have the time to
find out.
Besides, you have a feeling arguing with Luthais is a lost cause.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Leave Luthais.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-A-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell Luthais he can come with
you.|Chapter 1-1-6A-1-B-CLOAK
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily. “You’re going to have to do better than that,” you mutter
as you walk away.
The boy sprints after you, cutting across you and blocking your way.
“But they—they have your friend, they—”
“I don’t believe they do,” you interrupt, pushing past him. “And even if
they did, I’d be more worried about them than I would about Aeran.”
“Why won’t you believe me?” the boy shouts. “They have your friend! They
caught him! They put him in a… in a…. force prison!”
You nearly choke with laughter. You’re not sure what the kid is talking
about, you’ve never heard of a “force prison.” Some misguided
understanding of Preservation magic and the wards it can create,
perhaps. You’ve been trapped inside such barriers before—and then walked
directly through the walls.
As with all magic, Wayfarers are immune.
“I wonder how that’s working out for them,” you say, shaking your head.
“Try again, kid. Come back when you’ve thought of a better lie – maybe
next time I’ll believe you.”
With that, you take off across the market and head for the Docks. The
boy spits out a string of expletives, but you can’t quite hear them over
the rain. You glance over your shoulder and see him bolt for a nearby
alley.
You sigh. You’ve wasted enough time here. Time to go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-0-THE
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Fine,
then.”
You stride forwards and pull your cloak around you. The wool is turning
into a sodden mess in this rain. “Do what you want, Luthais,” you call
back over your shoulder. “No one’s going to stop you.”
Luthais spits out something you can’t quite hear over the rain. You
imagine it’s a string of expletives.
He’s still yelling as you turn a corner and make your way down the next
street. You have a feeling you will see him again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-10A-RAT ALLEY
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
groan.
Nothing for it. You certainly didn’t wake up this morning expecting a
street urchin to attach himself to you, but here you are.
“Fine,” you say. “You can come with me. But Luthais—”
He looks at you eagerly.
“Promise me that you won’t get in the way. And if they come after you,
you <i>get the hell out.”</i>
Luthais nods. He shivers in his soaked tunic. This rain is doing him no
favours.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give him your cloak.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-B-2-CLOAK YES-LUTHAIS][$luthaiscloak to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go on to Rat Alley.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-B-3-NO
CLOAK-LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
pull your cloak from your shoulders and hold out the bundle of heavy
wool. “Here. Take it.”
He stares at you and does not reach for the cloak.
“You’re cold,” you say. “Take it.”
Luthais cautiously takes the cloak from you and wraps it around his
shoulders. <<if $ancestry is "dwarven">>For a cloak sized
for a dwarf, it fits him well.<<else>> It’s too long on him
and drags on the ground, but it’s better than watching him slowly freeze
in the rain.<</if>>
“What’s your name?” he asks quietly.
“$firstname.”
“Thank you, $firstname,” Luthais murmurs, once again hanging his head
and doing his best to avoid your eye.
You shake your head. “All right. Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-10B-RAT ALLEY
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>Best
finish this quickly then.
You pull your cloak tighter around yourself. “All right,” you say.
“Let’s go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-10B-RAT ALLEY
LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Docks">><<set $chapter1route
to "docks">><<set $actionpoints -=1>>Leaving the town
square behind, you turn down a major road, walking briskly. The road
soon takes a sharp turn and follows a large channel lined with docks.
Long, thin rowing boats and canoes clog the river, some chained to the
docks, others propelled by boatmen transporting goods further into town.
The overwhelming scent of salt and fish lingers heavily in the air,
unaffected by the rain. The lopsided apartments and shops thin out the
further you walk, replaced by lone, single-storey storehouses. Vines
rise from the water below, their tendrils clinging to the moss-covered
walls and filling in the gaps between buildings.
By the time the road spits you out along the shoreline, the rain is
coming down in earnest. <<if $luthaiscloak is true>>You’ve
been here long enough to become accustomed to Rona’s downpours, but even
you find this amount of rain miserable – especially without your cloak.
You have a feeling you’re starting to resemble a bedraggled bird at
this rate. <<else>>You’ve been here long enough to become
accustomed to Rona’s downpours, but even you find this amount of rain
miserable.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$kanetalk to true>>“But… you…” Luthais stammers.
You open your eyes cautiously, squinting as they readjust. “In general, I
don’t recommend shoving fire into the faces of people you’ve just met.
Not a great impression.”
“You…” The boy falls silent. He stares at his hand and shakes it in
confusion, bewildered by his magic’s failure.
“Let’s try this again,” you continue. <i>“Who</i> told you
to rob me?”
“Two Fingers!” Luthais squeaks. “Two Fingers Kane! He said he’d give me
silver if I got you to go to Rat Alley.”
Two Fingers Kane. You’ve heard of him. A petty mercenary with a motley
gang, Two Fingers Kane is notable for his reliance on brute force over
magic and the distinct lack of fingers on his right hand. Kane is a
small-timer who you’ve never considered much of a threat.
So, what does he want with you?
You step back and finally let go of Luthais.
The boy pulls away, rubbing his wrist. “What are you going to do?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley and deal with Two Fingers
Kane.|Chapter 1-1-6B-1-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go to the Docks. You don’t have time
for this nonsense.|Chapter
1-1-6B-1-B-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$kanetalk to false>>“But… you… how…” Luthais stammers.
You open your eyes, squinting as they readjust. “Turns out the world is a
lot stranger than you think, Luthais.” Your fingers grip into his wrist
and you drag him from the square, pulling him down the main
thoroughfare. “Now you’re going to tell me exactly who hired you to rob
me or a failed spell will be the least of your problems.”
Luthais hisses. He kicks out, landing a sharp blow on your shins.
Surprised by the sudden flare of pain, you let go and Luthais pulls
away, darting down the thoroughfare.
“He’s in Rat Alley!” the boy shouts over his shoulder. <i>“Rat
Alley!”</i>
He disappears around a corner, leaving you behind as the rain turns from
a drizzle into a true downpour.
<i>That could have gone better.</i>
Still, the boy did leave you with something helpful – Rat Alley.
Like so many places in Rona, Rat Alley doesn’t match its name. Less of
an alley and more of a sunken square between buildings, Rat Alley is
squished between a seedy tavern, a disreputable blacksmith, and several
run-down tenements. Pitched between of the Seven’s jurisdictions, it is
frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides. It is often the
preferred location for petty brawls.
And apparently someone in the Alley has a problem with you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley and deal with the
problem.|Chapter 1-1-6B-2-A-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go to the Docks. You can’t afford to
get distracted.|Chapter
1-1-6B-2B-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Seems
like I have a score to settle with Two Fingers,” you reply. “You said
he’s in Rat Alley.”
Luthais nods.
Like so many places in Rona, Rat Alley doesn’t match its name. Less of
an alley and more of a sunken square between buildings, Rat Alley is
squished between a seedy tavern, a disreputable blacksmith, and several
run-down tenements. Pitched between two of the Seven’s jurisdictions, it
is frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides. It is often the
preferred location for petty brawls.
There’s nothing for it. Knowing Rona’s particular breed of thugs, you
won’t get anything done with Two Fingers on your tail. You’ll have to
sort this out quickly, then go to the Docks.
You take off down the street. You’ve made it several blocks before you
hear a patter of footsteps and Luthais catches up with you.
You skid to a stop. “What are you doing?”
“Coming with you.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I don’t care what you think.” The rain—which has turned from a light
drizzle to a steady downpour—has plastered Luthais’ dark hair across his
forehead. He looks cold and miserable, as pathetic as any street urchin
caught outside in the rain could be. But behind those bright eyes, a
deep anger burns.
Maybe he has a score to settle with Kane. Or maybe there’s something
else going on. You don’t know—and you certainly don’t have the time to
find out.
Besides, you have a feeling arguing with Luthais is a lost cause.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Leave Luthais.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-A-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell Luthais he can come with
you.|Chapter 1-1-6A-1-B-CLOAK
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nothing,”
you say. “I’m not going to waste my time with this petty nonsense. If
Kane has a problem with me, then he can find me himself.”
“But,” Luthais stammers, “but you have to go! You have to!” His eyes
glint angrily. Maybe he has a score to settle with Kane. Or maybe
there’s something else going on.
It’s not your problem.
“Sorry, Luthais,” you say. “Not today.”
You take off across the market and head for the Docks. The boy spits out
a string of expletives, but you can’t quite hear them over the rain.
You glance over your shoulder and see him bolt for a nearby alley.
You sigh. You’ve wasted enough time here. Time to go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-0-THE
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
can’t let this get out of control. You’ll have to deal with this person
who has a problem with you. Then you can find Aeran at the Docks.
You make your way up the street and head deeper into Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-10A-RAT ALLEY
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
can’t waste your time on this. Whoever this person is, their problems
with you pales in comparison to the job you have to finish. You don’t
want to get on the Count’s bad side.
<i>No more distractions.</i>
You pick your way across the market and make your way towards the Docks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-0-THE
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>>You
break into a run and sprint down the street. The boy turns his head.
Seeing you, he panics and dives down an alley.
“Hey! <i>Wait!”</i>
You follow the boy, twisting and winding your way through Rona’s back
alleys. On these disused walkways squished between dilapidated
buildings, the wood is old and rotting. With every step you take you can
feel the planks bending under your weight. One unlucky step and your
foot could break through the wood to the water below.
The boy is fast.
Taking another turn, he leads you into an open square between several
tenements. Skidding to a stop in the middle, he looks desperately to and
fro, searching for an exit. He yelps as you catch up with him, dodging
to the left and pelting towards the next alley.
You catch him by the back of his tunic and pull him to a stop.
“I didn’t do nothing, I didn’t do nothing, I didn’t do nothing!” He
thrashes about in your grip, but you hold on, nonetheless.
“My purse. Now.”
“I didn’t do nothing—!”
You sigh wearily. “Look, kid. I don’t want to make your life difficult,
but I will if I have to. Give back what you stole and I’ll leave you
be.”
The boy stops thrashing. He hangs his head, embarrassment flushing his
cheeks as he sheepishly hands you the leather pouch. “I was just doing
what I was told.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-8A-A-STUFF
RETURNED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>>You
break into a run and sprint down the street. The boy turns his head.
Seeing you, he panics and dives down an alley.
“Hey! <i>Wait!”</i>
You follow the boy, twisting and winding your way through Rona’s back
alleys. On these disused walkways squished between dilapidated
buildings, the wood is old and rotting. With every step you take you can
feel the planks bending under your weight. One unlucky step and your
foot could break through the wood to the water below.
The boy is fast.
Taking another turn, he leads you into an open square between several
tenements. Skidding to a stop in the middle, he looks desperately to and
fro, searching for an exit. He yelps as you catch up with him, dodging
to the left and pelting towards the next alley.
You dive for him, but he slips through your fingers. Cursing, you
continue the chase, sprinting down the alley after him. The boy glances
over his shoulder and laughs, gleeful at his luck.
Cheeky.
You speed up and make another dive for him, but he dodges again and
takes a sharp turn to the left and disappears into a tight gap between
two buildings. You reach the gap and press a hand against the wall,
leaning into it. It’s raining harder now, the morning’s drizzle turning
into an outright downpour.
Still panting, you squeeze into the gap and force your way through. The
walls press against your body and your wool cloak scrapes against their
rough-hewn surfaces. You can see the boy just up ahead pulling himself
free from the gap. You shuffle faster, trying to catch up.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-8B-1-RAT ALLEY
EARLY]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Hey!”
you call, running after him. “Wait!”
The boy glances behind him. He freezes, panic setting in. He looks like
he could bolt at any moment. “What do you want?”
You slow down several feet away. “I think you have something that
belongs to me.”
“I—” The boy’s eyes narrow. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I promise, I’m not here to hurt you or to cause you trouble,” you
continue. “You stole something from me. I want it back, that’s all.”
The boy rubs his nose. He glances up and down the street, keeping an eye
on passing pedestrians, searching for the best escape route. “I didn’t
steal nothing!”
“You sure about that?”
The boy finally bolts. You leap forwards and grab him by the back of his
tunic, pulling him to a stop.
“Let go let go let go let go—!”
You don’t let go. “What’s your name, kid?”
“Luthais.”
“All right, Luthais,” you say. “Why’d you rob me?”
<i>“I didn’t!”</i> he yells. “I was just doing what I was
told!”
His eyes go wide, and he slaps a hand over his mouth. So, he’s not a
simple cutpurse. But who would tell him to target you? On one hand, it
could be nothing—one of Rona’s many small-time thugs exploiting a child
to suss out viable targets. Petty theft and muggings are common in Rona.
On the other hand… it could be something. You haven’t lived the quietest
life since your arrival six months ago. There are a number of people
who could want revenge, petty or not.
Why are things often more complicated than they should be?
“Who told you?” you press.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-8C-1-STAT CHECK-KANE
MENTIONED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$holding' '$packInv' 'Wayfarer pendant'>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Medical kit'>><<set $gold
+=5>><<notify 3000>>+ Wayfarer
Pendant<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Medical
Kit<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ 5
crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<set
$luthaisstole to false>>You take it, pulling the strings open and
quickly leafing through the contents. Nothing is missing. As relief
washes over you, you eye the boy, considering his words. “Someone told
you to rob me?”
The boy nods.
So, not a simple cutpurse. It would be simpler if he was. Who would tell
him to target you? On one hand, it could be nothing—one of Rona’s many
small-time thugs exploiting a child to suss out viable targets. Petty
theft and muggings are common in Rona.
On the other… it could be something. You haven’t lived the quietest life
since your arrival six months ago. There are a number of people who
could want revenge, petty or not.
“Who told you to rob me?”
“I don’t know who they are,” the boy says quickly. Perhaps a little too
quickly. “They’re in Rat Alley. They gave me a silver to tell you that
they… that they have your friend.”
“Friend?”
The boy nods. “Kellis.”
Shit.
Aeran was investigating the Docks, he wasn’t supposed to be anywhere
near Rat Alley. What the hell did he get himself into?
Unless…
Unless the kid is lying. Or whoever paid him to cut your purse is lying.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley. You can’t take the risk
that Aeran is in trouble.|Chapter 1-1-8A-A-1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go to the Docks. The kid must be
lying and you don’t have time to deal with this shit.|Chapter
1-1-8A-A-2-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
step away from the boy. It’s raining harder now, the drizzle turning
into a downpour. Rat Alley isn’t far, you’re practically there now. Like
so many places in Rona, Rat Alley doesn’t match its name. Less of an
alley and more of a sunken square between buildings, Rat Alley is
squished between a seedy tavern, a disreputable blacksmith, and several
run-down tenements. Pitched between two of the Seven’s jurisdictions, it
is frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides. It is often the
preferred location for petty brawls.
You sigh wearily and rest a hand against the hilt of your sword. Nothing
for it. You will have to make your way to the Alley and resolve
whatever nasty business waits for you there.
You take off across the square. The boy follows, trailing a few steps
behind.
“Get lost,” you snap. “You’ve done enough dirty work for today.”
The boy raises his chin, eyes burning brightly. “You can’t stop me.”
“I could, but that’s not the point.”
The boy glowers.
You sigh wearily. “What’s your name, kid?”
“Luthais.”
“Listen, Luthais,” you say. “The people in Rat Alley are not the kind of
people you want to be messing with. You are lucky you had a run-in with
them and they let you go. Don’t go near them again.”
Luthais sets his jaw. “You’re just saying that because you don’t trust
me.”
“You <i>robbed</i> me.”
Luthais flushes bright red. He kicks a foot against the rotting planks
below your feet. “Yeah. What of it?”
You cross your arms. “I’m saying this because there are some messes you
shouldn’t be involved in,” you say. “Go back to the square—or
wherever—and stay out of this.”
The boy brushes wet hair out of his eyes. “I don’t need you looking out
for me.”
You frown. Luthais looks cold and miserable, as pathetic as any street
urchin caught outside in the rain could be. But behind those bright
eyes, a deep anger burns.
Maybe he has a score to settle with these thugs. Or maybe there’s
something else going on. You don’t know—and you don’t have the time to
find out.
Besides, you have a feeling arguing with Luthais is a lost cause.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Leave Luthais.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-A-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell Luthais he can come with
you.|Chapter 1-1-6A-1-B-CLOAK
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
sigh wearily. “You’re going to have to do better than that,” you mutter
as you walk away.
The boy sprints after you, cutting across you and blocking your way.
“But they—they have your friend, they—”
“I don’t believe they do,” you interrupt, pushing past him. “And even if
they did, I’d be more worried about them than I would about Aeran.”
“Why won’t you believe me?” the boy shouts. “They have your friend! They
caught him! They put him in a… in a…. force prison!”
You nearly choke with laughter. You’re not sure what the kid is talking
about, you’ve never heard of a “force prison.” Some misguided
understanding of Preservation magic and the wards it can create,
perhaps. You’ve been trapped inside such barriers before—and then walked
directly through the walls.
As with all magic, Wayfarers are immune.
“I wonder how that’s working out for them,” you say, shaking your head.
“Try again, kid. Come back when you’ve thought of a better lie – maybe
next time I’ll believe you.”
With that, you take off across the market and head for the Docks. The
boy spits out a string of expletives, but you can’t quite hear them over
the rain. You glance over your shoulder and see him bolt for a nearby
alley.
You sigh. You’ve wasted enough time here. Time to go.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-0-THE
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
gap spills you out into a square sunk a level below the rest of the
walkways. The platforms here are rotten and soggy. Broken planks are
dotted throughout the square and water surges up from the swamp beneath.
A massive, moss-covered tree grows in the center, its low-hanging
branches creeping towards the buildings that surround it.
About half-a-dozen people are clustered around the tree. Muscular,
tattooed and dressed in nondescript clothes of varying states of
distress, they are heavily armed. Their leader, identified by the
vibrant green kerchief around his neck, is a short, gaunt man. He leans
against the tree, watching his underlings argue through narrowed eyes.
You know exactly where you are, though you’re kicking yourself for
letting the boy lead you to Rat Alley without you realizing it. Squished
between a seedy tavern, a dishonest blacksmith and several run-down
tenements, Rat Alley is the common ground between two of the Seven’s
jurisdictions. Frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides, it is
often the preferred location for petty brawls and less-than-reputable
business.
The boy bolts for the tree, pointing wildly behind him.
<<if $pronounsPlural is true>>“$HeShe’re here, they’re
here!” he shouts.<<else>>“$HeShe’s here, $heshe’s here!” he
shouts.<</if>>
The thugs stop arguing and turn to stare at you. A human woman with
scraggly brown hair unsheathes her cutlass.
The man with the green kerchief pushes himself away from the tree and
walks slowly across the square. Now that he’s out of the shadows, you
recognize him.
Two Fingers Kane.
A petty mercenary with a motley gang, Two Fingers Kane is notable for
his reliance on brute force over magic and the distinct lack of fingers
on his right hand. Kane is a small-timer who you’ve never considered
much of a threat.
Considering he managed to lure you away into Rat Alley, you really hope
you haven’t underestimated him.
Kane places a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Thank you, Luthais,” he says,
keeping his eyes on you. “Good to know we can trust you.”
Luthais eyes Kane eagerly.
Kane sighs. “Tell Marea I say hi, yeah?” he says as he flips him a coin.
Luthais catches the coin effortlessly and shoves it into his pocket.
“Now <i>get,”</i> Kane snaps and the boy scrambles away
across the square, disappearing into a gap between buildings.
Kane turns to you, flexing a hand. The grimy flesh is a torn and haggard
mess of scars. He is missing all but his index and middle fingers.
“Now,” he drawls. “To business.”
You rest your hand on your sword hilt and watch the band of thugs
warily. “If you’re going to masquerade as a businessman, Kane, you’d
ought to consider a better venue. More atmosphere, less swamp.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Kane sneers. “Pretty cocky for someone who’s
outnumbered.”
“Outnumbered, yes. Outmatched? No.”
The human woman leaps forward. “Watch your mouth—”
Kane grabs her shoulder and pushes her back. “Back in line, Meera. I’m
the one talking to the pretty little $insult.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-12 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$kanetalk to true>>The boy chews his lip. “Two Fingers Kane,” he
mutters, avoiding your eyes. “He said he’d give me silver if I got you
to go to Rat Alley.”
Two Fingers Kane. You’ve heard of him. A petty mercenary with a motley
gang, Two Fingers Kane is notable for his reliance on brute force over
magic and the distinct lack of fingers on his right hand. Kane is a
small-timer who you’ve never considered much of a threat.
So, what does he want with you?
You turn to the boy. “Seems like I have a score to settle. How about you
give me back my purse and we’ll call it square.”
Luthais hangs his head and doesn’t answer.
“You saw for yourself, there’s nothing worthwhile in there.”
“Everything’s worthwhile to someone.”
“Yeah. And <i>that</i> right there—” You point to the pouch
tied to his belt. “—is worthwhile to me and only to me.”
You exhale sharply, your frustration starting to get the better of you.
You could easily take the pouch back, but you don’t want to hurt Luthais
in the process. The only thing the kid is guilty of is living in a
world that doesn’t give a shit about him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Persuade him
to give you back your belongings.|Chapter 1-1-9A PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [PERSUASION] Persuade him to give you
back your belongings.|Chapter 1-1-9B PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>=18>>[[2. [STRENGTH] Take back what’s yours
regardless.|Chapter 1-1-10A STRENGTH PASS-STUFF
RETURNED]]<<else>>[[2. [STRENGTH] Take back what’s yours
regardless.|Chapter 1-1-10B STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=18>>[[1. Persuade him to give you
back your belongings.|Chapter 1-1-9A PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Persuade him to give you back your
belongings.|Chapter 1-1-9B PERSUASION
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>=18>>[[2. Take back what’s yours regardless.|Chapter 1-1-10A
STRENGTH PASS-STUFF RETURNED]]<<else>>[[2. Take back what’s
yours regardless.|Chapter 1-1-10B STRENGTH
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I’ll
strike you a deal, Luthais,” you say, finally letting go of him. “If
you give me back my belongings, I’ll go to Rat Alley, just like Two
Fingers wants. Once I deal with him, I’ll make sure you get the silver
he promised you.”
The boy stares at you. “Why?”
You spread your hands. “He gave you the dirty work and now he wants to
profit from it. I have a problem with that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-9A-1-STUFF
RETURNED]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“I’ll
strike you a deal, Luthais,” you say, finally letting go of him. “If
you give me back my belongings, I’ll go to Rat Alley, just like Two
Fingers wants. Once I deal with him, I’ll make sure you get the silver
he promised you.”
The boy stares at you and falls silent. Then with a shrill yell, he
kicks you in the shins and runs off down the street.
As you watch him go, the rain turns from a drizzle to a downpour. “Oh,
come on!” you yell. “If you can make a deal with Two Fingers Kane, you
can make a deal with me!”
The boy is gone, and so are your belongings.
<i>Shit.</i>
Well. At least he won’t starve tonight.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley and deal with Two Fingers
Kane.|Chapter 1-1-9B-1-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore Kane and meet Aeran at the
Docks.|Chapter
1-1-9B-2-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$luthaisstole to false>><<transfer '$holding' '$packInv'
'Wayfarer pendant'>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Medical kit'>><<set $gold
+=5>><<strengthPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Wayfarer
Pendant<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Medical
Kit<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
15s>><<notify 3000>>+ 5
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>Regardless, you’re
not about to waste your afternoon arguing with him.
Holding onto the boy, you seize your purse. The boy struggles and
shrieks in protest, but you ignore him and pull it free. With your
belongings retrieved, you let him go.
He hisses and kicks you in the shins, then scampers off down the street.
You sigh and watch him go as you tie the pouch back onto your belt.
So much for that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley.|Chapter
1-1-9B-1-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Go to the Docks.|Chapter
1-1-9B-2-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>>Unfortunately,
you can’t waste your entire afternoon arguing with him.
You hold onto the boy and seize your purse. He struggles and shrieks in
protest, thrashing in your grip. Lashing out with a foot, he kicks you
in the shins. You grunt in pain and let go. The boy scampers away,
pelting down the street and out of sight, your belongings still in his
grasp.
<i>Shit. </i>
Robbed and in pain, you are regretting leaving the house today.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Go to Rat Alley and deal with Two Fingers
Kane.|Chapter 1-1-9B-1-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Ignore Kane and meet Aeran at the
Docks.|Chapter
1-1-9B-2-DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$luthaisstole to false>><<transfer '$holding' '$packInv'
'Wayfarer pendant'>><<transfer '$holding' '$gearInv'
'Medical kit'>><<set $gold +=5>><<notify
3000>>+ Wayfarer Pendant<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Medical
Kit<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ 5
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>>Luthais unties your
pouch from his belt. “Fine,” he says, tossing it to you. “But I want to
come with you.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I don’t care what you think.” The rain—which has turned from a light
drizzle to a steady downpour—has plastered Luthais’ dark hair across his
forehead. He looks cold and miserable, as pathetic as any street urchin
caught outside in the rain could be. But behind those bright eyes, a
deep anger burns.
Maybe he has a score to settle with Two Fingers. Or maybe there’s
something else going on. You don’t know—and you certainly don’t have the
time to find out.
Besides, you have a feeling arguing with Luthais is a lost cause.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Leave Luthais.|Chapter
1-1-6A-1-A-ALONE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Tell Luthais he can come with
you.|Chapter 1-1-6A-1-B-CLOAK
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
can meet Aeran later. For now, you have business to settle with Two
Fingers Kane.
Ignoring the sting in your shins, you take off deeper into Rona’s slums
and head for Rat Alley.
Like so many places in Rona, Rat Alley doesn’t match its name. Less of
an alley and more of a sunken square between buildings, Rat Alley is
squished between a seedy tavern, a disreputable blacksmith, and several
run-down tenements. Pitched between two of the Seven’s jurisdictions, it
is frequented by thugs and brigands from both sides. It is often the
preferred location for petty brawls.
You have a feeling you’re in for a fun morning.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-10A-RAT ALLEY
ALONE]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’ve
wasted enough time here and tracking down Two Fingers Kane isn’t going
to help solve the mystery of the Count’s missing chalice.
You have a job to do and dealing with washed-up crooks who hire children
to do their dirty work isn’t it.
You head for the Docks.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-0-THE
DOCKS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wind your way through the streets. With the rain coming down even
harder now, it’s turned into an unpleasant walk. You mull over what
you’ll find in Rat Alley and what you’ll do when you get there.
Taking a sharp turn down an alley, you find a tight gap between two
buildings. This is one of several entrances into Rat Alley. You press
your hand against the wall and poke your head into the gap. It is free
of debris – you should be able to fit. There is a misty light at the
end, but you can’t see if anyone is there.
Taking a breath, you squeeze into the gap and shuffle along. The walls
press against your body and your cloak scrapes against the rough-hewn
surfaces.
The gap spills you out into a square sunk a level below the rest of the
walkways. The platforms here are rotten and soggy. Broken planks are
dotted throughout the square and water surges up from the swamp beneath.
A massive, moss-covered tree grows in the center, its low-hanging
branches creeping towards the buildings that surround it.
About half-a-dozen people are clustered around the tree. Muscular,
tattooed and dressed in nondescript clothes of varying states of
distress, they are heavily armed. Their leader, identified by the
vibrant green kerchief around his neck, is a short, gaunt man. He leans
against the tree, watching his underlings argue through narrowed eyes.
<<if $kanetalk is false>>“Look what we have here, friends,”
the man with the green kerchief drawls. “A visitor.”
He pushes himself away from the tree and walks slowly across the square.
Now that he’s out of the shadows, you recognize him.
Two Fingers Kane. A petty mercenary with a motley gang, Two Fingers Kane
is notable for his reliance on brute force over magic and the distinct
lack of fingers on his right hand. Kane is a small-timer who you’ve
never considered much of a threat.
“Should’ve known better than to underestimate you, Luthais,” Kane says,
glancing back towards the tree. “Looks like you lived up to your
promise.”
A familiar boy emerges from behind the tree. A fresh bruise swells on
his cheek. “Yeah, I know,” he says.
“Don’t sass me, boy, or I’ll reconsider your pay,” Kane snaps.
Luthais hangs his head, cowed.
“Oh, don’t look so pathetic, it’s disgusting.”
Kane withdraws a coin and flips it in the air. The boy catches it and
bolts across the square, disappearing into a gap between buildings.
“Tell Marea I said hi, yeah?” Kane shouts as he disappears.
You fold your arms. “I don’t think he’s the pathetic one,” you say.
“Considering you hired a child to do your dirty work.”
“Ah,” Kane says. “$HeShe <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>speak<<else>>speaks<</if>>.” He
flexes a hand. The grimy flesh is a torn and haggard mess of scars. He
is missing all but his index and middle fingers. “To business, then?”
You rest your hand on your sword hilt and watch the band of thugs
warily. “If you’re going to masquerade as a businessman, Kane, you’d
ought to consider a better venue. More atmosphere, less swamp.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Kane sneers. “Pretty cocky for someone who’s
outnumbered.”
“Outnumbered, yes. Outmatched? No.”
The human woman leaps forward. “Watch your mouth—”
Kane grabs her shoulder and pushes her back. “Back in line, Meera. I’m
the one talking to the pretty little $insult.”<<else>>“Look
what we have here, friends,” the man with the green kerchief drawls. “A
visitor.”
This must be Two Fingers Kane.
Kane pushes himself away from the tree and walks slowly across the
square.
“Should’ve known better than to underestimate you, Luthais,” Kane says,
glancing back towards the tree. “Looks like you lived up to your
promise.”
A familiar boy emerges from behind the tree. A fresh bruise swells on
his cheek. “Yeah, I know,” he says.
“Don’t sass me, boy, or I’ll reconsider your pay,” Kane snaps.
Luthais hangs his head, cowed.
“Oh, don’t look so pathetic, it’s disgusting.”
Kane withdraws a coin and flips it in the air. The boy catches it and
bolts across the square, disappearing into a gap between buildings.
“Tell Marea I said hi, yeah?” Kane shouts as he disappears.
You fold your arms. “I don’t think he’s the pathetic one,” you say.
“Considering you hired a child to do your dirty work.”
“Ah,” Kane says. “$HeShe <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>speak<<else>>speaks<</if>>.” He
flexes a hand. The grimy flesh is a torn and haggard mess of scars. He
is missing all but his index and middle fingers. “To business, then?”
You rest your hand on your sword hilt and watch the band of thugs
warily. “If you’re going to masquerade as a businessman, Kane, you’d
ought to consider a better venue. More atmosphere, less swamp.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Kane sneers. “Pretty cocky for someone who’s
outnumbered.”
“Outnumbered, yes. Outmatched? No.”
The human woman leaps forward. “Watch your mouth—”
Kane grabs her shoulder and pushes her back. “Back in line, Meera. I’m
the one talking to the pretty little $insult.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-12 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$luthaisfriend to true>>You wind your way through the streets,
Luthais keeping pace at your side. <<if $luthaiscloak is
true>>The boy has all but disappeared into your cloak, pulling up
the hood and shrinking into the heavy wool.<<else>> He says
very little as you walk, but you can feel him watching your every
move.<</if>>
Finally, you’ve had enough. “What is it?” you ask sharply. “I hope
you’re not thinking of robbing me again.”
Luthais flinches. “No.”
“Good to hear.”
“It’s just… you…” He stops short. <<if $luthaisfire is
true>>“Back in the square. My spell did nothing to you.”
Of course he wasn’t going to let that go.
You shrug and continue on as if nothing is out of the ordinary.
“Protection charms are a dime a dozen, if you can’t conjure one
yourself.”
“But that’s not what it looks like when a spell hits a protection
charm!” Luthais insists. “You made my spell disappear.”
Not technically true. Due to your immunity, the spell couldn’t sustain
itself. It consumed itself instead, burning out within seconds. To
borrow Luthais’ words, the spell made itself disappear.
“Uh…”
You falter. You shouldn’t explain this to him. You wonder how much
Luthais, a street urchin stranded in a forgotten port city, far away
from the political machinations of the Empire and its allies, knows of
the Wayfarers – what you’re capable of and why you are
feared.<<else>>“You’re weird.”
Huh. Not what you were expecting.
“There’s worse things to be,” you say and keep walking.
Luthais hurries to keep up with you. “You don’t seem like other
mercenaries.”
“Probably because I’m not a mercenary.” You pause. “Not exactly,
anyway.”
“Then what?”
You wonder how much Luthais, a street urchin stranded in a forgotten
port city, far away from the political machinations of the Empire and
its allies, knows of the Wayfarers – what you’re capable of and why you
are feared.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >=18>>[[1. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell
Luthais you’re a renegade mage who escaped the Empire and fled to Rona
for safety.|Chapter 1-1-11A-LIE 1 PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a renegade mage who escaped the
Empire and fled to Rona for safety.|Chapter 1-1-11A-LIE 1
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a
pirate.|Chapter 1-1-11B-LIE 2 PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a pirate.|Chapter 1-1-11B-LIE 2
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a monster
hunter.|Chapter 1-1-11C-LIE 3 PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
[PERSUASION] [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a monster hunter.|Chapter
1-1-11C-LIE 3 FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Tell Luthais you’re a
Wayfarer.|Chapter 1-1-11D-TELL THE
TRUTH]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[1. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a renegade mage who
escaped the Empire and fled to Rona for safety.|Chapter 1-1-11A-LIE 1
PASS]]<<else>>[[1. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a renegade mage
who escaped the Empire and fled to Rona for safety.|Chapter 1-1-11A-LIE
1 FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a pirate.|Chapter
1-1-11B-LIE 2 PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a
pirate.|Chapter 1-1-11B-LIE 2 FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a monster hunter.|Chapter
1-1-11C-LIE 3 PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [LIE] Tell Luthais you’re a
monster hunter.|Chapter 1-1-11C-LIE 3
FAIL]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Tell Luthais you’re a
Wayfarer.|Chapter 1-1-11D-TELL THE
TRUTH]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “You know the Council of Mages?”
Luthais nods. “They control the Guild—”
“Yes, exactly.” You wince internally – you don’t know anything about the
inner workings of the Guild. You’re about to pull poorly concocted
facts out of thin air, but you’re committed. You can’t back out now.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“I was a part of the Council, a
long time ago, specializing in preservation magic.” A decent lie, you
think – it should explain your immunity to magic. “That’s why your spell
failed. But I had an enemy on the Council, and they forced me out. I
couldn’t stay in the Empire. Rona seemed like as good a place as any to
make a living.”<<else>>“I was a part of the Council, a long
time ago, specializing in preservation magic.” A decent lie, you think –
it should explain your immunity to magic, if it ever comes up. “But I
had an enemy on the Council, and they forced me out. I couldn’t stay in
the Empire. I came here instead.”<</if>>
“Oh.” Luthais looks crestfallen.
“Expecting something more?” you ask.
“I… no.” He shakes his head. “If you’re from the Council, what’s
Velantis like?”
You’ve never been to Velantis.
“I’ll tell you later,” you say. “We’re almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “You know the Council of Mages?”
Luthais nods. “They control the Guild—”
“Yes, exactly.” You wince internally – you don’t know anything about the
inner workings of the Guild. You’re about to pull poorly concocted
facts out of thin air, but you’re committed. You can’t back out now.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“I was a part of the Council, a
long time ago, specializing in preservation magic.” A decent lie, you
think – it should explain your immunity to magic. “That’s why your spell
failed. But I had an enemy on the Council, and they forced me out. I
couldn’t stay in the Empire. Rona seemed like as good a place as any to
make a living.”<<else>>“I was a part of the Council, a long
time ago, specializing in preservation magic.” A decent lie, you think –
it should explain your immunity to magic, if it ever comes up. “But I
had an enemy on the Council, and they forced me out. I couldn’t stay in
the Empire. I came here instead.”<</if>>
Luthais’ eyes narrow. “I don’t think you’re a mage. You haven’t cast a
single spell.”
<i>Shit.</i>
“I haven’t had reason to.”
Luthais shakes his head. “No. I’ve seen Imperial mages, they’re not like
you—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “Look, we’re almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “The short version is that I was once a
pirate.”
His eyes eyes widen.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“My crew and I sailed around the
Cobalt Sea, collecting ancient treasures and artefacts – that’s the
source of my protection, it’s why your spell failed.” A decent lie, you
think – it should explain your immunity to magic. “But my quartermaster
had other ideas. Jealous of my success, he convinced our crew that I
wasn’t a capable captain. They mutinied and left me to die on an island
not far away from Rona. I made a raft and escaped the island, and I’ve
been here ever since.”<<else>>“My crew and I sailed around
the Cobalt Sea, collecting ancient treasures and artefacts. But my
quartermaster had other ideas. Jealous of my success, he convinced our
crew that I wasn’t a capable captain. They mutinied and left me to die
on an island not far away from Rona. I made a raft and escaped the
island, and I’ve been here ever since.”<</if>>
“What was your crew like? What was your ship’s name? Where are they now?
Are you gonna get revenge? Are you—”
You hold up a hand. “Easy there! Too many questions for now. Look, we’re
almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “The short version is that I’m a monster
hunter.”
Luthais cocks his head. “A monster hunter?”
“Yes. The swamp is filled with monsters of all kinds—” Not a lie, per
se, given that western Istaran’s fauna is notorious for being plentiful
and vicious. You haven’t spent much time outside Rona’s borders, so you
don’t know exactly what kind of monsters are nearby.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“Fighting monsters is dangerous
business. I have a collection of protection charms that help me—that’s
why your spell failed.” That should explain your immunity.
Luthais isn’t interesting in your immunity anymore. “What kind of
monsters do you fight?” he asks. “Have you ever seen a cockatrice? A
hydra? What about a basilisk – oh, I guess you can’t really
<i>see</i> a basilisk, can you? At least, not directly, that
wouldn’t be good—”<<else>>“I spend more time fighting
monsters than I do people. Maybe that’s why you think I’m weird—”
“What kind of monsters do you fight?” Luthais asks. “Have you ever seen a
cockatrice? A hydra? What about a basilisk – oh, I guess you can’t
really <i>see</i> a basilisk, can you? At least, not
directly, that wouldn’t be good—”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “The short version is that I’m a monster
hunter.”
Luthais cocks his head. “A monster hunter?”
“Yes. The swamp is filled with monsters of all kinds—” Not a lie, per
se, West Istaran’s fauna is notorious for being plentiful and vicious.
You haven’t spent much time outside Rona’s borders, so you don’t know
exactly <i>what</i> kind of monsters are nearby.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“Fighting monsters is dangerous
business. I have a collection of protection charms that help me—that’s
why your spell failed.” That should explain your
immunity.<<else>>“I spend more time fighting monsters than I
do people. Maybe that’s why you think I’m weird—”<</if>>
Luthais cocks his head. “You don’t look like a monster hunter.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that—”
“You think you can fight a basilisk with only a sword?” Luthais
continues. “Or a hydra? Or a cockatrice?” He shakes his head. “You
haven’t been out in the swamp, have you?”
<i>Shit. </i>
“Doesn’t matter,” you say. “Look, we’re almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>“You
want the truth, huh?” you say. <<if $luthaisfire is
true>>“I’m a Wayfarer. That’s why your spell
failed.”<<else>>“I’m a Wayfarer.”<</if>>
Luthais blanches. “I heard all Wayfarers are evil.”
“Some can be,” you say. “But not because they’re Wayfarers. Because
they’re people, and some people do terrible things.”
“You kill mages.”
“Sometimes.”
“Are you going to kill me?”
You frown. “Of course not! Where did you get that idea?”
Luthais hangs his head. “I don’t know. Wayfarers aren’t… you aren’t
supposed to trust them. They don’t have magic.”
Something in your gut clenches. There was a time when your order was
highly regarded and respected, when your people were praised for their
unusual abilities. Wayfarers were sought out as a solution for problems
magic could not fix.
How quickly times change.
“Would I be having this conversation with you if I thought you were a
monster?”
Luthais shakes his head. “No.”
“I’m just a <<if $gender is "male">>man<<elseif
$gender is
"female">>woman<<else>>person<</if>>,
Luthais,” you say. “An ordinary <<if $ancestry is
"human">>human<<elseif $ancestry is
"dwarven">>dwarf<<elseif $ancestry is
"elven">>elf<<elseif $ancestry is
"melusine">>half-melusine<<else>>half-aeda<</if>>
who just happens to be immune to magic. That’s all.”
Luthais eyes you. “Is it true you have a fancy sword?”
You put a hand on your sword hilt. “I don’t know about
<i>fancy—”</i>
“Can I see it?”
You struggle to hold back a smile. “All right.”
You draw your sword. Even in the grey afternoon light, the watered blade
gleams a brilliant white. Alassar steel, the only metal known to bear
anti-magic properties. You remember asking <<if $master is
"Varyn">>Varyn<<elseif $master is
"Sero">>Sero<<else>>Cenric<</if>> why
Alassar steel shines so bright and how disappointed you were with
<<if $master is "Varyn">>her<<elseif $master is
"Sero">>their<<else>>his<</if>> response:
<<if $master is "Varyn">>she<<elseif $master is
"Sero">>they<<else>>he<</if>> didn’t know.
The secrets of Alassar steel were lost centuries ago.
Luthais can barely contain his glee. “Where did you get it?”
“My mentor gave it to me when I was inducted into the Order. There are
only a few weapons of this kind left in the world.”
Luthais’ eyes widen. He stares hungrily at the blade.
“Don’t even think about stealing it,” you say.
Luthais grins. “Is daydreaming allowed?”
You laugh and sheathe the blade. “No.”
Luthais shrugs. “Worth asking.”
“Come on,” you say. “We’re almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Luthais
looks at you eagerly, his keen eyes shining as he waits for a response.
“$firstname?”
“It’s a long story,” you say. “The short version is that I was once a
pirate.”
Luthais’ eyes widen.
<<if $luthaisfire is true>>“My crew and I sailed around the
Cobalt Sea, collecting ancient treasures and artefacts – that’s the
source of my protection, it’s why your spell failed.” A decent lie, you
think – it should explain your immunity to magic. “But my quartermaster
had other ideas. Jealous of my success, he convinced our crew that I
wasn’t a capable captain. They mutinied and left me to die on an island
not far away from Rona. I made a raft and escaped the island, and I’ve
been here ever since.”<<else>>“My crew and I sailed around
the Cobalt Sea, collecting ancient treasures and artefacts. But my
quartermaster had other ideas. Jealous of my success, he convinced our
crew that I wasn’t a capable captain. They mutinied and left me to die
on an island not far away from Rona. I made a raft and escaped the
island, and I’ve been here ever since.”<</if>>
Luthais’ eyes narrow. “Nice story. I don’t think it’s real.”
“Excuse me?”
“Have you ever met a pirate?” Luthais continues. “You probably have,
Rona’s full of them. They don’t sail around looking for buried treasure,
that’s all made-up crap for stories. There’s nothing special about
piracy, it’s the same as any robbery, just at sea—”
“Doesn’t matter,” you interrupt. “Look, we’re almost there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-11E-RAT ALLEY ARRIVAL
WITH LUTHAIS]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
take a sharp turn down an alley and find a tight gap between two
buildings. Reaching the gap, you press a hand against the wall and poke
your head into it. The gap is free of debris. You should be able to fit.
There is a misty light at the end, but you can’t see if anyone is
there.
“Right,” you say, pulling back. “Rat Alley is up ahead. Are you sure you
want to come with me?”
<<if $luthaiscloak is true>>Luthais nods. He mumbles
something from the depths of the cloak.
“What?”
He pulls the hood down, scrunching up his face as it is pelted by rain.
“Yeah! I already said so! Why d’you keep asking?”
“It could be dangerous.”
He rolls his eyes. “So?” he says, pushing past you and squeezing into
the gap and shuffling along.<<else>>Luthais nods.
“It could be dangerous.”
He rolls his eyes. “So?” he says, pushing past you and squeezing into
the gap and shuffling along.<</if>>
You groan and follow him. The walls press against your body as you
scrape against the rough-hewn surfaces. Ahead, Luthais pulls free from
the gap. You shuffle faster, trying to catch up.
The gap spills you out into a square sunk a level below the rest of the
walkways. The platforms here are rotten and soggy. Broken planks are
dotted throughout the square and water surges up from the swamp beneath.
A massive, moss-covered tree grows in the center, its low-hanging
branches creeping towards the buildings that surround it.
About half-a-dozen people are clustered around the tree. Muscular,
tattooed and dressed in nondescript clothes of varying states of
distress, they are heavily armed. Their leader, identified by the
vibrant green kerchief around his neck, is a short, gaunt man. He leans
against the tree, watching his underlings argue through narrowed eyes.
Luthais stops short. You catch up and put a hand on his shoulder.
<<if $kanetalk is true>>“Two Fingers Kane, I take it?” you
say.
Luthais nods. “Mhm.”
Kane pushes himself away from the tree and walks slowly across the
square. “Looks like we’ve got visitors,” he drawls.
A human woman with scraggly brown hair laughs and unsheathes her
cutlass.
Kane nods at Luthais. “Found our $person, I see. Good lad.”
Luthais looks at the ground. “Mhm.”
Kane withdraws a coin and flips it in the air. “Want it? It’s yours,
boy. You earned it.”
Luthais glances at you. He pauses, torn between you and Kane, then he
breaks away and bolts across the alley.
“I’m sorry!” he shouts. He dives forward and snatches the coin from
Kane. Without so much as a look back, he bolts across the square and
disappears into a gap between buildings.
“Tell Marea I said hi, yeah?” Kane shouts as he disappears.
You watch Luthais go and exhale a weary sigh. His actions aren’t
surprising, but you can’t help but feel a touch disappointed in him.
If that even is the right word.
Kane turns to you, flexing a hand. The grimy flesh is a torn and haggard
mess of scars. He is missing all but his index and middle fingers.
“Now,” he drawls. “To business.”
You rest your hand on your sword hilt and watch the band of thugs
warily. “If you’re going to masquerade as a businessman, Kane, you’d
ought to consider a better venue. More atmosphere, less swamp.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Kane sneers. “Pretty cocky for someone who’s
outnumbered.”
“Outnumbered, yes. Outmatched? No.”
The human woman leaps forward. “Watch your mouth—”
Kane grabs her shoulder and pushes her back. “Back in line, Meera. I’m
the one talking to the pretty little $insult.”<<else>>“These
are the people who hired you, I take it?” you say.
Luthais nods. “Mhm.”
The man with the green kerchief pushes himself away from the tree and
walks slowly across the square. Now that he’s out of the shadows, you
recognize him.
Two Fingers Kane. A petty mercenary with a motley gang, Two Fingers Kane
is notable for his reliance on brute force over magic and the distinct
lack of fingers on his right hand. Kane is a small-timer who you’ve
never considered much of a threat.
“Looks like we’ve got visitors,” he drawls.
A human woman with scraggly brown hair laughs and unsheathes her
cutlass.
Kane nods at Luthais. “Found our $person, I see. Good lad.”
Luthais looks at the ground. “Mhm.”
Kane withdraws a coin and flips it in the air. “Want it? It’s yours,
boy. You earned it.”
Luthais glances at you. “I’m sorry,” he mutters. “I just wanted the
money.” He dives forward and snatches the coin from Kane. Without so
much as a look back, he bolts across the square and disappears into a
gap between buildings.
“Tell Marea I said hi, yeah?” Kane shouts as he disappears.
You watch Luthais go and exhale a weary sigh. His actions aren’t
surprising, but you can’t help but feel a touch disappointed in him.
If that even is the right word.
Kane turns to you, flexing a hand. The grimy flesh is a torn and haggard
mess of scars. He is missing all but his index and middle fingers.
“Now,” he drawls. “To business.”
You rest your hand on your sword hilt and watch the band of thugs
warily. “If you’re going to masquerade as a businessman, Kane, you’d
ought to consider a better venue. More atmosphere, less swamp.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Kane sneers. “Pretty cocky for someone who’s
outnumbered.”
“Outnumbered, yes. Outmatched? No.”
The human woman leaps forward. “Watch your mouth—”
Kane grabs her shoulder and pushes her back. “Back in line, Meera. I’m
the one talking to the pretty little $insult.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-12 FIGHT
START]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Rat Alley">><<set $chapter1route
to "ratalley">>“Then talk.”
Kane and his thugs stare at you.
You shrug. “You spent all this effort to get me here – what do you
want?”
“You’re a right pain in the ass, $lastname,” Kane snarls.
“Hm, yes, thank you. I love a shining endorsement—”
Kane bristles. “Shut up.”
Behind him, Meera nods to Kane’s lackeys, silently giving orders. You
remain still, hand resting on your sword hilt, as you carefully watch
the thugs spread out across Rat Alley, circling you. Two men, one woman,
plus Kane and Meera—
Five.
<i>Not good. </i>
Despite your earlier bravado, Kane is right. You are desperately
outnumbered.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Stall for
time and look for an exit.|Chapter 1-1-13-STALL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>=18>>[[2. [STRENGTH] Strike Kane before he strikes
you.|Chapter 1-1-14-STRIKE PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [STRENGTH]
Strike Kane before he strikes you.|Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED]]<</if>></div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Stall for time
and look for an exit.|Chapter 1-1-13-STALL]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $strength
>=18>>[[2. Strike Kane before he strikes you.|Chapter
1-1-14-STRIKE PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Strike Kane before he
strikes you.|Chapter 1-1-15-STRIKE FAIL
INJURED]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>>“Are
you sure you want to go after someone employed by the Count?” you ask
as you scan the square, searching for an exit. You can’t go back the way
you came; Kane’s thugs block the way. “I wouldn’t upset him if I were
you.”
Kane snorts. “You think the Count can protect you? Even if you
escape—which I doubt you will—he’ll betray you in an instant.”
“Good thing I don’t trust the Count,” you continue. To reach the gap
Luthais disappeared through, you would have to run right by Kane. “Since
you’re so hellbent on killing me, you might as well tell me why. Call
it a favour for the condemned.”
Kane sneers. “You think you deserve that much, Wayfarer?”
Ah. So that’s the problem. Very original.
“Is that what this is?” you continue as you glance inconspicuously
upwards. “Some strange attempt at proving your worth by taking me out?”
The walls are slick with slime and muck. You doubt you would be able to
scale them. But the tree… The tree’s upper branches curve out across the
rooftops. If you climbed the tree, you could reach the top of the
buildings and escape over the rooftops. As far as you can tell, Kane’s
thugs have a preference for cutlasses and daggers over bows, but
climbing the tree without them pulling you down could prove to be
challenging.
Kane spits on the ground. “You deserve it, you worthless scum. And after
we take you out, we’ll take out the other one.”
You snort with laughter. What a threat.
“Yeah,” you say, smirking. “Good luck with that. I mean that sincerely,
of course. You’ll need it if you think the likes of you can even touch—”
“Enough talk!” Kane shouts. “Vries, take the bloody $insult out!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[1. [AGILITY] Bolt for the tree
and climb it.|Chapter 1-1-13-1-PASS-RAT ALLEY ON
FIRE]]<<else>>[[1. [AGILITY] Bolt for the tree and climb
it.|Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[1. Bolt for the tree and climb
it.|Chapter 1-1-13-1-PASS-RAT ALLEY ON FIRE]]<<else>>[[1.
Bolt for the tree and climb it.|Chapter
1-1-13-1-FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<strengthPass>>You
draw your sword and lunge at Kane.
He parries your blow. You follow up quickly, darting in and twisting
your blade. Kane shrieks in pain and drops his weapon. You kick it
sharply, sending it spinning across the square and into an
algae-infested pool.
Kane grips his wounded sword hand and sneers at you.
“Kane!” Meera shouts, running forward, cutlass in hand.
You grab Kane by the collar, dragging him back. You place your blade at
his throat.
Meera stops dead in her tracks.
“You filthy <<if $gender is "male">>son of a
bitch<<elseif $gender is
"female">>bitch<<else>>toe-rag<</if>>,”
Kane spits as he struggles against you.
“Listen, you craven bastard,” you hiss over the relentless fall of the
rain. “It’s an ugly day for everyone. I’m out here trying to get shit
done and you’re making my life a lot more difficult than it should be—”
“Vries! Corvin!” Kane chokes. “Take $himher out now!”
The dwarven woman, Vries, draws a throwing dagger.
You move backwards and drag Kane with you, stumbling across the rotting
planks as you put distance between yourself and Kane’s lackeys. Your
sword draws a thin line of blood against his neck.
“If you want your leader to live, I suggest you don’t!” you call.
Vries pauses. The others shadow her, restless, hands on their weapons.
“Vries!” Kane repeats, struggling against you. “Corvin—”
“Listen, Kane,” you interrupt. “I’m willing to let you live out the rest
of your miserable existence, but if you insist on coming after me, I
might as well slit your throat here and be done with it.”
Kane’s eyes bulge. “I work for the Lady, she’ll have your head if you
kill me—”
“Maybe.” You shrug. The Lady—or, rather, the Viridian Lady—is one of the
Seven. The Count’s self-styled rival. “But then you won’t have yours –
and that’s not a good look on you, now is it?”
Kane chokes. <i>“Vries—”</i>
You catch the glint of a throwing dagger as it flies towards you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-14-A TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<set
$kanedead to false>><<set $ratalleyfire to true>>You
dive forwards, swerving around Meera and Kane, and bolt for the tree.
Kane curses and spins, reaching out to grab you, but you’re too fast.
You reach the tree and dart around to the other side of the trunk.
Grabbing the lower branches, you pull yourself up. The branches are
slippery in the rain, but you manage to nestle yourself in the crook of
the tree to catch your breath.
<i>Thunk. </i>
A dagger sprouts in the tree trunk, a foot to your left.
“Missed!” you call and scramble further upwards.
“You’re a cheeky little shit, $lastname!” Kane yells.
“What?” you say, panting from your climb. “I thought you could use the
constructive criticism! It’s the only way to learn!”
You peer through the leaves and spot a scowling dwarven woman draw a
throwing dagger. She takes aim and releases it, but it flies low and
hits the trunk.
“Get back down here!” Kane shouts.
“And let you skin me alive?” The branches thin out the higher you climb.
You’re almost there. “No, thank you!”
“Ah, fuck,” Kane grunts. “We’re not losing $himher! Meera, smoke $himher
out!”
<i>Shit. </i>
You’re level with the tops of the buildings when a bright light flares
below. You feel the heat and smell the tang of magic an instant before
you’re engulfed in black smoke. Meera has set the tree on fire.
<i>Great.</i>
You’re not worried about the flames. You might get a bit hot, but fire
created from magic can’t hurt you. The smoke, on the other hand, is
another problem entirely.
You can’t see a thing.
<i>Shit shit shit shit shit—</i>
You cough and shuffle forwards, clinging to the branches.
“Up there!”
<i>Thunk. </i>
A throwing dagger hits the branch behind you.
“<<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe're<<else>>$HeShe’s<</if>>
escaping!” Kane hollers. “Cut the tree! Cut the tree!”
The smoke is clearing. The roof is in reach.
You leap.
As you crash and roll onto the roof, you feel a shockwave rush over Rat
Alley. You watch as the burning tree topples and crashes into the
ground, cut in half by magic. Kane and his thugs are pushed into the far
corner, trapped by burning branches. Kane gestures wildly as he yells
himself hoarse.
“You idiots, you <i>idiots—”</i>
“What the hell is going on here?”
You turn at the familiar voice. A tall elven man in a brown cloak stands
next to you. His hood is down, and the rain has plastered his tousled
sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left
eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow strapped to his back and a
quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His tunic has had its sleeves
removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper
left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
“Your talent of making a mess never fails to amaze,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I had things under control!”|Chapter
1-1-13-2-A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I know. It’s a talent I’ve worked
very hard to perfect.”|Chapter 1-1-13-2-B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Don’t start, I’m not in the
mood.”|Chapter 1-1-13-2-C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $actionpoints -= 2>><<set
$agilityfail +=1>><<set $injuries += 1>>You dive
forwards, swerving around Meera and Kane, and bolt for the tree. Kane
curses and spins, reaching out to grab you, but you’re too fast. You
reach the tree and dart around to the other side of the trunk. Grabbing
the lower branches, you pull yourself up. The branches are slippery in
the rain. You’re halfway up when you lose your grip and fall.
You hit the ground hard and your breath is knocked from your lungs. You
struggle to your feet, pushing yourself backwards as Kane appears before
you, blade in hand. He lunges, striking at you.
You leap backwards, but you’re not fast enough – his blade slices your
shoulder.
Pain flares from the wound. Kane follows up with a vicious kick to your
leg and you stumble forward, crashing back onto the ground. You lie
face-first on the rotting planks. Everything smells like swamp and
unwashed body odor.
A foot kicks your side. You grunt in pain.
“Maybe you’re not so smart after all,” Kane sneers. “Taran, take $hisher
sword. The Lady will get what she wants, and I don’t want it getting
messy.”
Just your luck – now you know who Kane works for. The Lady—or, rather,
the Viridian Lady—is one of the Seven. And the Count’s self-styled
rival.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-17]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Mhm.
Sure you did.”
You sigh. “What are you doing here? I thought you were at the Docks—”
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.”
“Like usual?”
Aeran raises his hands in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me. Traditionally
you’re the troublemaker, not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
Aeran glances at the burning square below. “Good idea.”
You clamber over the roof and away from Rat Alley.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-19-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
grins. “I’m glad Kane didn’t smoke out your sense of humour.”
“What are you doing here?” you ask. “I thought you were at the Docks—”
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.”
“Like usual?”
Aeran raises his hands in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me. Traditionally
you’re the troublemaker, not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
Aeran glances at the burning square below. “Good idea.”
You clamber over the roof and away from Rat Alley.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-19-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
shrugs. “Fine. Let’s get out of here.”
You glance at the burning square below. “Yeah.”
Together, you and Aeran clamber over the roof and away from Rat Alley.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-19-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<strengthFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $actionpoints -= 2>><<set
$injuries += 1>>You draw your sword and lunge at Kane.
He sidesteps your blow and his blade slices your shoulder. Momentarily
bewildered by the pain, you turn and Kane kicks you viciously in the
leg. You stumble forwards and crash to the ground. Kane gives you
another swift kick and you crumple, lying face first on the rotting
planks. Everything smells like a foul mix of swamp water and unwashed
body odor.
<i>Shit. </i>
A foot kicks your side. You grunt in pain.
“Maybe you’re not so smart after all,” Kane sneers. “Taran, take $hisher
sword. The Lady will get what she wants and I don’t want it getting
messy.”
Just your luck – now you know who Kane works for. The Lady—or, rather,
the Viridian Lady—is one of the Seven. And the Count’s self-styled
rival.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-17]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Get out of the
way, but let Kane go.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-1-MOVE AWAY]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $agility
>=18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the
hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the hit.|Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[2. Cut Kane’s throat, but risk
taking the hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the
hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. Get out of the
way, but let Kane go.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-1-MOVE AWAY]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if
settings.action>><<if random(1,20) + $agility
>=18>>[[2. [AGILITY] Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the
hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE PASS]]<<else>>[[2.
[AGILITY] Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the hit.|Chapter
1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><<else>><<if
random(1,20) + $agility >=18>>[[2. Cut Kane’s throat, but risk
taking the hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Cut Kane’s throat, but risk taking the
hit.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-CUT KANE
FAIL-INJURED]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter
1-1-14-A-3-ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>You
thrust the palms of your hands into Kane’s back and push him away. He
yelps in surprise, stumbling forwards as you sidestep out of the way.
Vries’ dagger clips his shoulder as it passes, plummeting to the ground
where it lands, point-first, in the muddy boards.
Kane rounds on you. He runs a palm across his neck, smearing blood
across his hand. “That’s the best you can do, huh?” he says, his lip
curling. “Somehow I expected more from a Wayfarer. Maybe that’s why your
order is failing—”
“I could have killed you just now,” you interrupt. “Better not test me,
Kane. I might not be so generous next time.”
Behind Kane, Vries draws another dagger. She runs a thumb along the
hilt, waiting for the right time to strike.
Kane chortles. “So much bravado—”
You sigh. “Really starting to regret not killing you,” you mutter.
“—and yet we’re the ones who’ve got you backed into a corner.”
You cast an eye around the alley, noting the positions of Kane and his
lackeys. You feel like you’ve circled back to square one, albeit with a
slightly more pissed-off Kane.
Pissed off is good. Pissed off works in your favour. People make
mistakes when they’re angry. Leave themselves open, let their actions
become uncontrolled. $master always said the two enemies of the
battlefield were fear and anger. You were trained to control both.
The level-headed part of you says there is a way out of this mess. If
you continue to egg Kane on, goad him into a mistake, you may be able to
render him vulnerable. Or you could try to reason with them. Kane is
injured; he’s reeling from his near-death at your hands. Maybe you can
use that to your advantage and convince them to leave you alone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Goad
Kane.|Chapter 1-1-14-2A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Persuade Kane to leave for
good.|Chapter 1-1-14-2B-PASS]]<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION]
Persuade Kane to leave for good.|Chapter
1-1-14-2B-FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Goad Kane.|Chapter 1-1-14-2A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[2. Persuade Kane to leave for good.|Chapter
1-1-14-2B-PASS]]<<else>>[[2. Persuade Kane to leave for
good.|Chapter
1-1-14-2B-FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<agilityPass>><<set
$agilitysuccess +=1>><<set $kanedead to true>>You
spin to the side and slash your blade across Kane’s throat. Blood
splatters his tunic and he collapses forward, his body hitting the
ground with a dull thud.
Meera screams.
A throwing dagger flies past, narrowly missing you. You glance at Vries.
She stares at Kane’s dead body, a second dagger limp in her hand,
stunned horror spreading across her face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “You
missed.”|Chapter 1-1-15-A-PERSUASION FAIL AND OTHERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Had enough?”|Chapter
1-1-15-A-PERSUASION FAIL AND OTHERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “That’s enough. Put down your weapons
and get out of here.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-PERSUASION
PASS]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUASION] “That’s enough. Put down
your weapons and get out of here.”|Chapter 1-1-15-A-PERSUASION FAIL AND
OTHERS][$persuadefail to
true]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You missed.”|Chapter 1-1-15-A-PERSUASION
FAIL AND OTHERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Had enough?”|Chapter
1-1-15-A-PERSUASION FAIL AND OTHERS]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[3. “That’s enough. Put down your weapons and get out of
here.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-PERSUASION PASS]]<<else>>[[3.
“That’s enough. Put down your weapons and get out of here.”|Chapter
1-1-15-A-PERSUASION FAIL AND OTHERS][$persuadefail to
true]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><<set $health to
"injured">><<set $actionpoints -= 2>><<set
$daggerwound to true>><<set $injuries +=
1>><<set $aerankane to true>><<set $lackeysdead
to true>>Kane pulls himself free from your grasp. The throwing
dagger strikes you in the shoulder. You grunt, pressing a hand to the
wound, and stare across the square at Vries. She observes you coldly,
raises her chin and spits on the ground.
Your shoulder throbs, blood pooling beneath your fingers.
<i>Shit.</i>
Kane rounds on you, sneering through his laughter. “I suppose there’s
only one question now,” he says. “Do we kill $himher or drag $himher
back to the villa or do we have a little fun?”
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Kane’s chest. He pitches forward and lands
face-first in a pool of swamp water.
Corvin lunges at you. “The hell—?”
“The roof!” Meera shouts. “Look to the roof—”
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow pierces Meera’s throat.
You spin, your body tensing as you look upwards. There is a figure on
the roof, a figure in a familiar brown cloak and a bow in hand. They
nock another arrow and draw.
“Vries, Taran, get out of here!” Corvin shouts. “Get out—”
Vries has already bolted for the nearest passageway. She squeezes
through the gap and disappears into the dark. Corvin and the other man
follow her. They almost reach the passageway when arrows strike them in
the back. They crumple to the ground.
“Good riddance,” a voice above you says.
You look up. The figure crouches on a nearby roof and slings his bow
onto his back. He lowers his hood and you immediately recognize the
elven face beneath. The rain has plastered his tousled sandy-brown hair
to his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left eye, cutting down his
cheek. His tunic has had its sleeves removed, showing arms corded with
muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper left arm—three thin, black lines,
dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
“Nice shot,” you say.
“Thanks.” Aeran gets to his feet. “Always easier when you have the high
ground.”
“Lucky you.”
“Give me a moment, I’ll find a way down.”
You nod. Aeran slings his bow across his back and circles the rooftops,
searching for a wall with decent footholds. Finding none, he weaves his
way to the tree and climbs down through the branches. Dropping into the
square, he notes the dead bodies as he makes his way across to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-A--SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<agilityFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Status:
Injured<</notify>><</timed>><<set $health
to "injured">><<set $actionpoints -= 2>><<set
$daggerwound to true>><<set $agilityfail
+=1>><<set $injuries += 1>><<set $kanedead to
true>>You spin to the side, slashing your blade across Kane’s
throat as you move. Blood splatters his tunic and he collapses forward,
his body hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Meera screams.
The throwing dagger strikes you in the shoulder. You grunt, pressing a
hand to the wound, and stare across the square at Vries. She observes
you coldly, raises her chin and spits on the ground.
Your shoulder throbs, blood pooling beneath your fingers.
<i>Shit.</i>
Vries sneers and draws another throwing dagger. “We’ve got you now,
$insult. You’ll pay for killing Kane.”
Ignoring the pain in your shoulder, you step back and ground yourself as
best you can on the slippery planks. You keep a careful eye on Vries,
waiting for her throw. You won’t let her hit you, not again—
Vries lets out a surprised yelp as Meera pushes past her, launching
herself towards you. She slams her hand forward, magic cracking out
across Rat Alley. You feel a powerful force rush over you, but it has no
effect. The spell smashes into the wall behind you, littering the
ground with broken chips of stone and mortar.
Meera drops to her knees, winded. “It… didn’t work,” she murmurs,
staring at her hands. “Why didn’t it work…?”
“Kane wasn’t lying,” Vries hisses, pulling the stunned Meera back. “You
can’t use magic on a Wayfarer.”
“We’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way,” Corvin grunts, drawing a
cutlass. “What do you think, Taran?”
The large, beefy man next him guffaws.
“Or you could walk away,” you point out. “It’s the healthier option, I
imagine—”
“You killed Kane,” Vries snaps, pushing wet hair out of her eyes. The
rain hasn’t let up. “We can’t let that go.”
Kane’s lackeys lunge at you. You back away, sword raised, jaw clenched.
Four against one is terrible odds, no matter how you look at it—
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Meera’s chest. She stumbles and drops her weapon,
falling face-first into a pool of water. She does not move.
“Meera—!”
Corvin’s coarse yell is cut off as an arrow pierces his throat.
Seeing their fallen comrades, Vries and Taran panic and run for an exit.
Another arrow strikes Taran and he falls. Vries slams into a wall and
pushes herself to the narrow gap between buildings. An arrow strikes her
in the back. She cries out and disappears into the dark—you aren’t sure
whether she’s dead or merely injured.
You raise your head and search the rooftops.
“Who’s there?” you shout hoarsely.
A tall man in a brown cloak appears, bow in hand and a quiver at his
side. He lowers his hood and you recognize a familiar elven face. The
rain has plastered his tousled sandy-brown hair to his forehead. A thin
scar runs through his left eye, cutting down his cheek. His tunic has
had its sleeves removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo
wraps his upper left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his
tanned skin.
Aeran.
“Thanks for the assist,” you call.
“Glad you’re safe,” he replies. “Give me a moment, I’ll find a way
down.”
You nod. Aeran slings his bow across his back and circles the rooftops,
searching for a wall with decent footholds. Finding none, he weaves his
way to the tree and climbs down through the branches. Dropping into the
square, he notes the dead bodies as he makes his way across to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-A--SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$persuadefail is
true>><<persuasionFail>><</if>>“Not on
your life,” Vries replies coldly, snapping out of her shock. She raises a
second dagger and throws it.
You dive to the side, dodging the dagger. Vries hisses with fury. She
draws a sword and launches herself across the square at you. You step
backwards, grounding yourself as best you can on the slippery planks.
You look around quickly, trying to spot the others. You’ve been so
focused on Vries you’ve forgotten about them—
A large, beefy man barrels into Vries and slams her to the ground.
“Taran!” she shrieks.
Meera launches herself over both of them and slams her hand forward. Her
magic cracks through Rat Alley. You feel a powerful force rush over
you, but it has no effect. The spell smashes into the wall behind you,
littering the ground with broken chips of stone and mortar.
Meera drops to her knees, winded. “It… didn’t work,” she murmurs,
staring at her hands. “Why didn’t it work…?”
“Kane wasn’t lying,” Vries says, getting to her feet and pulling the
stunned Meera back. “You can’t use magic on a Wayfarer.”
“Looks like we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way,” Corvin grunts,
drawing a cutlass.
“Or you could walk away,” you point out. “It’s the healthier option, I
imagine.”
Vries pushes wet hair out of her eyes. The rain hasn’t let up. “You
killed Kane,” she sneers. “We can’t let that go.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-15-A-2]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“Yeah,”
Vries says coldly, raising a second dagger. “And the next one won’t—”
“Vries.” Meera grabs her wrist and pulls her back. “Don’t.”
Vries rips herself free from Meera. “You can’t—”
“Kane’s dead,” you call. “Leave this be. Don’t make things worse.”
Vries glares at you, her upper lip curling. “Corvin? Taran?”
“I’m with Meera,” a large beefy man—you assume this is Taran—grunts.
“Let’s go,” Corvin says.
Vries nods and slowly sheathes her dagger. You watch as Kane’s lackeys
silently make their way across Rat Alley and slip into the narrow
passage you took to get here. Vries pauses at the entryway, letting her
comrades go before her, and glances back at you.
“This isn’t over, Wayfarer,” she says. “The Lady won’t be pleased. Mark
my words.”
“Consider them marked,” you reply.
Vries nods and disappears into the dark passageway.
You sigh. The worst part of this is that you know she’s right. This
isn’t the end of this.
Exhausted, you cross Rat Alley and lean against the tree. You need a
moment to catch your breath. You fold your arms and watch the rain come
down. There is little sign it will let up any time soon.
“What the hell happened here?”
You raise your head at the familiar voice. A tall elven man in a brown
cloak picks his way across the square. His hood is down, and the rain
has plastered his tousled sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin
scar runs through his left eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow
strapped to his back and a quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His
tunic has had its sleeves removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a
tattoo wraps his upper left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against
his tanned skin.
Aeran.
His eyes sweep over Kane’s dead body. “Your talent of making a mess
never fails to amaze me,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I had things under control!”|Chapter
1-1-15-B-1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I know. It’s a talent I’ve worked
very hard to perfect.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Don’t start, I’m not in the
mood.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>Kane’s
lackeys lunge at you. You back away, sword raised, jaw clenched. Four
against one is terrible odds, no matter how you look at it—
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Meera’s chest. She stumbles and drops her weapon,
falling face-first into a pool of water. She does not move.
“Meera—!”
Corvin’s coarse yell is cut off as an arrow pierces his throat.
Seeing their fallen comrades, Vries and Taran panic and run for an exit.
Another arrow strikes Taran and he falls. Vries slams into a wall and
pushes herself to the narrow gap between buildings. An arrow strikes her
in the back. She cries out and disappears into the dark—you aren’t sure
whether she’s dead or merely injured.
You raise your head and search the rooftops.
“Who’s there?” you shout hoarsely.
A tall man in a brown cloak appears, bow in hand and a quiver at his
side. He lowers his hood and you recognize a familiar elven face. The
rain has plastered his tousled sandy-brown hair to his forehead. A thin
scar runs through his left eye, cutting down his cheek. His tunic has
had its sleeves removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo
wraps his upper left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his
tanned skin.
Aeran.
“Thanks for the assist,” you call.
“Glad you’re safe,” he replies. “Give me a moment, I’ll find a way
down.”
You nod. Aeran slings his bow across his back and circles the rooftops,
searching for a wall with decent footholds. Finding none, he weaves his
way to the tree and climbs down through the branches. Dropping into the
square, he notes the dead bodies as he makes his way across to you.
“Ambush?” he asks.
“Kind of. I was expecting a fight, but things didn’t go exactly the way I
thought.”
“What are you doing here?” you ask. “I thought you were at the Docks—”
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show, and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.” He crosses the square
and collects his arrows, pulling them free from the dead bodies. You
catch a shimmer of Alassar steel. Most of his arrows are made with
regular arrowheads; you’re surprised he used these on Kane’s lackeys.
“Like usual?” you ask.
Clutching his arrows in one hand, he pulls out a cloth and wipes the
arrowheads free of blood before returning them to his quiver. “Hey,
don’t look at me,” he replies. “Traditionally you’re the trouble-maker,
not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
Aeran glances at the dead bodies. “Good idea.”
You cross the square. Squeezing through a dark passageway, you leave Rat
Alley behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-20-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$altroute is true>>Aeran chuckles. “Glad you’re all right,
$firstname.”
“Can I ask what the hell you’re doing here? I thought you were at the
Docks—”<<else>>“Mhm. Sure you did.”
You sigh. “What are you doing here? I thought you were at the
Docks—”<</if>>
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show, and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.”
“Like usual?”
Aeran raises his hands in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me. Traditionally
you’re the troublemaker, not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
He nods. “Good idea.”
You cross the square and squeeze through a gap between buildings,
leaving Rat Alley behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-20-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$altroute is true>>He nods gravely. “Anything I should be aware
of?”
You shrug. “Not really. And anyway, what the hell are you doing here? I
thought you were at the Docks.”<<else>>Aeran grins. “I’m
glad they didn’t kill your sense of humour.”
“What are you doing here?” you ask. “I thought you were at the
Docks—”<</if>>
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show, and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.”
“Like usual?”
Aeran raises his hands in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me. Traditionally
you’re the troublemaker, not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
He nods. “Good idea.”
You cross the square and squeeze through a gap between buildings,
leaving Rat Alley behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-20-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
shrugs. “Fine. Let’s get out of here.”
“Yeah.”
You cross the square and squeeze through a gap between buildings,
leaving Rat Alley behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-20-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
Kellis.
You’ve known each other for years, a lifetime, really. You entered the
Spire at around the same age and trained together as youths. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Taught together by Brissa Varyn, you were
nearly inseparable.<<else>>Though you had different masters,
nothing could stop you from spending as much of your time together as
possible. You were very nearly inseparable.<</if>> You
remember the days you spent exploring, testing boundaries, and generally
running amok. A volley of inadvertent scrapes, bruises and close calls
befell you in those days, but you could always rely on each other to get
one another back on your feet.
After your inauguration, you went your separate ways. You and Aeran
crossed paths every so often—sometimes when you returned to the Spire to
report to Grandmaster Sero, other times when you encountered each other
abroad and teamed up to work a contract or two. Regardless, you always
parted ways at the end.
All of that changed five years ago.
You were halfway across the continent when it happened. You had received
word from Grandmaster Sero, summoning all Wayfarers to an unprecedented
summit at the Spire. Caught in the midst of the Vestran Civil War, you
received your letter with barely enough time to make it out of the
country. By the time you reached the border, it was too late.
The Spire had fallen in a single night.
The summit was attacked, the gathered Wayfarers slain, and the citadel
reduced to a scorched and blackened ruin. Militia from nearby Trost,
fueled by Arathian propaganda and their own fears and suspicions,
instigated the assault. Their rampage brought the Wayfarer Order to its
knees, decimating its sole remaining anchor.
Without the Spire, the Order was cast adrift—a handful of warriors with
nowhere to go and no one to answer to. Communication between survivors
unreliable at best and impossible at worst. It was sheer luck that
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa Varyn’s<</if>> letter
reached you, informing you of the Spire’s fall and warning you not to
return. She suspected someone in the Arathian Empire may have pulled the
militia’s strings, and travelled to the imperial capital to
investigate. You have not heard from her since.
The first year was the hardest. You were alone, scraping and clawing
away at a living, following rumour after rumour of Wayfarers on the
road. All ended in dead ends and false reports. By the end of the
second, you had all but given up hope of finding another survivor. By
the third and with no further word from Varyn, you accepted you were
alone and gave up your search. You fashioned yourself as a mercenary and
travelled the continent, never staying in the same place for long.
Rural villages and towns would still pitch in for your services if you
happened to pass by, but many major cities rejected you outright.
It was by chance that you encountered Aeran in Karth, a tiny, dusty
village on the road from Osian to the coast. Chance that you stopped to
deal with a sandwraith wreaking havoc on the local area. And chance that
Aeran was tracking the same one.
You’ve travelled together ever since.
In the past two years, you and Aeran have trekked across Rhesainia,
going wherever the work has taken you. You have watched each other’s
backs, keeping each other alive through thick and thin, bonded together
by your shared history and your shared loss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your friendship has waned over the past few
years, as friendships sometimes do. You’re not sure what has changed,
but you know something has.|Chapter 1-1-16-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus
to 1, $aeranapp +=40, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You are good friends. Though you
share much of your life and you trust him, you know the day will come
when you no longer travel together.|Chapter 1-1-16-AERAN
INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=60, $aerancodex to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Your friendship is as natural as
breathing. At this point, you trust Aeran more than you trust
yourself.|Chapter 1-1-16-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp
+=80, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You are friends and you are
partners. You can’t imagine this life without him at your side. Though
nothing romantic has happened between you, you can’t help but
wonder…|Chapter 1-1-16-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=80,
$aeranrom += 10, $aerancodex to true, $aeranromance to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Companion Unlocked: Aeran
Kellis<</notify>><<if $kanedead is
true>>“Ambush?” he asks, jostling you out of your thoughts. He
gestures at Kane’s body.<<elseif $lackeysdead is
true>>“Ambush?” he asks, glancing at the bodies.
<<else>>“Ambush?” Aeran asks, jostling you out of your
thoughts.<</if>>
You shake yourself. “Kind of. I was expecting a fight, but things didn’t
go exactly the way I thought… What are you doing here?” you add. “I
thought you were at the Docks—”
“I was,” he interrupts. “And then you didn’t show, and I had a feeling
you’d gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.”
“Like usual?”
Aeran raises his hands in defense. “Hey, don’t look at me. Traditionally
you’re the troublemaker, not me.”
<<if $daggerwound is true>>You press a hand to your shoulder
and grimace. Vries’ lucky hit. It stings like hell. Your palm comes
away sticky with blood.<<else>>You press a hand to your
shoulder and grimace. In the heat of the fight, you’d almost forgotten
about your wound. Kane’s lucky hit. It stings like hell. Your palm comes
away sticky with blood.<</if>>
“Sure.”
He glances at you. “Want me to look at that?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
$gearInv.has('Medical kit')>><div class="choice-item">[[1.
“I can do it myself.”|Chapter 1-1-16A-KIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “No. I’ll just suffer,
thanks.”|Chapter 1-1-16B-KIT]]</div>
<<else>><div class="choice-item">[[1. “Yeah. I’d do it
myself, but I don’t have the right supplies.”|Chapter 1-1-16C-NO
KIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Let me borrow your kit, I’ll do it
myself.”|Chapter 1-1-16D-NO KIT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “No. I’ll just suffer,
thanks.”|Chapter 1-1-16E-NO
KIT]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Healing<</notify>><<set $health to
"healing">>Aeran nods. “All right. Looks nasty – let me know if
you want help.”
You roll your eyes. “Not the first shoulder wound, probably not the
last.”
You settle into the driest corner of the square and retrieve your
medical kit. Opening it, you paw through the bandages and salves and
pull out what you need. You pop the cork on a small bottle containing a
clear, alcoholic solution and pour a small amount on your hands.
<<if $daggerwound is true>>When you’re ready, you pull the
throwing dagger from your shoulder and set about cleaning your
wound.<<else>>When you’re ready, you set about cleaning your
wound.<</if>>
It’s an ugly injury, but not as deep as you feared. At least you have
some luck on your side.
“Where are we for leads?” you ask as you apply a salve to your shoulder.
“Anything at the Docks?”
<<if $lackeysdead is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, pulling arrows
from the bodies. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.
Do you know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<<elseif
$aerankane is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be generous,”
Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his arrows.
“Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.” He wrenches an
arrow free from Kane’s body and frowns. “Do you know who they were? Why
they attacked you?”<<else>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his
arrows. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time. Do you
know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<</if>>
“They worked for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. You finish cleaning your
wound and begin wrapping a bandage around your shoulder. It’s awkward,
but you’re practiced enough. “Though Kane wasn’t too thrilled about
Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either this was your
typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?”
“I was going to say lazy.” Clutching his arrows in one hand, Aeran pulls
out a cloth and wipes the arrowheads free of blood. You catch a shimmer
of Alassar steel. Most of his arrows are made with regular arrowheads;
you’re surprised he used these here. “It’s too obvious, isn’t it?
Pitting her mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest, pulling the bandage
tight. “Maybe it’s a warning. She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye
for magical antiquities, and she was in attendance at the gala. We’d be
fools not to investigate her.”
Aeran sighs. “That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads?”
“I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove,” he says.
“That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran pulls his cloak tighter around himself. “How are you
feeling?”
You cautiously move your shoulder. A dull pain flares – it will take
time to heal, but it’s nothing you can’t work through. “Fine.”
“Good.” Aeran eyes you as you pack your kit away. “Promise me one
thing—”
“What?”
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
You smile.
“Can’t make any promises.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Healing<</notify>><<set $health to
"healing">>Aeran sighs. “$firstname.”
“What?”
He frowns. “Don’t.”
You settle into the driest corner of the square and retrieve your
medical kit. Opening it, you paw through the bandages and salves and
pull out what you need. You pop the cork on a small bottle containing a
clear, alcoholic solution and pour a small amount on your hands.
<<if $daggerwound is true>>When you’re ready, you pull the
throwing dagger from your shoulder and set about cleaning your
wound.<<else>>When you’re ready, you set about cleaning your
wound.<</if>>
It’s an ugly injury, but not as deep as you feared. At least you have
some luck on your side.
“Where are we for leads?” you ask as you apply a salve to your shoulder.
“Anything at the Docks?”
<<if $lackeysdead is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, pulling arrows
from the bodies. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.
Do you know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<<elseif
$aerankane is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be generous,”
Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his arrows.
“Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.” He wrenches an
arrow free from Kane’s body and frowns. “Do you know who they were? Why
they attacked you?”<<else>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his
arrows. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time. Do you
know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<</if>>
“They worked for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. You finish cleaning your
wound and begin wrapping a bandage around your shoulder. It’s awkward,
but you’re practiced enough. “Though, Kane wasn’t too thrilled about
Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either this was your
typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?”
“I was going to say lazy.” Clutching his arrows in one hand, Aeran pulls
out a cloth and wipes the arrowheads free of blood. You catch a shimmer
of Alassar steel. Most of his arrows are made with regular arrowheads;
you’re surprised he used these here. “It’s too obvious, isn’t it?
Pitting her mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest, pulling the bandage
tight. “Maybe it’s a warning. She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye
for magical antiquities, and she was in attendance at the gala. We’d be
fools not to investigate her.”
Aeran sighs. “That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads?”
“I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove,” he says.
“That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran pulls his cloak tighter around himself. “How are you
feeling?”
You cautiously move your shoulder. A dull pain flares – it will take
time to heal, but it’s nothing you can’t work through. “Fine.”
“Good.” Aeran eyes you as you pack your kit away. “Promise me one
thing—”
“What?”
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
You smile.
“Can’t make any promises.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Healing<</notify>><<set $health to
"healing">>“Why? What happened?”
As you settle in the driest corner of the square, you aren’t sure if you
want to admit you were robbed by a thirteen-year-old. But then again,
Aeran will find out one way or another. You might as well tell him.
“Street urchin,” you say. “Should have been paying better attention, but
I wasn’t, so…” You shrug and wince at the pain of moving your shoulder.
Aeran frowns. “Hold still, you’re making it worse—”
“I know, I can tell, I’m the one with the shoulder wound—”
He sighs wearily and retrieves his own medical kit. He paws through it
and pulls out bandages and salves. He pops the cork on a small bottle
containing a clear, alcoholic solution and pours a small amount on his
hands. <<if $daggerwound is true>>When you’re ready, he
pulls the throwing dagger from your shoulder and sets about cleaning
your wound.<<else>>When you’re ready, he sets about cleaning
your wound.<</if>>
It’s an ugly injury, but not as deep as you feared. At least you have
some luck on your side.
“Where are we for leads?” you ask as he applies a salve to your
shoulder. “Anything at the Docks?”
“Only hints, if you want to be generous,” Aeran replies. “Nothing more
than what we already knew. Waste of time.” He pauses. “Do you know who
they were? Why they attacked you?”
“They worked for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. “Though, Kane wasn’t too
thrilled about Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either
this was your typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them
up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head and begins bandaging your shoulder. “That doesn’t
seem like her. Too…” He pauses, searching for the right word.
“Boorish?”
“I was going to say lazy. It’s too obvious, isn’t it? Pitting her mercs
against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest. “Maybe it’s a warning.
She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye for magical antiquities, and she
was in attendance at the gala. We’d be fools not to investigate her.”
Aeran sighs and pulls the bandage tight. “That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads?”
“I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove,” he says.
“That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran draws away and gestures at your shoulder. “How are you
feeling?”
You cautiously move your shoulder. A dull pain flares – it will take
time to heal, but it’s nothing you can’t work through. “Fine.”
“Good.” He packs his kit away. “Promise me one thing—”
“What?”
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
You smile.
“Can’t make any promises.”
Aeran chuckles. You wait as he rounds up his arrows, pulling them free
from the bodies. You catch a flash of Alassar steel as he wipes the
arrowheads clean and returns the arrows to his quiver. You’re surprised
he used these here; in most circumstances, normal arrowheads are enough.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Healing<</notify>><<set $health to
"healing">>“Why? What happened?”
As you settle in the driest corner of the square, you aren’t sure if you
want to admit you were robbed by a thirteen-year-old. But then again,
Aeran will find out one way or another. You might as well tell him.
“Street urchin,” you say. “Should have been paying better attention, but
I wasn’t, so…” You shrug and wince at the pain of moving your shoulder.
Aeran frowns. “Hold still, you’re making it worse—”
“I know, I can tell, I’m the one with the shoulder wound—”
He sighs wearily and retrieves his own medical kit. He passes it to you.
“Do what you need to do.”
Opening it, you paw through the bandages and salves and pull out what
you need. You pop the cork on a small bottle containing a clear,
alcoholic solution and pour a small amount on your hands. <<if
$daggerwound is true>>When you’re ready, you pull the throwing
dagger from your shoulder and set about cleaning your wound.
<<else>>When you’re ready, you set about cleaning your
wound.<</if>>
It’s an ugly injury, but not as deep as you feared. At least you have
some luck on your side.
“Where are we for leads?” you ask as you apply a salve to your shoulder.
“Anything at the Docks?”
<<if $lackeysdead is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, pulling arrows
from the bodies. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.
Do you know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<<elseif
$aerankane is true>>“Only hints, if you want to be generous,”
Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his arrows.
“Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time.” He wrenches an
arrow free from Kane’s body and frowns. “Do you know who they were? Why
they attacked you?”<<else>>“Only hints, if you want to be
generous,” Aeran replies. He strides across the square, collecting his
arrows. “Nothing more than what we already knew. Waste of time. Do you
know who they were? Why they attacked you?”<</if>>
“They worked for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. You finish cleaning your
wound and begin wrapping a bandage around your shoulder. It’s awkward,
but you’re practiced enough. “Though Kane wasn’t too thrilled about
Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either this was your
typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?”
“I was going to say lazy.” Clutching his arrows in one hand, Aeran pulls
out a cloth and wipes the arrowheads free of blood. You catch a shimmer
of Alassar steel. Most of his arrows are made with regular arrowheads;
you’re surprised he used these here. “It’s too obvious, isn’t it?
Pitting her mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest, pulling the bandage
tight. “Maybe it’s a warning. She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye
for magical antiquities, and she was in attendance at the gala. We’d be
fools not to investigate her.”
Aeran sighs. “That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads?”
“I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove,” he says.
“That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran pulls his cloak tighter around himself. “How are you
feeling?”
You cautiously move your shoulder. A dull pain flares – it will take
time to heal, but it’s nothing you can’t work through. “Fine.”
“Good.” Aeran eyes you as you pack up. “Promise me one thing—”
“What?”
He catches your wrist as you hand him his kit. His eyes meet yours.
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
You smile.
“Can’t make any promises.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify>>Status:
Healing<</notify>><<set $health to
"healing">>Aeran sighs. “$firstname.”
“What?”
He frowns. “Don’t. Come on, I’ll clean you up.”
You settle into the driest corner of the square. Aeran pauses, expecting
you to hand him your medical kit. You shake your head.
“Where’s your—”
“I got robbed by a kid, you can make fun of me later.” You move your
shoulder and wince, pain flaring around the wound.
“Hold still, you’re making it worse—”
“I know, I can tell, I’m the one with the shoulder wound—”
He sighs wearily and retrieves his own medical kit. He paws through it
and pulls out bandages and salves. He pops the cork on a small bottle
containing a clear, alcoholic solution and pours a small amount on his
hands. When you’re ready, he pulls the throwing dagger from your
shoulder and sets about cleaning your wound.
It’s an ugly injury, but not as deep as you feared. At least you have
some luck on your side
“Where are we for leads?” you ask as he applies a salve to your
shoulder. “Anything at the Docks?”
“Only hints, if you want to be generous,” Aeran replies. “Nothing more
than what we already knew. Waste of time.” He pauses. “Do you know who
they were? Why they attacked you?”
“They worked for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. “Though Kane wasn’t too
thrilled about Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either
this was your typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them
up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head and begins bandaging your shoulder. “That doesn’t
seem like her. Too…” He pauses, searching for the right word.
“Boorish?”
“I was going to say lazy. It’s too obvious, isn’t it? Pitting her mercs
against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest. “Maybe it’s a warning.
She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye for magical antiquities, and she
was in attendance at the gala. We’d be fools not to investigate her.”
Aeran sighs and pulls the bandage tight. “That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads?”
“I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove,” he says.
“That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran draws away and gestures at your shoulder. “How are you
feeling?”
You cautiously move your shoulder. A dull pain flares – it will take
time to heal, but it’s nothing you can’t work through. “Fine.”
“Good.” He packs his kit away. “Promise me one thing—”
“What?”
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
You smile.
“Can’t make any promises.”
Aeran chuckles. You wait as he rounds up his arrows, pulling them free
from the bodies. You catch a flash of Alassar steel as he wipes the
arrowheads clean and returns the arrows to his quiver. You’re surprised
he used these here; in most circumstances, normal arrowheads are enough.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
afternoon downpour continues, and rain pelts your back. Your shoulder
seethes with pain. You’re hurt, but you can still play this to your
advantage. You remain still. Footsteps squish against the rotting planks
as Taran approaches. You slide a hand beneath you, wrapping your
fingers around the hilt of your dagger.
You wait.
Taran kneels beside your prone body.
You roll over and quickly jab upwards with your dagger. The blade cuts
deep into Taran’s stomach. You pull away and get to your feet, watching
as the large man grunts in pain and falls sideways, hands pressed
against the wound. Blood blossoms across his tunic.
You sheathe your dagger and draw your sword, the white Alassar steel
gleaming in the rain. You glance over the four remaining thugs.
This isn’t going to be easy.
<i>“Taran!”</i>
Meera launches herself forward, but Kane grabs her arm and pulls her to a
stop.
“You $insult!” she shrieks. “I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you—”
“Meera—” Kane begins.
Meera spits in his face and raises a hand. Her spell cracks through Rat
Alley, ripping through the pools of swamp water on the ground as it
surges towards you. You feel an invisible force rush over you, but it
has no effect. The spell smashes into the wall behind you, littering the
ground with broken chips of stone and mortar.
Meera drops to her knees, winded.
Kane pulls her back. “What did I tell you?” he shouts.
<i>“Never</i> use magic on a Wayfarer!”
“We don’t have to fight, Kane,” you call. “You can walk away from this.”
Kane glares at you, eyes dark and angry. “Don’t patronize me.”
He lunges at you.
You grit your teeth and fall into a defensive stance, sword raised. Kane
strikes at you, but you parry and throw him back.
“Why – are – you – fighting?” he grunts. “Look around, $lastname,
there’s no way out for you—”
Your blade clashes against Kane’s. Out of the corner of your eye, you
see the glint of a throwing dagger. You grunt and push Kane back,
throwing yourself out of the way. The dagger hits the ground with a soft
thump.
A laugh comes to you unbidden and you lock eyes with Kane once again.
“You sure about that?”
Kane steps back, pushing stringy hair out of his eyes with the back of
his hand. “Corvin, Meera—”
Recovered from her spell, Meera draws her cutlass and dives at you. You
step backwards, dodging her blow. Corvin charges at you from the other
side, barrelling into you and knocking you to the ground. You land
sharply on the ground, a violent shudder rolling up your spine from the
impact, your whole body aching from the fall. You let go of your sword.
<i>Shit. </i>
Corvin’s sword glints above you.
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Corvin’s chest. He gasps, startled, dropping his
weapon as he falls to his knees and topples into the ground, blood
pooling across his tunic.
Kane howls in rage, spinning about the square as he looks to the
rooftops for the mystery archer.
Rattled, you push yourself up and look up. You spot a figure in a
familiar brown cloak lurking on the edge of the nearest roof, bow in
hand. His hood is down, and the rain has plastered his tousled
sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left
eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow strapped to his back and a
quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His tunic has had its sleeves
removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper
left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-17A]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Nice
of you to show up,” you call.
“What can I say, I have good timing,” Aeran replies, nocking another
arrow.
Vries unsheathes another dagger and raises it, preparing to throw.
“I wouldn’t if I were you,” Aeran calls, drawing his bow. “I’ve got the
high ground.”
Vries lowers her dagger. She glances at Meera.
“Kane—”
Kane shakes his head. “You can’t be suggesting—”
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-2A")>>“Corvin is dead!”
Meera shouts. “Enough is enough.”<<else>>“Taran and Corvin
are dead!” Meera shouts. “Enough is enough.”<</if>>
“We can’t let this bounty go,” Kane snarls.
“We can,” Meera stresses. “And we should. Let’s go, Vries.”
Meera heads for the nearest passageway, refusing to look at Kane. After a
moment, Vries follows.
“You can’t be—” Kane stutters. “Meera—Vries—get back here! Get back
here!”
You pick up your sword and walk towards Kane.
Kane steps away. “You go too far, $lastname—”
“That’s hard to believe,” you say, continuing your steady march towards
him. “Considering you’re the one who attacked me.”
“Look, I—”
“Every week I deal with shit from people like you—”
You back Kane into the tree. He flinches, looking to and fro for a way
out, and always returns to staring at Aeran on the rooftop.
“Listen, $lastname, if you kill me, the Lady will—”
“Not care,” you interrupt. “How many mindless mercs like you are in her
employ? This isn’t her problem. It’s yours.”
Kane’s eyes widen in fear. “You wouldn’t—”
<<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-1-14-2A")>>“Aeran’s already
killed one of your lackeys,”<<else>>“Aeran’s already killed
two of your lackeys,”<</if>> you interrupt. “Do you think
it’s a problem for me if I kill you now, too?”
“The Lady—”
“You can’t hide behind her, Kane. She doesn’t care about you. After all,
you’re nothing more than a foolish brute.”
You raise your sword.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-17B TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-1-18B LET KANE
GO">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-1-18A KILL
KANE">1. [ <i class="fas fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill
him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-1-18B LET
KANE GO">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Let him
go.</a></div></div><</nobr>>
<<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><a
data-passage="Chapter 1-1-18A KILL KANE">1. [ <i class="fas
fa-skull"></i> EXECUTE] Kill him.</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-1-18B LET
KANE GO">2. [ <i class="far fa-flag"></i> SPARE] Let him
go.</a></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>><i class="fas fa-skull"></i> Kane
Executed<</notify>><<set $kanedead to
true>><<set $executions +=1>>You slash your sword
across Kane’s throat. Blood splatters across his tunic and he crumples,
his body hitting the ground with a dull thud.
You sigh wearily and clean your blade, sliding it back into your sheath.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Aeran sitting at the edge of
the closest roof, dangling his feet off the edge.
You raise your head, shielding your eyes from the falling rain with a
hand. “Thanks for the assist.”
“Of course.” Aeran chuckles. “It’s always easier when you have the high
ground.”
“Lucky you.”
Aeran glances at Kane’s dead body. “Bit of a bold call, don’t you
think?”
You shrug. “If it wasn’t Kane, it would be someone else. What’s done is
done.”
“Hm. I foresee no issues with this. None whatsoever.”
“Hm,” you mimic. “And you are an ass. It’s a bad look on you.”
“Try me.”
You sigh heavily. “Letting him live would come back to haunt us.”
“If you say so... I suppose we’ll never know.” Aeran gets to his feet.
“Give me a moment, I’ll find a way down.”
You nod. Aeran slings his bow across his back and circles the rooftops,
searching for a wall with decent footholds. Finding none, he weaves his
way to the tree and climbs down through the branches. He drops into the
square and makes his way across to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"full">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SPARE OR EXE KANE NO
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-A--SET
AERAN]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>><i class="far fa-flag"></i> Kane
Spared<</notify>><<set $lackeysdead to
true>><<set $kandedead to false>><<set $spares
+=1>>You stare into Kane’s eyes, lip curled, tongue resting
against the back of your teeth. He refuses to look away, his fear
dissolving into defiance as he waits for you to end his life.
You lower your blade. “Go.”
“What?”
<i>“Go,”</i> you repeat. “Before I change my mind.”
Kane scrambles away from the tree, giving you a wide berth as he makes
his way across the square.
“And Kane—”
He draws up short and glances over his shoulder at you.
“Come after me again and next time I won’t have so much patience.”
Kane nods and flees to the closest passageway, squeezing into the gap.
He disappears into the dark.
You let out a sharp breath as you watch him go and sheathe your sword.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Aeran sitting at the edge of the
closest roof, dangling his feet off the edge.
You raise your head, shielding your eyes from the falling rain with the
back of your hand. “Thanks for the assist.”
“Of course.” Aeran chuckles. “It’s always easier when you have the high
ground.”
“Lucky you.”
Aeran taps his fingers across his knee. “You sure that was a good call,
letting Kane go? He tried to kill you.”
You shrug. “What’s done is done. I don’t think he’ll mess with us
again.”
“Hm. I foresee no issues with this.”
“Hm,” you mimic. “And you are an ass. It’s a bad look on you.”
“Try me.”
You roll your eyes.
Aeran gets to his feet. “Give me a moment, I’ll find a way down.”
You nod. Aeran slings his bow across his back and circles the rooftops,
searching for a wall with decent footholds. Finding none, he weaves his
way to the tree and climbs down through the branches. He drops into the
square and makes his way across to you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $health is
"full">>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 SPARE OR EXE KANE NO
INJURY]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-14-A-2-A--SET
AERAN]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<run
Dialog.setup("Confident");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Confident Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<confidentOn>>The rain has only
gotten worse as you and Aeran slide and scrape your way across the
rooftops. Downpours are common, particularly in the summer months.
Sometimes you wonder whether the constant rain is a sign that nature’s
patience has finally snapped and it is trying to wash the city away.
You glance over your shoulder and watch him follow you.
Aeran Kellis.
You’ve known each other for years, a lifetime, really. You entered the
Spire at around the same age and trained together as youths. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Taught together by Brissa Varyn, you were
nearly inseparable.<<else>>Though you had different masters,
nothing could stop you from spending as much of your time together as
possible. You were very nearly inseparable.<</if>> You
remember the days you spent exploring, testing boundaries, and generally
running amok. A volley of inadvertent scrapes, bruises and close calls
befell you in those days, but you could always rely on each other to get
one another back on your feet.
After your inauguration, you went your separate ways. You and Aeran
crossed paths every so often—sometimes when you returned to the Spire to
report to Grandmaster Sero, other times when you encountered each other
abroad and teamed up to work a contract or two. Regardless, you always
parted ways at the end.
All of that changed five years ago.
You were halfway across the continent when it happened. You had received
word from Grandmaster Sero, summoning all Wayfarers to an unprecedented
summit at the Spire. Caught in the midst of the Vestran Civil War, you
received your letter with barely enough time to make it out of the
country. By the time you reached the border, it was too late.
The Spire had fallen in a single night.
The summit was attacked, the gathered Wayfarers slain, and the citadel
reduced to a scorched and blackened ruin. Militia from nearby Trost,
fueled by Arathian propaganda and their own fears and suspicions,
instigated the assault. Their rampage brought the Wayfarer Order to its
knees, decimating its sole remaining anchor.
Without the Spire, the Order was cast adrift—a handful of warriors with
nowhere to go and no one to answer to. Communication between survivors
unreliable at best and impossible at worst. It was sheer luck that
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa Varyn’s<</if>> letter
reached you, informing you of the Spire’s fall and warning you not to
return. She suspected someone in the Arathian Empire may have pulled the
militia’s strings, and travelled to the imperial capital to
investigate. You have not heard from her since.
The first year was the hardest. You were alone, scraping and clawing
away at a living, following rumour after rumour of Wayfarers on the
road. All ended in dead ends and false reports. By the end of the
second, you had all but given up hope of finding another survivor. By
the third and with no further word from Varyn, you accepted you were
alone and gave up your search. You fashioned yourself as a mercenary and
travelled the continent, never staying in the same place for long.
Rural villages and towns would still pitch in for your services if you
happened to pass by, but many major cities rejected you outright.
It was by chance that you encountered Aeran in Karth, a tiny, dusty
village on the road from Osian to the coast. Chance that you stopped to
deal with a sandwraith wreaking havoc on the local area. And chance that
Aeran was tracking the same one.
You’ve travelled together ever since.
In the past two years, you and Aeran have trekked across Rhesainia,
going wherever the work has taken you. You have watched each other’s
backs, keeping each other alive through thick and thin, bonded together
by your shared history and your shared loss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your friendship has waned over the past few
years, as friendships sometimes do. You’re not sure what has changed,
but you know something has.|Chapter 1-1-19A-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus
to 1, $aeranapp +=40, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You are good friends. Though you
share much of your life and you trust him, you know the day will come
when you no longer travel together.|Chapter 1-1-19A-AERAN
INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=60, $aerancodex to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Your friendship is as natural as
breathing. At this point, you trust Aeran more than you trust
yourself.|Chapter 1-1-19A-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp
+=80, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You are friends and you are
partners. You can’t imagine this life without him at your side. Though
nothing romantic has happened between you, you can’t help but
wonder…|Chapter 1-1-19A-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp
+=80, $aeranrom += 10, $aerancodex to true, $aeranromance to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Companion Unlocked: Aeran
Kellis<</notify>><<if $luthaiscloak is
true>>Aeran catches up. He grimaces at the rain and tugs on his
hood, disappearing into the depths of his cloak. You can barely see his
face. “What happened to your cloak?”
“I gave it to a kid.”
“All right.” He pauses. “Are you gonna—”
“Nope.”
Aeran shakes his head, stifling a laugh. “Don’t tell me you got fooled
by a kid.”
“Let’s not get into it.”
He peers at you, blue eyes shining with mirth. “Careful, $firstname.
You’re showing a lot of heart for a hardened mercenary.”
“Is that such a bad thing?”
“No.” Aeran’s laugh fades. “Of course not.”
You leap the gap between two buildings and slide to a stop. You’ve
reached a building that is lower to the ground; you should be able to
drop safely into the street below from here. Perching carefully at the
roof’s peak, you glance back towards Rat Alley. A plume of dense black
smoke curls into the air, obscuring the tree and the nearby
buildings.<<else>>You leap the gap between two buildings and
slide to a stop. You’ve reached a building that is lower to the ground;
you should be able to drop safely into the street below from here.
Perching carefully at the roof’s peak, you glance back towards Rat
Alley. A plume of dense black smoke curls into the air, obscuring the
tree and the nearby buildings.<</if>>
“Do you think the rain will put it out?” you ask.
Aeran jumps the gap and alights next to you with ease. “Doubt it,” he
replies, casting an uneasy look towards the alley. “If the fire was
summoned by magic even the wrath of nature won’t be able to douse it.”
“Yeah. I suppose so.”
He glances at you. “Don’t tell me you’re feeling sorry for the people
who tried to kill you.”
Your eyes narrow as you watch the plume of smoke rise through the rain.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. You don’t care. You need to move on with
your mission.|Chapter 1-1-19-2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You don’t care about Kane, but you
are concerned for the townspeople nearby.|Chapter
1-1-19-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
don’t care if Kane gets himself burned alive,” you say. “He got himself
into this mess, he can get himself out.”
“Do you know who they are?” Aeran asks. “Why they attacked you?”
“They work for the Viridian Lady,” you reply. “Though Kane wasn’t too
thrilled about Wayfarers, he could have been acting on his own. Either
this was your typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them
up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?” you offer.
“I was going to say lazy.” Aeran pulls his cloak tight around his
shoulders. Perched as he is on the edge of the roof, he resembles a sad,
ruffled bird in this rain. “It’s too obvious, isn’t it? Pitting her
mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest. “Maybe it’s a warning.
She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye for magical antiquities, and she
was in attendance at the gala. We’d be fools not to investigate her.”
“That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads? Did you find anything at the
Docks?”
“Only hints, if you want to be generous.” Aeran shifts his weight,
balancing carefully on the roof shingles. “Nothing more than what we
already knew. I keep hearing mentions of that collector in the Cove.
That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about. They say he’s been
running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently. Word
is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.”
Aeran slides down the shingles to the roof’s edge and perches
precariously on the ledge. The bow strapped to his back glitters bright
white in the rain. “Well, shall we?”
You nod.
Aeran flashes you a grin and drops down into the street below.
<<if $agility >=8>>You follow quickly, sliding down the
shingles to the edge and leaping off. You land gracefully on the road,
the wood platform buckling a little under your
feet.<<else>>You follow quickly, if a little less
gracefully. You grunt as you hit the wood platform, your knees jarred by
the impact.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
eyes narrow as you watch the plume of smoke rise through the rain. “If
Kane gets himself burned alive, that’s his own fault. I don’t care. But
others could get hurt.”
“Not much we can do about a magical fire,” Aeran replies. “Break a
curse, sure, hunt a monster, fine, but this is outside our
capabilities.”
“We could inform the Guild. They’ll send someone to control the flames
if they haven’t already.”
He glances at you, his blue eyes cold and hard. “If you want to go, go. I
don’t want to deal with mages.”
“Fine,” you snap.
“Fine,” he says.
The rain showers down on you, relentless. It's not going to stop anytime
soon. <<if $luthaiscloak is true>>You really wish you had
your cloak.
<i>Damn it,
Luthais.</i><<else>><<silently>>//<</silently>><</if>>
<<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-19-3-B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguild to true>>Aeran pulls his cloak tight. Perched as he is
on the roof, he resembles a sad, ruffled bird in this rain. “Do you
know why Kane attacked you?” he asks, glancing back at the rising plume.
“No,” you reply. “He works for the Viridian Lady, that’s as much as I
know.”
“Hm. Interesting.”
“Though he also wasn’t too thrilled about Wayfarers, I suppose he could
have been acting on his own.” You exhale sharply. “Either this was your
typical harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put him up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?” you offer.
“I was going to say lazy.” Aeran shifts his weight, balancing carefully
on the roof shingles. He looks even more like a bird. “It’s too obvious,
isn’t it? Pitting her mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest. “Maybe it’s a warning.
She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye for magical antiquities, and she
was in attendance at the gala. We’d be fools not to investigate her.”
“That’s true, I suppose.”
“Where are we at with the other leads? Did you find anything at the
Docks?”
“Only hints, if you want to be generous. I keep hearing mentions of that
collector in the Cove. That’s all the dockhands wanted to talk about.
They say he’s been running his warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of
stock recently. Word is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.”
Aeran slides down the shingles to the roof’s edge and perches
precariously on the ledge. The bow strapped to his back glitters bright
white in the rain. “Well, shall we?”
You nod.
Aeran flashes you a grin and drops down into the street below.
<<if $agility >=8>>You follow quickly, sliding down the
shingles to the edge and leaping off. You land gracefully on the road,
the wood platform buckling a little under your
feet.<<else>>You follow quickly, if a little less
gracefully. You grunt as you hit the wood platform, your knees jarred by
the impact.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
WITH MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
Kellis.
You’ve known each other for years, a lifetime, really. You entered the
Spire at around the same age and trained together as youths. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Taught together by Brissa Varyn, you were
nearly inseparable.<<else>>Though you had different masters,
nothing could stop you from spending as much of your time together as
possible. You were very nearly inseparable.<</if>> You
remember the days you spent exploring, testing boundaries, and generally
running amok. A volley of inadvertent scrapes, bruises and close calls
befell you in those days, but you could always rely on each other to get
one another back on your feet.
After your inauguration, you went your separate ways. You and Aeran
crossed paths every so often—sometimes when you returned to the Spire to
report to Grandmaster Sero, other times when you encountered each other
abroad and teamed up to work a contract or two. Regardless, you always
parted ways at the end.
All of that changed five years ago.
You were halfway across the continent when it happened. You had received
word from Grandmaster Sero, summoning all Wayfarers to an unprecedented
summit at the Spire. Caught in the midst of the Vestran Civil War, you
received your letter with barely enough time to make it out of the
country. By the time you reached the border, it was too late.
The Spire had fallen in a single night.
The summit was attacked, the gathered Wayfarers slain, and the citadel
reduced to a scorched and blackened ruin. Militia from nearby Trost,
fueled by Arathian propaganda and their own fears and suspicions,
instigated the assault. Their rampage brought the Wayfarer Order to its
knees, decimating its sole remaining anchor.
Without the Spire, the Order was cast adrift—a handful of warriors with
nowhere to go and no one to answer to. Communication between survivors
unreliable at best and impossible at worst. It was sheer luck that
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa Varyn’s<</if>> letter
reached you, informing you of the Spire’s fall and warning you not to
return. She suspected someone in the Arathian Empire may have pulled the
militia’s strings, and travelled to the imperial capital to
investigate. You have not heard from her since.
The first year was the hardest. You were alone, scraping and clawing
away at a living, following rumour after rumour of Wayfarers on the
road. All ended in dead ends and false reports. By the end of the
second, you had all but given up hope of finding another survivor. By
the third and with no further word from Varyn, you accepted you were
alone and gave up your search. You fashioned yourself as a mercenary and
travelled the continent, never staying in the same place for long.
Rural villages and towns would still pitch in for your services if you
happened to pass by, but many major cities rejected you outright.
It was by chance that you encountered Aeran in Karth, a tiny, dusty
village on the road from Osian to the coast. Chance that you stopped to
deal with a sandwraith wreaking havoc on the local area. And chance that
Aeran was tracking the same one.
You’ve travelled together ever since.
In the past two years, you and Aeran have trekked across Rhesainia,
going wherever the work has taken you. You have watched each other’s
backs, keeping each other alive through thick and thin, bonded together
by your shared history and your shared loss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your friendship has waned over the past few
years, as friendships sometimes do. You’re not sure what has changed,
but you know something has.|Chapter 1-1-20-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus
to 1, $aeranapp +=40, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You are good friends. Though you
share much of your life and you trust him, you know the day will come
when you no longer travel together.|Chapter 1-1-20-AERAN
INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=60, $aerancodex to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Your friendship is as natural as
breathing. At this point, you trust Aeran more than you trust
yourself.|Chapter 1-1-20-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp
+=80, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You are friends and you are
partners. You can’t imagine this life without him at your side. Though
nothing romantic has happened between you, you can’t help but
wonder…|Chapter 1-1-20-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=80,
$aeranrom += 10, $aerancodex to true, $aeranromance to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Companion Unlocked: Aeran Kellis<</notify>>“Do
you know why they attacked you?” Aeran asks, jostling you out of your
thoughts.
<<if $luthaiscloak>>“They work for the Viridian Lady,” you
reply. The rain is showing no signs of letting up.
He pulls up his hood, disappearing into the depths of his cloak. “What
happened to your cloak?”
“I gave it to a kid.”
“All right.” He pauses. “Are you gonna—”
“Nope.”
Aeran shakes his head, stifling a laugh. “Don’t tell me you got fooled
by a kid.”
“Let’s not get into it.”
He eyes you, blue eyes shining with mirth. “Careful, $firstname. You’re
showing a lot of heart for a hardened mercenary.”
“Is that such a bad thing?”
“No.” Aeran’s laugh fades. “Of course not. Anyway, you were saying… they
work for the Viridian Lady?”
“Yeah.”<<else>>“They work for the Viridian Lady,” you reply.
The rain is showing no signs of letting up.
You pull your cloak tight and adjust the hood.<</if>>
“Though Kane wasn’t too thrilled about Wayfarers, he could have been
acting on his own,” you continue. “Either this was your typical
harebrained merc posturing… or the Lady put them up to it.”
Aeran shakes his head. “That doesn’t seem like her. Too…” He pauses,
searching for the right word.
“Boorish?” you offer.
“I was going to say lazy.” Aeran grimaces. “It’s too obvious, isn’t it?
Pitting her mercs against the Count’s mercs…”
“Maybe she knows we suspect her,” you suggest. “Maybe it’s a warning.
She’s the Count’s rival, she has an eye for magical antiquities, and she
was in attendance at the gala. We’d be fools not to investigate her.”
“That’s true, I suppose.”
You round the corner and the street spills out onto one of Rona’s busier
crossroads. People stream in both directions, clutching their hoods and
cloaks against the rain as they hurry towards their destinations.
Drawing back to the edge of the street, you and Aeran stand with your
backs to the wall of a nearby building, shielding from the downpour by
the eaves. “Where are we at with the other leads?” you ask. “Did you
find anything at the Docks?”
“Only hints, if you want to be generous,” Aeran replies. He pulls his
hood back and runs a hand through his sandy-brown hair. It sticks up in
odd directions. “Nothing more than what we already knew. I keep hearing
mentions of that collector in the Cove. That’s all the dockhands wanted
to talk about. They say he’s been running his warehouse staff ragged,
moving a lot of stock recently. Word is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips and watch the rainwater cascade over the
overhang like a waterfall. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah. And then there’s a man in Edgewater who goes by Fisher.
Apparently he left the Count’s service around the time the chalice went
missing—”
Your eyes narrow. “People don’t leave the Count’s service.”
“Exactly.” Aeran stares up at the grey sky. “This is never going to let
up,” he mutters. He glances at you and flashes a grin. “Well, shall we?
What do you want to do?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<if $explore_tutorial isnot true>>
<<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Exploration Note").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<set $explore_tutorial to
true>><</if>><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">The South Isle</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Cove</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Edgewater</span></span>
</div></div><div class="explore-2"><img
src="images/rona interactive.png" usemap="#image-map"
class="map"><map name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq
true>><area alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as
your destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN B"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-EDGEWATER B"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-COVE B"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-MAGE GUILD"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The South
Isle|Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN B]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[The Cove|Chapter 1-1-21-COVE
B]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter 1-1-21-EDGEWATER
B]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The South
Isle|Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN B]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[The Cove|Chapter 1-1-21-COVE
B]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter 1-1-21-EDGEWATER
B]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div><div
class="pc"><<if $explore_tutorial isnot true>>
<<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Exploration Note").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<set $explore_tutorial to
true>><</if>><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action
Point"><<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points"><<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points"><<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">The South Isle</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span class="accent">The
Cove</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Edgewater</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Deadwood</span></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona interactive.png"
usemap="#image-map" class="map"><map
name="image-map"><<if $vlvilla neq true>><area
alt="South Isle" title="Select the SOUTH ISLE as your destination"
data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN"
coords="373,634,380,623,386,613,382,604,374,597,371,585,382,574,391,564,401,557,407,541,417,522,418,510,417,496,410,481,399,469,394,457,389,443,379,437,363,431,347,429,329,436,315,442,307,458,302,472,295,485,288,503,285,525,281,542,274,555,263,566,260,577,271,584,282,585,297,580,308,580,320,580,325,590,314,589,317,602,323,612,335,614,343,620,351,629,359,633"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $edgewater neq
true>><area alt="Edgewater" title="Select EDGEWATER as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-EDGEWATER"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $cove neq
true>><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-COVE"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"><</if>><<if $mageguild is true or
$guildchapterlead is true>><<if $deadwood neq
true>><area alt="Deadwood" title="Select DEADWOOD as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-1-21-MAGE GUILD"
coords="683,230,659,224,645,221,633,214,616,215,598,229,576,245,555,250,540,260,532,268,531,277,517,289,503,294,488,296,473,300,465,309,461,326,461,348,460,365,459,384,466,393,473,414,483,427,491,439,497,455,508,459,523,453,527,466,537,478,548,483,558,493,566,505,574,518,590,522,600,523,609,521,616,513,609,501,600,489,598,473,589,463,600,456,609,470,617,485,617,497,626,506,638,517,646,528,658,535,674,547,698,544,700,518,699,486,698,462,687,454,676,443,660,440,647,433,631,431,620,421,614,411,603,393,589,396,567,410,560,419,550,416,542,415,528,415,516,405,529,399,545,394,563,385,583,375,605,375,623,378,644,378,665,378,680,370,691,354,702,336,700,314,702,281,702,246,698,232"
shape="poly"><</if>><</if>></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The South
Isle|Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[The Cove|Chapter
1-1-21-COVE]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter
1-1-21-EDGEWATER]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Deadwood|Chapter 1-1-21-MAGE
GUILD]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The South
Isle|Chapter 1-1-21-VIRIDIAN]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[The Cove|Chapter
1-1-21-COVE]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter
1-1-21-EDGEWATER]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Deadwood|Chapter 1-1-21-MAGE
GUILD]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>“You
want to go after the Lady?” Aeran asks. “Bold move.”
“Hopefully she doesn’t skin us alive.”
“Better her than the Count.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("South Isle");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Viridian Lady's Villa").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-3-1
VIRIDIAN LADY START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP WITH MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Off
to the Cove, then,” Aeran says. “That collector seems a little
weaselly, if you ask me.”
“I figure a collector of magical antiquities is a good place to start,”
you say. “Even if he doesn’t have it, he may know something.”
“Good point.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Cove");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Runes & Relics").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-4-1
THE COVE START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP WITH MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Headed home so soon?” Aeran raises
an eyebrow. “Our day has just begun.”<<else>>“Headed home
already?” Aeran raises an eyebrow.<</if>>
You roll your eyes. “I want to talk to this so-called servant. If he’s
out from under the Count’s shadow, he may be willing to talk.”
Aeran doesn’t look convinced. “If you say so.” He pauses. “Are you
sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Edgewater");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Edgewater").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-5-1
EDGEWATER START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP WITH MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>“No,”
Aeran says flatly.
“Someone needs to do something about that fire,” you say pointedly.
“That someone doesn’t have to be us!”
You elbow him in the gut.
“Ouch!” Aeran shoots you a pained look.
“It’s the right thing to do and you know it!” you say firmly. “And I
want you to come with me, the Guild master isn’t going to bite.”
“Fine,” he grunts. “But are you sure about this?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>Dialog.setup("Deadwood");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Deadwood").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-6-1
MAGE GUILD START][$actionpoints -=1, $aeranapp -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP WITH MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>>You walk on ahead,
but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find him staring at you
with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VIRIDIAN LADY NICKNAME
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>>You walk on ahead,
but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find him staring at you
with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|COVE NICKNAME
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>>You walk on ahead,
but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find him staring at you
with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|EDGEWATER NICKNAME
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<aeranDisapp>><</timed>>
You walk on ahead, but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find
him staring at you with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|MAGE GUILD NICKNAME
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>>Anselma
Malley, known to most as the Viridian Lady or “the Lady”. As one of the
Seven, she controls a significant portion of Rona. Known for her
cunning and refined taste, she is the self-proclaimed rival of the
Crimson Count, your employer. You suspect she may have had a hand in the
theft of the Count’s artefact due to her presence at his gala. Her eye
for magical antiquities and rivalry with your employer have flagged your
suspicions.
Her <b>villa</b> is in the <b>South Isle</b>,
the district inhabited by Rona’s wealthiest
residents.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Lars
Drakehand, proprietor of <b>Runes & Relics</b>, is a
collector. His shop specializes in rare magical goods and antiques. All
signs point towards an eagerness to leave town as soon as possible. You
suspect he may have acquired the Count’s missing artefact.
<b>Runes & Relics</b> is located in <b>the
Cove</b>, Rona’s commercial district on the coast. You may have a
chance to pick up some new supplies while you’re
there.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Rona’s
local <b>Guild chapter</b> is located in Deadwood. The
Guild master, Aegineta, is a known eccentric. <<if
$guildchapterlead is true>>According to Drakehand, he may have an
interest in the chalice.<<elseif $mageguild is true>>If you
want to alert the specialists who can handle a magical fire in the
middle of town, you will need to speak to him.<<elseif
$guildchapterlead is true and $mageguild is true>>According to
Drakehand, he may have an interest in the chalice… and you can inform
him about the magical fire burning in Rat
Alley.<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You’ve
heard rumours of a servant formerly employed by the Count hiding out in
Edgewater. You doubt a servant could abandon the Count’s service and
live to tell the tale. However, if this proves true, is it possible the
servant could have stolen the artefact? Or does he know something else?
<<if $chapter1route is "docks">>You’ve heard Madam Grey on
<b>Moss Lane</b> may know more.<</if>>
The Edgewater slums are on the far side of town. Your apartment is also
located there, on <b>Mulch Road</b>. You could stop by if
you have time. <<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><<else>>You may want to collect your spare
medical kit.<</if>>
<<if $health is "healing">>Should you go home, you can
<b>Rest</b> and improve your status from
<b>Healing</b> to
<b>Recovering</b>.<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
Docks are the backbone of Rona’s existence. Occupying several miles of
the best shoreline, the harbour here is the origin of commerce and
pretty much everything else in town. Due to Rona’s difficult geography
and surrounding swamplands, the city is inaccessible by road or by foot.
Consequently, anything coming in or out of the city must pass through
the Docks—whether it be imports, exports, or people.
The Docks are bustling as you weave your way down the road. Piers line
the shore, jutting out into the dark, churning water of Valorance Bay.
Clusters of ships are moored at the piers, bobbing up and down in the
water, their sails furled and lifeless. The usual flotilla of fishers’
boats are anchored for the duration of the storm, their owners gone
elsewhere to wait out the downpour.
Sailors mingle on the ship decks, shouting at each other over the rain. A
brawl has broken out on a nearby pier – and two sailors are pummeling
each other. A crowd has gathered around them and their shouts and jeers
echo up and down the pier. One sailor jams his elbow into the other’s
throat and shoves him headfirst over the edge. He plunges into the
frothy water below as the crowd erupts with jeers and laughter. The
sailor surfaces a moment later, spitting out a mouthful of water and
swearing angrily at the crowd above.
The opposite side of the pier is clustered with storehouses with a few
ramshackle shops dotted among them. The most notable establishment is
the Slippery Weasel, a tavern of dubious rapport frequented by the
sailors, dockhands and fishers who make their living nearby. It is also
the primary lodging for travellers who can’t afford room and board in
the nicer parts of town.
Squished between two warehouses, the Weasel is a blocky three-storey
building painted a bright, ugly orange. Like most of Rona’s buildings,
vines assault its walls, curling and twisting their way over the
stonework. Some of its upper balconies have been taken over completely.
Aeran should be nearby – one of his informants is based out of an alley
near the Weasel.
You raise a hand, shielding your eyes from the downpour as you peer
through the rain at the crowd of dockhands and workers going about their
daily tasks. You don’t see Aeran, but something else catches your eye.
In the distance, moored at the very last pier, is a large, elegant ship.
Its sides are painted a rich burgundy and its prow is carved to
resemble the head of a dragon. In this rain you can’t make out the
ensign flapping in the storm’s wind.
<i>Interesting.</i>
It’s unusual to see a ship like that. Was the wealthy person aboard that
ship forced to dock here, or did they come to Rona with a purpose?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
see movement in the corner of your eye. You spin around, searching
through the stream of dockhands milling up and down the road. Finally,
you spot them – a figure, hooded and cloaked in black, watching you from
a distance from outside the Weasel. Despite the nondescript clothing,
you have a feeling it’s the same person you caught watching you in the
town square.
“OUT OF THE WAY, IDIOT!”
A horse’s loud whinny deafens your ears. A red-faced man driving a cart
charges down the road, screaming at the crowd. You leap backwards and
the cart splashes by, throwing upturned muck and water in your face. The
dockhands curse and shout at him as he careens down the road. You wipe
muck from your face and turn back to the Weasel—
The figure is gone.
Shaking your head, you leave the pier behind and duck down an alley
between two storehouses. You step over clusters of vine, careful not to
get tangled up in them. Voices echo down the alley as you near the end.
“Do you have a name?”
“No, ser—”
“Do you know what he looks like?”
“No, ser—”
“A nameless, faceless servant leaves the Count’s service and washes up
in Edgewater? What am I supposed to do with that?”
A pause. “That’s your problem, ser, not mine.”
A low grunt. “Don’t test me, Yarrow.”
You round the corner and enter the lane that runs along the back of the
storehouse. A tall elven man in a brown cloak stands in the middle of
the alley. His hood is down and the rain has plastered his sandy-brown
hair across his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left eye, cutting
down his cheek. He has a bow strapped to his back and a quiver full of
arrows rests at his hip. His tunic has had its sleeves removed, showing
arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper left arm—three
thin, black lines, dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-3]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
glances at you as you enter the lane, nodding in acknowledgement,
before turning back to his informant – a short human woman with stringy
blonde hair pulled back in a low tail.
“I’m not fooling you, ser,” the woman snaps. “That’s all I know for
now.” She pauses, eyes glinting. “Unless you have another crown on you.”
“That wasn’t the deal, Yarrow—”
“Business is business,” Yarrow says, smirking. “And of the two of us,
you’re the desperate one. The Count’s none too pleased and I’ve heard
he’s starting to get… imaginative.”
Aeran’s scowl grows darker by the minute. His hand rests on a dagger at
his hip, fingers curling around the hilt. “Are you sure you want to
continue that line of thought?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>=5>>[[1. Intervene and toss Yarrow a coin for the
information.|Chapter 1-2-3A-GOLD][$gold -=1, $paidyarrow to
true]]<<else>><s>1. Intervene and toss Yarrow a coin
for the information.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stand back and don’t
interfere.|Chapter 1-2-3B-STAND BACK][$threatenyarrow to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Threaten Yarrow for the
information.|Chapter 1-2-3C-THREATEN][$threatenyarrow to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[4. [PERSUADE] Intervene and convince Yarrow to give you
the information.|Chapter 1-2-3D-PERSUADE PASS][$convincedyarrow to
true]]<<else>>[[4. [PERSUADE] Intervene and convince Yarrow
to give you the information.|Chapter 1-2-3E-PERSUADE
FAIL][$threatenyarrow to
true]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=5>>[[1. Intervene and
toss Yarrow a coin for the information.|Chapter 1-2-3A-GOLD][$gold -=1,
$paidyarrow to true]]<<else>><s>1. Intervene and toss
Yarrow a coin for the
information.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stand back and don’t
interfere.|Chapter 1-2-3B-STAND BACK][$threatenyarrow to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Threaten Yarrow for the
information.|Chapter 1-2-3C-THREATEN][$threatenyarrow to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18>>[[4. Intervene and convince Yarrow to give you the
information.|Chapter 1-2-3D-PERSUADE PASS][$convincedyarrow to
true]]<<else>>[[4. Intervene and convince Yarrow to give you
the information.|Chapter 1-2-3E-PERSUADE FAIL][$threatenyarrow to
true]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>-1 Crown<</notify>>You cross the lane and put a
hand on Aeran’s shoulder. “Wait,” you murmur, reaching into your purse.
You withdraw a grimy crown.
He shoots you a dark look. “$firstname—”
You toss the coin to Yarrow and she catches it deftly. She chortles as
she examines it, rubbing a thumb over the surface. “Bit dull, huh?”
You scowl and put a hand on your sword hilt.
“A jest, ser!” Yarrow says, raising her hands and backing away. “All in
good fun, I’m sure your coin is as good as any.” She puts the coin
between her teeth and bites down.
“What’s the servant’s name?” you ask.
Yarrow splutters. “Ah, that’s a fine one, a fine one—” She spits out the
coin and rubs it against her tunic. “The servant’s name? I’ve heard
it’s Fisher. Just Fisher. Clammy little fellow, about yea high—” She
raises her hand, hovering it around her shoulder. “Pale hair. Birthmark
on his left cheek. Bother Madam Grey on Moss Lane, she may know
something.”
You raise an eyebrow. “May?”
Yarrow eyes your sword. “It’s probable. Plausible. Highly likely—”
“You better not be lying to us, Yarrow,” Aeran interrupts, a scowl
darkening his brow.
She grins and rolls the coin between her fingers. “You paid me, what’s
not to trust?”
You roll your eyes. “Where do I begin?” You elbow Aeran in the ribs and
make your way across the lane. “Come on, Aeran.”
“Always a pleasure, Wayfarer!” Yarrow calls behind you.
You exit the way you came, Aeran several paces behind you.
“I already gave her two crowns,” he mutters as you clamber over the
vines. “She didn’t need a third. You let her weasel that out of you—”
“We don’t have time to get tangled up in her games,” you interrupt
sharply. “Sometimes gold is the fastest way to the truth.”
Aeran snorts. “Sure.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
lean against the wall and watch as Aeran draws his dagger. It’s an
ordinary blade—the Alassar steel he carries is limited to his bow and
the arrowheads of a dozen or so arrows in his quiver. However, in the
hands of an expert warrior, an ordinary dagger is still dangerous.
Yarrow glances at it, an uncomfortable look creeping across her face,
but she does not move. She seems determined not to concede.
“Give me the information I paid for, Yarrow.”
“Sorry,” she spits, watching the dagger. “You didn’t pay enough.
Informant work’s dangerous, you know. Never know when what you know will
make you wind up dead. The good stuff ain’t cheap—”
Aeran darts forward, catching her by the shoulder and pushing her
against the wall, the dagger blade pricking stonework inches from her
face. <i>“Spit – it – out.”</i>
“Don’t kill me!” Yarrow squeaks, hands scrabbling against the wall as if
she can claw her way out. “Don’t kill me, I can’t talk if I’m dead—”
“You aren’t talking now!” he interrupts. “Don’t worry, Yarrow. I’m not
going to kill you. But my hand’s a bit shaky – I’m not so good at this
interrogation thing, my partner usually handles this kind of business.
You never know when my hand might slip—” The dagger drops an inch,
resting next to her ear. “You could lose an eye or an ear… or how about
your tongue? I’m not sure if you need it since you’re not talking and
all.”
Yarrow shrieks and presses herself against the wall – and then she
<i>melts</i> into it. The faint shadow of a person runs
across the surface, darting down the lane on the wall.
Aeran sighs and sprints alongside the wall. His fingers scrape the mossy
stonework as he runs and then his hand slams into the wall as the
shadow darts past. A moment later, Yarrow pops out and spills onto the
ground. Coughing and spitting, she lets out a hoarse shriek when she
sees Aeran and scrambles backwards. He leans forward and grabs the front
of her tunic, pulling her up to her feet and holding her at arm’s
length, dagger in hand.
“Shadowcrawl?” he says. “Really?”
She spits in his face.
He sighs. “I suppose it’s as reliable a way to get your information as
any.” He looks at her, his expression softening a little. “This is
completely unnecessary, Yarrow. Just give me the information I paid
for.”
“Let me go first!”
He lets go and steps back, sheathing his dagger.
Yarrow draws herself to her full height. “You’re a fucking bastard,
Kellis.”
“I know.”
“Man’s called Fisher. Clammy little fellow, about yay high—” She raises a
hand, hovering around her shoulder. “Pale hair. Birthmark on his cheek.
If you bother Madam Grey on Moss Lane, she’ll know where he is.”
“Thank you,” Aeran says. “Was that so—”
Yarrow spits at him again. “This is the last time I’m helping you,
Kellis! Get out of my lane!”
Aeran raises his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine, I’m going, I won’t
bother you—”
Yarrow yanks a ball of moss free from a nearby wall and throws it at
Aeran. “Get out!”
Aeran storms across the lane and ducks into the alley. He sees you and
lets out a derisive snort before crawling over the vines towards the
main road.
“You saw all that?” he asks.
“Yeah.”
“Let’s not talk about it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
untangle yourself from the alley and enter the lane. “You better start
talking.”
She looks at you and sneers. “What’s this, Kellis? Brought a friend?”
Aeran glances at you. “Not intentionally.”
“You’re trying to cheat my friend, Yarrow,” you continue. “If he pays
you for information, you better start talking.”
“Oh, he paid me for information,” she replies, folding her arms. “But
not enough. Informant work’s dangerous, y’know. Never know when what you
know will make you wind up dead. The good stuff ain’t cheap—”
You draw your sword, white Alassar steel glinting in the rain. “He paid.
You talk. That’s the deal.”
Yarrow’s eyes go wide. “I—”
“Think you can deal with two of us?” you interrupt. “Whatever magic
you’ve got hidden up your sleeve isn’t good enough, not against two
Wayfarers. And you don’t look like you’re very good with a sword. What a
predicament! I think there’s a phrase for it.”
“Shit out of luck,” Aeran supplies.
“Hm, that’s it.” You take another step towards Yarrow. She inches
backward and hits a wall. Her eyes don’t leave your blade. “You’re shit
out of luck, Yarrow. So either give us the information you’re hiding, or
we’re going to have a problem.”
Yarrow shrieks, pressing herself further against the wall—and then she
melts into it. The faint shadow of a person runs across the surface,
darting down the lane on the wall.
You curse and launch yourself down the lane. Your fingers scrape the
mossy stonework and slam into the shadow as it darts past. A moment
later, Yarrow pops out and spills onto the ground. Coughing and
spitting, she lets out a hoarse shriek when she sees you and scrambles
backward. You lower your sword, the point resting under her chin.
“Nice use of a shadowcrawl,” you say. “But not good enough.”
She spits in your face. “Let me go and I’ll tell you what you want.”
“Give us the information we paid for.”
“Let me go first!”
Aeran catches up to you and puts a hand on your shoulder. “She’ll keep
her word,” he murmurs in your ear. “Let her go.”
You lower your sword.
Yarrow gets to her feet and sniffs. She wipes her mouth with the back of
her hand. “Man’s called Fisher. Clammy little fellow, about yea high—”
She raises a hand, hovering around her shoulder. “Pale hair. Birthmark
on his cheek. If you bother Madam Grey on Moss Lane, she’ll know where
he is.” Her eyes narrow. “You two are real bastards.”
Aeran shrugs. “We’ve heard worse compliments.”
“This is the last time I’m helping you, Kellis!” Yarrow shouts, spitting
at him. “Get out of my lane!” She yanks a ball of moss free from a
nearby lane and throws it at you. “Get out!”
Without a word, you turn and hurry across the lane, exiting through the
alley.
“That could have gone better,” Aeran mutters as you crawl over vines to
reach the main road.
“As if you could have done better,” you reply. “You were ready to stab
her.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>You
untangle yourself from the alley and enter the lane. “I’d listen to
him, if I were you.”
“What’s this, Kellis?” she sneers, glancing at you. “Brought a friend?”
“Not intentionally,” Aeran mutters.
“Do you think it’s a good idea to pit yourself against two Wayfarers?”
you continue. “Whatever magic you’re thinking of using won’t work. The
only person you’ll harm is yourself.”
Yarrow scowls. “I know the value of what I have, you can’t cheat me!”
“We paid you, Yarrow,” you say. “You’re the one cheating us. Give us the
information we already paid for and we will be on our way.”
She scrapes loose, straggly hair behind her ears with both hands and
avoids looking you in the eye. “Fine,” she says. “But just this once.
Next time, you pay me double.”
“Can’t make any promises,” Aeran replies.
Yarrow glares at him. “You’re a real bastard, Kellis.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Yarrow sniffs “Man’s called Fisher,” she says. “Clammy little fellow,
about yea high—” She raises a hand, hovering around her shoulder. “Pale
hair. Birthmark on his cheek. If you bother Madam Grey on Moss Lane,
she’ll know where he is.” Her eyes narrow. “Now get out of my lane.”
Aeran smiles. “Thanks, Yarrow. Much appreciated.”
“Get out of my lane!”
Aeran elbows you in the side and nods toward the exit. <i>“We
should go,”</i> he murmurs.
You nod and make your way towards the alley.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>You
untangle yourself from the alley and enter the lane. “I’d listen to
him, if I were you.”
“What’s this, Kellis?” she sneers, glancing at you. “Brought a friend?”
“Not intentionally,” Aeran mutters.
“Do you think it’s a good idea to pit yourself against two Wayfarers?”
you continue. “Whatever magic you’re thinking of using won’t work. The
only person you’ll harm is yourself. Give us the information we already
paid for and we will be on our way.”
Yarrow scoffs. “I know the value of what I have,” she says. “You can’t
cheat me. Informant work’s dangerous. Never know when what you know will
make you wind up dead. The good stuff ain’t cheap.”
So much for that.
You sigh and draw your sword. The bright Alassar steel glints in the
rain. “Fine,” you reply. “If that’s what you want.”
As you step towards her, she shrieks and throws herself backward. Her
hands scrabble against the stone wall for a moment—and then she
<i>melts</i> into it. The faint shadow of a person runs
across the surface, darting down the lane on the wall.
You curse and launch yourself down the lane. Your fingers scrape the
mossy stonework and slam into the shadow as it darts past. A moment
later, Yarrow pops out and spills onto the ground. Coughing and
spitting, she lets out a hoarse shriek when she sees you and scrambles
backward. You lower your sword, the point resting under her chin.
“Nice use of a shadowcrawl,” you say. “But not good enough.”
She spits in your face. “Let me go and I’ll tell you what you want.”
“Give us the information we paid for.”
“Let me go first!”
Aeran catches up to you and puts a hand on your shoulder. “She’ll keep
her word,” he murmurs in your ear. “Let her go.”
You lower your sword.
Yarrow gets to her feet and sniffs. She wipes her mouth with the back of
her hand. “Man’s called Fisher. Clammy little fellow, about yea high—”
She raises a hand, hovering around her shoulder. “Pale hair. Birthmark
on his cheek. If you bother Madam Grey on Moss Lane, she’ll know where
he is.” Her eyes narrow. “You two are real bastards.”
Aeran shrugs. “We’ve heard worse compliments.”
“This is the last time I’m helping you, Kellis!” Yarrow shouts, spitting
at him. “Get out of my lane!” She yanks a ball of moss free from a
nearby lane and throws it at you. “Get out!”
Without a word, you turn and hurry across the lane, exiting through the
alley.
“That could have gone better,” Aeran mutters as you crawl over vines to
reach the main road.
“As if you could have done better,” you reply. “You were ready to stab
her.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>>Back
out on the main road, you duck under the eaves of a nearby building to
keep out of the rain. You watch the road, wondering if you’ll see the
hooded figure again. Aeran leans against the wall, restlessly bouncing a
leg up and down.
You’ve known each other for years, a lifetime, really. You entered the
Spire at around the same age and trained together as youths. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>Taught together by Brissa Varyn, you were
nearly inseparable.<<else>>Though you had different masters,
nothing could stop you from spending as much of your time together as
possible. You were very nearly inseparable.<</if>> You
remember the days you spent exploring, testing boundaries, and generally
running amok. A volley of inadvertent scrapes, bruises and close calls
befell you in those days, but you could always rely on each other to get
one another back on your feet.
After your inauguration, you went your separate ways. You and Aeran
crossed paths every so often—sometimes when you returned to the Spire to
report to Grandmaster Sero, other times when you encountered each other
abroad and teamed up to work a contract or two. Regardless, you always
parted ways at the end.
All of that changed five years ago.
You were halfway across the continent when it happened. You had received
word from Grandmaster Sero, summoning all Wayfarers to an unprecedented
summit at the Spire. Caught in the midst of the Vestran Civil War, you
received your letter with barely enough time to make it out of the
country. By the time you reached the border, it was too late.
The Spire had fallen in a single night.
The summit was attacked, the gathered Wayfarers slain, and the citadel
reduced to a scorched and blackened ruin. Militia from nearby Trost,
fueled by Arathian propaganda and their own fears and suspicions,
instigated the assault. Their rampage brought the Wayfarer Order to its
knees, decimating its sole remaining anchor.
Without the Spire, the Order was cast adrift—a handful of warriors with
nowhere to go and no one to answer to. Communication between survivors
unreliable at best and impossible at worst. It was sheer luck that
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Master
Varyn’s<<else>>Brissa Varyn’s<</if>> letter
reached you, informing you of the Spire’s fall and warning you not to
return. She suspected someone in the Arathian Empire may have pulled the
militia’s strings, and travelled to the imperial capital to
investigate. You have not heard from her since.
The first year was the hardest. You were alone, scraping and clawing
away at a living, following rumour after rumour of Wayfarers on the
road. All ended in dead ends and false reports. By the end of the
second, you had all but given up hope of finding another survivor. By
the third and with no further word from Varyn, you accepted you were
alone and gave up your search. You fashioned yourself as a mercenary and
travelled the continent, never staying in the same place for long.
Rural villages and towns would still pitch in for your services if you
happened to pass by, but many major cities rejected you outright.
It was by chance that you encountered Aeran in Karth, a tiny, dusty
village on the road from Osian to the coast. Chance that you stopped to
deal with a sandwraith wreaking havoc on the local area. And chance that
Aeran was tracking the same one.
You’ve travelled together ever since.
In the past two years, you and Aeran have trekked across Rhesainia,
going wherever the work has taken you. You have watched each other’s
backs, keeping each other alive through thick and thin, bonded together
by your shared history and your shared loss.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Your friendship has waned over the past few
years, as friendships sometimes do. You’re not sure what has changed,
but you know something has.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to
1, $aeranapp +=40, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You are good friends. Though you
share much of your life and you trust him, you know the day will come
when you no longer travel together.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN
INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=60, $aerancodex to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Your friendship is as natural as
breathing. At this point, you trust Aeran more than you trust
yourself.|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp
+=80, $aerancodex to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. You are friends and you are
partners. You can’t imagine this life without him at your side. Though
nothing romantic has happened between you, you can’t help but
wonder…|Chapter 1-2-4-AERAN INTROED][$aeranstatus to 1, $aeranapp +=80,
$aeranrom += 10, $aerancodex to true, $aeranromance to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Companion Unlocked: Aeran
Kellis<</notify>><<if $luthaiscloak is
true>>Aeran glances at you, a curious look in his eye. “What
happened to your cloak?”
“I gave it to a kid.”
“All right.” He pauses. “Are you gonna—”
“Nope.”
Aeran shakes his head, stifling a laugh. “Don’t tell me you got fooled
by a kid.”
“Let’s not get into it.”
He peers at you, blue eyes shining with mirth. “Careful, $firstname.
You’re showing a lot of heart for a hardened mercenary.”
“Is that such a bad thing?”
“No.” Aeran’s laugh fades. “Of course not.”
“Where are we at with the leads?” you ask.<<else>>“Where are
we at with the leads?” you ask.<</if>>
“Aside from this man called Fisher? Not much more than what we already
knew,” Aeran replies. He runs a hand through his sandy-brown hair. It
sticks up in odd directions. “I’ve been hearing mentions of that
collector in the Cove all morning. That’s all the dockhands wanted to
talk about. They say he’s been running his warehouse staff ragged,
moving a lot of stock recently. Word is he’s closing up shop soon.”
“Hm.” You purse your lips. “Sounds like he’s trying to run.”
“Yeah.” He rolls a shoulder and stretches his hands above his head. “And
then there’s the Lady.”
The Viridian Lady. As one of the Seven, she is one of the most powerful
people in Rona and controls a large part of the city. Self-proclaimed as
the Count’s rival, she is known for her eye for magical antiquities and
she was in attendance at the Count’s gala the night the chalice was
stolen.
“We’d be fools not to investigate her,” you say.
Aeran nods. “Should we—”
You step forward, peering through the veil of rainwater cascading off
the overhang. Some ways up the road, a hooded figure stands at the end
of a pier, staring in your direction. You have no doubt they are staring
at <i>you</i>.
You freeze.
“What is it?” Aeran asks quietly, reaching for his bow.
“Someone’s been following me.”
“Since when?”
“This morning.” You nod at the figure. They haven’t noticed you’ve
spotted them, otherwise they would have bolted by now. “Followed me from
the town square.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“No idea.”
“The Count, maybe? Sending people to track us, make sure we’re doing
what we said we’d do—”
“I don’t think so. Anyone hired by one of the Seven is a little more…
obvious with their threats.”
Aeran chortles. “True.”
“This person hasn’t done anything, they’ve just…
<i>watched.”</i>
“Unsettling.”
“Yeah.”
You look back across the road.
The figure is gone.
“What the hell?”
Aeran spins, cutting through the cascade of rainwater and out into the
busy street. He paces back and forth, his boots sloshing through muddy
puddles as he scans the road. You duck out from under the overhang and
join him.
“This isn’t the first time they’ve disappeared without warning,” you
say.
“Shit.” Aeran glances at you. “I don’t like this.”
“Neither do I.”
He pushes past you, taking a few steps up the road. “Maybe we should
split up,” he says, turning back to you, “they can’t have gone far—”
Aeran freezes as a voice behind him speaks.
“I only wish to speak to you, Aeran Kellis and $firstname $lastname.
Nothing more, nothing less.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-5]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$malsaramet to true>>Aeran turns and steps out of the way,
revealing a young human woman in a familiar black cloak. She has finally
lowered the hood, perhaps as a gesture of good faith. Her tawny face is
long and oval, and straight brows frame her intense brown eyes. Her
hair is a pale ashen blonde, as if something has leached all the colour
away. She wears it swept back in an intricate half-braid which is
unravelling in the downpour. Her left ear is pierced with a series of
small bronze rings, from the top of her ear to her lobe.
“Then talk,” Aeran says coldly, fingering the dagger at his hip. “Who
are you? Why have you been following my friend?”
The woman observes you coolly and raises her chin. “I have observed you
for several days on behalf of the one I serve,” she replies. <<if
$master is "Varyn">>She has an accent—light, refined, even-toned…
it reminds you of Varyn’s.<<else>> She has an accent—light,
even-toned… where have you heard it before? You can’t place
it.<</if>> “The one I serve has—shall we say—an interest in
your <i>specific</i> capabilities. I wanted to ensure you
posed no danger before we approached you.”
“No danger—” Aeran scoffs, hand still on his dagger. “I’m a little
insulted.”
You place a hand on his arm. “You’ve been watching us for
<i>days?”</i>
“Yes.” The woman’s expression doesn’t change. “Three, to be precise.”
You glance at Aeran. His jaw is clenched, his eyes are dark. He grips
the hilt of his dagger, preparing to draw it in an instant.
The woman notes Aeran’s body language and continues, completely
untroubled that he could attack her at a moment’s notice. “I know, for
example, that you reside in an apartment in a slum the locals call
Edgewater, on a street called Mulch Road. I know you have been
contracted by one of the seven lords to retrieve a unique and arguably
valuable antiquated artefact in the shape of a chalice. I know your
leads are as questionable as the back alley <<if $paidyarrow is
true>>where you paid your informant.<<elseif $threatenyarrow
is true>>where you threatened your informant’s
life.<<else>>where you coerced your
informant.<</if>> I know you are running short on time. And I
know your lord plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail.”
You are so focused on her concerningly accurate description of your past
week that you almost miss her last words.
“Our… what?” you stutter. “Plans on <i>what?”</i>
“Your lord plans on feeding you to his basilisk should you fail,” the
woman repeats. Her eyebrows raise almost imperceptibly as you exchange
wide-eyed looks with Aeran. “Did he not threaten you with this?”
“No,” you choke. “Basilisks never entered the equation—”
“You are welcome for the warning.”
Aeran stares at her. His hand has not left his dagger. “What the hell is
happening,” he says.
“The one I serve would like to speak to you,” the woman continues.
“Come.”
She strides past you, heading down the road at an even pace. You and
Aeran remain frozen in the street, glancing at each other, then at the
woman’s disappearing back, then back to one another.
“Does she expect us to… follow her?” Aeran mutters. “Right now?”
“I guess so.”
“What the hell is happening,” he repeats.
“How am I supposed to know?” you shout. “She’s been stalking us for
three days, we’re no closer to finding that fucking chalice and
apparently the Count wants to feed us to his basilisk? I didn’t even
know he <i>had</i> a basilisk!”
You step back and a hand grabs your shoulder. You look behind you,
directly into the face of the woman who was supposed to be several
blocks up the road. Her brown eyes are luminescent, the rim of her
irises tinged with an amber light. It’s a sign of magic use—powerful
magic use. Her long fingers dig into your shoulder.
“You must come,” she says. “Your fate depends on this, Wayfarer, I
assure you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t believe in fate.”|Chapter
1-2-5A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I already have a job – and I’d
rather not risk getting fed to a basilisk, thanks.”|Chapter
1-2-5B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “Believe as you will. It cannot change facts. Come.”
She releases you and walks down the street. You watch her go. A moment
later, a cart crosses in front of her, blocking her from view. When the
cart moves, she has disappeared from the road and appeared further
ahead, leaning against the bright orange wall of the Weasel.
Aeran grimaces. “So a strangely menacing lady who has been stalking us
for three days and who can apparently teleport wants us to talk to her
employer,” he says. “And I thought today was weird enough.”
You fold your arms. “Do we go?”
“I have a feeling she won’t leave us alone if we turn her down.”
Your gut twists. Aeran’s intuition is usually right. And perhaps if you
do as she asks, she will leave you alone long enough to find the Count’s
damn chalice and avoid getting fed to a basilisk.
“Let’s get this over with,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-6]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman smiles. “And you could have a better one,” she says. “One that
does not force you to serve a madman who believes he is the height of
sophistication because he calls himself a count. Come.”
She releases you and walks down the street. You watch her go. A moment
later, a cart crosses in front of her, blocking her from view. When the
cart moves, she has disappeared from the road and appeared further
ahead, leaning against the bright orange wall of the Weasel.
Aeran grimaces. “So a strangely menacing lady who has been stalking us
for three days and who can apparently teleport wants us to talk to her
employer,” he says. “And I thought today was weird enough.”
You fold your arms. “Do we go?”
“I have a feeling she won’t leave us alone if we don’t.”
Your gut twists. Aeran’s intuition is usually right. And perhaps if you
do as she asks, she will leave you alone long enough to find the Count’s
damn chalice and avoid getting fed to a basilisk.
“Let’s get this over with,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-6]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$actionpoints -=1>><<notify 3000>>-1 Action
Points<</notify>>When you meet the woman outside the Weasel,
she ascends the stairs and enters the tavern without a word.
“You could at least give us your name first,” you mutter, following her.
“Maybe she’s not the talkative type,” Aeran offers. “Some people have a
strong aversion to small talk—”
“Oh, shut up.”
You push through the tavern's sliding doors and enter the cramped first
floor. With the windows shuttered against the rain, the tavern feels
dark and cavernous. Shutters are a tell-tale sign that an establishment
is for the working class. More prestigious businesses are able to afford
the cost of casting and maintaining a sealing bubble on the windows.
With the shutters blocking out light from the outdoors, the tavern is
lit by lamps suspended from the rafters. Tables and chairs that have
seen better days are strewn haphazardly around the room. Seats are
filled with the sailors, fishers and dockhands who refuse to work until
the storm passes. Their raucous laughter is bright and deafening, though
you can also hear the familiar sounds of an argument about to get out
of hand.
The crowd is so thick you can hardly see through it, but you think you
spot a few empty seats at the far end, near the bar. The bar is
rough-hewn, constructed from driftwood, and is attended by a sullen,
muscular bartender. He watches the room with suspicion through his
single eye as he slowly cleans a pile of glasses and tankards. On the
opposite side of the room is a steep, narrow staircase leading up to the
next floor.
You step into the crowd. You notice a group of four heavily armed
warriors watching you from a nearby table. One of them—a woman with a
tattoo of a serpent circling her upper arm—meets your eyes and takes a
long drink from her tankard. She puts it down and smirks.
Weird.
Aeran touches your arm and draws you back. You glance at him and he
shakes his head, pointing to the staircase. You look up and see the
woman standing on the landing, waiting for you. She meets your eyes,
then turns and disappears up the rest of the stairs.
<i>All right, then.</i>
The stairs creak with each step as you climb, and you can’t quite shake
the feeling they could collapse at any moment. You reach the top of the
stairs, entering a narrow hallway lit with lamps and lined with a
disintegrating carpet that you think might have been red at one time.
Doors are unevenly spaced along the hall, leading to lodgers’ rooms.
The cloaked woman is not here, so you continue your climb to the third
floor. The hallway here is identical to the one below. You can still
hear the crowd, their voices echoing up from the first floor. A glass
shatters. Rain thunders against the roof.
The woman is waiting by a door near the end of the hall. She watches you
carefully as you approach, her expression as still as stone.
“I am glad you have come to this decision,” she says.
“A little hard to come to a decision when you don’t know what you’re
agreeing to,” you mutter.
“You will,” the woman replies coolly. Her eyes dart to your sword and
Aeran’s bow. She holds out a hand. “Your weapons.”
“No,” Aeran says.
“I cannot allow you to enter the room armed,” the woman says. “Your
weapons will be returned to you when you are done.”
Your hand rests on the hilt of your sword. Who is the woman’s employer?
Judging from her demand you hand over your weapons, they must be
important. Nobility, perhaps? You can’t imagine why an aristocrat would
choose to lodge here when they could afford much nicer (and safer)
accommodations in the South Isle.
You remember the burgundy vessel in the harbour.
Maybe that ship belongs to this woman’s employer. Maybe they need to be
close to their ship.
You hate not knowing what is going on.
“Your weapons,” the woman repeats.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse to
hand over your weapons.|Chapter 1-2-7A-REFUSE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Surrender your weapons.|Chapter
1-2-7B-SURRENDER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=25>>[[3. [PERSUADE] Convince her to let you keep your
weapons.|Chapter 1-2-7C-PERSUADE PASS][$weaponsarmed to
true]]<<else>>[[3. [PERSUADE] Convince her to let you keep
your weapons.|Chapter 1-2-7C-PERSUADE
FAIL]]<</if>></div><<else>><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Refuse to hand over your weapons.|Chapter
1-2-7A-REFUSE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Surrender your weapons.|Chapter
1-2-7B-SURRENDER]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=25>>[[3. Convince her to let you keep your weapons.|Chapter
1-2-7C-PERSUADE PASS][$weaponsarmed to true]]<<else>>[[3.
Convince her to let you keep your weapons.|Chapter 1-2-7C-PERSUADE
FAIL]]<</if>></div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Gear Lost<</notify>><<transfer '$gearInv'
'$holding' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>>“Absolutely not,” you say,
hand on your sword hilt. “Our weapons stay with us.”
“You cannot enter—”
“We know,” Aeran interrupts. “You’ve made that quite clear. And if you
want us to go in there, you’ll have to bend on that rule.”
The woman raises her chin. “You cannot enter armed.”
“Then I guess we’re not speaking to your employer,” he says, turning.
“Let’s go, $firstname, we’ve got better things to do—”
You blink. A moment later, the woman has Aeran pinned against the wall,
his bow and quiver on the mouldering carpet. Her eyes burn with an amber
light. “I said you cannot enter armed, Aeran Kellis,” she says, pulling
a dagger free from his hip and tossing it on the floor alongside his
other weapons. “Can I trust you to hand me the one in your boot, or do
you prefer to make this difficult?”
He pauses. “I think I can manage.”
The woman smiles and releases him. Aeran steps back and takes the dagger
from his boot, handing it to her. “I hate mages,” he mutters.
She turns to you, ignoring his comment. “Your weapons.”
You unstrap your sword and dagger and hand them to her. “Happy now?” you
ask.
The woman nods. “You may enter.”
She raises a hand and gestures. The door unlocks with a click and slides
open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-8]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'
'Dagger'>><<aeranDisapp>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Gear
Lost<</notify>><</timed>><<set $aeranapp
to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)>>“What the hell,” you say,
unstrapping your sword. “Let’s humour her.”
Aeran scowls. “$firstname—”
“Just do it, Aeran,” you interrupt. “She sought us out for a reason, we
might as well find out what this employer of hers wants. Unless you
think this is an elaborate ploy to assassinate two penniless Wayfarers,
in which case I’d say your paranoia is getting to you.”
He grinds his teeth, but he removes his bow and quiver nonetheless,
surrendering them to the woman. “If this ends with both of us dead in
the back alley, just remember I thought it was a bad idea.”
“Noted.”
The woman’s eyes linger on Aeran’s belt as she takes his weapons. “Your
dagger,” she says.
His scowl deepens. “Fine,” he grunts, removing the dagger as well.
“And the other.”
“There isn’t another—”
The woman’s eyes are tinged with an amber glow. “In your boot.”
He swears under his breath, pulls the dagger from his boot and places it
in her waiting palm. “I hate mages,” he mutters.
You surrender your own weapons—a sword and dagger—and fold your arms.
“Happy now?” you ask.
The woman nods. “You may enter.”
She raises a hand and gestures. The door unlocks with a click and slides
open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-8]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>You
rest your hand on the hilt of your sword. “Either we go in there with
our weapons, or we leave,” you say. “You’re the one who wanted us to
talk to your employer. We came here on a whim. Seems like your employer
is the one losing out.”
The woman regards you and Aeran coldly.
“If that’s the way it is, then we will be on our way,” you continue.
“We’ve got better things to do than argue in a creepy hallway—”
“Wait!” The woman flushes. She looks from you to Aeran and back again,
then raises a hand. She gestures at the door. It unlocks with a click
and slides open. “You may enter.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-8]]</div></div><</nobr>><<transfer
'$gearInv' '$holding' 'Alassar sword'
'Dagger'>><<persuasionFail>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Gear
Lost<</notify>><</timed>>You rest your hand on
the hilt of your sword. “Either we go in there with our weapons, or we
leave,” you say. “You’re the one who wanted us to talk to your employer.
We came here on a whim. Seems like your employer is the one losing
out—”
You blink and the woman disappears. A moment later she reappears,
pinning you forcefully against the wall. Your sword lies on the
mouldering carpet, alongside Aeran’s bow and quiver. Her eyes burn with
an amber light. “I said you cannot enter armed, $firstname $lastname,”
she says. “Can I trust you to hand me your dagger or do you prefer to
make this difficult for yourself?”
“I’m always a fan of making things difficult,” you retort. “But I’ll
play nice – just this once.”
The woman smiles and releases you. You remove your dagger and hand it to
her.
“Excellent choice,” she says. “Kellis? Your weapons.”
Aeran curses under his breath, but surrenders both his daggers
nonetheless. He exchanges looks with you. “I hate Guild mages.”
You shrug.
The woman is satisfied now you are unarmed. She raises a hand and
gestures. The door unlocks with a click and slides open. “You may
enter,” she says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-8]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
room is larger than you expected, a sign that this must be the most
expensive lodging in the tavern. The wood floor is swept clean and the
fraying green rug is spotless. Like the windows downstairs, the shutters
are closed. A cracked wood screen partitions off the far corner, behind
which must be a tub and a chamber pot. A bed with a frame that has seen
better days is shoved against the far wall. Two wicker chairs sit
opposite the bed and there is an old table beneath the window.
You imagine that is the extent of the room’s original design. The rest
are overt changes that are no doubt of the lodger’s making.
While the room’s original lamps glow softly in their brackets, the room
is fully lit by a series of floating orbs that glow with a soft, warm
light. They hover in the air, sinking low then buoying back up to the
rafters as they circle the room. The windows are enchanted; you can make
out the almost imperceptible seal shimmering around the edge, blocking
the wind and rain completely. The room is heavy with perfume scented
with rose and cinnamon. The bed’s linens have been replaced with rich
silk bedding and purple and cream pillows are littered across the
covers. A crystal decanter containing a deep red wine sits on the table
beside a handful of glasses and a platter of capers, figs, and cheese.
You haven’t seen figs since you were last near the Lotharic Sea.
You exchange looks with Aeran. He looks as confused as you feel.
There are three people in the room, all gazing intently at you as you
tread over the green rug and stand in the centre.
By the door stands a large, muscular elven man, dressed in black and
armed to the teeth. He doesn’t make a sound as you pass, but you can
feel his eyes boring into your back. One hand does not stray from the
hilt of his sword. A tattoo of a serpent is wrapped around his upper
arm.
A human woman sits primly on the end of the bed. Judging from her dress
and the way she holds herself, she must be the lodger. She must be
around the same age as you, perhaps in her late twenties or early
thirties. She is dressed in a serithan, a traditional Arathian robe
belted at the waist and cut asymmetrically to show off one shoulder. The
lustrous purple silk is embroidered with gold and shimmers in the
dancing lights. Gold rings glitter on her fingers and her ears are
pierced with several gemstones. Her black hair is woven into intricate
braids and coiled on top of her head. A heavy gold necklace is draped
around her collarbone, complimenting the rich brown tone of her skin.
She wears minimal makeup, but her wideset brown eyes are accented with a
thin strip of black eyeliner.
She is shadowed by a woman dressed in black. You almost do a double-take
– she is nearly identical to the ashen-haired woman who brought you
here. The only discernible difference between the two is her hair – a
deep, raven black, pulled into a high braided tail that falls over her
shoulder.
The woman who brought you here steps into the room and seals the door
with magic.
<<if $weaponsarmed is true>>“Malsara,” the woman in purple
says, looking you up and down with narrowed eyes, “why are they armed?”
Malsara—the woman who brought you here—pales. She bows her head
apologetically. “They would not part with them, Your Grace,” she says.
“They were adamant they would not speak with you unless they kept their
weapons. I weighed the chances and decided it was best to allow it.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Malsara’s twin clicks her tongue. Her
expression remains a mask.
The woman in purple’s eyes sweep over you again. You can’t help but feel
like she is evaluating you. “Very well. I trust your judgement.”
<i>“Tch.”</i><<else>>She doesn’t carry your
weapons. You try not to think about what she’s done with them and
whether or not you’ll see them again.
“Thank you, Malsara,” the woman in purple says, looking you up and down
with narrowed eyes. You can’t help but feel like she is evaluating you.
“I trust you retrieved our guests without incident?”
Malsara bows her head. “Yes, Your Grace.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Malsara’s dark-haired twin clicks her tongue.
Her expression remains a mask.<</if>>
“Glad we’re all cozy,” Aeran says. “Who the hell are you and what do you
want?”
Malsara’s twin scoffs. “They said you were a loud-mouthed fool, Kellis,”
she says. “I was hoping they were wrong.”
The woman in purple raises a hand. “Peace, Nova.” She smooths down her
serithan. “Wayfarer Kellis, Wayfarer $lastname, forgive my subordinates.
They have a particular approach that is not well-received by many.”
“Hm,” Aeran replies, eyes on Nova. “I wonder why.”
“I know the feeling,” you add with a completely straight face.
He shoots you a glare. You shrug.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-9]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
apologize for bringing you here so abruptly,” the woman continues, “but
time is short. Mine and yours.” She links her long fingers together.
Her nails are very long and painted a deep violet. “As such, I thank you
for your time and apologize that we must speak in such squalor.”
If her dress and the room weren’t enough to confirm her nobility, this
certainly did. You can’t think of anyone other than an aristocrat who
would describe a room with silk pillows as squalor.
“I would have preferred to meet you aboard my ship, but with the current
weather, that was an impossibility.”
So the burgundy ship in the harbour must be hers.
“I suggest you visit the South Isle,” Aeran says pointedly. “You might
find it better suited to your <i>sophisticated</i> tastes.”
Malsara and Nova shoot him identical steely looks.
The woman either ignores the thinly veiled insult or it goes over her
head. “There are certain parties in Rona I would like to avoid, Wayfarer
Kellis,” she says calmly. “Venturing further into their territory would
only serve to alert them. I do not wish to antagonize the Seven – I
came here for you and you alone.”
“Yes,” Aeran says quickly, cutting in. “About that—”
“I suppose introductions are in order,” the woman interrupts, continuing
as if she did not hear him. “I am Zenaida Ophelia Anaxas, Savant of
Diradan Tower and heir to the Velantian Protectorate.”
You exchange looks with Aeran. A line creases his forehead, right
between his eyebrows – the kind he gets when he's suspicious and about
to go on the defensive. You can’t blame him. Zenaida is not only the
daughter of a powerful Arathian family, but a Guild mage and a
high-ranking one at that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$mageguildcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Guild of Mages<</notify>>While most of the world’s
population is attuned to magic, it is of an everyday kind. Small magics
that help grow your crops, light your hearths, and ease small troubles.
There are some who exercise a stronger control – a mercenary who
fortifies their body to protect against injuries. A sea captain who
reigns in the waves. A League assassin who casts illusions to hide in
plain sight. A physician who heals wounds and ailments in a matter of
minutes.
And then there are mages.
Technically, any individual who has undergone magical training can call
themselves a mage. However, in most societies, a mage refers to one
thing in particular: powerful magic-wielders trained and certified by
the Guild of Mages.
Those blessed with strong magical attunement are selected at a young age
and spend their childhood and young adulthood undergoing the rigorous
training. The Guild of Mages have many academies spread throughout the
world, but the majority are within Rhesainia. Upon graduation, mages are
inducted into the Guild and sworn to serve it for life.
Some mages ascend high, becoming influential figures within political
courts across the world. Others become highly sought-after healers or
researchers or architects. Others yet become unparalleled combatants
upon the battlefield, champions who can change the tide of war.
Overseen by the Council of Mages, the Guild is perhaps the most
influential institution of the modern era. Its members have raised
countries, destroyed dynasties, cured plagues, stopped famines, won
wars, researched the natural and the arcane. A mage is at the heart of
every event deemed worthy by historians.
Mages are powerful. Like most powerful people, they do not enjoy being
reminded of their limits.
And a Wayfarer in the presence of a mage is a walking, talking reminder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-11]]</div></div><</nobr>>You’re
on edge. Why would a powerful, noble mage sail west, through the Cobalt
Sea, to find <i>you?</i> You’re well-travelled, sure, and
your name is known in several towns and villages across Rhesainia. But
you’ve never thought of yourself as famous.
“My hands,” Zenaida continues. “Malsara and Nova Markal. Nova is sworn
to the Guild and holds the rank of Savant. And though I am sure she
would prefer I say nothing on the subject, Malsara is a member of the
Erebian League. She serves me in many… capacities.”
Malsara’s lips turn downwards in a tight frown, though she doesn’t speak
out against her mistress. The Erebian League is not often spoken of so
plainly. An order of assassins whose history stretches back centuries,
the identity of the League’s operatives are kept in shadow. That Zenaida
is so open about Malsara’s vocation is either an open threat or a
blatant attempt to earn your trust.
“You’re very forthright, Your Grace,” you say. <<if $origin is
"noble">>You were a noble once, too, albeit not a very good one;
you remember your forms of address.<<else>>That is the
correct form of address for someone of Zenaida’s station,
right?<</if>> Considering you’re trapped in a room with two
mages and an assassin, it seems wise not to piss off the aristocrat.
“I wouldn’t have crossed the sea merely to dupe you, Wayfarer
$lastname,” Zenaida replies.
“Didn’t realize we were so highly regarded in the Empire,” Aeran says.
“Last time I was there the Imperial army had no qualms showing me
exactly what their people thought of ours.”
She smiles blandly. “Your reputation precedes you, Wayfarer Kellis. And I
assure you, there are those, like myself, who know better than to
believe the misinformation spread about you. Baseless propaganda that
exists only to serve those in power.”
“Interesting,” he interjects, folding his arms. He observes her with a
steely look. “I’d imagine the Velantian heir qualifies as <i>those
in power.”</i>
Zenaida raises her chin and holds still beneath his iron gaze. “Please,
Wayfarers,” she says, gesturing calmly at the wicker chairs. “Sit.”
You exchange looks with Aeran.
“No, thank you,” he says. “Tell us what you want, or we’ll be going—”
“We have much to discuss,” Zenaida continues. “Please. Sit.”
You hear a grunt from near the door. You cast an eye towards the exit
and see the large elven bodyguard Zenaida neglected to introduce. He has
pulled his sword an inch from its sheath.
You nudge Aeran in the ribs and take a seat in the closest chair. “Very
well,” you say as diplomatically as you can manage. “Go on, Your Grace.”
“Yeah,” he says, following suit and throwing himself into the other
chair. He doesn’t look happy about it. “Go on. We’re riveted.”
You wish you were still standing so you could elbow him again and resist
the urge to roll your eyes.
Zenaida twines her fingers together in her lap. “How much do you know of
my city’s history?”
You glance at Aeran. His scowl deepens with every passing minute.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-12]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Codex Unlocked: Annexation of
Velantis<</notify>><<set $velantisannexcodex to
true>>Velantis.
City of mages, city of fools, and the beating heart of the Arathian
Empire. Situated on the coast of the Lotharic Sea, Velantis is a
labyrinthine metropolis spanning the entirety of the peninsula it is
built upon. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, surviving
natural disasters, plagues, countless wars, and the ever-changing hand
of modern politics. It is an ancient place and rife with the stink of
magic.
The city was not always part of the Arathian Empire. Some two hundred
years ago, Velantis was one of six independent city-states flourishing
on the Lotharic Sea. But when a bloody war with Farandor devastated the
region, the Arathian Empire offered aid to push the invading armies out.
That aid turned into an occupation, and the occupation, in turn, turned
into another war.
The war was short and ugly. Velantis was the last of the six Lotharic
city-states to resist the Arathian Empire. In the end, it was never
truly conquered. A pro-Imperial faction from within the city executed a
successful coup, assassinating the Velantian kings. Without leadership,
the government was dissolved, the remaining royals executed, and the
territory absorbed into the Empire. Over the course of the following
decades, it was transformed into the centre of magical research, study,
and trade it is today.
With the city’s Imperial ties secured, the Council of Mages moved its
headquarters from Ameidan Tower in Vestra to Diradan Tower, located in
the northern region of the Velantian peninsula. To this day, the Council
is a major political power within the city with close ties to the
governing family, House Anaxas. From their lofty seats within Diradan
Tower, the Council observes the world like a chess board, nudging the
pieces wherever they see fit.
Like most Wayfarers, you’ve avoided Velantis like the plague.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-13]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We’re
familiar enough,” you say.
“Good,” Zenaida replies. “Then you’ll understand the gravity of the
situation when I say the journey here was not a simple matter of taking a
ship and sailing across the sea. It was an act of betrayal against both
the Council and my family. I risked my life and the lives of my
subordinates to seek you out. There is a darkness growing in Velantis, a
darkness that threatens to consume not only the city, but the Empire
itself.”
“And this concerns us… why, exactly?” Aeran interjects. “No Wayfarer in
their right mind would come within ten leagues of the city that houses
the Council of Mages.”
Zenaida blinks, taken aback for a moment. “I understand the deep-seated
mistrust between our orders—”
“Mistrust?” Aeran scoffs. “That’s putting it lightly—”
“—but you must hear me out.” She pauses, locking eyes with Aeran. “If
you can deign to hear a desperate plea from a mage.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Fine. I’ll deign.”|Chapter 1-2-14A-AERAN
DISAPPROVES][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Get to the point or we’re
leaving.”|Chapter 1-2-14B-AERAN APPROVES][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>The
barest hint of a smile tugs at the corners of Zenaida’s lips. Aeran
shoots you a dark look. His leg bounces rapidly up and down.
“I’ll speak plainly then, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “The Council of
Mages is corrupt. A schism has formed, splitting the Guild into
factions. Though outwardly we pretend to be united, internally we are
divided, and those divisions grow more desperate by the day. Archsages,
Savants, Guild masters… it doesn’t matter the rank. Sworn loyalties and
long-standing allegiances are abandoned and raked through the mud.”
She takes a deep breath, shaken by her own words. For the first time,
you can spot the chinks in her iron façade. “The Guild is at war with
itself and Velantis is the battleground. Those who seek dominion over
the Guild will stop at nothing in their pursuit of power, foraying into
the depths of forbidden magic, caring nothing for the lives they
destroy. If this hidden war is not stopped, Velantis will meet a
desperate and bloody end.”
Silence descends on the room, broken only by the tapping of Aeran’s foot
on the floor. Nova steps forward, a seething look on her face, but
Malsara grabs her by the arm and steadies her, shaking her head almost
imperceptibly.
“That’s all very… interesting, Your Grace,” you say. “But the internal
politics of the Guild are far beyond us—”
“I disagree.” Zenaida unfolds her hands and rests them loosely in her
lap. “Warriors adept in stealth and combat, who can walk through magical
attacks and foil curses? Experienced mercenaries who can unravel
enchantments at the touch of a finger? There was never a time when your
skills were more vital—”
Aeran stands up abruptly. “We aren’t tools to be used, especially not in
some pointless Guild conflict!”
The elven bodyguard draws his blade. A dagger appears in Malsara’s hand,
a soft amber glow gleaming around the hilt in the aftermath of her
summoning magic. Nova places a hand on Zenaida’s shoulder, poised to
pull her away from danger.
Zenaida raises a hand, silently commanding her retainers to stand down.
“I had hoped I could plead to your sense of compassion,” she says.
Behind her, Malsara and Nova seethe, but draw away. The elven bodyguard
sheathes his sword. “But perhaps I was wrong to assume you would do what
you can to prevent the deaths of thousands.”
You pull Aeran back into his seat and turn to Zenaida.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I care about the people, make no mistake of
that.”|Chapter 1-2-15A-DISAPPROVE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t try to guilt us, Your Grace,
we’re not so easily manipulated.”|Chapter 1-2-15B-APPROVE][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “This is your fight, not ours. We
don’t want any part of it.”|Chapter 1-2-15C-APPROVE][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Zenaida's
forehead creases, her lips turning imperceptibly downwards.
“I’ll speak plainly then, Wayfarer $lastname,” she says. “The Council of
Mages is corrupt. A schism has formed, splitting the Guild into
factions. Though outwardly we pretend to be united, internally we are
divided, and those divisions grow more desperate by the day. Archsages,
Savants, Guild masters… it doesn’t matter the rank. Sworn loyalties and
long-standing allegiances are abandoned and raked through the mud.”
She takes a deep breath, shaken by her own words. For the first time,
you can spot the chinks in her iron façade. “The Guild is at war with
itself and Velantis is the battleground. Those who seek dominion over
the Guild will stop at nothing in their pursuit of power, foraying into
the depths of forbidden magic, caring nothing for the lives they
destroy. If this hidden war is not stopped, Velantis will meet a
desperate and bloody end.”
You glance at Aeran, but he isn’t looking at you. He watches Zenaida
with suspicion, eyes flicking between her, her retainers, and the door.
“That’s all very interesting, Your Grace,” you say. “But the internal
politics of the Guild are far beyond us—”
“I disagree.” Zenaida unfolds her hands and rests them loosely in her
lap. “Warriors adept in stealth and combat, who can walk through magical
attacks and foil curses? Experienced mercenaries who can unravel
enchantments at the touch of a finger? There was never a time when your
skills were more vital than now—”
“We aren’t tools to be used,” Aeran snaps, “especially not in some
pointless Guild conflict!”
“I had hoped I could plead to your sense of compassion,” Zenaida
interrupts. “But perhaps I was wrong to assume you would do what you can
to prevent the deaths of thousands.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I care about the people, make no mistake of
that.”|Chapter 1-2-15A-DISAPPROVE][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp -
1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Don’t try to guilt us, Your Grace,
we’re not so easily manipulated.”|Chapter 1-2-15B-APPROVE][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “This is your fight, not ours. We
don’t want any part of it.”|Chapter 1-2-15C-APPROVE][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Zenaida
raises her chin. “Do you?”
You’ve been called many things over the years due to your status as a
Wayfarer – arrogant and self-serving are among them. Nobles, merchants,
peasants… no matter their status, many assume you will only act when
payment is on the table, all morals be damned. And while there is truth
to the sentiment—you will never work for no pay—you have always been
guided by your morals. You don’t enjoy knowing people have died when you
could have intervened.
This perception that you are a hardened mercenary who only cares about
gold is one you’d rather not have weighing on your shoulders.
“I do,” you say firmly.
“Then help me.” Zenaida’s posture—so prim, so proper, with a
straight-backed sophistication that is telling of her aristocratic
upbringing—wilts as she leans forward, hands pressed against her knees.
“Help me save my city.”
A lock of hair escapes her intricate braids and falls across the side of
her neck. She pushes it back, sweeping it to the nape of her neck. “I
know it must be strange, a member of the Guild begging for the help of a
Wayfarer. But without your aid, Velantis will surely fall by year’s
end.”
You fold your arms. “What do you want us to do?”
“$firstname,” Aeran mutters under his breath. “What are you doing?”
“Listening to her,” you mutter back. “Hush.”
He shoots you a deadly glare but remains silent.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-16]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>“This
is no manipulation, Wayfarer $lastname,” Zenaida replies. “This is a
conversation between two equals. If you interpret it as anything else,
then that dilemma is yours alone to handle.”
<i>“Tch.”</i> Aeran shakes his head. At this rate, his scowl
will become a permanent part of his face.
You lean forward and rest your hands on your knees. “Fine,” you say.
“Then let’s have a conversation. Why did you ask us here? What do you
want?”
“I’ll speak plainly, then,” Zenaida answers coolly. “It must be strange,
a member of the Guild begging for the help of a Wayfarer. But without
your aid, Velantis will surely fall by year’s end.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-16]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>You
and Aeran rise to your feet.
The elven bodyguard steps in front of the door, blocking the threshold.
As he stares you down you have no doubt that he will draw his sword on
you should you try to force your way out.
<i>Shit.</i>
Zenaida observes you patiently, a calm, cool look on her face.
“I don’t enjoy threats, Your Grace,” you say.
“I will not stop you from leaving,” she replies. “I merely encourage you
to listen to what I have to say.”
You glance at the bodyguard. “Some encouragement.”
“Then say it,” Aeran snaps, speaking over you. “Enough with the
roundabout remarks. What do you want?”
Zenaida sighs. “It must be strange,” she says coolly. “A member of the
Guild begging for the help of a Wayfarer. But without your aid, Velantis
will surely fall by year’s end.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-16]]</div></div><</nobr>>“I
assume there is some plan or mission or objective,” you say. “You don’t
seem to be the type to act first and think about the consequences
later.”
She nods. “Indeed. The details of the proposition I am about to offer
you have been in motion for many months. It is my hope—and the hope of
my associates—that you will join us.” She pauses, a small smile playing
across her lips. “In fact, much of the plan relies on the presence of a
Wayfarer.”
“Is that supposed to impress us?” Aeran snorts.
“No,” Zenaida replies, unruffled by his derision. “But it should
demonstrate your importance to the task at hand – and our confidence
that you will agree to our terms.” She looks behind her. “Nova, if you
would…?”
Nova steps forward silently and produces a small obsidian orb. It sits
comfortably in the palm of her hand. Its sides are as smooth as glass,
so highly polished that you can see yourself reflected in its surface.
She stares into the orb, brow furrowed, and a violet light seeps from
her palm into the orb. A moment later, it explodes with light. Its
surface shimmers and a moment later, an image is reflected deep within.
A small chamber, octagonal in shape, its white walls lined with
beautifully arched stained-glass windows. The stained-glass reminds you
of the windows in the Spire, but they are different here—mosaics in
blues, greens and golds, a far cry from the deep violets and reds
preferred by the Spire’s architecture, and patterned in geometric shapes
whose arcane significance mean nothing to you. Floating orbs similar to
the ones conjured in Zenaida’s room dance around the ceiling, lighting
the octagonal dais below.
The dais is raised several feet above the floor and takes up the
majority of the room. Steep white marble steps lead up to it from all
sides. A plinth rests in the middle of the dais, draped with a swath of
gold fabric that shimmers in the dancing lights. Above the plinth,
hovering in mid-air in a slow rotation, is a staff.
The staff is old, of that you have no doubt. Crafted from an earthy,
yellowish wood, it looks much more like a sturdy, well-worn weapon than
an artefact from the ancient past. At a closer look, the staff appears
to be quite long—nearly as <<if $height is "tall">>tall as
you<<else>>tall as Aeran<</if>>—and it is
reinforced with bands of dappled metal reminiscent of Alassar steel.
Embedded in the centre, near the grip, is a ruby gemstone, its colour so
dark it is nearly black.
A wave of discomfort hits you just by looking at it. Despite its simple
exterior, this is a deeply powerful weapon. The arcane energies
contained within must be unimaginable.
You don’t like it.
“…what is that?” you ask, fighting the nausea growing in your stomach.
“The greatest secret of the Guild of Mages,” Nova replies. “One that has
been guarded by generations of Archsages and Savants, stretching back a
thousand years.”
“That doesn’t help,” you point out.
“It is an Astrial,” she continues. “One of seven arcane weapons wielded
by the Sentinels of Rhesaina during the Astrandium.”
You exchange wary looks with Aeran. He grimaces, unable to hide his
distaste for Meissandic tales.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-17]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$astrandiumcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: The Astrandium<</notify>>The story of Rhesaina and
her Sentinels is known throughout most of the continent. Millennia ago,
the world was shattered in a great cataclysm. From the sky fell
creatures from an unknown plane. These unearthly monsters, Harbingers of
death and destruction, scattered across the land, flooding the
continent with their magic. Fire and ash rained down from the sky,
mountains were levelled, and the seas rose to swallow cities whole.
From the scorched ruins of a nameless village rose a young woman named
Rhesaina. She scaled the Gairloch Mountains, making the perilous climb
to Adrasus Citadel, an ancient temple sacred to Meissa, the progenitor
deity, forebearer of the gods. The Divinity heard her plea and, blessing
her with sacred magic, commanded her to lead the world against the
otherworldly invaders.
Gathering six warriors of legend, Rhesaina sought the boons of Meissa’s
children. Her companions were blessed each in turn, one by each god, and
gifted arcane weapons. They were named Sentinels, protectors of the
world and vessels of the gods’ power, and bound to stop the world’s
destruction.
But even the power of the gods was not enough to halt the Harbingers. As
chaos surged and the land fell to ruin, Rhesaina and the Sentinels made
a choice. Sacrificing their lives to diffuse their power across the
world, they banished the Harbingers, sending them back to the void and
preventing their return for all time.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-18]]</div></div><</nobr>>To
some, the story of Rhesaina is a crucial part of the world’s history, a
stark reminder of the horrors that could have been if not for the gods.
To others, it is little more than hogwash, touted as fact by the
devout. Regardless of the truth in the tale, there are three
indisputable facts.
First: long ago, something did scar and tear the earth, leaving behind
unnatural fissures and twisted formations in the land.
Second: Adrasus Citadel is an ancient temple imbued with magic so
powerful most cannot enter its halls without suffering hallucinations,
headaches and—should they linger too long—death. Due to the inability to
research the area, no one knows when the temple was built or by who.
The origins of the citadel are fiercely debated in many universities
across the continent.
Third: the Astrials—or something very much like them—exist. Three have
been discovered in the past thousand years: an axe in the possession of
the Arathian Empire, a shield retained by the Coveran Republic, and a
bow seized by a Meissandic temple in Nesactium. Though some speculate
these artefacts are pre-Astrandium relics of no importance, all three
have been authenticated by the Meissandium itself. They are greatly
coveted by the nations that discovered them.
If this staff is a fourth Astrial, one the Guild has hidden for
centuries…
Thinking about the political and religious implications makes you ill.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-19]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
snorts, coarse, uncontrolled laughter bubbling out of him. He leans
back in his chair, hands behind his head. “An Astrial? You’ve got to be
kidding me.”
“I suggest you control your more foolish impulses, Kellis,” Nova
interrupts quietly. “This is no laughing matter.”
Aeran rolls his eyes but falls silent.
“This Astrial has been in the hands of the Guild for centuries,” Zenaida
says. “Only the Archsages are permitted to enter the chamber. The image
captured by Nova is but a memory, and one that has been the cause of
much concern. With the Guild in chaos, the Archsages plan to use the
Astrial to quell the war. It will take time for them to unravel the
enchantments surrounding it, but they will achieve their goal by month’s
end. Such untapped power, released for the first time in centuries… it
can only spell untold disaster. No one must wield an Astrial.
<i>No one.”</i>
She pauses, the weight of her words lying heavy in the air. She raises
her head and locks eyes with you. When she speaks, her voice is steeled
with determination. “We must steal it before the Archsages can make use
of its power.”
Silence descends on the room. You can hear a faint clap of wood against
wood as the wind bangs the shutters against the window. The storm still
rages outside.
“The chamber that houses the Astrial in Diradan Tower is magically
sealed,” Zenaida continues. “Only those who have been granted the
appropriate runes can bypass the defenses. But a Wayfarer can simply
walk through the enchantments. Your immunity to magic will protect you.
Unlike myself and those who stand with me, you can reach the Astrial and
take it before the Archsages can act.”
You chew the inside of your cheek, Zenaida’s words running in circles
through your thoughts. The Council, the Guild, Astrials… this isn’t your
world. This is the heart of everything you are not, the heart of
everything that loathes what you are. A Wayfarer doesn’t belong in
Velantis. A Wayfarer doesn’t involve themselves in Guild politics.
“When you say ‘those who stand with me,’” Aeran says slowly, “are there
more of you, or is it just you and these three clowns?” He nods at Nova,
Malsara and the nameless bodyguard.
The bodyguard guffaws in amusement. It’s the first telling thing you’ve
heard from him since you stepped foot in the room.
“I represent an entire Guild faction, Wayfarer Kellis,” Zenaida replies
sharply. “The Lethalis chapter encompasses hundreds of like-minded mages
fighting the rot at the heart of the Guild—”
“Your Grace.” Nova’s hand is on Zenaida’s shoulder. She eyes you and
Aeran carefully.
Zenaida falls silent and composes herself. “This matter goes far beyond
me, Wayfarer Kellis. And if the severity of the situation alone cannot
win you over, I have prepared a substantial sum to compensate you for
your aid.”
Aeran’s eyes widen, genuinely surprised. “Substantial?”
Zenaida smiles. “Come now, did you truly believe I would enlist your aid
without offering payment? Think of me what you will, I am no fool. I
know the methods of the Wayfarers well.”
She gestures and Malsara steps forward, producing two leather pouches.
She tosses one to Aeran, then one to yourself. You catch it, the weight
of the coins lying heavy in the palm of your hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-20][$gold
+=250]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$gearInv.has('Alassar sword', 'Dagger')>><<notify
3000>>+250
Crowns<</notify>><<else>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Alassar sword' 'Dagger'>><<notify
3000>>+250 Crowns<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>Gear
Returned<</notify>><</timed>><</if>>“Two
hundred and fifty crowns each,” Zenaida says. Her eyes narrow as she
watches Aeran dip his hand inside his pouch and rustle through the
coins. “Count them if you must, but I assure you I have no intention of
duping you. It would only be a waste of time.” She turns to you. “This
is payment for coming here of your own volition. Keep it and do with it
what you will.”
You clutch the pouch, the soft leather folding beneath your fingers. You
can’t remember the last time you had this much gold to your name.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Should you agree to my proposition,” she continues smoothly, “you will
be well rewarded. A thousand upfront, two thousand to follow when the
mission is complete and the Astrial obtained. Three thousand total.”
“Three thousand,” you splutter. “Three thousand crowns?”
Zenaida nods. “Each.”
Your eyes widen. You stare incredulously at her, certain you’ve
misheard. Hollow laughter bubbles up beside you. Aeran shifts in his
seat, hands pressed into his knees, and throws his head back.
“What the ever-living hell,” he chortles. “Six thousand crowns to raid
the headquarters of the fucking <i>Guild of Mages</i> and
steal an <i>Astrial.”</i>
She folds her hands and presses her lips together in a fine line. “I
believe that is more than enough to live in comfort for a few years.
Perhaps you and Wayfarer $lastname could find a secluded village
somewhere beyond Guild influence and never see another mage again.”
You’re not sure if this is an attempt at sarcasm or if she is being
serious. Regardless, six thousand crowns for a single contract is far
more than you have been offered in the entirety of your career. It is no
trivial amount – which means Zenaida is either desperate or has a
faulty understanding of economics.
“Consider the offer, Wayfarers,” Zenaida says, rising gracefully to her
feet. “Six thousand to offer your aid. Six thousand to prevent the
destruction of a city. You have until dawn to decide. I sincerely hope
you make the right decision.”
She gestures to the door. <<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-2-7C-PERSUADE
PASS")>><<else>>Malsara returns your weapons and
ushers you forward.<</if>> As you step across the threshold,
you feel her eyes boring into your back. A shiver runs down your spine.
You shrug it off, jostling the full leather pouch in your hand.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-21]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
walk down the musty hall in silence, Aeran several feet in front of
you. He leaps down the creaking flight of stairs, taking the steps two
at a time. You clatter down the stairs after him, rushing to keep up.
The tavern is as packed as ever. Patrons have resorted to standing in
the corners as they drink their ale and complain about the storm.
Aeran reaches the landing and, pushing a knot of people, moves directly
for the door.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Follow him out of the tavern and continue on
with your day. Zenaida’s offer is probably too good to be true. You
already have a contract and you’ve wasted enough time.|Chapter
1-2-22A][$zenaidarefused to true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Stop him. You need to talk about
Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-22B]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)>>Aeran
slides the door open and clatters down the steps to the main road. You
follow, shoving the leather pouch into your purse. The weight of
Zenaida’s gold is heavy in your pocket.
You pass a trio of burly men with red kerchiefs on their upper arms as
you leap down the steps after Aeran. They shoot you dark, suspicious
looks, but you ignore them and catch up with Aeran on the road. The
downpour hits you in full force as you splash through puddles, speckling
your boots with mud. Shame – you spent so much time talking with
Zenaida, you’d nearly dried out.
“Those are the Count’s mercs,” you say, gesturing over your shoulder at
the trio. You can feel their eyes on your retreating backs as you make
your way up the road. “Red kerchiefs on the upper arm—pretty sure that
means they’re in his inner circle.”
“Then he’s keeping an eye on us.” Aeran grimaces and runs a hand through
his hair. “Shit. We need to work quickly, we wasted too much time on
that Imperial princess.”
“I don’t think she’s a princess.”
“Whatever.” He storms up the road, carried by his impatience and pent-up
fury. “She was a Guild mage trying her damned best to tangle us up in…
whatever ploy that was.” He snorts. “Six thousand? Unbelievable.”
“Too good to be true,” you mutter. “There was probably fine print all
over it.”
“What utter horseshit.”
“Yeah.”
He stretches his arms, resting his hands on the back of his head. “Where
were we before all this nonsense?”
“The collector, the man called Fisher, and the Viridian Lady,” you
rattle off.
“We don’t have time to investigate all three of them,” he says. “Where
should we start?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
grab Aeran’s arm, pulling him to a stop.
“We need to talk,” you say.
“What about?” he snaps. “I don’t think there’s anything that needs
discussing. At least we’ve got some coin to show for the complete and
utter waste of time.”
The tavern door slides open and a trio of burly men barge in, soaking
wet and dripping rainwater across the floor. You pull Aeran aside and
squish against the wall, making room as they glare at you and stomp
towards the nearest table. The leader of the trio barks at patrons
nursing their drinks. They scatter, and the trio heaves themselves into
the vacant chairs.
“Six thousand crowns is something worth discussing,” you mutter under
your breath, watching as the trio snap at the barkeep for drinks.
“I won’t stoop to working for a Guild mage,” Aeran hisses. “Not even for
six thousand.”
The trio wear red kerchiefs tied around their upper arms. You’ve seen
that before—on mercenaries in the Count’s inner circle.
“Outside,” you say, shoving Aeran towards the door. “Now.”
You push through the door and leap down the steps to the road beyond.
The downpour hits you in full force. Shame – you spent so much time
talking with Zenaida, you’d nearly dried out.
You duck down the alley that runs to the back of the Slippery Weasel,
splashing through puddles and speckling your boots with mud. Drawing up
beneath the overhang, you press your back against the wall and release a
long breath.
You and Aeran watch the rain fall in silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-22B-1]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Six
thousand,” you say finally.
“Yeah.”
“Six thousand.”
“You don’t need to repeat the number, I know what she said.”
“Fuck.” You rest your hands on the back of your head and look up at the
sky. Storm clouds churn, thick and grey and dark, choked with the
never-ending rain. “The Count is paying three hundred to find his stupid
chalice. Aeran, we have to at least consider her offer.”
His eyes flash darkly. <i>“No.”</i>
You groan. “You’re being an idiot.”
He steps out from under the overhang and throws his hands in the air.
“Sorry if I have one too many suspicions, $firstname,” he says. Rain
drips down his face, but he seems unbothered by it. “She claims she came
to Rona specifically to find us, spins some ridiculous story about
Guild politics and Astrials in Velantis, and then offers us more gold
than you or I have ever seen in our lives…” He shakes his head. “I don’t
trust her. I can’t trust her.”
“I’m not asking you to trust her.” You cross your arms. “I don’t, by the
way. Just to clear that up—”
He snorts. “Good. Glad to know you’re not swayed by false promises of
gold, I was starting to worry.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It’s not a false promise.”|Chapter
1-2-23A][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Good. Glad to know you still worry
about me.”|Chapter 1-2-23B][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “False or not, I think we need to
consider her proposal carefully.”|Chapter
1-2-23C]]</div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>Aeran
grunts. “$firstname—”
“She’s desperate,” you interrupt. “She may not look it, but the signs
were there. Coming to Rona, searching for us… She believes her plan is
the only thing that can put an end to the Guild’s internal warfare, and
she needs a Wayfarer in order for it to succeed.”
The leather pouch weighs heavily in your pocket, the coins pushing
against your hip. “She wouldn’t have given us two hundred and fifty
crowns each simply for listening to her if she wasn’t desperate. She is
doing everything she can—in her own way—to convince us to agree to her
proposal.”
You sigh heavily. “I don’t think she’s telling the truth about
everything, but we don’t always need the full truth to get the job
done.”
“She got to you.” Aeran stares at you and grimaces. “Shit.”
You watch him pace back and forth in the rain, thoughts spinning as you
grind your teeth. At first glance, Aeran often comes across as capable
and easygoing, someone who laughs in the face of adversity and finds a
way around. But underneath the banter and the smile, he’s as stubborn as
a rock. There are few things in this world for which he will not bend,
and the Guild of Mages is one of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><<if
settings.action>><div class="choice-item"><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUADE] Convince him
to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60>>[[1. [PERSUADE]
Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.
Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket
out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what
you have going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUADE] Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s
offer. Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way
ticket out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal
than what you have going on here.|Chapter
1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and continue your contract
for the Count. You can always return to this argument when the chalice
is found.|Chapter 1-2-23A-3]]</div><<else>><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=
20>>[[1. Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take
Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >=
60>>[[1. Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take
Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a
one-way ticket out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better
deal than what you have going on here.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Convince him to drop the
Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it means working
alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket out of Rona and you’ll
be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what you have going on
here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to
true]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and continue your contract
for the Count. You can always return to this argument when the chalice
is found.|Chapter 1-2-23A-3][$zenaidarefused to
true]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>Aeran
cracks a smile. “Yeah. I do.”
“Then why don’t you listen to me for once?” you continue. “Look, I’m as
suspicious of Zenaida as you are. She’s a Guild mage… but she’s a
desperate one. Coming to Rona, searching for us… I don’t think she was
lying when she said she put herself at risk. She believes her plan is
the only thing that can put an end to the Guild’s internal warfare, and
she needs a Wayfarer to succeed.”
The leather pouch weighs heavily in your pocket, the coins pushing
against your hip. “She wouldn’t have given us two hundred and fifty
crowns each simply for listening to her if she wasn’t desperate. She is
doing everything she can—in her own way—to convince us to agree to her
proposal.”
You sigh heavily. “I don’t think she’s telling the truth about
everything, but we don’t always need the full truth to get the job
done.”
“Maybe,” Aeran says. “But I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to.”
You watch him pace back and forth in the rain, thoughts spinning as you
grind your teeth. At first glance, Aeran often comes across as capable
and easygoing, someone who laughs in the face of adversity and finds a
way around. But underneath the banter and the smile, he’s as stubborn as
a rock. There are few things in this world for which he will not bend,
and the Guild of Mages is one of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUADE] Convince him
to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60>>[[1. [PERSUADE]
Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.
Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket
out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what
you have going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUADE] Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s
offer. Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way
ticket out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal
than what you have going on here.|Chapter
1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to
true]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[1. Convince him to drop the Count’s
contract and take Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60>>[[1. Convince
him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it means
working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket out of Rona
and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what you have
going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Convince
him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it
means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket out of
Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what you
have going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to
true]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop it.|Chapter
1-2-23B-3][$zenaidarefused to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Why?”
he snaps. “Why insist on this—”
“Look, I’m as suspicious of Zenaida as you are!” you interrupt. “She’s a
Guild mage, but she’s a desperate one. Coming to Rona, searching for
us… I don’t think she was lying when she said she put herself at risk.
She believes her plan is the only thing that can put an end to the
Guild’s internal warfare, and she needs a Wayfarer to succeed.”
The leather pouch weighs heavily in your pocket, the coins pushing
against your hip. “She wouldn’t have given us two hundred and fifty
crowns each simply for listening to her if she wasn’t desperate. She is
doing everything she can—in her own way—to convince us to agree to her
proposal.”
You shake your head. “I don’t think she’s telling the truth about
everything, but we don’t always need the full truth to get the job
done.”
Aeran falls silent, mulling over your words.
You watch him pace back and forth in the rain, thoughts spinning as you
grind your teeth. At first glance, Aeran often comes across as capable
and easygoing, someone who laughs in the face of adversity and finds a
way around. But underneath the banter and the smile, he’s as stubborn as
a rock. There are few things in this world for which he will not bend,
and the Guild of Mages is one of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if settings.action>><<if
random(1,20) + $persuasion >= 20>>[[1. [PERSUADE] Convince him
to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60>>[[1. [PERSUADE]
Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer.
Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket
out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what
you have going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1.
[PERSUADE] Convince him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s
offer. Yes, it means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way
ticket out of Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal
than what you have going on here.|Chapter
1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to
true]]<</if>><<else>><<if random(1,20) +
$persuasion >= 20>>[[1. Convince him to drop the Count’s
contract and take Zenaida’s offer.|Chapter
1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<elseif $aeranapp >= 60>>[[1. Convince
him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it means
working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket out of Rona
and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what you have
going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-1-PASS]]<<else>>[[1. Convince
him to drop the Count’s contract and take Zenaida’s offer. Yes, it
means working alongside Guild mages, but it’s a one-way ticket out of
Rona and you’ll be paid handsomely. It’s a better deal than what you
have going on here.|Chapter 1-2-23A-2-FAIL][$zenaidarefused to
true]]<</if>><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Drop it.|Chapter
1-2-23B-3][$zenaidarefused to
true]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“I
know you have a problem working with the Guild,” you say. “It’s not my
preference, believe me. But we have to be practical. We’ve spent two
years buffeted around the world. Where we go, what contracts we take…
sometimes those choices feel like little more than an illusion of
choice.”
You roll your shoulder and squeeze your folded arms tight against your
chest. “The Count is breathing down our necks – those were his mercs we
passed on our way out. While I hate to admit it, our leads aren’t good.
This contract is a mess. We may never find his missing chalice. It’s a
<i>chalice</i> – do you know many damned magical chalices
there are?”
Aeran stops pacing. He nods curtly but doesn’t meet your eyes.
“We’re living off of scraps, Aeran,” you continue. “We’ve been stuck
ever since we came here. I’m tired of scrounging for work, taking
whatever measly thing comes our way. Zenaida’s offer is good. Maybe the
only good move we have left. She can get us out of here before the Count
comes for our hides. And to be honest…” You sigh heavily. “Velantis
can’t be any worse than Rona. Or the dozen different cities we’ve been
to.”
Aeran steps back under the overhang and stands next to you. He’s silent
as he watches the rain fall, a vein pulsing in the side of his neck.
He’s silent for a very long time.
You wait.
“I suppose,” he says finally, “that if it comes down to it, we can
double-cross her in the morning. Or when we dock at Velantis. Between
the two of us we have more than enough to pay for passage on a different
ship.”
You smile.
“Just to be clear, I’ll go along with this because I trust you,” he
adds. “This feels like a trap, but if you think it’s the right move…
then it’s the right move.”
“If it’s a trap,” you say, “it’s not for us. Someone like Zenaida has
much larger worries than a couple of Wayfarers. You said it yourself,
we’re a tool for her to use, nothing more. We go in, get the job done,
get out. And then think of somewhere to spend those six thousand
crowns.”
<<if $aeranrom >= 10>>Aeran smirks. “I can think of a few
places.”
You raise an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Hm. I think I’ll keep it secret for now.”
“Hm,” you mimic. “You’re an ass.”
Aeran chuckles. “Should we tell Her Grace?” he asks, gesturing at the
upper level of the tavern.
You nod. “Let’s go.”<<else>>“Oh, trust me, I’ll be thinking
of how to spend those crowns every step of the way.” Aeran grimaces.
“It’s the only thing that will get me through this contract.”
You elbow him in the side. “Lighten up.”
Aeran rolls his eyes. “Should we tell her Grace?” he asks, gesturing at
the upper level of the tavern.
You nod. “Let’s go.”<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-24-RETURN TO
ZENAIDA]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20,
79)>><<set $aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>><<set $persuasionfail
+=1>>“I hear you, $firstname,” Aeran says finally. “But the only
way I’ll agree to Her Grace’s tomfoolery is if we have no options left.
Only when the city burns down, or the Count runs us out of town will I
even <i>think</i> about working with her.”
You nod, your throat strangely dry. Somehow you knew in your gut he
couldn’t be persuaded. You scuff your foot along the ground. “What do
you want to do, then?”
“What we should have been doing this entire time,” he replies gruffly.
“Getting the job done.” He stretches his arms above his head and glances
at you. “The collector, the man called Fisher, and the Viridian Lady.
One of them has to know something about the Count’s stupid fucking
chalice.”
“We don’t have time to investigate all three leads,” you say.
“Then make the right choice.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)>>“Fine,”
you say coolly. “You’re right. She’s a distraction, we have better
things to do, considering the Count is breathing down our necks. Those
were his mercs we passed on the way out.”
“I saw.” Aeran grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “Shit. We need
to work quickly, we wasted too much time on that Imperial princess.”
“I don’t think she’s a princess.”
“Whatever.”
“And she didn’t <i>get to me,</i> by the way.”
“Sure.”
“I was just weighing our options.”
Aeran rolls his eyes and stretches his arms, resting his hands on the
back of his head. “Where were we before all this nonsense?”
“The collector, the man called Fisher, and the Viridian Lady,” you
rattle off.
“We don’t have time to investigate all three of them,” he says. “Where
should we start?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$chaliceStatus to "lost">>You wind your way out of the alley and
enter the tavern.
The trio of mercs with red kerchiefs look up from their drinks and eye
you when you pass through the door and climb the stairs, but you pretend
not to notice. No point in starting an altercation with them now. If
all goes well, you won’t have to deal with the Count at all. You can
safely skip town on Zenaida’s ship – by the time the Count discovers
your absence, you’ll be long gone.
You reach the top of the stairs and find Malsara waiting in the hallway.
“I knew you’d return,” she says. “My sister thought otherwise. I’m glad
you proved her wrong.”
“Good for you,” Aeran retorts. “But for the love of the gods, please
leave us out of any future sisterly wagers. They never end well.”
Malsara shoots him a flat stare.
“Or so I’ve heard,” he adds.
Her eyes narrow.
“…from people who have siblings.” Aeran’s voice trails off. Malsara’s
scowl is positively smoldering. “It was a joke,” he clarifies.
She turns her back on him and stalks down the hall.
Aeran sighs. “I should know when to keep my mouth shut…”
“You should,” you say. “But you don’t.”
He rolls his eyes. “Thanks. I love your shining endorsements.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-25]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp - 20, 20, 79)>>“Okay,”
you say after a while. “I’m sorry. Pursuing this right now is something
we can’t afford to do, especially with the Count breathing down our
necks. Those were his mercs we passed on the way out.”
“I saw.” Aeran grimaces and runs a hand through his hair. “Shit. We need
to work quickly, we wasted too much time on that Imperial princess.”
“I don’t think she’s a princess.”
“Sure.” He pauses. “Look, I do trust your judgement, $firstname. But
anything related to the Guild—”
“I know. It’s okay.”
He stares at the ground, chewing the inside of his cheek. “I’ll think it
over. We may need to take another option if it doesn’t work out with
the Count.”
You chuckle. “Doubting us already, are you?”
“No,” he says. “It’s called being realistic. We don’t have time to
investigate all three leads. If we fuck this up, it’s over.”
His words weigh heavily on your shoulders. “Yeah.”
“Where should we start?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP
NO MAGE GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethalisstatus to 1>><<notify 3000>>Faction
Unlocked: Order of Lethalis<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<lethalisGain>><</timed>><<set
$lethalisapp to Math.clamp($lethalisapp + 20, 20, 79)>>Zenaida is
standing at the window when you enter the room, one hand absent-mindedly
toying with her necklace. The shutters have been thrown open, but the
seal remains, pulsating softly as it blocks out the rain. From this
floor of the tavern there is a decent view of the harbour. Beneath the
swirling grey clouds, ships bob at their mooring and waves splash up and
over the docks. At this vantage, the storm is worse than you thought.
Nova hovers nearby, keeping within a protective distance of the young
aristocrat. Malsara and the elven bodyguard wait near the door, watching
you carefully. They did not ask for your weapons this time—perhaps
that’s a sign that Zenaida believes you won’t try to attack her.
“Worried, Your Grace?” you say.
She glances over her shoulder, emerging from her daze. “I’ve lived by
the sea my entire life,” she answers quietly. “And yet I have no love of
it. It can turn treacherous in an instant and no manner of magic can
tame it. It terrifies me.”
You exchange surprised looks with Aeran. This manner of vulnerability is
unexpected.
“Still, it is beautiful, is it not?” Zenaida continues. She sighs and
turns around, folding her hands in front of her. “I am pleased that
you’ve come to your decision so soon.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter 1-2-26A">1. [
<i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE PACT] “It was an
easy decision to make.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter
1-2-26B">2. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Yes, well, Rona’s starting to look a little
sour.”</a></div>
<div class="choice-item"><a data-passage="Chapter
1-2-26C">3. [ <i class="fas fa-hands-helping"></i> FORGE
PACT] “Make no mistake, Your Grace, we’re doing this for the
payment.”</a></div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>>Zenaida raises an eyebrow. “Oh? I hope it
was not made lightly.”
“Of course not,” you reply. “But, given the circumstances, it was the
best course of action.” You glance at Aeran – his jaw is clenched and he
grinds his teeth. “For both of us.”
“I am glad.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-27]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact
Forged<</notify>>Zenaida nods. “Yes. Malsara has informed me
of your current… predicament.” She pauses. “Cere Nalos is a… difficult,
complex and innately dangerous person. You would do well to stay out of
his employ.”
You frown. It isn’t often you hear the Count referred to by name.
“The one you know as the Crimson Count,” she adds, noting your
apprehension, “has a long and complicated history with the Empire. A
very long history, and one House Anaxas knows well.”
Well, she did say she didn’t want to antagonize the Seven. You shouldn’t
be surprised there is an explanation.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-27]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$lethaliscontract1 to "forged">><<set $pactforged +=
1>><<notify 3000>><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i> Pact Forged<</notify>>“I
see,” Zenaida says coolly. “I appreciate your honesty, Wayfarer
$lastname. After all, it is a dangerous mission, and it would be poor
taste for me not to compensate you appropriately. Though I had hoped you
would join our cause for reasons beyond monetary gain.”
You cross your arms. “You haven’t worked with many mercenaries, have
you, Your Grace?”
She pauses, taken aback by your comment. “No,” she replies after a
moment. “Through both my work and my position, I have gained many
associates and colleagues from guilds and orders across the continent.
The bonds we share are through shared beliefs and creeds.”
“Lucky you,” Aeran mutters.
She ignores him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-27]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$bloodoathcodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Blood Oath<</notify>>Zenaida reaches for the
crystal decanter and opens it. The wine’s scent hits you
immediately—bold, rich, very expensive. “It is traditional within the
Guild to swear a blood oath upon the establishment of a contract,” she
says, pouring herself a glass. “The oath ensures no breach of contract
will occur.”
You know of blood oaths—powerful magic that ties an individual to a set
of pre-determined regulations. In Imperial territories, they are often
used to punish convicts. Instead of execution or exile, a prisoner can
elect to swear an oath that binds them to their punishment. Some
punishments are mundane, such as compelling the prisoner to always tell
the truth or to prevent them from handling weapons. Others are bizarre,
testing the depths of the magistrate’s creativity by enchanting the
prisoner to speak only in rhymes or to move only through dance. And
others are a slow deaths sentence, forcing the prisoner into
never-ending hard labour or to fight on the front lines of a war.
Though the spells that power blood oaths were invented decades ago, it
was only recently that their uses have been expanded. In Rhesainian
countries, it is not uncommon for high stakes contracts or diplomatic
agreements to be safeguarded by a blood oath, preventing either party
from going back on their word. Refusal to agree to one is tantamount to
admitting distrust.
Once sworn, the effects of a blood oath cannot be removed until the
parameters of the oath are fulfilled. To break a blood oath results in
severe pain and, in repeat attempts, death.
“Naturally, that cannot be attempted here,” Zenaida continues. “Your
resistance sees to that.” She swills her wine but does not drink. “In
the spirit of transparency, I will admit the lack of a blood oath makes
me deeply uncomfortable, particularly on a mission as sensitive as this.
I hope this demonstrates that I am putting a great amount of trust in
you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “If we say we will do something, we’ll do
it. Call us old-fashioned, but our word will have to be enough.”|Chapter
1-2-28A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “And I appreciate that you are
willing to give us that trust.”|Chapter 1-2-28B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “As long as we get paid there won’t
be any problems.”|Chapter
1-2-28C]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
observes you coolly. “Yes, I’m familiar with your reputation,” she
says. “Though I do see the irony in you abandoning your current contract
to accept mine.”
You shrug. “Well, it’s his own fault for not paying us well. And if what
Malsara tells us is true, he’s planning on feeding us to his basilisk.
I’d like to avoid that.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-29]]</div></div><</nobr>>She
nods. “Indeed. This is perhaps the first instance of Guild mages
working in tangent with Wayfarers in over five hundred years. Perhaps
this will shift the uneasy history between our two orders.”
“Sure,” Aeran says. “Maybe. We’ll see.”
You resist the urge to elbow him in the ribs.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-29]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
eyes narrow. “Of course. I assure you, you will be paid the six
thousand. I do not go back on my word.”
You shrug. “Glad to hear it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-29]]</div></div><</nobr>>Zenaida
steps away from the table. “As we cannot swear an oath, shall we drink
to our future venture together?”
“Is that also a Guild tradition?” Aeran asks.
“No,” she replies. “But it’s one of mine.”
She gestures towards the decanter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. What the hell, it can’t hurt. Might as well
accept – you could use the drink.|Chapter 1-2-30A][$mcalcohol to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You never take drinks you have not
prepared yourself. Refuse her offer.|Chapter 1-2-30C][$mcalcohol to
true]]</div>
<div class="choice-item"><<link '3. You do not drink. Refuse
her offer.'>><<dialog>><<include "ZENAIDA
ALCOHOL
NOTE">><</dialog>><</link>></div></div><</nobr>>You
take the decanter and pour yourself and Aeran a glass. You swill the
red liquid and raise it in jest.
“To our endeavor, then,” you say.
Zenaida smiles. “Indeed.”
Aeran downs his glass in one gulp.
You drink. The wine is rich and smooth and heavy on the tongue. It’s far
better than anything you’ve been able to scrounge up in Rona’s rundown
taverns. If the patrons bustling two floors below knew there was such
quality alcohol on the premises, there would be a riot.
Zenaida sips her wine slowly. “Are you prepared to leave Rona?” she
asks.
“We’re always prepared to leave in a hurry,” you reply, shrugging. “It’s
part of the life.”
“I have heard tales of the Wayfarers’ adaptability.” She lowers her
glass. “One of the many commendable things about your Order.”
“Never thought I’d hear a Guild mage use the words ‘Wayfarer’ and
‘commendable’ in the same sentence,” Aeran says. He puts his glass down
and leans against the wall, arms folded.
You feel like you should offer Zenaida an apology for his behaviour—it’s
bound to only get worse from here—but any attempt at diplomacy would
backfire and exacerbate the situation. Aeran made it clear that he’s
going along with this because he trusts you, not Zenaida. He’s not
likely to keep his impertinence in check.
While Malsara and Nova glare daggers at you, Zenaida does not seem
bothered by Aeran’s comments. She merely sips her wine and observes him
with a cool, calculating look.
“You are not the first of your kind I have met, Wayfarer Kellis,” she
says. “Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade
or so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown, lowering your glass. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted you have served you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
“I didn’t know Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn were on friendly terms
with the Guild,” you say.
Zenaida nods. “The history of our orders has never been as simple as
frank antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when
Wayfarer and mage have worked together to unite against a common cause—”
“We’ve agreed to help you,” Aeran interjects. You can see his discomfort
in his posture – this talk about the masters’ dealings with the Guild
has unnerved him. “Sworn to it, toasted to it—whatever. When will you
pay us our advance?”
Zenaida sets down her glass. “When you have boarded our ship and we have
left the harbour, you will receive your payment.” She glances out the
window. The storm has settled, the waves quieting down. The rain, as
expected, continues to fall steadily. “I suggest you use your evening
well. Make your amends, say your farewells, gather your necessities. You
won’t return to Rona.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-31]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
wave a hand. “No, thank you. I’m not one for wine.”
“Very well.” Zenaida purses her lips. “Wayfarer Kellis?”
Aeran shrugs and shakes his head.
Startled by your refusal, Zenaida sets down her glass. You wonder if
it’s considered rude to drink when others have declined in Velantis.
“Are you prepared to leave Rona?” she asks, folding her hands in front
of her.
“We’re always prepared to leave in a hurry,” you reply, shrugging. “It’s
part of the life.”
“I have heard tales of the Wayfarers’ adaptability. One of the many
commendable things about your Order.”
“Never thought I’d hear a Guild mage use the words ‘Wayfarer’ and
‘commendable’ in the same sentence,” Aeran says, leaning against the
wall.
You feel like you should offer Zenaida an apology for his behaviour—it’s
bound to only get worse from here—but any attempt at diplomacy would
backfire and exacerbate the situation. Aeran made it clear that he’s
going along with this because he trusts you, not Zenaida. He’s not
likely to keep his impertinence in check.
While Malsara and Nova glare daggers at you, Zenaida does not seem
bothered by Aeran’s comments. She merely sips her wine and observes him
with a cool, calculating look.
“You are not the first of your kind I have met, Wayfarer Kellis,” she
says. “Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade
or so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted you have served you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
“I didn’t know Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn were on friendly terms
with the Guild,” you say.
Zenaida nods. “The history of our orders has never been as simple as
frank antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when
Wayfarer and mage have worked together to unite against a common cause—”
“We’ve agreed to help you,” Aeran interjects. You can see his discomfort
in his posture – this talk about the masters’ dealings with the Guild
has unnerved him. “Sworn to it, toasted to it—whatever. When will you
pay us our advance?”
“When you have boarded our ship and we have left the harbour, you will
receive your payment,” Zenaida replies wearily. She glances out the
window. The storm has settled, the waves quieting down. The rain, as
expected, continues to fall steadily. “I suggest you use your evening
well. Make your amends, say your farewells, gather your necessities. You
won’t return to Rona.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-31]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Not
today,” you say shortly.
“Very well.” Zenaida purses her lips. “Wayfarer Kellis?”
Aeran shrugs and shakes his head.
Startled by your refusal, Zenaida sets down her glass. You wonder if
it’s considered rude to drink when others have declined in Velantis.
“Are you prepared to leave Rona?” she asks, folding her hands in front
of her.
“We’re always prepared to leave in a hurry,” you reply, shrugging. “It’s
part of the life.”
“I have heard tales of the Wayfarers’ adaptability. One of the many
commendable things about your Order.”
“Never thought I’d hear a Guild mage use the words ‘Wayfarer’ and
‘commendable’ in the same sentence,” Aeran says, leaning against the
wall.
You feel like you should offer Zenaida an apology for his behaviour—it’s
bound to only get worse from here—but any attempt at diplomacy would
backfire and exacerbate the situation. Aeran made it clear that he’s
going along with this because he trusts you, not Zenaida. He’s not
likely to keep his impertinence in check.
While Malsara and Nova glare daggers at you, Zenaida does not seem
bothered by Aeran’s comments. She merely sips her wine and observes him
with a cool, calculating look.
“You are not the first of your kind I have met, Wayfarer Kellis,” she
says. “Some I have even called friend. A long time ago—perhaps a decade
or so—I met two of your Wayfarer masters—”
You frown. “Which ones?”
“Amali Sero and Brissa Varyn,” she replies. “Your Grandmaster and
Ambassador, correct? They were intriguing. Well-spoken, intelligent
individuals immensely dedicated to their craft.”
<<if $master is "Sero">>Dedicated to their craft is an
understatement. Your body hurts remembering the training Sero put you
through all those years ago. The level of precision they required from
their apprentices when it came to combat, stealth and survival skills
was formidable. There were many days when you crawled into bed, bruised
and sore and wondering how much more you could overcome. Though your
training was brutal, the skills Sero imparted you have served you well.
Thinking of Sero now hurts. You never did find out what happened to them
after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
them so much—they were like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe them so much—and they mean more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Sero">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt their surname as
yours.<</if>><<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>Dedicated to the craft is an understatement when it comes
to Brissa Varyn. You were both apprenticed to her and the level of
commitment she demanded was daunting. Unlike her fellow masters who
emphasized physical training above all else, Varyn enforced an
understanding of psychology and diplomacy. If you could convince your
opponent to stand down without bloodshed, that was a victory beyond what
could be accomplished through brute force. Even beyond the Order, Varyn
was known for her diplomatic skills. You’re not surprised Zenaida liked
her.
Thinking of Varyn now hurts. You never did find out what happened to her
and her investigation in Erenvor. <<if $origin is
"urchin">>You owe her so much—she was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe her so much—and she means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Varyn">>You didn’t hesitate to adopt her surname as
yours.<</if>><<else>>You never trained with Sero
or Varyn, but you know all too well that for any Wayfarer, “dedicated
to the craft” is an understatement. The rigorous training Cenric put you
through all those years ago was demanding and harsh. Though gruff on
the exterior, Cenric has a soft heart – he perfected the art of pushing
you to succeed, but not to the brink of exhaustion. He always knew when
to draw back and let you rest. Aeran always said Cenric didn’t push you
as hard as Varyn pushed him, but you aren’t one for comparing teachers.
The wisdom and skills Cenric imparted on you have served you well.
Thinking of Cenric now hurts. You never did find out what happened to
him after the Spire fell. <<if $origin is "urchin">>You owe
him so much—he was like the family you never
knew.<<else>>You owe him so much—and he means more to you
than your family ever did.<</if>> <<if $lastname is
"Cenric">> You didn’t hesitate to adopt his surname as
yours.<</if>><</if>>
“I didn’t know Grandmaster Sero and Master Varyn were on friendly terms
with the Guild,” you say.
Zenaida nods. “The history of our orders has never been as simple as
frank antagonism,” she replies. “There have been many times when
Wayfarer and mage have worked together to unite against a common cause—”
“We’ve agreed to help you,” Aeran interjects. You can see his discomfort
in his posture – this talk about the masters’ dealings with the Guild
has unnerved him. “Sworn to it, toasted to it—whatever. When will you
pay us our advance?”
“When you have boarded our ship and we have left the harbour, you will
receive your payment,” Zenaida replies wearily. She glances out the
window. The storm has settled, the waves quieting down. The rain, as
expected, continues to fall steadily. “I suggest you use your evening
well. Make your amends, say your farewells, gather your necessities. You
won’t return to Rona.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-2-31]]</div></div><</nobr>>With
your acceptance of Zenaida’s contract and all other conversations
stalled, Malsara and Nova usher you from the room. You can’t quite shake
the sense of familiarity as you make your way down the mouldering hall
for the fourth time today, though you are buoyed by a strange sense of
relief.
You will be leaving Rona soon.
This destitute, backwater city that has done little more than tolerate
your existence will soon be far behind you. You will no longer be
crammed into a dilapidated, insect-infested apartment, scrounging for
whatever scraps you can get your hands on. This unfortunate chapter of
your life can be closed for good.
“You seem pleased,” Aeran says when you’re back out on the street.
“Yes, well—” You step back, boots squelching in the mud, to make room
for three riders cantering down the road. Riders are rare in Rona. You
can travel the length of town by foot in a day and if you’re in a hurry,
it’s faster to go by the waterways. The wetlands beyond Rona’s
outskirts are so tangled with vegetation that it’s impossible to take
horses further in-land. Only the very wealthy, the very foreign, or the
very powerful would think of mounting a horse in Rona. “I wonder where
they’re going?”
“More red kerchiefs,” Aeran says, a frown darkening his expression as he
stares down the street at the riders. “Count’s men out in a hurry.”
You fold your arms. Soon. Soon, you’ll be gone. The Count won’t be your
problem anymore. “Here’s hoping it’s nothing,” you say.
“Yeah, here’s hoping…” He shakes his head. “You were saying?”
“What? Oh…” You shrug and step out onto the road. “I am pleased. Pleased
to be moving on, that’s all.”
“Last night in town,” he says. “Her Imperial Gracefulness said we should
use it wisely. What do you want to do?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-32 EXPLORATION ROUTE
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<if $explore_tutorial isnot true>>
<<run Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Exploration Note").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<set $explore_tutorial to
true>><</if>><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">The Cove</span></span>
<span class="record-item"><span
class="accent">Edgewater</span></span>
</div></div><div class="explore-2"><img
src="images/rona interactive.png" usemap="#image-map"
class="map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Edgewater"
title="Select EDGEWATER as your destination" data-passage="Chapter
1-2-32-EDGEWATER"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"><area alt="The Cove" title="Select THE COVE as your
destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-2-32-COVE"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The
Cove|Chapter 1-2-32-COVE]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter
1-2-32-EDGEWATER]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The
Cove|Chapter 1-2-32-COVE]]</span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter
1-2-32-EDGEWATER]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>“Let’s
go home first,” you say. “Make sure we don’t forget anything
important—”
“Say goodbye to the cockroaches?” Aeran provides, grinning.
You chuckle. “I’ll leave that to you. Oleander, too.”
Oleander is the proprietor of your building. A cockroach in dwarven
form, if you ever met one.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Edgewater");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Edgewater (Scene 2)").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-2-33
EDGEWATER START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|Chapter
1-2-32 EXPLORATION ROUTE
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>“We’ve
got some good coin,” you say. “I’m not inclined to walk into Velantis
solely dependent on Zenaida and her people. The Cove could have a few
supplies that could prove useful.”
Aeran chuckled. “All this money and you want to spend it already?”
“Just thinking in advance.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Cove");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("The Cove (Scene 2)").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-2-33
THE COVE START]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|Chapter
1-2-32 EXPLORATION ROUTE
A]]</div></div><</nobr>>Your
apartment is located on <b>Mulch Road</b> in the Edgewater
slums. <<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><<else>>You can collect your spare medical
kit.<</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>The
Cove is Rona’s small commercial district on the coast. You never know
what useful things you could find and, thanks to Zenaida, you have more
than enough money to spend.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>You
walk on ahead, but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find him
staring at you with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-33 COVE NICKNAME
SET]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
walk on ahead, but he doesn’t follow. You turn, perplexed, and find him
staring at you with a strange look on his face.
“What?” you ask.
He’s silent for a long time. When he finally speaks, he calls you by a
name he’s only used a handful of times since your reunion two years ago.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-2-34-EDGEWATER SET
NICKNAME]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Hm,”
you say casually, flexing your fingers around your sword hilt. “I’ve
always been a fan of corners. At least I don’t have to worry about
anyone stabbing me in the back.”
<i>“Tsch.”</i> Kane spits on the ground.
“Oh, did I strike a nerve?” you continue. “Didn’t care much for your
brush with death earlier? You and your minions are looking a little shy.
Maybe thinking twice about attacking me, hm?”
Meera pushes forward, her face contorted into an ugly expression.
“Meera—!”
Kane reaches for her, but she’s too fast. Hurtling across the alley
towards you, she raises a hand and slams it forward. Her spell cracks
through Rat Alley, ripping through the pools of swamp water on the
ground as it surges towards you. You feel an invisible force rush over
you, but it has no effect. The spell smashes into the wall behind you,
littering the ground with broken chips of stone and mortar.
Meera drops to her knees, winded.
Kane pulls her back. “What did I tell you?” he shouts.
<i>“Never</i> use magic on a Wayfarer!”
“We don’t have to fight, Kane,” you call. “You can walk away from this.”
He turns on you, eyes dark and angry. “Don’t patronize me.”
Kane lunges at you.
You grit your teeth and fall into a defensive stance, sword raised. He
strikes at you, but you parry and throw him back.
“Why – are – you – fighting?” he grunts. “Look around, $lastname,
there’s no way out for you—”
Your blade clashes against his.
“You sure about that?”
Kane steps back, pushing stringy hair out of his eyes with the back of
his hand. “Corvin, Meera—”
Recovered from her spell, Meera draws her cutlass and dives at you. You
step backwards, dodging her blow. Corvin charges at you from the other
side, barrelling into you and knocking you to the ground. You land
sharply on the ground, a violent shudder rolling up your spine from the
impact, your whole body aching from the fall. You let go of your sword.
<i>Shit. </i>
Corvin’s sword glints above you.
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Corvin’s chest. He gasps, startled, dropping his
weapon as he falls to his knees and topples into the ground, blood
pooling across his tunic.
Kane howls in rage, spinning about the square as he looks to the
rooftops for the mystery archer.
Rattled, you push yourself up and look up. You spot a figure in a
familiar brown cloak lurking on the edge of the nearest roof, bow in
hand. His hood is down, and the rain has plastered his tousled
sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left
eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow strapped to his back and a
quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His tunic has had its sleeves
removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper
left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-17A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>><<set
$kanedead to false>><<set $altroute to true>>You
lower your sword – just enough to indicate a call for a truce, but not
so much that you would be unable to defend yourself should they suddenly
go on the offensive. “This doesn’t have to end with you dead,” you say.
“I certainly didn’t come here with the intention of killing anyone.”
Kane rubs his neck. “You’re a fool, $lastname. If you think—”
“I hear the Lady’s forgiving,” you continue, “to those who are
forthright and don’t try to lie or scheme their way out. Maybe she’ll
show benevolence. But if you attack me again, I swear I will not
hesitate to kill you. Your choice.”
Silence falls over the square, quelled only by the patter of the rain.
Kane grimaces, running a hand over his chin as he glares at you, dark
eyes watching you carefully. Finally, he snorts, shaking his head.
“Fine,” he spits. “But I’ll remember this, Wayfarer. Mark my words.”
“Consider them marked.”
“When next we meet—”
“We won’t meet again. Not unless you seek me out, which I think is
highly inadvisable.”
Kane hisses, spitting out several choice curses, and takes off across
the square. His lackeys follow, side-eyeing you as they leave, hands
never far from their weapons. You wonder whether they think you’ll
strike them in the back.
As if they’re worth the effort.
Once they’re gone, you sigh and press your back against the wall of a
nearby building, sinking down into a crouch. You clasp your hands around
the back of your neck and stare up at the dark grey clouds above. The
rain beats against your face, harsh and cold. There is little sign it
will let up any time soon.
“What the hell happened to you?”
You raise your head at the familiar voice. A tall elven man in a brown
cloak picks his way across the square. His hood is down, and the rain
has plastered his tousled sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin
scar runs through his left eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow
strapped to his back and a quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His
tunic has had its sleeves removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a
tattoo wraps his upper left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against
his tanned skin.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “Oh, you know, getting mugged in a
questionable alley. The usual.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Nothing of interest, just fending
off some low lives.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Don’t start, I’m not in the
mood.”|Chapter 1-1-15-B-3]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>You
lower your sword – just enough to indicate a call for a truce, but not
so much that you would be unable to defend yourself should they suddenly
go on the offensive. “This doesn’t have to end with you dead,” you say.
“I certainly didn’t come here with the intention of killing anyone.”
Kane rubs his neck. “You’re a fool, $lastname. If you think—”
“I hear the Lady’s forgiving,” you continue, “to those who are
forthright and don’t try to lie or scheme their way out. Maybe she’ll
show benevolence. But if you attack me again, I swear I will not
hesitate to kill you. Your choice.”
Silence falls over the square, quelled only by the patter of the rain.
Kane grimaces, running a hand over his chin as he glares at you, dark
eyes watching you carefully.
“Tsch,” he says finally. “I don’t think so.”
He lunges at you.
You grit your teeth and fall into a defensive stance, sword raised. He
strikes, but you parry and throw him back.
“Why – are – you – fighting?” he grunts. “Look around, $lastname,
there’s no way out for you—”
Your blade clashes against his.
“You sure about that?”
Kane steps back, pushing stringy hair out of his eyes with the back of
his hand. “Corvin, Meera—”
Meera draws her cutlass and dives at you. You step backwards, dodging
her blow. Corvin charges at you from the other side, barrelling into you
and knocking you to the ground. You land sharply on the ground, a
violent shudder rolling up your spine from the impact, your whole body
aching from the fall. You let go of your sword.
<i>Shit. </i>
Corvin’s sword glints above you.
<i>Twang.</i>
An arrow sprouts in Corvin’s chest. He gasps, startled, dropping his
weapon as he falls to his knees and topples into the ground, blood
pooling across his tunic.
Kane howls in rage, spinning about the square as he looks to the
rooftops for the mystery archer.
Rattled, you push yourself up and look up. You spot a figure in a
familiar brown cloak lurking on the edge of the nearest roof, bow in
hand. His hood is down, and the rain has plastered his tousled
sandy-brown hair across his forehead. A thin scar runs through his left
eye, cutting down his cheek. He has a bow strapped to his back and a
quiver full of arrows rests at his hip. His tunic has had its sleeves
removed, showing arms corded with muscle, and a tattoo wraps his upper
left arm—three thin, black lines, dark against his tanned skin.
Aeran.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-1-17A]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Appearance</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu"><span
class="journal-active">Complexion</span> • [[Eyes]] • [[Hair]] •
[[Height]]</span></center></div>
<span class="heading">Skin Tone</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "light beige"
checked>> Light beige</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "warm beige">>
Warm beige</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "cool beige">>
Cool beige</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone"
"light brown">> Light brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "warm brown">>
Warm brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "dark brown">>
Dark brown</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "warm
black">> Warm black</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "deep black">>
Deep black</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "cool black">>
Cool black</label></div></div>
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">><span
class="specialtitle">Available from Melusine Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone"
"scarlet">> Scarlet</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "pink">>
Pink</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "coral">>
Coral</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone"
"green">> Green</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "teal">>
Teal</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skintone" "blue">>
Blue</label> </div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skintone"
"violet">>
Violet</label></div></div><</if>>
<span
class="heading">Other</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$skinmarks" "none"
checked>> None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skinmarks" "freckles">>
Freckles</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skinmarks" "moles">>
Moles</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$skinmarks" "vitiligo">>
Vitiligo</label></div></div>
<<if $ancestry is "aeda">><span
class="heading">Crest</span>
Crests are a physical trait unique to Aeda and half-Aeda. Appearing
around the eyes and forehead, these markings often match their eye or
hair colour. They are thought to foretell an individual’s personality,
and some Aeda cultures enhance their crests with piercings and tattoos.
<span class="specialtitle">Crest Pattern</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern" "swirls"
checked>> Swirls</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern" "lines">>
Lines</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern" "specks">>
Specks</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern"
"lightning">> Streaks of lightning</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern" "vines">>
Vines</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestpattern" "bark">>
Bark</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Crest Colour</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "gold"
checked>> Gold</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "silver">>
Silver</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "bronze">>
Bronze</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour"
"ruby">> Ruby red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "topaz">>
Topaz yellow</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "emerald">>
Emerald green</label></div><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour"
"sapphire">> Sapphire blue</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "amethyst">>
Amethyst violet</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "pearlescent">>
Pearlescent</label></div></div>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour"
"brown">> Brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "white">>
White</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$crestcolour" "black">>
Black</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div>
<div
class="cc"></div></div><<else>>\<</if>>
<center><<button
'Confirm Complexion'>><<run
Engine.play("Eyes")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Appearance</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Complexion]] • [[Eyes]] • <span
class="journal-active">Hair</span> •
[[Height]]</span></center></div>
<span class="heading">Hair Colour</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "black"
checked>> Black</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "dark brown">>
Dark brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "brown">>
Brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "sandy brown">>
Sandy brown</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"auburn">> Auburn</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "red">>
Red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "ginger">>
Ginger</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "dark blonde">>
Dark blonde</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"blonde">> Blonde</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "ash blonde">>
Ash blonde</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "white">>
White</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "grey">>
Grey</label></div></div>
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">><span
class="specialtitle">Available from Melusine Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"scarlet">> Scarlet</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "pink">>
Pink</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "coral">>
Coral</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"green">> Green</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "teal">>
Teal</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "blue">>
Blue</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"violet">>
Violet</label></div></div><<elseif
$ancestry is "aeda">><span class="specialtitle">Available
from Aeda Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"gold">> Gold</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "silver">>
Silver</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "bronze">>
Bronze</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"ruby red">> Ruby red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "topaz">>
Topaz yellow</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "emerald">>
Emerald green</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$haircolour"
"sapphire">> Sapphire blue</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "amethyst">>
Amethyst purple</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$haircolour" "pearlescent">>
Pearlescent</label></div></div><<else>>\<</if>>
<span
class="heading">Hair Length</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "shaved"
checked>> Shaved</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "cropped" >>
Cropped</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "short">>
Short</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$hairlength"
"shoulder-length">> Shoulder-length</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "long">>
Long</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "waist-length">>
Waist-length</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div>
<span class="heading">Hair Texture</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "straight"
checked>> Straight</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "wavy">>
Wavy</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "curly">>
Curly</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture"
"coily">> Coily</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "kinky">>
Kinky</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "locked">>
Locked</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div>
<span class="heading">Facial Hair</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$facialhair" "none"
checked>> None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$facialhair" "clean shaven">>
Clean shaven</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$facialhair" "stubble">>
Stubble</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$facialhair"
"moustache">> Moustache</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$facialhair" "goatee">>
Goatee</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$facialhair" "beard">>
Beard</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div>
<center><<button 'Confirm Hair'>><<run
Engine.play("Height")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Appearance</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Complexion]] • <span
class="journal-active">Eyes</span> • [[Hair]] •
[[Height]]</span></center></div>
<span class="heading">Eye Colour</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "grey"
checked>> Grey</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "blue">>
Blue</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "green">>
Green</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"hazel">> Hazel</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "brown">>
Brown</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "black">>
Black</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div>
<<if $ancestry is "elven">><span
class="specialtitle">Available from Elven Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"red">> Red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "golden">>
Gold</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "amber">>
Amber</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"silver">> Silver</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "violet">>
Violet</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div><<elseif $ancestry
is "melusine">><span class="specialtitle">Available from
Melusine Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"red">> Red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "orange">>
Orange</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "yellow">>
Yellow</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"teal">> Teal</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "violet">>
Violet</label></div>
<div class="cc"></div></div><<elseif $ancestry
is "aeda">><span class="specialtitle">Available from Aeda
Ancestry</span>
<div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "golden"
checked>> Gold</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "silver">>
Silver</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "bronze">>
Bronze</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"ruby">> Ruby red</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "topaz">>
Topaz yellow</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "emerald">>
Emerald green</label></div>
<div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"sapphire">> Sapphire blue</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "amethyst">>
Amethyst violet</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "pearlescent">>
Pearlescent</label></div></div><<elseif
$ancestry is "dwarven">><span
class="specialtitle">Available from Dwarven
Ancestry</span><div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour"
"amber">> Amber</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$eyecolour" "orange">>
Orange</label></div></div><</if>>
<center><<button
'Confirm Eyes'>><<run
Engine.play("Hair")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Appearance</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu"> [[Complexion]] • [[Eyes]] • [[Hair]] • <span
class="journal-active">Height</span></span></center></div>
<span
class="heading">Height</span><<if $ancestry is
"melusine">><div class="box"><div
class="cc">◎<i> Very short (unavailable for
Melusine)</i>
◎<i> Short (unavailable for Melusine)</i>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "average" checked>>
Average</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "tall">>
Tall</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "very tall">>
Very tall</label></div></div><<elseif
$ancestry is "dwarven">><div class="box"><div
class="cc"><label><<radiobutton "$height" "very short"
checked>> Very short</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "short">>
Short</label>
◎<i> Average (unavailable for dwarves)</i>
◎<i> Tall (unavailable for dwarves)</i>
◎<i> Very tall (unavailable for
dwarves)</i></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="cc"><label><<radiobutton
"$height" "very short" checked>> Very
short</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "short">>
Short</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "average">>
Average</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "tall">>
Tall</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$height" "very tall">>
Very
tall</label></div></div><</if>>
<<if $qcc is true>><center><<button 'Confirm
Appearance'>><<run Engine.play("QCC Tattoos
1")>><</button>></center><<else>><center><<button
'Confirm Appearance'>><<run Engine.play("Review
2")>><</button>></center><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Tattoos & Scars</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu"><span class="journal-active">Tattoo
I</span> • [[Tattoo II|QCC Tattoos 2]] • [[Scars|QCC Scars
1]]</span></center></div>
In the years since your recruitment, you have led what some may call an
eventful life. You may have attained some tattoos and scars throughout
your adventures...
<span class="specialtitle">Select Your First Tattoo</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "none" checked>>
None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "thunderbird">>
A thunderbird across your back, reminiscent of the Osian
desert</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "raven">> A
raven on your right shoulder, reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "sun">> A
sun on your inner left wrist, reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "manticore">>
A manticore on your right thigh, reminiscent of
Nesactium</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "seadragon">>
A sea dragon wrapping your left arm, reminiscent of the
ocean</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "sword">> A
sword embraced in a ring of fire on your left shoulder, reminiscent of
the Kingdom of Vestra</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "wayfarer">>
The Wayfarer symbol on your inner right wrist, reminiscent of
your order</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "geometric">>
A geometric line wrapping your upper right arm, reminiscent of
nothing</label>
<center><<button 'Confirm Tattoo I'>><<run
Engine.play("QCC Tattoos
2")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Tattoos & Scars</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Tattoo I|QCC Tattoos 1]] • <span
class="journal-active">Tattoo II</span> • [[Scars|QCC Scars
1]]</span></center></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Select Your Second Tattoo</span>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "none">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "none" checked>> None</label>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"thunderbird">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"thunderbird">> A thunderbird across your back,
reminiscent of the Osian
desert</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
thunderbird across your back, reminiscent of the Osian
desert<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "raven">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "raven">> A raven on your right shoulder,
reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
raven on your right shoulder, reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "sun">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "sun">> A sun on your inner left wrist,
reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sun on your inner left wrist, reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"manticore">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"manticore">> A manticore on your right thigh,
reminiscent of
Nesactium</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b>
A manticore on your right thigh, reminiscent of
Nesactium<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"seadragon">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"seadragon">> A sea dragon wrapping your left arm,
reminiscent of the
ocean</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sea dragon wrapping your left arm, reminiscent of the
ocean<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "sword">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "sword">> A sword embraced in a ring of fire
on your left shoulder, reminiscent of the Kingdom of
Vestra</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sword embraced in a ring of fire on your left shoulder, reminiscent of
the Kingdom of Vestra<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"wayfarer">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"wayfarer">> The Wayfarer symbol on your inner right
wrist, reminiscent of your
order</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> The
Wayfarer symbol on your inner right wrist, reminiscent of your
order<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"geometric">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"geometric">> A geometric line wrapping your upper right
arm, reminiscent of
nothing</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
geometric line wrapping your upper right arm, reminiscent of
nothing<</if>>
<center><<button 'Confirm Tattoo II'>><<run
Engine.play("QCC Scars
1")>><</button>></center><<else>>You
must select an initial tattoo to view these options.<<set
$tattoo2 to "none">>
<center><<button 'Skip Tattoo II'>><<run
Engine.play("QCC Scars
1")>><</button>></center><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Tattoos & Scars</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Tattoo I|QCC Tattoos 1]] • [[Tattoo II|QCC
Tattoos 2]] • <span
class="journal-active">Scars</span></span></center></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Select a Scar</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "none" checked>>
No scars</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarforehead">>
A forehead scar from an incident you'd rather not talk
about</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarlefteye">>
A scar through your left eye from a knife fight</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarburn">> A
burn scar on your right shoulder from an incident with a mage that went
out of control</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarclaw">> A
claw slash on your back from a monster fight</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarchest">>
A long scar across your chest from a duel gone
wrong</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarknee">>
An unremarkable scar on your knee from doing something
inadvisable in your youth</label>
<center><<button 'Confirm All Tattoos &
Scars'>><<run Engine.play("QCC
Name")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu"><span class="journal-active">Tattoo
I</span> • [[Tattoo II|PROLOGUE END TATTOO 2]] • [[Scars|PROLOGUE
END SCAR]]</span></center></div>
In the years since your recruitment, you have led what some may call an
eventful life. You may have attained some tattoos and scars throughout
your adventures...
<span class="specialtitle">Select Your First Tattoo</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "none" checked>>
None</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "thunderbird">>
A thunderbird across your back, reminiscent of the Osian
desert</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "raven">> A
raven on your right shoulder, reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "sun">> A
sun on your inner left wrist, reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "manticore">>
A manticore on your right thigh, reminiscent of
Nesactium</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "seadragon">>
A sea dragon wrapping your left arm, reminiscent of the
ocean</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "sword">> A
sword embraced in a ring of fire on your left shoulder, reminiscent of
the Kingdom of Vestra</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "wayfarer">>
The Wayfarer symbol on your inner right wrist, reminiscent of
your order</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$tattoo1" "geometric">>
A geometric line wrapping your upper right arm, reminiscent of
nothing</label>
<center><<button 'Confirm Tattoo I'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END TATTOO
2")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Tattoo I|PROLOGUE END TATTOO 1]] • <span
class="journal-active">Tattoo II</span> • [[Scars|PROLOGUE END
SCAR]]</span></center></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Select Your Second Tattoo</span>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "none">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "none" checked>> None</label>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"thunderbird">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"thunderbird">> A thunderbird across your back,
reminiscent of the Osian
desert</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
thunderbird across your back, reminiscent of the Osian
desert<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "raven">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "raven">> A raven on your right shoulder,
reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
raven on your right shoulder, reminiscent of the Forest of
Brennath<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "sun">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "sun">> A sun on your inner left wrist,
reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sun on your inner left wrist, reminiscent of the fields of
Arsenia<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"manticore">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"manticore">> A manticore on your right thigh,
reminiscent of
Nesactium</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b>
A manticore on your right thigh, reminiscent of
Nesactium<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"seadragon">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"seadragon">> A sea dragon wrapping your left arm,
reminiscent of the
ocean</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sea dragon wrapping your left arm, reminiscent of the
ocean<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq "sword">><label><<radiobutton
"$tattoo2" "sword">> A sword embraced in a ring of fire
on your left shoulder, reminiscent of the Kingdom of
Vestra</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
sword embraced in a ring of fire on your left shoulder, reminiscent of
the Kingdom of Vestra<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"wayfarer">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"wayfarer">> The Wayfarer symbol on your inner right
wrist, reminiscent of your
order</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> The
Wayfarer symbol on your inner right wrist, reminiscent of your
order<</if>>
<<if $tattoo1 neq
"geometric">><label><<radiobutton "$tattoo2"
"geometric">> A geometric line wrapping your upper right
arm, reminiscent of
nothing</label><<else>><b>[SELECTED]</b> A
geometric line wrapping your upper right arm, reminiscent of
nothing<</if>>
<center><<button 'Confirm Tattoo II'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END
SCAR")>><</button>></center><<else>>You
must select an initial tattoo to view these options.<<set
$tattoo2 to "none">>
<center><<button 'Skip Tattoo II'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END
SCAR")>><</button>></center><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Tattoos & Scars</span>
<div class="journal-header"><center><span
class="journal-menu">[[Tattoo I|PROLOGUE END TATTOO 1]] • [[Tattoo
II|PROLOGUE END TATTOO 2]] • <span
class="journal-active">Scars</span></span></center></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Select a Scar</span>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "none" checked>>
No scars</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarforehead">>
A forehead scar from an incident you'd rather not talk
about</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarlefteye">>
A scar through your left eye from a knife fight</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarburn">> A
burn scar on your right shoulder from an incident with a mage that went
out of control</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarclaw">> A
claw slash on your back from a monster fight</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarchest">>
A long scar across your chest from a duel gone
wrong</label>
<label><<radiobutton "$scar1" "scarknee">>
An unremarkable scar on your knee from doing something
inadvisable in your youth</label>
<center><<button 'Confirm All Tattoos &
Scars'>><<run Engine.play("PROLOGUE CHARACTER
HISTORY")>><</button>></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-8-0-VIRIDIAN LADY START">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-9-0 COVE START">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-10-EDGEWATER START">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-11-0 GUILD START">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><<set
$vlvillafirst to true>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forwards, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|VIRDIAN LADY START 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|VIRIDIAN LADY VILLA
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$covefirst to true>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forwards, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|COVE START 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|THE COVE ROUTE B 01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$edgewaterfirst to true>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forwards, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|EDGEWATER START 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|EDGEWATER 01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$deadwoodfirst to true>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forwards, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|GUILD START 2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|MAGE GUILD 01]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-2-34B EDGEWATER">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Choose Your Nickname</span>
<<nobr>><<if $firstname is
"Heran">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ran">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">><<elseif $firstname is "Ilia">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Lia">><<elseif $firstname is
"Adi">><<textbox "$nickname" "Di">><<elseif
$firstname is "Kerensa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rensa">><<elseif $firstname is
"Dara">><<textbox "$nickname" "Dar">><<elseif
$firstname is "Elan">><<textbox "$nickname"
"El">><<elseif $firstname is "Peran">><<textbox
"$nickname" "Per">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valeska">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Sterris">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ster">><<elseif $firstname is
"Valin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Val">><<elseif
$firstname is "Rienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Enna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Corin">><<textbox "$nickname" "Cor">><<elseif
$firstname is "Moandor">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mor">><<elseif $firstname is
"Septienna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tienna">><<elseif $firstname is
"Risha">><<textbox "$nickname" "Ri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Idir">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dir">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Asar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Neitha">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Neith">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ashira">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ash">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Hapi">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Hap">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Itri">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Tri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Myghal">><<textbox "$nickname"
"My">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Gareth">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Gar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eselda">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Selda">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Mair">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mairi">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Seren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ser">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Merryn">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mer">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Eder">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Zorion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Rion">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alaia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ala">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Lorea">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lore">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Maider">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nere">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ner">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Alar">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Al">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Edern">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ed">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aelia">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Lia">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ruvona">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Vona">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Solen">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sol">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Audren">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Audri">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Emiel">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Em">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Kai">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Kay">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aleida">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Leida">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Marina">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Mar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Elian">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Eli">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Senna">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Sen">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aion">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ai">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Dares">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Dar">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Aethra">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Aetha">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Nysa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Nys">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Iphis">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Iph">>
<<elseif $firstname is "Ossa">><<textbox "$nickname"
"Ossi">>
<<else>><<textbox "$nickname"
"">><</if>><</nobr>>
Aeran typically refers to you by a diminutive of your given name. If you
do not want to have a nickname, input your given name.
<<button "Confirm">>
<<if $nickname is "">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter a nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fuck">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucker">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bastard">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "bitch">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "asshole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "fucks">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "cunt">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "ass">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arse">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "arsehole">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>Please enter an acceptable
name.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Alexia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Ren">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Calla">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Melchior">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nelani">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Felix">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Aeran">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Rindan">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Brissa">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Amali">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Zenaida">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Malsara">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Nova">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Antonis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varadon">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Tormond">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Larkspur">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "an'Zoraia">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Navorre">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Kellis">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Cenric">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Varyn">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sero">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Anaxas">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Markal">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>This nickname is
unavailable.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "babe">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "darling">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "honey">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "love">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "boo">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetheart">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "Sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<elseif $nickname is "sweetie">><<replace
"#textbox-error">>You cannot use this as a
nickname.<</replace>>
<<else>>
<<replace "#textbox-error">><</replace>>
<<goto "Chapter 1-2-33-COVER">>
<</if>>
<</button>>
<span id="textbox-error"></span></center><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forward, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|Chapter 1-3-0 EDGEWATER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>“…yeah,” he mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-0 EDGEWATER][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“$nickname,” he says.
“Yeah?”
He pauses, pressing his lips together. But whatever thoughts are
whirling in his mind right now, you will not be privy to them. He shakes
his head and strides forward, catching up with you.
“Never mind,” he says.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “All right. But if something’s on your mind,
you know you can tell me, right?”|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. You shrug. “Sure, whatever. Let’s
go.”|Chapter 1-4-0 THE COVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><<if $aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <=
19>>“…yeah,” he mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-0 THE COVE][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: Edgewater">><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>><<set
$actionpoints -=1>>Though disparaging visitors from wealthy cities
could call most of Rona a slum, Edgewater is a particular brand of
destitute. Squished into the northern recesses of the city, the district
clings precariously to the edge of an inlet. Tenements are stacked
perilously one on top of another along the shore, sometimes reaching ten
or eleven stories high. Narrow balconies protrude out from the upper
floors to look out across the dark waters towards Flotsam Grove. Some
are lit with conjured lights, others with flickering lamps and candles.
The branches of giant trees overhang the roofs and vines curl along the
walls, burrowing into wood and stone. Here, more than ever, nature seems
determined to choke the civilization out of Rona.
If anything, nature is succeeding. The scent of rotting wood is
overwhelming.
The main road winds along the shore, tenements on one side, dilapidated
and sunken docks on the other. The inlet is empty, save for a few
fearless boatmen making their way back through the waterways, lamps
swinging from the bows to light their way. Rain pelts the still waters,
creating divots in the flat surface.
Your apartment is several rows back from the main road. Jutting off a
narrow alley called Mulch Road, the tenement is one of the highest in
Edgewater and may or may not have melded into the giant tree that towers
over it.
Overshadowed by the tree and the surrounding buildings, Mulch Road is
perpetually dark, even on a sunny day. Though the tree provides some
protection from the rain, the alley is flooded with several inches of
water. Your boots stick to the muddy bottom as you plod through the muck
and rotting vegetation. When you reach your building, you climb out
onto a decaying platform and put a foot on the bottom of the rickety
stairs that clamber up the side of the tenement.
“Still alive, I see.”
A scrawny dwarf leans against the wall, the glowing end of a lit smoking
reed gripped between two fingers. They observe you with a dark look,
lips pursed, eyes narrowed, their expression somewhere between amusement
and anger.
Oleander. The proprietor of this esteemed establishment. The only person
willing to rent to you—for an inflated fee, of course.
They raise the reed to their mouth and take a drag, expelling a cloud of
smoke outwards in your direction.
You bat the smoke away. It’s so pungent you can taste the dreamweed.
You’ve wondered why they insist on smoking it when their dwarven
ancestry is resistant to its effects, but Oleander will do as they
please. “Yeah, well, I’m not inclined to die anytime soon. Things to do,
places to see.”
“Shame.” They lower their reed and cast a dark eye over you. “You’re
getting a mite too popular for my liking, $lastname.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
They shrug, puffing on their reed. “You tell me – take a look upstairs.”
You exchange dark looks with Aeran and take off, clattering up the
stairs two at a time.
“You owe me for damages, $lastname!” Oleander hollers after you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-0
A]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$areaname to " Episode I: The Cove">><<notify
3000>>-1 Action Point<</notify>><<set
$actionpoints -=1>>As far as Rona is concerned, the Cove is
neutral ground. Tucked along the western coast, the Cove is located on a
small peninsula that juts out into the sea. The trees and foliage are
thinner here, spaced out between the shops and buildings. Compared to
the rest of the city, the effect is unusal, evoking either a sense of
harmony between Rona’s residents and the land they occupy, or an
inevitable standstill in the war between nature and civilization. The
district remains beyond the control of the Seven, their agreed-upon no
man’s land.
Here, the streets are less overgrown and generally clean, at least by
Rona’s standards. The boardwalks are replaced before the rot sets in and
trash and litter is pushed into the water to be taken out to sea by the
tides.
The Cove is a commercial district and little else. Merchants, drawn by
the Seven’s agreed-upon neutrality, flock to the Cove to sell their
wares, whatever those may be. There is a general lack of rules regarding
what they can and cannot sell, and so it boasts both more oddities and
questionable ethics in regard to goods and services than most Rhesainian
cities.
And yet, because of those dubious quirks, the Cove is one of the few
places where you can regularly and easily find the supplies that make
your life—and your trade—easier.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-4-0A]]</div></div><</nobr>>Her
lip curls. “Your <i>intentions</i> don’t matter. You should
be out on the street, not in here with respectable folk.”
<<if $origin is "urchin">>A memory of Nesactium’s narrow,
winding alleys and the claustrophobia they inflicted surfaces, unbidden.
“I’ve seen enough the streets for one life,” you retort. “Though I have
to admit their neighbours are far more
charming.”<<else>>“If this is what passes for respectable,
then I think we all have bigger problems,” you
retort.<</if>>
The woman blanches, her child wailing ever louder.
Aeran puts a hand on your shoulder. “Come on,” he mutters, steering you
away. “Leave us alone, we’re finished here!” he shouts over his
shoulder.
Your neighbours grumble and slowly disperse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
woman stares blankly at you, her lip curling as her scowl grows ever
darker. Failing to come up with a retort, she lets out a sharp
<i>“tsch”</i> and spins around on her heel, marching back
into her apartment. Her baby wails, thrashing in her grip.
Aeran puts a hand on your shoulder. “Come on,” he mutters, steering you
away. “Leave us alone, we’re finished here!” he shouts over his
shoulder.
Your neighbours grumble and slowly disperse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
roll your eyes and walk away, pushing through to the end of the hall.
The mother shouts herself hoarse at your retreating back, but you don’t
particularly care to respond to her verbal abuse.
It’s not like you’re ever going to see her again.
“Go back your rooms!” Aeran shouts over his shoulder. “We’re finished
here.”
Your neighbours grumble and slowly disperse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
reach your broken door and duck through the threshold. Your
apartment—the smallest in the building and little more than a glorified
closet—is thoroughly trashed. Your pallets are chucked across the room,
floorboards pried up, blankets torn, pottery smashed, shutters
destroyed, your meager possessions scattered…
<i>“Ugh,”</i> you sigh.
“Yeah,” Aeran says. “My thoughts exactly.”
He crouches next to the pallets and turns them over, stacking them
together and pushing them against the wall. He sits down and links his
hands behind his neck. “Any bets on who?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “The Viridian Lady.”|Chapter
1-3-3A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “The Count.”|Chapter
1-3-3B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [JOKE] “Malsara.”|Chapter
1-3-3A-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>He grimaces. “You can’t be serious. Please, tell me you’re not serious. $firstname—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[1. “I am.”|Chapter 1-3-3A-1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Of course not.”|Chapter 1-3-3A-2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Shrug and smirk.|Chapter 1-3-3A-2]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
think back to the tavern, to the men with red kerchiefs. The Count
keeps a tight leash on all in his employ, which unfortunately includes
you. You have no doubt he knows you met with Zenaida. Even if he doesn’t
know the details, the fact you met with another client while
technically working for him doesn’t bode well in your favour.
Aeran nudges a pried-up floorboard. “Yeah, I thought so, too. It’s not
like we have much to take.”
You’ve always kept anything of importance on your person. <<if
$luthaisstole is true>>Not that it helped you much this
morning.<<else>><</if>> Spare rations, spare
clothes, spare supplies—those are the kind of things you left here.
Judging from the mess, whoever broke into your apartment didn’t take
anything.
“This is a warning,” he continues. “Get back on task or face the
consequences.”
You lean against the nearest wall, folding your arms and scanning the
room, taking in the damage. You were never particularly attached to this
place—you spend most of your waking hours outside Edgewater and only
return to sleep. “Good thing we’re leaving town, then.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
stares. “What, really?”
You lean against the nearest wall and fold your arms, your eyes scanning
the cramped room, taking in the damage. You were never particularly
attached to this place—you spend most of your waking hours outside
Edgewater and only return to sleep—and yet this attack feels personal.
There’s an unexpected hollowness in your gut, one that you can’t quite
explain.
“She has eyes and ears everywhere,” you say. “Chances are she knows we
were hired by the Count, that we suspect her of taking the chalice. I
think this is a warning.”
Aeran nudges a pried-up floorboard with his foot. “Doesn’t seem like
they took anything—not that we have much for them to take.”
True. You’ve always kept anything of importance on your person.
<<if $luthaisstole is true>>Not that it helped you much this
morning.<<else>><</if>>Spare rations, spare
clothes, spare supplies—those are the kind of things you left here.
“I don’t know, $firstname,” he continues. “Raiding a shitty apartment
like this… it’s not the Lady’s style. If this is a warning, it’s more
likely the Count’s doing.”
Your mouth goes dry. You think back to the men with red kerchiefs at the
tavern. You know the Count has been keeping an eye on you… You just
didn’t think he’d be watching this closely. “You think he knows about
Zenaida?”
“If his people spotted us coming out of that tavern? Then, yeah.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah.”
You sigh. “Good thing we’re leaving town, then.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
chuckles and shakes his head. “Thanks for that,” he says. “Good one.”
“I try my best.”
Your smile fades and you fall into silence. Leaning against the nearest
wall, you fold your arms and scan the cramped room, taking in the
damage. You were never particularly attached to this place—you spend
most of your waking hours outside Edgewater and only return to sleep—and
yet this attack feels personal. There’s an unexpected hollowness in
your gut, one that you can’t quite explain.
“I wonder what they were looking for.”
Aeran nudges a pried-up floorboard with his foot. “We don’t have much
for them to take.”
“Mhm.”
You’ve always kept anything of importance on your person.<<if
$luthaisstole is true>> Not that it helped you much this
morning.<<else>><</if>> Spare rations, spare
clothes, spare supplies—those are the kind of things you left here.
Judging from the mess, whoever broke into your apartment didn’t take
anything.
“Well, they certainly tried to find our valuables,” you say. “Guess they
didn’t count on us being damn near broke.”
“Or it’s a warning.”
Your mouth goes dry. “Yeah, maybe.”
“Think the Count did this?” he asks.
You think back to the men with red kerchiefs at the tavern. You know the
Count has been keeping an eye on you… You just didn’t think he’d be
watching this closely. “You think he knows about Zenaida?”
“Probably.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah.”
You sigh. “Good thing we’re leaving town, then.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-4]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
kneel on the floor and begin sorting through the mess. Spare clothing
is first, though most of it is torn and tattered. The looters decided it
was easier to tear fabric than to search pockets for valuables—or maybe
they wanted to make a mess, let off some steam.
You toss ruined tunics and trousers into a pile near the door.
“We don’t have to board that ship, you know,” Aeran says after a moment.
You hold up a spare cloak. <<if $luthaiscloak is true>>It’s
frayed along the edges and the fabric is worn thin in some places, but
it’s good enough. Better than not having a cloak at all.
“What do you mean?” You toss it around your shoulders and do up the
clasp.<<else>>It’s frayed along the edges and the fabric is
worn thin in some places.
“What do you mean?” You toss the cloak into the pile. With the money
Zenaida gave you, you can afford to purchase better gear. If not here,
then in Velantis.<</if>>
“There are other ways to disappear,” he says. “We could go north.
Calantha’s borders aren’t far. And, well, I’ve always been curious about
Maribor—”
You sigh. “We signed a contract, Aeran.”
“A contract with the Guild—”
<i>“Part</i> of the Guild—”
“Since when did you have a problem going back on your word?” he snaps.
You glare at him, a muscle twitching in your jaw.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I always keep my word.”|Chapter
1-3-5A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Thank you for the delightful
questioning of my character.”|Chapter 1-3-5B][$aeranapp to
Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5, 90)]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “I don’t. But this time I
am.”|Chapter 1-3-5C][$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
holds your gaze for a moment, then looks away, flushes. “I know,” he
says. “Sorry.” He slides off the pallets and kneels by a pried-up
floorboard. He reaches down into the gap, searching for the items he
stored below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry neq
"elven">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-6-NOT
ELF]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-7-ELF]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranApp>>He
holds your gaze for a moment, then cracks a smile. “Anytime,” he says,
chuckling.
You roll your eyes. “Sure. Laugh. That makes everything better.”
“When doesn’t it?” He slides off the pallets and kneels by a pried-up
floorboard. He reaches down into the gap, searching for the items he
stored below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry neq
"elven">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-6-NOT
ELF]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-7-ELF]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<aeranDisapp>>He
holds your gaze for a moment, then shakes his head. “On your own head,
then,” he mutters.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know, you figure it out.”
He slides off the pallets and kneels by a pried-up floorboard. He
reaches down into the gap, searching for the items he stored below.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $ancestry neq
"elven">>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-6-NOT
ELF]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-7-ELF]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>><<set $calanthacodex to
true>><<notify 3000>>Codex Unlocked:
Calantha<</notify>><<if $ancestry is "melusine" or
$ancestry is "aeda">>You sit back on your heels. “I don’t know
about Calantha, Aeran,” you say. “The Wall—”
“—is magical.” He draws back, pulling a leather pouch out of the gap. It
looks untouched, somehow overlooked by the looters. He pulls the
leather strands open and checks the pouch’s contents – letters and
documents he has been saving for years. “And you are <<if
$ancestry is "melusine">>melusine.”<<elseif $ancestry is
"aeda">>aeda.”<</if>>
You drum your fingertips against the floor. You’ve had this conversation
before, when you first arrived in Rona and work was seemingly
impossible to find. Why stay in a town that despises you when you could
move further inland to different opportunities? Perhaps because of its
isolation, Calantha has many different norms and customs from its
Rhesainian neighbours.
However, there is the small matter of the Wall.
Some call it a veil, others a barrier, but neither word is quite right.
The Wall is an invisible entity, stretching out from the Maribian Basin
in central Istaran. The Basin is said to be the first place the
Eleneids, an ancient progenitor species who lived millennia ago,
appeared. All who pass into the Wall’s sphere of influence fall under
its power. The Eleneids’ descendants—elves, melusine and aeda—are
virtually unaffected. But for humans and dwarves, the Wall causes all
sorts of maladies. Migraines, hallucinations, seizures and, inevitably,
death.
The Wall is, undoubtedly, magical. Whoever the Eleneids were, they left a
powerful mark on the world. The Wall is so potent, so atypical, it is
unknown whether even a Wayfarer’s natural immunity could withstand its
power.
“I’m also half-human,” you say. “That’s half of me the Wall would very
much like to kill if my immunity fails. I’m not keen to test
it.”<<elseif $ancestry is "human" or $ancestry is
"dwarven">>You sit back on your heels. “We can’t go to Calantha,
Aeran. Or… <i>I</i> can’t go to Calantha.”
“You don’t know that.”
“The Wall—”
“—is magical.” He draws back, pulling a leather pouch out of the gap. It
looks untouched, somehow overlooked by the looters. He pulls the
leather strands open and checks the pouch’s contents – letters and
documents he has been saving for years. “No human or dwarven Wayfarer
has gone to Calantha. You could be the first.”
You drum your fingertips against the floor. You’ve had this conversation
before, when you first arrived in Rona and work was seemingly
impossible to find. Why stay in a town that despises you when you could
move further inland to new opportunities? Perhaps because of its
isolation, Calantha has many different norms and customs from its
Rhesainian neighbours.
However, there is the small matter of the Wall.
Some call it a veil, others a barrier, but neither word is quite right.
The Wall is an invisible entity, stretching out from the Maribian Basin
in central Istaran. The Basin is said to be the first place the
Eleneids, an ancient progenitor species who lived millennia ago,
appeared. All who pass into the Wall’s sphere of influence fall under
its power. The Eleneids’ descendants—elves, Melusine and Aeda—are
virtually unaffected. But for humans and dwarves, the Wall causes all
sorts of maladies. Migraines, hallucinations, seizures and, inevitably,
death.
The Wall is, undoubtedly, magical. Whoever the Eleneids were, they left a
powerful mark on the world. The Wall is so potent, so atypical, it is
unknown whether even a Wayfarer’s natural immunity could withstand its
power.
You aren’t keen to find out.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>“Maybe for you Calantha’s a last resort,” you say. “But for me,
it’s off the table.”
You stand abruptly and cross the room, boots crunching on broken
pottery. You crouch next to the window and sift through the surviving
pieces. A collection of trampled herbs and tree bark is strewn across
the floor, remnants of one of your medical kits. The looters probably
didn’t realize their significance. Ordinary people use magic to heal
their wounds and ailments; you rely on less efficient, but more
reliable, means.
<<if $gearInv.has('Medical kit')>>You pick up the herbs and
add them to your medical kit.<<else>>You stash the herbs in
your pocket; if you can find your spare medical kit, you’ll add them
later.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “You said you trust me. Throwing unfeasible
suggestions at me makes it seem like you don’t.”|Chapter
1-3-6-A][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We made a deal. Like it or not, I’m
not backing out.”|Chapter 1-3-6B][$PassageNo = 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Even if I could go with you, I
don’t think running away to a foreign country will solve our
problems.”|Chapter 1-3-6C][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>Aeran sighs. He rubs the back of his
neck and avoids your gaze. “You’re right,” he says. “I was being
insensitive. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, you were. You’re lucky I’m so forgiving.”
He chuckles and runs a hand through his hair. “I am,” he says. “Clearly,
I’m the fool of this pair.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” you reply, smiling. “I have my moments.”
“True. Too many to count.”
<i>“Hey!”</i> You grab a torn tunic from the pile and throw
it in his direction. It hits him in the face, and he bursts out
laughing.
You grin. Using your foot, you casually sweep broken pottery into the
corner of the room. Aeran’s easy-going attitude is infectious. It’s easy
to enjoy his company, even when you’re digging through the remains of
your torn-up apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
fold your arms. “Once you have your three thousand crowns,” you
continue, “you can go to Calantha for all I care.”
Aeran makes a face. “Little harsh, $firstname, don’t you think?”
You shrug and sweep broken pottery into the corner of the room with your
foot. <i>Maybe if you stop trying to worm your way out of
this…</i>
You glance at him.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>You fold your arms. “We would just be
trading one country’s prejudice for another’s. Besides, Maribor is
leagues away. Do you really fancy trekking through all that rainforest?”
Aeran runs a hand through his hair. “Fair enough,” he says. “I’m sorry. I
was being… insensitive.”
“Yeah, you were. You’re lucky I’m so forgiving.”
He chuckles and runs a hand through his hair. “I am,” he says. “Clearly,
I’m the fool of this pair.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” you reply, smiling. “I have my moments.”
“True. Too many to count.”
<i>“Hey!”</i> You grab a torn tunic from the pile and throw
it in his direction. It hits him in the face, and he bursts out
laughing.
You grin. Using your foot, you casually sweep broken pottery into the
corner of the room. Aeran’s easy-going attitude is infectious. It’s easy
to enjoy his company, even when you’re digging through the remains of
your torn-up apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$calanthacodex to true>><<notify 3000>>Codex
Unlocked: Calantha<</notify>>You sit back on your heels. “I
don’t know about Calantha, Aeran,” you say.
“Why not?” He draws back, pulling a leather pouch out of the gap. It
looks untouched, somehow overlooked by the looters. He pulls the leather
strands open and checks the pouch’s contents – letters and documents he
has been saving for years. “You’re elven, the Wall won’t affect you.”
You drum your fingertips against the floor. You’ve had this conversation
before, when you first arrived in Rona and work was seemingly
impossible to find. Why stay in a town that despises you when you could
move further inland to new opportunities? Perhaps because of the Wall
and the resulting isolation, Calantha has many different norms and
customs from its Rhesainian neighbours.
Some call it a veil, others a barrier, but neither word is quite right.
The Wall is an invisible entity, stretching out from the Maribian Basin
in central Istaran. The Basin is said to be the first place the
Eleneids, an ancient progenitor species who lived millennia ago,
appeared. All who pass into the Wall’s sphere of influence fall under
its power. The Eleneids’ descendants—elves, melusine and aeda—are
virtually unaffected. But for humans and dwarves, the Wall causes all
sorts of maladies. Migraines, hallucinations, seizures and, inevitably,
death.
The Wall is, undoubtedly, magical. Whoever the Eleneids were, they left a
powerful mark on the world. The Wall is so potent, so atypical, it is
unknown whether even a Wayfarer’s natural immunity could withstand its
power.
Aeran is right – as an elf, you have nothing to fear from the Wall. The
Eleneid blood that runs in your veins will protect you. You could leave
Zenaida in the dust, pass through the barrier and be on your way to
Calantha. But the idea is so simple, you can’t help but resist it. The
Wayfarer Order has traditionally avoided the area and there’s no
guarantee you’ll be accepted there anymore than you are in Rhesainian
countries.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “I don’t think running away to a foreign
country is going to solve our problems.”|Chapter 1-3-7A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “We made a deal. Like it or not, I’m
not backing out.”|Chapter 1-3-7B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “You said you trust me. Throwing
last minute alternatives at me makes it seem like you don’t.”|Chapter
1-3-7C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
stand abruptly and cross the room, boots crunching on broken pottery.
You crouch next to the window and sift through the surviving pieces. A
collection of trampled herbs and tree bark is strewn across the floor,
remnants of one of your medical kits. The looters probably didn’t
realize their significance. Ordinary people use magic to heal their
wounds and ailments; you rely on less efficient, but more reliable,
means.
<<if $gearInv.has('Medical kit')>>“Besides,” you continue,
picking up the herbs and bark and adding them to your medical kit,
“Maribor is leagues away. I don’t really fancy trekking through all that
rainforest.”<<else>>“Besides,” you continue, stashing the
herbs in your pocket, “Maribor is leagues away. I don’t really fancy
trekking through all that rainforest.”<</if>>
Aeran runs a hand through his hair. “Fair enough,” he says. “I’m sorry.
Clearly, I’m the fool of this pair.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” you say, smiling. “I have my moments.”
“True. Too many to count.”
<i>“Hey!”</i> You grab a torn tunic from the pile and throw
it in his direction. It hits him in the face, and he bursts out
laughing.
You grin. Using your foot, you casually sweep broken pottery into the
corner of the room. Aeran’s easy-going attitude is infectious. It’s easy
to enjoy his company, even when you’re digging through the remains of
your torn-up apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
stand abruptly and cross the room, boots crunching on broken pottery.
You crouch next to the window and sift through the surviving pieces. A
collection of trampled herbs and tree bark is strewn across the floor,
remnants of one of your medical kits. The looters probably didn’t
realize their significance. Ordinary people use magic to heal their
wounds and ailments; you rely on less efficient, but more reliable,
means.
<<if $gearInv.has('Medical kit')>>“Once you have your three
thousand crowns, you can go to Calantha for all I care,” you continue.
You pick up the herbs and bark and add them to your medical
kit.<<else>>“Once you have your three thousand crowns, you
can go to Calantha for all I care.”<</if>>
Aeran makes a face. “Little harsh, $firstname, don’t you think?”
You shrug and sweep the broken pottery to the edge of the room with your
foot. <i>Maybe if you stop trying to worm your way out of
this…</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp + 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranApp>>Aeran sighs. He rubs the back of his
neck and avoids your gaze. “You’re right,” he says. “I’m being… well…”
He pauses. “Brissa would call it ‘a hindrance.’ And I’m sorry. Clearly,
I’m the fool of this pair.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” you say, smiling. “I have my moments.”
“True. Too many to count.”
<i>“Hey!”</i> You grab a torn tunic from the pile and throw
it in his direction. It hits him in the face, and he bursts out
laughing.
You grin. Using your foot, you casually sweep broken pottery into the
corner of the room. Aeran’s easy-going attitude is infectious. It’s easy
to enjoy his company, even when you’re digging through the remains of
your torn-up apartment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranapp >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“For what it’s worth, I am touched you want to run away with
me.”|Chapter 1-3-8A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “You’re apprehensive. I’m
apprehensive, too. But this isn’t a conversation we need to have every
five minutes.”|Chapter 1-3-8B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. Whatever. Don’t worry about
it.”|Chapter 1-3-8C]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. Drop the subject.|Chapter
1-3-8D]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom
+=1>><<else>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeranapp +=1>><</if>>He laughs, an uncharacteristic
flush on his cheeks and raps his fingers against the floor. “I… uh…
didn’t say it like <i>that</i> exactly—”
“Though, if we look at this objectively,” you interrupt, “I suppose
everywhere we’ve been in the past two years could count as ‘running away
together.’ Like how we ran away to Sarin. And to Tol Covere. Remember
the little hunting village in the Gairloch Mountains? That was a good
six months, very pleasant.”
He coughs and looks away, avoiding your gaze. “Mhm.”
“Well, until the chimera showed up,” you continue. “Okay, I take that
back, chimeras are the opposite of pleasant—”
Aeran reaches across the room and grabs your hand. “$nickname.”
“Yeah?”
He squeezes. His fingers are warm against yours. “Nothing.”
He draws away, scrambling to his feet and pokes around the rest of your
destroyed room. Sidestepping a pile of broken wood, he crouches next to
it and pokes through it, searching for anything of value.
He pulls a dagger out from under a cracked piece of wood. He brushes
wood dust off the sheath and raises it in the air. “Spare,” he says,
grinning, then slips it inside his boot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-9]]</div></div><</nobr>>He
falls silent. Getting to his feet, he sidesteps a pile of broken wood.
He crouches next to it and pokes through the mess, searching for
anything of value.
“Aeran.”
“Oh look,” he says, drawing a dagger out from under the cracked wood. He
brushes wood dust off the sheath and raises it in the air. “Spare.”
You roll your eyes. “Don’t—”
“You’re right,” he interrupts. “We don’t need to talk about this every
five minutes. I’ll try to keep my anxiety in check as long as you
promise not to dismiss it.”
You nod. “I promise.”
He slips the dagger into his boot. “Thank you.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-9]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Right,”
he mutters. “I see where we’re at now.” He gets to his feet and
sidesteps a pile of broken wood. He crouches next to it and pokes
through it, searching for anything of value.
You roll your eyes. “Aeran—”
He ignores you, falling stubbornly silent. He draws a dagger out from
under the cracked wood. He brushes wood dust off the sheath without
comment and slips it into his boot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-9]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
gets to his feet and sidesteps a pile of broken wood. He crouches next
to it and pokes through it, searching for anything of value.
“Find anything else?” you ask after a moment.
He pulls a dagger out from under a cracked piece of wood. He brushes
wood dust off the sheath and raises it in the air. “Spare,” he says,
then slips it inside his boot.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-9]]</div></div><</nobr>>While
Aeran searches the rest of the room, you wander to the window. There
isn’t much of a view. Your apartment looks out at the giant tree that
overshadows Mulch Road, so it’s little more than a face full of bark,
moss and vines. But if you lean out and turn your head to the right, you
can see a sliver of grey skies, the lopsided roofs of the surrounding
buildings, and the scurrying figures of people rushing on the main road.
“What do you think we’ll find?” you murmur as you hang out the window,
pelted by the rain. “In Velantis?”
“A city,” Aeran replies. “One that has the same problems all cities do.
The poor struggle and fight with each other, the wealthy hoard their
resources and fight with each other. The aristocracy is corrupt, there’s
at least one religious leader pushing the belief that their god
deserves to be worshipped above all others—”
You snort. “Is that experience I hear talking? I thought you hadn’t been
to Velantis.”
He shrugs. “No matter where you go, it’s always the same problems,
caused by the same manner of people,” he says. “Selfishness and fear are
the most powerful impulses in the world.”
You frown, scrunching up your face. “Why the sudden pessimism?” you
call, peering through the rain at the main road beyond.
“What, am I not allowed a little pessimism now and again?”
“No, I’m just saying that’s unlike you.” You catch a flash of red on the
street far, far below. You blink – was it your imagination?
<<if $master is "Varyn">>Aeran chuckles. “Glad to know I can
still surprise you, though I think I’m more surprised you didn’t
recognize Brissa’s words when you heard them.”
Your press your fingers against the window frame. In addition to
traditional Wayfarer training, Varyn was fond of dropping philosophical
musings about the state of the world. “Fuck.
Right.”<<else>>Aeran chuckles. “Glad to know I can still
surprise you. Though, if I’m being honest, those were Brissa’s words,
not mine.”
You press your fingers against the window frame. “I knew you didn’t
sound like yourself.”<</if>>
He clears his throat. “I thought you were taking this opportunity to dry
out—why are you climbing out the window?”
“A hunch,” you reply. Your eyes narrow as you stare at the street.
Imagination or not, the sight of red has you on edge. What are the
chances the Count’s mercenaries are in Edgewater?
You set it aside for the moment and continue to watch the street. The
mention of Varyn’s name stirs a thought about your earlier conversation
with Zenaida. “Don’t you think it odd Zenaida mentioned both Varyn and
Sero?”
“They’re well travelled and Brissa has spent the past five years in
Imperial territory,” Aeran says.
“Bit of a coincidence, don’t you think?”
“Considering Zenaida’s station, I’m not surprised their paths crossed.”
He pauses. “Either that or she dropped their names in an attempt to sway
us to her side.”
“Maybe…”
You catch a flicker of red and this time you’re certain it isn’t your
imagination. You pull your head back inside and wipe rainwater from your
forehead. “I think I just saw the Count’s mercs,” you say. “We need to
go.”
Aeran nods.
<<if $gearInv.has('Medical kit')>>“We’re done here.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-10]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-9A-GET MEDICAL
KIT]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<notify
3000>>+ Medical Kit<</notify>><<transfer
'$holding' '$gearInv' 'Medical kit'>>“Here, found this. Since
yours is gone—”
He tosses you the spare medical kit. You nod in thanks and stuff the
contents into your purse.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-10]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
weren’t able to salvage much, but you quickly gather what you can and
rush out the door. The hallway is clear, your neighbours vanishing into
their own apartments. They will no doubt be happy when you never return.
You dash down the hallway and trample down the stairs, taking them two
at a time until you leap onto the platform at the bottom. A cloud of
smoke and a familiar pungent scent wafts into your face.
You cough, your eyes stinging. “Really don’t have the time for this,
Oleander—”
“Make it.” Oleander smirks at you through the smoke. They tap their reed
against the wall, knocking ash off the end. “I’m sure you can manage
the minute or so it will take to pay me your dues. I hear Wayfarers are
particularly spry.”
Aeran scowls. He nudges your shoulder. “$firstname—”
A low, fearsome growl interrupts him. A scrawny, three-headed hound
slinks out of the open door behind Oleander and pads towards you, teeth
bared on all three heads. Oleander casually pats its patchy black coat.
“I’d rather not set him on you,” they say, scratching behind the ears of
the hound’s middle head. “Poor Worm is having a foul day already. He’s
in a pretty bad mood. Wouldn’t want to get his teeth into some poor
<<if $ancestry is "melusine">>melusine<<elseif
$ancestry is
"aeda">>aeda<<else>>$ancestry<</if>>
flesh.”
You groan. “Are you threatening me with your dog?”
Oleander frowns. “You’re smarter than that, $lastname. A Wayfarer should
know when they’re being threatened—”
Aeran’s scowl deepens. He rests a hand on the hilt of his dagger.
“—so, yes, pay me in full for the damages or I will set Worm on you.
Ever been bit by a three-headed hound? I don’t recommend it. Triple the
bite, triple the damage.”
Worm growls. Well, one of Worm’s heads growls. The head whose ears
Oleander is scratching seems to be enjoying itself while the other’s
attention is preoccupied by a dog in the window of the next building
over.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-10 TIMED
CHOICE]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Make a Choice</span></center>
<<if settings.timed>><center><<timedprogressbar
20>><<goto "Chapter 1-3-10
ABSTAIN">><</timedprogressbar>></center>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold >= 50>>[[1. Pay
Oleander what they are owed for damages.|Chapter 1-3-11 PAY
50]]<<else>><s>1. You do not have enough
crowns.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >= 5>>[[2. Pay
Oleander the bare minimum.|Chapter 1-3-10 PAY
5]]<<else>><s>2. You do not have enough
crowns.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore Oleander and get out of Mulch
Road.|Chapter 1-3-10
IGNORE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>= 50>>[[1. Pay Oleander what they are owed for
damages.|Chapter 1-3-11 PAY 50]]<<else>><s>1. You do
not have enough crowns.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >= 5>>[[2. Pay
Oleander the bare minimum.|Chapter 1-3-10 PAY
5]]<<else>><s>2. You do not have enough
crowns.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore Oleander and get out of Mulch
Road.|Chapter 1-3-10 IGNORE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[4. [ABSTAIN] Do nothing.|Chapter 1-3-10
ABSTAIN]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$gold -= 50>><<notify 3000>>-50
Crowns<</notify>>Swearing under your breath, you pull a
handful of coins out of your pouch and shove them into Oleander’s
waiting hand. They count them rapidly, then stash them in their pocket,
their lower lip curling. “Ten crowns?” they sneer. “You think a measly
ten crowns is enough to cover that mess?”
Worm barks and dashes forward. Oleander catches the hound’s collar just
in time and pulls the dog back from the platform’s edge. Worm strains
against their grip, one head barking up a storm at the dog in the
window.
You grind your teeth. “I can’t afford to pay you more—”
“I know you’ve got gold hidden on you, I can practically smell it,” they
interrupt. “You wouldn’t be this desperate to run if you didn’t. Fifty
crowns or I’ll set the dog on you.”
“The dog seems pretty distracted, if you ask me,” Aeran points out.
“Try me!” Oleander spits, puffing as they exert all their effort to hold
onto Worm’s collar.
You’re not in the mood to fight a dog, especially one who deserves a
better owner than Oleander.
“Fine,” you say, pulling out another handful of coins. “Fifty and that’s
it. And Oleander—you better clean that room up nice. And maybe spend a
bit on Worm, I think he deserves it.”
Worm’s middle head whines and headbutts Oleander’s leg. The left head
still growls at the neighbour’s dog.
Oleander’s lips split into a wide grin as they accept the coins. “Ah,
that I’ll do, $lastname, that I’ll do. I won’t say a word about you or
where you’re going, should the Count’s people ask again!”
You raise a hand and show them a rude gesture as you step out onto Mulch
Road. Your boots sink immediately into the mud.
“Fuck this town,” you mutter and squelch your way toward the main road.
<<if $actionpoints >= 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-12 WHERE
NOW?]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-13 MEET
RHODARTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<set
$gold -= 5>><<notify 3000>>-5
Crowns<</notify>>Swearing under your breath, you pull a
handful of coins from your pouch and toss them at Oleander. The coins
fly through the air and clatter onto the platform. They yelp and let go
of Worm’s collar. The hound leaps off the platform, dashing through the
mud to the next-door building and rising up on its hind legs to bark and
snap at the dog in the window. Oleander, meanwhile, drops to their
knees, hands scrabbling for the dropped coins.
With hound and owner distracted, you and Aeran make your way down the
road, your boots squelching in the mud.
“Fuck this town,” you mutter.
You’re halfway down Mulch Road when you hear Oleander’s voice hollering
at you.
“Hey! Hey! That was only five crowns! Where do you think you’re going,
Wayfarer? You owe me! <i>You owe me—!”</i>
You raise a hand, make a rude gesture, and keep walking.
“I’ll tell the Count about you!” Oleander yells over Worm’s barking.
“I’ll tell him! I’ll tell him—!” Their words cut off abruptly in a
coughing fit.
“Yeah, I’m sure you will,” you mutter.
Aeran snorts.
<<if $actionpoints >= 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-12 WHERE
NOW?]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-13 MEET
RHODARTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Just
for that, I don’t think I will,” you say, turning and stepping off the
platform. Your boots squelch in the mud. “Come on, Aeran.”
Oleander hisses. “Worm!” they snap. <i>“Get them.”</i>
They let go of the dog’s collar. Worm growls and charges towards you,
then curves abruptly to the side and dashes at the next-door building.
All interest in you lost, it rises up on its hind legs to bark and snap
at the dog in the window.
“Worm!” Oleander shouts. “Worm, get back here! Attack
<i>them!</i> Get <i>them!”</i>
The hound’s tail thrashes back and forth, and it paws at the window.
“No, you stupid mutt! The Wayfarers are right there, get
<i>them—”</i>
You shake your head and squelch your way down the road. Oleander can
yell themself hoarse while their three-headed hound swats at a window
without any input from you.
<<if $actionpoints >= 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-12 WHERE
NOW?]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-13 MEET
RHODARTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>“Worm!”
Oleander snaps. They let go of the hound’s collar and slap its side,
pointing wildly in your direction.
The dog charges forwards, snarling viciously, all three of its heads
focused on you. You reach for your sword, but it closes the gap within
seconds. It barrels into you, shoving you backwards off the platform.
You land in the mud, breathless, your head spinning. The hound is on you
in seconds, its claws digging through your tunic, its multiple jaws
snapping in your face.
You struggle to push it off you. It leans in, growling furiously, its
long, sharp teeth inches away from your face—
<i>Thud.</i>
An arrow plunges into the hound’s side. It howls in pain and lurches off
you, collapsing into the mud. You push yourself up and spot Aeran at
your side, lowering his bow. Oleander stands on the platform, pale and
shaking, staring at the limp body of their hound.
“My… dog…”
Aeran offers you a hand and pulls you out of the mud. Without a further
word, you leave the shaking Oleander and make your way down the road.
“Idiot,” he sighs, slinging his bow across his back. “Are you all
right?”
“Fine,” you reply.
“It was either the dog or your face, and I like your face.” He pauses.
“Shame about the dog, though.”
“Yeah… Shame.”
<<if $actionpoints >= 1>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-12 WHERE
NOW?]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-13 MEET
RHODARTH]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>>Out
on the main road, you mingle with the foot-traffic. While the momentary
reprieve from the rain was welcome, you’re glad you never have to set
foot inside your decrepit apartment again.
“Where to now?” Aeran asks. “If the Count’s men are out in force, I’d
rather lie low until we reconvene with Her Worshipfulness.”
You glance up and down the road but don’t see any flashes of the
tell-tale red. Maybe it was your imagination earlier.
“Let’s go to the Cove,” you say. “We have the money for extra supplies,
we might as well use it.”
He nods. “Good call.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-3-12 EXPLORATION POST
EDGEWATER]]</div></div><</nobr>>Out
on the main road, you mingle with a steady stream of foot traffic. The
rain is the lightest it has been all day and Edgewater is at its
busiest. It’s getting late and workers are returning home for the
evening. A soup kitchen up the road rings a bell, loudly announcing that
its services are available. A decrepit, water-logged queue forms
outside, people of all kinds hunkering down and shivering in the rain.
You’ve eaten at the soup kitchen more times than you can count,
scrounging up whatever bits and scraps on offer for your pitiful amount
of coin.
Your stomach growls. It’s been a while since you’ve eaten. “Hey,” you
say, nudging Aeran and nodding towards at the soup kitchen. “What do you
think?”
He makes a face. “If the Count’s men are out in force, I’d rather lie
low until we reconvene with her Worshipfulness. Besides,” he adds,
touching his coin pouch, “I think I have enough to cover a decent dinner
in a more desirable place.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $aeranrom >=40>>[[1. [FLIRT]
“Aeran Kellis, are you asking me on a date?”|Chapter
1-3-14A]]<<else>><s>1. [FLIRT] Conditional
relationship requirements have not been
met.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “I can think of a few
places.”|Chapter 1-3-14B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. “Sure. I mean, if you’re
worried…”|Chapter 1-3-14C]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">The
Cove</span>
<span
class="record-item"><s>Edgewater</s></span>
</div></div><div class="explore-2"><img
src="images/rona interactive.png" usemap="#image-map"
class="map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="The Cove"
title="Select THE COVE as your destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-4-0
THE COVE"
coords="216,333,220,314,219,298,210,290,208,269,198,259,187,251,185,239,184,220,174,217,160,213,149,209,134,200,122,194,112,199,109,208,119,221,130,231,148,239,153,254,151,263,162,285,167,299,174,312,184,314,193,323,207,331"
shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The
Cove|Chapter 1-4-0 THE COVE]]</span>
<span
class="record-item"><s>Edgewater</s></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item">[[The
Cove|Chapter 1-4-0 THE COVE]]</span>
<span
class="record-item"><s>Edgewater</s></span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div><<if
$aeranrom >=10>><<aeranRomance>><<set
$aeranrom
+=1>><<else>><<aeranApp>><<set
$aeranapp +=1>><</if>>He stares at you, an unreadable
expression on his face.
“What?” you say.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Never mind,” he replies, striding down
the street.
“What?” you repeat, hurrying to catch up with him.
He sidesteps a cluster of people headed in the opposite direction. “Am I
not allowed to laugh at you now?” he says. “Is that off the table?
Really, $nickname, you should have said something.”
You roll your eyes and fall into a steady pace at his side. This kind of
playful camaraderie is such an easy pattern to fall into, something
that’s marked your friendship for two decades.
Though sometimes he seems oblivious to your flirting.
“I never said as much,” you retort. “And even if I did, would that stop
you?”
He grins, blue eyes shining bright. “Never—”
He stops short. You stop walking, your boots slipping a bit in the mud
as you look ahead to what caught his attention.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-15]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Hey
now, who said I was taking suggestions?” he interrupts, grinning.
“And here I thought it was implicit,” you reply. “I am, after all, the
one with the ideas.”
“Great.” He sidesteps a cluster of people headed in the opposite
direction. “What does that make me? Wait – don’t tell me. I get to be
the pretty one.”
You smile. This kind of playful camaraderie is such an easy pattern to
fall into, something that’s marked your friendship for two decades.
“Or you’re the one who stands around and looks dangerous,” you reply.
“Or—”
Aeran draws to a sudden stop and your banter falls silent. You stop
walking, your boots slipping in the mud as you look ahead to see what
caught his attention.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-15]]</div></div><</nobr>>Aeran
sighs. “I am.”
He strides down the street, weaving in and out of the clusters of people
headed in the opposite direction. You hurry to keep up with him.
“I’d rather get out of Edgewater quickly,” he adds.
“Yeah…” The hair stands up on the back of your neck. You think back to
the flashes of red you saw from your apartment window. “So, where to?”
“Back to the Docks,” he replies. “Maybe we can convince Her
Worshipfulness to set out early.”
You purse your lips. Zenaida didn’t seem comfortable in Rona, that’s for
sure. She alluded to a conflict between her and the Seven, conflict she
seemed keen to avoid. Now the storm is dying down, you have a feeling
she’ll be more than happy to leave town.
“Let’s go,” you say. “And just cross our fingers—”
Aeran draws to a sudden stop. You stop walking, your boots slipping in
the mud as you look ahead to see what caught his attention.
<i>Shit.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-3-15]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
road ahead is barred by a band of mercenaries. There is an unexpected
uniformity to the gang—all tall, all burly, dressed in black and armed
to the teeth. They wear red kerchiefs tied around their upper arms,
proudly and prominently declaring who they represent and where their
loyalties lie.
The Count’s underlings.
“So much for that,” Aeran mutters under his breath and steps forward to
confront them. “I really didn’t want it to come to this.”
You rest a hand on your sword hilt. If it comes down to a fight… well.
You’d rather it didn’t come down to a fight. There are twelve of them
and two of you. Those aren’t unfavourable odds; they are
catastrophically bad.
Aeran shoots you a dark look and imperceptibly shakes his head. You know
what that means: he has a plan. Don’t interfere.
You grit your teeth. What plan could possibly get you out of this mess?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Let Aeran confront them.|Chapter 1-3-16
AERAN CONFRONT]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Pull him back and confront them
yourself.|Chapter 1-3-17 YOU
CONFRONT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“Rhodarth,” Aeran calls to their
captain, spreading his hands and keeping a casual air. No need to spur
them into action earlier than necessary. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Spare me the wisecracks, Kellis,” the captain replies, “I’m not in the
mood.” He’s an imposing half-melusine man, well over six feet. His
complexion is a deep sea green and he wears his long dark hair swept
back into a high tail. He observes you through brilliant yellow eyes,
pupils narrowed to slits.
“Not a wisecrack, just pointing it out,” Aeran says.
“Please don’t tell me you’re surprised,” Rhodarth retorts. “I so despise
seeing intelligent men play the fool.”
“A compliment? From you? Now I’m truly surprised—”
Without a word, Rhodarth seizes Aeran by the shoulders, rams his knee
into his stomach, and throws him to the ground. Aeran gasps, the air
knocked from his lungs, and rolls through the mud. You grit your teeth,
drawing your sword a fraction from its sheath, but Aeran gestures at you
and imperceptibly shakes his head.
“I said to spare me the wisecracks,” Rhodarth says, his upper lip
curling. You catch a glint of pointed teeth. “The Count isn’t known for
his patience. Do you have the artefact?”
“No,” Aeran says, still winded.
“Do you know where it is?”
“No.” Aeran’s hands slide in the mud, but he pushes himself up.
Rhodarth glances at you, piercing eyes drawn to your sword hand. He
turns and kicks Aeran in the stomach. Aeran rolls through the mud,
grunting in pain, and lies on his back. He grimaces, his eyes closed,
eyelids fluttering as the light rain mists his face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Your gut twists. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the
shadow of a growing crowd—Edgewater’s residents drawn to the conflict by
curiosity and fear.
“Rhodarth—” you begin.
“If the artefact remains missing,” Rhodarth continues, striding over to
Aeran as casually as he would walk through a market, “then why are you
negotiating with an outside client? An <i>Imperial</i>
client?” He crouches next to Aeran, grabs his chin and raises his face.
“You made an agreement with the Count. Fulfill it or forfeit.”
Aeran grunts. “Yeah, about that—”
“You can’t talk your way out of this—”
Aeran draws his dagger and rams the blade into Rhodarth’s side. Blood
blossoms through the mercenary’s tunic and he collapses backwards into
the mud. Aeran pushes himself up and charges down the road. You turn and
sprint after him, weaving your way through the crowd and back toward
the heart of Edgewater. You throw a glance over your shoulder as you
run; Rhodarth’s mercenaries charge after you, but they are slowed by the
crowd. Rhodarth presses a hand to his side as he’s pulled to his feet
by a woman. His fingers are glowing.
Curative magic. A veteran like him won’t be out of commission for long.
<i>Shit.</i>
“You couldn’t stab him with an arrowhead?” you grunt. Due to the
resistance imbued into the steel, Alassar weapons prevent the immediate
use of curative magic on most wounds.
“Dagger was all I could reach,” Aeran pants, still winded.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You push through a knot of people and stumble out onto a
dilapidated dock. A boat is moored at the end. Aeran sprints down the
dock and slides to a stop, grabbing the boat’s rope and hacking at it
with his dagger. You rush toward him—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>And your foot smashes through rotten boards. You trip, falling
forwards, the palms of your hands scraping against the dock. Your foot
hovers inches above the water, trapped in the hole.
Aeran cuts the rope. He reaches for you, grabbing your arm and trying to
pull you free from the hole—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
5>>Rhodarth steps onto the dock, flanked by two archers. He towers
over you, observing you and Aeran coldly. Though his tunic is spotted
with blood, he seems completely unbothered by his wound. A faint light
clings to his side where the dagger pierced his flesh.
“What an embarrassment,” Rhodarth says, shaking his head. “Greiss, take
them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 CAPTURED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>You
grab his arm, pulling him back. “Aeran.”
He shoots you a dark look. You shake your head. He knows you well enough
to understand your meaning without words: <i>Let me handle
this.</i>
He nods and steps back, letting you proceed.
“Do you really want to do this here?” you call to the mercenaries’
captain.
The captain observes you coolly through slitted yellow eyes. He’s an
imposing half-melusine man, well over six feet. His complexion is a deep
sea green and he wears his long dark hair swept back into a high tail.
“You speak as though you expect a fight, Wayfarer,” he replies. “I do
not intend to fight you. Any casualties that result from a clash of
blades will be on your hands, not mine.”
“Then what do you intend?” you ask. “Approaching a stranger like this
sends a certain message—”
The mercenary leader grunts. “I see you have the same predilection
towards unnecessary witticisms as Kellis. How… irritating.”
You glance at Aeran. “You know him?”
Aeran shrugs. “Rhodarth and I have… crossed paths a few times, in a few
places.” He folds his arms. “Didn’t take you for one of the Count’s
minions, Rho. Never thought you’d be duped that easily—”
“Not duped, merely accepted the inevitable,” Rhodarth interrupts. “The
kind of situation you seem ignorantly unaccustomed to.”
“Try me—”
You gesture wildly at Aeran and he falls silent. “If you don’t intend to
fight us, then what do you want?” you say.
“The artefact you were hired to find remains missing,” Rhodarth says.
“And you were discovered negotiating with an outside client. An Imperial
client—”
“We no longer have business with the Count,” you interrupt. Out of the
corner of your eye, you see the shadow of a growing crowd—Edgewater’s
residents drawn to the conflict by curiosity and fear.
“You made an agreement,” Rhodarth says. “One that cannot be so easily
terminated. Fulfill it or forfeit.”
“We don’t have the artefact,” you reply. “Despite our best efforts, it
is gone. Tell the Count that while we do not expect payment, we will not
be threatened and harassed by him. He can continue this ridiculous hunt
without us.”
His eyes narrow. “I will not act as your messenger. We will escort you
to the Count’s villa. Come willingly or by force—I do not care either
way.”
You rest a hand on the hilt of your sword and return Rhodarth’s
unnerving stare. He’s backed you into a corner. You can’t fight—you and
Aeran will be overwhelmed within minutes. You can try to flee into the
heart of Edgewater, but he’s made it clear he does not care if
Edgewater’s residents are harmed by his pursuit.
Or you can agree to go calmly to the Count’s villa.
Where he will no doubt question you for your failure, torture you, and
possibly feed you to a basilisk—if Malsara is to be believed.
You glance at Aeran. He cocks his head, a silent question in his eyes.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Escape Rhodarth and flee through
Edgewater.|Chapter 1-3-18]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Let Rhodarth take you to the
Count.|Chapter 1-3-19]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>You nod.
Aeran draws a dagger and throws it at Rhodarth. It hits him in the side.
He grunts and stumbles, sinking to the ground.
You and Aeran sprint down the road, weaving your way through the crowd
and back toward the heart of Edgewater. People hear the commotion and
scatter, leaving a clear path towards the docks. You throw a glance over
your shoulder as you run. Supported by one of his mercenaries, Rhodarth
has pulled the dagger free. He presses a hand to his side, his fingers
glowing.
Curative magic.
“You couldn’t have just shot him?” you grunt. Due to the resistance
imbued into the steel, Alassar weapons prevent the immediate use of
curative magic on most wounds.
“Too slow,” Aeran snaps. “And a waste of an arrow—”
Rhodarth’s mercenaries charge after you, but they are slowed by the
crowd. A man isn’t fast enough to scramble out of the way, and they cut
him down.
<i>Shit.</i>
You grit your teeth and run.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>You push through a knot of people and stumble out onto a
dilapidated dock. A boat is moored at the end. Aeran sprints down the
dock and slides to a stop, grabbing the boat’s rope and hacking at it
with his dagger. You rush toward him—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>And your foot smashes through rotten boards. You trip, falling
forwards, the palms of your hands scraping against the dock. Your foot
hovers inches above the water, trapped in the hole.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
4>>Aeran cuts the rope. He reaches for you, grabbing your arm and
trying to pull you free from the hole—
Rhodarth steps onto the dock, flanked by two archers. He towers over
you, observing you and Aeran coolly. Though his tunic is spotted with
blood, he seems completely unbothered by his wound. A faint light clings
to his side where the dagger pierced his flesh.
“What an embarrassment,” Rhodarth says, shaking his head. “Greiss, take
them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 CAPTURED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<set
$aeranapp to Math.clamp($aeranapp - 1, 5,
90)>><<aeranDisapp>>You raise your hands in surrender.
“Fine,” you say. “The Count wants to see us? We’ll gladly give him an
audience.”
Aeran shoots you a dark look, but he also raises his hands in surrender.
Rhodarth smiles—the cold, satisfied smile of a mercenary whose job just
became far easier than anticipated. “Wise choice,” he says. “I see now
who is the intelligent one in this partnership.” His eyes flicker over
Aeran.
Aeran smirks. “What can I say? <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe’re<<else>>$HeShe’s<</if>> the
smart one. I’m just the pretty face.”
Rhodarth’s smile fades. “Greiss, disarm them,” he commands, turning away
and walking slowly up the road. His mercenaries crowd you, stripping
you of your weapons. “And make sure they stay <i>quiet.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0
CAPTURED]]</div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Cove</span></center>
You have <span class="specialtitle">$gold crowns.</span>
Where would you like to go?
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="cycle-item">[[1. The apothecary.|Chapter 1-4
APOTHECARY]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item">[[2. The artificer.|Chapter 1-4
ARTIFICER]]</div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-4
BLACKSMITH 1")>><s>3. The
blacksmith.</s><<else>>[[3. The blacksmith.|Chapter
1-4 BLACKSMITH 1]]<</if>></div>
<div class="cycle-item"><<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-4
ARTEFACT COLLECTOR")>><s>4. The artefact
collector.</s><<else>>[[4. The artefact
collector|Chapter 1-4 ARTEFACT
COLLECTOR]]<</if>></div>
<<if visitedTags("leavedrakehand")>><div
class="exit-item">[[5. There’s nothing of interest left. Leave the
Cove.|Chapter 1-4
LEAVE]]</div><</if>></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1>>You and Aeran follow the
boardwalk, winding your way to the very end. You’re close to the coast
here; the smell of fish and brine is strong and the planks creak beneath
your feet. If you stepped off the boardwalk, you would step directly
into the sea. The apothecary’s shop is small and clings to the edge of
the boardwalk. Only one storey tall and sporting a thatched roof, it
looks more like a hut than a shop. In contrast to the other shops in the
Cove, the apothecary’s veranda is lit with lamps rather than conjured
lights.
You’ve always had a fondness for the place. It’s nice to walk into a
shop and know you can’t destroy its infrastructure simply by existing.
Stepping up onto the veranda, you slide the door open and enter.
The shop is empty and dark. The only source of light is a small oil lamp
strung from the rafters, hanging alongside suspended pots overflowing
with spindly green plants and vines. The floor, though scratched and
creaking, is swept clean of dirt and mud. The walls are lined shelves,
their wood darkened with age. They are filled with earthenware jars and
glass bottles, all neatly placed in a row, each one meticulously
labelled with a delicate script.
At the far back is a small counter. The apothecary, a middle-aged aeda,
leans against it, is absorbed in writing labels and attaching them to
new stock. They look up when you enter, their face brightening.
“$firstname, Aeran,” they say, putting down their quill and pushing
their wire spectacles up their nose. Their left wing drapes over their
shoulder, grey feathers sleek and orderly. Their right wing—the broken
one—curls behind their back, out of sight. “What can I do for you?”
“Good to see you, Emari,” you reply. “We’ve just come to take a look and
maybe resupply.”
Emari nods and rests their long, narrow hands against the counter. Their
fingernails—long, curved, resembling talons and painted silver to match
the circular markings on their face—tap absent-mindedly against the
wood. “Of course. Let me know if I can help.”
You nod and poke around the shelves, taking a look at what Emari has on
offer. The apothecary was the first person you met when you arrived in
Rona and you’ve viewed each other with polite affection ever since.
Emari is a bit of a recluse; you’ve never seen them venture outside
their shop. They are particularly tight-lipped, especially about
themself. How a soft-spoken, bespectacled aeda with a broken wing washed
up in Rona is a story you will never hear.<<default>>You
return to the apothecary. Emari is waiting.<</switch>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 APOTHECARY
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1>>The artificer’s shop is a long
and narrow nondescript building squished between two larger, squarer
nondescript buildings. It’s the kind of shop that feels like an
afterthought, sprung up in the remaining free space between its
neighbours. One storey high, it is dwarfed by the other buildings on the
block—easy to overlook when compared to the other shops in the Cove.
All the better for you. It means you get first pick of the artificer’s
wares.
“Maybe I’ll stay outside,” Aeran says as you draw near. “Myn was a
little… tetchy last time.”
You roll your eyes. “She’s not that bad.”
“She nearly shot me with the… whatever it was,” he mutters.
“Rapid fire crossbow,” you supply.
“Yeah, that.”
“I promise she’s not going to shoot you,” you say, seizing Aeran by the
arm and sliding the shop door open.
Inside, the space is small and crowded. Floor-to-ceiling shelves squeeze
together along the walls and in clusters in the centre to maximize
space. You slip between two displays and poke through the shelves for
anything that catches your eye.
A door in the back slides open and a grimy, blunt dwarven woman enters,
wiping her hands on a weathered leather apron. Her coily black hair is
woven back in braids, keeping it out of her face, and the sparse, dark
fuzz of unshaved stubble runs down her cheeks and across her upper lip.
Her forehead and chin shine with spots of grease. Her muscular arms are
marked with a series of black, geometric tattoos that run from shoulder
to wrist. You recognize them as Faran clan tattoos.
“Hey, Myn,” you say, raising a hand in welcome.
Aeran swiftly ducks out of sight behind a group of shelves.
“$lastname,” she answers, folding her arms. Despite other merchants in
the Cove declaring Myn has had a shop here for over a decade, she
retains a thick Faran accent. “Come to hassle me again, I see.”
“Not intentionally,” you reply, eyeing a set of lockpicks.
“I can see you, Kellis,” Myn calls. “You’re not subtle.”
Aeran sticks out a hand from behind the shelves and waves. “Hi, Myn,” he
calls, deflated.
She snorts. “Suit yourself, blasted Wayfarer,” she grunts, shaking her
head. “What are you after this time?” she adds, staring at you with
narrowed eyes. “I won’t be parting with any more of my prototypes after
what happened to the last one. I finally make something that outstrips
Cerys Tormond’s designs and you go and wreck it.”
You wince. You were hoping you’d be able to duck in and duck out without
<i>that</i> incident coming up, but Myn knows how to hold a
grudge. She’s a self-styled inventor and extremely possessive of her
work.
“Just picking up a few essentials,” you explain. “We’ll be on our way
soon.”
Myn blows out a sharp breath. “If you say so.” She cocks her head
towards her wares. “Well, get on with it. I don’t have all day to stand
here waiting for you, I’m busy.”<<default>>You enter the
shop and come face-to-face with Myn. She observes you with narrowed
eyes, hands on her hips.
“Back again?” she says.
“I’ll be just a minute.”<</switch>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 ARTIFICER
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>As you walk into the Cove’s
second block a crowd catches your eye. A handful of people cluster
around the blacksmith’s smithy, jostling and shoving as they hurl insult
after insult. An elven man—tall, unkempt hair pulled back and a
week-old scraggly beard on his chin—stands at the entrance to his
smithy, taking the verbal abuse without comment. His scowl deepens with
every passing second.
“What do you think?” you ask Aeran as you draw closer to the crowd.
“Come back later or—”
The blacksmith walks calmly down the steps and punches the nearest man
in the mouth. He cries out, spitting blood, a hand clamped over his
mouth as he stumbles away. The crowd falls silent.
“Anyone else?” the blacksmith says calmly. “We can be here all day if
you like, but my clients are going to complain.”
“It’s <i>you</i> who’s the problem, Calanthan,” a woman
spits. “You and your unnatural—”
“Yeah, yeah,” the blacksmith interrupts. “Take it up with the Seven. Now
piss off.” Without further comment he leaps up the steps and barrels
through the front door, ramming it shut behind him.
The crowd mutters, simmering with disgust and outrage, but they’re too
intimidated to take the matter further and slowly disperse. The injured
heckler is nowhere to be found.
You pass through the remaining protesters, ignoring their dark looks and
pointed whispers, and climb the steps to the smithy.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Inside is a wide, open room with a high ceiling. The anvil and
forge rest on a sunken gravel floor along the west wall. The rest of the
room is taken up by various worktables, shelves and miscellaneous
storage. Despite the amount of space, the smithy is a cluttered mess.
Tools lie haphazardly on worktables, organized by an internal logic that
escapes you. Weapons and gear in various states of completion are
scattered around the room. Some glow with different intensities and
colours, others look like ordinary weapons.
The blacksmith stands by a water barrel, scrubbing blood off his hand
with a damp cloth. He grimaces when you enter and does not look up.
“Get out,” he growls. “Unless you also want to lose a tooth—”
“When I get a toothache, I’ll let you know,” you interrupt. “As far as I
know, my mouth is fine.”
The blacksmith straightens at the sound of your voice, eyes wide with
panic. He leaps towards you, hands raised. “Stay there!” he shouts.
“Don’t – touch – anything!”
“Calm down, Thelkar,” Aeran says. “We’re not going near your work.”
Thelkar pauses. “All right,” he says, slowly lowering his hands. “But…
stay there. Don’t wander around the shop.”
“Fine by me,” you reply, folding your arms and planting your feet near
the door. “Seems you got yourself into another tight spot.”
Thelkar snorts. “Those fools? Hardly. All they do is wave their hands
and yell themselves hoarse. Suits me just fine. The sooner they lose
their voices, the sooner I can get back to work.”
“I wouldn’t disregard them completely,” you warn.
“None of your business, Wayfarer,” Thelkar snaps. “I was exiled from my
home. I can tolerate a few toothless malcontents.” His eyes sweep over
you, narrowing with suspicion. “I doubt you’re here to exchange
pleasantries. What do you want? My work isn’t for you.”
“We’re outside your usual range of specialization, yes,” you reply. “But
I know your style better than that. You tinker as much as Myn—”
Thelkar rolls his eyes. “Myn wants to see how far she can push her
inventions until they explode. The downfall of Faran artificers. I am an
artisan.”
“Uh-huh,” Aeran says.
Thelkar shoots him a dark look.
“You’re skilled, Thelkar,” you interrupt quickly. “And skilled craftsmen
don’t limit themselves. Do you have anything non-magical you’re willing
to part with?”
He sets his jaw. “Nothing you’d be able to afford.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>><<if $gold >= 50>>You pull out your coin pouch.
“Try me.”<<else>>You smile, trying not think about the
remaining contents of your coin pouch. “Try me.”<</if>>
Thelkar blows out a withering sigh and crosses the smithy to dig through
the clutter at the back. “This may be of interest,” he calls.
“Considering the work you Wayfarers find yourselves in—”
“What kind of work is that?” Aeran says flatly.
Thelkar shrugs. “Questionable.”
“You’re quick to judge,” Aeran replies. “Considering you supply the
Seven and their mercenaries with any weapons and arms they need—”
Thelkar turns around, scowling darkly, a hefty-looking clump of metal in
hand. “How’s your mouth feeling, Kellis?” he says. “Any toothaches?”
“Is that the thing of interest, Thelkar?” you interrupt quickly, shoving
Aeran back towards the door and cutting across him.
The blacksmith pales and rushes forwards. “I told you not to move!”
You stop. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot the multiple glowing
weapons, soft light emanating from their blades. “Don’t worry,” you say
calmly. “I’ll stay here.”
Thelkar grunts.
“But you know that’s not how it works, right?” you add. “Minor
enchantments and conjurations can be broken at a touch, sure, but your
work? A single touch may disrupt your enchantments, but it will revert
once I—”
“Stop talking,” the blacksmith seethes. He carries the item across the
room and slams it on a nearby table.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH 2][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>The artefact collector’s shop is
a difficult eyesore to miss. A two-storey monstrosity that looms over
the rest of the block, you can spot it from a mile away down the street
in either direction. The shop forgoes the wood favoured by most of
Rona’s buildings and instead sports a façade crafted from beautiful
white stone—or what you assume to be formerly beautiful white stone.
It’s weathered now, stained with mud and crawling with vines. Someone
has made an attempt to clear them, to no avail.
The walls are tall and imposing, set with large windows crafted from
thick, imported glass. Two white stone columns frame the door, a hefty
thing constructed from dark wood, set with a brass handle and engraved
with fanciful symbols you’re pretty sure mean nothing. A sign extends
from the second floor wall, swinging back and forth in the wind:
<i>Runes & Relics, Est. 1236, Proprietor Lars
Drakehand.</i>
It's the only sign in the entire Cove.
“You’d think all that stone would have sunk into the sea by now,” Aeran
says, frowning up at the building.
<<if $origin is "urchin">>“Magic’s holding it in place, no
doubt.” You grimace. This place reminds you too much of your home city,
like Nesactium poked Rona once with a stray finger and left behind a
print.<<else>>“Magic’s holding it in place, no
doubt.”<</if>>
“Think we’ll break it if we go in?”
You shrug. “Surely he has stronger enchantments than that.”
“Something’s up with Drakehand,” Aeran says. “It’s all the dockhands
wanted to talk about this morning. They say he’s been running his
warehouse staff ragged, moving a lot of stock recently.”
“Hm.”
“Word is he’s closing up shop soon.”
You shoot him a flat look. “We’re not chasing the Count’s damn chalice,
Aeran.”
“No. But we could find something interesting.”
He grins, runs up the steps to the front door and yanks it open. You
roll your eyes and follow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>Inside is a small foyer illuminated by a chandelier. A rug—once
a rich red, now faded to greyish pink and embroidered with geometric
patterns in gold—covers the white stone floor. Two busts—one of an elven
man, the other of a human woman, both nude—are displayed on pedestals
that flank a set of shallow steps leading up to the main room. Despite
this valiant attempt at grandeur, you notice cracks in the paving stone,
tarnish on the chandelier and flaking plaster on the busts.
The main room is a wide, neatly arranged space. The dark wood floor is
swept clean and covered with faded rugs in a similar style to the one in
the foyer. The floor-to-ceiling windows are covered with heavy,
wine-red velvet drapes, preventing anyone outside from peering in at the
valuables within. Pedestals in the centre display glowing artefacts
beneath glass covers—a heavy necklace here, a curved golden sword there,
a yellowing skull set with gemstones in the forehead. Glass cases line
the walls, displaying smaller items in the collection. Some are markedly
empty. At the back of the room is a carpeted staircase that climbs to
the second floor. To the left of the staircase is a doorframe covered by
a velvet curtain. A sign that reads <i>Staff Only</i> is
nailed above it.
All in all, <i>Runes & Relics</i> looks like a pirate’s
treasure trove from a children’s storybook—albeit one that has been
seized, combed through to within an inch of its life, spat back out and
displayed to flaunt the owner’s wealth, regardless of actual value of
the individual pieces.
The floorboards creak as you enter the room. Aeran wanders around,
examining the display cases. It’s eerily quiet in here. You rest your
hand on your sword hilt and wrap your fingers around the grip.
<<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer pendant')>>“Hey, $nickname,”
Aeran says. “I—”<<else>>“Hey, $nickname,” Aeran says. “I
think you should see this.”
You cross the room and peer into the display case. Inside, perched on a
swath of velvet alongside an assortment of strange coins, gemstones and a
few strands of pearl necklaces, is a pendant with a familiar emblem on
the end.
A Wayfarer pendant.
Yours.
“Wonder where they got it,” Aeran grunts. “I can’t imagine any of us
selling ours for coin. So either someone stole it and pawned it off or—”
“It’s mine,” you say. “It was in my purse when the kid lifted it.”
Aeran raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything.<</if>>
And then a dwarven man yells and barrels through the curtain directly at
you, wielding a gem-encrusted sceptre like a club.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 Artefact 2][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
$actionpoints >= 1>>You wander along the boardwalk towards the
first block. The steady rain continues to fall, though it is lighter
now. Huddles of cloaked and hooded people shoot you blank stares and
move out of the way as you pass.
“Think we’re done here?” Aeran asks. He pushes his hood back and runs
his fingers through his hair. Now the rain is lighter, he seems to be
enjoying it.
“Yeah,” you reply.
“Hold up—”
Aeran puts a hand on your shoulder. Across the street, a small group of
mercenaries lingers on the veranda of a popular leisure house, chatting
amiably. Every few minutes, they look out across the boardwalk,
observing the shifting crowds.
Red kerchiefs are tied around their upper arms.
One of them stares right at you.
“Fuck,” Aeran mutters. “You see that?”
“Yeah.”
“Fall behind me, follow at a distance.”
You nod. The problem with the Cove is that there is only one way in and
one way out. If you make it look like you aren’t walking together, maybe
the Count’s mercenaries won’t notice you. They seem fixated on pairs
rather than individuals.
You slow to almost to a halt. Aeran walks on ahead, pulling his hood
down and hunching his shoulders to disguise his height. You turn,
heading back to the second block with the air of someone who has
forgotten something. Once you’ve passed out of the mercenaries’ line of
sight, you turn around and slowly meander up the boardwalk. When you
walk by the leisure house, the mercenaries are laughing raucously,
paying you no heed.
You hurry up, walking swiftly down the rest of the boardwalk and past
the entrance to the Cove. You wind your way down a nearby street and
spot Aeran waiting beneath the overhang of a nearby building.
“Let’s go,” you say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4
EXPLORATION]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>>You
wander along the boardwalk towards the first block. The steady rain
continues to fall, though it is lighter now. Huddles of cloaked and
hooded people shoot you blank stares and move out of the way as you
pass.
“Think we’re done here?” Aeran asks. He pushes his hood back and runs
his fingers through his hair. Now the rain is lighter, he seems to be
enjoying it.
“Yeah,” you reply.
“Hold up—”
Aeran puts a hand on your shoulder. Across the street, a small group of
mercenaries lingers on the veranda of a popular leisure house, chatting
amiably. Every few minutes, they look out across the boardwalk,
observing the shifting crowds.
Red kerchiefs are tied around their upper arms.
One of them stares right at you.
“Fuck,” Aeran mutters. “You see that?”
“Yeah.”
“Fall behind me, follow at a distance.”
You nod. The problem with the Cove is that there is only one way in and
one way out. If you make it look like you aren’t walking together, maybe
the Count’s mercenaries won’t notice you. They seem fixated on pairs
rather than individuals.
You slow almost to a halt. Aeran walks on ahead, pulling his hood down
and hunching his shoulders to disguise his height. You turn, heading
back to the second block with the air of someone who has forgotten
something. Once you’ve passed the mercenaries’ line of sight, you turn
around and slowly meander back up the boardwalk.
You’ve almost reached the leisure house when someone grabs you, their
fingers digging into your shoulder. You stop. Your hand—hidden by your
cloak—subtly reaches for your dagger.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $agility
>=18>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 MEET RHODARTH SILENT
PASS]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 MEET RHODARTH SILENT
FAIL]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Apothecary's
Shop</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Salves, bandages and medical
tools to care for wounds without magic.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 20 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 19>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Powerful tinctures and
ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to normal
functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 2.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 200 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $enmedkit >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 199>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Snakeweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> A potent poison. Use with
care. Do not ingest.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $snakeweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button>
<<elseif $gold <= 24>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Not Enough Funds</button>
<<else>><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
SNAKEWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Dreamweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Calms the nerves, mellowing
the person who ingests it.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $dreamweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
DREAMWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
APOTHECARY")>><</button>></center>“You
know you’re my only client who requests these, yes?” Emari says,
smiling as you put the medical kit on the counter.
“I’m not surprised.” You pause. “Thank you for making them, we’d be dead
without you.”
“Yes,” they reply, a sad note in their voice. “I know.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the medical kit?|Chapter
1-4 MEDKIT GAIN][$gold -= 20]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 APOTHECARY LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>Emari
raises an eyebrow as you put the enhanced medical kit on the counter.
“I wondered whether you would pick that up,” they say. “I designed it
with people like you in mind. The remedies in there will get you back on
your feet faster than others, but be careful.”
They put a hand on yours, a grim expression on their face. “It’s
intended for emergencies. Overuse can have… consequences.”
“Such as?”
Emari shakes their head. “Too much of a good thing is often worse than
none at all,” they say.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the enhanced medical
kit?|Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL KIT GAIN][$gold -= 200, $enmedkit +=
2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 APOTHECARY LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>Emari
smiles faintly as you put the infusion of snakeweed on the counter. “Be
careful with that,” they say. “It’s potent.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the infusion of
snakeweed?|Chapter 1-4 SNAKEWEED GAIN][$gold -= 25, $snakeweed +=
5]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 APOTHECARY LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>Emari
cocks their head. “I didn’t think dreamweed was to your tastes,
$firstname,” they say.
You shrug. “It has its uses.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the infusion of
dreamweed?|Chapter 1-4 DREAMWEED GAIN][$gold -= 25, $dreamweed +=
5]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 APOTHECARY LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<switch
visited()>><<case 1>><<if $routebEmari is
true>>“Thank you, Emari,” you say.
Their smile fades. “May we cross paths again, $firstname,” they reply.
“Until we meet again.”
You bow your head. Sliding the door open, you step out onto the
boardwalk.<<else>>“Thank you, Emari,” you say.
Their smile fades. “May we cross paths again, $firstname,” they reply.
“Good luck.”
You pause. “How did you know we were leaving?”
They chuckle, their silvery eyes finding yours. “I didn’t,” they say.
“But you have a certain air about you. A purpose in your actions and
words. I always knew Rona was never your final destination. I wish you
well on your path ahead. Until we meet again.”
You bow your head. “Until we meet again.”
You slide the door open and step out onto the
boardwalk.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebEmari is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<default>>You
say goodbye to Emari and step back out onto the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<notify
3000>>+ Medical Kit<</notify>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>-20
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Medical kit'>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Apothecary's
Shop</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Salves, bandages and medical
tools to care for wounds without magic.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 20 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 19>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Powerful tinctures and
ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to normal
functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 2.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 200 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $enmedkit >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 199>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Snakeweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> A potent poison. Use with
care. Do not ingest.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $snakeweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button>
<<elseif $gold <= 24>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Not Enough Funds</button>
<<else>><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
SNAKEWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Dreamweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Calms the nerves, mellowing
the person who ingests it.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $dreamweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
DREAMWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
APOTHECARY")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Artificer's Shop</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Lockpicks</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Tools to open chests and
doors locked by non-magical means.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Out of Stock</button><<elseif $gold <=
24>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
LOCKPICKS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Claw Traps</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Traps to entangle and
incapacitate your target.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $clawtraps >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 CLAW
TRAPS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Creates a small explosion
when thrown. Handle with care.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $thunderspheres >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
THUNDERSPHERES")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTIFICER")>><</button>></center>“These
will do,” you say, bringing the lockpicks to Myn.
She huffs. “Why am I not surprised.”
“Hey, don’t judge me,” you reply. “You’re the one who made them.”
“But I’m not gonna use them, now am I?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the lockpicks?|Chapter
1-4 LOCKPICK GAIN][$gold -= 25]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 ARTIFICER LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Be
careful with those,” Myn says as you bring her the traps. “Won’t kill
you, but get a stray finger caught in them and it’ll hurt to hell and
back.”
“I’m counting on it.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the claw traps?|Chapter
1-4 CLAW TRAPS GAIN][$gold -= 25, $clawtraps += 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 ARTIFICER LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Those
will make a guaranteed ruckus,” Myn says, eyeing the thundersphere.
“There’s a latch on the bottom. Pull it to release the lever and you
have about ten seconds before it ignites. Just make sure to keep your
distance when it goes off.”
“Sure.”
“Don’t you ‘sure’ me, Wayfarer,” she snaps. “You better be damn careful
with those, you hear? Don’t go throwing them willy-nilly or you’ll get
innocent people killed.”
You raise an eyebrow. “If they’re so dangerous, why sell them?”
She folds her arms and shrugs. “I already made them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the
thunderspheres?|Chapter 1-4 THUNDERSPHERE GAIN][$gold -= 25,
$thunderspheres += 3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. [BACK] “On second thought…”|Chapter
1-4 ARTIFICER LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
bid farewell to Myn and exit her shop.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebMyn is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionPass>>“When
did this captain commission you?” you ask.
Thelkar scowls. “Three years ago.”
“Three years collecting dust, and no one wants it,” you say. “You can
keep it in the hopes someone may someday take it, or you can sell it to
me and make a few crowns. Maybe not as many as you expected, but that’s
better than nothing in my book.”
“Fine,” he grunts reluctantly. “Name your price.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK HAGGLE
2]]</div></div><</nobr>>"Never
mind," you grunt. "Not worth my time."
You turn and slide the door open, leaving the smithy without further
comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
100>><<notify 3000>>-100
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>“I’ll take it,” you
say. Before Aeran can protest, you withdraw the amount from your coin
pouch and slam the coins on the nearest worktable.
Thelkar eyes the shiny coins. “All right,” he says. He extends a hand,
holding out the grappling hook. “Take it and get out before you destroy
something. Please.”
You accept the grappling hook and slide the door open, leaving the
smithy without further comment.
Aeran shoots you a side-eyed look.
“It’s my money,” you explain, shrugging.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>“When
did this captain commission you?” you ask.
Thelkar scowls. “Three years ago.”
“Three years collecting dust, and no one wants it,” you say. “You can
keep it in the hopes someone may someday be willing to take it, or you
can sell it to me and make a few crowns. Maybe not as many as you
expected, but that’s better than nothing in my book.”
Thelkar observes you through narrowed eyes and falls silent.
“No,” he says finally. “A hundred crowns and a hundred crowns only.”
“But—”
“Don’t try to swindle me, Wayfarer,” Thelkar interrupts. “My patience is
running thin.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $gold >= 100>>[[1. [PURCHASE]
Purchase the grappling hook for 100 crowns?|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK
BUY]]<<else>><s>1. [PURCHASE] You do not have enough
to purchase this item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Give up and leave.|Chapter 1-4 AERAN
BUYS]]</div></div><</nobr>><<set
$enmedkiteqp to true>><<notify 3000>>-200
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Enhanced Medical
Kit<</notify>><</timed>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Apothecary's
Shop</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Salves, bandages and medical
tools to care for wounds without magic.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 20 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 19>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Powerful tinctures and
ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to normal
functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 2.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 200 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $enmedkit >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 199>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Snakeweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> A potent poison. Use with
care. Do not ingest.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $snakeweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button>
<<elseif $gold <= 24>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Not Enough Funds</button>
<<else>><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
SNAKEWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Dreamweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Calms the nerves, mellowing
the person who ingests it.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $dreamweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
DREAMWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
APOTHECARY")>><</button>></center><<set
$snakeweedeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>-25
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Infusion of
Snakeweed<</notify>><</timed>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Apothecary's
Shop</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Salves, bandages and medical
tools to care for wounds without magic.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 20 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 19>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Powerful tinctures and
ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to normal
functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 2.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 200 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $enmedkit >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 199>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Snakeweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> A potent poison. Use with
care. Do not ingest.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $snakeweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button>
<<elseif $gold <= 24>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Not Enough Funds</button>
<<else>><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
SNAKEWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Dreamweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Calms the nerves, mellowing
the person who ingests it.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $dreamweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
DREAMWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
APOTHECARY")>><</button>></center><<set
$dreamweedeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>-25
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Infusion of
Dreamweed<</notify>><</timed>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Apothecary's
Shop</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Salves, bandages and medical
tools to care for wounds without magic.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 20 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $gearInv.has('Medical
kit')>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 19>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Enhanced Medical Kit</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Powerful tinctures and
ointments dull the pain and allow the user to return to normal
functionality after an injury. May have unforseen side effects.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 2.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 200 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $enmedkit >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 199>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 ENHANCED MEDICAL
KIT")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Snakeweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> A potent poison. Use with
care. Do not ingest.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $snakeweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button>
<<elseif $gold <= 24>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Not Enough Funds</button>
<<else>><<button 'Purchase'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
SNAKEWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Infusion of Dreamweed</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Calms the nerves, mellowing
the person who ingests it.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 5.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $dreamweed >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
DREAMWEED")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
APOTHECARY")>><</button>></center><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Lockpicks'>><<notify 3000>>-25
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+
Lockpicks<</notify>><</timed>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Artificer's Shop</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Lockpicks</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Tools to open chests and
doors locked by non-magical means.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Out of Stock</button><<elseif $gold <=
24>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
LOCKPICKS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Claw Traps</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Traps to entangle and
incapacitate your target.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $clawtraps >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 CLAW
TRAPS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Creates a small explosion
when thrown. Handle with care.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $thunderspheres >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
THUNDERSPHERES")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTIFICER")>><</button>></center><<set
$clawtrapeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>-25
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+ Claw
Traps<</notify>><</timed>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Artificer's Shop</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Lockpicks</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Tools to open chests and
doors locked by non-magical means.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Out of Stock</button><<elseif $gold <=
24>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
LOCKPICKS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Claw Traps</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Traps to entangle and
incapacitate your target.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $clawtraps >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 CLAW
TRAPS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Creates a small explosion
when thrown. Handle with care.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $thunderspheres >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
THUNDERSPHERES")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTIFICER")>><</button>></center><<set
$thundersphereeqp to true>><<notify 3000>>-25
Crowns<</notify>><<timed 5s>><<notify
3000>>+
Thunderspheres<</notify>><</timed>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Artificer's Shop</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i> Items For
Sale</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Lockpicks</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Tools to open chests and
doors locked by non-magical means.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> Unlimited.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if
$gearInv.has('Lockpicks')>><button data-passage=""
disabled>Out of Stock</button><<elseif $gold <=
24>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
LOCKPICKS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Claw Traps</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Traps to entangle and
incapacitate your target.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $clawtraps >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 CLAW
TRAPS")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">Thunderspheres</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Description:</span> Creates a small explosion
when thrown. Handle with care.
<span class="accent">Uses:</span> 3.
<span class="accent">Price:</span> 25 crowns.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if $thunderspheres >=
1>><button data-passage="" disabled>Out of
Stock</button><<elseif $gold <= 24>><button
data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Purchase'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
THUNDERSPHERES")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<center><<button
'Leave the Shop'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTIFICER")>><</button>></center>It’s
a hook attached to a long, coiled piece of rope.
“Grappling hook,” he says. “Was outfitting a local ship with new
equipment but the crew mutinied and the new captain didn’t pay up.
Supposed to be used to catch ship rigging, but I can see other practical
uses.” His lip curls in a strange smile. <<if $ancestry is
"aeda">>“You seem the kind of person who needs to scale a wall or
two in a hurry. Shame you can’t fly.”
You flush. “Neither can you.”
“I’m a blacksmith. I don’t need to.”<<else>>“You seem the
kind of person who needs to scale a wall or two in a
hurry.”<</if>>
You sigh. “How much?”
Thelkar folds his arms. “A hundred.”
Aeran snorts. “You’ve got to be kidding,” he mutters.
“I don’t undersell my work,” Thelkar replies coldly.
“Yeah, yeah,” Aeran says. “Glad you have personal integrity, but that is
a <i>hook</i> attached to a <i>rope.”</i>
“Then make your own,” Thelkar snaps. “And get out of my smithy.”
<<if settings.action>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold >=
100>>[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the grappling hook for 100
crowns.|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK BUY]]<<else>><s>1.
[PURCHASE] You do not have enough to purchase this
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18 and $gold >= 1>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Haggle with Thelkar
to lower the price.|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK HAGGLE]]<<elseif
$gold <= 0>><s>2. [PERSUASION] Haggle with Thelkar to
lower the price.</s> You must have some money to
haggle.<<else>>[[2. [PERSUASION] Haggle with Thelkar to
lower the price.|Chapter 1-4 HAGGLE
DENIED]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Leave the smithy.|Chapter 1-4
BLACKSMITH
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<nobr>><div
class="choices"><div class="choice-item"><<if $gold
>= 100>>[[1. [PURCHASE] Purchase the grappling hook for 100
crowns.|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK BUY]]<<else>><s>1.
[PURCHASE] You do not have enough to purchase this
item.</s><</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=18 and $gold >= 1>>[[2. Haggle with Thelkar to lower the
price.|Chapter 1-4 GRAPPLING HOOK HAGGLE]]<<elseif $gold <=
0>><s>2. Haggle with Thelkar to lower the price.</s>
You must have some money to haggle.<<else>>[[2. Haggle with
Thelkar to lower the price.|Chapter 1-4 HAGGLE
DENIED]]<</if>></div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Leave the smithy.|Chapter 1-4
BLACKSMITH
LEAVE]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">The Smithy</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i>
Haggle</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">80 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 20% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion
>=7>>High<<else>>Average<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=13 and
$gold >= 80>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">60 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 40% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=8>>High<<elseif $persuasion is
7>>Average<<else>>Low<</if>>.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15
and $gold >= 60>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">40 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 60% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=11>>High<<elseif $persuasion
>=8>>Average<<elseif $persuasion
>=6>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=18 and
$gold >= 40>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 40 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 40 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">20 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for an 80% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=10>>Average<<elseif $persuasion
>=7>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=20 and
$gold >= 20>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 20 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 20 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">10 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 90% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion
>=10>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=23 and
$gold >= 10>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 10 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 10 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<<if
$gold >= 1 && $gold <= 9>><span
class="specialtitle">All Your Remaining Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Convince Thelkar to give the
grappling hook away at essentially no cost.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion
>=10>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion
>=25>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 RANDOM CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 RANDOM CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div><<else>>\<</if>>
<center><<button
'Leave the Smithy'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4
BLACKSMITH LEAVE")>><</button>></center><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
80>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- 80
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar makes a face.
“Good enough,” he says after a moment. “Hand it over.”
You pull out your coin pouch and slam a handful of coins on the nearest
table.
He extends a hand and holds out the grappling hook. “Take it and get out
before you destroy something. Please.”
You accept the grappling hook and slide the door open, leaving the
smithy without further comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
visitedTags("thelkar")>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
stares at you flatly. “Get out.”
“Do you want to be paid for it or not?”
“GET OUT!”
You turn and pass quickly through the door, leaping down the steps and
out onto the street. The blacksmith slams the door closed behind you.
“He is in a <i>foul</i> mood,” you say.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have tried so hard to swindle him,” Aeran points
out.
You shrug. “It was worth a shot.”
“If you say so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<persuasionFail>>“No,”
Thelkar says.
“I won’t go higher,” you reply.
“And I won’t go lower,” he shoots back. “This is a waste of time, mine
and yours. Get out.”
Knowing his patience has run thin, you trudge to the door, slide it open
and leave the smithy without further comment. So much for that.
“Stubborn idiot,” you mutter.
“Stubborn, yes,” Aeran says. “Though considering he didn’t let you
swindle him out of his wares, I don’t think he’s an idiot.”
You roll your eyes but can’t help your laughter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<if
visitedTags("thelkar")>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
stares at you flatly. “Get out.”
“Do you want to be paid for it or not?”
“GET OUT!”
You turn and pass quickly through the door, leaping down the steps and
out onto the street. The blacksmith slams the door closed behind you.
“He is in a <i>foul</i> mood,” you say.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have tried so hard to swindle him,” Aeran points
out.
You shrug. “It was worth a shot.”
“If you say so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<persuasionFail>>“No,”
Thelkar says.
“I won’t go higher,” you reply.
“You’ll have to,” he shoots back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give up and leave.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Renegotiate.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
RENEGOTIATE
60]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
laughs hoarsely. “I won’t let you swindle me, Wayfarer. You must think
I’m an idiot.”
“Or I’m <i>really</i> trying to haggle,” you point out,
smiling.
The blacksmith shoots you a dark look. “Here to spout nonsense, more
like.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give up and leave.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Renegotiate.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
RENEGOTIATE 20]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
laughs hoarsely. “I won’t let you swindle me, Wayfarer. You must think
I’m an idiot.”
“Or I’m <i>really</i> trying to haggle,” you point out,
smiling.
The blacksmith shoots you a dark look. “Here to spout nonsense, more
like.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give up and leave.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Renegotiate.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
RENEGOTIATE 20]]</div></div><</nobr>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
stares at you flatly. “Get out.”
“Just trying to negotiate,” you say. “Do you want to be paid for it or
not?”
“GET OUT!”
You turn and pass quickly through the door, leaping down the steps and
out onto the street. The blacksmith slams the door closed behind you.
“He is in a <i>foul</i> mood,” you say.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have tried so hard to swindle him,” Aeran points
out.
You shrug. “It was worth a shot.”
“If you say so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
60>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- 60
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar makes a face.
“Good enough,” he says after a moment. “Hand it over.”
You pull out your coin pouch and slam a handful of coins on the nearest
table.
Thelkar extends a hand and holds out the grappling hook. “Take it and
get out before you destroy something. Please.”
You accept the grappling hook and slide the door open, leaving the
smithy without further comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<if
visitedTags("thelkar")>><<persuasionFail>>Thelkar
stares at you flatly. “Get out.”
“Do you want to be paid for it or not?”
“GET OUT!”
You turn and pass quickly through the door, leaping down the steps and
out onto the street. The blacksmith slams the door closed behind you.
“He is in a <i>foul</i> mood,” you say.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have tried so hard to swindle him,” Aeran points
out.
You shrug. “It was worth a shot.”
“If you say so.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<else>><<persuasionFail>>“No,”
Thelkar says.
“I won’t go higher,” you reply.
“You’ll have to,” he shoots back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Give up and leave.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE HAGGLE V]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. Renegotiate.|Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
RENEGOTIATE
60]]</div></div><</nobr>><</if>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
40>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- 40
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar makes a face.
“Good enough,” he says after a moment. “Hand it over.”
You pull out your coin pouch and slam a handful of coins on the nearest
table.
Thelkar extends a hand and holds out the grappling hook. “Take it and
get out before you destroy something. Please.”
You accept the grappling hook and slide the door open, leaving the
smithy without further comment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
20>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>- 20
Crowns<</notify>><</timed>><<timed
10s>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar stares at you.
<i>“Fine,”</i> he grunts. “This is ridiculous.”
He shoves the grappling hook at you. You take it, passing it to Aeran
and pull out a handful of crowns, tossing them on the nearest table.
Thelkar shakes his head, a little dazed, and grumbles to himself. You
slide the door open and leave the smithy without further comment.
Aeran chortles as you step back out onto the street. “I can't believe he
let you swindle him.”
You shrug. “He probably thought it wasn’t worth the trouble—and he
wanted us out of there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<set $gold -=
10>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>-10 Crowns, + Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar stares at you.
<i>“Fine,”</i> he grunts. “This is ridiculous.”
He shoves the grappling hook at you. You take it, passing it to Aeran
and pull out a handful of crowns, tossing them on the nearest table.
Thelkar shakes his head, a little dazed, and grumbles to himself. You
slide the door open and leave the smithy without further comment.
Aeran chortles as you step back out onto the street. “I can't believe he
let you swindle him.”
You shrug. “He probably thought it wasn’t worth the trouble—and he
wanted us out of there.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling
hook'>><<persuasionPass>><<timed
5s>><<notify 3000>>+ Grappling
Hook<</notify>><</timed>>Thelkar stares at you
flatly. “You’re asking me to give away my wares for free?” he says
bluntly.
“Not free,” you say.
“This is ridiculous.”
“Do you want to be paid for it or not?”
<i>“Fine.”</i> He shoves the grappling hook at you. “Just…
take it. I don’t even want your gold. Get out.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Smithy</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i>
Haggle</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">80 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 20% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion
>=7>>High<<else>>Average<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=13 and
$gold >= 80>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE NO")>><span
class="specialtitle">60 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 40%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Haggle
Failed</button></div></div><<else>><span
class="specialtitle">60 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 40% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=8>>High<<elseif $persuasion is
7>>Average<<else>>Low<</if>>.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15
and $gold >= 60>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div><</if>>
<<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-4 40 CROWN HAGGLE NO")>><span
class="specialtitle">40 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 60%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Haggle
Failed</button></div></div><<else>><span
class="specialtitle">40 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 60%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Bid
Too Low</button></div></div><</if>>
<span class="specialtitle">20 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for an 80%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Bid
Too Low</button></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">10 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 90%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Bid
Too Low</button></div></div>
<center><<button 'Leave the Smithy'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE")>><</button>></center>“Fine,”
you say.
“Good,” Thelkar replies. “This is a waste of time, mine and yours.”
Knowing his patience has run thin, you trudge to the door, slide it open
and leave the smithy without further comment. So much for that.
“Stubborn idiot,” you mutter.
“Stubborn, yes,” Aeran says. “Though considering he didn’t let you
swindle him out of his wares, I don’t think he’s an idiot.”
You roll your eyes but can’t help your laughter.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><center><span
class="chaptertitle">The Smithy</span></center>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="heading"><i class="fas fa-coins"></i>
Haggle</span></div>
<div class="store-2"><span class="specialtitle">Funds: $gold
crowns</span></div></div>
<span class="specialtitle">80 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 20% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion
>=7>>High<<else>>Average<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=13 and
$gold >= 80>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 80 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">60 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 40% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=8>>High<<elseif $persuasion is
7>>Average<<else>>Low<</if>>.</div>
<div class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=15
and $gold >= 60>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 60 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<span
class="specialtitle">40 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 60% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=11>>High<<elseif $persuasion
>=8>>Average<<elseif $persuasion
>=6>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=18 and
$gold >= 40>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 40 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 40 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div>
<<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-4 20 CROWN HAGGLE NO")>><span
class="specialtitle">20 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for an 80%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Haggle
Failed</button></div></div><<else>><span
class="specialtitle">20 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for an 80% discount.
<span class="accent">Chance of Success:</span> <<if
$persuasion >=10>>Average<<elseif $persuasion
>=7>>Low<<else>>Poor<</if>>.</div>
<div
class="store-2"><<if random(1,20) + $persuasion >=20 and
$gold >= 20>><<button 'Haggle'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 20 CROWN HAGGLE
YES")>><</button>><<elseif $gold <=
79>><button data-passage="" disabled>Not Enough
Funds</button><<else>><<button
'Haggle'>><<run Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 20 CROWN HAGGLE
NO")>><</button>><</if>></div></div><</if>>
<<if
hasVisited("Chapter 1-4 10 CROWN HAGGLE NO")>><span
class="specialtitle">10 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 90%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Haggle
Failed</button></div></div><<else>><span
class="specialtitle">10 Crowns</span>
<div class="box"><div class="store-1"><span
class="accent">Discount:</span> Haggle for a 90%
discount.</div>
<div class="store-2"><button data-passage="" disabled>Bid
Too Low</button></div></div><</if>>
<center><<button 'Leave the Smithy'>><<run
Engine.play("Chapter 1-4 BLACKSMITH
LEAVE")>><</button>></center><<pickup
'$gearInv' 'Grappling hook'>><<notify 3000>>+
Grappling Hook<</notify>>“Very well,” you say. “We’ll leave
you be.”
“It’s for the best, Wayfarer,” Thelkar replies wearily. “Now please…
leave.”
Aeran steps forwards, pulling out his own coin pouch. “Here,” he says,
setting a handful of coins on the nearest table. “Here’s your gold,
blacksmith. Now give us the hook.”
You raise an eyebrow. Aeran is much more fiscal than you and unwilling
to give up a single crown unless he deems it worthwhile.
Thelkar counts the crowns and nods. He shoots Aeran a suspicious look
and cautiously hands the grappling hook over. “Thank you for your
business,” he says.
Aeran nods curtly and strides out of the smithy. You follow, stepping
back out onto the street after him.
“I—what was that about?” you ask, catching up with him.
“I think we can use it,” he replies, shrugging.
You smile and attach the hook to your belt. “Thanks.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $routebThelkar is
true>>[[Continue.|CHAPTER 1 ROUTE B COVE
LOOP]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>You
sidestep and he flies by, smashing into a display case and crunching
his hand against the edge. He yelps in pain and drops the sceptre,
shaking his hand and swearing profusely. He stumbles backwards,
teetering into a pedestal, and nearly knocks it over before he collapses
into a stunned tangle of arms and legs on the floor.
The sceptre rolls away. Aeran picks it up and examines it curiously.
The dwarf peers up at you, notes your posture—folded arms, set jaw,
narrowed eyes—and pales. His blue eyes are watery, his red hair and
beard meticulously manicured. He stinks of perfume and scented oils.
This must be Lars Drakehand.
“He… <i>he</i> sent you, didn’t he?” Drakehand gasps,
scrambling backwards until he has shoved himself against an empty
display case. He whines, raising an arm protectively above his face. His
fingers glitter with rings. One is missing a gemstone.
“Maybe,” Aeran says.
“Oh!” Drakehand wails. “Mercy, I beg you! Mercy! I’m too young to die,
only ninety-seven summers! I’ve got at least a hundred more!”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. Play along. Maybe you can weasel something
useful out of him.|Chapter 1-4-10A PLAY ALONG]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. This act is getting tiresome. Get
him up.|Chapter 1-4-10B GET HIM
UP]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
draw your sword ever-so-slightly out of its sheath. “Keep squirming
like that and I promise ninety-seven will be your record.”
Drakehand’s eyes go wide and he stops thrashing. “Yes, $mylord, of
course, of course!” He sits up and brushes sweaty hair from his
forehead, eyes on your sword. “I will do whatever you require!”
“Good,” you say. “You can start by not calling me ‘$mylord.’”
Drakehand nods fervently. “Of course, $mylord—uh, apologies. Of course.
How… how shall I address you…?”
“You don’t.” Your hand lingers on your sword. Your eyes scan the shop,
taking in the empty cases. “You seem to be in a hurry to get out of
here.”
Drakehand quivers. “Only moving inventory around! You must understand
how it is to be a businessman in a town such as this—”
“Meaning?”
“Downsizing is inevitable!” he squeaks. “True collectors are not
abundant on these fair shores and Rona is a far cry from Nesactium, as
you ought to know. Runes & Relics is a family business, I would
never dream to liquidate our assets here without first informing my
cousin. Please assure Kellan that the Osgar family’s investments are
protected by my very own, as they have been for decades—”
Aeran taps the scepter against the palm of his hand. A gemstone pops out
of its setting and clatters across the floor.
“Hm,” he says. “Fake.”
Drakehand reaches out with a cautious hand. “Now, now, I assure you,
sir, all of the artefacts within my collection are of the rarest,
highest quality, though some, admittedly, are a little worn by age—”
“I know a glass gemstone when I see one,” Aeran interrupts. “I have
eyes.”
“You do!” Drakehand laughs carefully. “You do, indeed. I was not
questioning that fact. I would never insult a Savant of your skill—”
You nearly choke. “Savant?”
He thinks you’re a <i>Guild mage?</i>
“Of course!” Drakehand exclaims, shaking a little. “I have nothing but
the highest security here. Only those I invite into this establishment
may pass through the barrier. Or those who exhibit great power, like
yourself.”
Or a Wayfarer—though that possibility hasn’t occurred to him.
There isn’t much of value here. If Drakehand is about to run—and it
certainly seems that way—chances are he already moved the most prized
items out. Not that you were going to find anything helpful here anyway.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer
pendant')>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-11A PENDANT
HAVE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-11B DO NOT
HAVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>>“Oh
for fuck’s sake,” you grunt, <i>“get up.”</i>
You grab the cowering Drakehand by the arm and pull him to his feet.
“Of course, $mylord, of course!” he says. “Please don’t hurt me!”
“Wasn’t planning on it, but keep squirming like that and I might change
my mind.”
Drakehand clutches the front of his shirt. “Who… who are you? Who do you
work for? Is it Kellan? Oh, I’m <i>doomed—”</i>
“No one, we work for no one,” you snap.
“Then how did you pass my security charms? No one is able to enter the
shop without my express permission! So unless you are an incredibly
capable mage hired by my bloodthirsty cousin? Wouldn’t put it past the
Osgar family—”
“I’m not interested in the family drama, Drakehand,” you interrupt.
“We’re not mages, we’re Wayfarers, and we came here on a whim.”
“I—oh.” He pauses, observing you and Aeran through narrowed eyes.
<i>“That’s</i> how you passed my security charms? They’re
supposed to be the best of the best.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<if $packInv.has('Wayfarer
pendant')>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-12A PENDANT
HAVE]]<<else>>[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-12B DO NOT
HAVE]]<</if>></div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$junkInv' 'Necklace' 'Bracelet' 'Ring'>><<notify
3000>>+ Some Jewlery<</notify>>But you aren’t above
twisting a few small items out of him. Something you can sell when you
get to Velantis—a backup to the crowns Zenaida promised you.
“Tell you what, Drakehand,” you say. “My employer is less than pleased
with you. But lucky for you, I am not my employer and I am willing to
let things slide… for a price.”
Drakehand quivers in place. “…for a price? If Kellan discovers I paid
you off—”
“Who will know? My lips are sealed.”
Drakehand nods. “I… I’ll see what I can do.” He withdraws a ring of
brass keys from his pocket and opens several cases, his hands shaking
the entire time. He grabs a necklace, a bracelet and a ring and places
them nervously on top of a closed display case. “These are the only
items of worth left,” he says. “I promise, they’re real gold! Not
fakes!”
You take them, stashing them away. Fake or not, you’re sure you’ll be
able to sell them later.
“There!” Drakehand exclaims. “Now can you leave me be? My poor heart
can’t take anymore of this!”
You nod and turn around, heading for the door. “Nice doing business,”
you call.
Behind you, Drakehand sits slumped on the floor, looking drained and
more than a little pathetic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTEFACT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Wayfarer Pendant
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$packInv'
'Wayfarer Pendant'>>…But you would like your pendant back.
“Tell me something, Drakehand,” you say. “How did you get your hands on
that?”
“On… on what?”
You sigh and pull him to his feet, ushering him to the display case that
contains your pendant. <i>“That.”</i>
“Oh!” He squeaks and laughs, startled. “That, uh, that came in today, in
the hands of some ragged little thief. I recognized its value
immediately, of course, gave him a crown for it. He didn’t know its
worth—”
“Scamming a child,” Aeran interrupts. “Great look, Drakehand.”
Drakehand pales. “All I meant—”
“—is that you’re a greedy, fraudulent swindler at heart?” you supply.
Drakehand falls silent.
“My employer is less than pleased with you,” you lie. “But lucky for
you, I am not my employer. I am willing to let things here slide in
exchange for the pendant.”
“You…” Drakehand stares at the floor. “You’ll let me go… for a pendant?”
“It’s very important.”
“You’ll let me go? You won’t say a word to Kellan?”
“I won’t say a word.” <i>Who the hell is Kellan?</i>
Drakehand dashes around the glass case and withdraws a ring of brass
keys from his pocket. With shaking hands, he unlocks the case, snatches
the pendant and tosses it to you. “There!” he exclaims as you catch it.
“It’s yours! Now can you leave me be? My poor heart can’t take this
anymore!”
You wrap your fingers around the pendant, a familiar weight in your
hand. While you find it a little strange how people grow attached to
inanimate objects, you are glad to have it back. “Nice doing business,”
you say, turning around and heading for the door.
Behind you, Drakehand sits slumped on the floor, looking drained and
more than a little pathetic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTEFACT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<pickup
'$junkInv' 'Necklace' 'Bracelet' 'Ring'>><<notify
3000>>+ Some Jewlery<</notify>>“Never mind that,” you
say. “This is a waste of time—”
“Wayfarer!” Drakehand says, quivering in his boots. “If I may… Offer you
a little something. In exchange for never coming back.”
You raise an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”
He raises a hand, gesturing for you to wait. He withdraws a ring of
brass keys from his pocket and opens several cases, his hands shaking
the entire time. He grabs a necklace, a bracelet and a ring and places
them nervously on top of a closed display case and steps back, bowing
theatrically. “These are the only items of worth left,” he says. “I
promise, they’re real gold! No fakes!”
“Uh-huh,” you say.
“Please!” he cries. “Take them! I insist!”
Fake or not, you’ll be able to sell them later. Probably.
“Fine,” you say, taking the jewelry and stashing them away.
“Now leave my shop!” Drakehand declares, pointing at the door. “My poor
heart can’t take much more of this!”
<i>“Fine,”</i> you grunt, turning and trudging towards the
door. “We’re going, we’re going.”
As you enter the foyer, you glance over your shoulder. Drakehand sits
slumped on the floor, looking drained and more than a little pathetic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTEFACT]]</div></div><</nobr>><<notify
3000>>Wayfarer Pendant
Returned<</notify>><<transfer '$holding' '$packInv'
'Wayfarer Pendant'>>“Never mind that. How did you get that
pendant?”
“I—what? What pendant?”
You cross to the display case. “That one.”
Drakehand follows at a safe distance, glancing every so often at your
sword. “I, well… funny story that. I only obtained it this morning.
Little Flotsam rascal got in here and tried to pawn it off—that was
before my security charms went up.” He draws himself up to his full
height and laughs. “Didn’t know what it was worth, so I got it for
pennies—”
“Scamming a child,” Aeran interrupts. “Great look, Drakehand.”
Drakehand pales. “All I meant—”
“—is that you’re a greedy, fraudulent swindler at heart?” you supply.
Drakehand falls silent.
You roll your eyes. “It’s mine. I want it back.”
“Well,” Drakehand begins, stumbling over his words, “as you must know it
is an item of worth. And since it legally fell into my possession, I
can’t simply give it back to you. There must be a transaction—”
You put your hand on your sword hilt. “Do I look like someone who can be
scammed?”
Aeran snorts and covers his mouth with the back of his hand.
<i>Yeah, yeah, I know, the kid got me. Shut up, Aeran.</i>
“No, no, $mylord,” Drakehand stutters. “You don’t. I’ll get it for you
right away.”
“Good choice.”
Drakehand dashes around the glass case and withdraws a ring of brass
keys from his pocket. With shaking hands, he unlocks the case, snatches
the pendant and tosses it to you. “There!” he exclaims as you catch it.
“It’s yours! Now can you leave me be? My poor heart can’t take this
anymore!”
You wrap your fingers around the pendant, a familiar weight in your
hand. While you find it a little strange how people grow attached to
inanimate objects, you are glad to have it back. “Nice doing business,”
you say, turning around and heading for the door.
As you enter the foyer, you glance over your shoulder. Drakehand sits
slumped on the floor, looking drained and more than a little pathetic.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4 LEAVE
ARTEFACT]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Wonder
what that was about,” Aeran says as you step back onto the street.
You shrug. “Not really our business. Whoever’s after him has him
terrified. I have a feeling he’s not going to be around much longer.”
You leave <i>Runes & Relics</i> behind and carry on down
the boardwalk.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><div
class="pc"><<liveblock>><<if
settings.map>><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><s>The
Cove</s></span>
<span class="record-item">Edgewater</span>
</div></div><div class="explore-2"><img
src="images/rona interactive.png" usemap="#image-map"
class="map"><map name="image-map"><area alt="Edgewater"
title="Select EDGEWATER as your destination" data-passage="Chapter 1-3-0
EDGEWATER"
coords="244,86,225,90,201,102,185,110,166,116,157,130,151,147,159,155,164,171,172,175,191,178,202,186,214,176,224,183,226,199,233,209,239,227,250,237,257,248,271,248,297,245,312,243,327,238,343,231,360,228,374,228,388,228,375,212,363,202,352,201,343,197,338,178,325,162,316,149,301,152,285,156,263,163,245,171,230,167,217,157,225,143,240,134,257,128,275,129,282,118,273,100,260,81"
shape="poly"></map></div></div><<else>><div
class="box"><div class="explore-1"><span
class="heading">Action Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><s>The
Cove</s></span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter 1-3-0
EDGEWATER]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona"
class="map"></div></div><</if>><</liveblock>></div><div
class="mobile"><div class="box"><div
class="explore-1"><span class="heading">Action
Points</span>
<div class="record"><<if $actionpoints is 1>><img
src="images/activity1.png" class="actionpoints" alt="1 Action Point">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 2>><img
src="images/activity2.png" class="actionpoints" alt="2 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 3>><img
src="images/activity3.png" class="actionpoints" alt="3 Action
Points">
<<elseif $actionpoints is 4>><img
src="images/activity4.png" class="actionpoints" alt="4 Action
Points"><</if>></div>
<span class="heading">Available Locations</span>
<div class="record"><span class="record-item"><s>The
Cove</s></span>
<span class="record-item">[[Edgewater|Chapter 1-3-0
EDGEWATER]]</span></div></div><div
class="explore-2"><img src="images/rona.png" width="90%" alt="Map
of Rona" class="map"></div></div></div>You
reach the very top landing and slide the door open. The tight corridor
beyond is dark and crowded. Your neighbours’ doors hang open, some
dangling off their hooks. Families gather in their doorways, muttering
to each other in hushed voices while their children play quietly on the
floor. They glare at you as you push your way through, their eyes boring
into your back. Through the crowd you can see the shattered pieces of
your apartment door strewn across the end of the hall.
<i>Great.</i>
A mother clutching a wailing baby to her hip spits at you as you pass.
“This is your fault. Oleander should never have let the likes of you in
here—”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[1. “It was never my intention to cause you
harm.”|Chapter 1-3-1A]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[2. “Maybe if you tried directing all
that anger towards the person who committed the crime rather than the
victim, you’d see some improvements. In your character, at
least.”|Chapter 1-3-1B]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. Ignore her.|Chapter
1-3-1C]]</div></div><</nobr>>You
and Aeran enter the Cove. The long, narrow main road stretches out
before you, winding its ways along the coast. Composed almost entirely
of boardwalks, the road is flanked on either side by one and two-storey
buildings. There are very few alleys and sideroads here; the general
consensus is that if your enterprise is not located on the main road, it
is not worthy of business.
There is an unspoken hierarchy here: the more desirable your goods and
services, the closer to the Cove’s entrance your building will be – if
you can afford the rent. The buildings are well-kept—the overgrowth is
trimmed back, the walls regularly washed and painted bright colours.
Conjured lights are strung along balconies and verandas, a welcoming
sight in the rain. Hired bands of mercenaries patrol the road, ready to
quash any patrons deemed troublesome. It’s a mystery what the
mercenaries do with the offenders, but you have a feeling there are more
than a few skeletons floating in the marsh.
The first block bustles with a colourful assortment of taverns,
dreamweed dens, and leisure houses with entertainment of all kinds on
offer. The crowds here are lively. The later in the day, the busier the
block becomes as workers flock to their favourite spots to unwind and
forget their troubles. You pass a line of taverns and catch an
invigorating smell of seafood and spices wafting up and down the street.
Your stomach growls; you didn’t realize you were hungry. It’s tempting
to stop and eat, but you'd rather buy your supplies first.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-4-0B]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
second block is dedicated to specialty shops. Imported goods from
around the Cobalt Sea and beyond make their appearance here, many of
them acquired through less-than-legal means.
There is a narrow bookshop whose outer walls are painted to resemble an
ancient tome, complete with runes and various other scrawlings you don’t
understand and have a feeling are just for show anyway. Not too far
away is a blacksmith who specializes in magic-imbued weapons and armour.
His work is always in demand, particularly by the Seven, and while most
of it is useless to you, he could have something of value. His smithy
billows smoke into the sky day and night and his neighbours complain on
the hour. Every time you’ve visited the Cove, there’s been some
altercation at the smithy. You’re surprised the blacksmith manages to
get anything done.
The largest building on the block by far is Runes & Relics. The shop
of a notorious artefact collector, it amasses, displays and sells items
of all kinds, from the mundane to the rare to the outright dangerous.
The proprietor is a particularly pedantic fellow from Nesactium who
rebuilt the entire front façade of his shop to resemble Arsenian
architecture.
You’ve heard rumours he is leaving Rona.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter
1-4-0C]]</div></div><</nobr>>The
Cove’s third block is home to the district’s undesirables—merchants who
make a modest living finding or crafting, then selling equipment and
tools that make a life in Rona viable. Their goods aren’t flashy or
unique, but they are necessities.
Near the beginning of the block is an artificer who specializes in
crafting all sorts of useful odds and ends for your trade. At the end,
in the most run-down building in the Cove and in danger of falling off
the boardwalk and sinking into the wetland, is an apothecary who sells
an assortment of medicinal supplies deemed pointless by most of the
population and dreamweed under the table to make ends meet.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-4-1 COVE
LOOP]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I wouldn’t do that,” you snap,
drawing the dagger and ripping yourself from your assailant’s grasp. You
spin around, ready to stab them—
And look up at the most imposing man you have seen in a long time.
Half-melusine, well over six feet tall, his complexion is a deep sea
green and he wears his long dark hair swept back into a high tail. He is
dressed in black, the Count’s red kerchief tied loosely around his
upper arm. He observes you through brilliant yellow eyes, pupils
narrowed to slits.
“Try me,” he says coolly.
You shrug. “Sure.”
He dives at you, but you swerve out of the way and ram the dagger into
his side. He grunts, stumbling backwards, hand pressed to the wound as
blood blossoms between his fingers. He gazes at you in surprise, a small
smile on his lips. He nods his head in respect—
—and then his fingers start to glow.
Curative magic.
<i>Shit.</i>
Your mistake. Should have gone for your sword instead of your dagger.
Due to the resistance imbued into the steel, Alassar weapons prevent the
immediate use of curative magic on most wounds.
You run, pushing through the crowd as you sprint down the boardwalk.
Aeran must be somewhere up ahead—
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>>The entrance to the Cove is barred by a band of mercenaries.
There is an unexpected uniformity to the gang—all tall, all burly,
dressed in black and armed to the teeth. They wear red kerchiefs tied
around their upper arms, proudly and prominently declaring who they
represent and where their loyalties lie. Aeran lies on the ground before
them, disarmed and dishevelled. He sighs when he sees you.
“They’ve got us, $nickname,” he says.
You draw your sword. There are… eleven, no, twelve mercenaries here?
Unfavourable odds. Catastrophically bad. You can’t fight your way out of
this one.
You hear footsteps and turn around. The half-Melusine man arrives,
flanked by two heavily armed men. Though his tunic is spotted with
blood, he seems completely unbothered by his wound. A faint light clings
to his side where your dagger pierced his flesh.
He eyes Aeran coolly. “What an embarrassment,” he says wearily.
“Yeah, yeah, nice to see you too, Rhodarth,” Aeran retorts.
You frown. “You know him?”
Aeran shrugs. “Our paths have crossed a few times,” he explains, slowly
getting to his feet. A mercenary behind him levels a sharp kick and he
pauses, sitting back down on the boardwalk. “Easy there, easy,” Aeran
snaps behind him. He raises his bound hands. “I’m at your mercy,
remember?”
Rhodarth ignores Aeran and turns to you. “This is no place to make a
final stand, $lastname,” he says. “I do not wish to fight you.”
You stare at him blankly. “I <i>stabbed</i> you and you…
don’t want to fight me?”
Rhodarth shakes his head. “I will if you force my hand,” he says. “Any
casualties that result from a clash of blades will be on your hands, not
mine.” He glances at Aeran. “I only wish to fulfill my contract.”
Aeran grimaces. “Didn’t take you for one of the Count’s minions, Rho.
Never thought you’d be duped that easily—”
“Not duped, merely accepted the inevitable,” Rhodarth interrupts. “The
kind of situation you seem ignorantly unaccustomed to.”
“Try me—”
You gesture rapidly at Aeran and he falls silent. “What do you want?
Aside from attempted kidnapping?”
“The artefact you were hired to find remains missing,” Rhodarth says.
“And you were discovered negotiating with an outside client. An
<i>Imperial</i> client—”
“We no longer have business with the Count,” you interrupt. Out of the
corner of your eye, you see the shadow of a growing crowd—the Cove’s
patrons, merchants and workers, all drawn to the conflict by curiosity
and fear.
“You made an agreement,” Rhodarth says. “One that cannot be so easily
terminated. Fulfill it or forfeit.”
“We don’t have the artefact,” you reply. “Despite our best efforts, it’s
gone. Let Aeran go and tell the Count that while we do not expect
payment, we will not be threatened and harassed by him. He can continue
this ridiculous hunt without us.”
Rhodarth’s eyes narrow. “I will not act as your messenger. We will
escort you to the Count’s villa. Come willingly or by force—I do not
care either way.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>You glance at Aeran, hands bound, sitting in the mud. You can’t
get out of this without risking his life. Rhodarth has you trapped.
“Fine,” you say, holding out your hands. “We’ll go.”
“Wise choice,” Rhodarth says. “I see now who is the intelligent one in
this partnership.” His eyes flicker over Aeran.
Aeran smirks. “What can I say? <<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>$HeShe’re<<else>>$HeShe’s<</if>> the
smart one. I’m just the pretty face.”
Rhodarth’s smile fades. “Greiss, take them,” he commands, turning away
and walking slowly up the road. His mercenaries crowd you, binding your
hands. “And make sure they stay <i>quiet.”</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 CAPTURED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>><<if
ndef $PassageNo>><<set $PassageNo =
1>><</if>><<switch
$PassageNo>><<case 1>>“I wouldn’t do that,” you snap,
drawing the dagger and ripping yourself from your assailant’s grasp. You
spin around, ready to stab them—
And look up at the most imposing man you have seen in a long time.
Half-Melusine, well over six feet tall, his complexion is a deep sea
green and he wears his long dark hair swept back into a high tail. He is
dressed in black, the Count’s red kerchief tied loosely around his
upper arm. He observes you through brilliant yellow eyes, pupils
narrowed to slits.
“Try me,” he says coolly.
He grabs your hand and twists it back. A sharp flash of pain spikes
through your wrist. You cry out and drop the weapon. The man kicks it
away and bends your arm behind your back, pinning you to him.
“I suggest you don’t struggle, $lastname,” he says. “Tracking you and
Kellis has been a tiring pursuit.”
“Don’t tell me those things,” you retort. “You’ll give me a false sense
of hope I can exploit your weakness to escape.”
<<if $gender is "male">>The man snorts. “Don’t. I hate when
attractive, intelligent men insist on playing the fool.”<<elseif
$gender is "nb">>The man snorts. “Don’t. I hate when attractive,
intelligent people insist on playing the fool.”<<else>>The
man snorts. “Don’t be a fool.”<</if>>
“You could at the very least introduce yourself before you start
insulting me,” you say, glancing up and down the road. The Count’s
mercenaries are emerging from the crowd like worms after a storm.
It seems you’ve had a slight error of judgement.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
2>><i>I hope Aeran got out—</i>
“Rhodarth!” a familiar voice shouts.
You sigh. <i>Never mind.</i>
Aeran is pushed towards you by a burly mercenary with a red kerchief
around his upper arm. Clothing torn, hands bound and stripped of his
weapons, he’s more than a little roughed up. He flashes a grin at your
captor. “Fancy seeing you here,” he says.
“Best keep your mouth shut, Kellis,” Rhodarth grunts. “I’m not opposed
to gagging you.”
“Oh, I’m aware.”
Rhodarth disarms you, puts a boot to your back and pushes you towards
Aeran. You are surrounded by a band of mercenaries. There is an
unexpected uniformity to the gang—all tall, all burly, dressed in black
and armed to the teeth. They wear red kerchiefs tied around their upper
arms, proudly and prominently declaring who they represent and where
their loyalties lie. Bound and without your weapons… These aren’t
favourable odds. They’re catastrophically bad ones.
“Spare me the wisecracks,” Rhodarth says wearily to Aeran, his upper lip
curling. You catch a glint of pointed teeth. “The Count isn’t known for
his patience,” he continues, drawing your sword. He holds it out
expertly, admiring the watered Alassar steel and the way the rain clings
to the blade. “Do you have the artefact?”
You flush. You <i>hate</i> other people handling your
weapons. You shoot Aeran a dark look and he nudges you in the side.
“No,” Aeran says.
“Do you know where it is?”
“Nope.”
Rhodarth glances at you and sheathes the sword, handing it to one of his
mercenaries. Then he turns, spinning with lightning-fast reflexes, and
kicks Aeran in the stomach. Aeran rolls across the boardwalk, grunting
in pain, coming to rest on his back. He grimaces, eyes closed, eyelids
fluttering as the light rain mists his face.
Your gut twists. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the shadow of a
growing crowd—the Cove’s patrons and merchants and workers, all drawn to
the conflict by curiosity and fear.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|passage()][$PassageNo = $PassageNo +
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<case
3>>“Rhodarth—” you begin.
“If the artefact remains missing,” Rhodarth continues, towering over
both of you, “then why are you negotiating with an outside client? An
<i>Imperial</i> client?” He spits on the ground. “You made
an agreement with the Count. Fulfill it or forfeit.”
On the ground, Aeran laughs—a hoarse, haggard laugh that turns into a
winded cough. He slowly gets up, hands straining against the ropes that
bind them. “You’re so full of shit, Rho. Working for the Count? Never
thought you’d be duped that easily—”
“Not duped, merely accepted the inevitable,” Rhodarth interrupts coldly.
“The kind of situation you seem ignorantly unaccustomed to.”
“Try me—”
You open your mouth. “Aeran—”
“Enough of this,” Rhodarth snaps, his eyes glinting. “Greiss! Take
them.”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-5-0 CAPTURED][$PassageNo =
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><</switch>>“You
want to go after the Lady?” Aeran asks. “Bold move.”
“Hopefully she doesn’t skin us alive.”
“Better her than the Count.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("The Viridian Lady's Villa");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Viridian Lady's Villa").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-3-1
VIRIDIAN LADY START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP NO MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>>“Off
to the Cove, then,” Aeran says. “That collector seems a little
weaselly, if you ask me.”
“I figure a collector of magical antiquities is a good place to start,”
you say. “Even if he doesn’t have it, he may know something.”
“Good point.” He pauses. “Are you sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Runes & Relics (The Cove)");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Runes & Relics").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-4-1
THE COVE START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP NO MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$chapter1route is "ratalley">>“Headed home so soon?” Aeran raises
an eyebrow. “Our day has just begun.”<<else>>“Headed home
already?” Aeran raises an eyebrow.<</if>>
You roll your eyes. “I want to talk to this so-called servant. If he’s
out from under the Count’s shadow, he may be willing to talk.”
Aeran doesn’t look convinced. “If you say so.” He pauses. “Are you
sure?”
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item"><<link '1. Learn
More.'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Edgewater");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Edgewater").processText());
Dialog.open();<</script>>><</link>></div>
<div
class="choice-item">[[2. [CONFIRM AND PROCEED] “Yes.”|Chapter 1-5-1
EDGEWATER START][$actionpoints -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[3. [BACK] “No, let me think.”|CHAPTER 1
EXPLORE SESSION 1 RONA MAP NO MAGE
GUILD]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <= 19>>“…yeah,” he
mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|VIRIDIAN LADY VILLA
1]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <= 19>>“…yeah,” he
mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|THE COVE ROUTE B
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <= 19>>“…yeah,” he
mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|EDGEWATER
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><<if
$aeranapp >= 0 && $aeranapp <= 19>>“…yeah,” he
mutters.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 20 && $aeranapp <= 39>>“Mhm,” he grunts.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 40 && $aeranapp <= 59>>“I know,” he says.
He pushes past you and heads down the road.<<elseif $aeranapp
>= 60 && $aeranapp <= 79>>“I know,” he says. “It was
just a thought and it’s gone now. I’ll find it again, I’m sure.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<<elseif
$aeranapp >= 80 && $aeranapp <= 100>>“I know,” he
says. “And I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer, one day or another.”
He smiles and walks past you, heading down the road.<</if>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|MAGE GUILD
01]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="storyversion2" style="float:
right;"><<patch>></span>
<div class="heading"><center>Wayfarer Alpha
Build</center></div>The alpha build is an early access
version of the game that contains in-development material.
Currently, the alpha build contains:
<div class="notes"><ul><li><b>The
Prologue</b> [complete]</li>
<li><b>Episode I</b> [complete]</li>
<li><b>Episode II</b>
[complete]</li></ul></div><span
class="specialtitle">A NOTE ON SAVE FILES</span>
<div class="storylog"><ul>/*<li>If this is your
<b>first time playing the alpha,</b> your public build save
files should be transferrable without needing to replay the Prologue and
Episode I. However, if you switch back to the public build, any alpha
content saved on your file will not be accessible and result in an error
message.</li>*/<li>If your <b>public build save
file</b> is from September 2021 and you changed your player
character’s surname to your mentor’s surname, you must start a fresh
file.</li>
<li>If your <b>public build save file</b> is from
before the January 2022 patch and you are in the middle of Episode I,
you must start a new file from the beginning of the game. Loading an old
save file means that the variables that control the buff/debuff system
won't trigger.</li>
<li><b>[NEW: 2022.06.07]</b> If your player character
uses the xe/xem or ze/zir pronoun presets, you must re-select the
pronoun preset from the Journal. This will fix an error with the
reflexive pronouns (otherwise it will print as “emself” rather than
“xyrself” or “zirself”).</li>
<li><b>[NEW: 2022.06.27]</b> If you are loading
<b>a previous Episode II save from before the June 27
patch,</b> you MUST start over from the beginning of the episode.
Proceeding with an old save will result in
errors.</li></ul></div><b>If you are playing on
iOS or MacOS, it is //highly recommended// that you backup your saves to
your device as Apple products automatically clear your browser
cache.</b>
<span class="specialtitle">EPISODE III</span>
<div class="storylog"><ul><li>Episode III is currently
in development. New content will be added to the alpha build in
August.</li></ul>
<blockquote><span class="idrellegames">~ IDRELLE
GAMES</span></blockquote><<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>>Humans
are among the most common peoples of the world. Thought to have
originated on the continent of Rhesainia, they now inhabit all regions
of the world, with the exception of Calantha. Though they have shorter
lifespans compared to dwarves, elves, and melusine, they are
characterized by their tenacity, diversity, and sheer will to survive.
<b>Human Attribute: Lost in the Crowd</b>
As a human you are but one of many. You don’t stand out, particularly in
the urban areas where human populations are high. You will have
alternative options for escaping high stakes scenarios and will have an
easy time conducting your business anonymously.
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Ancestry'>><<run Dialog.close()>><<set
$ancestry to "human">><<goto "QCC
Origin">><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Ancestry'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $ancestry to
"human">><<goto
"Complexion">><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Dwarves
are among the most common peoples in the world. Thought to have
originated on the continent Vergelnar around the same time as humans,
dwarves now live in most areas of the world, with the exception of
Calantha. They are characterized by their natural physical strength and
endurance. With the exception of their short statures and long lifespans
(typically reaching around 300 years), they closely resemble humans.
<b>Dwarven Attribute: Sturdy Constitution</b>
As a dwarf, you have inherited a strong resistance to most poisons, both
natural and artificial. You cannot be affected by the <span
class="accent">Poisoned</span> ailment and it will take you
longer to become afflicted by the <span
class="accent">Intoxicated</span> ailment.
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Ancestry'>><<run Dialog.close()>><<set
$ancestry to "dwarven">><<goto "QCC
Origin">><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Ancestry'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $ancestry to
"dwarven">><<goto
"Complexion">><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Elves
live in all regions of the world. As descendants of the Eleneids, elves
share a common—albeit ancient—ancestry with Melusine and Aeda. Like all
Eleneids, they have excellent senses and can see in the dark. Their
lifespans usually reach between 180 and 200 years. With the exception of
their pointed ears, they closely resemble humans.
<b>Elven Attribute: Night Vision</b>
As an elf, you have inherited the ability to see in the dark. You will
automatically pass all Perception checks that occur at night.
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Ancestry'>><<run Dialog.close()>><<set
$ancestry to "elven">><<goto "QCC
Origin">><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Ancestry'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $ancestry to
"elven">><<goto
"Complexion">><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Melusine
are a rare species of aquatic humanoids. Tracing their ancestry back to
the Eleneids, they are distantly related to elves and aeda.
Historically suspicious of outsiders, many melusine do not surface from
the watery depths they call home, preferring instead to remain among
their own kind. When on the surface, they are recognizable by their
pointed ears, fangs, and their brightly coloured skin, hair and eyes.
They have incredibly long lifespans and live for many centuries.
As a $person of <b>mixed human and melusine parentage</b>,
you are keenly aware of your heritage. Though you cannot live underwater
like your Melusine relatives, you have inherited other traits from
them.
<b>Melusine Attribute: Aquatic Affinity</b>
Thanks to your melusine ancestry, you have inherited the ability to swim
underwater for extended periods of time. You will have additional
action options in scenarios involving water.
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Ancestry'>><<run Dialog.close()>><<set
$ancestry to "melusine">><<goto "QCC
Origin">><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Ancestry'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $ancestry to
"melusine">><<goto
"Complexion">><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Aeda
are a rare species of winged humanoids. Descended from the Eleneids,
they are distantly related to elves and melusine. Aeda are recognizable
by their pointed ears, metallic and jewel-toned hair and eye colours,
and wings. They also bear crests – markings that appear around the eyes
and forehead that often match their hair or eye colour. Aeda are
short-lived compared to their Eleneid kin, with lifespans reaching
between 70 and 80 years.
As a $person of <b>mixed human and aeda parentage</b>, you
are keenly aware of your heritage. While you lack the wings to fly like
your aeda relatives, you have inherited other traits from them.
<b>Aeda Attribute: Superhearing</b>
Thanks to your aeda ancestry, you have inherited an acute sense of
hearing. You will have additional action options related to sound and
hearing that allow you to be perceptive of the world around you. You may
pick up on details you might otherwise miss.
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Ancestry'>><<run Dialog.close()>><<set
$ancestry to "aeda">><<goto "QCC
Origin">><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Ancestry'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $ancestry to
"aeda">><<goto
"Complexion">><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
are from a family of warriors who reside in the deserts of Sathir. You
have spent most of your childhood travelling your native lands, training
to fight and protect. Even at your young age you have mastered a
diverse set of weapons and techniques. Though you were never ostracized
by your family for your peculiar lack of magic, you were always treated
with a sense of pity – an unfortunate soul unable to live out their
potential.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your
family urged you to go with him to a better future and never look back.
As a native of Sathir, you speak two languages: Sathiric and Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Agility
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "nomad">><<set
$strength +=1>><<set $agility +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"nomad">><<set $strength +=1>><<set $agility
+=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
are from a clan of hunters in the Artanisian wilds. You have spent most
of your childhood learning the ways of the hunt. Many in your clan
thought your lack of magic to be a hindrance and at a young age you were
branded the black sheep of the family. Though you worked twice as hard
to prove yourself among those who wielded magic, you could never live up
to the clan’s expectations.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your clan
insisted your path was with him and unceremoniously sent you on your
way.
As a native of Artanis, you speak two languages: Artanisian and
Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Perception
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "hunter">><<set
$strength +=1>><<set $perception +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"hunter">><<set $strength +=1>><<set $perception
+=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
are the child of farmers from the rich fields of Arsenia. You have
never held a weapon in your life, but you are accustomed to hard work.
You spent much of your childhood taking your family’s goods to the local
market, where you nurtured a hidden talent for bartering. Though you’ve
always felt relatively normal, your friends and peers have always seen
you as a little strange, perhaps due to your lack of magic.
When Cenric arrived with an offer to join the Wayfarer Order, your
parents sent you away without ceremony, saying it was for the best.
As a native of Arsenia, you speak two languages: Arsenian and Arathian.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Strength and +1 Persuasion
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "farmer">><<set
$strength +=1>><<set $persuasion +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"farmer">><<set $strength +=1>><<set $persuasion
+=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
have never known parents or a family. All you have left of them is the
name they gave you. You are one of the hundreds of children lost on the
streets of Nesactium, the capital of Arsenia. Most don’t survive. Those
without magic shouldn’t survive. But you did. Everything you know you’ve
taught yourself.
It was by chance Cenric found you, a chance you’ll never take for
granted. When he offered to take you away to another life—one where food
and shelter were guaranteed, where you will be taught to defend
yourself, where you won’t be shamed and spit on—you couldn’t say no.
As a native of Arsenia, you are fluent in Arsenian and Arathian. You are
also well-versed in the Nesactium street dialect.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Agility and +1 Perception
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "urchin">><<set
$agility +=1>><<set $perception +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"urchin">><<set $agility +=1>><<set $perception
+=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
were born in Tol Covere to a wealthy family whose mercantile empire
spans the Rhesainian Ocean. As a child with no magic, you were often
forgotten about, nothing more than a waste of resources in comparison to
your magically talented siblings and cousins. Even so, you were taken
on multiple journeys and have already seen your fair share of the world,
from aristocrats to pirates.
When Cenric approached your family with an offer to join the Wayfarer
Order, they agreed to turn you over to his custody—for a price.
As a native of the Coveran Republic, you are fluent in multiple
languages including Coveran, Arathian, Faran and Narese.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Agility and +1 Persuasion
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "merchant">><<set
$agility +=1>><<set $persuasion +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"merchant">><<set $agility +=1>><<set
$persuasion +=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>You
were born in Vodena, into the Vestran aristocracy. Despite your lack of
magic, you were given the education of a noble, studying history,
mathematics, sciences, music, and multiple languages. However, you were
always seen as an odd child, the disappointment of the family, and you
were ostracized from your peers.
When Cenric approached your family with an offer to join the Wayfarer
Order, you begged your parents to allow you to go with him, hoping he
would bring a much-needed change in your life.
As a native of Vestra, you are fluent in multiple languages including
Vestran, Arathian, Coveran and Mairan.
<b>Permanent Skill Boost:</b>
+1 Perception and +1 Persuasion
<center><<if $qcc is true>><<button 'Select This
Origin'>><<set $origin to "noble">><<set
$perception +=1>><<set $persuasion +=1>><<goto
"Complexion">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><<else>><<button
'Select This Origin'>><<set $origin to
"noble">><<set $perception +=1>><<set
$persuasion +=1>><<goto "Prologue 1-5">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>><</if>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>It
was a debate among apprentices whether it was a gift or a curse to be
handpicked for mastership by the leader of the Order themself. A
challenging teacher known for their colourful humour, flashy fighting
style and seeming invulnerability, Amali Sero left you with an uncanny
ability to adapt to many situations.
<b>Attribute: Universalist</b>
+1 to All Skills.
<center><<button 'Select This Mentor'>><<set
$master to "Sero">><<set $strength +=1>><<set
$agility +=1>><<set $perception +=1>><<set
$persuasion +=1>><<goto "QCC Stats 1">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Not
all Wayfarers valued combat as a means to an end. Before joining the
ranks of the Order, Brissa Varyn spent her early career as a diplomat.
As your teacher she impressed the importance of assessing your
surroundings and utilizing dialogue and discussion before violence. She
left you with the ability to perceive and interpret your surroundings
and persuade others to your line of thinking.
<b>Attribute: Silvertongued</b>
+2 Perception and +2 Persuasion.
<center><<button 'Select This Mentor'>><<set
$master to "Varyn">><<set $perception +=2>><<set
$persuasion +=2>><<goto "QCC Stats 1">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>Sometimes
thought to be a relic of the past, Rindan Cenric’s teachings were with
the Order for two centuries prior to its collapse. Uncompromisingly
stubborn, Cenric insisted on thorough study and practical applications.
As your teacher he imparted you with a comprehensive battle study that
can be applied to many situations, whether in combat or not.
<b>Attribute: Battle Master</b>
+2 Strength and +2 Agility
<center><<button 'Select This Mentor'>><<set
$master to "Cenric">><<set $strength +=2>><<set
$agility +=2>><<goto "QCC Stats 1">><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><<run
Dialog.setup("Confident");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Confident Chp 1").processText());
Dialog.open();>><<confidentOn>>“What are you doing
here?” you ask. “I thought you were at the Docks—”
“I was,” he says. “And then you didn’t show, and I had a feeling you’d
gotten yourself into some mess, like usual.” He crosses the square and
collects his arrows. You catch a shimmer of Alassar steel. Most of his
arrows are made with regular arrowheads; you’re surprised he used these
on Kane’s lackeys.
“Like usual?” you ask.
Clutching his arrows in one hand, he pulls out a cloth and wipes the
arrowheads free of blood before returning them to his quiver. “Hey,
don’t look at me,” he replies. “Traditionally you’re the trouble-maker,
not me.”
Your eyes narrow. “I wouldn’t agree with that, but if you really want to
debate, we should probably get out of here first.”
Aeran glances at the dead bodies. “Good idea.”
You cross the square. Squeezing through a dark passageway, you leave Rat
Alley behind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices"><div
class="choice-item">[[Continue.|Chapter 1-1-20-SET
AERAN]]</div></div><</nobr>><span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span> is rated MA-17 for
fantasy and medieval violence, depictions of blood and gore, death,
explicit language, sexually suggestive themes, and drug and alcohol use.
Player discretion is advised.
<center><<button 'I Understand'>><<run
Engine.play("Start 01")>><</button>></center><<if
$ancestry neq "aeda">><<unset
$crestpattern>><<unset
$crestcolour>><</if>><span
class="special"><blockquote><<ctp
"summaryText">><<fadein 3s 0s>><span
class="specialtitle">Wayfarer</span> is a game about choices,
risk and consequences. Once you make a choice, there is no going back.
<span class="proceed"><<link
'→'>></span><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>><</fadein>><<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Success is never a
guarantee. Your journey hinges on a combination of your previous
actions, your relationships to other characters, and skill checks.
<span class="proceed"><<link '→'>><<ctpAdvance
"summaryText">><</link>></span><</fadein>><<ctpNext
clear t8n>><<fadein 3s 0s>>Failure is not an end. It
is merely another path, one that may lead to unexpected outcomes.
<<if $qcc is true>><span class="proceed"><<link
'→' "Act 1
Header">><</link>></span><<else>><span
class="proceed"><<link '→' "Prologue
Pause">><</link>></span><</if>><</fadein>><</ctp>></blockquote></span><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Choose Your Ancestry</span>
There are five major humanoid species who inhabit the world. Each
Ancestry has its own qualities and attributes that will affect the
course of your journey. Some unlock unique appearance options.
Click on a card to view an Ancestry’s description. You will be asked to
confirm your Ancestry before you proceed.
<div class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/human.png" alt="Human"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Human'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Human");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ancestry Human").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Human</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/dwarven.png" alt="Dwarven"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Dwarven'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Dwarven");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ancestry Dwarven").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Dwarven</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/elven.png" alt="Elven"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Elven'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Elven");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ancestry Elven").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Elven</span></center></div></div>
<div
class="box">
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/melusine.png" alt="Melusine"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Melusine'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Melusine");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ancestry Melusine").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Melusine</span></center></div>
<div class="card-item"><center><div
class="overlay"><img src="images/aeda.png" alt="Aeda"
class="card"><div class="middle"><div
class="link"><<link 'Aeda'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Aeda");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ancestry Aeda").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div></div><span
class="cardname">Aeda</span></center></div>
<div
class="card-item"><center></center></div></div><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
Your time in the Wayfarer Order has brought many changes and you are no
longer the child who arrived at the Spire that snowy evening. The Order
has become <<if $origin is "urchin">>like
family<<else>>more like a family to you than the one you
left<</if>>.
If you wish, you can choose to take <span
class="specialtitle">$master’s surname</span> as your own. Your
original surname will be recorded in the game’s history, but it will no
longer be used to identify your character. Changing your surname will
lock you out of certain story events tied to your origin. However, by
adopting $master’s name, you will unlock unique story events related to
<<if $master is "Cenric">>him<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>her<<else>>them<</if>>.
Your original surname will be recorded in the game’s history.
<span class="heading">Do You Want to Change Your
Surname?</span>
<<button 'Yes – Proceed to Surname Change'>><<if
$master is "Cenric">><<set $lastname2 to
"Cenric">><<set $lastname to "Cenric">><<elseif
$master is "Varyn">><<set $lastname2 to
"Varyn">><<set $lastname to
"Varyn">><<else>><<set $lastname2 to
"Sero">><<set $lastname to
"Sero">><</if>><<run Engine.play("QCC
Review")>><</button>>
<<button 'No – Proceed to Next Page'>><<run
Engine.play("QCC Review")>><</button>><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Prologue Complete</span>
Your time in the Wayfarer Order has brought many changes and you are no
longer the child who arrived at the Spire that snowy evening. The Order
has become <<if $origin is "urchin">>like
family<<else>>more like a family to you than the one you
left<</if>>.
If you wish, you can choose to take <span
class="specialtitle">$master’s surname</span> as your own. Your
original surname will be recorded in the game’s history, but it will no
longer be used to identify your character. Changing your surname will
lock you out of certain story events tied to your origin. However, by
adopting $master’s name, you will unlock unique story events related to
<<if $master is "Cenric">>him<<elseif $master is
"Varyn">>her<<else>>them<</if>>.
Your original surname will be recorded in the game’s history.
<span class="heading">Do You Want to Change Your
Surname?</span>
<<button 'Yes – Proceed to Surname Change'>><<if
$master is "Cenric">><<set $lastname2 to
"Cenric">><<set $lastname to "Cenric">><<elseif
$master is "Varyn">><<set $lastname2 to
"Varyn">><<set $lastname to
"Varyn">><<else>><<set $lastname2 to
"Sero">><<set $lastname to
"Sero">><</if>><<run Engine.play("PROLOGUE END
3")>><</button>>
<<button 'No – Proceed to Next Page'>><<run
Engine.play("PROLOGUE END 3")>><</button>>Your
surname has been changed.
You are now known as <span class="specialtitle">$firstname
$lastname.</span>
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close();>><</button>> <<button
'Cancel'>><<run Engine.backward()>><<run
Dialog.close();>><</button>></center><center><span
class="chaptertitle">Save Your Progress?</span></center>
Do you wish to save your progress? It is highly recommended to save
before proceeding to Chapter I.
<div class="promptbutton"><div class="box"><div
class="save-1"><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span> Save Game'>><<run
UI.saves()>><</button>></div><div
class="save-2"><<button '→ Proceed'>><<run
Engine.play("Act 1
Header")>><</button>></div></div></div><<if
$origin is "nomad">><span class="specialtitle">Masculine
Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Heran</span>
<span class="record-item">Idir</span>
<span class="record-item">Asar</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Ilia</span>
<span class="record-item">Neitha</span>
<span class="record-item">Ashira</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Adi</span>
<span class="record-item">Hapi</span>
<span
class="record-item">Itri</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "hunter">><span class="specialtitle">Masculine
Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Dara</span>
<span class="record-item">Myghal</span>
<span class="record-item">Gareth</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Kerensa</span>
<span class="record-item">Eselda</span>
<span class="record-item">Mair</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Elan</span>
<span class="record-item">Seren</span>
<span
class="record-item">Merryn</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "farmer">><span class="specialtitle">Masculine
Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Kal</span>
<span class="record-item">Eder</span>
<span class="record-item">Zorion</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Enara</span>
<span class="record-item">Alaia</span>
<span class="record-item">Lorea</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Aleth</span>
<span class="record-item">Maider</span>
<span
class="record-item">Nere</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "urchin">><span class="specialtitle">Masculine
Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Peran</span>
<span class="record-item">Alar</span>
<span class="record-item">Edern</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Valeska</span>
<span class="record-item">Aelia</span>
<span class="record-item">Ruvona</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Sterris</span>
<span class="record-item">Solen</span>
<span
class="record-item">Audren</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "merchant">><span class="specialtitle">Masculine
Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Valin</span>
<span class="record-item">Kai</span>
<span class="record-item">Emiel</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Rienna</span>
<span class="record-item">Aleida</span>
<span class="record-item">Marina</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Corin</span>
<span class="record-item">Elian</span>
<span
class="record-item">Senna</span></div><<else>><span
class="specialtitle">Masculine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Moandor</span>
<span class="record-item">Aion</span>
<span class="record-item">Dares</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Feminine Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Septienna</span>
<span class="record-item">Aethra</span>
<span class="record-item">Nysa</span></div>
<span class="specialtitle">Gender Neutral Names</span>
<div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Risha</span>
<span class="record-item">Iphis</span>
<span
class="record-item">Ossa</span></div><</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><<if
$origin is "nomad">><div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Osiron</span>
<span class="record-item">Setiron</span>
<span
class="record-item">Bestiron</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "hunter">><div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Irollan</span>
<span class="record-item">Aderyn</span>
<span
class="record-item">Brynmor</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "farmer">><div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Vallea</span>
<span class="record-item">Bisera</span>
<span
class="record-item">Atanas</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "urchin">><div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Mallak</span>
<span class="record-item">Vesna</span>
<span
class="record-item">Ilarion</span></div><<elseif
$origin is "merchant">><div class="record"><span
class="record-item">Briadis</span>
<span class="record-item">Morven</span>
<span
class="record-item">Theran</span></div><<else>><div
class="record"><span class="record-item">Inteus</span>
<span class="record-item">Samaras</span>
<span
class="record-item">Vokial</span></div><</if>><<nobr>>
<br><div
class="mobile"><center><<button '<span class="lnr
lnr-cross-circle"></span> Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="pc">The <span class="specialtitle">Game
Menu</span> can be accessed at any time by clicking the
<b><span class="lnr lnr-menu"></span></b> icon
in the top left corner. Game menus are closed with the <b><span
class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span></b> icon.
<span class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-cog"></span> <<link '<span
class="specialtitle">Settings</span>'>><<run
UI.settings()>><</link>></span> can be changed
at any time. There are a number of appearance and gameplay settings
available to assist you on your journey.
<span class="specialtitle">Fullscreen</span> is highly
recommended. It can be enabled from the game settings or by pressing
<b>F11</b> on Microsoft Windows or
<b>Command-Control-F</b> on MacOS.</span><span
class="mobile">The <span class="specialtitle">Game
Menu</span> can be accessed at any time by clicking the
<b><span class="lnr lnr-menu"></span></b> icon
in the top left corner.
<span class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-cog"></span> <<link '<span
class="specialtitle">Settings</span>'>><<run
UI.settings()>><</link>></span> can be changed
at any time. There are a number of appearance and gameplay settings
available to assist you on your journey. Please note that some settings
are not mobile accessible.</span>
<center><<button 'Continue'>><<run
Engine.play("Start 02")>><</button>></center>When
you see the <span class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-hourglass"></span> SAVING...</span> notification,
your game has been autosaved. Browser saves are reliant on your cache
and browser history. If you clear them, your save history (including
autosaves) will be lost.
You can download unlimited manual saves to your device and upload them
to the game via the <span class="specialtitle">Save to
Disk</span> and <span class="specialtitle">Load from
Disk</span> functions in the save menu.
It is <span class="accent">highly recommended</span> that
you backup your saves with a manual save regularly if you use iOS or
MacOS.
<center><<button 'Continue'>><<run
Engine.play("Start 03")>><</button>></center>The
action key can be viewed from the <span
class="specialtitle"><span class="lnr
lnr-bookmark"></span> Tutorial</span> menu at any time.
<span class="specialtitle">Navigation</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-chevron-right"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Forwards the player on regular
passages.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1">→</div>
<div class="tut-2">Forwards the player on special
passages.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-redo"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Cycles the player through dialogue or question
loops.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="lnr
lnr-cross"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Ends a dialogue or question loop
early.</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<span class="specialtitle">Special Indicators</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-skull"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Execute an enemy.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="far
fa-flag"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Spare an enemy.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-hands-helping"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Forge a pact.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-handshake-slash"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Break a pact.</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<span class="specialtitle">Romance & Intimacy</span>
<<nobr>><div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates sexual desire and
romance.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="far
fa-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates romance, but no sexual
desire.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-hand-holding-heart"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates polyamorous desire.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><i class="fas
fa-star"></i></div>
<div class="tut-2">Indicates sexual desire, but no
romance.</div>
</div>
<div class="box">
<div class="tut-1"><span class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></span></div>
<div class="tut-2">Ends a relationship.</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<center><<button 'Continue'>><<run
Engine.play("Start 04")>><</button>></center>Before
you begin the game, you will choose your character’s gender, pronouns,
ancestry and appearance. Further customization of your character will
take place during the Prologue.
Already played the Prologue? [[Click here for the Quick Character
Creator|Choose Your Gender][$qcc to true]]. This is not recommended for
new players as it will skip the Prologue.
<center><<button 'Create Your Character'>><<run
Engine.play("Choose Your
Gender")>><</button>></center><span
class="chaptertitle-center">Starting Skills</span>
<<nobr>><div class="main-wrapper">
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$strength</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Strength'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Strength");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Strength").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$agility</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Agility'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Agility");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Agility").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$perception</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Perception'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Perception");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Perception").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
<div class="badge skilldisplay">
<div class="circle"><div
class="number">$persuasion</div> </div>
<div class="ribbon"><div class="skillname"><<link
'Persuasion'>><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Persuasion");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Persuasion").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>>><</link>></div></div>
</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<center><<button 'Confirm Skills'>><<run
Engine.play("QCC Character
History")>><</button>></center>/*
SKILL CHECKS */
<<widget "strengthPass">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Strength
Succeeded<</notify>><</if>><<set
$strengthsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityPass">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Agility
Succeeded<</notify>><</if>><<set
$agilitysuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionPass">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Perception
Succeeded<</notify>><</if>><<set
$perceptionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionPass">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Persuasion
Succeeded<</notify>><</if>><<set
$persuasionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthFail">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Strength
Failed<</notify>><</if>><<set
$strengthfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityFail">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Agility
Failed<</notify>><</if>><<set $agilityfail
+=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionFail">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Perception
Failed<</notify>><</if>><<set
$perceptionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionFail">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Persuasion
Failed<</notify>><</if>><<set
$persuasionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthEff">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Strength
Effective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$strengthsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityEff">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Agility
Effective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$agilitysuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionEff">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Perception
Effective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$perceptionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionEff">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Persuasion
Effective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$persuasionsuccess +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "strengthInef">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Strength
Ineffective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$strengthfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "agilityInef">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Agility
Ineffective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$agilityfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "perceptionInef">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Perception
Ineffective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$perceptionfail +=1>><</widget>>
<<widget "persuasionInef">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Persuasion
Ineffective<</notify>><</if>><<set
$persuasionfail +=1>><</widget>>
/* STATUS EFFECTS */
<<widget "contentedOn">><<if $contented is
false>><<set $contented to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2, $perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "tenaciousOn">><<if $tenacious is
false>><<set $tenacious to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "confidentOn">><<if $confident is
false>><<set $confident to true>><<set $strength
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "restedOn">><<if $rested is
false>><<set $rested to true>><<set $agility
+=2, $perception +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "focusedOn">><<if $focused is
false>><<set $focused to true>><<set $perception
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "contentedOff">><<if $contented is
true>><<set $contented to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2, $perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "tenaciousOff">><<if $tenacious is
true>><<set $tenacious to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "confidentOff">><<if $confident is
true>><<set $confident to false>><<set $strength
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "restedOff">><<if $rested is
true>><<set $rested to false>><<set $agility
-=2, $perception -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "focusedOff">><<if $focused is
true>><<set $focused to false>><<set $perception
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "poisonedOn">><<if $poisoned is
false>><<set $poisoned to true>><<set $strength
-=2, $agility -=2, $perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "intoxicatedOn">><<if $intoxicated is
false>><<set $intoxicated to true>><<set
$agility -=2, $perception
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "debilitatedOn">><<if $debilitated is
false>><<set $debilitated to true>><<set
$strength -=2, $agility
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "hungoverOn">><<if $hungover is
false>><<set $hungover to true>><<set
$perception -=2, $persuasion
-=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "fatiguedOn">><<if $fatigued is
false>><<set $fatigued to true>><<set $strength
-=2, $persuasion -=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "poisonedOff">><<if $poisoned is
true>><<set $poisoned to false>><<set $strength
+=2, $agility +=2, $perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "intoxicatedOff">><<if $intoxicated is
true>><<set $intoxicated to false>><<set
$agility +=2, $perception
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "debilitatedOff">><<if $debilitated is
true>><<set $debilitated to false>><<set
$strength +=2, $agility
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "hungoverOff">><<if $hungover is
true>><<set $hungover to false>><<set
$perception +=2, $persuasion
+=2>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "fatiguedOff">><<if $fatigued is
true>><<set $fatigued to false>><<set $strength
+=2, $persuasion +=2>><</if>><</widget>>
/* APPROVAL */
<<widget "aeranApp">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Aeran <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up"
alt="Approves"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"aeranDisapp">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Aeran <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Disapproves"></i></span> <i
class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"melchiorApp">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Melchior <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Approves"></i></span> <i
class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"melchiorDisapp">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Melchior <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Disapproves"></i></span> <i
class="fas
fa-hands"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
/*
ROMANCE */
<<widget "aeranRomance">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Aeran <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"aeranRomanceLoss">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Aeran <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance
Lost"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"melchiorRomance">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Melchior <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance
Gained"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"melchiorRomanceLoss">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Melchior <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance
Lost"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"phaedraRomance">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Phaedra <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Romance Gained"></i></span>
<i class="fas
fa-heart"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"phaedraRomanceLoss">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Phaedra <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-down" alt="Romance
Lost"></i></span> <i class="fas
fa-heart-broken"></i><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
/*
RAPPORT */
<<widget "lethalisGain">><<if
settings.notif>><<notify 3000>>Lethalis <span
class="change"><i class="fas fa-angle-double-up" alt="Rapport
Gained"></i></span> <span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"solarathGain">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Solarath <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Rapport Gained"></i></span>
<span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"arathiaGain">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Imperial <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-up" alt="Rapport Gained"></i></span>
<span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"lethalisLoss">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Lethalis <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span>
<span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"solarathLoss">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Solarath <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span>
<span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"arathiaLoss">><<if settings.notif>><<notify
3000>>Imperial <span class="change"><i class="fas
fa-angle-double-down" alt="Rapport Lost"></i></span>
<span class="lnr
lnr-flag"></span><</notify>><</if>><</widget>>
/*
OTHER */
<<widget "is">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>are<<else>>is<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"has">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>have<<else>>has<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"was">><<if $pronounsPlural is
true>>were<<else>>was<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget
"Pendant">><<if $packInv.has('Aeran’s
pendant')>>Aeran’s pendant <<else>>Your
pendant<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "pendant">><<if $packInv.has('Aeran’s
pendant')>>Aeran’s pendant <<else>>your
pendant<</if>><</widget>>
<<widget "patch">>Version 1.1.2. Patch 2.0.
2022-07-01<</widget>><span
class="heading"><center>Confident</center></span>
Your success against Kane has left you in high spirits and feeling
<span class="specialtitle">Confident.</span> Strength and
Persuasion skills are increased by 2.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><center><span class="heading">Your Name</span>
Is <b>$firstname $lastname</b> correct?
<<button 'Confirm' 'Prologue 1-6'>><<run Dialog.close()>><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><center><span class="heading">Your Name</span>
Is <b>$firstname $lastname</b> correct?
<<button 'Confirm' 'QCC Master'>><<run Dialog.close()>><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run Dialog.close()>><</button>></center><span
class="heading"><center>Exploration</center></span>Select
a location from the list by clicking on the map. You can toggle this
feature off in Settings.<<nobr>>
<br><div class="mobile"><center><<button
'<span class="lnr lnr-cross-circle"></span>
Close'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center></div><</nobr>><span
class="heading"><center>Sober
Playthroughs</center></span>If you select this option,
$firstname will be considered a nondrinker. All subsequent story moments
involving alcohol will default to $himher refusing to drink without
player input.
<center><<button 'Confirm'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><<set $mcalcohol to
false>><<goto "Chapter
1-2-30B">><</button>>
<<button 'Cancel'>><<run
Dialog.close()>><</button>></center>
